Wulfrunian 2020

OLD WULFRUNIANS ON THE FRONT LINE

Dr Jenny Dhingra (OW 2009) shares her experience of working for the NHS during a global pandemic

IN THIS EDITION Meet Alex Frazer, the 34th Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School Mining for a sustainable future The return to campus after lockdown

Welcome from Alex Frazer

Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School

It has been a labour of love to read past editions of Wulfrunian, alongside books and other publications about the history of WGS, in order to add to my appreciation for the School which I now proudly call home. Though a Londoner by birth, I am pleased to say that I first heard of WGS as a teenager in the late 1980s: my Latin teacher was a proud OW who spoke warmly of his old school, so there have been positive associations in my mind for most of my lifetime.

Nonetheless, the 15 year-old me would perhaps have been surprised if an oracle had predicted his occupation of the Head’s Study on Compton Road a little over 30 years later.

It seems superfluous to say that the Covid-19 pandemic has presented its challenges. When I was interviewed for the position of the 34th Head of WGS back in December 2019, the prospect of a global pandemic and nationwide lockdown was not exactly front-ofmind. How quickly things changed: Wolverhampton Grammar School, under the leadership of Kathy Crewe-Read in what should have been her

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pre-Bishops Stortford swansong, worked at colossal speed to ensure that the provision of home learning and remote pastoral care was in place as soon as the national lockdown was announced in March 2020. Teachers and support staff worked steadfastly to deliver lessons and School life digitally to the same exemplary standards that they demand of themselves in the physical classroom.

The students, as young people invariably do, took so much of this great change in their stride.

Let us not forget that some students maintained a presence in our School all year, with the successful provision of on-campus learning for the children of key workers an absolute priority for us. We were one of the first schools in the country to bring all our Junior School years back before the end of the Summer term. When the whole School returned in September, things had to be a little different with, to name a few changes, year groups physically separated into ‘bubbles’; masks, sanitiser stations and finishing times staggered by year groups.

I have great admiration for the way in which our students coped with the realities of School in the Autumn.

Reading over their reports before Christmas, it was clear that the vast majority worked consistently hard and with the determination to make the

most of their opportunities to learn and progress academically. They have been cheerful around the School and amazingly patient with the rules governing our COVID-secure campus and the consequent limitations on their normal freedoms, as well as the enforced return to home learning in the New Year.

Whilst we have been able to maintain a great many of our activities and events, and even invent some new ones, students have had to go without quite of lot of the usual colour of WGS life: largescale music and drama, whole-school assemblies, inter-school sports fixtures, to name just a few examples. With the vaccine now rolling out, I hope we are at least at the “end of the beginning” of the pandemic, to borrow a phrase from Churchill.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Wulfrunian as much as I have. It is great to see such evidence of our diverse OW community – from the days as a boys’ direct grant grammar through to the modern period as an independent co-educational school – doing incredible things in all walks of life, right around the world. As I discovered during the transition period from Kathy Crewe-Read’s headship to mine, the Old Wulfrunians are also truly the most generous alumni group I have ever encountered, donating an incredible

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amount to protect the education of students whose families were suffering sudden financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. To all those who supported this important initiative, I would like to convey our most heartfelt thanks.

Despite the challenges of the times, I have had the pleasure of meeting (in person as well as virtually) and corresponding with a number of OWs over my first few months at the School.

I look forward to meeting many more of you as the situation eases. I was sad that two important events had to go by the board for very obvious reasons: the 2021 Old Wulfrunians Association Dinner and the planned alumni relations trip to the USA in the Autumn half-term 2020. But it’s very much a case of putting these opportunities on hold until the clouds part, and it will be wonderful to get some OW dates in the diary as soon as we are able to.

May I wish you a happy, healthy and hopefully less restricted 2021.

Alex Frazer Head, Wolverhampton Grammar School

www.wgs.org.uk

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Welcome to the 2020 edition of the Wulfrunian magazine Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, current pupils and Old Wulfrunians have managed to jam-pack their year with achievements, awards and all manner of other incredible accomplishments.

We hope you enjoy the news, updates and stories contained in the following pages.

Included in this issue: Dr Jenny Dhingra, GP Trainee, who shares her stories of working in hospital during the pandemic.

Lucy Crane, at the forefront of a mining revolution.

Professor John Hyatt, artist and university professor who unveiled his public lockdown Art exhibition.

OWs share stories of School life during the Second World War.

Stay in Touch Email: development@wgs-sch.net Post: Development Office, Wolverhampton Grammar School, Compton Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9RB Telephone: +44 (0) 1902 421326 Website: Visit the alumni pages www.wgs.org.uk/alumni for news, event photos, alumni profiles, events calendar and more.

Follow us on one of our Social Media platforms: Facebook

Front Cover: Alexandria Hall Photography: www.a-h.photography

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‘Like’ our Facebook pages, search for: • Wolverhampton Grammar School Official • Old Wulfrunians of WGS

Twitter Follow alumni and School news, search for: • @WGS1512 • @WGSOW

LinkedIn Connect with alumni on LinkedIn, search for: • Wolverhampton Grammar School

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Wulfrunian 2020

CONTENTS

Welcome from the Head

2-3

In the Common Room

6-11

OWs on the Front Line

12-15

OWs in the USA

53-54

Aaron's Scottish Success

16-17

Your news

55-63

Major in Earth Sciences,

18-19

Book releases

64-66

Event news

67-70

School news

71-79

Farewell to the Class of 2020

80-81

Class of 2020 memories shared

82

Our Community

83

miner in Cornwall A warm welcome to the

20-23

34th Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School Walking with John

24-25

through Liverpool The journey to return

26-27

to campus in 2020 Black Lives Matter

28-29

In fond remembrance

30-42

WGS Remembers

43-47

Spotlight on Coronavirus

48-51

A Word from the

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Development Office

www.wgs.org.uk

Tell us your

news

If you have a memory to share or a story to tell, family news or a promotion to celebrate, an idea for a future event or a plan to visit School (when safe again to do so), do get in touch; we would love to hear from you!

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IN THE

COMMON ROOM

At this time of year, we must reflect upon all of the positive achievements during the academic year which are evidenced throughout this fantastic edition of the Wulfrunian. Of course, it would be remiss of me not to mention the elephant in the room. It has been an unprecedented year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit all aspects of the world including our School community. A classroom is a lonely place without the hustle and bustle of students and teacher interaction. During the period of lockdown, my colleagues and I had to substitute the classroom for the dining room; students also reciprocated by utilising kitchen tables and studies as their work area. We have all had to master many new methods of delivering virtual lessons and setting work.

Microsoft Teams and Zoom gradually became the new norm.

However, as tradition would dictate from such a fantastic school, everyone has shown great resolve to work through all the technical ups and downs this

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form of teaching has presented to us, including our magnificent students, who have been fully engaged throughout, and demonstrated incredible resilience in continuing their educational progress.

We must also reflect upon the colleagues who have left WGS during this year and fitting tributes will follow from members of their departments.

Of course, now we all look forward to the future and it is the Common Room’s pleasure to welcome our new Headmaster, Mr Alex Frazer, and further new members of teaching staff to our School. They will all bring fantastic qualities, enthusiasm and a breadth of knowledge to impart to their students in the years to come.

I would like to wish all my colleagues and the whole School community the best for a very busy year ahead.

Caroline Yearwood

by Tom Smith

Caroline joined us in February 2019 to teach Economics and Business, and in the short time she was here she established herself as a firm student favourite, owing to her good humour, positivity, energetic teaching and devotion to her students.. She is incredibly knowledgeable, not only about her subject but also in myriad other spheres, which gave her the unique ability to provide a wellrounded learning experience. We are of course sad to see her leave so soon but immensely happy for her as she embarks on a new chapter in her life in Kazakhstan. We hope to hear about her adventures in due course and wish her the best of luck.

Simon O'Malley

Chair of The Common Room

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Penny Rudge

by Stuart Cohen

After six years as the School's Bursar (and possibly the most successful Bursar in modern times) we said a fond bon voyage to Penny to allow her to take up her lifelong ambition to sail the seven seas.

Penny joined the School in 2014 following a lengthy spell as Bursar at The King's School, Chester.

It was apparent from the off that Penny knew her beans! She took hold of the reins from the moment she joined and only let them go on 9th July 2020 when she finally “retired”. I say retired but I

cannot ever see Penny actually giving up work! I’m sure that many a time Site Supervisors would have had to kick her off site in order to lock up! In her time at WGS she also became Chairperson for the Independent Schools Bursars Association (no mean feat and testament to her skill and knowledge).

Not only was Penny our Bursar, she loved to be involved in our overseas trips and organised expeditions to China, Ecuador and India. Unfortunately, the final trip to Sri Lanka was abandoned due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although, the trips had to stop as the outfits

brought back as souvenirs were taking over the walls of her office!

In 2019 she spent a period of time unwell, but carried on working through all her treatment and came back stronger than ever.

Personally, Penny was my mentor for six years and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for all the time she invested in me.

Thank you Penny and have a wonderful “retirement” sailing around the globe at your leisure.

Francis Cooney

by Nick Munson

Francis joined the School in 2015 on a part time basis to teach A Level Physics.

As time progressed his job evolved and he taught all through the School.

He has an incredibly calm manner with his classes and liked to teach Physics using real life examples. Francis organised many trips in his time at WGS both for staff and students, including

The Diamond Light trip, and various Lake District walking holidays. He is a keen climber and ran the Climbing Club on the School bouldering wall for students, as well as “showing the ropes” to staff at Wolf Mountain.

Francis could be described as a fitness fanatic, and after knee problems prevented him running he became a

dedicated cyclist. He enthused students with his enjoyment of the outdoors by organising and running the Coast 2 Coast relay with them for several years.

At the end of the 2019-2020 academic year Francis decide to retire. He is still however remaining fit and, where possible, continues to encourage staff to join him in activities.

Georgina Sumner

by Dr Ryan Pounder

Georgina joined the School in September 2019.

Although she was only here for one year, Georgina made a real impact on the Chemistry Department with her new ideas and valuable previous experience

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as Head of Chemistry at Codsall High School. She was also a Year 7 Form Tutor.

She is an excellent Chemistry teacher who was always willing to go above and beyond for her students and I know she

made a real difference and significant impression on them.

Everyone at WGS wishes her all the very best in her exciting new post as Senior Leader for the English Baccalaureate at Kingsmead School in Cannock.

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Sarah Brentnall

Jill Trevor

by Liz Harris

Sarah joined the School in 1999 and after 20 years of outstanding service to the School and to the Modern Languages Department, Sarah has decided to retire, putting her copies of Studio and Mot à Mot to the side and reacquainting herself with her tennis shoes and gardening gloves.

Sarah came to Wolverhampton Grammar School as an NQT and has been an excellent teacher. Her passion for both the French language and the country have resonated through her work. In her lessons her enthusiasm is contagious.

Her students have achieved outstanding exam results under her tutelage and many of her past students have gone on to study French at university and have had careers using their French.

Sarah has been an excellent colleague and friend and she will be really missed by the School and the Modern Languages Department. She has worked steadfastly behind the scenes, being the lead teacher for French, writing schemes of work and developing assessments and other resources. She has set high standards for the quality of work she expects and has been meticulous in following up missing work and students who have fallen behind with their studies. She has devoted a great deal of time after school and at lunchtimes to helping students with their French.

For her dedication and hard work, I am truly grateful.

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by Dan Peters She went on the very successful French exchange to Savenay for many years and was Vince Raymond-Barker's right-hand woman. She is fondly remembered by many students for her support and encouragement - for some of them it was quite a daunting prospect, but it engendered in all of them a love for the beautiful country and language.

When the exchange finally and sadly came to an end, Sarah sought out other ways to maintain the link with Savenay.

She established the brilliant work experience, which undoubtedly provided students with a linguistic and cultural experience like no other and has been the envy of other schools.

Sarah will now have time to dedicate to her hobbies and, knowing her, she will probably end up selling French châteaux, running wine tasting courses and teaching French as a foreign language. I do know that Sarah will certainly not be bored and retirement will be more like refreshment.

I would like to wish her on behalf of the Modern Languages Department and Wolverhampton Grammar School a long and very happy, fulfilling retirement. Our office and our department will not be the same without you, but I know we will all keep in touch. Sarah, bonne retraite!

Jill joined the newly-formed Junior School back in 2012 as Year 5 teacher and Head of Girls’ Games. It is fair to say that in her eight years, she definitely made an impact, including coaching girls’ hockey and football teams to county and national finals respectively.

With her eye for detail and excellent pastoral skills, it came as no surprise when she was promoted to Assistant Head in 2015, and then Deputy Head a year later. She was also a huge advocate for staff and led the School’s staff wellbeing group.

As a newly-appointed Head Teacher in 2016, I was exceptionally grateful for Jill’s wisdom and clarity of thought, and with her expert input, there is no doubt that the School has gone from strength to strength. Jill, you will be a tough act to follow and will be sorely missed.

Thank you for all your hard work, compassion and humour. We were most lucky that WGJS had the opportunity to return to (almost) normal in the summer term so that everyone had the chance to say farewell and bonne chance.

Good luck Jill, enjoy retirement, and hopefully see you up the Wrekin very soon!

Wulfrunian 2020

AND

WELCOME TO...

Richard Bostock

Shona Hemmings

Richard graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Sociology with Computer Science degree, before gaining his MSc in Information Technology and his PhD in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, both at Aston University. He joins WGS as an NQT, following a long career in industry, after studying for his PGCE at Birmingham City University. Richard is a qualified cricket coach who has represented British Universities and been a playing member of the MCC. His other key interests include the theatre, watching rugby and playing golf.

Shona graduated from the University of Birmingham with a first class honours degree in Money, Banking and Finance.

She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2004. From there, she worked in the commercial and financial sectors before her appointment at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Shona is passionate about career and professional development, as well as supporting fellow women to be leaders in their workplace.

Claire Green

Jacqueline Preston

Claire graduated from Keele University with a first class degree in Chemistry with Biochemistry, then completed her PhD in Computational Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. Claire joins us as a NQT, having previously completed her PGCE at Keele, and has taught at both Mander Portman Woodward Independent Sixth Form College and Concord College. Along with a keen interest in plants, Claire enjoys reading science fiction, and has experience in holding extra-curricular science activities such as Crime Scene Investigation.

Jacqueline is a French native who graduated from the Université Lille III with a first class degree in English Foreign Language, and proceeded to the University of Bath where she acquired her PGCE in Modern Languages.

Jacqueline has been teaching for over twenty years; before joining Wolverhampton Grammar School as a French Language Assistant, Jacqueline taught at Abbots Bromley School; holding the positions of: Teacher of French, Housemistress, and Head of KS4. She has also enjoyed a career as a freelance translator. Jacqueline is passionate about the education of her students, she strives to be an ambassador for her subject and aims to embody the love of foreign languages and cultures. Jacqueline has a love of cooking, gardening and needlework.

Teacher of ICT & Computer Science

Roberta Keys

Teacher of Business and Economics and Head of EPQ Roberta graduated from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, with an MA in Land Economy. Her other educational roles have included Head of Economics at Bromsgrove School, Deputy Head at Malvern College, and Deputy Head at Gordonstoun. Prior to working in education she worked in the Global Markets Department for Bank of Ireland.

Not only is Roberta a keen middle distance runner, as well as an advocate for gender equality in education, she is a huge fan of quizzes and has a passion for terrible jokes; much needed as the mother of three-year-old twins.

www.wgs.org.uk

Finance Director

Teacher of Chemistry

Her keen interests are football (a huge Newcastle United fan), reading, theatre and spending time outdoors with her husband, children (both at WGS) and two dogs.

Teacher of French

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Kathy Crewe-Read

by Nic Anderson

What a rollercoaster of a seven years…how on earth to summarise Kathy Crewe-Read’s tenure as Head in just a few words?

She was, of course the first female Head of WGS. I would argue that she was also the Head who has improved our School the most during her tenure. The Head who made the biggest difference. New families grew the number of full fee paying students to numbers not seen since the early 1990s. She modernised the School experience from the introduction of iPads, Student, Parent and Staff Portals to online parents’ evening bookings. She masterminded the creation of learning hubs, and enabled us to invest in buildings, new labs, new library, new dance studio. Even fixing the Merridale and Big School roof – well, almost!

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It’s hard to summarise the impact of Kathy on our School - so allow me to let others do it for you. Her preparation yielded two “Excellents” in the 2017 School Inspection (the highest rating possible), followed by another 100% success at the Regulatory Compliance Inspection in February 2020. The Times Educational Supplement national awards named her team Senior Leadership Team of the Year in 2018.

There were lots of fun moments too. I recall the interview of a former colleague, in which the Head was distracted by a movement behind the interviewee's shoulder. A small mouse had suddenly appeared behind her! It sat for a moment, I’m fairly sure it winked at Kathy, and then off it ran. This moment was immortalised by the installation of a door to a “mouse house” in the corner of her office. On the journey home from

an awards evening, we had to return on the last train from London. Kathy felt that she needed to steady herself with some food at Euston Station and decided that it was time for her first ever Burger King. She ordered for us all and was then rather disgusted when, having asked repeatedly, she discovered it didn’t come with cutlery.

There have been some truly challenging and sad times too. We all must thank Kathy for the way she supported our whole School community (including the families) when we tragically lost staff members Andy Proverbs and Owen Davies, recent leaver Lauren Dennis (OW 2013), Lower Sixth student Dashanelle Morgan (OW 2020), and of course Directors, Robert Purshouse, Mervyn Brooker, Keith Madelin and Matthew Armstrong.

One of Kathy’s many strengths is handling difficult meetings and she is someone who, whenever there is a tough situation, always stands with you, shoulder to shoulder. The way she is able to converse with a parent, especially when it’s a difficult moment, is quite brilliant. She is also brilliant with words. She describes herself as a mathematician who can’t write. That is miles from the truth. She uses words wonderfully and her communications were always clear and direct.

Wulfrunian 2020

Thanks to Kathy, the School has modernised, transformed and moved safely into 2020 – preparing us for what has been one of the most difficult years in the School’s 508-year history – and giving us all the confidence to know that this fine institution will continue for another 500 years. Always with a smile, with the time of day for everyone and with complete conviction, to ensure that WGS is the best school it can possibly be. We will always remember the Crewe-Read years (which of course also included her children Amicia and Theo as students) with great fondness and gratitude in securing the School’s future.

www.wgs.org.uk

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OWs on the

Front Line In conversation with Dr Jenny Dhingra (OW 2009)

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What a year 2020 has been; on the 31st December 2019 in his New Year message, the Prime Minister declared that the 2020s would be a “decade of prosperity and opportunity”; indeed, many pundits hearkened back to the roaring twenties of the 20th century and were similarly optimistic that another financial and cultural boom was on the horizon.

Alas, the optimism was short lived with the arrival of COVID-19. There were, however, shining lights in the darkness of the pandemic, everyday heroes putting themselves in harm’s way, bound by their own sense of duty to do what was right. We are indebted to the army of “key workers” who keep the country running whilst many of us work from the relative safety of our homes or protect our friends and family by staying at home.

Ed Cornaby, Alumni Relations Officer, met, albeit virtually, with Dr Jenny Dhingra (OW 2009), a GP Trainee who has experienced this pandemic from every angle: doctor, sufferer and relative, and we are grateful that she was happy to share her story with Wulfrunian. Jenny was midway through her Foundation Year Two training when the coronavirus took hold in the UK, her second year of training after her fiveyear medical degree and the year before training in a GP practice.

Nobody could have been prepared for the enormity of the pandemic; at

the beginning of the outbreak news reports played down the virus: it was another seemingly annual flu which had made the jump from animal to human and would amount to little more than handfuls of cases on the other side of the globe. On January 30th the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus to be a global emergency.

