WULFRUNIAN 2015
The Right
Location, Location, Location
Two families share their personal WGS story
Verbal Reasoning with Mrs Darby One woman’s influence shapes the next generation of students at WGS
Where are they now? Students of 2001 bring us up to date. Can you help us reunite the class of 1991?
Are you LinkedIn or Linked Out? Social Media connects a global OW community
Also in this edition… Remembering the fallen of 1915, How OWs are a truly global force and Meet the Class of 201
WULFRUNIAN 2015
1
Welcome to the 2015 edition of the Wulfrunian Welcome to the latest edition of the Wulfrunian, the official magazine for Wolverhampton Grammar School’s alumni and friends. Our website and social networking sites allow greater ease for the distribution of news and information, but there is still nothing quite like sitting down with a piece of print and taking a little time out for
Contents
reflection. So, welcome to this, the latest edition of The Wulfrunian we hope you enjoy this opportunity to reminisce and reconnect with each other and the School.
Stay in Touch
In the Common room
04
Class of 2015 Results
07
Email: development@wgs-sch.net Post: Development Office, Wolverhampton Grammar School, Compton Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9RB
Features Reflections on Adulthood
08
The WGS Guinea Pig
09
Home of Education for the Berrimans
10
Telephone: +44 (0) 1902 421326 Website: Visit the alumni pages on the School website www.wgs. org.uk for event photos, alumni profiles, events calendar and more.
Florence Darby 12 A Family Affair
14
Preserving our Heritage
16
In Fond Remembrance
18
F Facebook ‘Like’ our Facebook pages, search for: •
Wolverhampton Grammar School Official
•
Old Wulfrunians of WGS
Lest we Forget 20 Our Global OW Community
22
Class of 2001 24 Events and Celebrations OWA Annual Dinner
26
Leavers 25th Anniversary
28
London Reunion 29 OW Reflections
30
OW Sports Festival
32
t Twitter Follow alumni and School news, search for: •
@WGS1512
•
@WGSHead
•
@WGSOW
l LinkedIn Connect with alumni on LinkedIn, search for: Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends
y YouTube Subscribe to our YouTube channel, search for: •
School News Junior School News
34
Senior School News
36
Art, Drama and Music
44
Wolverhampton Grammar School Instagram - search for:
•
Wolverhampton Grammar School
Sport 50 Careers Network 54
2
Tell us your news Thank you to all OWs who have sent us their news.
Get Involved 56
Unfortunately, we cannot print everything we receive
Merchandise 57
but all OW news is published on our website below.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Welcome from Kathy Crewe-Read Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School I hope you like the front cover of our 2015 edition of the Wulfrunian. The Berriman family have played a significant role in Wolverhampton for years, yet still model an important on-going relationship with our School. It is our great pleasure to have Maisie here, following in the footsteps of her father Nick (OW 1991), who was preceded by his father David (OW 1952). They help us demonstrate that the Wulfrunian is about celebrating the best of WGS 2015 as well as looking to the very real contributions of our past heroes. The contrasts between those who once were at WGS, and those who now are, never cease to amaze me. Young people - generations - seem to evolve at an exponential pace, reflecting perhaps, our increasingly technological society. That my own children are direct descendants of Sir Stephen Jenyns (verified by our Head of Maths and accomplished WGS genealogist, Dr Chris O’Brien) brings home to me the extraordinary diversity that the passage of time brings! Just a quick look at the fantastic picture of ‘the class of 2015’ below demonstrates this: what would Sir Stephen have thought? Over two years in to my WGS adventure and I am still impressed by the sense of community felt by all who are part of the School. One would wish such community never to be tested, but after the
Thank you for keeping in touch with us. I hope you enjoy what
tragic death of Owen Davies, teacher of chemistry and games, this
you read of our people (your fellow alumni) in this edition of the
September-aged 30 years, WGS was put on its mettle again. I am
Wulfrunian.
unbelievably proud to be a member of this community. Surrounded by past and present students who innately understand what is to be human, I have great confidence in the work of our Directors, staff
Kathy Crewe-Read
and young people.
Head, Wolverhampton Grammar School
Our Class of 2015
WULFRUNIAN 2015
3
year was, of course overshadowed In the Common Room This by the death of Owen Davies. I speak for
to History’s Joe David. Although no longer
It has been an eventful year in the common
everyone here when I say that he was the
leaving WGS in July, Kate Baker is known
room. In July we said goodbye to WGS
heart and soul of the common room and
by her new pupils as Kate Millichamp after
stalwarts Christine Preston and Vincent
that his loss is still keenly felt. Coming
her marriage to James Millichamp in the
Raymond-Barker who between them served
after the death of Andrew Proverbs, the
summer. Congratulations go to Rhiannon
the School for an incredible 56 years. Both
loss of Owen was yet another bitter blow
Platt and Steve Clancy who intend to tie
are now supposed to be enjoying well
and it is hard to believe that in just under
the knot in 2016 and Kartar Uppal who also
deserved retirements yet they can’t seem to
18 months, WGS has lost two of its most
recently married (unusually, his wife is not
stay away from WGS. Sightings of Christine
inspirational and best-loved teachers. The
another member of WGS staff). Also, to new
in the exams office are still common and
common room has been greatly diminished
parents Diana Gibbs and Anna Dalton who
Vincent still stalks the Modern Foreign
by the loss of these two colleagues and
are currently on maternity leave from the
Languages department in his tireless
our thoughts are with their families. Head
Junior School with new arrivals Ralph and
enthusiasm for the French Exchange.
of Chemistry, Andy Carey, gives a personal
Amelie respectively and Natasha Richards
tribute to Owen below.
from the Estates department who is about
a member of the common room after
to return following the birth of baby Max.
As in previous years, most teaching staff who have left have gone on to well-
On a happier note, common room
We wish them well with the exciting, if
deserved promotions and we wish them well
marriages continue apace as Helen
exhausting years ahead.
in their new posts. You can read more about
Whittaker returned from the summer
Robert Mason
them in the contributions that follow from
break as Helen David after her betrothal
their various Heads of Department.
Owen Davies Owen joined WGS in September 2008 as a young Chemistry, Physics and Games teacher. He quickly displayed a thorough knowledge of his subject and an ability to relate to the students, which made him both a great teacher and a huge asset to the School. He worked hard at planning his lessons and loved the practical nature of the subject. What he wanted was for students to enjoy learning. I never saw him angry or upset. If a student was struggling he would give them extra time after lessons and would never grow impatient with them. The
School, but he continually amazed us and
We have been truly fortunate to have had
fact that he was always smiling and joking
the doctors by his quick return to work.
Owen as a fabulous friend and colleague
made Chemistry the favourite lesson for
Many of our younger students would never
over the last seven years. We have lost
many students, even if it wasn’t one of their
have known his struggle with illness. Parents
a wonderful, witty, caring, smiling, kind,
stronger subjects. For many others he was
spoke of a lovely man and a dedicated
intelligent, sharp, warm, positive, thoughtful,
the inspirational teacher who encouraged
teacher who touched so many lives and left
sensitive and friendly young man. People
them to go on and study the subject to an
an indelible mark on their children. I know
loved going into the staffroom knowing
advanced level and beyond.
that many a car journey home was lit up by
that Owen was there. He brought humour
stories of Owen’s lessons.
and fun into people’s lives. We will never forget his wicked wit and talent. His smiling
Education goes beyond the curriculum.
4
Owen’s form periods were filled with music,
Owen was first in the queue when it came
face will be missed by us all. He always
jokes and laughter. Human pyramids, music
to volunteering for school trips. The Peru
saw the best in everyone and his kindness
battles between JLS, Shaggy and TLC. He
expedition, numerous visits to The Towers
touched everyone. His strength in the face
was funny, caring and kind. Some students
outdoor activities centre, Think Tank and of
of adversity was a lesson to us all.
required a lot of his time, others less so, but
course the annual school ski trip. Over the
he always made a point of looking out for
last few years he became an outstanding
Our deepest sympathy goes to Charlotte
everyone, listening to them and checking
skier and I was looking forward to passing
and all of Owen’s family. I hope that they
how they were.
over the leadership of the trip to him in
can take some comfort from knowing
February. Sitting at the bottom of the piste in
the very high regard in which Owen was
In January 2011 Owen was diagnosed
Flachau, with Owen singing and dancing to
held by the students, parents and staff of
with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer,
Austrian Europop, is a memory that many of
Wolverhampton Grammar School. I have
particularly in adults. Scans, radiotherapy,
us have been so lucky to share.
never met a braver or more courageous
chemotherapy and recuperation meant
man. Rest in peace.
that Owen had periods of absence from
Andrew Carey
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Christine Preston Universally known as Mrs P - Chris arrived in
The School’s first computer room (room 45)
when to cajole, threaten, deliver a (purely
1986 as a Maths teacher with responsibility
was built during her second year (the first
metaphorical) clip round the ear and when to
for the School’s computers. She made an
had been seriously lacking in computers!)
mother. She steered students calmly through
immediate impact on her first O Level group,
and she subsequently became the first
many a crisis and earned huge respect.
which included present Deputy Head, Nic
Head of Information Technology. Mrs P
Anderson. Chris’ first love in teaching was,
ensured that computers became an integral
Whatever the role (too numerous to
and remained, mathematics. Communicating
part of the School’s work and guided the
mention) Mrs P has been at the heart of the
the subject with accuracy, enthusiasm and
early stages of their development here.
School and life and soul of the common
enjoyment throughout her 29 years here,
room. She has always taken part with
generations of students have learned
Coming to the realisation that despite their
enthusiasm and gone well beyond the call
to love mathematics as a result of her
unreliability, vagaries and the difficulties
of duty. Although retiring from teaching,
approach. Though she would be offended
they generate, the average sixth former was
she will continue to work as Examinations
if I suggested that she had ever persuaded
easier to get on with and more amenable
Officer, so we will not lose her altogether.
anybody to love statistics: as far as she is
than the average computer, she became
We wish her and her husband, Paul, a long
concerned, pure maths and mechanics are
Deputy Head of Sixth Form in 2003. Mrs
and happy retirement.
all one needs.
P was in her element in this role knowing
Chris O’Brien
Vince Raymond-Barker
accompany over 700 Grammar School
Chilli Challenge, the Battlefields and Paris
Vincent Raymond-Barker joined the
students to north western France, sharing
Economics trips and was a demonstrably
French department in 1988 and after
with them the numerous local tourist
keen supporter of music, sports and art at
seven retirement parties, finally hung up
attractions to be found in the area, as
the School.
his béret last summer. A true Francophile
well as sampling local delights, including
and excellent linguist, he joined the French
crêpes, galettes, sea salt and homemade
The French Department and the common
department as a young teacher of French,
caramel – the list is endless and very
room will not be the same without him; we
soon becoming Head of House and
tasty! More than this, though, our students
will miss Vince’s huge heart, his unstinting
eventually Head of Department.
have been privileged to have been given
desire to help others, whether pupils or
both linguistic immersion and the unique
colleagues, but most of all, his sense of
His love of France and all things French is
opportunity of staying with a French family
humour and terrible jokes! We wish him
palpable, with his greatest achievement
through which long lasting friendships
well in retirement!
outside the classroom being the founding
and life changing experiences have been
Sarah Brentnall
and running of the French Exchange for 26
gained. In addition, ever the team player,
years with Collège St Joseph in Brittany.
he has been involved in so many aspects
He has worked tirelessly to recruit and
of WGS life, including Year 7 camp, the
WULFRUNIAN 2015
5
Kate Millichamp (nee Baker)
her inspired teaching and the enthusiasm
Kate joined the School in 2008 to take up
she brought to learning. As a gifted artist,
the position of Head of Big Six. Before the
Kate was an amazing source of props and
foundation of the Junior School, Big Six
scenery for our productions.
gave pupils the opportunity to join WGS to spend a year ‘learning how to learn’. Kate
As Head of Year 5 and Big Six and in
was instrumental in making Big Six the fun,
her final year as Assistant Head, Kate
exciting and rewarding year it continues to
organised the daily running of the School
are delighted that Kate has moved on to a
be today. Scores of children in our Senior
with great skill and commitment. Whilst she
Headship of Shrewsbury High Prep School.
School remember Mrs Baker for her care,
will be a huge loss to the Junior School, we
Andrew Hymer
Jill Pawluk Jill was one of the first teachers to join the
juggled her many different roles in School,
Junior School in September 2011. As an
but still found time to join us on residential
accomplished musician and outstanding
visits. We all enjoyed her many productions
teacher (Jill was previously a member of
and choirs over the four years she spent in
the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra),
the Junior School. Moving north was always
she quickly set the standards in music and
Jill’s aim who leaves us to join Yarm Junior
drama. Her skills were quickly recognised
School as Director of Studies.
and she became Head of Year 3 and then
Andrew Hymer
Assistant Head in her final year at WGJS. Jill
Nathan Burden
Students invariably enjoyed his lessons and
Nathan Burden joined WGS in September
the excitement that he generated about the
2011. He threw himself into school life
subject.
wholeheartedly both in and out of the classroom. He was a quiet unassuming man
Away from the classroom Nathan enjoyed
and did many things that would often go
rugby at School. He was also a valued
unnoticed.
member of the ski trip and was quite fearless in his approach, one of the few
He was a very talented and industrious
people I have seen go down a black
teacher. His lessons were invariably
run within a few day of starting skiing,
entertaining and he loved to try out new
admittedly a large portion was completed
methodologies and ideas. He particularly
on his backside. Nathan took over the
He will make an excellent Head of Physics at
enjoyed demonstrations and experiments
coast to coast team for several years where
John Henry Newman Catholic College and
and was often seen building something
his enthusiasm and organisation were an
we wish him all the best in the future.
new to explain a particular concept.
asset.
Nick Munson
Alison Kingshott During her 11 years at WGS Alison Kingshott
department. Alison’s first love will always
was a teacher who inspired devotion
be for her music and she willingly gave
amongst her small band of classicists. As a
her spare time to singing in various choirs
true connoisseur of Latin, Alison’s expertise
(including our School one) often taking the
was vital in decoding the vagaries of the
star soloist role. She volunteered to help on
School song. Her School trips to Greece
many Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and
and Sicily were never short of students or
her commitment to early morning circuit
willing volunteers from the staff. Alison’s
training was second to none. She leaves us
passion for the ancient world was infectious
for a promotion to Director of Sixth Form at
and resulted in a high percentage of her
Malvern St James’ and we wish her every
students going onto pursue Latin and
success.
