The Grovian 23/24

2023/24

The Grovian 2023/24

Official Reports

Headmaster’s Report

My heartfelt thanks to Rugby League legend and current parent, Jamie Peacock, who stepped in at short notice to be our Prize Day Guest of Honour. As ever, Jamie spoke with great passion and conviction about life’s challenges and the need to be surrounded by positive ‘influencers’, whilst also displaying grit and determination in times of adversity. He also gave us an important message about failure only being “success turned inside out”. His words were inspiring, and I am sure all those present at Prize Day will have taken great heart from Jamie’s powerful messages, which very much resonated with our own Grovian Values.

Our final weekend of the academic year provided the ideal opportunity to celebrate another very positive and successful year for The Grove, enriched by the thoughts of Jamie and our Chaplain, Revd. Drost, who spoke so eloquently at the Leavers’ Service on the last Sunday of the Summer Term. Furthermore, I hope that my own Prize Day reflections, combined with those of our Head Prefects, Lucy Lund and Callum Hyland Dugbo, and Senior Prefect, Maya Gri ths, will have given those of you in attendance a feel for the scale of achievements, breadth and variety of activity and progress made during the course of another action-packed year.

As our recently published ISI Inspection Report records, Woodhouse Grove aims to realise the full potential of every individual pupil by promoting academic excellence, encouraging self-discovery and fostering high standards of conduct and social responsibility. The objective is that each pupil grows to be the best that they can be, is fully prepared for the world they will encounter when they leave school,

and develops strong levels of integrity, loyalty and commitment whilst upholding the school’s Grovian Values and Methodist heritage. A key measure of our success as a school is that we develop each student’s capabilities and prepare them academically, culturally, socially and spiritually for life after Woodhouse Grove – giving them the very best chance of going on to lead happy and fulfilled lives.

It is my belief that this year’s superb edition of The Grovian magazine, like previous publications before it, provides a tangible reminder of how the school seeks to meet its ambitious aims, whilst also showcasing our broader academic curriculum and the breadth of sporting and performing arts opportunities, trips and co-curricular activities that Woodhouse Grove has to o er.

I think it would be remiss of me if I didn’t make reference to the Government’s announcement regarding the removal of the VAT exemption previously applied to independent school fees. Keir Starmer insists his policy to place VAT on independent school fees is not ideological. It's a “di cult decision”, he says, but necessary to raise revenue, which will be used to hire 6,500 new teachers for state schools (44,000 teachers left the profession last year). Few would deny that state schools need better funding, but it is important to question whether the policy will be successful at raising money and also to examine what a thriving independent sector looks like, and how it can contribute to education more broadly –I am not alone in my opinion that the VAT policy threatens all that.

But beyond any tax measure, the simple truth is that education is an ecosystem. It thrives on diversity and interdependence. Often independent schools are characterised as a problem or a detriment to education and society as a whole. As we all know, nothing could be further from the truth. State and independent schools should be allowed to coexist, working together to meet the needs of every child. Woodhouse Grove’s partnership with One In a Million Free School is a tangible expression of The Grove’s commitment towards widening educational and sporting opportunities in the local area. This kind of collaboration should serve as a template for other independent and state school partnerships.

Our new Government has rightly recognised the important role of the private and voluntary sectors in healthcare, and a similar approach, “unburdened by doctrine”, as Starmer put it in his first speech as Prime Minister, would be welcome in education. Instead, Labour has produced a policy which is not good for social mobility, special educational needs, faith-based education or Britain's competitiveness in the global education market. In addition to which, HM Treasury will probably not have much to show for it either. Our children deserve better than this reckless gamble.

Having said all that, the implementation of VAT on school fees has been something the school has been preparing for, and lots of careful financial planning has been taking place since it became known that this would be a likely development. Over the past few years, the school has also made a number of strategic on-site investments that now provide on-going and additional revenue streams, alongside further enhancing our pupil experience.

Thanks to Government intervention, the curriculum ebbs and flows, and today’s headteachers have much to contend with. Yet it remains a privilege to lead such a brilliant school, and to work alongside such energetic and talented colleagues; whose raison d'être is to serve those who really matter, our young people.

Notwithstanding all the challenges, our goal at Woodhouse Grove remains unwavering: to equip our young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resilience to enable them to thrive in the future and be happy, confident citizens of the world.

Finally, once again, I should like to record my thanks and appreciation to the team responsible for putting together another excellent edition of The Grovian.

Mr James Lockwood - Headmaster

Head Prefects’ Report

Callum

We knew when we found out at the start of this academic year that we were Head Prefects, that this moment would one day come.

Lucy

In our first speech to visitors at Open Morning, back in October, we were so nervous about having to speak in front of a large group of people. We could not have imagined the extent to which the opportunities we have had throughout this year, as Head Prefects, would help us grow in confidence in the way that it has.

Callum

As you know, the Summer Term has been particularly busy for us in Year 13, with A-levels to revise for, exams to take and holidays to plan and book!

Lucy

Naturally, we realised that we wouldn’t have much time to write this speech, so we decided that we would do what every young person seems to do in 2024...

Callum

We decided to embrace the technological revolution... Lucy ... to use the scientific tools of the future...

Callum

We turned to our tried and tested new best friend...

Lucy ChatGPT.

Callum

For any of the more mature members of the Grove community, who are not yet acquainted with this new phenomenon that is ChatGPT, all you need to know is that it is a tool of Artificial Intelligence that is saving young people hours of time when completing their homework.

Lucy

Some might call it cheating. Exam boards, for instance... but the youth of today like to think of it as ‘working smarter, not harder’! With this in mind, we decided to see what would happen if we asked our friend, ChatGPT, to write our speech for us.

Callum

We realised that this is a first for Woodhouse Grove School. Never before in the school’s 212 year history has the annual Prize Day Speech been written... by a robot !

Lucy

So we typed into the software - ‘Write a speech for a school prize day’, and this is what it first came up with...Greetings and salutations, esteemed individuals, guests, educators, caretakers, and my fellow scholars.

We are here today as the Head Prefects of our revered academic institution, graced with the honour and privilege of addressing you on this momentous occasion of our school's prize day. We assemble to commemorate the toil, dedication, and triumphs of our student body...

Callum

At this point, we thought that it might be potentially a bit too obvious that these weren’t our own words.

Lucy

We realised that, with AI, we would have to be more specific about our requirements.

Callum

So, instead, we typed in ‘Write a speech for a school prize day but make it sound like a teenager has written it’.... This is what it produced... Hey everyone, parents, teachers, and all my awesome friends.

I'm totally psyched to be up here as the Head Prefect, like, whoa! Today is, like, our prize day, innit bro. And it's, like, such a big deal, you know?

Looking back, we've, like, totally been through some crazy stu , but we've rocked it! Each one of us has shown so much grit, determination, and, like, mad skills. And now, we're here to celebrate

and recognise all the cool peeps who have totally aced it in sports, leadership and other smart stu .

To all you amazing award winners out there, you guys totally rock! Seriously, you guys are the bomb.

Lucy

It was at this point that we realised that ChatGPT was not ‘the bomb’, and that actually, if we used this shortcut, we would never be able to look our friends in the eye again. And that got us thinking –one thing that we have learnt during our time at The Grove, one of the many values that the school has instilled in us, is that there is no shortcut to success, but through hard work.

Callum

Everyone here today, particularly those receiving a prize, has got here through years of dedication and by playing an active role in school life.

Lucy

It’s not just the dedication of the school’s pupils that we wish to acknowledge today. This summer, the school must say goodbye to several long-term members of sta who have devoted many years of hard work to our community. On behalf of the pupils, we wish Mr Munday, Mrs Nott, Mrs Watson, and any other leaving sta all the best for the future.