Jenny explained how she and her colleagues followed the progression of the virus in the news: “For a while the virus had been spreading in China, then there was the first case outside of China, in Thailand. Then we were hearing of deaths outside China, then confirmed cases in Europe and eventually in the United Kingdom. There was however very little information or guidance coming to the hospital from government. At the beginning of March we were contemplating what restrictions the hospital might impose and then when cases started to climb the infection control was stepped up a gear.”

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This was an interesting time for Jenny to be training in hospital; she had just started her night shifts and overnight measures and provisions were introduced to keep the virus at bay. “Of course, a hospital is a 24-hour environment, it doesn’t close down.

I was working nights in A&E and the hospital was building areas specifically for suspected COVID patients.” At the time Jenny was not working on a COVID ward but personal protective equipment was still required, what limited supply there was: "We were wearing masks, aprons, glasses etc but working from limited government guidelines and patients were coming in from all directions. It was an intense time.”

It was before her fourth nightshift that Jenny awoke with a fever, cough and aching muscles. “Bear in mind this was before lockdown and the symptoms had not been completely discerned, of course I couldn’t go into work and began self-isolating. On day three I lost my sense of smell and at the time that was not an official symptom, I remember googling ‘coronavirus loss of smell’ and the headline in the news that very day was ‘Is your loss of taste and smell a sign of coronavirus?’ and that was conclusive for me, I had it. I’ve recently had an antibody test which confirmed that I have the antibodies present in my blood stream; so I had caught it even before lockdown.”

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Jenny explained how she was doubly at risk to complications from coronavirus, firstly being from a BAME background and secondly suffering from asthma: “Coronavirus has affected BAME populations in a very profound way and personally I’m experiencing Long Covid”, Long Covid being the experiencing of COVID symptoms many months after contracting the virus. “I’m still having issues with my breathing, I went to the respiratory clinic and it’s more like a breathing dysregulation disorder which I have, I essentially needed to learn to breathe from my diaphragm again.”

Jenny is rightly proud of her BAME heritage; her father, also a doctor, being born in the Punjab in India and her mother being English.

As Jenny was beginning her return to work, the true test of her medical career was about to begin. She received a call to say that her mother’s fiancé was unwell. “He was presenting a high temperature, I told her to keep a very close eye on him because from my experience people with COVID deteriorate very quickly. A few days later an ambulance had to be called because his temperature was over 40°C and he was having problems with his breathing.

They checked his oxygen saturation and it was 84%, we consider 95% to be the minimum desirable level.” He was put on oxygen but rapidly deteriorated and was rushed to the Intensive Therapy

Unit, a progression of events that Jenny was becoming all too familiar with.

At first he was on a CPAP machine, a non-invasive ventilation but still a very intensive oxygen therapy, eventually the doctors deemed his best chance of survival was to be put on a ventilator. “I told my mum, ‘phone him, phone him now and tell him that you love him.’

In my experience not everyone who went onto a ventilator came off it alive.

Thankfully, despite being given only a 10% chance of survival and after six weeks on a ventilator, he pulled through.”

Jenny explained how much respect she has for the ITU team; they would play her mother’s recorded messages to her fiancé while in his unconscious state and were in regular communication because she wasn’t allowed to visit.

Unfortunately for many relatives the final words to their loved ones were delivered through an iPad screen or over the telephone; one cannot even imagine the grit that doctors like Jenny, nurses and all other NHS workers required to keep doing their jobs whilst witnessing these tragedies repeating themselves day in day out, especially whilst experiencing their own turmoil as well. Jenny’s aunt in India passed away from cancer during the lockdown and thus Jenny was robbed of her chance to fly out to see her family: “It was tough, she lived in Chandigarh which has been particularly badly hit by COVID. You

Wulfrunian 2020

I’m so proud to work for the NHS, a service which is completely free at the point of delivery; the NHS employs over 1.5 million people, each one dedicated to providing a selfless service which is simply underpinned by the desire to help people get better.

know, the last memory thousands of people have of their relatives is seeing them being driven away by ambulance, never having a chance to say goodbye in person, so I completely empathise with that.”

Jenny explained how the pandemic had changed her personally and professionally. She explained how her experience has ratified her belief that being a doctor is her true calling.

She originally studied Biology at UCL because although being drawn to a medical career, at first she wasn’t sure if it was for her. “My Biology degree involved a lot of medical elements, such as anatomy and genetics, so it was a great foundation before my medical degree. I know it can be daunting when you’re seventeen to decide to embark on this long educational journey, and medicine is a lifelong learning experience, but if you think it’s for you then you need to go for it."

An incredible journey in her second year of training; Jenny is yet to choose her speciality although she has been making strides in the fields of sexual health services. She is also making a name for herself in the field of sex education: “I was Press Director of the student led charity, Sexpression UK, we were heavily involved in making Relationship and Sex Education compulsory in schools, in fact the programme has been implemented

www.wgs.org.uk

this September so I’m very interested to see how schools will be handling the sort of topics involved. Topics such as LGBQT+ inclusivity, consent and body image, these were not part of the more traditional direction of sex education which primarily focused on contraception and STIs.” Jenny also works with the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, and helps run the Public Panel that advises on guidelines and projects relating to sexual health.

“Of course COVID has put a strain on services such as these but it’s vitally important that people, especially young people, have unrestricted access to them.” Jenny is also a medical expert for Bustle magazine, a female orientated magazine and has been featured in national newspapers discussing her work with Sexpression UK.

One final remark from Jenny was to announce how important Wolverhampton Grammar School is to her. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at WGS and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wonderful teachers and people I went to school with."

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Wulfrunian 2020

Aaron’s Scottish Success If Wolverhampton Grammar School had an Old Wulfrunian Sports Personality of the Year Award, professional golfer Aaron Rai (OW 2013) would have made a worthy winner

Information, with thanks from European Tour, The Telegraph Image: Yu Chun Christopher Wong / Shutterstock.com

this year.

In October, Wolverhampton born Aaron defeated fellow Englishman, Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff at the Scottish Open. Fleetwood was clear favourite after his birdie on the 72nd hole forced the sudden death contest. That status of favourite was furthered ratified by Aaron finding the bunker from the tee on the replay of the 18th. However, Aaron battled on to win and in doing so installed himself into the top 100 golfers in the world for the first time in his career. Aaron also narrowly finished runner up in the Irish Open a month earlier, even holding the lead at the 54th hole.

This was not Aaron’s first success on the European Tour, having won the 2018 Hong Kong Open co-organised by the Asian and European Tours. Before playing on the European Tour he found success on the Challenge Tour, winning the Kenya Open, especially poignant due to his part-Kenyan descent. His mother’s family had emigrated from Kenya in the 1970s and his father’s from India in the 1950s: “My mum was there, it was Mother’s Day, and it was the first

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time she had been back to Kenya since she’d left as a young girl.” He also found success on the Challenge tour with tournament wins on the Costa del Sol, Spain and in Normandy.

Aaron grew up idolising Tiger Woods and believes that he is perhaps the best putter the world of golf has known: “When you’re young you always look up to the ones who are winning. The way he approached the game: he was dynamic, he was different, he was athletic, with a great image as well…The way he held himself on the course, there was so much to admire.”

Aaron’s golfing career started at around two or three years of age when his mother bought him some plastic golf clubs to stop him trying to play with his teenage brother’s cricket equipment. He graduated to a junior set of clubs, which were a gift from his father, and then progressed to visiting the driving range.

Even at the age of 15, it was becoming apparent that Aaron was a future golf champion in the making, after beating the 'Lee Westwood World Puttmaster Record' by holing an astonishing 207 consecutive ten-foot putts. He turned professional in 2012.

“It started when I was eight. I was given two gloves and got into the habit of wearing them. Then one day my dad forgot to put them both in the bag so I had to play with one. It was terrible. I couldn’t play, I couldn’t feel the grip, so it's been two gloves ever since.”

Aaron also goes against the grain of the majority of professional athletes in that he does not have an agent: “My viewpoint is, when everyone starts a sport, we start out of passion and start out enjoying it as a hobby. Along the line, it’s very easy to lose that through competing at a high level.”

Interestingly, as a professional athlete in his mid-twenties, Aaron does not have any public social media presence: “I know there are many benefits to social media, and it can be used in a positive way, but I feel it’s simpler to be without.”

After his Scottish Open win Aaron remains modest, understated and focused on hard work and preparation for future competitions: “I’m very proud, but I think more than anything my wins have given me a lot of confidence about playing against the best in the game.”

You might call Aaron unorthodox in his approach to his game and career.

Golfers amongst you will notice that Aaron wears two gloves instead of one and claims that they were instrumental in his ability to compete in the wet and windy conditions at the Scottish Open:

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Major in Earth Sciences, miner in Cornwall Head Girl, Oxford graduate, TEDx star, expert Geologist, businesswoman and surfer – they are all one and the same, Old Wulfrunian Lucy Crane (OW 2009).

Lucy Crane is now Senior Geologist at Cornish Lithium. Cornish Lithium is committed to environmentally responsible lithium extraction, the metal which we have to thank for powering all the modern devices that define our modern lives, smart phones, tablets, even electric cars, in the form of lithium ion batteries. We were delighted that Lucy was able to speak with us about her work which will influence the way in which we live our lives in the very near future. It is well publicised that traditional extraction methods have been ruinous to environments and communities, especially in what is known as the Lithium Triangle, the lithium rich region of the Andes around the borders of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. The huge appetite for such technologies in developed economies is well known but the demand is also rising in developing economies. Therefore, we

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must endeavour to develop sustainable, ideally carbon neutral, methods of extraction.

“In regions such as the Lithium Triangle”, explained Lucy, “there exists lithium rich salt water beneath salt flats; holes are bored into the salt flats, and the salt water is then pumped to the surface using water. The brine is then left to evaporate in large ponds and the residual lithium is extracted through a chemical process.” This method is water intensive, water is of course scarce in desert environments, especially so for the local communities that have experienced conflict to retain their access to clean water. Australia too has a lithium mining industry, where it is mined in a more traditional sense from a pit and then the raw material is superheated to over 1100°C, requiring tremendous amounts of energy to do so.”

The method which Lucy and her team will utilise, after the exploration phase is complete, is different. Using the natural geological advantages of the earth beneath Cornwall poses the potential for a completely carbon neutral extraction process. Analysis of historic geological maps of the South West,

as well as Lucy’s own research using 21st Century technology, has revealed that beneath Cornwall resides a layer of granite which is rich in lithium and heat. Geothermal waters also permeate deep underground amidst this layer of granite. The geothermal waters would be utilised to pump the lithium compounds to a geothermal plant and then in turn to the lithium pilot plant for processing. This method would not blight the beautiful Cornish landscape as the traditional methods have in South America and it also does not impact residents’ access to water.

Lucy’s career in mining has led her to become a leading voice in the industry: her TEDx talk titled 'Mining Our Way to a Low Carbon Future' earlier this year has clocked up a five-figure view count already. Lucy explained: “I was in a pub after a conference and I was chatting with someone who asked me what I did. When I told them that I worked in mining they launched into a tirade on the mining industry. I said ‘look, you have a smart phone, that is powered by a lithium battery’ and a heated debate ensued. Bizarrely, after I left the pub I saw a post from TED on Instagram advertising for speakers to apply for their Truro event, I seized the

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opportunity and pretty much typed my whole side of the earlier debate into the application form. They obviously liked what they saw!”

Lucy is also on the Executive Committee at Women in Mining (WIM), a non-profit organisation that is committing to the promotion of the employment and the progress of women in the mining industry. As with many STEM fields, women are severely under-represented in the mining industry so the work of WIM cannot be understated. “The mining industry really isn’t a diverse place to work, WIM holds events offering mentorship and educates people about the industry. When I started in mining I met some amazing people who were always willing to help me and offer their time. It’s so crucial to society that we bring about positive change, WIM offers a scholarship at university level and we’ve also set up an internship with some big mining companies. There’s been a real drop in the people choosing to study Geoscience at university and it’s such a shame because it opens so many doors to you and opportunities to travel.” Lucy was also awarded the Rising Star in Mining award at the 17th Annual Mines and Money Awards in 2019.

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When Lucy isn’t being a Senior Geologist, talking at TEDx events and being an industry champion, she runs her own online glasses business, ‘Retrospecced’ which upcycles used frames and works alongside the charity Vision Aid Overseas, donating 20% of the glasses’ sale price to support their vital work providing eye care across Africa. Lucy is also making the most of the beautiful landscapes Cornwall has to offer and enjoys hiking, spending as much time as possible in the sea and surfing, a passion she discovered not long after calling Cornwall home.

Mines and Money is the biggest mining conference in the UK and London is the global centre of mining finance so it was a real honour to be recognised amongst a very highly qualified field.

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A warm welcome to the

34 Head th

of Wolverhampton Grammar School 20 20

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The School announced back in December 2019 that Alex Frazer was to succeed Kathy Crewe-Read as Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School. Alex would be the School’s 34th Head, beginning his duties formally in September 2020.

We know Alex has already spoken and personally written to many Old Wulfrunians since he joined us in September. As a Cambridge graduate (Modern and Medieval Languages), Alex fully appreciates the importance of celebrating the knowledge and experiences of a school’s alumni community and what these can bring to an educational community. Alex’s connection to WGS goes back to his own school days at St Paul's, as a student of Simon May, a proud Old Wulfrunian and Classics teacher.

Alex joined us from Mill Hill where he had been both Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head (Academic), playing a leading role in the growth and modernisation of this multicultural, co-educational school. Outside the classroom, Alex has longstanding experience in leading educational visits, taking cricket (strictly B teams) and supporting pupil participation in the arts. He also served as a Governor of a girls’ state school in Mill Hill and is an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Inspector. A keen traveller, he also enjoys history, reading, cycling, skiing, the visual arts and is married with four children.

We asked Alex to tell us more about his passion for languages and his experience of Wolverhampton as his new home.

London to Wolverhampton is

quite a change, how do you like your new home?

I think some of the differences can be overstated. Something which is important to me – and which I’m used to, coming from London – is to live in a diverse community, and that’s certainly true of Wolverhampton. I’m finding that people here have a strong identity that they’re proud of, and I’ve been warmly welcomed and made to feel part of their lives. The pace of life isn’t as hurried as London’s, and that’s a nice change – people seem to have more time for each other here. I’m enjoying exploring the city: it has a fantastic sense of history – which the School is part of – and some great civic architecture, as well as a surprising number of green spaces. And there is a lot of lovely countryside just a stone’s throw away.

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You are a Modern and Medieval

What did you find appealing

With your arrival as Head

Cambridge. What attracted you to

appointment process like?

pandemic it has been a rather

Languages graduate from study languages?

I started learning French when I was nearly eight. There wasn’t anything conscious at that stage but I knew I enjoyed the language from the off. I came to German aged 13, with more awareness, and by then I associated studying languages with expanding my personal horizons and looking forward to a variety of experiences out of my comfort zone that, looking back, have definitely made me a more rounded person. I think modern languages offer the immediate satisfaction of doing something practical – communicating and understanding – along with increasingly intellectual and cultural challenges as you move through the years of study: literature, history, film, politics and so on. I remain absolutely convinced of the value of a modern language in the core curriculum, at least to GCSE: developing some skills in another language will build confidence and also will make you a better-informed and more thoughtful user of your own language – without mentioning the cultural capital that you will gain.

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about WGS and what was the WGS is my fourth school and, of the three that came before, two were also former direct grant grammar day schools. I like schools that come from that tradition – friendly, unstuffy, purposeful, feet-on-the-ground – so when the Headship was advertised in Autumn 2019 it was an easy decision to apply.

Far more daunting, given WGS’s fabulous reputation and great performance by anyone’s standards, was the level of competition for the job!

The process itself involved two rounds of in-depth interviews with a panel of Directors, with an invaluable school visit day between the two for those of us who were selected for the final round.

The ambition of the Directors and the warmth and happiness of the students and staff I met during my visit made it absolutely clear to me how much I wanted to join the School – and how at home I would feel if I were fortunate enough to be appointed.

occurring amidst the Coronavirus unique induction to WGS for you.

Any reflections?

I would not wish the pandemic on myself or anyone else, but I feel bizarrely lucky insofar as it has given me the opportunity to see the WGS community of staff, students and parents at their very best from the word go. I was hugely impressed and inspired by the thoughtful planning and hard work put in through the summer holidays by everyone involved. The students themselves have been amazing: they’ve adapted to intricate new systems and shown great patience with the restrictions on them. And parents have been nothing but understanding and supportive – it’s wonderful to feel their faith in the School.

What are the highlights of your first term at WGS?

I’m just so delighted with the way we got the School back up and running through the month of September. That was always going to be the first priority, after such a long period away from education as normal. As we’re speaking now, we are able to return to planning

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more strategically for the future, and that’s always an exciting process in any school. I’ve already experienced the famous Coast2Coast challenge (albeit on Cannock Chase thanks to COVID-19 restrictions). It’s a wonderful tradition in the School, as well as an important charity fundraising opportunity, and to miss it would have been a huge shame.

was a boy at St Paul’s when I first heard of WGS: my Latin teacher, Simon May, was a proud Old Wulfrunian and hugely appreciative of the myriad opportunities he had had at the School under Headmaster Tony Stocks.

You are no stranger to independent

The great thing about schools like WGS is that we can use our independence to make our own decisions about the kind of education we want to set out for our students.

We have to organise ourselves sensibly, but we are fortunately not as subject to resource pressures, and as a result we can offer the best combination of academic teaching and learning, pastoral care and extra-curricular activities.

education; as an alumnus of St

Paul’s School, London and former Deputy Head of Mill Hill School,

what similarities do you recognise

between the two schools and WGS? St Paul’s and WGS were both founded in the early sixteenth century: St Paul’s is actually three years older, but that’s not much of a difference over such a long history. WGS was started by a Lord Mayor of London, whilst the father of the founder of St Paul’s was another Lord Mayor. Mill Hill is the youngest by comparison: it opened in 1807 so at ‘just’ 214 years old, it isn’t even half as old as WGS or St Paul’s! All three schools started for boys only – St Paul’s still is – and all have had boarders in their time – in fact, WGS is the only one of the three where all students now go home in the evening. More personally, I

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Why is independent education still so important today?

An excellent independent education is built on these three pillars and allows students to grow personally while achieving academically, gaining confidence over time and setting up the conditions to thrive and find fulfilment in higher education, their early careers and their young adult lives.

And finally, if you were not a school Head, what would you be?

I was offered a job on a motoring magazine at the same time I was offered my first teaching post, so I suppose I might have turned into a poor man’s James May eventually.

My fantasy job would be a murder squad detective, fuelled no doubt by too many crime novels and police series on television. Real police officers do incredible work day in, day out, and I have no idea whether I would have the skills, patience or resolve needed.

Alex is keen to meet and engage with as many Old Wulfrunians as possible. Do contact Tina Erskine, Head of Development, either by email: ter@wgs-sch.net or telephone: +44 (0)1902 392962, if you would like to meet with Alex in person or via Zoom.

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Walking with John through Liverpool Residents of, and recent visitors to, Liverpool may have had the pleasure of seeing Professor John Hyatt’s (OW 1977) outdoor, “socially distanced” art exhibition.

Titled “Walk with Me”, the exhibition went on display on 1st August in Liverpool’s Fabric District with prints of John’s work adorning the external walls of buildings on Kempston Street, Gildart Street and Constance Street, (all of which once shaped the heart of Liverpool's textile industry), effectively creating a street gallery.

Free of charge and without queues or time slots, the exhibition has continued into 2021 and features 10ft by 8ft vinyl prints of eight previously unseen paintings, primarily produced during

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lockdown. It is believed to be the first non-online, outdoor exhibition to take place after the initial restrictions were scaled back in June.

Today, John is based at the University of Liverpool John Moores, where he is Director of the Institute of Art and Technology, Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Transfer, in the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies and Professor of Contemporary Art in the School of Art and Design. However, some may remember him as the lead singer and songwriter of 1980s postpunk band ‘The Three Johns’!