Classics at university. But her commitment
Helen David
to the School went way beyond the
6
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Class of 2015 Results GCSE
501
* GRADES A-A
A LEVEL
99% *
89% * A-C GRADES
A-C GRADES
Over a quarter of students celebrated over 9 A*- A grades
101
* GRADES A-A
A quarter of students celebrated straight A*- A grades
2 OUT OF 3
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENTS ACHIEVED FIRM OFFERS
UNIVERSITY
STUDENT AND COURSE
UNIVERSITY
STUDENT AND COURSE
Aston
Holly Hayer - Computing for Business (ITMB)
Imperial
Amish Bedi - Mathematics and Computer Science Priya Sharma - Medicine
Simran Kang - Engineering and Applied Science (Foundation) Rishika Mehan - Computing for Business Bath
Joshua Evans - Physics
Birmingham
Oliver Bramley - Civil Engineering Hayley Brown - Physics
KCL
Amar Baden - Dentistry Keziah Husselbee - Music Aaron Matto - Physics
Keele
Samuel Colman - Medicine Manvir Gangar - Law
Aaron Kalirai - Accounting and Finance Amrit Mann - Biomedical Science
Lancaster
Laura Robertson - Medicine and Surgery
Elliott McDowell - Modern Languages
Liverpool
Andrew Inglis - Geography (Foundation) Andrew Pelenski - Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry
Emma Morley - Physics and Astrophysics
Callum Warrilow - Computer Information Systems
Simon Reynolds - Ancient History Samuel Timmins - History
Liverpool John Moores
Kimeran Kandola - Applied Psychology
Oliver Ward - Business Management
Reece McNeil-Ball - Biomedical Science
Birmingham City
James Maidment - Computer Science
Aaron Shergill - Engineering and Technology (Foundation)
Bristol
Edward Craddock - Economics & Management Philippa Grantham-Wright - History of Art
Fiona Shorthouse - Pharmacy Loughborough
Cambridge
Chloe Macaulay - Engineering
Manchester
Cardiff
Nottingham
Geena Bains - Architecture Sandeep Sandramouli - Economics
Olivia Bolas - Media, Journalism and Culture Lara Fraser - Pharmacy
Rodrigo Guerra Alves - Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology Ellen Hopwood - Biomedical Sciences
Joshua Marchant - History Joseph Sefton - Education with English and Drama
Eve Cowan - Graphic Communication and Illustration Aaron Wilson - Chemical Engineering
Tejas Netke - Medicine
Nottingham Trent
Ranjeet Bhogal - Construction Management Ryan Jackett - Business Management and Marketing
Bethany Parlane - English Literature Christchurch Canterbury Justine Davis - Forensic Investigation
Oxford Brookes
Olivia Jones - Interior Architecture
Coventry
Baldeep Dhillon - Accounting and Finance
Plymouth
Eleanor Rockett - Law with Business
DeMontfort
Bijal Karia - Finance
Reading
Harry Thomas-Bishop - Computer Science
Dundee
Robert Pawluk - Medicine
Sheffield
Dominic Price - History
Durham
Elinor Catherine Frith - Music Barnaby Edward Lawrence - Geography
Myles Smith - Geography Southampton
Goldsmiths Guildhall School of
Thomas Ward - General Engineering
St Andrews
Ellen Stimpson - Geography
Alastair Norton - Journalism
Staffordshire
Lydia Manley - Midwifery Practice
Kishan O’Leary - Music
UCL
Grace Lawrence - Arts and Sciences
Hull
Jacob Stokes - History
Joel Plowright - Music School/Conservatoire UEA
Abbeygayle Worton - Pharmacy
Peter Lloyd - Mechanical Engineering
UCB
Darcy Laceby - Food Development and Innovation
Andrew Sime - Chemical Engineering
Warwick
Richard Freeman - Law
Alex Buckham - Politics and International Relations
Winchester
Joseph Hickman - Marketing
Roberto Saad - Coastal Marine Biology
York
James Cawdell - Chemistry
Music & Drama Herriot-Watt
Nathan Chan - Accounting and Finance Louise Hingley - Politics and International Relations
Henry David Parocki - Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Alex Evans - Economics
2014 & 2015 Graduates
2012 - 2015 A Level Results 52%
75%
26%
43%
National Average A*- B
WGS Average A*- B
National Average A*- A
WGS Average A*- A
HIGHEST Over half of WGS students have gone on to Russell Group universities studying a variety of courses ranging from Economics to History.
A*-B RESULTS
OF ANY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
IN WOLVERHAMPTON WULFRUNIAN 2015
7
Reflections on Adulthood Searching for ideas for this year’s edition of the Wulfrunian sent us rummaging through the School’s archives, and past editions of this magazine, for inspiration. It was on one of these journeys into the archive room that we set about in fits of laughter at
“
the work of a young student featured in the 1988 edition of the magazine and his very candid views (and illustrations) on adults. We couldn’t resist the temptation to contact him to see if he had, in fact, grown up to become a librarian, teacher, dentist or traffic warden…
A recent letter from The Wulfrunian
of Lincolnshire, and have been working
design and technology set seed for a
reminded me of an amusing article I
in community pharmacy in diverse
budding graphic designer; I can’t be
wrote for the magazine almost thirty
roles since then. I’m very lucky in that I
sure, but I do know that my time at WGS
years ago, describing my views of adults.
thoroughly enjoy what I do, and perhaps
was most memorable and it provided
As a thirteen year-old, adults appeared
owe much of this to my time at WGS,
an excellent foundation for my chosen
unexciting and authoritative, but even
as my current roles focus on designing,
career.
with this happy naivety at this age, I
writing and delivering learning and
knew that I wanted to be a pharmacist,
development solutions for pharmacists
But what of my current views of being an
combining my love of chemistry and
and pharmacy teams. Perhaps the
adult? Parenthood, my profession and
biology in a way that could help people.
evocative, gassy odour of the WGS
adult life come with many responsibilities,
chemistry labs embedded a deep-set
but that inquisitive, mischievous thirteen
I qualified as a pharmacist in 1997,
desire to teach science, or the hours
year-old boy is still there. He just has a
beginning my career on the east coast
spent at the drawing boards during craft,
few more wrinkles and less hair.
”
Paul Jenks OW 1993
A Child’s View of Adults by Paul Jenks (2S) Wulfrunian 1988
An adult is a large fool who walks around telling children what to do. These take many forms such as teachers, librarians, traffic wardens, and dentists and are all mean, boring and strict. Each one is described below. Librarians
Dentists
Librarians are very old
Dentists are super-sadistic. They tell boring (get it, bore-ing) jokes
with half moon glasses,
and make you feel ill. It all starts when you enter the waiting room,
a long black dress and
and you have to wait half an hour listening to drills, screams and “the
grey hair tied up in a
Chair!” Finally you enter the surgery and sit on, “the Chair”.
tight bunch. They put
The dentist tells a joke and then jabs
fun books such as “101
a long needle into your gum “Aagh!”
uses for a dead cat” on
You shout. He beings to drill your
the highest shelf and the encyclopaedias on the “normal reach” shelf:
teeth but he does too many teeth.
and also they make you pay twice the fines for books one minute
You leave the surgery with a numb
overdue. They shout at you at the top of their voice to ‘be quiet’ and
mouth and a silly sticker saying,
give people who speak a sharp kick up the rear end. They wear
“I love my Dentist”.
perfume that smells like the rotting flesh of a dead hippopotamus. They always shut fifteen minutes before closing so if you need to
Traffic Wardens
bring a book back it’s much too late!
Traffic wardens are morbid and brutal. They tell you can not ride your bike but must walk home taking the bike with you. They give you a
Teachers
parking ticket if you are standing on the kerb and walk round banging
Teachers are very strict but are tall and very morbid. If your
parking meters so that they come up on excess charge, then penalty.
homework is late you have a detention or lines. They work to a strict
They slap parking ticket upon parking ticket on car windows.
timetable which is top secret. They never reveal other people’s
8
marks; their mark books are Top Secret. They are the ultimate sadists
Conclusion
e.g. they make you write long notes when your pen runs out and then
Adults can be nice but most times are nasty and morbid. They spoil
make you write lines for not having enough ink. They set ultra large
all fun and would much rather you be working. Kids, when you grow
home-works. These notes don’t include English teachers.
up, don’t be an adult.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
The WGS Guinea Pig Wolverhampton Grammar School has, for over 30 years been co-educational. After looking back through our extensive archives we discovered an article published in the 1999 edition of the ‘Wulf’
written by Ruth Parry discussing her experiences as the first ever girl at WGS. We wanted to not only share this article but also delve deeper and find out what happened to Ruth 16 years on.
At the WGS Open Day during the 1983 Autumn term I wore a
.... After Sheffield I joined ICI on their graduate scheme, where I
badge saying “Ruth Hutton – Guinea Pig”. This was not a reference
met my husband, and eventually via various smaller companies
to my appearance (as far as I know) but the fact that I was at the
I ended up at BT. I worked for BT for nearly 20 years, taking
time the only female pupil in the School a year before girls were
voluntary redundancy last year to pursue a life of hedonistic
due to be accepted into the Sixth Form. I was at the School for one
leisure. If the weather is good I now spend my time on a horse or
term to sit the Cambridge entrance exam and, despite (or maybe
a bicycle, and if it’s bad I’m inside sewing or knitting for various
because of) being the headmaster’s daughter, I had a great time.
charities.
There were a total of 21 of us sitting the Oxbridge entrance
I think a Law degree is a pretty good preparation for most areas
exams that year, five taking English. I suppose I must have done
of work, even if you are not planning to go into legal practice. It
some work that term (although my results might have indicated
teaches research techniques, how to phrase an argument effectively
otherwise) but I have more memories of
and how to filter useful information. All useful
time spent in our common room than I do
skills in any walk of life. A degree in Law is no
of time spent in the library. The room in
more or less valuable than any other degree,
question was the Henry Hallmark Room
but seems to generate a level of respect that it
in the tower, where the Subbuteo table
really doesn’t deserve.
was usually the centre of attention and competition was intense.
Having worked from my home office in the garden for the past 14 years, possibly one of
On one occasion, a particularly windy
the most interesting assignments I have had
day, we decided that it was time that
to date was creating a 3G network for the
we explored further up the tower, so
Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which involved
ignoring signs forbidding us to do so, we
putting mobile phone masts in, among other
climbed the stairs to the room above. In
places, a number of lampposts and phone
it we discovered boxes of out-of-date WGS prospectuses, made
boxes around the Stadium. You’d be surprised how much one can
of wonderful crisp shiny paper – perfect dart material. I am sure
learn about lampposts.
anyone would understand that the temptation to put our dart making skills to the test was overwhelming, and the thermals rising
A career highlight for me has been running the trials for a fixed
from the building below us made for exhilarating flying. We drew
line text service - this means you can send a text message to a
straws to determine who was going to retrieve the dart that landed
land line which will automatically be converted to speech and
on my father’s windowsill, and to this day I believe that I was set up.
delivered as a voicemail. It was a huge project, with about 1,000 trialists all using both mobile and fixed line phones to try and break
As I was the only girl in the School I was, by definition somewhat
the system. We had hilarious meetings trying to work out how to
conspicuous. Initially I was subjected to a certain amount of hassle
deal with emojis, and there weren’t that many of them at the time. I
by the junior members of the School, but this soon stopped when
dread to think what the code looks like these days!
my colleagues decided to punish any untoward behaviour with a bizarre variety of tasks which included walking the headmaster’s
I’m planning to apply to be a magistrate next year - finally after all
dog round the Valley Field for the entire lunch hour (the dog, Holly,
these years getting back into court. In the meantime I’m doing a bit
rarely came to School but when it did during that term it fell to me
of charity work, and enjoying having more time to ride my horse.
to exercise him. Obviously my preferred method of doing so was to get someone else to do it and insubordinate 1st years were ideal).
Three words that best describe WGS for me are Conspicuous, Subbuteo and Uncle Shah*.
As a result of all my diligent work at WGS, girls are now accepted throughout the School and I ended up studying law at Sheffield University, not Cambridge as had been the original plan. Don’t knock it, I had a great time there too, but that is another chapter...
*I know ‘Uncle Shah’ is two words, but I called my father Shah, so all my classmates started referring to him as this.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
9
Home of Education for the Berrimans It seems that the Berrimans are not the only family to have three or more generations walk the corridors of Wolverhampton Grammar School, but they highlight in this edition of the Wulfrunian the faithful service and high regard that our ex pupils and staff give to the School by not only coming back again and again, but by entrusting their greatest legacy… their offspring. We had the pleasure of interviewing three generations of the Berriman family this year and here are the results of a fun hour spent in front of the camera with a barrage of questions. Nick Berriman also celebrates 25 years since leaving the School and is inviting his leavers group to join him for a special celebration at the Annual Old Wulfrunians dinner to be held next February. More details about the dinner are on page 27.
David Berriman OW 1952 and Nick Berriman OW 1991 If you had to compare your time here at WGS what do you think
answers to obscure questions! Maisie can access the knowledge in
the differences between the generations would be?
a fraction of the time with just a few taps on her iPad.
David: In my time the School was very much more formal with narrower horizons. This was the time of Warren Derry as
If there was one thing you could change about your time at
Headmaster when anything other than Classics was beyond the
School, what would it be?
pale. The facilities are now very much better in almost all respects
David: I think I would have tried harder to take advantage of the
and probably the most visible change is that there are now girls!
opportunities available.
Nick: On my first day at school it all seemed very daunting, I was
Nick: I genuinely don’t think that there is much I would have
eleven, which was the youngest age you could attend in those
wanted to be different - I loved being at the School and enjoyed
days. On my daughter’s first day she breezed in without a care in
my time as a pupil. Perhaps I might have changed the time I was
the world, all at the grand old age of seven! I think that schools
threatened with the slipper by Mr Lambert!
have become much more welcoming with a more cosseting feel What are your most memorable moments at WGS?
certainly WGJS offers that experience to Maisie.
David: Warren Derry sleeping through a Rev Frank Rust orchestral In your opinion what impact has technology had on each
concert in Big School or being selected for the U11 cricket team once
generation?
when the match was rained off and I was never selected again.
David: We had very little in the way of technology. Computers,
Nick: My most memorable moment was undoubtedly walking
calculators, mobile phones and the internet were still to come
into School on A Level results day and finding out that, contrary
so the present generation has an almost infinite amount of
to many expectations, I had achieved straight A grades which
knowledge at the press of a button which we did not have so
allowed me to go to the university of my choice. Thank you to all of
easily. Much of that knowledge was available to us but only
my hard working and patient teachers for making that happen.
through books and encyclopedias. One could perhaps argue that information available too easily is not a good thing, but I would
Who was your favourite teacher?
have found it of enormous assistance.
David: Tony Stocks. Our 3 Alpha was his first as form master and
Nick: Technology has moved on so far and at such a pace since
he subsequently went to the Collegiate School of Liverpool before
I was at School that it seems ridiculous to think that a scientific
returning to WGS as Headmaster.
calculator was considered state of the art in my day! The immediate
Nick: David Iddon was my French teacher and he was brilliant and
availability of knowledge is a world away from the 1980’s when I
Tony Duffey was my science teacher and WGS scout troop leader -
remember sitting in the School library for hours on end trying to find
I can’t decide between the two! What in your opinion makes WGS so successful?
10
WULFRUNIAN 2015
What in your opinion makes WGS so successful? David: Its ability to move and change with the times and never to rest on its laurels. Nick: The leadership of the School means it never falls behind the competition and the standards of the teaching staff has always been incredibly high. With your granddaughter/daughter now in the Junior School, how do you see yourself engaging with WGS in the future? David: Supporting activities, attending concerts and events. I was fortunate to serve as a Governor for many years so have been able to keep in touch with the School. Nick: I would love to be able to help the School
Maisie Berriman (WGJS)
in whatever way I can, I intend to be as involved as possible - not just to support Maisie but also to
What do you like best about school?
try to give something back to the institution that served me so well.
Being in a friendly environment and the way the teachers encourage the children.
What life/career advice will you be giving your What’s your favourite subject?
daughter/granddaughter?
Art
To make the most of the opportunities she has in her very fine School, to work to the maximum of her potential and so build a sound foundation for
If there was one thing you could change about school what would it be?
her future.
To have more breaks in the day!
Nick: To work as hard as she can at School and afterwards to make sure that she can realise her
What do you want to be when you grow up?
dreams.
Archaeologist
WULFRUNIAN 2015
11
Florence Darby Memories of Music, Maths and Verbal Reasoning
Mrs Darby
M
by Nic Anderson y first memory of Florence Darby was in 1984 when she taught my
form 2S music. She was the only female teacher, until the arrival of Mrs Preston in 1986, and clearly loved her work. She inspired me to learn the song needed to audition for that year's choral society. In those days, students had to sing a solo in front of their peers and my hard work paid off as I was chosen to sing Handel's Messiah in the concert. The only time in my WGS life that I ever sang with the choral society. By the time I returned as a member of staff in 1997, Florence had retired, but she and John regularly attended Maths Department functions. She was full of advice and help in those early years and my wife appreciated her friendly manner and support as I settled into my new job. Florence's love of Wolverhampton Grammar School was apparent in everything she did. On becoming Head of Lower School in 2005 I became responsible for the School’s Entrance tests, the Verbal Reasoning paper having been set by Florence for the past 20 years. She enjoyed the connection with the School and I looked forward to our annual communications about the questions, answers and marks. Florence would mark and John would add up and this year marks the end of an era. When former students talk about WGS, they mention Warren Derry, Patrick Hutton, Bernard Trafford as former Heads, but next in line are the Darbys. Over the last 60 years their commitment and service to WGS is remarkable. Florence is a true ambassador and servant of our School and I am certain that this will continue.