Callum

One of the highlights, for me, of this year was taking part in The Grove’s first ever Culture Week. We asked ChatGPT... ‘what is culture’? Fortunately, this time, its answer was a bit more helpful...!

Lucy

‘Culture is a concept that encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviours in a community’. Culture Week certainly embraced all of these diverse elements found in our school community. There were bake sales, writing our names in Mandarin, a Bollywood dance workshop on the Holy Grass led by Mrs Vernon, and who could forget the amazing catwalk fashion show where students and sta had the opportunity to present to the school cultural dress that expressed their unique national heritage.

Callum

It wasn’t just the Holy Grass that staged performances this year. As ever, the school has had a busy and vibrant programme of Performing Arts. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the start to the year that we, as a school community, expected. As a student body, we were tremendously sad to hear about the passing of Mr Crawford – our wonderfully eccentric, caring and amusing music teacher – in the summer holidays.

Lucy

The first musical event of this year was a Memorial Service at Halifax Minster in October to celebrate Mr Crawford’s life and service to the school. As an A-level music student myself, I have many fond memories of Mr Crawford spontaneously getting up and dancing to the more jazzy tracks on our very serious music listening exams... which he would then ruthlessly hand back in order of worst to best! We will miss him.

Callum

As well as the numerous musical concerts this year, the music and drama department came together to produce some excellent productions. In November, we enjoyed the Year 7 & 8 Spotlight show, as well as the senior devised production ‘Remember Me’.

Lucy

Now, on to one of the highlights of the year for many: ...they're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, They're all together ooky....

Callum

The Maths department??

Lucy

No, Callum! The Year 9 & 10 musical production of The Addams Family...

Both *click click*

Lucy

Directed by Mrs Baker, the acting, music, costumes and choreography were all superbly done. Well done to all those involved. The Addams Family...

Both *click click*

Lucy

...was not the only production we had the privilege of enjoying in The Grove Theatre this year.

Callum

We also thoroughly enjoyed the lower school production of ‘My Teacher’s a Troll’, where an incredible 69 pupils in Years 7 and 8 had the opportunity to take to the stage.

Lucy

Of course, it wouldn’t be a review of the year without mentioning the significant amount of participation in school sports this academic year.

Callum

Sport continues to be at the heart of The Grove, and it is something that I have fond memories of during my seven years here. This year has seen the school begin to introduce golf, due to a growing interest in the sport. A small group of golfers were able to visit the Bradford Golf Club for their Wednesday afternoon games option as well as entering the Yorkshire Schools’ Golf Championship and the West Yorkshire Championship, with one team qualifying for the Yorkshire final.

Lucy

This is one of the many school sports that are flourishing, including: swimming, fencing, cross-country, triathlon, tennis, badminton, squash, basketball, climbing, cricket, athletics, football and, of course, the lesser-known competitive endurance sport that is ... chess!

Callum

In rugby, one of the highlights of the year for me was when the first XV reached the quarter-final of the U18 Schools’ Cup for only the second time in the school’s history. All school teams attended a minimum of four Rugby 7s tournaments in the Spring Term and several teams went down to London to take part in Rosslyn Park National 7s. It continues to be a popular and inclusive sport, with over 300 boys representing the school this year.

Lucy

We couldn’t finish talking about our sporting success without acknowledging the incredible achievements of the school’s netball teams this year. Particular congratulations go to the first team for reaching our first ever Independent Schools’ National Cup final. Although we lost the match, coming second in the country is still an incredible achievement. The U14 A team, and the First Team also made it to another national final tournament this year. This is the second year running that we have had two age groups in the national finals.

Callum

I think you’ll all agree that sport at The Grove continues to go from strength to strength.

Lucy

It feels strange to see the school simultaneously changing and growing, embracing the future, whilst knowing that this is a future that we won’t be a part of in the same way. As Year 13s, we have benefitted from being able to use the new Sixth Form Building in the lead-up to our exams.

Callum

Its modern design, with university-style seminar rooms and light, bright study spaces has been amazing preparation for the next stage in our lives. You only have to look around at the school’s buildings – a mix of traditional and modern – to appreciate the richness of school life here. At The Grove we embrace our school’s long history and the traditions that have defined many generations of Grovians, however, what is an education if not preparation for the new and changing world?

Lucy

We are so thankful to everyone at the school who has played a part in preparing us, as Year 13s, for the next step in our lives. Many people underestimate the role that teachers have in shaping who their students are. So many of our

teachers have gone the extra mile, giving up their time to nurture each and every one of us, as individuals.

Callum

In my time here, I have always been so grateful that my teachers have inspired my passions by making lessons fun, as well as educational. They genuinely make the classroom a place where pupils want to be.

Lucy

To the younger pupils at The Grove, we would like to remind you that you will never again have at your feet the wealth of opportunity that you do right now. I remember being in Years 7 and 8 and being afraid of trying things that were new. However, don’t let fear stop you. Get involved in as much as you can – you don’t know who you are going to meet along the way.

Callum

Throw yourself into every house event, try new clubs and treasure the time you’ve got with your friends. It will go by more quickly than you know. At the start of our speech, we made light about the fact that we were going to use an AI platform to write it for us. In reality, one thing that we have all learnt in Year 13 is that anything worth having is worth working for. We have been on a long journey to get where we are today and Lucy and I both feel very lucky to have been on this journey with you all.

Lucy

To all of our friends in Year 13, we know it’s finally time to part company – at least for now. Some of us have known each other longer than we haven't known eachother. Others have forged close friendships in just a few years. Callum and I wish you all the very best for the summer, exam results and beyond.

Callum

So... we typed into Chat GPT - ‘Write an ending for a prize day speech’...

Lucy

Just kidding!

Sometimes, in a world of growing technological advancement, there’s a lot to be said for keeping things simple.

Callum

We wanted to end with just one word. A word that has bound us all together during our time here. A word that will bind us together for the rest of our lives:

Both Xaipete!

Lucy Lund and Callum Hyland Dugbo

Chairman’s Report

At The Grove, we pride ourselves on being both inclusive and inspiring, providing an exceptional learning environment for a wonderfully diverse range of young people. We understand that each and every one of our pupils has their own individual strengths and unique character and place the individual at the heart of everything we do. The confidence which is nurtured by The Grove’s encouraging and supportive atmosphere is perhaps the greatest gift we can o er our young people –enabling them to fulfil their potential in work and play and to stand out from the crowd.

One of Woodhouse Grove’s key strengths is that it is big enough to o er a huge range of opportunities, both academic and co-curricular, but small enough that our sta are able to get to know each and every student. Combined with our shared values, this creates a strong, caring and cohesive community. It also generates great pride across the school in our pupils’ achievements, both in the classroom and beyond. It is very special to be able to read all about these achievements and the incredibly wide range of interests and talents of our young people in The Grovian each year.

Just as we encourage our students to be “The best that they can be”, the school is also constantly striving to be the best it can be – including o ering our students the very best facilities. Thanks to the financial support of MIST, our new Sixth Form Building and covered courts facility are now fully operational. They are both outstanding new editions to the School’s enviable facilities and will contribute greatly to further enhancing the pupil experience here at The Grove.

Whilst our facilities are something to be proud of, a school is only as strong as its sta team. The Woodhouse Grove sta team is exceptional. To the sta – both teaching and support – we cannot thank you enough for your dedication and hard work.

To those sta who left us in the Summer, thank you for your contribution to the Woodhouse Grove family. We wish you every success in the future. I would like to particularly acknowledge the service of four longstanding members of sta .