Since 2010, John’s work has been viewed worldwide through exhibitions in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Ireland, Portugal, Japan and the USA, as well as here in the UK. To view more of the work of this painter, digital artist, video artist, photographer, designer, musician, printmaker, author and sculptor go to: www.johnhyatt.co.uk/paintings

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Above: Valley of the White Horse painting Centre, left: Walk with Me Gildart St. Left: "The Fabric District presents: Walk with Me by JOHN HYATT" poster

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The journey to return to campus in 2020 The spring and summer months of 2020 were an extraordinary time for everyone.

Staff had to get used to a new way of working and teaching from home, parents became teaching assistants and children had to adjust to time away from their friends, teachers and the campus.

Junior School children had a very successful return to campus at the end of June. We were one of the few schools in the country to effectively ensure the safe return of all of our Year 3 to Year 6 children. Dan Peters, Head of the Junior School, had nothing but praise for the children, their parents and his staff who had to learn a “new normal” to all aspects of life – from drop-off points to classroom layouts and socially distanced sports.

Senior staff and teachers of Year 11 and Upper Sixth worked on the calculation and submission of their Centre Assessment Grades.

Year 11 students prepared for Sixth Form, working on tasks set in all of their chosen Sixth Form options, including an independent research and extended writing challenge.

Senior staff, Communications and Estates teams spent the summer holidays preparing for the prospect of all students returning to campus.

The whole of the School then returned in September. All of this, as you can imagine, required organisation with military precision. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the provision of PPE and hygiene equipment, such as portable handwashing facilities and signage, all of which enabled students, parents and staff to feel safe on site.

The return to campus was a great success and we are grateful to everyone who continues to keep our community safe and supported.

2020 will no doubt go down in history as one of the most challenging years for schools globally. Wolverhampton Grammar School has a great tradition of recording school life for future generations. This year is no different and the 2020 edition of the Wulfrunian magazine will help us keep a record of our experiences.

Our social media channels also provide a visual account of the last year. You can see what we’ve been up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

#WGSTogether was launched to provide a break from the curriculum #W

and lessons not only for our students but also their parents! Daily er

Although some were away from campus for nearly five months, many staff and students returned to School earlier than perhaps you might think. Some staff were never away, working tirelessly to keep the buildings and grounds maintained; supporting new families as they prepared for their new school and ensuring a warm reception welcome for delivery drivers, maintenance staff and visitors to the site. Children of key workers remained in School until the end of the summer term and staff worked on a rota to ensure they continued with their lessons and received the pastoral care that they needed – during what must have been a very difficult time for them.

GS Toget

h

and weekly challenges and activities were on offer culminating in a live, virtual author event with comedian and award winning writer

Ben Miller. Extra curricular activities went online and virtual. Everything from juggling classes, gardening, book clubs, psychology to knitting tutorials.

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Wulfrunian 2020

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Monday 23rd March – Boris Johnson announces lockdown. The School campus is closed to students. All teaching and learning is immediately available and delivered online as home study.

Thursday 9th April – The School is illuminated in blue and green as we all begin clapping for the NHS, carers and key workers.

Monday 4th May – The School community “gets active” with a specially themed week.

The School flag on Big School is also replaced with a Clap for our NHS flag.

Friday 22nd May - Home Learning Reports are issued by School for the first time in our 508 year history.

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

Monday 1st June – Year 6 return to campus and Sixth Form preparation work begins for Year 11 students.

From Friday 3rd July - Additional academic workshops are available in School for Year 10.

Thursday 13th August – Sixth Form results published online for the first time for Upper Sixth.

Monday 8th June – Live tutorials begin for Lower Sixth students.

Monday 6th July – Activities Week begins for students in Years 7 to 10 and Lower Sixth. Year 11 students are invited into School to see staff. Actor, comedian, director and author, Ben Miller entertains students via Zoom with an author masterclass.

Monday 17th August – the Class of 2020 Yearbooks are sent out in the post to Upper Sixth families. Socially distanced iPad inductions begin in Big School for new students arriving in Years 7, 8 and 9 in September.

Children of key workers are the only students allowed in School for lessons.

All GCSE and A Level examinations are cancelled.

Monday 30th March - Virtual Assemblies begin across School.

Tuesday 16th June – School uniform shop and Premier Sports reopen for parents.

Thursday 18th June - The School hosts its first Virtual Open Evening.

Monday 22nd June – Years 3, 4 and 5 return to campus. Years 7, 8 and 9 attend some tutorials in School. Project Week begins in School.

Thursday 26th June - Additional academic workshops begin in School for Lower Sixth students.

Tuesday 7th July – Lower Sixth have their first virtual Parents’ Evening.

Wednesday 8th July – Junior School Speech Day is delivered virtually, with a "well done" message from BBC Newsround. Upper Sixth are invited into School to say goodbye to staff (for now) and receive their official School scarf.

Thursday 20th August – IGCSE/GCSE results published online for Year 11. 87 students studied towards an incredible 824 GCSE and IGCSE awards.

SEPTEMBER

#W

er

Thursday 9th July – Virtual Senior Prizegiving for Year 11 and Upper Sixth students with a "good luck" message from former student and broadcaster Sean Farrington, from the BBC Breakfast sofa.

GS To get

h

Tuesday 1st September – All staff return to campus for INSET day.

Wednesday 2nd September – Year 7 and Lower Sixth students begin their induction.

Thursday 3rd September – All year groups return to School campus.

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Current students, Old Wulfrunians and staff were deeply affected by the murder of George Floyd, who died whilst being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the USA. A number of former students of all ages have already contacted School directly with their own personal reflections and ideas for further reform of the national curriculum and daily school life. We need to keep these conversations and ideas coming. Did you see Sathnam Sanghera (OW 1995) who returned to School during lockdown with Channel 4 News (see page 48)? He used our School to help raise the issue of why so many NHS and care staff practitioners from BAME communities were contracting and, in many cases, dying from COVID-19.

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The tragedy of George Floyd is not unique. There are many who have passed before and after him. These tragedies have brought racial injustice to global attention and we want to use this opportunity to share with you what your School has done, and plans to do to ensure all our community is heard, and represented, not just in our curriculum, but also in every aspect of School life.

One of the many things that makes Wolverhampton Grammar School so special, is the diversity of our community. Over half of our current students identify as BAME. It is essential that our School represents everyone – and we hope, when you read our School publications (like editions of Wulfrunian) and see our website and social media presence, that you agree. That said, we can and should do better. We too have identified a number of actions that we must undertake in order to ensure that every single member of our student, staff and alumni community feels valued and represented by our School.

This is a summary of some of those actions; please tell us if you think we could do something else, better or differently:

Immediate support for our staff • Just after George Floyd’s death, our then Head, Kathy Crewe-Read, and Director of Marketing & Communications, Carrie Bennett, met with staff who identify as BAME to talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and what we could do as a school. That collective then wrote to all BAME staff to reassure them that past and present discrimination of any individual has no place within our School. We asked anyone who felt they had been affected in any way to be confident in raising their concern with us.

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• We then held an open forum for any member of staff to talk about how School could do better. Teaching and support staff from a range of ages, ethnic and cultural backgrounds were represented.

• All staff are clear of the expectations of them and undertook additional unconscious bias training in September, ready for the beginning of term. Our shortlist and induction processes for all new staff have also been reviewed.

• We also have taken the advice of Mr Fowler, a current member of staff, who was a Government adviser on community education and then became the national lead on community cohesion.

He has worked in some of the most racially diverse and deprived areas of the country and alongside a range of influential practitioners and social leaders.

He continues to guide and advise us to ensure this momentum of change continues.

Immediate support for our students • Mrs Finn (whom many of you will remember) convened a special Student Parliament session to discuss Black Lives Matter and students shared many ideas for reform, which have been taken forward.

• A number of staff and students have participated in Black Lives Matter marches. School fully supported their right to do this.

• During lockdown we launched #WGSTogether as a tool to share resources, activities and different voices to the whole of our School community, such as TED talks including “How to speak so that people want to listen” and “10 ways

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to have a better conversation” spoken by men and women from a range of ethnicities. This work will continue.

• Our induction process for new students in September made it clear the standards that we expect at School: from kindness, to behaviour and understanding of our School community and that our differences makes us stronger.

• Pastoral care remains at the centre and forefront of everything we do.

If students are ever worried about anything, or want to discuss a concern – there is lots of support at School for them. Students can also raise concerns (or, in the case of the Junior School, “worries”) using an online tool on our Student Portal.

• We are planning to launch a number of new initiatives across School including a diversity group for children and staff of all backgrounds and experiences to come together.

Action for all our community We have compiled an immediate and longer term set of actions which will encompass Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. These have been committed to in our School Development Plan, which outlines to all staff and Directors the priorities for the School going forward. They include: • A review and expansion of not just the History syllabus, but also Government and Politics, English Language and Literature, Music, Art, Business, Religious Studies and Theology, Economics and Psychology syllabi and schemes of work, to ensure they represent our communities and experiences – both past and present.

This work is ongoing, but changes have already been made.

• Areas such as the sciences, sport and humanities will ensure their subject and lesson references include people of all backgrounds and experiences.

• The School’s Exams Officer has contacted all exam boards used by School to lobby for change in exam syllabi and the National Curriculum.

• Assemblies in both the Junior and Senior Schools already discuss a whole range of topical issues from injustice, race to inequality and discrimination. We also use assemblies to celebrate individuals from all cultures and backgrounds.

Senior assemblies also now include student vs teacher debates. Motions already covered include: Feminism has failed women; Colonialism and the Commonwealth; Genocide; the Queen’s English; Transgender athletes and their right to compete.

• End of term Assemblies, Founder’s Day and Prizegiving now include world music, as well as readings and speakers from different faiths including Sikh and Muslim (who make up the majority of our BAME community). Every Founder’s Day for the last five years has included readings from the Sikh scriptures or Qur’an.

• Our PSHE curriculum already includes: exploration of self and identity; communities; democracy; relationships.

Do you have more ideas for change?

Please contact the Development Office.

As educators, we promise to stand with everyone in our community in the move towards change. Let's keep this momentum going.

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IN FOND

REMEMBRANCE

Writing about the OWs and former staff who have passed away is never easy and sadly this year has been a particularly difficult one for our School community. Written by their families, fellow classmates and colleagues, the following pages are filled with fitting tributes to their memories and connections with WGS.

R J Abrahams (OW 1938)

Harry Smith (OW 1952)

Richard Carley (OW 1964)

Sadly passed away 5th June 1987

Sadly passed away in 2019

Sadly passed away in 2019

Derek George Johnson (OW 1946)

Reverend Arthur Roger “Roger” Bould (OW 1950)

Sadly passed away 30th April 2017

Sadly passed away 21st June 2019

John Howe (OW 1954)

Anthony Bendall Morgan (OW 1943)

Sadly passed away 31st March 2018

Melvyn Robinson (OW 1951)

Anthony Hugh Crookes (OW 1949) Sadly passed away 19th January 2019

Sadly passed away 17th December 2018

Tony became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and spent most of his professional life in Tamworth. His leisure pursuits were golf and chess, both of which he played to a high standard. In 1967 he moved with his family to the City of Lichfield where he lived until his death aged 85.

Graham Rex Shuttleworth (OW 1959)

Ramon “Ray” Wylde (OW 1953)

Sadly passed away in 2019

Sadly passed away 8th April 2019

Sadly passed away 14th December 2018

Geoff Holland (OW 1952)

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Sadly passed away in August 2019

David Pardo (OW 1967) Sadly passed away in August 2019

David W Hinde (OW 1949) Sadly passed away in 2019

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Keith Errol Wilson (OW 1967)

Frederick “Fred” Foreman Sadly passed away in December 2019

Sadly passed away 6th November 2019 Keith was born in Jamaica and was educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School amid his family’s emigration to Liberia. Keith is considered to be the first black pupil to attend the School.

Upon arriving in Liberia, Keith studied at Cuttington College and Divinity School for a year, before travelling to the United States, to finalise his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a degree in Economics. Keith was a businessman and entrepreneur, running businesses globally including in Liberia, Mexico, Italy and the UK.

Martin Owen Costley (OW 1977) Sadly passed away 12th November 2019 Martin was Head of Science at Bede’s School in East Sussex and a keen chess player.

John Edward Nightingale (OW 1962)

Sadly passed away 22nd March 2020 Fred joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in 1981 (or when King Henry was a lad, according to Fred) having previously worked for GKN Aerospace as a chemical analyst and as a materials analyst on the Blue Streak rocket programme. Fred taught for seventeen years before changing roles to become the Design and Technology Assistant – he retired in 2009.

When the Head at the time, Patrick Hutton, wanted to introduce crafts into the curriculum in Year 7 Fred was happy to lend his expertise. Fred was integral to the evolution of the Design and Technology provision at School, from the humble woodworking shops which had been converted from rifle ranges to the construction of the purpose built Design and Technology building.

Fred’s involvement was School-wide: umpiring cricket, building scenery for School drama productions and assisting on French exchange visits to name but a few of the ways Fred lent his time and expertise.

When Fred retired in 2009 he did so to spend more time with his friends and family, fishing, holidaying in his favourite resort of Barmouth and giving more time to his church.

Sadly passed away 13th February 2020

Sadly passed away in 2020

Sadly passed away 4th April 2020

John “Michael” Michael L Davenport (OW 1952) Sadly passed away 18th April 2020 A delightful man, keen supporter of the Old Wulfrunians Association and a regular at the OWA Annual Dinner; and his presence will be sadly missed.

Edward “Ted” Krause (OW 1938) Sadly passed away 15th May 2020

Edgar Gordon Ward (OW 1944) Sadly passed away 28th May 2020

Sadly passed away in July 2020

Fred (left) with former Head, Vincent Darby.

Arthur Bedford (OW 1948) Sadly passed away 5th March 2020

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Michael John Brown (OW 1958)

Robert Graham Brookes (OW 1964)

A keen member of the Scouts, a stalwart of the Hockey Club, John also ran the OW 200 Club for many years and organised race nights, thereby raising much needed finance for the OW Club.

F. A. Davies (OW 1949)

Leslie Arthur Bouts (OW 1949)

John Charles Constable (OW 1946) Sadly passed away in September 2020

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Florence Darby Sadly passed away 29th November 2019 Generations of Wulfrunians were saddened to learn that Florence Darby passed away on Friday 29th November 2019 after a few months’ illness.

Florence joined WGS in 1964, following her husband John who had been appointed Head of Chemistry (later, of Science) in 1956. She was drafted in, somewhat unofficially, to “help” in the Music Department by the legendary Rev Frank Rust, and somehow just stayed. By the time I first worked with her in 1981, she was also teaching Maths (she had a joint-honours degree in Maths and Music). While I remember her from that time as a multi-talented musical colleague (with views similar to mine on the importance of widening participation in music throughout the School), responses on social media to the announcement of her passing demonstrate just how much former students owe to her for the solid mathematical skills and sheer intrinsic interest in the subject she instilled in generations of 11-13 year-olds.

Former colleagues, particularly those involved with the selection and entrance procedure, will also recall that, from around 1980 until long after she had officially retired, Florence produced the school’s own Verbal Reasoning tests, those fiendish brain-teasers which many ten year-olds sailed through, but which were prone to reducing invigilating teachers to tears of frustration! After

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I became Head, I was accustomed to Florence whisking the papers away on that January Saturday morning, phoning me on the Sunday afternoon to announce that she’d marked them all and giving a view on the overall standard of entry. She was always positive and encouraging – and always right.

John and Florence

That kind of going the extra mile is a hallmark of the great teacher, and Florence certainly fitted the description.

When I was a very young Head of Music, we used to joke about how she was a replacement mother for me in Wolverhampton: and she was. She encouraged, supported, and calmed me down at need, always generously, always quietly. As I became longer in the tooth at WGS, I saw her do the same with other young teachers. It was just part of her giving and selfless nature.

Having notched up 68 years’ service between them, John and Florence retired together in 1994. While John busied himself with exam marking for

some years, Florence continued with the entrance exams; and both were tireless supporters of school events, concerts, plays and the like. They remained wonderful hosts to a wide circle of friends (Florence was a formidable cook), and loved spending time with their children, Nigel and Alison, and two grandchildren.

Though age slowly began to circumscribe their activities, that happy period nonetheless continued in similar vein until the last summer, when Florence received the diagnosis of her terminal illness. When I last visited her in late October, she was in no mind to complain. On the contrary, she felt that the diagnosis of her illness gave her space both to prepare for the end, which included finding appropriate residential care for John, and to relish the countless messages of love and support that she received. She was probably the only person to be surprised by such an outpouring of affection.

Typically of so generous a soul, Florence said she felt privileged to be granted the time to receive all that love. The rest of us know that, in fact, it was we who were privileged to know Florence and to be the beneficiaries of her love.

Bernard Trafford Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School - 1990-2008

Wulfrunian 2020

Professor Keith Benjamin Madelin OBE (OW 1959)

Brian Bennett (OW 1956)

Sadly passed away 30th December 2019

Sadly passed away 15th July 2020

Keith joined the Board of Governors of Wolverhampton Grammar School in 2001 and began serving on the Finance Committee soon after. His professional expertise was of enormous value and in no time at all Keith found himself chairing the Estates Committee, where he was renowned for his meticulous care and attention, ensuring the physical buildings improved whilst ensuring the School’s focus remained on education and the students.

Brian gave credit to WGS for playing a big part in his development, becoming the unique person he was. He was well respected all over the world in his field of Industrial Engineering.

Measured, factual and with people’s welfare at heart. Keith did not always say much but when he did everyone listened. Keith believed in WGS and we believed in him. He knew how much he had benefitted from it, valued its educational philosophy and was prepared to spend his own money in making it accessible to those who perhaps otherwise could not afford it. That his grandchildren were able to join the school brought him great joy and he and Ruth were always friendly faces at concerts and plays, watching Imogen, Josh and Harry sing or act their hearts out.

I had the pleasure of attending a magnificent formal dinner at the Merchant Taylors’ Company Hall in Threadneedle Street with Keith in December 2019, to represent Wolverhampton Grammar School. And, as amongst other things, I told him what value he brought to our Board, how much he’d done for our School and how lucky I was to have worked with him; for I know I spoke on behalf of the whole of Wolverhampton Grammar School’s community.

Born in Wolverhampton, living in Willenhall, he left England at 24 years of age with his wife Judith Evelyn.

Raised a wonderful family, Heath, Dana and Stuart, in Canada, for 28 years. Ended up in the USA for 30 years, retiring at 70 years of age. Passed away in Oxford, Alabama. Sadly missed and loved by many.

Judith Evelyn Bennett

Adapted from Kathy Crewe-Read’s eulogy for Keith.

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Alan John Rostance (OW 1943) Sadly passed away 13th November 2017

Roger Hatfield (OW 1957) Sadly passed away 11th October 2019

John attended Hatherton Boys School, as it was called in those days, from the ages of 5 to 9, until in 1934 going to Wolverhampton Grammar School, where he boarded for three years until he was 12 years old. He was amongst the last of the boarders. After that he caught the train to school each day.

John left school planning to become an architect, but in 1942, at the age of 17, he went into the army. On joining the army, John went to Aldershot and he became a sergeant. His time in the army was spent in Egypt, where he was a driver but was never required to take a test.

Unfortunately, when John was just 24, his father was taken seriously ill.

The family applied to the House of Lords to get John out of the Army. He came home to take over the family business, a funeral directors and general builders. His father told him to make sure to look after all the people in the local community and not pay so much attention to the ones in the big houses.

One day someone called at the shop, possibly the scrapman, to say that sadly his son or daughter, whichever it was, had died. He couldn’t afford to bury him or her, so could John help out and he would pay him back when he could.