12
WULFRUNIAN 2015
My First History Lesson for Some Years… by Katie Guest
I
joined Wolverhampton Grammar School as Head of
Florence’s over-riding memory of her time here was teaching
Development this September and first came across the
her Lower Sixth A level Music group Friday period 8 outside the
wonderful Florence Darby in Nic Anderson’s office whilst she was
Music Department under the Chestnut tree, no one would ever
handing to him the mantle of entrance Verbal Reasoning papers.
have thought it was the day of her retirement! One of John’s first
Florence and her husband, John, had retired in 1994 after 68
memories was using his table tennis skills with a board duster to
years of combined service, but it seems not in their entirety! Whilst
curb an errant wasp and disposing of it completely under foot in
researching for this year’s edition of the Wulfrunian I had come
front of a classroom of boys stating ‘now that’s what will happen to
across an article entitled ‘Forty Years Gone!’ written by Florence for
you if you step out of line’.
the 1994 edition of the magazine. It is hard to imagine that already another 21 years have passed and that Florence is, well I suppose,
I look forward to the next edition of their memoirs and my next
retiring again.
afternoon visit.
Florence might have been a Music and Maths teacher, but her 1994 article has given me my first valuable History lesson in some years. I suspect her next lesson will be entitled ‘Sixty Years of Change!’ I had the pleasure of visiting them at their home in Wolverhampton. We spent a lovely couple of hours talking about their time at School - the admission of the first girls, when there was just one car on site, garden parties and evening dances and Florence’s life skills lessons - button sewing, cooking and shoe cleaning for the Sixth Form boys. Maybe the need for these has not changed especially after receiving a text from my own son, currently in his first term at university, telling me he was missing my cooking (I promise I did give him lessons).
WULFRUNIAN 2015
13
A Family Affair with current teachers Mr and Mrs Hills Having met on their PGCE course at Nottingham University in
in September 1987. Helen followed in September 1998 to teach
October 1982, the Hills came to live in Wolverhampton when Peter
Biology – their son Michael had just completed his first year at the
joined Wolverhampton Grammar School as a Mathematics teacher
Grammar and their daughter Emily joined the School in 2000.
Did you always want to go into teaching?
What advice would you give students considering teaching careers?
Peter: We both come from teaching families, my Mum was a PE
Helen: To take a degree in your chosen subject and then do a
teacher. Within a few days of starting my PGCE and being in a
PGCE.
school I knew it was the career for me.
Peter: Experience what it feels like to stand in front of a class, if
Helen: Both my parents were teachers, but my father was
you are in any doubt then do something else. However if you feel it
originally a research physicist. His departure from his job at Dunlop
is for you then there is no occupation so rewarding.
Research Centre into teaching triggered my own interest and right What advice would you give today’s students?
from year 9 I knew I’d like to teach.
We understand that with today’s competitive jobs market, What attracted you to join Wolverhampton Grammar School?
academic results and extra-curricular activities are paramount for
Peter: I didn’t realise when I applied for the post of Second in
university and job applications, but just remember to slow down
Maths at WGS that it was an independent school and as a state
sometimes and enjoy life. Once in a while stop, think and watch
school boy I probably wouldn’t have applied! I didn’t get an
the world go by.
interview for that post, but received a call from Patrick Hutton one Sunday evening inviting me in for a chat. During that chat with
Describe Wolverhampton Grammar School in three words?
Patrick and Graham Lewis, Head of Maths, I let slip that I had an
Fulfilling, fun and frenetic!
interview the next day at Queen Mary’s, Walsall, a state boys’ grammar, and closer to home. They turned to each other and said ‘well if we want you then we’ll have to offer you the job now’ – and they did! At that point I had worked in three schools in five years and this year I celebrate 29 years at WGS! What have you most enjoyed about working at WGS Helen: The friendships formed with staff and students over the years and we never cease to be amazed by the affection and fondness our ex-pupils have for the School. Peter: The students have a unique desire to return year after year to share their news and experiences - not only with staff but our current students too. The staff camaraderie has added so much pleasure to each day’s work. What have been your most memorable experiences? Helen: For me it would have to be the special events – Founder’s Day, concerts and plays – Godspell and Twelve Angry Men spring to mind, but they are all brilliant. It would also be the bond with the students in my form over the years. Peter: Head of Lower School (Years 7 and 8), which I did for 16 years. We were housed in what is now the Junior School and it was like being the Headmaster of a school within a school. At the London Reunion last year Gavin Norville (1991-1997) reminded me of the time I sent him home with a razor line in his hair – I don’t remember being that strict!
14
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Michael Hills (2004) and Emily Hills (2007) Peter and Helen’s children are ex-pupils of WGS and are now both
Emily is Head of Geography at Trent College, Long Eaton.
teachers - Michael teaches Maths at Radley College, Oxford and
What was your most memorable moment at WGS?
Emily: A Year 9 expedition to the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. We
Michael: Getting a lunchtime detention from Dad, sitting my first
visited the battlefields of the Gallipoli Campaign and paid tribute
GCSE exam (maths) and playing hockey on tour in Ireland.
to ex-pupils of the School that had died there. It was surreal and
Emily: The Ecuador expedition in the Summer of 2007, the first
really increased my personal awareness of what these young man
week spent in an orphanage and the second planting trees on a
faced. I even found part of an old rum jar that had been left behind
farm using horse manure as fertiliser - something I never thought
by a British soldier.
I would do! The 2002 South Africa trip (I didn’t go to play sport as I was only 12 at the time), the highlight of which was visiting Table
What’s been your career highlight to date?
Mountain and where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Michael: My Year 10s getting a full house of A*s. Emily: Probably seeing my first tutor group in the School achieve
What what have you done since leaving WGS?
their GCSE grades. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being
Michael: I went to Oxford to study Maths graduating with a Maths
a teacher, seeing the pupils you have known and taught for so
Undergraduate Masters. I then went to teach at Radley College
long becoming responsible and mature young adults.
where I still am now. Emily: I completed a Geography Degree at Nottingham University
What was it like having your parents teach at the same school?
and the year after, my PGCE. I am now Head of Geography at
Michael: It worked well having both parents there. Lifts home were
Trent College in Nottingham, where I have taught for 4 years.
easy. I got very little negative attention and any I did get I just used the line ‘at least you don’t have to live with them’. To be honest
What made you go into teaching?
more often than not them was replaced with him!!
Michael: I toyed briefly with the idea of something else but after
Emily: Interesting! Not too bad really, Mum actually taught me at A
two years of my degree I knew I wanted to be a teacher and so
level and she was fantastic! I can see why the pupils love her.
completed a PGCE. Emily: At School I was adamant I did not want to be a teacher,
Who was your favourite teacher at school?
partly because my friends said I would make a good one! However
Michael: Easily Dr Bradley - very positive, knew his stuff and
after helping out on a Year 7 trip and volunteering in a primary
taught us ‘juicy’ maths to help with interview preparation. I do hear
school I found that I really enjoyed it! The rest is history.
the Head of Biology is very good also though! Emily: Dr Bradley was definitely my favourite teacher, I teach a
Where’s the most unusual place your career has taken you?
little bit of Maths now and again, and I honestly don’t understand
Michael: I’ve been lucky to go on trips to Iceland, Russia, China,
how he explained everything to make it so easy for us. We had
Germany, Netherlands and Belgium with school, but the highlight
cake Fridays which was a highlight of my week! Mrs Preston was
was Tanzania last summer where I had the opportunity to climb
also a favourite of mine, although she never taught me Maths, she
Kilimanjaro and help my students teach in a local school.
was my form tutor in Sixth Form.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
15
Preserving our Heritage Zoe Rowley, Senior Librarian (pictured below with the
This project has inspired some of our current students
student Archive group) came to the School in 2014.
to volunteer their support by helping to catalogue
Since joining, she has, like many of you before her been
the historical content within the archive. This not only
fascinated by the history of the School, its buildings and
gives the students a unique opportunity to handle
the stories of our former students.
and document historical records, but also provides a valuable opportunity for them to learn new research and
School has a permanent display of memorabilia from
referencing skills.
the past in the Archive Room next to main reception and former students are always welcome to come and take
Do you have any documents or photographs that you
a look. The Jenyns Library also has its own archive room
would like to see preserved at School? Or perhaps you
where the vast majority of School records, photographs
could spare some time to help us put names to faces
and documents are stored for safe keeping. With the
on old photographs or would like to leave a lasting
support of award winning library designers, 0 Point 8,
legacy with funding for the project? If you think you can
Zoe is currently looking at ways to showcase the School’s
contribute in any way, please call the Development Office
history and provide a pleasant place for former staff and
on 01902 421326 or email development@wgs-sch.net.
students to research or remember their time at School.
Archiving WGS by Harnaik Khun-Khun (10A) Currently the Library archive is a room full of potential. It contains a wealth of history relating to Wolverhampton Grammar School dating back over 300 years. It holds photographs, historical information, sports results and fascinating details about students who previously attended the School. It is just a shame that it is currently all boxed up and not readily available to view. All of the items in the collection show us details relating to the history of our School. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award we, as a group of Year 10, students are hoping to develop this room. The new improved archive will show how the School has changed over time, from a boys’ boarding school to the WGS we know and love today. Our main aim is to help display our WGS heritage, which is currently kept in boxes. The room will
“
The School has existed for over 500 years and despite various
books and documents relating to the early days, not a great deal of detail is known. However, especially since the move to Compton Road in 1875, there is a mountain of information available.
be reinvented to act as a museum, rather than a storage room, where Old Wulfrunians can spend hours revisiting their time
I have derived great pleasure from referring to this over many
at WGS and current students can learn about the teachers and
years and now that there is an ideal opportunity to put all this into
students who walked the corridors before them. The ‘museum’,
a properly referenced archive, it should be done, as I am sure that
we hope, will make students proud of our rich history as a
others will get a similar amount of enjoyment from reading the
school.
history of a School we are all proud to have attended and which, in many ways, shaped our futures.
We look forward to working with Mrs Rowley and OWA representative Tony Phillips to develop this project.
16
Anthony (Tony) Phillips (1959)
WULFRUNIAN 2015
”
Anthony (Tony) Phillips OW 1959 Tony Phillips is a familiar face in School as a former student and now an active member of the Old Wulfrunians Association. He has generously donated historical documents and is supporting Zoe Rowley and our students with the School’s archive project. What was school life like back then?
What subjects did you enjoy at school?
I joined the School in 1954, the Second World
History, Geography and English. I also enjoyed Art, which I took at O Level along with
War had ended 9 years earlier and money
Architecture.
was tight, but because we all wore the same uniform it put us all on a level playing field. It
Has the WGS environment and ‘community’ changed since being at school?
was boys only and only male teachers, who
It has changed tremendously, in my day there were only masters and few support staff.
wore gowns when teaching. The facilities
We still had the Combined Cadet Force and played soldiers every Thursday afternoon.
were a bit basic, but we knew no different
However, that made us grow up in as much as we had to put up with a lot of taunting by
and were just happy to be here. We all wore
other kids as we walked through town in our army uniform.
school caps, except I think for the Sixth Form, and you were in big trouble if spotted not
There were lots of after school clubs, which if you visit the archive you can read about in
wearing it. Where the Derry building is now
old editions of the Wulfrunian magazine, and a House system.
there was a Fives court, bicycle sheds and another football/cricket pitch.
Obviously, since independence and the advent of co-education, both, in my view, eminently sensible and also helping to secure the School’s future, the operation of the
What were your teachers like?
School has changed completely. It also must have altered the attitude of both boys and
Most were very friendly and helpful,
girls towards each other and helped in their development and social skills.
especially if you did your best and respected them. This was especially so in the 5th year when we took our O levels. Once you reached the 3rd year they treated us like young men, not children. What are your memories of the Headmaster while you were at School? Warren Derry was Headmaster and in my opinion one of the best the School ever had. He was stern, but fair; had a great presence and had a wonderful sense of humour. Even now, Old Boys are fond of recounting stories of him and things he said and did. These are known affectionately as “Derryisms”. I know most of them! Did you ever misbehave at school? Me? Never! Well, on occasion, but never anything too drastic and I never came anywhere near being caned. Boys will be boys and that means things happen. The masters were pretty tolerant and so lines or detentions were the usual punishments.
Did your education at WGS help you in later life? Yes, immensely. For example, Geography and three school trips gave me an interest
Where was your favourite place at WGS?
in travel. Basics in conversational French, developed over time during family holidays,
Moreton’s Piece. I played for all the School
helped me get my last job as Financial Controller of a French-owned company requiring
football teams, including the 1st XI in my
frequent trips to head office in Paris. History started a life-long interest in 20th Century
last year. I loved sport, although I did enjoy
events, particularly the Great War and I have been visiting the Western Front annually for
most subjects.
over 25 years.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
17
In Fond Remembrance Jamie Rentoul OW 1982
academically brilliant too, gaining the top first in
Sadly passed away 1st July 2015.
Psychology at King’s College Cambridge in 1983.
My brother Jamie Rentoul, who died of cancer
Starting at the Department of Health, then known
aged 50, was a distinguished civil servant, but
as the DHSS, in 1986, he became speech writer
was modest about his brilliant career. It wasn’t
for Kenneth Clarke, then Secretary of State for
until he died that I realised just how important he
Health until 1990, when two things happened.
had been in so many of the important changes
The first was meeting Rowena, his future wife, at
in the NHS over the past 30 years, including the
a ceramic class at Morley College Lambeth and
campaign to change Britain from a country where
the second, the Conservatives deposed Margaret
lots of people smoked, everywhere, to one where
Thatcher, which meant Jamie was working for the
far fewer do. His family and friends mainly knew
new Health Secretary, William Waldegrave.
him as a wonderful companion, generous, witty and laid back.
In 1995 he and Rowena moved to California where he studied for an MBA at Stanford
Jamie and Rowena were married on a beach on
Born in Bangalore, where our father was a
University. On his return he became Deputy
Iona, Scotland, where we had stayed as a child
minister in the Church of South India and mother
Director and Acting Head of the Prime Minister’s
and where they and their son, Billy, and various
a teacher. We returned to Britain in 1969, first to
Performance and Innovation Unit under Tony
relations usually spent part of their summers.
Bristol and then Wolverhampton, where Jamie
Blair. He was Head of Strategy at the Healthcare
Jamie’s vast and intricate mazes have at one time
attended WGS. He was six years younger than
Commission, which became the Care Quality
covered every large stretch of sand in Iona, for
me, with sisters Sue and Brigid in between, but he
Commission, before returning to the Department
the children to navigate, and for the tide to wash
was more than my equal at absolutely everything.
of Health, latterly as Director of Health and Well
away. He is much missed by all his friends and
He could beat me at football, one against one
being – the sad irony being that he was working
family.
in our garden, and went on to be star of the
on improving early detection of cancer when he
football team at school and university. He was
was diagnosed himself.
John Rentoul - Brother and OW 1977
Philip Moore OW 1960
He was always supportive of the School, and
As is obvious, Philip was a man who enjoyed
Sadly passed away 23rd November 2014.
appreciated the great start in life that it gave him.
living a full and varied life. Yet he never sought
In recent years Philip was involved in overseeing
the limelight and was eminently satisfied to
With the passing of Philip Moore at the end
the organisation of the Association’s Annual
have contributed to the enjoyment of others, a
of 2014, the Association lost one of its true
Dinner, I was responsible for inviting the guests
contribution achieved in a quiet, understated way,
gentleman and someone who had contributed
and organising the bar, whilst he did all the hard
but with great success.
greatly to its success in the recent past and to
and tedious part.
whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. A quiet,
To the end, despite his failing health, Philip
unassuming man, Philip went about his work with
Philip’s love of music gave him immense pleasure
retained his dignity, his unshakable faith, his
the serene, confident air of someone who knew
and his talent was put to good use. It was a gift
humour and his resilience. He was, in so many
exactly what he was doing and would let nothing
which was passed on to his daughter Helena and
ways, a remarkable man and one whom we were
interfere with the success of whatever task he
his grandchildren. This was never more evident
proud to have called our friend.
was undertaking.
than when, at the funeral service of his beloved wife Pat, they played together. It was a moving
Philip went on to study Mathematics at Keble
experience, and an act of devotion and, indeed
College, Oxford, returning to Wolverhampton to
great, bravery.