To our three departing teachers: Matt Munday, Louise Watson and Claire Nott, thank you for your outstanding service and for adding such educational value – both in and out of the classroom – to generations of Grovians. To Pat Hudson, who makes up the quartet, who have between them given 87 years of combined service to The Grove, thank you for all you have done to support our young people...and keep Parents, Teachers and Governors in check!

Thank you to all my Governors for their considerable e orts, support and expertise, given willingly and freely, in order to enhance the School.

And, finally, thank you to you, our parents, for your unstinting support. In a time when political and economic headwinds continue to challenge and threaten the Independent School sector, please feel assured that the School continues to rigorously scrutinise expenditure and manage costs to ensure we achieve the best value for money to sustain the outstanding quality of a Woodhouse Grove education. As parents, your commitment to your children’s education is the foundation of the Grove community and the Governors, sta – and I’m sure, the students themselves – thank you for your generous support over the years.

I am sure you will all agree, we are hugely privileged to be a part of such a wonderful School community!

Alan Wintersgill BEM, FCA Chairman of Governors

Chaplain’s Report

Each year, the Chaplains from di erent Methodist Secondary schools meet at Charny Manor on the outskirts of Oxford. The building has its roots in the Quaker movement or the ‘Religious Society of Friends’ and is a real haven to chat, to reflect, to socialise and to compare notes – who has the biggest chapel, who works in Boarding, who teaches Religious Studies, and so on.

Do not think Chaplains are not competitive… we are. In reality, school Chaplaincies are not the same because each school has a slightly di erent emphasis on what they want from this role.

Last year, Rev. Janet Verrier, Methodist Chaplain at Farringtons School in Kent, led us. Amongst the ‘gifts’ she gave us, was a traditional wooden walking stick – which we thought a bit cruel, as none of us think of ourselves as old….! The other gift was a small pillow – of the size you could take onto a plane to sleep on – symbolising the need for rest.

But it is the stick that I want to think about.

The stick was about who or what we lean on to make our jobs the best they can be. I am very conscious that I am a bit of a lone wolf. This is not negative – there is only one Chaplain. Yet, I am part of so many other groups within the rhythm of school life – many of which have colleagues who I lean on to help me do my job. So, thank you to them:

Our school Chapel continues to be a wonderful part of the school daily diary. Over the last twelve months, we have seen five Baptisms, a Wedding, a Golden Wedding Anniversary and, sadly, a funeral – all people who had or still have links with our school. It is a special place to be in. Roughly 27,000 pupils come through Chapel each year, looking at themes as broad as Homelessness, Emotions, War Heroes, Fairtrade/Harvest, Honesty, Equality and many Bible stories teaching us about the simplicity of care and love for all.

I am helped by sta and pupils, who deliver di erent Chapel assemblies: Mr Cadman and the EDI Group; Mr Wright during Founders Week; the Headmaster; Mr Wilson on the organ; Mrs Nulty, who often steps in when I am away; and especially our Sixth Formers, who lead our prayers and read passages from the Bible. Our Chapel building is going to be part of an ‘Art Trail’ for the upcoming ‘2025 Bradford City of Culture’. We will be adding extra pieces of art from the ‘Methodist Modern Art Collection’ and have students’ art pieces on show, to enhance our wall and display areas.

It is a joy to see the boys maturing as they move up and take on new House Prefect roles in Boarding. They seemed so young in Year 10, but now are leading by example for our younger pupils. My thanks especially go to Mr King, Mr Dobson and Mrs Bradburne and all the Boarding Teams at Brodwell and Miller, who regularly go beyond their fixed timetable, to ensure our Boarding community have the very best of experiences at school - making it a true home-from-home place.

We are a diverse school with lots of di ering thoughts and ideas of how to live. In our PSHCE lessons, we can craft opportunities for these ideas to be explored, which enhances our students understanding of how they and others can be the best that they can be. My thanks especially go to Mrs Vernon, our Lead teacher and to Mr Jackson. Our school survey highlights the importance of this subject and what a huge impact the knowledge gained has on our pupils for their development and growth.

A major part of my role is to be visible. Our school and the Methodist church want to have its chaplain as a ‘presence’ so all can be reminded that we are rooted in the Christian faith. It is now much easier for folks to find me, as a new coat of paint and some school colour stripes on the Chaplain’s Door makes it more welcoming. I continue to work alongside Mr Cadman and the excellent Safeguarding Team, o ering Welfare space for pupils, parents and sta , for those moments where an extra listening ear is needed. So many of our team conversations dovetail together, giving a true supporting arc of care and support for all.

A major part of school life is how we respond to the world around us, especially from a place of privilege. We are blessed each year to have Sixth Formers who want to be part of our Charity Committee: Yuliia Buhera, Kaitlyn Walsh and Hugo Poole, were supported by Mr Lambert and Mrs

Nulty this last year – what a team. It is this group that organises our year-long charity fundraisers –Candlelighters, ZARACH bed charity, Bradford North Foodbank, to name a few, who have benefited from our gifts of money and items. Our major piece of work this year, has been our being awarded, “School of Sanctuary” status, which means we are now able to explore, from a place of influence, how to respond to those seeking sanctuary in our country. Mr Lambert has been able to facilitate visits from those who are seeking asylum, giving real life stories of war and homelessness – truly moving. He has also organised football matches at school alongside sports footwear donations for asylum seekers, through Mr Bradburne (Director of Sport) and the Sports Department. We want to promote that ‘all are welcome’ at our school. This outward looking charity work, along with other ‘chaplain’ material is displayed on our new ‘Chapel Matters’ board, which is kindly managed by Mrs Fleming, PA to the Senior Leadership Team.

The stick and its symbolisms, helps me in my day-to-day work in our school. As my third year begins, I hope and pray that, as well as gently leaning on others for help and guidance, I can be that walking stick for those who need to lean on me.

Rev Rob Drost School Chaplain

Year 13 Results

Grade A* and A (or equivalent) passes are marked with an asterisk.

Z Abbas

S Ahmed

S Anderson

Z Arif

F Arrandale

U Asif

C Atkins

M Bardouille-Lewis

J Beese

H Bhangoo

N Boakye

A Broome

Y Buhera

E Bywell

Z Chen

H Cheng

YS Cheng

R Clark

J Consterdine

T Craven

C Culyer

V Dabrowska

O Defurey

S Denson

J Eaglestone

J Edgley

A Eichert

A Ershad

Z Farid

K Finn-Hirose

N Flynn

E Greenwood

M Griffiths

R Halliday

E Hammond

N Hawkshaw

C Hellewell

L Henderson

R Henderson

D Horne

E Hunter-Mcdonald

A Hurford

J Hussain

C Hyland Dugbo

A Ikram

C Isama

M Jennings

A Johnson

bus, fin*, phil, psych eng lit, phil, pol

biol, eng lit, psych econ, fin, pol, psych bus, pol art, biol, chem, psych bus*, dt, sport*

biol*, chem*, maths*, span* hist, media, psych biol, chem, fin, maths bus, econ, phil art, photo, bus, econ, maths, russ** bus, econ, fin, sport* bus, chin**, econ*, maths*

bio,l chem, maths*

biol, chem, chin*, maths, psych art, eng lit, mus tech** bus, econ, fin, geog bus*, frth maths, maths**

bus, ent**, fin, sport* biol, chem, maths bus**, econ*, fin*, maths* phil, sport

bus, fin*, geog*, phys bus, hist, psych bus, germ**, maths, media phil

biol*, chem*, maths*

eng lang, eng lit, psych* eng lit*, fin*, hist*, psych** biol, geog, psych biol, chem, maths pol, psych, sport*

fin, media, pol art**, jap**, frth maths*, maths* ent*, sport*

eng lit, psych, sport* chem*, maths*, phys* phil, pol eng lang, psych, sport** bus, fin, pol*, sport* bus, econ, media biol, chem, geog biol, eng lit, psych bus, hist, psych art, eng lang, psych bus, hist, pol