John said he’d do it. That man called back every week to pay the gaffer until the debt had been paid.

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John met his future wife, Kath. Married in Penkridge Church on 16th May 1953, they were together for 64½ years.

Jane, Rachel and Elizabeth came along between 1955 and 1961.

At Elizabeth’s wedding and at Kath and John’s 50th wedding anniversary, John started his speeches by thanking all the guests for coming, including future customers. His wit and dry sense of humour was one of his hallmarks.

The church was a big part of John’s life. He attended St Michael’s for 90 years. He was a chorister, later a churchwarden for about 25 years.

John was a keen cricketer and an avid supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers. John also played tennis and badminton. At one time he was secretary of the Stafford and District Badminton League. In addition to all that, John was a founding member of the local Rotary Club.

Roger studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, during which time he completed work experience with Rolls Royce and then Volvo in Sweden. He began a career in engineering, and returned to Wolverhampton to work on components for the TSR 2 Aircraft, a Cold War British military jet. He later volunteered with the Royal Air Force, and flew solo as a glider pilot. As an engineer for the British Aircraft Corporation, he was passionate about using natural elements such as wind and sun in his designs, and his designs were used at design reviews to show how ‘thinking outside the box’ could produce engineering solutions.

Gail Hatfield

Most of all he’ll be remembered as a gentleman, a member of the community, not a pillar of the community, John would never think that. He was very much one of us.

It’s been a privilege for the family and the community to be blessed with such a great person.

God bless John, husband, Dad, Grandad, Grump, Uncle John, cousin, godfather, Mr Rostance, friend.

Wulfrunian 2020

Robert “Bobby” Edward Taylor (OW 1964) Sadly passed away in February 2020 Robert Edward Taylor, the second child of Bert and Gladys Taylor, was born on 20th January 1946 in Low Hill, Wolverhampton.

Bob was bright and able to read before he started school thanks to his Uncle Howard, a teacher, who gave him books and encouraged him to read. Bob attended Bushbury County Infants and Junior School and then went on to study at the Wolverhampton Grammar School.

There’s no doubt that Bob’s friendly manner made him a popular student.

He was academically gifted, particularly interested in languages and mathematics.

Bob studied languages to A Level, and was therefore an invaluable help to his children, when they too studied languages at school.

Bob began his career at an insurance company on Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton.

Then in 1969, he moved to Marston Excelsior Ltd on the Wobaston Road, as a buyer in the Purchasing Department. Bob stayed at Marstons for the remainder of his working years, until he took early retirement in 2002, at the age of 56.

Whilst working at Marstons, Bob met Chris, who he went on to marry in 1977. They had two children together – Stacy, their daughter born in 1982 followed by Jonathan, their son born in 1986. Bob was a caring and supportive father. He passed his appreciation of academia on to his children, always encouraging and supporting them in their studies. Bob was thrilled when Stacy and her husband Will gave him two grandchildren, Finley and Leah. They meant the world to him and he loved to spend time with them.

Arthur Henry Law (OW 1977) Sadly passed away 17th May 2018 After leaving school, Arthur studied for a Fine Arts degree at Reading University, achieving a first. Arthur was a prominent campaigner for the rights of LGBT+ people. In order to engage in full-time activism during the day, he worked nights in a respite care centre, helping people with learning difficulties.

Arthur was a committed member of The Clause Campaign, a protest against Section/Clause 28 which, passed in 1988, prohibited schools from teaching the acceptability of homosexual relationships; legislation that was not rescinded in the entire UK until 2003.

Arthur also fought against police harassment of gay men; his efforts resulted in Sussex Police inviting gay men and lesbians to provide LGBT+ awareness coaching to officers. He was a key organiser of many of Brighton Pride events as well as being Chair of Brighton Switchboard, a telephone helpline for LGBT+ people, and was also instrumental in founding Switchboard’s youth project.

Bob brought happiness to many people’s lives and he will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Stacy Douch, daughter

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Michael Anthony Lloyd “Tony” Bowyer (OW 1942) Sadly passed away 13th December 2019 of Wales Own Gurkha Rifles. He left Belgaum for Burma in November 1944 and soon saw active service defending the Mawchi - Toungoo road as Infantry Company C Commander, working alongside the Indian Army 19th Dagger Division, in the successful Mandalay Hill Campaign in 1945.

Tony won a scholarship to Wolverhampton Grammar School aged 11 and excelled in sport, particularly soccer, swimming and cross-country running. He won the open mile race on consecutive years, leading from the front all the way. He also became a regular member of the Cadets.

In 1942, he won the Martin Wilkes Scholarship to Pembroke College, Cambridge to read Classical History where he would eventually gain a ‘War Blue’ in soccer.

His studies would be interrupted when he joined up for the War in 1942 with the Queen’s Royal Regiment. After training at Maidstone and Wrotham Camps in 1943, he was enrolled in January 1944 at Officer Training School at Belgaum in India en route to join the 4th/4th Prince

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He remained in Burma at Kalaw, training C Company and keeping peace alongside the 17th Indian Division (Black Cats) until September 1946. He then left Rangoon for Calcutta on SS Ethiopia, then on via Dalhousie to Bakloh, the regimental centre where he was in charge of Sport and Education of new Gurkha recruits. He would remain in Bakloh until disbandment of the 4th/4th in April 1947 and his return to England and to conclude his studies at Pembroke.

Tony would be commended in the Regimental History of the 4th/4th Volume 3 for his part in the Battle of Waybonin, in March 1945, where his much-admired Colonel Hamish Mackay declared that: ‘It was a big responsibility but Bowyer was made of good stuff and did well.' He was also commended for his ability to speak fluently to his men in both Urdu and Gurkhali.

He then re-entered the world of education as a schoolmaster: first at Repton in 1949, then at Wrekin College 1950, and Cheltenham College 1953 - 1962, where he was Contingent

Commander of the CCF, taking boys on four Nijmegen Marches and himself winning the Territorial Distinction Medal in 1964 (mentioned in Dispatches) for his service as Second in Command of the 5th Gloucester Regiment since 1953.

He went on to become Headmaster of Oldbury Technical School at the young age of 39 in 1963 and later Highfields School, Wolverhampton in 1968, where he was awarded the Churchill Fellowship Medal in Education in 1977, leading to lectureship tours and school exchange trips in America.

Tony led a fund-raising campaign that enabled him to successfully pursue his dream of opening a hostel and school for Gurkha orphans in Subathu, the new home of the Regiment, and he was invited to lay the foundation stone there in 1982 and again visit for the final opening in 1987. It was a great honour for him.

He was noted for his wonderful sense of humour and great mimicry skills; however, it was his enduring optimism and warmth which really stood out. He always encouraged those around him to aim that little bit higher. He was a born leader and always led by example.

An excerpt from Tony’s war memoirs can be found on page 44 in our feature of “WGS Remembers".

Top right: Tony can be seen winning the open mile run in 1941.

Wulfrunian 2020

David Orme (OW 1958) Sadly passed away 25th March 2020 David Christopher Orme was born on 30th August 1940 and attended Woden Road Primary School. He joined the Grammar School in September 1951.

At School he played football and was active in the CCF. After five years at WGS he became an articled clerk in the Accountancy Practice of Ron Stevens, a prominent local OW. He worked there alongside Bill Owen, another OW, who became a lifelong friend and with whom he subsequently worked at Owen Millichamp & Co. He also worked in several capacities in the West Midlands foundry industry as an accountant and company director.

Lay Minister. Although he did not enjoy good health in recent years, he maintained all his interests. Indeed, he added to them! David was very grateful to the National Health Service and as a result he joined the Healthcare Forum for Dudley Primary Care Trust and several other voluntary bodies – working with the University of Wolverhampton and NIHR Clinic Research Group as a lay representative. David enjoyed a very happy family life; he was devoted to his wife Pat and his children Jamie, Christopher and Rachel and his grandchildren, Sabrina and Gabrielle.

We extend our condolences to them.

David was a very enthusiastic OW. He was active in the Old Wulfs Club and Association and played football for the OW Football Club 4th and 5th XIs, and was a very difficult defender to get past.

Mike Hughes (OW 1965)

He was closely involved in the OWA Dinners and was for many years responsible for organising the Bar in the Derry Hall in the 1970s and 80s – keeping it open until the early hours of the morning. He greatly enjoyed these occasions; he had a remarkable memory and a large repertoire of WGS stories to recount.

David was a dedicated freemason and joined the Old Wulfrunians’ Lodge on 19th January 1977. He became its Master in 1991 and subsequently he was Secretary for many years. He joined many other masonic orders

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and was well known in the Province of Staffordshire for his encyclopaedic knowledge of masonry and his wide network of friends. He was a great supporter of the charitable work of freemasonry and was a leading member of Ed Humphries’ Demonstration Team which raised nearly £20,000 for a variety of national and local charities. He was also a keen supporter of the Federation of School Lodges and enjoyed visits around the country.

David was a kind and sociable man who dedicated himself to many good causes. He was an active member of St Mary’s Church in Kingswinford where was a Server, Chorister and Authorised

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David "Keith" Powell (OW 1948) Sadly passed away 18th April 2020

Brian John Snook (OW 1960) Sadly passed away 22nd October 2020

Following in the family tradition Keith was a pupil at the School during the 1940s, a time he described as amongst the best years of his life.

On leaving WGS Keith’s hopes of university were sadly dashed by the necessity to start earning and he began work at ATV television studios in the sound department.

Whilst holidaying in Italy Keith met Margaret and the two were married in 1959 and settled in Sutton Coldfield where daughters Elizabeth and Rosamund were born.

In 1965 Keith was invited to take a sound engineer position at the newly formed Granada TV and the family moved to Sale in Cheshire.

Keith worked at Granada until 1988 when he retired.

Keith was a keen photographer and cine film maker, held an amateur radio ham licence and enjoyed gardening and DIY, turning his hand to many projects around the house including building wardrobes and converting an outhouse to a breakfast room as well as rewiring the house.

In later years he and Margaret enjoyed cruising and in retirement he became proficient with using a computer, taking to emailing the family regularly, and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Elizabeth Powell, Keith's daughter

After leaving WGS, Brian studied Modern Languages at Liverpool University, spending his final year in Paris. He then returned to northwest England and became a secondary school teacher of French and German (later Head of Department).

During this time he became a Chief Examiner of O Level and later GCSE exams, and continued as an examiner until his mid-seventies.

Taking early retirement from teaching allowed him to dedicate more time to his hobbies and interests. He was very involved in amateur dramatics, including acting and script-writing, and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining his local community in Warrington. He also enjoyed classical music, theatre, cinema, stamp collecting, astronomy and art.

He and his late wife were very involved in their local Methodist church, and Brian gave his time so generously to many areas of church life.

He was a lovely, kind, talented man with a keen sense of humour, and will be sorely missed by his three loving children, six grandsons, and his many friends.

Cath Land, Brian’s daughter

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Wulfrunian 2020

Keith Short (OW 1959) Sadly passed away 11th September 2020 Keith was born and raised in Penn Common, Wolverhampton. His father, George Short, was a railway clerk who later served in the navy, his mother Dorothy (nee Beddow) a secretary.

Keith was educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School and graduated from Wolverhampton College of Art in 1961 with a National Diploma in Design, specialising in modelling and sculpture.

Image copyright Keith Short 2012

In 1963, he married Jennifer Price and later they moved to London, where he worked as a stone carver and lettering artist. Among his duties was carving decorative finials in Portland stone for the restoration of the Henry VII chapel at Westminster Abbey. Other works included a relief panel for the Greater London Council showing the former Waterloo Bridge, gargoyle heads and heraldic shields for Ashridge House in Hertfordshire, and a life-sized elephant for the display of Indian armour at the Tower of London.

His entry into the film industry coincided with what has become known as a golden period of set-building in this country. “After George Lucas brought the first Star Wars to the UK in 1976,” says Short’s colleague, the art director Tom Brown, “he inadvertently started a series of productions that freed the craft talent base in the industry here. It transformed the country into a desirable place in which to make large-scale productions, not only due to the tax benefits but the

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fact that the technical and craft grades were some of the best in the world, and Keith’s career reflected this.”

His first film job was on the influential science-fiction horror hit Alien (1979), working from HR Giger’s designs on the atmospheric scene in which astronauts explore a landscape littered with oversized eggs; inside them lurk the creatures that later came to be known to fans as face-huggers. Short followed this by going on location in Tunisia for the Monty Python team’s controversial comedy Life of Brian (also 1979).

Other credits included The Dark Crystal (1982), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), The Princess Bride (1987) and Martin Scorsese’s Hugo (2011).

He worked on the James Bond films GoldenEye (1995), Die Another Day (2002) and Quantum of Solace (2008) as well as on several instalments of the Harry Potter series. He was the head of the sculpting department on Willow (1988), The Fifth Element (1997), The Mummy (1999) and Oliver Stone’s historical epic Alexander (2004). He was supervising sculptor at Disneyland Paris and for London’s Olympic bid. “I always felt I was in the company of an extraordinary talent,” said Brown, “with an incredible ability to turn the sketched designs of production designers into a 3D reality.”

Excerpts from Keith’s obituary in The Guardian 23rd October 2020

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John Gough (OW 2000)

Dennis Frederick Squire (OW 1940)

Sadly passed away 12th March 2019

Sadly passed away 15th November 2020 John attended WGS from 1993 to 2000 following the guidance of his primary school headteacher – the best advice he ever received! John remembered his time at school very fondly, often reminiscing about his favourite subjects, politics and history.

He was very fond of a lively debate, ensuring those who came up against him were swayed to his side of the argument more often than not by his persuasive attitude. Whilst being a hard worker and academically gifted he will be remembered by PE teachers for his particular talent for running away from the ball in football or avoiding PE altogether!

Upon leaving school where he was the consummate scholar, he discovered university wasn’t for him. He entered the world of sales and marketing and, loving this fast paced environment, he excelled. Shortly after leaving school he met his husband Richard who he was with for 18 years and married in 2016.

John's diagnosis of colorectal cancer in December 2018 was a huge shock to us all. We only had three further months with him before he slipped away under the care of the extraordinary Severn Hospice.

Dennis preceded his brother, Kenneth, to Wolverhampton Grammar School. At the onset of the Second World War he entered into his RAF pilot assessments, passing all but his eyesight tests.

Despite this setback, he was still able to the join the RAF and spent much time in Canada. After the war he became a teacher. Dennis is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

for family to scatter his ashes in a private moment on school grounds. He will remain watching over one of his favourite places where he spent some very happy days – our thanks go out to the school administration for their kindness in organising this.

Susan Gough (OW 2002) and Janet Weston

Instead of a funeral John chose to have a direct cremation and planned a gathering for close family to celebrate his life. John’s close family were met by past teachers and close friends

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Wulfrunian 2020

Michael “Mike” William Edwards (OW 1963) Sadly passed away 8th January 2020 Branagh’s Hamlet and Simon Russell Beal’s Richard III became a major part of his relationship with Adam and an opportunity for both to let off steam from other pressures. In retirement, Michael took the opportunity to study Shakespeare at Birmingham University’s Shakespeare Institute, gaining his MA in Shakespeare Studies in 2006 having completed his dissertation on concepts of political authority in Coriolanus.

Michael grew up on the Warstones housing estate, where he met his future wife Patricia (“Patty”). He regarded persuading Patty to accompany him to the Sixth Form ball at School as one of his greatest successes. This was the start of a relationship lasting fifty years until Patty’s passing in October 2012.

They had a son, Adam.

Michael read History at St John's College, Cambridge. Although encouraged to pursue postgraduate study by the dons at Jesus College, Michael accepted a position on the graduate entry scheme in personnel management with Ford Motor Company at their headquarters in Dagenham.

He was always impressed by the more conciliatory approach to industrial relations found in post-war West Germany and this inspired him to join personnel management as a means of better negotiating conflicts between employers and workers. In this regard, his time at Ford proved to be highly formative as the renowned dispute over equal pay for female workers in the company (featured in the film, ‘Made in Dagenham’) occurred shortly after he joined.

In the 1980s, Michael directed more of his energy into the newly established Social Democratic Party, becoming one of its founding members, whose goals epitomised his interest in bargaining, negotiation and reconciliation in

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the context of a modernised liberal democracy. A favourite thinker of Michael’s was the British political historian David Marquand, another founding member of the SDP, who related the modernisation programme of the Party to the longer-standing tradition of English Republicanism. Marquand’s writing inspired Michael to join the Cromwell Association and revisit the republican ideals that had stimulated his interest, as an undergraduate, in the English Civil War and its aftermath.

The 1980s were also a period in which Michael rekindled his interest in the works of William Shakespeare and began watching performances of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon. Michael became a member of the RSC and a regular visitor to Stratford, often accompanied by friends and his son Adam. Journeys to and from Stratford discussing performances such as Kenneth

His retirement was a period of joy at the birth of his granddaughter Rosalind Patricia Ruri Edwards (‘Rosie’) in March 2004. He fondly recalled his trips with Rosie, her mother Anita, Patty and Adam to Bantock Park in Wolverhampton and to the nearby World Heritage Site, Ironbridge. He took great pride in her achievements at school, especially her grasp of Shakespeare and her burgeoning interest in engineering, but more so in her sense of humour and her kindness. There were many happy weekends and summer holidays spent at the family home in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, with the early morning rituals of feeding the birds with Rosie and taking ‘Nanny Patty’ her latemorning cup of tea in bed.

After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Michael passed away at Heol Don Care Home in Whitchurch, Cardiff on 8th January 2020 and is survived by Rosie and by his son Adam.

Adam Edwards, Michael's son

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Judge Malcolm Ward (OW 1949) Sadly passed away 1st March 2020 Judge Malcolm Ward (OW 1949) was one of Wolverhampton Grammar School’s most ardent supporters, committing uncountable hours and generous financial support to the cause of providing education for Wolverhampton’s brightest.

Malcolm joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in 1942 and went on to attend St John’s College, Cambridge.

In his senior year he held the position of Senior Prefect, 1st XI Football captain, captain of Jenyns House’s football and athletics teams, and earned his 1st Class Boxing, Athletics, Cricket, Chess and Fives Colours.

In the July 1949 edition of the Wulfrunian his footballing ability received great credit:

Ward, M. B (Capt.) (Right-Half) His speed off the mark is such that he rarely needs to tackle, generally getting to the ball first… In attack he excels. His quick bursts, readiness to have a shot, and intelligent use of the ball, have brought many goals. As a captain he has maintained the high standard he set in the previous season.

In 1972 Malcolm joined the Board of Governors, graduating to the role of Vice-Chair and eventually Chair in 1981.

He retired from the Chair in 2002 but remained on the Board until 2012, after which he continued to have a presence in School and at Old Wulfrunian events.

He helped oversee the School's transition to independence in the late 1970s and its participation in the Government Assisted Places Scheme, which provided places for around 40 per cent of the School's students.

After the abolition of that Scheme in 1997, Malcolm was instrumental in the creation of the Sharing the Vision campaign, in the brochure for which he wrote: ‘The Board of Governors

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Malcolm, 3rd from left pictured in 1985 with the late Patrick Hutton (former Head 1978 - 1990), the late Mr Paul Blomfield, Merchant Taylors’ Company Master, 1984/85, and the late John Whitehouse (OW 1954 and former Governor)

believes strongly that the special quality of education that Wolverhampton Grammar School has provided over the years should be available to all boys and girls who are demonstrably suited to it, regardless of their parents’ financial means.’ The positive effects of this fundraising campaign continue to be felt today and it is inconceivable to imagine that Wolverhampton Grammar School would exist in its current incarnation, without the vision, devotion and generosity of Judge Malcolm Ward.

Malcolm was extraordinarily devoted to the School. A wise and measured chairman, he always balanced views and evidence, that being his professional training and experience. I remember one wise and generous thing that he said to me at a difficult time: “Bernard, if you’re worried, ring me at any time of day or night. You live with this all the time: but I walk away from it, and that’s the difference. So don’t be frightened to ask for help.