Tony Phillips OW 1959
lecture in Business Studies at the Polytechnic.
Sadly Passed Away 2014 - 2015 Stephen John Pickering OW 1971
David Owen Jones OW 1941
Dr Christopher Ernest Upton OW 1972
Stanley Rogers OW 1943
It is with sadness that David Owen Jones passed
Sadly passed away 1st October 2015 at the age
Anthony Walker OW 1946
away on 11th February 2015, at the age of 88
of 61 years.
David R Whatley OW 1983
years.
Kenneth Squire OW 1942 Sadly on 25th November 2014, Kenneth Squire passed away in his 89th year.
18
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Nigel H Fanshawe OW 1929
Nigel won a place at Wolverhampton Grammar
He was a truly great man whose fundamental
Sadly passed away 6th February 2015.
School and shone as a mathematician. University
lessons were that selective education can
beckoned, but his family couldn’t afford it, this
transform individuals and transform a society, and
On Monday, I posted a birthday card to one of my
was 1929 and the state made little provision for
that inspirational teachers are born, not made, and
dearest and most admired friends. He was about
such luxuries. With characteristic determination he
must be cherished.
to turn 104. However, he never got to see the card,
won a scholarship to Cambridge, but when that
hours before his birthday he died, peacefully, with
wasn’t enough proceeded to win scholarships
his only surviving child, he had outlived the others,
from his school, county and charitable institutions.
at his side.
Graduating in 1932 with a first-class degree in Mathematics from Gonville and Caius College, he
Nigel Fanshawe was headmaster of my old
went on to work at Radley and Eton. But his heart
grammar school King Edward VI in Chelmsford
lay in selective education and aged 38 took over
Essex from 1949 to 1977. He was never simply a
King Edward VI. By the time his school celebrated
headmaster and personified why, 50 years ago,
its 400th anniversary in 1951, he had given it a new
the teaching profession was held in such high
sense of purpose and identity, and of rigor.
regard and individual teachers commanded huge respect. In his hands the School transformed the
Today, he would, I hope, have been called a
lives of thousands of boys, not just equipping them
‘super-head’ and given a knighthood. But in those
for the best universities but turning out young men
days exceptional teachers were taken for granted,
with proper values and deep sense of intellectual
though his boys never forgot him, nor he them, and
curiosity. He believed passionately in elites and
many of us became friends for life.
in excellence, but was no elitist. His great regret was that no government developed the idea of
He retired aged nearly 67, but such was his sense
the technical school properly to ensure a first-class
of vocation that he soon resumed work as a maths
education to children whose talents were not
teacher at an independent girls’ school in London,
academic ones.
stopping years later only when his headmistress
An extract from a tribute by Simon Heffer for the
found out his real age and, as he put it to me,
Daily Mail, the full article can be found at
‘feared I might drop dead on the premises’.
www.wgs.org.uk
the Christian Faith and he was told “Well, we can’t
undeniably proud. John eventually returned to
ordain you then”. Fortunately for John, David
the Wolverhampton area and was priest in charge
Jenkins, Bishop of Durham, himself somewhat
of Pattingham and Patshull for six years until he
Reverend John Ellerbeck Daimond OW 1956 Sadly passed away on 7th September 2015
outspoken on certain issues, was on the
retired in 2007. In a very short time he endeared
During his time at Wolverhampton Grammar
interviewing panel and he too had reservations
himself, not just to his parishioners but to a wide
School John became Head Boy. John went
about some of the said articles, stuck up for John,
cross section of the community.
to Durham University, briefly studying Maths
carrying the day.
before switching to Philosophy. After achieving a
He never used any notes, delivering his pointed
commendable 2:1 degree, he went to Rippon Hall
John was in the ministry for more than 50 years
and pithy sermons in his commanding and
in Oxford to study Theology.
including a period as an RAF chaplain, during
inimitable voice. His wit, his honesty, his humour,
which he served in many parts of the world
his sensitivity, his compassion, his charm and
John very nearly did not get ordained, when in
including the Middle and Far East. In 1989, then
above all his deep spirituality will be remembered
June 1963 he came before the Bishop of Lichfield,
based at Strike Command in High Wycombe,
by all who knew him.
Stretton Reeve, and apparently a bit of a stickler.
he was appointed Honorary RAF Chaplain
John couldn’t attest to belief in all 39 articles of
to Her Majesty the Queen, of which he was
Norman Levers OW 1953
Apologies Mike Astwick
Florence and Revered Leslie Morris
Jeffrey Fieldhouse OW 1964
It is with great sadness that we have to announce
Florence taught Mathematics from 1968 until
We published in the last edition of the Wulfrunian
the passing of former Head of Art, Mike Astwick
1970, and Leslie taught Chemistry from 1948 until
magazine that OW Jeffrey Fieldhouse had
at the age of 84. Mr Astwick leaves his wife
1952. Florence sadly passed away March 2012,
passed away. We would like to send our sincere
Margaret who also worked in the Art Department
and then after a short illness Leslie passed away
apologies for this misprint, and to inform all of his
here at Wolverhampton Grammar School.
March 2015.
peers that he is very much alive and well!
WULFRUNIAN 2015
19
Lest We Forget In the 2014 edition of the Wulfrunian we marked, along with the
thought it would be “all over by Christmas”. With that in mind we
rest of the world, the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the First
continue to remember our fallen Old Wulfrunians and the legacy
World War. A war that was to last four years even though many
that they left our students today.
Bookended in Blood by Russell Charlesworth ‘In the middle of the term we heard that our
Fifty miles to the south, at Arras in April 1916,
and Leonard Lawson of the 6th Battalion.
local Regiment had been heavily engaged
his brother Herbert died of wounds. There’s
William Sidney Mathie, a Lance Corporal in
… among the fallen were several Old Boys’.
a headstone partly dedicated to the Walters
the 5th Battalion, was severely wounded in
The Wulfrunian of December 1915 was right:
boys in Merridale Cemetery, and they featured
the head, and died at King George’s Military
the South Staffs’ attack on the Hohenzollern
in Dr O’Brien’s assembly about the parish of St
Hospital, London, on 27th May 1916. It was,
Redoubt on 13th October resulted in the death
Chad’s in WW1. The family’s loss was colossal,
without question, one of the darkest episodes
of five OWs on the same day, with another
but as we’ll see, far from unique.
in the history of the Grammar School. The
dying of wounds seven months later. At the
Hohenzollern Redoubt wasn’t captured until
very end of the school year, on 1st July 1916,
Between Ypres and Arras is the small northern
five, or possibly six OWs were killed on the
French town of Loos. This was the coal mining
first day on the Somme. If 1914-1915 had been
country of Zola’s ‘Germinal’, a landscape
Mercifully, it was a quieter winter. But like a
characterised by the urge to serve, 1915-1916 at
foreign yet familiar to the OWs who fought
bloodstain, the Great War seeps into the pages
WGS was truly a year bookended in blood.
here. With the Gallipoli campaign stalled,
of the ‘Wulfrunian’ and the consciousness
attention turned again to the Western Front,
of our school. The Cambridge Letter to the
These momentous events will be considered,
and the initial attack at Loos went well. True,
editors, a regular fixture in the magazine,
but the school magazines of 1915-1916 also
many British divisions were inexperienced,
speculates about Lord Derby’s scheme to
speak of a School in good heart, where
and there were problems with the cylinders
introduce conscription. The Debating Society in
the normal routines of work and play were
for dispensing poison gas (the gas blew back
December 1915 was witness to some vigorous
observed. In September, there was a ’record
onto the attacking infantry, and the cylinders
exchanges about Gallipoli: ‘Payne sought to
entry of sixty new boys’, and there’s a long list
were soon replaced with gas shells). The main
prove that the operations had been grossly and
of academic prizes awarded at Speech Day.
stumbling block to a decisive breakthrough
culpably mismanaged’, but Elliott ‘showed how
There’s a lively debate in the Wulfrunian about
was the heavily fortified Hohenzollern Redoubt,
the preoccupations of the Turks in the Gallipoli
the origins of the school, with Arthur F Leach
which protruded out menacingly into No
peninsula had acted as a shield for India’. There
contending that Sir Stephen Jenyns merely
Man’s Land from the German front line. 137th
was a lecture on British Field Guns by a Mr
took over and re-endowed a school that had
Brigade, including the 5th and 6th Battalions
Sankey in February 1916, and a poem about life
already existed for centuries. That doesn’t wash
of the South Staffordshire Regiment, attacked
in a dug-out from Corporal Edgar Oliver. The
with Gerald Mander, or with WGS exile Harry
at 2pm on 13th October 1915. W N Groves, at
War isn’t all pervasive. April 1916 lamented the
Hill Beckett, who trumpets the conventional
school 1907-1912 and now serving with the
sad death of ‘little Reidy’, a 14 year old virtuoso
date of 1512 in a poem penned in New Zealand.
6th Battalion, described what happened in a
violinist, from pneumonia. There’s the usual
In sport, G L Howell was ‘not a scientific
letter to the Wulfrunian: ‘Then came the eagerly
run of sports reports and even a good natured
footballer’, but the centre forward scored 21
awaited order - ‘Charge!’ The lads were over
dig at the Girls’ High for borrowing verbatim
times for the First XI, exactly half the WGS tally
with smoke helmets on their heads ready to
a phrase from the 1910 Wulfrunian. However
for the season. Notwithstanding any of this,
pull down at a moment’s notice, and bayonets
the July 1916 edition starts soberly: ‘It is by no
as the pages turn and the editions pass, the
gleaming; they looked like so many devils.
means an easy task to write the customary
reader is struck by the insidious and consuming
Of the horrors of this battle I will not write but
editorial when we are all thinking of far more
presence of the Great War.
only of the glory … Perchance some of my
serious things than school matters’. Those
readers have a relation or a friend who fell in
‘serious things’ were the battle of the Somme.
The December 1915 Wulfrunian turns the black-
that charge. They may take comfort that those
edged list of casualties from July’s edition into
who gave their lives died bravely - heroes - with
The plan for the Somme offensive, the events
faces. There’s a double page spread entitled
their faces to the foe’.
of that climacteric first day, and the days that
‘Pro Patria’, including the photograph of Alfred
20
1918.
followed, have long been argued over. This
Oswald Hall that featured on last year’s student
Of the two companies of the 5th Battalion
isn’t the place for a discussion of any of that.
planner. How striking and how poignant would
that got into Big Willie trench, adjacent to the
By July, Old Wulfrunians were serving all along
these pictures have been? Most of the OWs
Redoubt, every single officer and man was
the 18 mile front from which the ‘Big Push’ was
are photographed in uniform, but John Walters
hit as they tried to advance. Five OWs were
launched. Consequently, their battle experiences
is resplendent in his football kit. At school
killed that day, Leslie Gardner Shaw of the 5th
would have been very different, even if some of
1907-1910, he was the first to be killed during
Battalion, and Sydney Melville Butler, Edward
the outcomes were grimly similar.
the 1915-1916 school year, at Zillebeke, Ypres.
Arthur Cresswell, Basil Victor Bate Hewitson
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Six OWs lost their lives on 1st July 1916. Captain
The first day on the Somme was the bloodiest
short of his twentieth birthday. In an eight year
Thomas Baker, modern languages teacher at
day in British military history. It’s more famous
WGS career, the Wulfrunian writes that Cyril
WGS 1910-1912 and now serving with the 10th
than the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt,
Hurdman ‘had given himself unstintingly to all
Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, was killed
but for WGS no more merciful. And 1st July was
the pursuits of the School’. He was a cricketer,
in action at la Boisselle, towards the centre of
only the beginning; the battle would grind on
footballer and runner; a debater, a Librarian
the attacking front. His second in command
for another 140 days, into the mud and misery
and a scholar, who won a place at St. John’s
said subsequently ‘the tighter the corner our
of mid-November. By the end of July, Albert
College, Cambridge. He was Head Boy 1914-
company is in, the more we miss the able
Molineaux had been killed in a flying accident
1915, and Editor of this magazine. On 19th July
leadership and guidance of one who was
near London and six more OW’s perished on
1916, just a month after arriving in France, Cyril
loved and looked up to by us all’. Alfred Ernest
the Somme, in very different actions. Among
Hurdman, 2nd Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, Royal
Bendall, a private in the same battalion, was
them were Stephen Castle, killed by poison
Warwickshire Regiment, was killed in a night
killed on signalling duty. At the northernmost
gas at Mametz Wood, and Robert Herbert
action at Laventie.
limit of the offensive, the South Staffs were
Hoole, killed while acting as a stretcher bearer.
heavily involved, and Second Lieutenant
Frederick Norman Willcock was still at school
1915-1916 was the year in which the demands
Reginald Page fell while leading his platoon
when the war broke out, but by 1916 he was
of total war took their toll on WGS. The year
in a charge on Gommecourt Wood. Two other
a veteran of two engagements at Ypres, with
began and ended with terrible losses, in
South Staffs men killed in action were Private
the wounds to show for it. In the attack on
campaigns which failed to decisively break the
Horace Whitehouse, of the 5th Battalion, and
Contalmaison, towards the southern end of the
stalemate of the trenches. The school certainly
William Norman Groves, the author of that
Somme sector, he took responsibility for the
functioned, maybe even thrived at times, but
letter. Hubert Piper is included on the memorial
charge of the two leading platoons following
this was uncharted and challenging territory for
panels at the back of Big School, and he was
the loss of the other officers in his company.
OW’s at the front and the WGS community back
killed in France on 1st July 1916, but he isn’t
He was shot dead as he stood on the parapet,
home. After the Somme, they suspected, and
included in school admissions records.
calling for reinforcements. He was two days
we know, that there was much more to come.
Former Students Killed in Action During 1915 Armitage D W - 25th September 1915, aged 22
Hunt F H W - 27th September 1915, aged 22
Sims C E - 11th March 1915, aged 28
Butler S M - 13th October 1915, aged 22
Job B C K - 18th April 1915, aged 27
Smith L - 16th May 1915
Cresswell E A - 13th October 1915, aged 32
Lawson L - 13th October 1915, aged 19
Walters J - 11th September 1915, aged 22
Hall H G - 3rd May 1915, aged 21
Malet F L - 4th June 1915, aged 22
Wilkinson G B - 4th May 1915, aged 33
Hall A O - 3rd May 1915, aged 21)
Mould H G - 24th April 1915, aged 23
Winter A - 29th April 1915, aged 27
Hewtison B V B - 13th October 1915, aged 19
Shaw L G - 13th October 1915, aged 25)
Leslie Gardner Shaw (1901-1905)
Edward Arthur Cresswell (1895-1900)
Oswald Alfred Hall (1904-1907)
Frank Louis Malet (1908-1912)
Sec. Lieutenant, 1/5th S. Staff. Regt.
Captain, 6th Batt. S. Staff. Regt.
Nelson Batt, Royal Naval Div.
Lieutenant, 12th Batt. R.Warwick R.
Killed in the attack on the Hohenzollern
Killed in the attack on the Hohenzollern
Died of wounds received in action,
(Attached to 2nd Batt. Hampshire R.
Redoubt, Oct 13th, 1915
Redoubt, Oct 13th, 1915
May 3rd, 1915.
Killed in action, June 4th, 1915
Francis Henry Walter Hunt (1903-1911)
Adrian Winter (1898-1905)
John Walters (1907-1910)
Charles Edmonds Sims (1896-1900)
Captain, King’s Shropshire L. Inf.