J Jones

M Jones

M Kabiri

S Karroum

H Kerfoot

A Khan

U Khan

Z Khan

R Kirby

J Knapton

A Lali

S Lawrence

C Lee

A Lewis

Y Li

A Longstaff

L Lund

M Mahmood

F McCormack

S Mclean

E Meek

J Moore

M Murphys

SY Ngai

W Offland

G Oldridge

N Partridge

J Pearson

S Pickles

L Plein

H Poole

F Robb

A Robinson

T Rowe

A Sarai

N Shyllon

K Singh

O Speck

T Steel

L Stoner

Y Tao

W Tate

K Taylor-Smith

N Trimby

S Vernon

K Walsh

M Warland

J Webster

P Wright

C Yim

C Yuan

art**, eng lit, phys bus, eng lang, geog chem, maths, phys biol, bus, chem hist*, frth maths*, maths**, phys* biol*, chem*, maths* bus*, econ, fin, psych econ, maths, phys fin, geog, psych bus, ent*, sport econ, fin*, pol eng lit, maths, phys bio,l chem, chin*, maths frth maths**, maths**, phil*, phys* bus, chin**, econ, maths* bus**, psych, sport** fren, geog, music biol, chem, maths biol, chem, sport* biol, bus, maths dt, eng lang, eng lit* ent, fin, media eng lang, media, psych* bus**, chin**, econ*, fin*, maths eng lit, mus tech**, psych* bus, drama, ent dt, eng lang eng lang, psych geog, maths, phys chem*, eng lit, germ*, maths* biol, chem, maths drama, mus tech**, phil bus, econ, fin, pol bus, fin, geog, sport* biol, psych, span biol, chem, eng lit chem* maths** phys* bus geog sport* bus econ fin sport* dt geog sport** bus chin** econ maths bus** fin* geog pol bus ent* sport* eng lang* germ* maths* phil** phys* biol bus fin* psych maths* pol** span* biol, music, mus tech bus, ent* econ*, frth maths, maths*, phys* chin*, hist, phil, pol bus, chin*, econ, maths

GCSE Results

Colours & Credit Awards

School Colours 2023/24 (*re-awards)

Academic

Y13

Summer Anderson, Mica Bardouille-Lewis*, Yuliia Buhera, Eva Cheng, Thomas Craven, Oliver Defurey*, Zaynah Farid*, Nathan Flynn*, Nina Hawkshaw*, Jessica Jones*, Harry Kerfoot*, Ahmed Khan, Abigail Lewis*, Alfie Longsta , Mary Murphy, Nicola Trimby*, Kaitlyn Walsh, Philip Wright*

Y12

Isla Bagshaw, Sophie Bates, Amelia Cooper, Ellen Dawes, Lily Edwards, Samuel Hall, Lucy Hanson, Anna Jarvis, Amy Lawrenson, Lily Lucas-Hooton, Caitlin Marshall, Eilidh Molloy, Melissa Ng, Tilly Raj, Georgina Rayner, Ayomide Solaru, Maria Speed, Barnaby Steere, Scarlett Swinney, Francesca Tartaglia, Eimer Treanor, Charlie Wright

Creative Arts

Yulia Buhera, Ruby Clark, Gabriela Cotruta, Thomas Craven, Georgina Dutton, Anneke Eichert, Kira Grahamslaw, Trey Halliday, Kitty Hawker, Maidie Jennings, Abigail Lewis, Rainie Ngai, Maia Robb, Benji Saia, Scarlett Swinney, Nicola Trimby

Sports

Cricket 2023

Zaynah Abbas, Mica Bardouille-Lewis, Lily Edwards, Catriona Helliwell, Danny Morgan, Grayson Oldridge, Naomi Partridge, Oscar Speck, Elliot Tattersall, Jaden Webster

Cross Country

Harry Bates

Fencing

Kira Grahamslaw

Football

Harry Bates, Cameron Bojas, Edward Bywell*, James Edgley*, Rory Henderson*, Lewis Howard, Oliver Howes, Zakariya Khan*, Noah Melake, Archie Pierson, Oscar Speck*, Elliott Tattersall

Netball

Summer Anderson*, Lexie Cadman, Emily Greenwood*, Maya Gri ths, Lucy Lund*, Georgina Rayner, Grace Ross, Lila Stoner, Jessica Strudwick, Nicola Trimby, Phoebe Turner

Rugby

Henry Barton, Oscar Binns, Freddie Brown, Harvey Cheng, Jacob Eaglestone, Rufus Halliday*, Archie Hurford*, Callum Hyland Dugbo*, Jobe Knapton, Alfie Longsta *, Fergus McCormack*, Hugo Poole, Tom Reavey, Archie Robinson*, Thomas Rowe*, Ayomide Solaru, Barnaby Steere, Kai Taylor-Smith, Luca Teal, Sam Vernon

Swimming

Ashley Broome, Nina Hawkshaw* Grove Awards

Those in italics were awarded for the 2022/23 academic year.

Year 7

George Ashby, Eloise Baker, Jasper Bickle, Gus Bird, Will Brammer, Jenson Canavan, Rebecca Chapman, Jack Cross, Orlaith Curtis, Charlotte de la Poer, Cindy Gao, Joe Gilbert, Alice Graham, Zain Hamid, Isabelle Hastings, Buster Howe, Ella Jackson, Amelia Jones, Je rey Lange, Isla Lewis, Charlotte Marson, James Neale, Henry Padley, Mya Parmar, Isabel Payne, Darcy Pearson, Aydin Rahman, Millie Rawlings, Amelia Rice, Maya Sandhu, Harry Sellers, Hettie Smith, Rhys Toure-Coulibaly, Alice Wainwright, Luke Wilson

Year 8

Victoria Adeleke, George Ashby, Eloise Baker, Deeya Basra, Jasper Bickle, Seth Bird, Isabelle Burns, Freya Clayton, Elizabeth Craig, Sam Dowsland, Archie Duggan, Matilda Frazer, Cindy Gao, Eddie Gough, Charlie Hannay, Jack Hughes, Ella Jackson, Amrita Johal, Harry Kirby, Penny Lofthouse, Henry Padley, Isabel Panditaratne, Mya Parmar, Noah Pennington, Samuel Peterson, Alexa Pickard, Alexandros Pickering, Isaac Tong, Shern Van Den Hof, Lucy Wainwright, James Walton, Leisha Woo, Jacob Zelikson

Year 9

Aaron Ahmed, Deeya Basra, Alex Butler, Matilda Couzens, Milly Cross, Alex Dawson, George Dix, Caragh Jemmett, Sophie Mo at, Luca Nelson, Charlotte Powell-Wi en, Abigail Stirk, Josiah Stockill, Simeon Tedd