Bernard Trafford (former Head, Sept 1990 – Aug 2008)

Malcolm was wise, measured, calm, and always set perspective. He was very effective at getting things done, partly due to the manner in which he ran meetings but also because he was good with people. As a circuit judge, he was both known and respected in the wider community of Wolverhampton and a great ambassador for the School.

David Hughes (OW 1973; former Parent, Governor/Director; current Chair of Trustees, Sept 2001-)

Malcolm led the Board of Governors with a firm hand and a listening ear. He had a deep affection and loyalty to the mission and values of the School and he took great care to lead us to sustain that thread. He was never stuck in the past and he certainly never looked backwards, or forwards for that matter, through rose tinted spectacles!

Simon Walford (former Governor/Director, Chairman of Directors/Trustee, Sept 1995 – Dec 2019)

Wulfrunian 2020

WGS

REMEMBERS “All this is good, goodness

out of evil and death. For, we must not forget (we are in no danger of this, yet; but Time obliterates, as well as heals), those who expended their energies and lives on our preservation. Some are still so doing; others, will shortly do likewise.”

So reads the Editorial in the July, 1945 edition of The Wulfrunian. Poignant yet sober words from the late Johnny G. A. Jump (OW 1947), the then sixteen-yearold editor. Three years later the names of the former student and staff fallen would adorn the wall of the Merridale

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end of Big School, facing on the opposite wall, the names of their fellow Old Wulfrunians who had fallen in the Great War only a generation earlier. It is a sad truth that as a student one grows accustomed to these names in golden letters, morning assembly after morning assembly, so much so that they become as much a part of the furniture as the Head’s chair on the stage; as the young editor put it “Time obliterates”, and thus we must remind ourselves, lest we forget that these men gave their lives so that the students who sit between these memorials may grow and flourish in a free world.

sacrifice that millions of men and women made for our own sakes. The war of course raged on for months in the Pacific after peace in Europe was declared.

In Wulfrunian 2019 we made a public plea to you, Old Wulfrunians, to share your wartime memories and thankfully you obliged. Your response was so great that regretfully we could not publish everything received; we hope that those whom we disappoint will take heart that their letters will be preserved in the School’s archive for the benefit of future Wulfrunians.

To mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Wolverhampton Grammar School was illuminated in red, white and blue. A small gesture, we know, to acknowledge the ultimate

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I remember Neville Chamberlain’s announcement on 03/09/39 and my father’s “That’s it then!”, but apart from rationing, the war seemed to bypass Wolverhampton, with only two bombs dropped, one of which blew out our windows - one destroyed two houses at the end of Carlton Road and the other excavated a large hole in a Beckminster playing field. During the Blitz, the siren sounded and we gathered in the pantry under the stairs, listening to the distinctive pulsing engine noise of the Luftwaffe as it flew north to attack the docks at Liverpool. Why the Boulton Paul Factory at Pendeford was not attacked by air was a mystery. It produced the Defiant – a slow and ineffective fighter - plus various other aircraft.

The war staggered on towards its close, the 11+ exam was a breeze and I joined the red-capped Remove A. Unlike others, I was a scholarship boy, due to low income at home. The Formmaster was a gentlemanly, well respected old fellow called Arthur Hodgetts, we had a female teacher (rare for a boys' school at the time) for history called Gladys Newby, Mr Owen for geography and various others attempted maths lessons.

Outside of School one memory was going up to Queen’s Square to view the victory celebrations, but I can’t remember if it was VE or VJ day. At the end of my first year I remember being on holiday with my Aunt in Hull and hearing of the first atomic bomb.

Barry Banson (OW 1952) Extract from Letter 44

We are grateful to the late Tony Bowyer’s (OW 1943) daughter, Julie, for her kind permission to reprint this excerpt from Tony’s book of war memoirs, Tales from Bakloh.

"The nature of the ground required that the leading troop had to proceed in file up the road on virtually a one tank front: this was fine for blasting the jungle on either side with Browning and Besa but limited in extent. The Japanese had anti-tank guns and these were easy to conceal and able to operate at virtually point-blank range; there were also problems of communication with the infantry wireless sets often not working although netted in with the tanks.

I shall never forget trying frantically to stop a Sherman of the Royal Deccan Horse advancing up to and beyond the forward of “C” Company where a scout had spotted a suspected gun just round the next bend of the road.

I fired the Verey pistol, a prearranged signal – to no avail – and had just stepped on to the road (feeling twelve feet tall and very conspicuous) to look for the spring-loaded telephone on the rear of the command tank when there was a flash and a deafening roar.

I was too late, the Japanese gun had opened point-blank at some seventy five yards and had brewed up the leading tank. The result was absolutely horrific and the Sherman was quickly on fire with a plume of smoke and flame some fifty feet in the air and the ammunition exploding for about an hour afterwards."

Excerpt from Tales from Bakloh

by Tony Bowyer.

In those war years there was a huge black EWS water tank on the lawn near the New Building (Merridale), by the entrance from Merridale Road, there in case of fires caused by incendiary bombs. Luckily its contents were never needed. In the New Building was the kitchen and dining hall where ladies struggled to provide meals from what was available. Leaving food and throwing it away was absolutely forbidden.

What you took, you ate and there was always a master on duty where you took your dirty plates to make sure you had left nothing. How many boys left with chewed gristly meat secreted in their jacket pocket to be disposed of elsewhere?

We had air raid practice once or twice a term, like fire practices, and we trooped down to the dark, damp shelters in the playing field by the side of the Junior School building. We sat on the simple benches clutching our gas masks which at one time we had to take with us every day.

Being in the army (or air force) was, I suppose, compulsory and we went to school on Thursdays in our khaki uniforms having pressed the trousers and “Blanco-ed” the belts on Wednesday evening. Black boots had to have a mirror-like finish and brass had to twinkle if you were to avoid being caught out at the inspection. We practiced drill routines for the annual visit by a senior officer, learnt about tactics and weapons and in the summer term enjoyed(?) a field day on somewhere like Enfield Common, firing blanks and avoiding being killed or taken prisoner. Great if the weather was fine! There was an armoury next to the chemistry lab, with rows of Lee Enfield 303s in racks and no doubt other weaponry.

www.wgs.org.uk

Many windows were criss-crossed with sticky tape to minimise the scattering of glass fragments in the event of bomb blast. Our daily milk was in 1/3 pint bottles; in the summer, after they’d been left in their crates in the sun until morning break, the contents had curdled and were not infrequently undrinkable. In those days no-one thought to put them in the shade or even in a cool room.

SCHOOL

Morning assembly in Big School in the war years was a formal affair with the senior staff (gowned of course) on the stage, prefects on the benches down the recess side of the hall and, when everything was ready, the Head sweeping down the centre aisle, his gown billowing behind him.

There was a short service with a hymn (accompanied on the piano by Frank Rust (Ferd)), a reading (by the Head Boy from a lectern), prayers and then announcements by the Head – Warren Derry when I first went there – with, occasionally, news of the death of a former pupil on a battlefield, in the air or at sea. War was a reality even in the seemingly safe environment of the Grammar School.

WILLCOCK

REMEMBERS ROBERT AND

FREDERICK In the First World War 105 former pupils and staff lost their lives. Two cousins, Robert and Frederick Willcock, both died in the Battle of the Somme and their story is remembered here: wgs.org.uk/robert-frederickwillcock

Street lighting was minimal or nonexistent and cycle lamps really did show the road ahead – as long as you had good batteries.

Dr Woislowski, a Polish Jew who had fled to England just before the war, taught us German and from time to time he’d regale us with stories (and songs) from his experience of Hitler Youth Camps. He, again, brought the reality of the war to us.

Robert C. Willcock

Robert Potter (OW 1950) Extract from Letter

Frederick N. Willcock

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THE COMBINED CADET FORCE The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) was the successor to the Officer Training Corps (OTC), a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and was typically orchestrated by a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer from the armed forces. The world, let alone the School was a completely different place back then.

In retrospect one views the war as having a definite end in 1945, of course in reality for those who were living through it there was no clear end in sight, and therefore schools such as Wolverhampton Grammar School were to become the nurturers of future soldiers; thus for pupils up and down the country, the CCF was to instil a stoicism and patriotism and deliver practical military training. Roger Steel (OW 1955) shares his experience in the CCF, in his own words and photographs.

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Recollections of Thursday Afternoons as Empire Fodder My memories are not infrequently faulty. I came across these old photos recently. They show historic accuracies.

WGS now is similar to the WGS of 1952 in two respects and two only.

The name and the campus. The values emphasised then were: God and Christ, King (or Queen), Country, Empire and Duty. I was 12 years old and in the 4th form (Year 10 in new money I believe) when WGS, in its infinite wisdom, gave us a rifle each. It weighed 9lbs (4 kg) and was designed to kill. People, that is.

You couldn’t make it up.

The CCF was a voluntary organisation.

The very high majority of boys were ‘volunteered’ by their parents. Only three out of around 90 were exempt: one on medical grounds and two on principles.

We were of the Silent Generation. The Empire needed fodder in order to bring the Empire to an end with as little disorder as possible. We were used to seeing lots of men in uniform carrying

guns. The prospect of two years military service at 18 was a given. A fair number complained that we were ‘playing soldiers’.

In charge of the CCF was the ramrod backed RSM Simpson, referred to by boys as The Russum. A full time school employee he organised the 400 strong force into one fit for purpose. Or not, depending on individual perspective.

The training offered was all military. Drill, marching in order, map reading, tactics, weapon training (as well as the rifle each squad had three bren guns – machine guns), and sten guns. These were hand held automatics, very inaccurate, highly unreliable but good at spraying lethal lead in a general direction and cost 3/6d each. 18p in new money. £3.20p in real time. The ‘en’ at the end of each name denoted that these weapons were produced in Enfield.

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Also taught were the joys of bulling. To bull was to polish one's uniform and kit with brasso, blanco, iron. And boot polish. In the forces sometimes we would be taught: ‘If it moves – salute it, if it doesn’t - polish it!’

The School had a rifle range by the old Fives courts near Junior School (now demolished). Here we could gain badges of proficiency. Or not. Twice a year we all piled into Don Everall Charabancs and were driven to Cannock Chase for ‘exercises’, issued with blank ammunition and pretended to kill each other. There was also a full size range where we used real ammo.

Also there was a two-week slot during summer hols living with the real army on the South Welsh coast for which volunteers were required. It was ‘good form’ to volunteer once during one's WGS tenure. I remember a night exercise when I lost my patrol.

www.wgs.org.uk

Rotten bu**ers gave me the slip I guess.

The annual inspection, these photos show, was an event when the real Army inspected us. The march past followed the inspection. When the Duke of Edinburgh visited Wolverhampton we were required to line the route in Merridale Dip. One cadet at 20-yard (metre) intervals.

And just to cheer you up: as Thursday afternoon was devoid of schooling, the solution was to have school on Saturday mornings to make up for lost time.

So a six day week then. Smile for the cameras!

(I was injured so was able to take these photos with my parents' Box Brownie on this occasion).

Thus, a slice of life at WGS 70 years ago.

Roger Steel (OW 1955)

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SPOTLIGHT ON

CORONAVIRUS

A HELPING HAND We were very happy to help when Dr Kapil Vij (OW 2009) contacted us in March, urgently seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) for fellow frontline workers. Back for the first time since leaving WGS, Kapil was delighted to be able to collect our whole stock of safety glasses and goggles – 233 pairs in total – which he distributed to New Cross A&E and the Acute Medical Unit as well as GP practices across the City, where they were gratefully received and put to immediate use.

SATHNAM INTERVIEWS BAME MEDICS ON FRONT LINE “There can be no doubt that black and Asian medics are at the front line of this pandemic”, Sathnam Sanghera (OW 1995) explains, through the lens of a Channel 4 News camera, whilst sat upon the steps of Big School.

Attending the Old Wulfrunian Association Dinner in March, Sathnam learnt that around half of his Asian classmates work in medicine. He returned to School again in May, this time with a camera crew, as part of a visit to interview some of his old school friends in the area, and hear first-hand what risks they, as black and minority ethnic health professionals, are facing on the frontline.

In the news feature, Sathnam meets fellow Old Wulfrunian, GP Dr Harinder Grewal (OW 1995) at his Wolverhampton surgery. Sathnam points out that he and Harinder are both from the city, the city which overwhelmingly voted ‘Leave’ in the referendum. They discuss, and agree on, the disconnect between how immigrants were portrayed during the Brexit campaign and the way they are being recognised for the selfless work they are doing in hospitals, GP practices and nursing homes during the pandemic. In an article in The Times Magazine in April, Sathnam refers to the fact that the first ten doctors in the UK named as having died from the virus

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were all BAME. He also illustrates how working in medicine is lionised in many Asian families, with parents and whole sets of siblings working in the health professions. Indeed, as Sathnam points out in the article, amongst the first doctors to die of Covid-19, many had children who are also surgeons, GPs, dentists, and other healthcare workers.

Entire families putting themselves in harm’s way.

WGS is as diverse a school as the city in which it resides; with around 10% of this year’s Upper Sixth leaving to study a medical degree at university, Sathnam’s message hits particularly close to home, as a reminder of the greater risks BAME medics are facing every day amid the pandemic, and the part that the School plays in the wider community.

To watch the news feature in full, visit: https://www.channel4.com/news/ could-bame-medics-help-changeattitudes-to-immigration

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CALLS TO OLDER OWS DURING LOCKDOWN Soon after the Government announced that schools in the UK would close until further notice as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Development Office began making some phone calls.

Head of Development, Tina Erskine, was concerned about the isolation that some Old Wulfrunians might face during lockdown: "According to Age UK, more than two million people in England over the age of 75 live alone. We found ourselves thinking about our older OWs and quickly decided that we would phone as many aged 70 and over, as our limited resources would allow, for a friendly chat."

Member of staff Florence Holden (OW 2009) jumped at the opportunity: "Most of the OWs I spoke to were very pleased to receive a call from their old School. The fact that we were both OWs, albeit of a different era, meant we were able to enjoy a shared experience.

From comparing school life, both inside the classroom and out, to memories of buildings, many of which are still very much part of School life today and even sharing secrets about the mischief we got up to; all relatable, totally meaningful and often very funny."

call from a young lady called Florence.

She was simply checking that I was coping well in these very peculiar times.

Since then I have had one or two more calls from her. I just wanted to say a big "thank you" to the School and particularly to her. By chance on the days she has rung, she was the only person I spoke to. She cannot begin to understand what her calls have meant to me. My family, friends, and acquaintances (of whom there are many as I approach 82) are amazed that a school I left over 60 years ago should care in this way. I am as proud today to be part of the WGS community as I was in 1949 when I got my place there."

Reflecting on the impact of the phone calls, Tina concluded: "It is heartwarming to think that we may have helped to raise the spirits of some of our older OWs during such a challenging period. However, we are very mindful that we did not manage to reach everyone, and that feelings of loneliness and social isolation affect many people.

If you would like to have a chat, please do get in touch on 01902 421326 and ask for the Development Office; we would love to hear from you."

We are enormously grateful to Alex Vergopoulos (OW 1990) for his kind and generous donation of hand sanitiser gel amid the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has helped maintain the safety of staff and students. A proud Old Wulfrunian, Alex also kindly sent, via video, a message of support to students as part of this year’s Virtual Founder’s Day (see article on page 75). Alex is Group Chief Executive of Fortoak Limited, a leading UK supplier of packaging equipment and personal protective equipment, committed to sourcing sustainable solutions.

Alan Foxall (OW 1956) is one of a number of OWs who have written in to say how much they enjoyed the recent contact from their old School: "…I received a very cheery telephone

www.wgs.org.uk

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SPOTLIGHT ON

CORONAVIRUS

EMERGENCY FUND PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS The direct impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the city of Wolverhampton was felt very quickly at School.

With a growing number of current parents experiencing unexpected and serious financial hardship, it became increasingly clear that the short, medium, and longerterm outlook for current families, new families planning to join the School, and for School itself, was potentially far-reaching, long-lasting and lifechanging.

All possible measures were taken by the School to provide assistance to parents. Sadly that was not enough for those in the greatest financial need; And so the Wolverhampton Grammar School Emergency Appeal Fund (EAF) was created, specifically and solely to support those students facing a rather different future to the ones they and their parents had hoped for, due to Covid-19.

We were heartened and humbled by the speed of the response to our request for support: almost immediately donations

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began to arrive, from around the world, online and by post.

Thanks to the generous spirit of OWs, former parents, former staff, current staff, together with Trustees’ agreement to match donations up to £50,000 from the Independence Appeals Fund, an astonishing £223,000 has been raised, including Gift Aid, to date. This incredible support has so far enabled 27 pupils to remain at School, who otherwise would have had to leave, through no fault of their own.

We understood the challenges of asking for help at such a difficult and uncertain time for so many. However, our hope was that modest gifts made by many might make a transformational difference.

The positive response to the challenges of these past months has been truly overwhelming proving, as in the past, that it is the extraordinary generosity of support from the wider WGS community that will help sustain us as we navigate our way through these uncertain days. Our warmest thanks to all those who have supported this most urgent and unexpected appeal so far.

Your generosity is deeply appreciated, gratefully received and has made such a difference.

Donations have been made for a whole variety of reasons, for example: in acknowledgement of a life made possible by a WGS education; an

From left to right: Max Warner, RAF; Mick Stallard, Tank Corps; Barry Chavasse, RN; John Lowe; Mike Rettalack (MBE), RAF; Dave Gibbs, Army.

enduring love for the School; a recipient of financial support as a student themselves; in memory of others. One such donation was recently made by Max Warner (OW 1942), who generously donated £500 in memory of his school friends in Class VB 1942, pictured with him above on the steps of St Peter’s Church in 1944. Max said he wished to ‘honour past friends, whilst supporting the adults of tomorrow.’

Sadly, and unsurprisingly, we continue to receive applications for support as the financial impact of Covid-19 deepens. If you feel able to help, donations can be made online at www.wgs.org.uk/appeal. Alternatively, or for further information, please do contact Tina Erskine, Head of Development, either by email: ter@wgs-sch.net or by phone: +44 (0)1902 392962.

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£223,000

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26-96

Amount raised to date for the EAF

Number of donors (OWs, former parents, former and current staff)

Donor age range (OWs under the age of 26 not contacted)

This inevitable side effect of the virus had not occurred to me and it is upsetting to think of children losing their places through no fault of their own.

I would never have had the opportunity to go to WGS without the financial support of the assisted places scheme.

Everything that has happened in my life since is as a direct result of this fantastic opportunity. And now it’s my time to help.

£15 $59,800

27 Number of students supported so far

www.wgs.org.uk

I was fortunate to be educated for free at WGS and wish this donation to aid those who now need help.

Donations received from around the world

Donations of all sizes gratefully received

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A WORD FROM THE

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE...

If there was ever a year that summed up the heart of the WGS community, surely 2020 would be it?

In spite of Covid-19 the School has received such fantastic support, in ways that could not have been conceived less than 12 months ago.

Some highlights: It is heart-warming to report that all of our existing regular donors continued their giving in 2019/20. We so appreciate this ongoing generosity, especially against the backdrop of such great financial uncertainty this past year.

Donations received during the year to 31st August 2020, from single gifts, regular gifts, and legacies, exceeded £321,500 (this includes £207,500 specifically for the Emergency Appeal Fund received by the end of the 2019/20 academic year).

Incredibly, over 20% of OWs we are in touch with in the US made a donation to School during the past year.

Robin Cooper (OW 1956) helped kickstart the Emergency Appeal Fund with an initial donation of $5,000. This was later increased by a further, transformational gift of $54,800! Robin’s love of, passion for and commitment to his old School continues to make such a defining difference. You can read more about Robin’s ongoing involvement with WGS on the next page.