Sergeant, N.Z. Exp. Force.
6th Batt. S. Staff. Regt.
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R, H.M.S “Bayano”
Wounded in action, Sep 25th, died in hospital
Killed in action, May 27th, 1915
Killed in action, Sep 11th, 1915
Lost with his vessel, March11th, 1915
Ledeghem, Sep 27th, 1915.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
21
Local School - Global Impact The impact of our School reaches far
and the West Midlands attracts investment
touch with as many OWs working and living
beyond the city, region and even the
from a global marketplace which in turn
overseas as possible. This map illustrates
UK. We are in touch with a global OW
brings with it new members to our School
where our contactable alumni are – but do
community in more than 30 countries
community. Students native to Germany,
you know different? Are you in touch with
worldwide. From Peru to the United Arab
Italy and Poland are currently studying at
someone in the Falkland Islands, Portugal
Emirates, Sweden to Thailand – the impact
School, adding even more to a School rich
or Russia? If you are, please let us know so
of our former students is truly global.
in diversity and culture.
that we can make sure everyone has the
Current students also come from diverse
In an ever-increasing global workforce, we
backgrounds and cultures. Wolverhampton
need your help to make sure we keep in
Australia
France
Luxembourg
Northern Ireland
South Africa
Switzerland
Austria
Germany
Malaysia
Norway
Scotland
Thailand
Bahamas
Greece
Mexico
Peru
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Belgium
Hong Kong
Netherlands
Philippines
South Africa
USA
Canada
Ireland
New Zealand
China
Spain
Channel Islands
Japan
Wales
Ireland
Sweden
opportunity to share School memories and reconnect with School.
Robert Zeps OW 1988 Former student Robert Zeps is now living
a rowing machine, weights machine,
training seriously. Robert added, “Without
in California . Thanks to his generosity, the
functional trainer, pull up/dip machine, wall
the enthusiasm and even competition
School has new facilities and an award that
mirrors, slam balls, rubber flooring mats
inspired by Mr. Johnson, we would not
exercises the mind as well as body.
and a plasma TV are all now installed.
have been as keen to stick with it. 30 years later I am still training hard. Though the
22
During 2014, Robert visited the School and
Robert wanted to give something back to
modalities have evolved and changed, the
made the decision to donate funds so that
School as a lasting legacy of how
spirit of being ‘better every day’ has stayed
the student gym could have a complete
Mr Johnson (JJ) had inspired both him and
with me.”
makeover. New equipment included
his brother, Nik to take strength and fitness
WULFRUNIAN 2015
OWs in the USA Established to provide a forum for US based OWs, former student Robin Cooper is President of the Old Wulfrunians in America. Our US former students also explore ways of supporting the School to ensure it can continue to meet the needs of students now, as it did when they were students.
Membership of OWs in the USA is open to all former students who are based in the USA. Working alongside Robin is Nigel Blower, another former student who is the Secretary of the charity. They are eager to hear from any former students with connections to the US. To learn more about the OWs in the USA or how you can support the School in other ways, contact development@wgs-sch.net or telephone: +44 (0)1902 421326
Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends Join the official Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends LinkedIn group. Network with fellow Old Wulfrunians and the wider School community both past and present, receive invites to networking events, School events and offer careers assistance and advice.
Alabama
Florida
Michigan
Texas
Alaska
Georgia
New Jersey
Utah
California
Illinois
New York
Virginia
Colorado
Indiana
Ohio
Washington
Connecticut
Maryland
Pennsylvania
A new treadmill has also now been
students wanting to undertake further study
installed in the gym thanks to the generous
of mathematics. Two awards of £1,000
fundraising efforts of the Friends of
for a boy and girl will be made available
Wolverhampton Grammar School.
for students in the Upper Sixth who can demonstrate how they would use the funds
Robert also wanted to celebrate the legacy
to support their study of mathematics (or a
of excellent academic tuition at School. In
related discipline) at university.
honour of his mathematics teacher, Robert has funded a new Graham Lewis award for
Robert Zeps pictured with his wife Diane.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
23
DID THE CLASS OF 2001 GO FORTH & CONQUER? The introduction to the Year Book of 2001 begins “This book is about paying homage to the great establishment that inspired you as a teenager to go forth and conquer”...
The next few paragraphs fall away into anecdotes and nicknames,
Nick Gray OW 2001
(accept for reunions!). We decided that since 15 years have passed
but the penultimate one makes reference to ten years’ time, the delights of laughing at the hilarious photos and of how lucky they will be not to have to look or see half the fools in there ever again we’d find out if they did just that. The following are extracts from the responses of our 2001 leavers and we are very grateful for their co-operation. To read the full articles please go to the alumni pages of the website or contact development@wgs-sch.net.
Richard White
Andrew Charles Smith
Richard currently makes bespoke industrial
Currently working as a Series Producer
style furniture and interior items for a
in television, Andrew studied French and
small company in Birmingham - Vintage
Italian at UCL before joining a graduate
Industrial Furniture. After a gap year and 12
scheme with a large production company.
years working for Waterstones Booksellers, where he progressed
He says that moving from show to show
to Store Manager, Richard took voluntary redundancy. After a
every four months places him constantly in
short time finishing renovations to his house, he took a diploma in
a variety of different places and situations,
carpentry and joinery, taught himself to weld and joined his current
with lots of weird and wonderful people and he’s lost any sense of
firm. Bespoke furniture orders it seems are not quite straight
what constitutes unusual! Career highlight to date was his first job
forward following a request for him and his colleagues to move an
as Series Producer on a live show for Sky. Favourite teacher Miss
old Mini Clubman shell and engine from one county to another!
Johnson (now Mrs Munson) for introducing him to Italy. Andrew
A requisition for the design and manufacture of a bespoke room
is about to make a new dating show for Channel 4, in which the
divider for a £1.6m loft apartment development in Birmingham has
contestants are totally naked… he says his parents are incredibly
been one of his proudest achievements to date.
proud!
Why not share some of your own images from your time at WGS with us? Email Gail or Katie at development@wgs-sch.net or share with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: t @WGS1512 - F Wolverhampton Grammar School Official 24
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Wolverhampton Grammar School
Emma Fisher (nee Tolley)
Jonathan Wood
Emma is currently on maternity leave after
Jonathan returned to WGS in 2007 to
having her third child Arlo and is hoping
support OpAL, and teach English and
to take a two year break with her children
Theatre Studies, he is also a form tutor and
before returning to her career as a Liaison
exams officer. After a brief foray in retail
Psychiatrist, possibly completing a Masters in Medical Education.
and administration after leaving university, Jonathan changed
Emma became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists after
direction and started his teaching career in Walsall. He says
completing her core psychiatric training in Oxford. In 2009 she took
returning to WGS to work alongside people who had taught him
the opportunity to spend a year out teaching psychiatry in Malawi, an
was unusual, however he feels it says a lot about the positive
amazing experience. Her favourite teacher had to be Miss Reeves
effect the School had on him as a student. Directing theatrical
her 1Q form tutor – for being kind, fair and quietly a bit wacky!
productions gives him the opportunity to indulge in his practical and creative side.
Me’sha Bryan
Hannah Lloyd
Now a professional vocalist, actress and
Hannah is currently completing a PhD
vocal coach, Me’sha was first talent spotted
at Kings College London supervised by
by producers from the Stanley House
Baroness Wolf of Dulwich and working
recording studio whilst performing at her
in a start-up executive search boutique
music school, Vocaltech, West London.
(executive recruitment/headhunting). She
She has gone on to work with UK and
graduated with a degree in Psychology in
international stars in music and television
2004, spent some time travelling around
including Kylie Minogue, Bryan Ferry and Russell Watson and
Latin America and joined a global executive search firm. Hannah
appeared on Later with Jools Holland and The Jonathan Ross
earned the nickname ‘Gandalf’ from one of her clients due to the
Show. Me’sha has performed in a few weird and wonderful places
unusual sequence of globe-trotting events to place him in his
from a giant bubble in Latvia to 6am on the Tube wearing a bowler
current role! Career highlights have been working in a start-up
hat advertising porridge! Career highlights have included the
company and in the non-profit sector fulfilling an ambition to work
Concert for Diana Wembley Stadium, vocal coaching on The Voice
in public service. She fondly remembers Mr Benfield – inspirational
and releasing her album ‘Maybe Today’. She fondly remembers
and compassionate.
Mr Pawluk, the late Mr Proverbs and Mrs Munson.
Why not share some of your own images from your time at WGS with us? Email Gail or Katie at development@wgs-sch.net or share with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: t @WGS1512 - F Wolverhampton Grammar School Official WULFRUNIAN 2015
Wolverhampton Grammar School 25
2015 OWA Annual Dinner
26
Big School was host to almost 200 former students and staff on
Association) presided over the evening and guests enjoyed a
Saturday 7th March for the Old Wulfrunians Association Annual
three course meal and after dinner speeches from former Head
Dinner. Mr Robert Purshouse (the outgoing President of the
Bernard Trafford and current Head Kathy Crewe-Read.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
Old Wulfrunians Association Welcome from Glyn Thomas President of the Old Wulfrunian Association The OWA Annual Dinner date is confirmed
Old Wulfrunians Sports and Social Club in
for Saturday 27th February 2016 and the
Castlecroft. Please feel free to join us to
booking information is included on the
share your memories and photographs.
School’s website and in this publication. This
To become a member please contact Nick
event serves as an opportunity for young
Phillips, contact details can be found in the
and old(er) members of our Old Wulfrunian
OWA section of the School website.
community to come together in Big School and we hope you can join us.
If you have not been in contact recently, I extend to you the warmest welcome.
There is a growing amount of activity around the Association with a number of smaller
Glyn Thomas OW 1959
events held throughout the year at the
Report from the Chairman The last twelve months have seen the
that football and cricket matches were
twelve months and I am pleased to
Association and School continue to
played by Old Boys long before that, and we
report that Dr Andrew Husselbee (1979)
work together to generate more alumni
continue to welcome new members all the
has agreed to become our next Vice
interest.
time. As well as the Annual Dinner, we hold
President. Some of you will have seen the
a number of smaller events throughout the
photograph in the Sports Hall reception
The Trustees have made further
year. Please visit our pages on the School’s
of Andy’s famous goal (one of two) at
investment in their Development Office
website for more information on how to
Wembley in the 1982-1983 Varsity Match.
with the aim of ensuring that more of us
contact the Association, it would be lovely to
What many of you won’t know is that he
than ever reconnect and keep in touch
see more of our younger alumni, particularly
also drove home from an Old Wulfrunians
and in turn continue to enhance the
our Old Girls as we have now been co-
game some years later, having failed to
institution we care so much about.
educational for over 30 years.
self-diagnose that he had in fact broken his leg!
The Association was officially established
I would like to thank my fellow OWA Officers
around 1922, although records indicate
for their time and dedication over the past
David Cooke OW 1978
2016 Old Wulfrunians Association Annual Dinner Saturday 27th February 2016 6.45pm - Big School Please RSVP to Stewart Ross (tel) 01902 846571 (email) stewart.sueross@gmail.com
WULFRUNIAN 2015
27
1990 Leavers 25th Anniversary by Nic Anderson Deputy Head OW 1990 The 2015 OWA dinner was the
a tour of the School and a drinks
perfect event to mark 25 years
reception in the new Derry
since the class of 1990 left WGS
Pavilion. We were pleased to be
for the big wide world. Emails
joined by some ex-staff, Messrs
were sent far and wide, Facebook
Trafford and Riley and some
speeches from Bernard Trafford
accounts were reactivated and
current ones as well. We then
and current Head, Kathy Crewe-
texts were delivered. The group
joined the other guests for dinner
Read. It was a fitting way to
who were able to attend, enjoyed
and were hugely entertained by
celebrate our 25 year anniversary.
If you were unable to attend last years reunion or would like to organise your own please contact Gail Evans (tel) 01902 421326 or (email) development@wgs-sch.net
Were you in the Class of 1991? 25th Anniversary Celebrations by Nick Berriman OW 1991 I am delighted to announce that 2016 is the turn of the 1991 leavers to celebrate their 25th anniversary. How time flies and it is incredible to think that so much time has passed since I and my fellow year mates left the School. It would be wonderful to think that as many of the 1991 leavers as possible will attend the event. It is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old School mates, renew friendships, see where our different paths have led us over the last two and half decades and to reminisce about our years at School. I hope to see you there! If you would like to attend the 2016 25th Anniversary Dinner for the 1991 leavers please contact Gail Evans (tel) 01902 421326 or (email) development@wgs-sch.net
28
WULFRUNIAN 2015
London Reunion Former students and staff now living or working in
It was wonderful to see so many former students
London and the South East were invited to a London
spanning many generations come together in one
Reunion on Thursday 26th February in the grand
place to share memories, photographs and copies of
surroundings of the Merchant Taylors’ Company.
the Wulfrunian together.
“It was so lovely of the School to have us
“A word of thanks for all the effort and hard work
and great to see old faces and new ones. Thank you
from you and your team for making the London
to you all, I had a really enjoyable evening.”
Reunion such a success.”
Georgie Baker OW 2011
David Hinde OW 1949
2016 London Reunion Thursday 25th February 2016 from 5.30pm to 9pm
King’s Gallery & Drawing Room, Merchant Taylors’ Company, 30 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8JB OW’s and staff from all years are invited to join us at the
Why not bring along old photographs or documents of
2016 London Reunion. The evening offers opportunities to
your time at WGS to share with our guests and fellow
network and reunite with old friends and teachers.
alumni. Please RSVP to secure your place.
If you would like to attend the 2016 London Reunion please RSVP to Gail Evans (email) development@wgs-sch.net or (tel) 01902 421326
WULFRUNIAN 2015
29
Holidaying Down Memory Lane - 1967 Style by Andrew Skidmore OW 1971 We made sure no-one was about, and then went down the long
trip. It is the same hotel, though now completely rebuilt.
platform to the machine. We found a few francs and soon we were proud possessors of two four inch cigars, of a kind perhaps only
Once Sue and I had discovered a Swiss holiday that seemed to
found at the station. It was 1967. We made our way back to the
replicate much of my school trip, the search was on for the notes of
hotel for dinner before we were missed, for – was it – scrag end of
the journey that each of the boys were given after returning home
lamb? The cigars came in later, along with our attempts to buy ‘une
in 1967. Twelve months or so later, that fantastic moment when they
biere, s’il vous plait’.
emerged from the loft, just before we were off!
A lot of people were about as it was the rush hour, but there were
Apparently on Tuesday 28th March 1967 we left Wolverhampton
no machines on the station. No-one would much care if we did
at 10.49am on the ‘new two hour electric express’ to Euston,
want a cigar, but we don’t smoke now. It was 2015. We made our
before lunching at the Chatham Room overlooking Victoria Station,
way back to the hotel for dinner in the rather good restaurant.
taking the boat train to Dover, and crossing on M.V. Reine Astrid to Ostend. Then we proceeded overnight in ‘couchettes’ via Bruges
The hotel was the Hotel Astra in Vevey, on the north east shore of
and Brussels arriving in Basel for breakfast, before going onward
Lake Geneva, the ‘Swiss Riviera’. However in 1967 the hotel had
via Berne, Gstaad, and Montreux to Vevey arriving at 14.28pm. No
been the Hotel Touring et Gare, where a party of eager 3rd and
Eurostar then!