Platinum Awards

Year 8

Victoria Adeleke, George Ashby, Ben Baker, Eloise Baker, Scarlett Barnes, Seth Bird, Leo Bridge, Edward Burdett, Austin Burnett, Isabelle Burns, Emily Chapman, Freya Clayton, Charlie Cooper, Sam Dowsland, Matilda Frazer, Cindy Gao, Molly Gi ord, Tom Goodison, Noah Hargreaves, Isabelle Hastings, Henry Holt, James Howcroft, Jack Hughes, Gabriella Hyatt, George Hyatt, Eleanor Ighayere, Ella Jackson, Jean Jimoh, Amrita Johal, Eeshar Kaur, Penny Lofthouse, Phoebe Mitchell, Alma Monteverde-Amorim, Tommy Morgan, Oliver Nevill-Brady, Henry Padley, Isabel Panditaratne, Isabel Payne, Noah Pennington, Samuel Peterson, Alexa Pickard, Alexandros Pickering, Fabian Poor, Antony Searle, Nathanael Simpson, Freddie Sowerby, Benyamin Tariq, Shern Van Den Hof, Anya Verma, Lucy Wainwright, James Walton, Hugo Webster, Cameron Willey, Jacob Willey, Zeb Wilson, Eshana Zanjeer, Jacob Zelikson

Year 7

Noah Anderson, Ruby Baran, Poppy Bedford, Gus Bird, Clark Bolton, Darcey Brimacombe, George Brumfitt, Kara Bull, Lexi Bull, Georgia Burns, Amy Butler, Jenson Canavan, Rebecca Chapman, Ben Craven, Jack Cross, Orlaith Curtis, Noah Davey, Charlotte De La Poer, Florence De-Balsi, Willow Dewhirst, Bobby Duggan, Lucy Edgar, Maggie Gorton, Alice Graham, Zain Hamid, Henry Hanson, Dougie Hargreaves, Ethan Holmes, Catherine Jackson, Janey Jimoh, Amelia Jones, Kierpa Kaur, Sa Khan, Ava Knowles-Fitton, Aurelia Leng, Isla Lewis, Jumaimah Mahmood, Winnie Mallon, Charlotte Marson, Sophie Milner, Elizabeth Morley, Kaitlin Muchechetere, Ephraim Musariri, James Neale, Milo Neale, Maisie O'Toole, Darcy Pearson, Diogo Ramos, Amelia Rice, Ameerah Saeed, Amaya Kaur Sandhu, Theo Schofield, Henry Sewards, Tom Simpson, Max Small, Finley Stockdale, Hettie Sugden, Benjamin Thornhill, Rhys Toure-Coulibaly, Conor Treanor, Samuel Trossell

Credits

Autumn 2023

Year 7

1st Aydin Rahman

2nd Noah Anderson

3rd Orlaith Curtis

Year 8

1st Eloise Baker

2nd Meloney Smart

3rd Isobel Payne

Year 9

1st Sophie Mo at 2nd Simeon Tedd

3rd George Dix

Year 10

1st Miranda Bayliss

2nd Sam Johnson

3rd Gracie Bo n

Year 11

1st Jenny Ingham

2nd Jesse Gordon

3rd Archie Peaker

Year 12

1st Scarlett Swinney

2nd Gabriela Cotruta

3rd Anna Jarvis

Year 13

1st Abigail Lewis

2nd Philip Wright

3rd Nicola Trimby

Summer 2024

Year 7

1st Lucy Edgar

2nd Alice Graham

3rd Dougie Hargreaves

Year 8

1st Alma Monteverde-Amorim

2nd Scarlett Barnes

3rd Jack Hughes

Year 9

1st Alice Wighton

2nd Seb Cadman

3rd Harriet Williams

Year 10

1st Erin Isbister

2nd Rosalind Bayliss

3rd Isaiah Maloba

Year 12

1st Jake Lynch

2nd Charlie Wright

3rd Charlie Watterston

Brontë House

Head’s Report

Academic year 2023/24 was another year packed with events and special memories for sta and children alike. Learning takes place in many guises at Brontë and our children really do make the most of every opportunity presented to them. The following are just some of the highlights of another very busy and productive year in school.

We started the year in September with the first of our House competitions: House Cross Country. This is my favourite of all of our House events. We are usually blessed with dry autumn weather and this year was no exception. The PE Department threw in a couple of hay-bale chicanes this year, for extra jeopardy, and the children rose to the challenge of navigating the course. As with all sports, we have some real talent amongst our children and running is no exception. House events provide our accomplished youngsters with an opportunity to shine and be recognised by the whole school community. For some, the challenge is far greater and the battle simply to finish is very real. It is these children that impress me the most, embodying our Grovian values of being committed and resilient to the end.

It was about this time that our Year 6 children received confirmation of their Positions of Responsibility for the academic year. In a change from previous years, we committed to provide a leadership opportunity for all children wishing to put themselves forward. As well as the usual Heads and Deputy Heads of School, Sports and Team Captains, we expanded the range of positions available to include new roles, such as Head of Pupil Wellbeing.

We also expanded our Pupil Voice to include Neuro Diversity Ambassadors. Overseen by Mrs Bolton, this group of children raised awareness in School of the challenges faced by our neurodiverse community. By championing all children in this way, we are ensuring that Brontë remains a fully inclusive learning environment in which all children can thrive.

Throughout the year, sta planned a variety of exciting external visits, to complement the topics covered in the curriculum. Such opportunities bring learning alive for the children and are greatly enjoyed by all. Trips included: Temple Newsam, to learn more about the Tudors; Leeds City Museum, to investigate the Ancient Egyptians; and Year 6 enjoyed an inaugural visit to Maths City in Leeds, to enjoy all sorts of weird and wacky mathematical challenges.

March saw the start of British Science Week and Mrs Mac had all sorts of wonderful activities planned. Ashdown and Key Stage 1 were visited by a number of very large creepy crawlies, with many of the children holding tarantulas and other arachnids –rather them than me! Older children enjoyed a virtual reality experience day, using the latest VR headsets to complete a variety of challenges. For the first time, we were joined in school by parents working in the field of STEM, who delivered inspirational talks to children about their profession. We were joined by doctors, engineers, opticians and researchers, to name but a few. It was such a worthwhile experience for the children and one that we will definitely be repeating in future years.

Sport continued to form a large part of Brontë life. Football was introduced as a second sport option for girls and, whilst still in its infancy, this has proven an extremely popular initiative, with girls enjoying a number of football fixtures against local schools. Netball and rugby continued to be strong, with fixtures introduced for Year 3 from the beginning of the new term in September. Mrs Couzens worked very hard with our Swim Team and 2023/24 saw them undefeated in the 10 galas that they enjoyed against other schools, which is an impressive record given the strength and size of some of the local competition.

The Summer Term was extremely busy and began in April with our very first Culture Week. Working closely with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group from the Grove, the children enjoyed a week of activities that explored countries from around the globe. Children with a familial connection to overseas were invited to attend school in traditional dress and some children produced presentations for their class on another culture that is important to them. As ever, Mrs Howcroft and the Catering Team pulled out all the stops and we enjoyed food from around the world.

May was incredibly busy and we celebrated Brontë’s 90th birthday in style, with a Chapel service to commemorate the day, followed by giant inflatables and birthday cake on the front lawn. The children had a ball and so did the adults, with many parents and sta joining us for the ABA 90th Birthday Ball at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds. It was a fabulous evening, that raised over £8000 for ABA funds.

Without doubt, the most memorable event of the year was our charity Colour Run for Breast Cancer Now. In support of one of our own Brontë families and with donations from two parent-owned local businesses, we were able to organise a spectacular event that included paint cannons and buckets-full of powder paint, as well as t-shirts and medals for all who participated. It was a beautiful afternoon, with the sun shining down on us, and parents watching from the grassy banking of Bottom Pitch. Never before have I felt so palpably the sense of community that exists at Brontë, coming together to support such an incredibly important cause. In total we raised over £15,000 for the charity, which is more than double all previous events we have held in the past. A truly spectacular e ort and a moment in time that I will never forget.