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We are proud of our founding connection and continuing relationship with Merchant Taylors' Company (MTC). Over many years, grants from MTC have provided important support for bursary recipients, refurbishment projects as well as educational research opportunities for staff. So we were delighted to be invited to apply for, and receive funding from, MTC’s newly launched Transformational Bursary Stream. The £15k award has enabled a talented student requiring financial support to join our Sixth Form in September.

Volunteer support in terms of time and experience continued to provide so much added value to our students’ experiences in 2020. You will read more in the pages to come about: OWs who took time out of busy work lives to attend and give a talk at our 2020 Careers and Higher Education Forum, in February before the first lockdown (page 71); the first two OW speakers in our Connecting Curious Minds virtual series (page 73); involvement of OWs in this year’s Founder’s Day (page 75). To everyone who gave of their valuable time in the past year, we extend a heartfelt thank you.

Gifts of old photos, books (some returning!) and other treasures continued to arrive during the year either for the Archive, and/or for continued use; these included a re-mastered recording of nine Russian songs sung by Terry Huggins (OW 1955), at the age of 62. For the full story, see page 63.

We have so enjoyed receiving the many letters and emails sent in this year, sharing memories of school days, achievements and all manner

of other news. Equally, messages of encouragement, support and thanks have sustained us these past months, providing uplifting moments and opportunities for reflection. Thank you for sharing.

Our WGS community extends well beyond the classroom to Old Wulfrunians, former staff, current and former parents and friends.

The Development Office aims to: Bring people together, both in School and further afield. From careers events to reunions, art exhibitions to sports festivals and much more.

Facilitate ongoing networks of support, for current students, Old Wulfrunians, parents and friends alike, at School, through university, into the world of work and beyond.

Encourage a culture of giving, continuing the philanthropic traditions of the past to benefit future generations.

If you have an idea for a future event (in School, elsewhere or virtually), would like to help in some way, or just want a chat, please do get in touch; we would be delighted to hear from you.

Head of Development: Tina Erskine Alumni Relations Officer: Ed Cornaby (OW 2008) E: development@wgs-sch.net T: +44 (0)1902 421326 W: www.wgs.org.uk/alumni

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OWs IN THE

USA

We were delighted to see US OWs Ian Bremner (OW 1955), Professor Nile Green (OW 1990) and Charles Purshouse (OW 1995) at the OWA Dinner in March.

Top right: Ian Bremner (OW 1955) centre Bottom left: Professor Nile Green (OW 1990)

TRANSATLANTIC COLLABORATION

Bottom right: Charles Purshouse (OW 1995) centre

Sadly, the pandemic’s foothold prevented Dr Robin Cooper (OW 1956, a Trustee of the Independence Appeals Fund and President of the OWs in the USA), from making his planned trips to the UK in 2020.

Progress in the Chemistry Department, planned as a result of Robin’s incredible financial support towards the end of 2019, was similarly impacted and curtailed. However, a number of items have now been purchased, including rotary evaporators, benchtop vacuum pumps, and hot plate stirrers, all of which will benefit Sixth Form Chemistry students enormously and provide them with hands-on experience of equipment used in both research and industry; a rare opportunity for school

www.wgs.org.uk

pupils. These items are in addition to the arrival of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machine from the US, again generously funded

by Robin and more recently, a book on Chemical Synthesis.

Dr Ryan Pounder, Head of Chemistry, is delighted with the ongoing enhancement of the Department: "The continued generosity of Dr Cooper has enabled us to purchase university level equipment that will provide our students with a fantastic and unique opportunity to carry out high level chemical reactions; this experience can only add value to their university applications."

Robin and Ryan are currently developing ideas for a potential A Level Chemistry outreach project.

See also page 52 to read about Robin’s transformational donation to the Emergency Appeal Fund.

Dr Stephen Hegedus (OW 1991), Dean of Education at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), has remained in close contact since his visit to WGS in October 2019.

During the past year Stephen has generously donated to both the Bursary Fund and the Emergency Appeal Fund, and offered assistance with our first US Reunion including hosting a visit to SCSU. More recently he has shared ideas and facilitated connection and dialogue around the potential for a number of joint projects. We are delighted to be linking up with SCSU; virtual meetings, to share expertise and explore initial ideas, have already taken place involving staff at WGS and SCSU. We look forward to developing this wonderful opportunity for transatlantic collaboration to enhance participation and engagement in the student learning experience, both here and in the US.

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Alex Frazer, Head, has recently enjoyed meeting and sharing ideas with both Robin and Stephen, albeit virtually:

Such generous support is both exciting and important for the School and I look forward to seeing these collaborative ideas take shape in the coming months.

Both Robin and Stephen also kindly took the time to create a video message of support for students for our Virtual Founder’s Day in October.

See page 75 for further details and also page 78 to read about the recipient of this year’s Graham Lewis Maths Scholarship, created and funded by Robert Zeps (OW 1988), another US-based Old Wulfrunian.

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A STELLAR OLD WULFRUNIAN Congratulations to Professor Francis Nimmo (OW 1989), who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in April.

Membership of the Academy is one of the highest honours a US scientist can receive. Francis, who is a professor in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of California Santa Cruz, has been recognised for his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, which focuses on how planets and their moons have evolved to their current states, and what explains the planetary diversity we see.

Francis has also worked on a number of NASA missions, including: the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission, which mapped the gravity field of the Moon; Cassini, which carried out observations in the Saturn System; New Horizons, which flew past Pluto in 2015; and InSight, which is currently measuring quakes on Mars.

FIRST US REUNION Sadly, like many of our events planned for 2020, the US Reunion is presently on hold. We look forward to sharing a date for, and further information about, events on both the East and West Coasts, just as soon as we are able. In the meantime, to register your interest in attending, please email development@wgs-sch.net

Wulfrunian 2020

OLD WULFRUNIANS

NEWS

The Old Wulfrunian community is vibrant and global; here is a snapshot of news shared with us in the past year. Please feel welcome to update us with your news for the next edition of Wulfrunian; we love to hear from you: development@wgs-sch.net.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATTENBOROUGHS

IN MEMORY OF PAUL

Congratulations to Rachel Attenborough (née Trafford) (OW 2003) and her husband Ben on their marriage on 28th December 2019. The wedding held at Uppingham School Chapel was packed to the rafters with Old Wulfrunians, including: father of the bride and former WGS Head, Bernard Trafford; Rachel’s bridesmaids Eleanor Trafford (OW 2002) and Alison Causebrook (OW 2003); and amongst the guests, former staff members Lesley and Mark Benfield and Kevin Riley.

Eight Old Wulfrunians returned to School in March this year to remember friend Paul Rowley (OW 1985), who sadly passed away in 2019.

They were joined by John Johnson before heading up to Molineux to watch Wolves take on Brighton and Hove Albion.

Back row from left: Tom Bate; Karl Smith; John Johnson; Ian Bridgen; Sean Wright; Andrew Westwood Front row from left: Clive Vickers; John Dyson; Andy Baker

www.wgs.org.uk

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JACQUI OATLEY PRO-CHANCELLOR

OBE FOR OW Richard Hawkes (OW 1983), Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust, has been awarded an OBE for services to the Charitable Sector.

The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by HRH Prince of Wales and a group of leading, British Asian business people. The charity’s mission is to relieve the hardship of poverty for millions of people in South Asia.

Richard joined the British Asian Trust as their first Chief Executive in 2015 and has held a number of senior positions, both in the UK and internationally, in the not-for-profit sector, including: Scope, VSO and Sense International. Richard has also worked for the United Nations and has been Chair of sector bodies including the UK’s voluntary sector body on social care and also a member of the BBC Appeals Advisory Committee.

The British Asian Trust focuses on four key focus areas: anti-trafficking, education, livelihoods and mental health and has also embarked on a project to tackle some of the great conservation issues that are prevalent in South Asia.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognises people from a variety of fields. Richard is in good company with the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Dame Mary Berry appearing on the list and also hundreds of other remarkable and heroic people who have been a shining light in difficult times.

Jacqui Oatley MBE (OW 1992), sports journalist and presenter, has been awarded title of Pro-Chancellor of University of Wolverhampton.

Jacqui is one of only six Pro-Chancellors at the institution, all of whom are highly regarded in their field and with strong links to the University or City.

The University’s Board of Governors can draw upon the knowledge and experience of Pro-Chancellors who may also be called to deputise in the absence of the Chancellor. Jacqui was awarded an honorary degree from the University in 2016.

LOOKING THROUGH THE ARCHIVES The original Junior School, purchased by the School in 1911 and built by an eccentric millionaire in 1860s. He was reportedly scared of falling down the stairs, so a lift was installed instead of staircases!

Follow us on one of our Social Media platforms to see regular photos from our Archives. See page 4 for information on how to find our platforms.

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Wulfrunian 2020

TREK TO PETRA FOR CHARITY Helen O’Donnell is a former WGS Development Manager, between 2001 and 2004. She is now CEO and Director of Partnerships at the Children’s University Trust, a charity which works with schools and universities to foster a love of learning in children and create opportunities for children from all backgrounds. She shares her journey with cervical cancer and her inspiring planned fundraising mission trekking through Jordan.

In January 2020 I was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. I had a smear test in September 2019 which highlighted abnormal cell changes and HPV, or Human Papillomavirus. HPV is very common and around 80% of the population get some type of HPV in their life. There are no symptoms, so most people don't even know they have it.

About one in every 20 smear tests is abnormal. Normally, an abnormal result doesn’t mean cervical cancer, but it can mean that cancer may develop in the future. A smear test shows that abnormal cells are present but doesn't show enough detail, so in October I had a colposcopy at hospital.

www.wgs.org.uk

This test showed I had CIN 3. Cervical cancer is 'ranked' on a scale according to the number of cells affected. In CIN 3, all cells are abnormal. CIN 3 still means it is very unlikely you have or will develop cervical cancer, however treatment is required to remove or destroy the cells.

Treatment to remove my abnormal cells showed that the CIN 3 had developed into early stage cancer and that an area of cancerous cells had become invasive.

Treatment of CIN is almost 100% effective. In most women who undergo treatment, it is highly unlikely that the abnormal cells will come back. I had treatment to remove my cancerous cells at Christmas followed by a cone biopsy in February 2020 and was fortunate that this confirmed that all the cancerous and abnormal cells had been removed and no further treatment was necessary.

In July I had my six-month cancer check, which showed no further abnormalities and my test result for HPV came back clear. I have another colposcopy check in January followed by smear tests every year until 2030.

What my story shows is that cervical cancer really is very treatable if discovered and dealt with early and that through regular screening, it can be totally preventable. However, Covid-19 is stopping women from attending smear tests, which could be incredibly dangerous for them.

So, I've decided to do The Petra Trek in aid of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust,

supporting a vital charity that is really struggling at this difficult time.

In March 2021, I'll be trekking for five days (up to nine hours a day) along the Jordan Trail with my daughter Eloise, who fortunately received the HPV vaccination while at secondary school. We'll be trekking across deserts, mountains, high ridges and wadis and all in average temperatures of 30 degrees. We'll be camping Bedouin-style at night (when temperatures will drop to about -5) and celebrating completing our challenge in the ancient hidden city of Petra, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We're aiming to raise £6,000 in total for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust to help their work preventing cervical cancer and to support other women as they go through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Please do help us with our fundraising efforts if you can: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/helenodonnell6 www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/eloiseodonnell

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TEAM TURBO TAKE ON THEIR OWN 2.6 CHALLENGE Never one to turn down a super-human challenge, Jess Beasley (OW 2010), who readers will remember from Wulfrunian 2019 ran the Chicago Marathon, had been training for what would have been the 40th London Marathon on 26th April 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately put a stop to this year’s world-famous annual event, however, determined that her months of hard work should not go to waste Jess embarked on what is known as the ‘2.6 Challenge’.

The pair set themselves a target of £1000 but have more than doubled their goal with a total of £2451. Donations will go to a number of great causes: Caudwell Children, NHS Charities Together and The Injured Jockey Fund.

Together Jess and Mike covered an impressive 865km.

What’s next Jess? No pressure…

The 2.6 Challenge was created in response to the cancellation of worldwide events that ordinarily generate millions of pounds of vital funds for charities. The challenge encouraged people to perform a sporting feat on the theme of 2.6 or 26, anything from running up and down the stairs 26 times to running 2.6 miles. True to form, Jess took the challenge one step further by cycling with her partner Mike on a turbo trainer - for 26 hours!

CENTURION Nick Bandurak (OW 2011) scored his 100th National Hockey Premier League goal in September this year, playing for Holcombe Hockey Club against Old Georgians; Holcombe went on to win the match 3-2.

Deputy Head, Nic Anderson (OW 1990) tweeted: “One of the best players to play at WGS. Well done Nick.”

Holcombe HC, courtesy of Theresa Waight Photography, Nick is fifth from left.

SAFELY RETURNED Thank you Sqn Ldr Reg Brindley (OW 1973) for the safe return of books borrowed from the library, at least 47 years ago…we are delighted that you finally got round to finishing them! The books are now safely homed in the School’s archive.

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Wulfrunian 2020

TRUSTED, NATURALLY Peter Scott (OW 1967) has been appointed an MBE for Services to the National Trust, after 53 years of work and voluntary service at Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton.

Peter began working with his mother at the Grade I Listed Victorian manor house as a boy and helped park visitors’ cars; he progressed to giving tours and educating visitors on the building’s history and on its interior, which was inspired by the Aesthetic art movement. Upon retiring from his tour duties, Peter has become a researcher in the Manor’s archive. Wolverhampton Grammar School has quite a connection to Wightwick Manor, which was built for and lived in by Theodore Mander, world renowned local industrialist and relative of Gerald Mander, one of the School’s greatest benefactors and a former governor.

DON’T BE SCILLY! What are the odds? Current Old Wulfrunian Association Vice-President, Sir David Wright (OW 1963) and his wife, Lady Sally Wright, recently enjoyed a holiday on Bryher, one of the smaller of the inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly. In conversation with Ross Parker, manager of the bar at the Hell Bay Hotel, they were delighted to discover that he too is an OW! Both were proud enough to tell the interested observers that they went to the same school. Ross left WGS after completing his A Levels in 2017, since when he has travelled extensively. More

about Ross’s adventures in next year’s magazine! It really is a small world, full of coincidences and chance meetings.

If you have bumped into an OW on your travels and have a story to tell, do share it with us by emailing: development@wgs-sch.net

WARM CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Dr Robert Larter (OW 1979), on whom the honour has been bestowed of having a glacier named after him in recognition for his work in Antarctica. Larter Glacier resides in the Hudson Mountains region of Antarctica.

Upon receiving the news Robert tweeted: “It was an amazing surprise to receive notification yesterday that a glacier has been named after me. What an incredible honour! However, I want to take this opportunity to highlight that no scientist achieves much around Antarctica without support from many others. This is particularly true for

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marine scientists, who depend so much on ships' captains, officers, crew and technicians, as well as logistics and operational support staff and scientific colleagues. Also families, of course, who we leave for months at a time.

Coincidentally, I was not far from the glacier when I received this fantastic news.”

At time of writing Robert is currently based in the United Kingdom but continues to tweet beautiful photographs from his research trips and updates about his research; you can follow him @rtdlarter.

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ALISON'S KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE In February 2019 I signed up for my first ever charity challenge, a 10-day trip to trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain Mt Kilimanjaro. My aim was to raise funds for the charity Mind, but after the tragic suicide of Mitch Collins, a student in my form at the school where I teach, I also felt compelled to dedicate the trip to his memory.

Months of training saw me dragging my family up and down various hills and mountains in England, Wales and Ireland. My school and wider community were fully behind me and my students soon became used to the site of my walking boots under my desk and my waterproofs drying in the corner. Assemblies, bake sales, and the inevitable countdown on my office wall, all served as reminders, alongside the newspaper and radio interviews.

My group finally left on Boxing Day 2019, with just one day to prepare before starting our trek. The itinerary saw us trekking for four and a half days to reach the summit, some days covering an average of 16km over eight hours. The route allowed us to trek to increase altitude but sleep lower to aid acclimatisation. Kilimanjaro’s unique situation provided breathtaking scenery with five distinct climate zones ranging from rainforest to glacial. Each day I recorded a vlog for my students and supporters.

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New Year’s Eve brought summit night, a slow, exhausting trek through the darkness, testing both physical fitness and mental resilience. Despite suffering with several affects of the increasing altitude, experiencing the New Year celebrations and the rise of the sun over the horizon - showing the curvature of the earth - were completely unforgettable moments.

That night was the only point of the trek when I was unsure I would make it to the summit. I had no intention of giving up but the altitude was causing me to lose my balance and my worry was that the team would pull me, for my own safety.

I finally made it to the summit, just after 8am on 1st January 2020. With me were key mementos that included a couple of teddies from my children and my school, and a small green ribbon.

The ribbon had been worn by Mitch’s mom to his funeral and had been given to me shortly after. It had been on every training walk and I had promised his family I would take it to the summit.

Thanks to generous donations from family, friends, students, colleagues and complete strangers, I raised £4985 for Mind. Just as importantly, I hope I have inspired my students and honoured the memory of a much missed young man, Mitch Collins.

Mitch's family continues to campaign for better mental health services for young people and I am planning more charity challenges to support mental health charities.

Alison Hemming (OW 2000)

Wulfrunian 2020

FOUNDING CONNECTION WITH RUSHOCK ESTATE In 1512, that momentous year in our School’s past, founder Sir Stephen Jenyns sought a reliable financial sustenance for the School, its master and usher (assistant). He purchased the estate of Rushock in Worcestershire and the rental revenue on the lands funded wages and upkeep. Former staff member Peter Edwards (1969-1972) wrote to let us know about his research on this era of the School’s history. Peter writes: “After training as a P.E. teacher at Loughborough, followed by a B.A. in History and Politics at Leicester University, I secured a History post at WGS in September 1969. I was extremely happy at WGS. I loved the job, even if I was constantly in and out of a track suit. I met my wife, who taught at Pendeford High School, while working at the School; my parents lived eight miles away in Albrighton, I had friends in the area and had access to the indoor athletics track at Cosford. Truly the perfect job.

However, my head was turned by the chance discovery of two iron trunks in the Tower, the boxes stuffed with the correspondence (and other records) passing between the land agent and the trustees of WGS. As an historian the documents intrigued me and with the help of one or two Sixth Formers, we looked through them, visited the estate at Rushock and transcribed

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documents in Worcestershire Record Office. I was hooked and once I had saved up enough money, I enrolled on the M.A. in English Local History course at Leicester University. At the end of the year I wanted to continue carrying out research and was fortunate to obtain a scholarship to work on a D.Phil. dissertation at Oxford. Naturally, I went to the sporty college, St Edmund Hall. I completed the thesis in two and a half years, giving me a head-start for the post in the History Department at Roehampton University, the only job I was qualified to apply for that year. I retired in 2009 as Professor in Early Modern British Social and Economic History. My time at WGS was instrumental in the path my career took.

Growing up in Albrighton, my father (who was from Llanelli but was posted

to RAF Cosford in 1940) took me to Molineux in the 1950s, where I saw the Wolves defeat the best teams in Europe under floodlights. I stood behind the goal on the South Bank for every home game until 1960 when, at the age of sixteen, I started playing fly half for Wellington Hornets 1st XV. I still compete, although the sport changes as the injuries force me to try something different. At the moment I time-trial on the bike, pedalling furiously along Surrey roads at a ridiculously early hour on Sunday mornings.”

Peter is keen to visit School when there is an opportunity to give a talk on the subject of the Rushock Estate and its founding connection with WGS; we look forward to being able to invite him to do so.

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ROB’S STARTER FOR TEN

Back in August, Rob Pye (OW 2016) appeared on our television screens, as a member of the Bristol University team, in episode seven of the 50th series of University Challenge.