4th years from the grammar school had stayed for an Easter school
Stanley Loweth OBE – 100 Not Out! Stanley Charles Loweth was born on 14th December 1914, just a few months after Archduke Franz Ferdinand was murdered in Sarajevo which presaged the start of the First World War. That is something we have all learned about in history lessons and seems lost in the mists of time but our friend Stan, in his own life, bridges the gap between that and the present day. For someone to celebrate his 100th birthday is a momentous occasion but to remain so mentally sharp is remarkable. I have been privileged to get to know him quite well over the last few years and he was 60 when I joined the Rotarians. He has, of course, simultaneously celebrated his centenary and 60 years as a Rotarian. The phrase ‘a lovely man’ is probably overused but in Stan’s case it is a perfect description. I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He has inspired loyalty and affection in those who have
Stan was married for many years to the late Dorothy and has two
worked for and with him and that still continues.
sons. One grandchild, Holly, is a talented musician and has been selected to continue her musical education in America. Family has
He joined the TSB on leaving Wolverhampton Grammar School and
always been important to Stan and has been central to his life.
rose from a junior counter clerk to General Manager. In recognition of his service to the savings movement he was appointed a Member
Suffice it to say our Rotary Club has been fortunate to have him as
of the Most Noble Order of the British Empire. He did his time in the
a member and I have been privileged to have him as a friend. As he
army and, in addition to everything else he has served the Masonic
starts his second century we wish him well.
movement with great distinction, holding important positions at local,
David Berriman OW 1952
district and national level.
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There followed a number of visits to Lake Geneva, a boat cruise
showing enormous patience and organisational skill, and then
past the Chateau de Chillon (pictured courtesy of Werner Kratz),
taking the trouble to give each of us a detailed written resume of
to Mont Pelerin, Evian-Les-Bains, Chamonix, Les Pleiades, and
where we had been and what we had done. Without that I don’t
Rochers De Naye before the trip moved onto its second base in
think I would have remembered more than a small part of our visits
Pontresina.
and activities.
It was fascinating to try and remember some or any of these
He probably had little thanks from us at the time, but I think he
places, though I have to admit I didn’t remember much or very
must have left a lasting and lifelong impression on all those who
many of those who came on the trip. Unfortunately cameras were
went on his trips. If anyone is interested I have Mr Noel’s notes of
different in those days and I only have a few rather blurred black
the 1967 Vevey and Pontresina trip, and of the 1968 trip to Martigny
and white prints of nothing in particular! Perhaps there are others
and Lugano. The official reports can be found in the Wulfrunians
who went who have something better?
of January and July 1968 for those of you with a comprehensive library of those publications!
The trip was one of I assume many led by Mr Noel (‘creep’ to us) and his wife, accompanied on this occasion by Mr Williams (‘taffy’) and his wife. Looking back now I think what a good man Mr Noel
If you would like to get in touch with Andrew Skidmore regarding Mr
must have been, taking the unruly party of boys in the first place,
Noel’s notes, please email Gail Evans at development@wgs-sch.net
Tom Sage Celebrates 100th Birthday! We were delighted to hear from Rob MacIntyre Smith (leavers date), of the OWA Tasmanian branch, that his old school friend Tom Sage would be celebrating his 100th birthday on 12th November 2015. The family celebrated in style with Tom pulling up at the birthday venue in a bright green 1930s Ford open roadster looking, we are told relaxed, composed and ‘dapper’! Forty-six guests including family, friends and carers from his home, gathered together for the celebrations, which were only marred by the absence of Tom’s beloved wife Marion who had passed away earlier in the year. To mark this special occasion the School had sent Tom a few gifts and Rob seemed
held very happy memories, that he was proud of his association with Wolverhampton Grammar
to think that these were more valued by
School and that he remained so very British even after so many years living in Australia.
him than the letter from Her Majesty. Tom’s daughter Marion contacted the School on
Tom is truly an inspiration to many as he is remarkable for his age. There cannot be many
her father’s behalf after the event and he
Old Wulfrunians who are members of this exclusive group and congratulate Tom on his
had told her that the first 30 years of his life
splendid achievement.
had been spent in Wolverhampton and they
Extracts from an article by Rob MacIntyre OW 1949
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OW Sports Festival 2015 Yet again, it was great to see so many of you come back to School in September to take part in the Old Wulfrunians’ Sports Festival.
The annual golf tournament followed by a
Don’t forget to make a note of next year’s
Saturday of competitive netball and football
festival: Friday 9th September at South
was rounded off with an evening dinner
Staffordshire Golf Club and Saturday 10th
in Big School. The festival brought back
September at School. Contact the School
scores of OWs to reminisce with teachers
for more details.
and current students.
If you would like to attend the 2016 Sports Festival on Saturday 10th of September please get in contact with Gail Evans (tel) 01902 421326 or (email) development@wgs-sch.net
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Junior School News One of WGJS’ latest recruits, Dan Peters
responsibility for the smooth running of the
joins Andrew Hymer and the Junior School
School (as well as extra-curricular activities), Dan
team as Deputy Head after 5 successful
is accustomed to ensuring that schools run like
years as Deputy Head and Director of
clockwork. Dan’s vision is to enable every child
Music at King’s Hawford, Worcester. His
to reach and exceed their potential in all they
teaching specialisms are music and maths,
do, spurred on by the confidence, and love of
and he has a particularly keen interest
collaboration, gained through performing both
in the Performing Arts. With specific
on and off the stage.
Roald Dahl Chocolate Challenge Day
Pancake Racing Pancake racing is a time honoured tradition at the Junior School, not just to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, but a great
Year 4 celebrated fifty years since the release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Jenyns Library. The children dressed for the occasion with costumes ranging from Willy Wonka to Umpa
excuse to have some fun!
Lumpas and were challenged to design their own wild and wacky chocolate bar.
Donations Rush in for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal Students, staff, businesses and the local community responded tremendously to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal.
Celebrating Diwali
In just over 24 hours, the School collected over 3,000 items.
The Junior School children, parents and staff celebrated Diwali
Volunteer for charity Hope and Commission, Manni Kaur
and raised funds for the Hope and Compassion Charity during
from the School, together with Khalsal Aid arranged for all
November.
the collected items to be flown out of London. The items arrived in Nepal just 72 hours after the initial appeal.
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Old Vicarage Residential
Let’s Get Creative
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone taking part in the annual
The Junior School’s ‘Festival of Ideas’ provided the perfect
residential camp at the Old Vicarage. The Junior School children
opportunity for the children to learn more about World War I in a
had a great time and enjoyed all that the residential had to offer,
creative and imaginative way. The sessions included exploration of
including the mud!
artists’ interpretations of the war with the children then recreating their own pieces of art.
Festival of Sport The Junior School was host to a number of local schools in May for their first ever Festival of Sport. Many thanks to Miss Trevor and Mrs Barnett who worked so hard to coordinate the event and we
A Perfect Evening for a Summer Concert
hope to see it become a regular fixture for all the schools involved.
The Hutton Theatre was the perfect setting for the Junior School’s Summer Concert in June. There was really something for everyone including Choir performances, Wind Band, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Junior School Dance Club, Flute Trio, Jazz and String Duos!
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Senior School News The School continues to offer a wide range of extra and
Club, Ukulele Ensemble, Circuits, Fencing to Running, Debating
co-curricular activities, clubs, societies, trips, international
and Climbing Clubs, Warhammer and Chess, as well as academic
expeditions and sport tours. Current students and staff have access
extension through STEM activities, Political Forum and War Room.
to over 70 clubs and societies ranging from a String Orchestra, Craft
The following pages detail just some of the year’s highlights.
Sixth Formers get a Taste for Coffee Godfrey’s Coffee is a non-profit business selling coffee to UK consumers and was formed in 2013 by a group of students following a trip to Bwikasa, a rural village in Eastern Uganda. All profits are returned to Uganda to aid the village’s development and in October last year a group of Sixth Formers had an opportunity to visit Masteroast, the UK coffee roasting company who prepare and package the beans for them. The trip to Masteroast gave our students a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the many different
For more information or to place an order go to their Facebook
components that make up a cup of coffee!
page Godfrey’s Coffee or email godfreyscoffee@wgs-sch.net
Midlands German Network at Aston University
Greenpower
Organised by Professor Stefan Manz at Aston University, students
This year saw the launch of Greenpower, a project specifically
from Years 10 and 11 were involved in a question and answer
aimed at our Sixth Form. The initiative involved the construction and
session with prominent German nationals from the business and
modification of an electric car to be raced against other schools
educational sectors. It was an informative and enjoyable event,
and colleges across the country. Whilst Greenpower is a Sixth Form
with our students being made aware of the value of studying not
activity, the staff have modified some of the challenges facing the
just German, but any modern foreign language.
team and incorporated them within the Lower school’s STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) club projects to inspire our younger students to keep the project live going forward. We look forward to
French Work Experience During Easter, French work experience students joined the younger WGS ‘exchangers’ to travel to Savenay in north western France. The group included students from Year 11 to the Upper Sixth, all keen to
seeing the results of their efforts at Goodwood in June 2016.
Fundraising Committee
improve their French and gain valuable experience working abroad.
A fantastic and successful year for the Fundraising Committee
Hosted by families from Collège St. Joseph, the students worked
under Mr Uppal’s guidance who raised just over £3,500 throughout
in a range of placements during the day and spent their evenings
the year for ‘McMillan Cancer Support’, ‘Delete Blood Cancer’,
‘en famille’. The trip was a great success, the students returned with
‘Children’s Society’, ‘Crisis’, ‘Lords Meade Uganda’, ‘Hope and
increased confidence and gained excellent exam results.
Compassion’, ‘Cancer Research UK’ and ‘DEC Nepal’.
Planet Earth but not as we know it! Big School had an unexpected visitor during the Autumn term with the arrival of the Earth Balloon. The larger than life teaching resource provided an “out of this world” experience for Lower School Geographers, allowing them to experience and learn all about physical geography from a rather unusual and alternative perspective! continents, time zones and plate tectonics. They even had the
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The Earth Balloon provided the perfect opportunity for our
chance to see the world from the inside out, as a whole class could
students to appreciate the scale and shapes of different
fit in the globe in one go!
WULFRUNIAN 2015
French Exchange
A New Window in Big School for Andy Proverbs
Normally the hour’s wait greeting students and parents
The School have commissioned Ark Stained Glass - specialists in
between 12.30 and 1.30am for the Savenay coach is
the design, manufacture, conservation and restoration of stained
pleasant, but this year was the exception. Mr Johnstone and
glass, to design and install a new stained glass window in Big
Mr Ramond-Barker, stood waiting with no shelter sharing
School to help us, and future generations remember our late
Thermos coffee mixed with rain water.
Director of Music, Andy Proverbs. A beautifully designed window that will sit next to the Big School stage feels like a fitting tribute
As always the School was welcomed warmly and treated to
to someone who had such an impact on our School. It will be
a rich programme of activities from the superb Escal ‘Atlantic
designed to both fit with the existing windows and include design
liner museum at Saint Nazaire, Guérande market, lessons at
elements that will make it a window truly personal to Andy.
the collège, international football and Tépacap, Pornic and the coast to Branféré animal park. The most valuable part of
The cost of the new window will be around £4,500-£5,000. If you
the trip, as every year, was the time our students spent with
would like to contribute towards this lasting tribute, please contact
their French families, building friendships and extending and
the School for more details email: development@wgs-sch.net
consolidating their French. Your contribution (no matter how large or small) will help us provide this lasting tribute to Andy and all benefactors will receive a very personal thank you and a unique token of appreciation as your own special memory of your gift to the School.
Go Offline and Online with the New Look Jenyns Library
The Jenyns Library is busier than ever. Open to students and staff from 7.30am to 5.30pm (5pm on Fridays) It’s the place to be if you’re an early riser, or just looking for somewhere to go at lunchtime or after school. Homework Club is a firm favourite for lots of students and we know that it provides reassurance for anyone who needs just a little extra support with a piece of work. Many thanks to all our teachers who give up their time to help out with makeover has also brightened up the space making it feel more
Homework Club – it does really make a difference.
spacious – which is just as well given how popular it is! Something else that has made a difference to visitors to the library this year has been the summer refurbishment work. Working with
It’s not just the ‘physical’ space that has changed. New online
Senior Librarian Zoe Rowley and Duncan McAllister, students were
resources have provided students with access to the latest
involved in designing the new look library which includes round
research guides and homework support from any location.
tables for group study, comfortable seating areas to promote
Students can also submit online book reviews, view recommended
reading for pleasure, durable shelving and new computers. A new
reads and get free access to a virtual library of eBooks and events.
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One Small Step for Peter,
One Giant Leap for WGS Sixth Form student, Peter Lloyd, became the first Wolverhampton Grammar School student to send an object into the stratosphere. The project was inspired by a Geography module on Extreme Climates and a challenge to create an experiment that would combine interests from all his chosen A Level subjects (Geography, Physics and Maths) for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The weather balloon was equipped with a state-of-theart GPS tracker and Go Pro HD camera, with thanks to additional project funding from the School and captured some truly stunning pictures from the stratosphere. A clipped video of the balloon’s flight is available to watch on the news pages of the School’s website www.wgs.org.uk
When Mervyn King and the BBC Came to Visit School Former student Mervyn King (OW 1966) returned to School with BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. Lord King was due to join House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, comedian Lenny Henry, Baroness Butler-Sloss and former Everything But The Girl singer Tracey Thorn as guest editor for the programme during December. His visit reflected on his experiences at WGS, the culture, the people and how it encouraged him to pursue his sport and academic interests and included interviews with students and the Head, Kathy Crewe-Read.
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Special Guests Celebrate Prizegiving The annual Junior and Senior School
Students are nominated by staff for awards
a career as a Director of Research in a
Prizegiving events provide an annual
that explore a range of skills and abilities
large hospital in Australia. I have a PhD
opportunity to celebrate some of the
including individual academic achievement,
and get to travel the world doing a job I
brightest and best contributions made by
progress, overall contribution, coursework,
love.”
our students throughout the year.
public speaking, acting, music and sport.
This year’s celebrations were held in
Senior School prizes were awarded by
June. Big School was host to the Junior
alumnus guest of honour Dr Nik Zeps.
School’s event with St Peter’s Collegiate
Nik was a student between 1981-1988.
Church, followed by drinks and canapés at
Speaking recently, Nik commented
Wolverhampton Art Gallery providing the
“Wolverhampton Grammar School gave
perfect venue for Senior School students,
me choices. I went on to study Medicine
families and teachers to come together.
at King’s College, London and now have
National Engineering Scholarships
Triumph Design Award
Tom Grainger, Frances Hopson and William
and experience of engineering. The awards
Upper Sixth student Ellen Stimpson
Core were awarded sought-after Arkwright
are respected by leading universities
reached the final of the National Triumph
Engineering Scholarships identifying them
and employers and supported by top
Design Awards in July. Simon O’Malley,
as some of the country’s future leaders in
engineering organisations such as Rolls-
Head of Design and Technology, reported
engineering and technical design.
Royce, BAE Systems, National Grid, Balfour
on her fantastic achievement amongst so
Beatty, Microsoft Research, Thales, The
many strong entries and how hard she had
The scholarship provided the students
Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy and the
worked to create such a strong piece of
with a £600 financial award and a range of
Institution of Engineering and Technology.
design.
activities to enhance their understanding
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Wolverhampton Grammar School Welcomes Award Winning Authors Our inspiring Senior Librarian, Zoe Rowley, has continued her mission to expand the WGS Library Service programme of events. Zoe’s aim was to encourage our students, whatever their age, to read for pleasure, support research development and provide them with opportunities to meet authors, poets and storytellers. This year’s visitors included: Jamie Thompson - Author of the best-selling Dark Lord series discussed with both parents and pupils his journey to becoming a published writer.
Sally Gardner - Award winning British writer who achieved a Carnegie Award for her book ‘Maggot Moon’ which told the story of a young hero with dyslexia named Standish Treadwell. Empire Faith and War: Sikhs in WWI - Working with Russell Charlesworth, Head of History, former student Ajit Juss put the School in touch with the UK Punjab Heritage Association and Giovanni Esposito - Former Birmingham Poet Laureate Giovanni,
with their assistance the library hosted a travelling exhibition
also known as Spoz, in May ran rhyme and poetry workshops for
celebrating the contribution of Sikh soldiers during World War I.
Years 6, 7 and 9. Robert Rigby - As part of World Book Day staff and students John Edgar - Our Years 3 and 4 were joined by visiting families on
worked with Robert and learned all about his varied career as a
Junior School open morning for a series of performance workshops
writer from scripts for Thomas the Tank Engine to a commission for
by storyteller John.
sports books for the 2012 London Olympics.