June saw our elite squad of Year 6 mathematicians make it all the way to the final of the National Mathematics Challenge at Oxford University. Mr Gallucci and I spent a nail-biting afternoon watching our children finish 15th out of over 500 schools in the country, and highest scoring school in Yorkshire. Proud is an understatement!

July saw the end of the School year and an opportunity to say goodbye to three members of sta : Mrs Foster, Head of Early Years; Mrs O’Grady, one of our Teaching Assistants, with 18 years’ experience at the School; and Mrs Potter, who has worked for an incredible 28 years across the age groups in Ashdown Lodge. We thank all of our departing sta for their time and commitment and wish them the very best for the future.

Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head

Ashdown Lodge

This year, we had a fantastic time celebrating Ashdown's 30th birthday! All the children were eager to join in on the fun, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement. We enjoyed delicious cupcakes that added a sweet touch to the festivities and sang vibrant songs that made the day even more special. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate our school, and create delightful memories that we'll cherish for years to come!

The introduction of the Nursery classroom upstairs has been a fantastic success! This vibrant and welcoming space is designed for our Nursery children, specifically those who are either rising three-year-olds or have recently celebrated their third birthday within the term. With the additional classroom we welcomed Miss Brooksbank in her role as ‘room leader’. The room has become a hub of excitement and exploration, with little ones engaging in a wide range of activities that encourage both learning and social interaction. Parents have expressed their delight at the positive impact this environment is having on their children, who are thriving in such a nurturing atmosphere. From messy play to storytelling sessions, the Nursery room is proving to be extremely popular, with children eagerly participating and forming friendships. Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to continue fostering this joyful learning experience for our youngest learners.

The Christmas spirit well and truly took over at Ashdown. Reception visited the Theatre, showcased alongside Pre-School, a full staged performance of this year's Nativity titled 'Away in a Manger', and our Pre-Nursery Christmas celebrations. The children were also invited to attend our annual Christmas fair, a PJ party to raise money for ABA, Children in Need Day, and Christmas Jumper Day, supporting the charity Save the Children.

After an incredible 28 years, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Potter, our Pre-School teacher. Her dedication and warmth have left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless children and families, and she will be greatly missed. We’re tremendously grateful for her years of service and the joy she has brought to our setting.

Additionally, we are introducing Miss Campbell, a qualified teacher, who will be joining us at Ashdown Lodge. Miss Campbell comes to us with experience teaching in Year 2 at Brontё House and has eagerly embraced the new opportunity at Ashdown. She is already making plans to enhance the Pre-School environment, including the implementation of our whole school White Rose maths scheme and the consolidation of Twinkl phonics within our curriculum.

The Summer Term at Ashdown Lodge was filled with excitement and growth for both the children and sta alike. Our young learners had the chance to engage in a variety of enriching experiences, ranging from educational visits to Hesketh Farm and Herd Farm to our much-anticipated Sports Day and vibrant end-of-year parties. These activities have not only provided the children with valuable lessons but also the opportunity to forge lasting memories with their friends.

Miss S Hargreaves, Nursery Manager

Performing Arts

The first musical event of the year was our traditional Harvest Festival Service in the School Chapel. It was a delight to see all pupils in Years 1-6 performing songs and poems that were both humorous and poignant. Although Reception have not been part of our Harvest Service in the past, they joined us virtually. They prepared a video of a harvest song that they had been working on in their music lessons. The emphasis was very much on pupils appreciating what they have and trying to understand that others may not be as fortunate. Our harvest gifts and the donations from the retiring collection were all gratefully received by the Bradford Food Bank.

After the half term break our thoughts soon turned to Christmas. Years 1 & 2 joined forces, once again, to produce the fabulous ‘Twinkly Nativity’, while Nursery and Reception performed a traditional retelling of the nativity story - ‘Away in a Manger’.

The Year 5 and 6 Carol Service began with the beautiful solo voice of Sofia Ellis singing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. What followed was an extremely entertaining retelling of the Christmas Story. The traditional readings were interspersed with pieces of drama in which our Year 6 pupils reimagined the words of Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds and kings, using strong Yorkshire accents and setting the action here in our own county. For the very first time, every pupil in Years 5 and 6 had their own part to perform.

While the Nativities were going on, Years 3 and 4 were beginning rehearsals for their show - ‘A Hint of Snow White’’. The story was set Duluxumborga land filled with love and colour until the wicked Malodorous came to the throne. Her goal was to find the ‘Forever Flower’ so that she could she stay young and live forever. Taylor Harrison was amazing as the Wicked Queen and the audience enjoyed booing her in the traditional panto style –oh yes they did!!! The show really showcased the talents of our pupils, with many of them displaying impeccable comic timing. The choreography was slick, and songs were highly entertaining. Well done to everyone who made this show the huge success that it was.

In May we celebrated the 90th birthday of Brontё House. Our Founders’ Day service played an important part in the celebrations. Year groups performed music and songs from the last 9 decades, while Year 6 retold the history of Brontё House using photographs and interesting facts from the school archives.

The academic year ended with Year 6 performing their end of year production. 2024 was the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s win at Eurovision. But forget Eurovision! Year 6 presented an equally spectacular musical extravaganza – The School-O-Vision Song Contest! The contestants represented the various teams that play a vital role in the life of any school. The Premises O cers and cleaners sang about how they sell lost property on ebay and the kitchen sta brought down the house with a Eurodance number – ‘Chips and Beans.’

As well as large scale productions, our pupils presented several ‘curriculum inspired’ assemblies to parents. One of the highlights was a Year 4 assembly about the Tudors. Here we saw portraits of Henry VIII’s wives come to life and tell their story.

The number of pupils playing woodwind, brass and string instruments continues to grow and, for the first time since COVID, we have been able to re-establish the Brontё House School Orchestra. Those pupils who have taken external music exams have done very well and many of them have passed with merits and distinctions. We also had several pupils achieving Grades 3 to 5, which is amazing for children of this age. Well done to everyone and thank you to our team of peripatetic sta who work tirelessly to prepare our pupils for these exams.

Mr P Phenny

Brontë House

Year 3 Trip to Robinwood

In June, Year 3 children spent a wonderful three days at Robinwood in Todmorden. Adventurous activities were high on the agenda with the zip line and giant swing among some of the firm favourites, which really did see the children testing their 'comfort zone'. An opportunity to work on problem solving tasks was also embraced by our 7 and 8 year olds in the grounds of Dobroyd Castle. The Piranha Pool proved to be a roaring success yet again as the children raced to solve the clues in order to escape in time. Time spent with our friends and teachers was highly valued, and these were experiences that will live long in the children's memories.

The sta at Robinwood praised the excellent behaviour and positive attitudes of our children and the trip was a huge success. The 'challenge by choice' ethos proved to be very successful as the children were in charge of just how far to push themselves. We look forward to building on the skills we have learnt on this first residential experience safe in the knowledge that we represented our school by trying every challenge put before us. A huge well done to all the Year 3 children for representing Brontё House so superbly during the trip.