Filmed in early spring just before lockdown at the BBC’s Media City studios in Salford, Rob, in his final year studying Chemistry, and team mates battled it out against Corpus Christi College, Oxford, for a place in the second round of this long-standing student quiz.

However, the journey to Salford started years earlier for Rob. He had always liked quizzes and in Years 7 and 8 at School he was a member of the General Knowledge Club; he also enjoyed participating in the annual Family Quiz, run by the Friends of WGS. In his first year at Bristol, Rob tried out for the

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team, competing with around 100 other hopefuls. Although initially unsuccessful, he persevered and on his third attempt he got through the written test in the first round, two rounds of questions in a simulated University Challenge setting, followed by an interview with members of the previous year’s team! The final four were eventually selected in October 2019, after which they practised weekly and were put through their paces by a Professor of Theology at Bristol, before retiring to the pub!

Prior to the broadcast on 24th August, the team enjoyed a Zoom call together before watching the programme for the first time. Bristol got off to a slow start; by the time the game had reached the first of the two picture rounds, they only had five points on the board.

Fortunately, a flurry of right answers narrowed the gap and with two minutes

to go there were only 10 points between the two teams. However, when the gong sounded, Corpus Christi had forged ahead to win 175-135.

Rob loved his time at Bristol, living for the most part in the centre of this lively city, joining the hot air balloon society, the orchestra and playing tennis. He particularly enjoyed his year out in industry, working in organic chemistry trying to discover new herbicides. However, this experience made him realise that he didn’t want to work in a lab. So, after completing his dissertation, online exams, online internships, running, cycling and Zoom quizzes during lockdown, he has now embarked upon a professional law course in Cambridge but looks forward to returning to Bristol next year to formally graduate with his friends.

Wulfrunian 2020

A VOICE RE-DISCOVERED Terry Huggins (OW 1955) recently sent a professionally re-mastered CD, of a recording he had made some twenty years ago, to an old school friend keen to hear some of his songs.

So impressed was Tony Winnall (OW 1954) that he asked Alan Fairs, a retired professional operatic bass, for an opinion: "No question that is a WORLD CLASS voice… The voice is so exceptionally good that it is worth being taught by a WORLD CLASS singing teacher, ideally a Russian Bass." What Alan didn’t know was that the recording was made when Terry was 62, at his first ever session, produced in one hour, and in one take!

Terry takes up the story: "I was surprised when, aged 12, my music teacher at Grammar school nominated me to participate in a collective Midlands choir as a boy soprano, to sing in the Messiah for radio. A few months later my voice broke.

Arriving in New Zealand in 1955 people often remarked on my rich voice. I had singing lessons in Christchurch but shortly after my teacher acquired

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Terry (standing) in Fiddler on the Roof in 1982 (aged 44)

a kitten, I found I was unable to sing.

Years later I discovered that I am allergic to cats.

At 40, I returned to having lessons and in 1982 was involved in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. For various reasons I didn’t sing again until 1994. While in Devon visiting my mother, I had three lessons with a professional singer at Exeter University. He told me I had a rare voice quality and encouraged me to carry on.

In 1998, I teamed up with Russian concert pianist Elen Rapoport because of a lifelong ambition to sing Russian songs. I had three further lessons by an experienced teacher at the Christchurch School of Music, who taught me vocal exercises and one special exercise

for strengthening the voice and in the spring of 2000 I planned a recording session in the Barbadoes Street Chapel, in Christchurch. It went well although sadly the audio quality was poor. For the first time in 20 years I have recently listened to the recording again, and since had it re-mastered, which turned out amazingly well."

On re-discovering his voice Terry reflected: "I have been aware that I had an unusual voice but circumstances took me in other directions. I have no regrets whatsoever. The huge effort I made from the age of 56 to train myself to sing, and record largely Russian songs, gave me great satisfaction."

We are delighted to have a copy of Terry’s recording in School.

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OLD WULFRUNIANS

BOOK RELEASES

‘CHASING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC’ Paul Morris (OW 1970) may well say that his connection to WGS is very much a family affair. His father, Leslie, taught science from 1948 to 1952; his brother, Peter, was a pupil (OW 1968), and their mother, Florence, taught Mathematics and Economics from the late 60s to the early 70s. If the School had been co-educational back then, Paul’s sister, Christine, would probably have ended up a pupil at WGS as well.

Paul’s latter years at WGS are chronicled in his first novel entitled ‘Chasing the Light Fantastic’. His time at the School – in particular in the Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Forms – is very much the common thread of the book, as Paul describes the demanding path that many of his contemporaries took then - from completing O Levels in the ‘Summer of Love’ of 1967 to his disastrous A Level results in 1969.

Paul has attended many OW dinners of late and feels that many fellow OWs believe that, at that time, one of the main strengths of the School was the diversity of opportunity that was offered to its pupils. Although he would contend this may not have been so when choosing academic subjects.

Paul would have liked to have chosen Geography and Chemistry but then you could either do Geography and Art or Chemistry and Biology, not any other combination.

However back then, WGS gave pupils the chance to sing in choirs, play

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instruments in orchestras and brass bands; take part, but not necessarily be skilled in, many sports – football, cricket, basketball, fives – often playing for your House rather than the glorified level of representing the School.

Then there were chess clubs, music appreciation societies and even, if it was your aspiration, an early experience of life in the armed services via the CCF – Combined Cadet Corps. WGS had its own scout troop and there were also school plays and debates to take part in.

Spoilt for choice, somewhat!

In the mid-sixties, some inspirational teachers began to move away from the set texts and the tried and tested syllabus to introduce English students to the wonders of JRR Tolkien and Haiku poetry and Art pupils to creating collage - credit respectively to RF Langley and a young Art teacher whose name has long gone from the memory banks.

If there is a criticism that Paul would level at WGS at that time, then it would be to do with careers advice – or the total lack of it. The School operated a ‘conveyor belt’ system, set on auto to get the majority of students into university, foremost to Oxbridge and then to (deemed less prestigious) redbrick institutions. Paul was lucky to be able to go to St Andrews University but had very little idea of what life

would hold after that. Half a century ago, scholars went off to these seats of learning with the knowledge that nearly all graduates were certain of employment after gaining their degrees.

Three years later, the country was beset by strikes, power cuts and the threeday week. Jobs were difficult to find for many, with or without a degree, and Paul chose to try his hand at youth and community work which had absolutely nothing to do with anything he had studied. It didn’t last long and it took a further thirty years until Paul found himself doing what he loved but what would never have been recommended by any WGS careers advisor – he became a radio presenter! Having mainly excelled at mathematics at WGS, it also would have been surprising if anyone had predicted that Paul would eventually become an author!

Wulfrunian 2020

'RADICAL UNCERTAINTY: DECISION MAKING FOR AN UNKNOWABLE FUTURE'

'CRACKING THE INNOVATION CODE' How To Unlock The True Potential of Your Business To Grow Through New Products.

By Dr Andy Wynn (OW 1983) In the follow up to his book Transforming Technology into Profit, Andy takes the reader on a journey that explains how the organisation and culture within a business impact its ability to innovate.

Using his "Three Tiers of Successful Innovation", Andy reveals how to clearly identify what aspects of a business are holding back growth and how to use that information to transform the organisation into one that facilitates growth by revitalising the structure and culture to focus employee behaviours on adding profitable new revenue streams.

Part sequel and part companion volume to his previous book, Andy finally "cracks the code" on how to unleash a business’s ability to create and successfully commercialise new products.

Written in the author’s trademark conversational style, Cracking the Innovation Code offers a refreshingly practical and real-world view, written by someone who has been there and done it, and enhanced by valuable case studies and contributions from numerous senior executives who have made life-long careers out of leading innovation, and with a passion for leading industrial manufacturing businesses.

By Mervyn King (OW 1966) Uncertainty pervades the big decisions we all make in our lives.

How much should we pay into our pensions each month? Should we take regular exercise? Expand the business? Change our strategy?

Enter a trade agreement? Take an expensive holiday? We do not know what the future will hold. But we must make decisions anyway.

So we crave certainties which cannot exist and invent knowledge we cannot have. But humans are successful because they have adapted to an environment that they understand only imperfectly.

Throughout history we have developed a variety of ways of coping with the radical uncertainty that defines our lives.

This incisive and eye-opening book draws on biography, history, mathematics, economics and philosophy to highlight the most successful - and most shortsighted - methods of dealing with an unknow-able future. Ultimately, the authors argue, the prevalent method of our age falls short, giving us a false understanding of our power to make predictions, leading to many of the problems we experience today.

Tightly argued, provocative and written with wit and flair, Radical Uncertainty is at once an exploration of the limits of numbers and a celebration of human instinct and wisdom.

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'BALLAD OF BETRAYAL'

By Bernard Trafford (former Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, 1990-2008) A priceless relic is stolen and a captive king goes missing in a power-struggle centred on 13th-Century Bologna.

In this thrilling sequel to "Song for a Spy", choirboy-turned-lawyer’s clerkturned-troubadour-turned-spy Lorenzo uncovers a plot that spells deadly peril for him and threatens chaos across the entire Holy Roman Empire.

Compelled to forsake his comfortable way of life, Lorenzo must undergo imprisonment, ordeal, seduction, torture and siege and put his life on the line to thwart powerful conspirators and save his friends held hostage and facing certain death.

'EMPIRELAND'

By Sathnam Sanghera (OW 1995) In his brilliantly illuminating new book Sathnam Sanghera demonstrates how so much of what we consider to be modern Britain is actually rooted in our imperial past. In prose that is, at once, both clear-eyed and full of acerbic wit, Sanghera shows how our past is everywhere: from how we live to how we think, from the foundation of the NHS to the nature of our racism, from our distrust of intellectuals in public life to the exceptionalism that imbued the campaign for Brexit and the government’s early response to the Covid crisis. And yet empire is a subject, weirdly hidden from view.

The British Empire ran for centuries and covered vast swathes of the world. It is, as Sanghera reveals, fundamental to understanding Britain. However, even among those who celebrate the empire there seems to be a desire not to look at it too closely – not to include the subject in our school history books, not to emphasize it too much in our favourite museums.

At a time of great division, when we are arguing about what it means to be British, Sanghera’s book urges us to address this bewildering contradiction.

For, it is only by stepping back and seeing where we really come from, that we can begin to understand who we are, and what unites us.

ARE YOU A PUBLISHED AUTHOR? If you have released a published book, or are planning to do so in the coming months, and would like to share news of it in Wulfrunian 2021, please email details to: development@wgs-sch.net

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Wulfrunian 2020

EVENT

NEWS

Our 2020 calendar of events included a growing number of exciting opportunities to connect with and bring together OWs, both at School and further afield.

Unsurprisingly, with the exception of those featured in the following pages, the majority of events had to be postponed; we look forward to sharing revised dates in the near future.

FESTIVE DRINKS CLASS OF 2019 In December we welcomed the Class of 2019 back into their old Sixth Form common room for festive drinks and a chance to catch-up after their first months away from WGS. Staff were keen to hear how their former students had been getting on – in their first semester at university, settling in to the world of work or enjoying their gap year.

It was great to see everyone!

HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN EVENT? Keen to organise a reunion (in School, further afield or virtually)?

Interested in attending any of the following?

• Class of 1990 30+1 Reunion • London Reunion at the House of Lords • Class of 1996 25-year Reunion • 1512 (Legacy) Society Inaugural Lunch • Afternoon Tea for OWs at WGS during WWII • OW Sports Festival • OW Golf Day • Alumni Art Exhibition • US Reunion If so, please do get in touch: development@wgs-sch.net

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OLD WULFRUNIANS

ASSOCIATION DINNER

The first Old Wulfrunians Association Annual Dinner of the decade – and sadly the last of Kathy Crewe-Read’s headship – saw Big School filled with over 120 Old Wulfrunians, alongside former and current staff and esteemed guests. This year's guest of honour was Sir David Wright (OW 1963) who regaled his audience with tales of bygone school days and anecdotes from his distinguished career.

Sir David was joined on the top table by: his wife, Lady Sally Wright; the Head, Kathy Crewe-Read; OWA President, John Johnson; Chairman of the WGS Board of Directors, James Sage; Jeremy Myers, representing Old Merchant Taylors’ Crosby; Richard Burt, representing Old Merchant Taylors' Northwood; Deputy Heads, Toby Hughes and Nic Anderson (OW 1990); and Head Girl and Boy, Mia and William.

This year welcomed the 25th anniversary of the graduation of Class of 1995, with 24 members of that year group in attendance. As has become commonplace, the evening was an international affair with attendees from as far afield as the USA, Canada and the UAE.

Save the date for 2022!

This long-standing annual event will sadly not take place in 2021. However, we look forward to welcoming back OWA members and non-members alike, as well as the Class of 1997 for their 25-year reunion, on Saturday 5th March 2022.

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Wulfrunian 2020

OLD WULFRUNIANS

GOLF DAY

With the OW Sports Festival cancelled this year, some socially distanced golf was a welcome sporting tonic.

22 players, including 19 OWs and three former staff members competed for the annual Old Wulfs Golf Day trophy.

Sean Green (OW 1985) took first prize followed by Mike Hall (OW 1994) and Rich Bolton (OW 1992).

Save the date!

If you are interested in playing at next year’s Old Wulfs Golf Day on Friday 10th September 2021 please email Jim Mills (OW 1985): jim.mills@leaas.co.uk

Further awards for Nearest the Pin went to: 2nd Hole - Nick Phillips (OW 1988) 6th Hole - Neil Gibbons (OW 1986) 11th Hole - Nick Phillips (OW 1988) 15th Hole - Shaun Green (OW 1984) The award for the Longest Drive went to: James Evans (OW 1984) on the 16th hole.

Organiser Jim Mills (OW 1987) was delighted with the turn-out: "Given the year we’ve all had, it was great to see everyone. We are especially grateful to Clive Vickers (OW 1985) at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate who was unable to attend on the day, but kindly donated wine for the prizes."

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VIRTUAL REUNION

50 YEARS AFTER DAY ONE IN FIRST YEAR

On 8th September 1970, around 90 boys commenced their education at WGS. A few of us who are still in touch with one another thought it would be fun to catch up via Zoom and see what folk had been up to all this time. The Development Office was very helpful contacting (track and trace!) and inviting as many ex-pupils from the year group as they could, on our behalf. In the process, we discovered that a number had sadly died which was quite thought provoking and we would all like to send our condolences to relatives.

On the night (or day for some!), 14 “boys” attended and it was great fun.

There was significantly less hair on show than in the 70’s! Each of us had the opportunity to precis what we had been up to since we were last together.

It was interesting that 'success and happiness' (however we measure those things!) seemed to have come to all.

Some had not gone to university, some had. Some had chosen vocational courses and pursued their careers, thereafter unbroken, until retirement.

Others had taken a while to find their niche in the world of work.

OWs zoomed in from Portugal, France, Spain and Australia, as well as from all corners of the UK, including some who still call Wolverhampton home.

It was good to see how life had treated our classmates and we shared stories about each other as well as a few warm but irreverent ones about our teachers,

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Pictured above from left to right: Top: Peter King, Martin Ratcliffe, Martyn Russell, Ian Hughes Middle: Nick Hough, Stephen Humphrey (now known as Spike), Andrew Tyler, Antony Hopkins Bottom: Adam Fleet, Adrian Yoong, Jon Rice, John Hyatt

which cannot be repeated here. There were memories of school plays, punk bands, brass bands and geography field trips.

We all agreed that our time at WGS had helped shape our futures and were united in recognising how lucky we were that attendance was free in our day, giving opportunity to boys from a wide range of backgrounds. We wished it had remained so!

We hope to repeat the Zoom get-together next year on 12th September 2021, the first Sunday after the day we joined WGS 51 years ago. It seems like only yesterday!

Martyn Russell (OW 1977)

We now have a WhatsApp group and if anyone who started the first year in 1970 (or arrived in our year group at a later date) would like to join, please get in touch by emailing: development@wgs-sch.net.

Wulfrunian 2020

SCHOOL

NEWS

SCHOOL'S BIGGEST HE & CAREERS FORUM In a highly technological future where industries and entire economies can be revolutionised almost instantaneously, it is paramount that young people of today are multi-skilled, adaptable and able to navigate the myriad career paths available to them. Wolverhampton Grammar School is committed to helping students discover the future that is perfect for them; the annual HE and Careers Forum is the flagship event for this endeavour. This February, the School hosted the largest careers event in its history; over forty universities and employers and twelve guest speakers (including seven OWs) filled the Sixth Form Centre and the Jenyns Library.

Universities in attendance included Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Liverpool; they were joined by employers including the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust, UTC Collins Aerospace and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.

The School is enormously grateful to the OWs, who travelled from all four corners of the country, to donate their time and expertise in the form of talks with students. They, and the topics of their talks were: Ben Biddulph (OW 1995), ‘A Career in Politics and Media’; Dr Stephen Billing (OW 1984), ‘A Career in Medicine’; Jemima Cooke (OW 2018), ‘Post 18 Apprenticeships’; Carlton Evans (OW 1982), ‘A Career in Law’; Nikhil Gogna (OW 2007), ‘A Career

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in Dentistry’; David Jackson (OW 2008), ‘A Career in Esports and Digital Technology’; Becky Lumlock (OW 1991), ‘A Career in Business’.

Due to the anticipated high demand for the talks, students were asked to pre-book their places and all sessions were fully booked. We hope that our OW guest speakers found the event rewarding and as enjoyable as we know our students did.

We would be delighted to hear from OWs interested in joining us as a speaker at a future HE & Careers Forum, perhaps to: share professional insight, knowledge and experience; provide opinion on the future world of work in terms of employability, skills, resilience and adaptability; widen perspective in planning and preparing for the transition from education to employment; demonstrate the value of a meaningful, purposeful career to both self and society. Please get in touch by email: development@wgs-sch.net

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SPEECH DAY

AND PRIZEGIVING A worldwide pandemic was not going to stop us celebrating the achievements of our students in the usual way at Speech Day (for the Junior School) and Prizegiving (for the Seniors).

Of course things had to be a little different this year and virtual ceremonies meant that we could invite some extra special guests to join us online!

Junior School children were wowed when their Speech Day was interrupted with “breaking news” from BBC Newsround and Year 11 and Upper Sixth Prizegiving was interrupted with a message of support from former student and BBC Business presenter Sean Farrington (OW 2001) from the BBC Breakfast red sofa.

COAST2COAST DELIVERED

A special thank you to Sean who presents programmes on Radio 5 Live, including the daily business programme Wake Up to Money, and is a business presenter on BBC Breakfast on BBC One. Sean still has strong connections with the City of Wolverhampton. In his words: “Most importantly, my loyalty to Wolves is finally being repaid after almost 30 years of having a season ticket with my mum."

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COVID-19 did not stop this year’s Coast2Coast team from completing the incredible challenge of a gruelling relay.

Restrictions meant that 187+ miles were covered over two days in October half term, over a specially designed 7.5k circuit covering Cannock Chase.

Students had to complete 20 laps on both the Saturday and Sunday between 7.30am and 7.30pm – all in aid of Brain Tumour Support.

We would like to extend our grateful thanks to Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley and Grounds Café and Cycle Centres for their kind support to enable this year’s challenge to still go ahead, despite the strangest of circumstances.

A huge well done to Year 11 students Ewan, Harry, Edward, Benjamin, Thomas, Harry, Jenny, Ella, Grace and Rosie who have raised an astonishing £7,700 – and still counting!

You can still donate here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ wolverhampton-grammar-school The students rely on a team effort of staff and parents to undergo their training and make them challenge ready. Particular thanks to Mr French and Mrs Harris who co-ordinated the training plans and liaised with our Cannock Chase partners to make this year’s event happen.