Warwick Castle Our Year 7s were treated to a tour of Warwick Castle towers and walls, an archery demonstration (learning about the many different types of bow and arrow and their devastating consequences!), museum full of inventions, hawk display and the Kingmaker exhibition. This exhibition was a journey into the era of Richard Neville, Kingmaker or Earl of Warwick, and his preparations for battle in the midst of the Wars of the Roses and the air in the museum was filled with the sounds of men preparing for battle.
Students Relay from Coast 2 Coast Raising Money for Dementia UK
Stepping back into Victorian times
The first weekend of the Whitsun break saw a team of dedicated
40
Year 9 took a step back in time to the Industrial Revolution during
Year 10 students run across the country for the annual Coast 2
a visit to the Black Country museum. The trip was an opportunity
Coast relay to raise money for Dementia UK. The gruelling 187
for our students to experience everyday life in Victorian times
mile relay followed Wainwright’s famous walking trail through three
from school lessons using blackboards and chalk, a trip on a canal
spectacular National Parks starting at St Bee’s Head in Cumbria
barge, the harsh working conditions of coal miners and design and
and finishing twenty four and a half hours later (a new school
craftsmanship of chain makers.
record) in Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire.
WULFRUNIAN 2015
A Level Geography Residential Trip “We left no stone unturned” Our A Level geographers’ residential field trip took them to the
for the brave, who were decked out in dashing wetsuits, a spot of
wonderful little town of Bude, North Cornwall. They travelled along
surfing in the Cornish sea. The trip was rounded off by a visit to
the Atlantic Highway to the dramatic anticlines and synclines of
Rosie’s Kitchen with recitals of poems written by the students of
Hartland Quay (a fetching hard hat photo opportunity), MiIlook and
their trip exploits and a presentation to Mr Baker of a fishing rod for
Sandymouth Bays for stone measuring. They travelled to the quaint
taking the ‘bait’.
town of Boscastle to investigate the impact of the 2004 floods and to see how the town has mitigated against further potential flood
The trip had the right balance of ingredients, educationally
damage and to see the sea caves and arches at the well-known
valuable, but most importantly the students and staff had great fun.
Bossiney Cove. It wasn’t all work though with opportunities for stomp rocket and sand sculpture competitions (Mr Hughes presided as judge) and
German Exchange Exchange experiences are not just about language and culture, but lifelong friendships and memories, this trip was no exception. The link with Ratsgymnasium Stadthagen and Mrs Petra Grigat-Bradley, who organised the entire exchange, provided ten of our students with opportunities and experiences never to be forgotten. From walking through the Bradenburg Gate in Berlin, visiting the Berlin Wall museum Mauermuseum, the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, to the afternoons sitting in Eiscafes and munching on Spaqhettieis.
Students Win National Engineering Award and Boost Local Business Two WGS teams collected awards at the national Engineering and
their prototype. Enormous thanks went to Marston’s Aerospace for
Education Scheme celebration day in Birmingham in April. The
giving our students this fantastic opportunity.
event was the culmination of weeks of practical support, including a residential at Birmingham University’s Engineering Department,
Both teams picked up Gold Crest Awards and with the Ansaldo
given to companies from a field of ninety schools.
group collecting ‘Best in Show’.
There were two teams from Wolverhampton Grammar School, one supporting Marston’s Aerospace and their challenge was to produce a universal jig that would aid the manufacture of heat exchangers on their production line. The second group supported Ansaldo NE, a local company decommissioning nuclear silos and their brief was to design a remote rope deployment system for the extraction of nuclear waste. Students had an opportunity to see first-hand how engineers design and develop. The highlight of the project was a three-day residential at Birmingham University Engineering department where they built
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A Tale of Two Exchanges The Autumn term welcomed Italian exchange students from the High School – ITC Camillo d’Errico. The twenty eight students, aged between 14 and 16, were given a taste of what life would be like at WGS, before departing for a few days in London. Their visit included a bonfire night experience, visit to the Mayor’s office and authentic vintage English afternoon tea. Rachel Munson, Italian teacher at the School, organised the exchange along with a supportive cast of host families. The Spring term saw part two of the Italian
il Monumento a Vittorio Emmanuele and of course designer shops lining Via Condotti,
exchange with our students setting off for
the group travelled down to Palazzo San Gervasio in Basilicata to meet their host families.
Rome and a two day sightseeing adventure
Time was spent in the Italian link school and visiting the stunning Matera. With a heavy
in the beautiful sunny capital. After
heart (and full tummies) the group bade a tearful farewell.
sampling the delights of Roman culture (and ice cream) including the magnificent
The two groups have created long-lasting links and some members have even met up again
Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Vatican, Forum,
already. Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro… making a true friend is like finding treasure.
STEM Club
Political Forum
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) club for
Sixth Form Government and Politics students are tackling current
Years 7 and 8 was set up by a group of students now in our Upper
political events, culminating with Josh Marchant (2015) and Jacob
Sixth. With support from teaching staff the group’s aim was to
Stokes (2015) chairing the WGS mock elections in May. Josh
get more students enthused about the different components
Marchant was praised by the Head as a young ‘David Dimbleby’
of an engineering project in four subject areas encouraging
due to his fair-handling of the election hustings. The Conservative
independent learning; teamwork; logical thinking as well as
candidate Isobel Jones won decisively as was the case for the
developing creativity. The ‘parachute’ challenge produced the
Conservatives in the actual election. We look forward to the
most success with students tasked with protecting a chocolate
endeavours of our new chairs Jack Price-Darbyshire and Leo
egg thrown out of the first floor window of the Design Technology
Jackson.
department from smashing on impact with the ground. All eggs survived the impact but not our students!
From Bunny Slopes Adventure Sport Weekend Year 8 and 9 students had a brilliant zip-wiring and gorge walking. A great to Wipe Outs weekend in May in the Snowdonia
time was had by all and hopefully a taste
February half term saw 39 very excited
National Park travelling to the Towers
for the outdoors and adventure sport
students from Year 7 to Lower Sixth travel
Outdoor Centre for a weekend of
was about to take hold.
to Flachau in Austria for a week of skiing.
abseiling, canoeing, kayaking,
Within two days the beginners’ group were at the top of the mountain and skiing with confidence. With fantastic conditions, quality instruction and cloudless skies, the added bonus of no injuries, all had an amazing time.
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Duke of Edinburgh
The Battlefields
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has grown
to navigate the long uphill walks, narrow
In July, a group of students set off for three
rapidly in recent years at WGS. Over 80%
steep paths and cold nights.
days in France and Belgium. They returned
of our Year 10 pupils now start the bronze
with an in-depth understanding of how WWI
award and about 25 students in the Sixth
The Duke of Edinburgh Award shows that
affected millions, not just those who died,
Form take on Gold. Groups of our Year
participants have the skills, determination
but also those the fallen left behind. The trip
11s and Lower Sixth headed for qualifying
and mentality to really succeed and despite
included visits to museums, memorials and
expeditions to the Peak District and Long
all the hardship arriving at their destinations
cemeteries, all bringing the war to life.
Mynd using their compass-bearing skills,
after a year’s work gave our students a real
expertise in tent pitching and team work
sense of pride.
The most touching moment for the group was laying a wreath for the WGS soldiers who fell in the attack on Hohenzollern Redoubt in 1915. The memorial to the missing at Thiepval illustrated the sheer scale of the losses – the names shown were only those of the missing, not even those known to have died. The group visited both allied and German cemeteries, the German graves marked by grey stone crosses and stretching as far as the eye could see. The trip was an incredible opportunity to learn about and truly understand the impact of WWI.
Uganda Expedition This summer saw 16 students complete an ambitious and highly
national reputation. A follow-up donation has since been sent
successful 17-night expedition to Uganda combining hard work,
and work is now complete and has been transformational.
adventure and adrenaline! First stop was our partner school Lords Meade Vocational College (LMVC) where they spent several days
The second part of the trip included white-water rafting on the
immersing themselves in school life, but also to donate £1000 for
Nile, horse-back riding, big-game spotting on safari in Queen
their long-awaiting basketball court. This project would improve
Elizabeth National Park and viewing mountain gorillas in their
both the sporting life of the students and the School’s local and
natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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Art Art at Wolverhampton Grammar School
With an incredibly busy and exciting year
If you would like to attend any of our
has been in the top 2% nationally for exam
of events the following articles represent
future events please contact Gail Evans
results for over ten years. This is testament
just a snap shot of Art at Wolverhampton
(email) development@wgs-sch.net
to the value the School paces on creative
Grammar School for 2014-2015. Please feel
arts, the expertise of our specialist teachers
free to get in contact if you would like to
and the hard work of our students.
here more.
Forged In Metal The Viner Gallery won host to a public exhibition of Year 9 work in celebration of the industrial heritage of the Black Country Museum. Visitors to the exhibition included the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Mel Weatherley, Head of Learning at the museum. The exhibition included two original oil paintings on loan from Wolverhampton Art Gallery by Edwin Butler-Bayliss entitled ‘In the Black Country’ and ‘Black Country Skyline’.
Red By Night Ten of our Year 9 students represented
this special event saw the museum bring
the School at the Black Country Living
Elihu Burritt’s famous quote to life as it
Museum’s ‘Night at the Museum’
transformed into a glowing plethora of
celebrations.
smoke and fire.
Famously described as ‘black by day, red
The students exhibited drawings, prints and
by night’, the Black Country was once an
paintings, previously shown at the Viner
industrial powerhouse like no other and
Gallery’s ‘Forged in Metal’ public exhibition.
Grace Gelder OW 2001 Former student, photographer and filmmaker, Grace Gelder, returned to school to exhibit some of her acclaimed photographer. The London based artist works with a large range of professionals, models and organisations to inspire individual and social transformation. Students were inspired by her work and it was great to see how a former student has become a successful commercial artist.
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2016 Open Events ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’
44th Annual Art Exhibition
This eclectic exhibition is presented by a diverse group of contemporary artists,
The Viner Gallery was host to the 44th
exploring a wide-range of themes and ideas.
Annual Art Exhibition on Saturday 4th July.
Thursday 21st January 7.30pm - 9pm
Students’ work representing AS, A Level,
Tuesday 26th January 4pm - 6pm
Year 9 “Red by Night” pieces and the Junior
Saturday 30th January 10am - 1.30pm
School Art Competition winner from the “Festival of Ideas” week were all on display
‘Heavy Metal’ Art and the Black Country
to an appreciative audience. We hope you can join us in July for our
Our Year 9 artists will be exhibiting work
45th Annual Art Exhibition.
based on their visit to the Black Country Museum with the History Department.
To attend an event contact Gail Evans (email) development@wgs-sch.net
Thursday 25th February 7.30pm - 9pm Wednesday 2nd March 4pm - 6pm
National Parliament Week November saw Wolverhampton Art Gallery
fascinating programme, where the
host a special series of events for National
students were challenged to produce
Parliament Week. Art students from years
work in different ways and to engage in
8 and 10 attended special workshops with
the dialogue between politics and the
artist illustrator Rob Conway, responding
visual arts.
to work on show at the gallery. It was a
45th Annual Art Exhibition Showcasing the best work from our Senior School students and prize winners from our Junior School students. Saturday 2nd July 12pm - 3pm To attend any events contact Gail Evans (email) development@wgs-sch.net
Line and Surface Last summer the Viner Gallery was
David and Jenny Gunning and our own
transformed into a stunning exhibition
Upper Sixth, showcased how seamlessly
space for the touring exhibition “Line and
our students work could sit alongside that
Space”. The old space was cleared, walls
of professional artists. Selected pieces of
removed and existing artwork re-hung
artwork were available for purchase.
around the School to make way for the transformation.
If you would like to learn more about exhibiting work in the Viner Gallery please
This collaborative public exhibition of original
contact Mr James Millichamp, Head of Art
pieces by Shropshire commercial artists
(email) jjm@wgs-sch.Net
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Drama
Rapunzel Superb casting and direction by the English Department’s Mr Payne and Mr Benfield ensured a run of outstanding performances during the Lower School’s contemporary adaptation of Rapunzel.
Theatre Studies Performances The Summer term saw the brilliant Theatre Studies performances of our Upper Sixth in their original production of ‘Nothing the Matter Here’ and Lower Sixth in ‘Medea’.
Coming Soon...
Great Expectations 10th - 13th February 2016 An exciting dramatization of Dickens’ classic novel bringing alive the array of colourful and eccentric characters in this moving and occasionally hilarious tale. Tickets will be on sale from School from January.
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Twelfth Night Set in Ireland and using a variety of traditional folk songs to punctuate the action, this production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night again demonstrated the wonderful depth of acting talent the School has developed over the years. Our senior actors didn’t just manage to play their characters, they brought them to life in such a way that within moments we had forgotten these were student actors and were completely captivated by the brilliance of the performances and production.
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Music Live Show in Support of Uganda Big School was alive with music and celebration in May as artists from the city’s Seventh-day Adventist Church community descended for ‘The Jinja Concert’. The event was organised by Lower Sixth student Miranda Roberts with help from family and friends, and all the proceeds went to organisations that the School supports in Uganda: Lords Meade Vocational College, Yamba home for street boys and MUFO for education in rural communities.
Jazz Spectacular
Soloists Entertain the Masses
Parents, friends and Directors were treated to an evening of fantastic
Soloist students have left audiences speechless with spectacular
live music and good food at the annual Jazz Spectacular this year.
performances across the year in Soloist Concerts.
The audience were invited to relax, unwind and enjoy as over twenty
With performances ranging from Schoenberg to Blur, concerts are
four performances provided a taste of jazz, swing, motown, soul with
always a great hit with parents, staff and governors.
a mix of popular music too. Congratulations to all who performed this year. We look forward to Well done to everyone taking part and we loved the band names -
next year’s concerts.
everything from ‘The Penguins’, ‘The Antiques to Bugle Girls’ and of course, ‘Big Band’.
Forthcoming Open Events Joint Merchant Taylor's concert Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 5th March - 7.30pm
Spring Concert 2015
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Spring Gala Concert Big School 22nd March - 7.30pm
Introducing Francis Murton Director of Music Francis Murton returned to the Midlands from St Edmund’s School in Canterbury to join Wolverhampton Grammar School as Director of Music in September 2015. Francis read music at Sheffield University and followed with a postgraduate year at the Royal Academy of Music. His musical training started with David Flood at Canterbury Cathedral, during which time he gave his London debut recital at St Bride’s Fleet Street, 3 weeks after his ‘O’ level examinations. As an organist, he has been in demand as a soloist and accompanist performing in many of our cathedrals - York Minster, St Paul’s as well as St George’s, Windsor. After a number of years as a freelance musician, a change of career took him into teaching and a spell as Head of Music in an inner city school preceded his appointment to Wrekin College in Shropshire. During Francis’ 17 years as Director of Music at Wrekin, the department undertook radical expansion and development. His appointment to St Edmund’s School Canterbury saw the continuation and development of their community links and in particular a partnership with the English Chamber Orchestra. Francis has been a GCSE music examiner for 15 years, of which Principal Moderator for the past ten. He is responsible for national performing standards for Edexcel and has presented a variety of training events for teachers and pupils. He released a solo CD on the Wrekin College organ in 2010, with one composition published on a Christmas Album by Merbeke Press in 2013. Francis is married to Shân and they have one son, Joshua, currently at university.
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Girls’ Sport These Girls Can The latest research suggests that nationally, by the age of
Whilst many schools and sports clubs are struggling to
14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. That’s
recruit girls, our girls’ participation in sport and physical
a trend that thankfully, Wolverhampton Grammar School
activity has risen to an all-time high. Under the leadership
doesn’t recognise.
of Ali Causebrook, Head of Girls’ Sport, sport is open to all, regardless of ability.