Mrs H Simpson

Year 6 Peak District Trip

In the scenic hills of the Peak District, our Year 6 pupils embarked on an unforgettable residential trip. Staying at the charming Hartington youth hostel, the children embraced the stunning scenery and exhilarating activities, which began with a challenging abseil that pushed many out of their comfort zone. Undeterred by the weather, they paddled across the beautiful waters of Rother Valley Park, mastering kayaking and sailing skills. Mountain biking through scenic trails and conquering the giant aqua assault course – a true highlight for many – tested their physical and mental resilience. They delved into the depths of the atmospheric (and rather wet!) ‘Giant’s Hole Cave,’ crawling through tight crevices and discovering hidden chambers. This was a big challenge for many, but they all made it through. Weaselling was also a firm favourite, which involved crawling through small spaces above ground, as well as enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Evenings were filled with laughter and camaraderie as the children worked together constructing wildlife dens, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. Frisbee golf challenges and engaging team activities further fostered their collaborative spirit. The children’s resilience, determination and exceptional teamwork were truly inspiring. From conquering anxieties during the caving expedition to supporting each other during the demanding assault course, they demonstrated unwavering spirit. Throughout the trip, every moment was an opportunity for growth and showcased the exceptional determination, enthusiasm and positive attitude of our pupils. A truly memorable experience filled with adventure, growth and the lasting bonds of friendship.

The Year 6 Team

Year 5 Windermere Trip

It is always heartening to hear, as a member of sta , the positive feedback from children about their experiences in Year 5. Once again, our annual outward bound residential to Windermere was very well received, with pupils commenting that it was the highlight of their year. Blessed with blue skies and dry weather, Year 5 undertook their 3-night residential in the Lake District. Adventurous experiences, designed to initiate a life-long love of the great outdoors, included: gorge scrambling, canoeing, climbing, abseiling, team challenges and a mountain adventure day.

We hoped that the trip would help the children to:

• Build friendships with one another

• Enhance their health and wellbeing

• Work cooperatively and support each other in challenging situations

• Develop improved communication, problem solving and decision-making skills

• Improve their self-confidence, overcome any fears and develop greater independence

Indeed, for one of our pupils, the learning objectives for the trip were certainly met with flying colours. Their summary - ‘For me, it’s the first residential I’ve been on. Looking back, I don’t know what I was worried about before as I had the BEST TIME EVER! I had a go at absolutely everything. It was so much fun and I can’t wait to go on the Year 6 one next year!’

Mrs N Rayner

Year 4 Boggle Hole Residential

After Year 4 arrived safely at Boggle Hole, our intrepid explorers spent the afternoon hunting for crabs and fossils on the beach before toasting marshmallows around the campfire.

During the trip they enjoyed a coastal walk to Robin Hood’s Bay, searching the old fishing village for hidden clues. They ventured into the woods to create potions with magical powers, wove pretty patterns and baked delicious mud pies.

Georgia said what everyone was thinking: ‘I’m having the time of my life!’

Sports

Rugby U9s

It’s often a tricky start to the season for the Under 9s, as they have only just started contact rugby. However, this was not the case for this group of lads! Led by the hard running and tackling of Reuben and Thomas T, the boys put on quite a show at the opening festival at Woodhouse Grove. They won all their games, including a rare winning performance against GSAL.

The following week, we had a stand-alone fixture with our friends at GSAL where they exacted their revenge, soundly beating our boys. Despite this, we saw some great performances from the likes of Finn, Manav and Ace, who did well in both defence and attack.

We went to Ghyll Royd next for another festival and here we saw some of the newer children starting to shine through. Noah, Mikaeel and Yahya all started to show signs of improvement as they came to grips with this fast-paced sport.

We finished o this short, wet season with a block fixture at home against Ashville, where we were too strong for them across the board and came away with a resounding victory!

Mr T Waterhouse

Rugby U10s

It was somewhat a baptism of fire for our mighty Under 10s this year as we ventured round the ring road to our friends at GSAL. Whilst our players put up a good fight, the GSAL boys are always well disciplined and were too strong, winning both matches. It was, however, our first insight into the running prowess of Jack Scargill, who performed brilliantly with the ball in hand.

Next, we went to Bradford Grammar School for the annual HMC competition, where we fared much better, with Seth and Monty really starting to move the ball around.

Despite disruption from the weather, we managed further fixtures at Hill House and St Peter’s where the boys showed some serious signs of improvement, and our defense started to come together nicely.

Overall, the boys did well this year, despite so many games being cancelled, and I can’t wait to see how they compete next year in their final year at Brontë.

Mr T Waterhouse

Rugby U11s

Our senior players had a tough start to their season as they took on the ever-impressive GSAL. After a great game, the scoreline didn’t exactly show a true reflection of the e ort our players put in, not least big George whose work rate was fantastic. We also saw Pippa leading the defense, which helped our cause.

A week later and we were back at GSAL for the HMC festival, where we saw real signs of improvement, with Sid and Fionn taking the ball forward more, resulting in some cracking tries.

Despite having almost half of our games cancelled due to the weather, we did manage some strong fixtures against Hill House, QEGS and Gateways. As ever, the improvement was clear for all to see, and we started to really get to grips with some free-flowing rugby as well as some proper physicality, not least from the hard-hitting Kieran who could turn the game on its head with one big hit!

All in all, a mixed bag, but onwards and upwards for our dedicated Year 6.

Mr T Waterhouse

Netball U11s

This season saw the introduction of a second sport option in Games, so the children opted during the first term to either participate in netball of football. As a result, during the first term, we had a lot of combined U10 and U11 fixtures and festival fixtures. We also welcomed Miss Myers onto the coaching team.

The squad was successfully captained by Sofia Ellis, who led from the front from the start. The squad trained hard during the sessions, the focus being on ball placement. Positions were established early, and training moved towards positional play.

As the season progressed, we moved away from the festivals to concentrate on individual matches against Westville House, Richmond House, Moorlands, Bradford Grammar, Belmont Grosvenor, Froebelian, Brackenfield, Ashville, GSAL and Wakefield Girls. The fixtures, as always, were competitive, with most of the results ending in our favour.

We were excited for the HMC tournament held at Hymers. The first rounds comprised of 6 games with Brontё winning 5, losing our sixth game by one goal, putting us second in the group. Unfortunately, only the team finishing first went through. Still a tremendous result.

At the end of the season, we were delighted to host a touring Year 7 team from Roberts Gordons College, Scotland. Before we went on court, they realised the team were a year older. The team talk……. Keep that out of your head, you have nothing to lose!

They went on court and played their hearts out. The atmosphere was fantastic. The score was very close, and the team were delighted with their performance. In summary, the U11s have had a fantastic season and have shown dedication to both the sport and their school which I am confident they will take forward as they start at The Grove.

Mrs C Couzens

Brontë House

Cricket U9s

The Under 9 cricket season began back in April with a super festival at The Grove. Playing so many matches in one afternoon really did improve the boys’ batting and bowling techniques. This was followed with a super performance against Aysgarth School - also at The Grove. The boys batted well, but it was clear they needed to practise their bowling for the next fixture, with a few too many wides bowled. In the pairs format, this can be expensive when totting up the scores at the end of the match.

The next match, against a good GSAL team, was a stern test for everyone, and our fielding and backing up had noticeably improved. It was great to see countless fours speeding to the boundary by both teams!

Well done to everyone who has represented us so superbly this year on the cricket pitch.

Mr M Marshall

Cricket U10s

Despite only having a handful of games this season, our under 10s showed some real promise against tough opposition, including Gateways and Richmond House.

We started our summer with an unforgettable trip up the A1 to see our long-standing friends at Aysgarth school. The cricket can often play second fiddle to the scenery and the remarkable match teas, but we did however manage to put up an impressive performance with the ball to keep Aysgarth’s score to a minimum. That said, we simply didn’t take enough risks when it was our turn to bat and some soft wickets saw our hosts come out firmly on top.

The short season finished with a trip to Richmond House, where we fared much better, comfortably winning through both a strong batting and bowling display.