Wulfrunian 2020

WHAT’S GROWING IN YOUR GARDEN? Mrs Bennett was inundated with pictures over the summer from students, parents and staff who had taken the opportunity during lockdown to discover their own garden – or plant something for the first time.

Year 3 and 4 (who are all in one bubble) had the opportunity to go back to Growing Gardeners’ Club in the Autumn term as one of their extra-curricular activities.

OLIVER

SHARES HIS LOCKDOWN

EXPERIENCE Lower Sixth student Oliver Brookes shared his lockdown experience with a worldwide academic audience.

Well done to everyone who took part in some of the Growing Gardeners’ Club challenges including: • Growing potatoes in a bucket • Taking cuttings from house plants • Planting pumpkins for Halloween • Sowing sunflower seeds

Oliver was recorded and interviewed by a writer for the Lancet of Child & Adolescent Health edition (a vital voice for improving young lives, the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health publishes top quality research and trusted comment and opinion).

You can see a selection of just some of the photos sent in here...

Oliver’s podcast included his reflections on the adjustments he had to make, how he's dealt with both parents being on the frontline and his hopes for the future.

Connecting Curious Minds In the first of a series of online careers themed events, 'Connecting Curious Minds' virtually links our students with Old Wulfrunians who have experience of studying and working in wide range of different fields.

Our first two speakers: Holly Pleydell (OW 2016) and Alastair Norton (OW 2015) have Arts and Theatre backgrounds, respectively, and have taken a relatively 'non-traditional' route since leaving School. Both are forging careers in the creative arts

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and have an entrepreneurial approach to working life. They were keen to share their life and work experiences, as well as be on hand to offer advice to students currently studying the subjects they loved so much at School.

This series of events supports a much wider careers and HE support package available to students at School, which includes 1-2-1 interviews, UCAS preparation, practice university and employer interviews and much more.

This work is already paying off for the many Upper Sixth students who have already received offers from universities. The annual Careers & HE Fair will also go ahead for older students – albeit virtually – in March 2021.

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POETRY PLEASE

TWO AWARDS FOR SCHOOL DIRECTOR Our most hearty congratulations to new Wolverhampton Grammar School Director Evelyn Forde, who has received national awards not once but twice in recent months.

The Times Education Supplement chose Evelyn for the prestigious ‘Headteacher of the Year Award’, in November, in recognition of her outstanding work at Copthall School in the London Borough of Barnet. Lead judge Dame Joan McVittie commented that it was the strongest cohort of nominations she had seen in seven years, but that Ms Forde stood out: “The quality and quantity of entries for the Headteacher award were exceptionally high. This made judging very challenging and the final winner is well deserving.”

In the 2021 New Year’s Honours List, Evelyn was recognised with an MBE for her services to Education. “I am deeply humbled and absolutely thrilled to be awarded an MBE for just doing a job that I love,” said Evelyn. “I hope this award sends out important messages to the next generation and inspires girls and children from minority backgrounds to believe that they can make a difference too. My motto for young people, and what I tell them every day, is hard work and self-belief makes impossible futures, possible. Our role as educators is to ensure all our students never forget this.”

Evelyn is also driven by a mission to achieve greater representation of BAME senior leaders in the education

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sector. Currently only 3% of UK Heads identify as BAME and Evelyn offers mentorship and guidance to those seeking to achieve promotion in their careers. As a member of the Council of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), she has brought these issues to the attention of the national press, having been featured in The Guardian and The Independent.

Alex Frazer, Head, said: “We are overjoyed for Evelyn and send her our warmest congratulations for these very exciting awards, which she richly deserves for her inspirational leadership and dedication to her students and staff at Copthall School.

We are incredibly lucky that she has found time in her busy schedule to join WGS as a Director and we are grateful for her expertise, advice and engagement.”

Children from across Wolverhampton Grammar School created and shared poems about their experiences during lockdown. We received over 60 amazing entries, but here are just a few of our favourites: Key workers working hard, Illness is at large, Schools are closed, We are working at home Schedules are rough, It’s really tough, We barely go outside, It’s almost like we have to hide.

We are not doing enough, To keep other people safe, People are going out, Without a doubt.

Staying safe is really hard, Remember not to drop your guard.

By Taleah Haughton-Roberts Toilet paper gone, All the shelves wiped clean, We are at home, Thanks to COVID-19

By Sofia Molinari

James Sage, Chair of the Board of Directors, added: “I am delighted to congratulate Evelyn on being recognised at the highest level for her exceptional work in education. It is a true honour to be working with her as a member of the WGS Board.”

Wulfrunian 2020

SCHOOL CELEBRATES A

VIRTUAL FOUNDER’S DAY Created to recognise our 1512 founder, Sir Stephen Jenyns, Founder's Day is a much loved tradition for students and staff alike. It is traditionally one of the few occasions when the whole School can come together at St Peter’s Church in the city centre.

Like so many other events this year, Founder’s Day required a digital solution to ensure everyone could come together – albeit virtually.

The Head, Alex Frazer; Deputy Head, Nic Anderson; Head Girl, Lizzie Anderson and Head Boy, Brandon Taylor alongside our Senior Prefects were filmed performing the traditional welcome, readings and messages alongside the Rev David Wright at his Church.

Manan Malik (OW 2004) was guest of honour and delivered an inspirational address. You can watch his address here: https://youtu.be/Ko3xCyjrNL4 Their words were combined with music from one of our Senior choirs (complete with Sign Language from Big 6) and messages of support to our students from the following OWs: Emily Birch (OW 2014), Robin Cooper (OW 1956), Jon Crawford (OW 2014), Stephen Hegedus (OW 1991), Amy Page (OW 2001) and Alex Vergopoulos (OW 1990).

All students and staff across the School watched the service from classrooms on Friday 16th October before the beginning of half term. As this year’s event was filmed, parents were also able to watch the whole ceremony on Wolverhampton Grammar School’s Parent Portal.

Christmas Card Design 2020 Congratulations to Summer Bloor in Year 8 for winning this year's Christmas card design competition. Summer's digital design was created using Procreate and was selected by the Head, as the winner.

The competition, run by the Art department, encourages students from across the Junior, Senior and Sixth Form to create a design that reflects the School community.

Well done to Rumaysa Taj, Fran White, Rosie Bennett and Jaipal Uppal whose designs were also shortlisted.

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THE HUTTON THEATRE

Our kind of Town Congratulations to all performers, back stage and technical crew involved in the Upper School’s production of 'Our Town'.

The play, a timeless drama of life in the fictional village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, has become an American classic with universal appeal. Thornton Wilder’s most frequently performed play, it appeared on Broadway in 1938 to wide acclaim, and won the Pulitzer Prize.

Packed audiences enjoyed stellar performances from a cast representing students from across the Senior School in February.

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Wulfrunian 2020

BEN MILLER HOSTS VIRTUAL MASTERCLASS FOR STUDENTS In July, for our final celebrity author event of this academic year, we virtually welcomed actor and comedian, Ben Miller. Ben delivered an entertaining Zoom presentation linked to his latest book, 'The Boy Who Made the World Disappear’, to students from Years 5 to 10.

In the book, main character Harrison tries his best to be good. He doesn't steal, he always shares with his sister and he never cheats at board games, but Harrison also has a big flaw ... he can't control his temper! When he's given a black hole instead of a balloon at a party,

Harrison jumps at the chance to get rid of everything that makes him cross. But when it's not just things he hates that are disappearing into the black hole but things he loves, too, Harrison starts to realise that sometimes you should be careful what you wish for!

In addition to his work as an author, Ben is best known for writing and starring in 'The Armstrong and Miller Show' and for his role as Rowan Atkinson's sidekick, Bough, in 'Johnny English Strikes Back'.

In preparation for a live Q&A session with Ben, students read the opening chapters of his new book.

CHARLIE RACES TO

KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP It's a top of the podium finish for Lower Sixth student Charlie Whitehouse who won the Rissington Kart Club Senior TKM Championship.

The 12 round tournament included races against drivers who are 16 and older on 115cc air-cooled two stroke engine karts. Charlie stormed the championship despite completing his

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Ben was most impressed to be asked such insightful questions from our students and we were incredibly proud of everyone involved.

Following the event, children were given the opportunity to purchase signed copies.

More bestselling and award winning authors, sharing their masterclass tips with students, are scheduled for the year ahead.

TEAM GB

Duke of Edinburgh's Silver award at the same time! This was Charlie's first experience of senior level racing having raced previously at cadet and junior level.

Cian Gopal in Lower Sixth was selected to represent Great Britain in a duathlon which was due to take place in Punta Umbria, Spain last year.

Congratulations to Charlie and his father, Richard who helps build and maintain the racing karts.

Duathlon is an athletic event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg in a format similar to triathlons.

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GRAHAM LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Congratulations to Madison Beebee who has been awarded the Graham Lewis Scholarship this year.

Anthology of

Throughout the summer term, Mr Wood and students in the Senior School worked together on a range of audio recordings for the Anthology of Theatre.

Mr Wood was thrilled with the work he received and the recordings were shared on our School social media channels.

Well done to everyone who sent in a recording!

The Scholarship is available to an Upper Sixth student studying either Mathematics or Further Mathematics at A Level who has ambitions to study a related subject at university.

Following an application and interview for the Scholarship, Madison, who joined us in Sixth Form, received a tax free lump sum of £1,000 which will no doubt come in useful for her studies at Durham University.

This annual award is made possible thanks to the generosity of alumnus Robert Zeps (OW 1988). Mr Zeps dedicated this Scholarship in honour of his Mathematics teacher, the late Mr Graham Lewis, who inspired him to pursue Maths for both his career and intellectual satisfaction.

SKI TRIP Students from across the Senior School had another great ski trip experience in February 2020. From absolute beginners to seasoned pros – everyone made the most of the snow and fantastic weather conditions in Flachau, Austria.

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Wulfrunian 2020

INSPIRATIONAL GUEST SPEAKER MAKES HISTORY Junior School students had a very special assembly with Harvi Khatkar who created history as the first Sikh and BAME woman to become Superintendent at West Midlands Police.

MEET OUR HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL

The School’s Head Boy and Head Girl are the student figureheads of our School community. Chosen by fellow students and a staff vote at the end of Lower Sixth, they lead a team of Prefects to help guide and support students across our School.

This year, Brandon Taylor and Lizzie Anderson were chosen as Head Prefects.

Fact file: Brandon Taylor

Harvi has made her mark across the region after spending time based in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton as part of her rise through the ranks.

She was the most senior BAME officer in Wolverhampton before becoming part of the WMP2020 programme to help create a more modern, agile police force for decades to come.

Mr Dan Peters, Head of the Junior School invited Harvi to come into School. He added: “We are a very diverse community, and it was a real privilege to have someone like Harvi talk with girls and boys about what can be achieved – no matter what your background, religion, ethnicity – nothing should hold you back”.

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• Brandon has been at Wolverhampton Grammar School since 2012, joining in Year 5.

• He is studying A Levels in English Literature, Physics and Further Mathematics.

• He always takes an active role in form time, is happy to share ideas on topical issues and looks out for everyone around him.

Fact file: Lizzie Anderson • Lizzie Anderson joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in Year 7 from Oldswinford C of E School in Stourbridge.

• She is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

• Lizzie can often be found after School outside the Deputy Head’s office! Being the daughter of a Deputy Head can result in long hours at School!

• Extra curricular life revolves around hockey. A keen sportswoman, Lizzie is Hockey Captain at School.

• Lizzie has a younger sister, Charlotte in Year 8.

• Extra curricular life includes chess and basketball. He helps out as a Late Club Assistant in the Junior School.

• Brandon went on the School trip to China and loves to ski.

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Farewell to the Class of 2020, hello Old Wulfrunians!

For most students in Upper Sixth, the summer term is a time of rituals – whether it’s planning Summer Ball outfits, Year Books, graduation parties or the final push of Sixth Form public exams. It’s a formative moment in a young person’s life that many adults look back on fondly as a rite of passage before the “serious” stuff of life takes over.

The Class of 2020 was finally getting into the swing of their last year at School, when they suddenly found themselves in the midst of a global pandemic.

When all schools closed and exams were cancelled, some students perhaps looked forward to an extended summer break. But the reality quickly set in that they probably wouldn’t be back in School at all.

With the end of term just a few weeks away, we wanted to give Upper Sixth the opportunity for one last visit before they became Old Wulfrunians. All Upper Sixth students were invited to come in and say goodbye to their Tutor and Head of Year over the course of two days in July.

As is customary at this time of year, they also received their official School

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scarf – denoting their status as an OId Wulfrunian and a welcome to our alumni community by Head of Development, Tina Erskine. Yearbooks were still produced and – despite a small delay have now been sent to all our Upper Sixth leavers.

Students of course had the opportunity to come back to School to collect their A Level and Cambridge Technical grades on Thursday 13th August.

Good luck to the Class of 2020 as you move on to the next chapter in your lives …

Tarandeep Dhaliwal has secured a Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship at Ernst & Young and Prabveer Bassi is also undertaking an Apprenticeship Daniel van Gerven has secured the position of Finance and Operations Director at ASC (Assisting Students Creatively).

Jack Morris has secured a job working in education.

Are you from the Class of 2020?

Don't forget to join our official alumni group on Facebook or LinkedIn. Search for Old Wulfrunians of WGS on Facebook (or follow Wolverhampton Grammar School Official), join Wolverhampton Grammar School Development Office on LinkedIn or stay engaged on Twitter @WGSOW.

Reece McCarthy is in the recruitment process to join the Armed Forces.

Alexander Smith is currently playing for Tamworth F.C. and writing music. He intends to apply for a Sports Diploma at Loughborough.

Jordan Russell, who left the School in Year 11, is now studying Physical Education & School Sport at Hartpury University and Charlotte Wallis, who also left in Year 11, is now studying Acting at the Oxford School of Drama.

Louise Craven, Cameron Grewal and Michal Kozlowski, are all undertaking a gap year.

Wulfrunian 2020

UNIVERSITY

STUDENT AND COURSE *

Anglia Ruskin University

Cassandra Yeboah - Biomedical Science

Aston University

Jeevan Dardi - Mechanical Engineering Edward Bill - MSci Chemistry Renisha Chhokar - Accounting & Finance

University of Birmingham

Amardeep Singh Dhami - Mathematics & Computer Science Kyran Mander - English Language Oliver Street - MSci Theoretical Physics

Birmingham City University

Freya Thompson - Digital Marketing

University of Cambridge

Harvey Brown - English

Cardiff University

Anup Grewal - Physics

Coventry University

Edward Purchase - Art and Design Madison Beebee - Chemistry (with a Year in Industry) Aaron Ellis - General Engineering Alexander Stanley - History

University of Exeter

William Beards - English & Drama

Keele University

Anya Stojanovic - History & Politics

King's College London

Amrit Gakhal - Dentistry

Lancaster University

Ross Deeley - Fine Art Madeleine Rousell - English and Comparative Literature Harrison Ward - History Isabel Wassermann - Chinese & Japanese Studies Hannah Parlane - Anatomy & Human Biology Emily Aston - Sociology Pritpal Bhambra - Law (with a Year Abroad)

University of Liverpool

Liverpool John Moores University

Sophie Jowett - Psychology

London School of Economics & Political Science Loughborough University

Harry Calloway - Architecture Theo Crewe-Read - MEng Mechanical Engineering Joel Humpage - Physiotherapy Ravi Puri - Financial Computing Max Walters - Economics (Gap Year)

Jasmine Chanian - Philosophy, Politics & Economics Jay Kumar - Accounting & Finance (Gap Year) Amelia Kerr - International Business Sophie Pye - Art Foundation Course Sachin Basra - Aerospace Engineering

University of Manchester

Dylan Li - Medicine Ryan Mall - Architecture Harvir Singh - Economics

Manchester Metropolitan University

Roisin O'Leary - Politics and Philosophy Paramvir Sandhu - Chemistry Zoe Bailey - Physics

Foundation Course

Erasmus University Rotterdam

University of Leeds

STUDENT AND COURSE *

Rajinder Bhabra - Mechanical Engineering University of Nottingham

Robbie Crncan - Civil Engineering Tai Fraser - MSci Chemistry Mia Seager - Modern Language Studies (French, German & Russian)

University of Oxford

Lexie Turner - Experimental Psychology

University of Plymouth

Vishal Gupta - Medicine

Queen Mary University of London

Peter Addo - Mathematics

Royal Holloway, University of London

Madeline Baugh - Biomedical Sciences Sebastian Jones - History

University of Sheffield

Peter Holman - MEng Aerospace Engineering

Sheffield Hallam University

Joshua Wade - Computer Science for Games

Swansea University

Priya Daley - Law with Criminology

University College London

Harry Froggatt - Medicine Tobias Grainger - History

University of West London

Imogen Strudwicke - Film Production

University of York

Nina Sidhu - Chemistry

*

Parents were asked to confirm all destination data by the end of November 2020.

Durham University

Adil Sawal - Accounting

UNIVERSITY

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Class of 2020 memories shared Every year we ask our Upper Sixth students to tell us about their Sixth Form experience at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Feedback is always very important to us and we use this survey to help us identify the things that work well, and things that need to be improved. The survey also includes the opportunity for our Upper Sixth to tell us about things that are of interest to them after they leave School so that we can keep in touch.

The whole experience was like a second home. The memories made with friends, the small welcoming environment and the complete liberty for expression contributed to an enjoyable atmosphere where no-one was left out.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at WGS, I've made a lot of lifelong friends and it was an experience I will never forget.

The quality of facilities and teaching were excellent and it was truly an enjoyable place to be.

I have loved every second of my

We wanted to share with you just some of the memories and reflections shared by our Class of 2020 this year.

WGS experience, it has made me who I am today and I feel ready to take the next step. I will never forget my school days, that is for sure!

My experience at WGS not only helped my educational studies but also helped develop me as a person. As a scholarship student it gave me the opportunity to access an exceptional education system that normally I would not have access to. The teachers at WGS always go above and beyond in order to support their students.

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My time at Grammar has been amazing for both the academics and the community. The School has supported me and provided so many opportunities I am so grateful for and the people I have met along the way have all been so incredible, kind, and caring. It simply ended too soon.

Moving to WGS has been one the best decisions of my life. I’ve been supported through really hard times and have had pleasant memories with most of the people I’ve met! I know that I will be happy to help in any way I can after leaving.

Wulfrunian 2020

OUR COMMUNITY The news that schools across the country would reopen in September was welcomed by students and staff at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

With the arrival of Mr Frazer, as the School's 34th Head, and the added buzz around returning to campus, we felt like it was the perfect time to celebrate and showcase how special our community is.

In September, we launched a new School video sharing a student's view of the School and the opportunities which are presented throughout a student's time here.

The Marketing team talked to Lower and Upper Sixth students about their experiences in Sixth Form which also formed the basis of our new Sixth Form video. Students were encouraged to speak openly and honestly about why they chose Wolverhampton Grammar School Sixth Form and how they've used their time effectively to embrace everything that is on offer here at the School; from exemplary pastoral care to 1-2-1 support with their teachers; extra and co-curricular activities to dedicated Higher Education and careers support.

Thank you to all the students and members of staff who were involved in the production of the two videos.

If you would like to watch our new videos, visit www.wgs.org.uk/about or visit our School YouTube channel.

And finally...

2020 will be remembered for many different reasons; however, we will not forget how the WGS community came together, to support one another and the School.

We look forward to welcoming our Old Wulfrunians back to School, when restrictions are eased, and to confirming details of our event programme just as soon as we are able.

If you have any news that you would like to share in Wulfrunian 2021, please do get in touch: development@wgs-sch.net Finally, and most importantly, take good care; be well, stay safe.

www.wgs.org.uk

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Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB +44 (0) 1902 421326 www.wgs.org.uk @WGS1512

@WGSOW

Wolverhampton Grammar School Official or Old Wulfrunians of WGS Wolverhampton Grammar School Wolverhampton Grammar School