Netball Wolverhampton Grammar School prides itself on providing as many
At the other end of the School the U19 netballers were crowned
outlets for competitive sport for its pupils as possible. With A, B, C
County champions and secured fourth position at the Regional
and D teams for netball across Year 7 we were able to have nearly
championships. In the local league the Year 8 girls were unbeaten
every single girl representing the School in the Winter season. A
and took victories over local rivals Wolverhampton Girls’ High
particular season highlight saw the Year 7s win the Black Country
School, with the Year 9s and 10s taking the runners up positions.
School Games.
Hockey Complementing the netball was the girls’ hockey and with 16 to 20
The winter also saw girls representing the School in a whole host
girls in a year group forming each squad the teams flourished this
of individual and team competitions which included; gymnastics,
year. Year 7 were crowned County champions, a first for the School
badminton, cross-country, swimming, football and Fives. Medals
and one that has highlighted how strong our hockey is becoming.
were won in all of these events and each of the students were
Congratulations to Katie Naylor (Year 10) on being selected for the
brilliant.
Birmingham U16s squad, Birmingham Lynx.
Rounders
Winter representative honours
The Summer term brought sunshine (occasionally) and more
U13 County Netball squad: Jordan Russell, Alex Bryan & Elysia Darrall
sporting participation and success. A and B teams in all year
U13 County Hockey: Deenah Ahsan
groups for the Rounders league saw most teams through to
JRPC Goal-keeper: Katie Naylor & Elizabeth Mahon
the semi-finals and all of our A teams making the final. Years 7
U13 National Squash: Anya Stojanovic
and 8 were crowned City league champions and years 9 and
National Modern Pentathlete: Elanor Charlson
10 runners up. The Year 8s had an exceptional term of Summer sport getting through to the quarter finals of the National
Summer representative honours
Independent Schools tournament and winning the U13 National
U19 England Rounders squad: Megan Griffiths & Emma Hudson
Rounders Competition, beating Manchester High School for
U13 National Champions Captain: Anya Stojanovic
Girls in the final.
Junior County 100m and High Jump: Jordan Russell Senior County Discus: Liz Mahon
Athletics There was a haul of medals from the City Championships with several girls going on to represent the City in the County Championships. In the team event, Years 8 and 10 were victorious and Years 7 and 9 finished in the top three, meaning that overall WGS girls placed second as an athletics squad across the City.
Played Match Stats
Won
Lost
Drew
Netball
187
110
71
6
Hockey
67
26
12
29
Rounders
55
37
18
0
Cricket Emma Hudson (Lower Sixth), a seasoned player who already represented Worfield Cricket Club and the Shropshire Women’s Squad, made history by becoming the first female to be selected for Wolverhampton Grammar School’s Cricket 1st XI team since 1512!
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Boys’ Sport From Grassroots to Champions You only have to browse through old editions of the
Nigel Crust, Head of Boys’ Sport, has a mission to try and
Wulfrunian to realise the important role sport has played for
provide as many opportunities as possible, for all students to
boys at School.
represent WGS at all levels, in as many sports as possible.
Football The 1st XI had a busy season, producing some fine performances,
The U13 squad had a good run in their ESFA competition,
against tough opposition. Under the leadership of Alex Buckham,
performing well as a group, but mention should be made of Lewis
the team showed a great spirit all year. Having beaten Hill House
Smith’s continued involvement with West Bromwich Albion’s
School, we lost out to Haberdashers Aske in the ISFA (Independent
Academy, and Alex Smith making the ISFA West Midlands side. The
Schools Football Association) Cup second round and losing on
U12 team made encouraging progress throughout the season.
penalties to Heath Park in the City Cup semi final. Villarreal en Persona! This year’s Easter European Football The U15 team reached the quarter finals of the ESFA (English
Development tour headed for Spain and in partnership with
Schools Football Association) Cup competition and continued to make
InspireSport and Villarreal Football Club 26 WGS students, from
pleasing progress throughout the season. Dominic Holmes broke
Years 8 to 10, took part in four fixtures and six superbly organized
into the West Midlands U15 team at the end of the season. The U14
training sessions. The level of football played and the attitude
side battled hard, William Gibbons leading the attack tremendously,
displayed was superb throughout and the students returned home
and his selection for the National ISFA side was well deserved.
with an improved awareness of a unique brand of football.
Cricket An excellent season for the 1st XI, under the captaincy of Sandeep
Our junior teams performed with credit. The U15s battled hard
Sandramouli, who produced some impressive performances with
and a number of the squad will be pushing for 1st XI places next
victories against King Edward’s School Birmingham, RGS Worcester
season. The U14s played positively throughout, with a number of
and King’s Worcester. Archie O’Hara (Year 9) was particularly
the team playing 1st XI cricket during the season. The U13s made
impressive with the bat. The team also won their qualifying group
good progress throughout the summer, with the U12s having a
in the National 20/20 competition.
tough season against some strong teams, but Mr King was pleased with their attitude throughout.
Rugby The senior rugby side competed well all season under the strong
The junior rugby sides continued to make excellent progress. The
leadership of Joeb Lappage. There were a number of notable
U15 sevens won the inaugural WGS Invitation Sevens Tournament,
performances, a highlight being the squad’s performance in the
and the U14, U13 and U12s played with spirit and plenty of courage
County Sevens Competition, where they just lost out in the semi final.
throughout the season.
Hockey
Cross Country
The hockey fixture list remained a tough one for our boys,
The boys entered both the City League and the SSAW Cross
nevertheless, they continued with a positive approach to each
Country Championships. All runners competed with distinction, with
fixture. Led by Edward Craddock and Thomas Ward, the 1st XI
Oliver Mason (Year 7) remaining unbeaten throughout the season.
competed well all season, and a number of players improved for the experience. Mention must go to Harry Thomas Bishop, who
Badminton
produced many fine displays in goal. Congratulations also went to
The School’s extra-curricular Badminton Club continues to flourish
Ammar Ahsan (Year 9) on being selected for the Birmingham U16s
and the teams produced some encouraging performances in
squad, Birmingham Lynx.
the Leagues. The senior team, under the leadership of Shaun Alexander, just lost out to St Peters at the end of the competition.
Tennis
In the City Championships, Hugh Churn and Alex Kemp, produced
Our senior boys team, led by Alexander Dmitrewski made it through
some excellent performances, only losing out in the semi- finals.
to the Regional Final. The U15s had another good season under the captaincy of Eddie Cooper reaching the last sixteen in the country in
Athletics
the 2014/5 competition, frustratingly this year the team were County
WGS took part in all the Indoor Athletics competitions, with a
runners up, losing out by one game to Newcastle Under Lyme
stand out performance coming from the Year 7 team winning their
school. The U15 team also won their City League.
competition. The Summer term saw the boys’ team finish second in the final standings of the SSAW Athletics Championships. Byron Esson and Oliver Mason were selected to represent Wolverhampton in the West Midlands Championships.
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Real Students, Real Futures, Real Careers… With unprecedented changes in traditional jobs, industries
Our bespoke careers service, CEIAG (Careers Education Information
disappearing and the creation of a more varied global work
and Guidance), prepares our students right from Year 7 with an insight
landscape, it is vital that our students receive careers advice and
into the diversity of the world of work. We then encourage them to
guidance directly from professionals with the best experience of
follow a challenging and rewarding career path in Years 9 and 10 and
their sector. Who better than our alumni community to help them
support through Years 11 and 12 with the appropriate qualifications and
better understand the pressures and demands of different careers.
work experience to secure the destination of their choice.
Current students tell us how work experience made a real difference for them.
Six Ways you can get Involved
Alastair Winning National Trust, Wolverhampton “Work experience is key when it comes to writing university applications and
1. Provide work experience
interviews, so showing evidence of work experience related to your interests is therefore essential.”
placements 2. Speak at one of our
Cristina Dmitrewski Colegio María Auxiliadora, Madrid
careers events
“I spent a week working as an English
3. Give a careers talk
follow the path of foreign languages and
4. Become a student
opportunity which I would love to repeat.”
assistant in a Spanish school. I want to teaching. Work experience is a fantastic
mentor
Charlotte Forrester
5. Provide contact details of
Offstone Publishing, Northumberland “Work experience gave me the opportunity
your organisation’s work
to develop my independence and
experience co-ordinator
classroom which was hugely rewarding.”
6. Join our new LinkedIn group
communication skills outside of the
Max Rumble Base Architecture & Design, Shrewsbury “Work experience helped me understand my aspirations for the future and has given me something to aim for whilst studying at
If you would like to offer your services please contact: Katie Guest (tel) 01902 421326 (email) development@wgs-sch.net
school.”
Shalini Ram HN Pharmcy, Wednesfield & ASH Scientific Limited, Solihull “Work experience introduced me to the world of work and my dream profession. I gained confidence, practical knowledge and valuable contacts.”
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Writing his Way to Success Sathnam Sanghera OW 1995 Before becoming a writer Sathnam worked for a burger chain, hospital laundry, market research firm, sewing factory and on a literacy project in New York. Between 1998 and 2006 he worked for The Financial Times as a news reporter in the UK and US, specialising in media industries, a Chief Feature Writer and writing an award-winning weekly business column. He joined
An accomplished author and journalist he has been shortlisted for
The Times as a columnist and feature writer in 2007, as well as
and won a number of prestigious prizes as well as being awarded
writing reviews for Management Today and has presented a
an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters for services to journalism
number of radio documentaries for the BBC.
by The University of Wolverhampton in 2009.
Did you always want to be a writer?
What has been your career highlight to date?
No. Kids can only dream as far as the role models they
I don’t really think in those terms - everything has been a surprise,
encounter, we didn’t even have any books in our house, let alone
even being a news reporter at the Financial Times was an
getting introductions to writers. So I dreamt only of working in
unexpected thrill. I just consider myself very fortunate to be able
retail banking - the most successful person I knew worked at
to travel, meet fascinating people, and express myself at length in
Birmingham Midshires in town.
one of the best newspapers in the world. And writing books has been hugely rewarding.
What was your biggest influence whilst a student at WGS? Robin Roberts - my GCSE English teacher, my Sixth Form teacher,
What do you think is next for you?
and personal friend... she stepped in when things got difficult,
Well, most immediately I am off to Panama on an assignment
provided an escape and even drove me to university on my first
involving Bear Grylls... beyond that, I have ideas for scripts, books,
day at Cambridge.
I chair a media charity and I’d also love to start a business.
How did you get started in journalism?
What career advice would you give our current students?
It’s a long story, but I basically won a Radio 1 writing competition
Make a choice about what you want to do, even if you change
when I was 15, which led to writing at the Express & Star while I
your mind later. The people who can never really decide end up
was still at school.
being miserable corporate lawyers in my experience: the path of least resistance.
Sathnam is a member of the charity Speakers for Schools and, like a growing number of our alumni, has agreed to speak to Wolverhampton Grammar School students as part of our Careers Programme.
Careers Convention Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends Join the official Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends LinkedIn group.
2nd February 2016 4pm - 6pm An opportunity for our students to connect with employers, businesses, institutions and training providers to explore their chosen career area and further education plans.
Network with fellow Old Wulfrunians and the wider School community both past and present, receive invites to networking events, school events and offer careers assistance and advice.
If you or your organisation would like to assist or attend this event please contact Katie Guest (email) development@wgs-sch.net
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Welcome to the Development Office Lifelong friendships are formed at Wolverhampton
The School has always valued the role you play in helping to keep
Grammar School and it is warming to see how much
us as Wolverhampton’s top independent school. With this in mind
our former students and staff remember their days
we have taken the important step of expanding the Development
here with such great affection, visiting us regularly and attending the many events that go on in School each year.
Office to provide yet more opportunities for you to engage in school life. Katie Guest, with nine years’ experience of independent schools’ marketing and admissions, joins Carrie Bennett and Gail Evans to make the third and newest member of our Development Office.
Meet the Development and Alumni Team Carrie Bennett
Gail Evans
Katie Guest
Director of Marketing
Alumni Relations &
Head of
& Communications
Marketing Officer
Development
As Director of Marketing and
Gail is our events organiser, assists with
Katie has responsibility for fundraising
Communications, Carrie is responsible for
the management of the alumni database.
activities and engagement with our
all marketing, recruitment and admissions,
Gail has day to day contact with our
alumni, parents, staff and the local
communications and development activities.
alumni.
community.
Why don’t you reconnect and join our growing alumni community? There are a whole range of ways for you to stay in
from Old Boys and Girls, ex-staff and parents and
touch or reconnect with, not only us, but each other.
receive ideas for events or assist in hosting your own
We are always happy to hear, or even receive a visit
reunions.
Telephone
development@wgs-sch.net
+44 (0) 1902 421326
Post
Website
Development Office, Wolverhampton Grammar School, Compton
Visit the alumni pages on the School website www.wgs.org.uk for
Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9RB
event photos, alumni profiles, events calendar and more.
F Facebook
l LinkedIn
‘Like’ our Facebook pages, search for:
Connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn, search for:
•
Wolverhampton Grammar School Official
Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and
•
Old Wulfrunians of WGS
Friends
t Twitter
y YouTube
Follow alumni and school news via Twitter, search for:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, search for:
•
@WGS1512
•
•
@WGSHead
•
@WGSOW
Wolverhampton Grammar School Instagram
search for: •
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WULFRUNIAN 2015
Merchandise
Support us
A range of gifts are available as a souvenir
Thank you if you are considering making a donation, gift or legacy
of your time at Wolverhampton Grammar
to Wolverhampton Grammar School. Your support will make a
School. Visit www.wgs.org.uk/about/shop-
difference and all donations are used to ensure the continued
and-merchandise to view our full range of
improvement and accessibility of our education.
There are a number of ways you can offer your support:
branded merchandise.
Please contact Gail Evans at development@wgs-sch.net or (tel) 01902 421326 to place an order.
UK Online donations or Cheque Payments You can use Personal Online Banking to make a transfer to the school or to set up
A History of Wolverhampton’s Grammar School
a Standing Order. Alternatively cheques may be made payable to Wolverhampton Grammar School Ltd.
Worldwide Giving
£25
Gifts from overseas can be made by electronic transfer and in some countries it is possible to make a donation to the School in a tax-effective way. To find out more about making electronic transfers from overseas or making a tax-effective donation in the USA or within Europe, please contact the Development Office.
Gift Aid Please remember to Gift Aid your gift to Wolverhampton Grammar School if you are a UK taxpayer and satisfy the required criteria. A Gift Aid* Declaration form may be downloaded from the School’s website or we would be happy to send a hard copy out
Monopoly Wolverhampton Edition
£20
to you, please contact Katie Guest in the Development Office. *Please note that if you pay tax at a higher rate and Gift Aid your gift to Wolverhampton Grammar School, you can claim tax relief in your Self Assessment tax return.
Payroll giving
Enamel Trinket Box
Under the Payroll Giving Scheme, employees can authorise their employer to deduct charitable donations from their pay before calculating Pay As You Earn tax. This
£85
means that the employee automatically gets tax relief on donations at his or her top rate of tax. There is no limit on the amount that can be given under the scheme. To find out more about Payroll Giving and if your company operates the scheme, please
1512 Parker Pen Set
contact your Human Resources or Personnel department.
£20
Leaving a Legacy Leaving a legacy to Wolverhampton Grammar School is one of the most personal and powerful ways in which you can help future generations. Money left to a charity like Wolverhampton Grammar School is also exempt from inheritance tax* and may help reduce the overall amount tax that must be paid on your estate. *Changes made to the UK Inheritance Tax law 2012 could benefit your primary beneficiaries: by leaving 10% or more of your estate to charity, the inheritance tax
Ties
payable on your net estate reduces from 40% to 36%.
£12
If you would like to discuss a gift, whatever the size, or plan to remember Wolverhampton Grammar School in your will, please call 01902 421326 to speak to Katie Guest, Head of Development, who will be very happy to talk to you in person.
Silver Cuff Links
Every gift makes a difference. Please consider giving whatever you can.
£15
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Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB 01902 421326 www.wgs.org.uk t @WGS1512 F Wolverhampton Grammar School Official Wolverhampton Grammar School l Wolverhampton Grammar School (WGS) Old Wulfrunians and Friends
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