Notable mentions go to Joss for his unwavering enthusiasm, Jack for his all-round capabilities and Freddy P, whose love for the game is clear for all to see and was infectious throughout the Summer Term.

Mr T Waterhouse

Cricket U11s

We started the short season with a trip over to GSAL where we played all the games on their 3G. This made for a fast match and our boys relished it. Fionn and Edward took advantage and drove the ball low and wide to run up a respectable partnership. We also got our first glimpse of our impressive bowling arsenal, which included the likes of Sid and George taking wickets a plenty.

Next we made the annual pilgrimage up the A1 to see our friends at Aysgarth School. Always a tough game but, as ever, we were rewarded with some cracking cricket and the best match-tea ever! Kieran played his usual solid game and Seth was fantastic behind the stumps.

We only had two more games; a narrow loss at Richmond House and a resounding win over Gateways. All in all, the lads did well and showed some real improvement across the Summer Term.

Mr T Waterhouse

Girls’ Cricket

Following the introduction of Girls’ Cricket last year, this season has seen the sport go from strength to strength. Developing the skills the girls learnt last year has been the main focus, whilst introducing more tactical awareness in the game.

This season we have been involved in mini festivals and individual matches, where the girls have played pairs cricket. Generally, bowling has seen the greatest improvement which has allowed consistency in game play. Playing pairs cricket has ensured that everyone has had the opportunity to experience all the positions and have the opportunity to bat.

The games have been competitive and the U11 team have had great success. The girls have clearly enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in cricket, which was evident in the number attending after school club and local teams.

Mrs C Couzens

Athletics and Cross Country

It has been an incredibly successful season in Athletics, and arguably the most successful year in Cross Country, ever at Brontë House. At the HMC Athletics event in York, Kieran Jemmett and Florence Chatterton came second in the 600 metres. Jack Scargill was superb in the 80 metres and Freddie Marshall and Finn Whitehurst impressed all day with their performances.

The Barlborough Hall HMC Cross Country was another magnificent day with 30 children representing Brontë House. A double first place in the girls’ and boys’ races from Florence and Kieran was nothing short of remarkable considering the opposition.

After a long season in the Leeds League Cross Country, Brontë House runners also finished superbly in the standings with the Under 9 boys in 2nd place, the Under 11 boys in 2nd place and the Under 9 girls in 1st place! Florence Chatterton made history by winning all but one of the races she entered – another remarkable achievement.

Well done to everyone who has represented Brontë House so superbly this year in Athletics and Cross Country.

Mr M Marshall

Swimming

This season’s Swim Squad has been captained by Martha Ashton and Oscar Calvert, comprising of swimmers from Years 4, 5 and 6.

We have hosted galas against Richmond House, BGS, Brackenfield, Ashville and Highfield, and this year welcomed a new fixture against Huddersfield. The galas have all been strongly supported by parents and the atmosphere has been excellent.

There has been some notable individual performances from Martha and Myles and exceptional development and progress from Elliot. The children compete within their own year groups, but the score is a combined score from the three di erent age groups. Through training together and competing together, this has allowed friendships to forge between the di erent year groups and I am delighted to report we were unbeaten.

The season ended with the HMC competition held at the John Charles Centre, where the standard is extremely high. It is a fantastic opportunity for the swimmers to compete on such a large stage. The progression of all the swimmers is a credit to their commitment to training. A fantastic year’s work.

Mrs C Couzens

Swimming

Boarding

Boarding Review

It has been another successful year at Woodhouse Grove School, we reflect on the vibrant and enriching boarding experience that has been a cornerstone of our community. This year has been marked by growth, resilience, and a strong sense of camaraderie amongst our boarders.

Boarding Community and Environment

Our boarding houses have continued to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for all students. The sense of community within the boarding houses has been exceptional, with students forming lifelong friendships and learning the values of respect, responsibility, and independence. The dedicated boarding sta have played a crucial role in fostering this positive atmosphere, o ering guidance and support to ensure each student feels at home.

Academic Support and Achievements

Boarders at Woodhouse Grove have access to extensive academic support, including evening study sessions, tutoring and access to school resources. This year, our boarders have excelled academically, with many achieving outstanding results in their exams. The structured environment and additional support have undoubtedly contributed to their success.

Evening and Weekend Activities

The boarding experience at Woodhouse Grove extends beyond academics. Our boarders have participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts and community service. These activities have not only provided a well-rounded education but also helped students develop new skills and interests. Highlights of the year include Sports Day, our theatre production of My Teacher's a Troll and school being awarded 'School of Sanctuary'.

Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

The wellbeing of our boarders remains a top priority. This year, we have introduced several initiatives to support mental and physical health, including mindfulness sessions. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the focus on their overall well-being. We were also awarded 'BSA Sleep Champion' status. The BSA Sleep Champions scheme aims to celebrate and give recognition to schools that are committed to improving sleep hygiene within their boarding facilities.

Cultural and Social Events

Boarding at Woodhouse Grove is also about celebrating diversity and building a global perspective. Throughout the year, we have hosted numerous cultural and social events, such as international food nights, cultural festivals and themed parties. These events have allowed students to share their heritage and learn about di erent cultures, fostering a sense of global citizenship. Some of our highlights are Lunar New Year, Culture Week and hosting several immersion programmes from Thailand and China.

The boarding experience at Woodhouse Grove School this year has been one of growth, achievement and community. We are proud of our boarders and their accomplishments and look forward to another year of success and development. Thank you to all the sta , parents and students who have contributed to making this year memorable.

Mr D King

Out of the Classroom

Duke of Edinburgh

Last year was an outstanding one for our students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with 72 students completing Bronze and 20 completing the Gold expedition. Their achievements were a true testament to their resilience, determination and commitment, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Bronze Success: 72 Students Complete

Seventy-two students proudly completed their Bronze Award, and their journey was nothing short of remarkable. The students took part in a two-day overnight expedition, starting from the school and finishing at the picturesque Harewood House. Their adventure was filled with challenges, excitement and unforgettable memories.

During the expedition, the students navigated di erent terrains, braved unpredictable weather and tackled obstacles together as a team. It was inspiring to witness how they worked cohesively, developed navigation skills and embraced the great outdoors. From setting up their own tents to cooking meals, they took on responsibilities and gained valuable life skills.

The sight of the students arriving at Harewood House, tired yet beaming with pride, was a reminder of what young people can achieve when they step out of their comfort zones. The Bronze Award is about growth, and every student showcased remarkable progress. Their energy and sense of accomplishment were contagious, making this a triumph for all involved.

Gold Expedition Success

The Gold Award is the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and 20 students completed their expedition in the rugged Yorkshire Dales. The Gold Award demands an immense level of commitment, and the students proved they were up to the challenge. The Dales provided a tough yet breathtaking setting, with its demanding landscapes and very hot weather, testing both their physical and mental endurance.

Over four days, the students faced steep hills, remote camping locations and very hot weather! It wasn’t easy, but they displayed tremendous resilience and determination to finish. Whether it was navigating tricky terrain or helping a teammate through tough moments, their teamwork and leadership shone throughout.

What stood out most was how they worked together. They embodied the essence of the Gold Award, showing commitment, responsibility and a positive attitude. Despite the di culties, they remained focused and determined to complete the expedition, and their success was a reflection of their perseverance.

Beyond the Expedition

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is about more than just the expedition, and these students demonstrated dedication to the entire program. They volunteered their time, developed new skills and improved their physical fitness—all of which were essential components of the award. Their hard work and commitment to these areas are just as commendable as their expeditions, showcasing well-rounded growth.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of all the students who completed their Bronze Award and those who completed the Gold expedition. These young people have shown incredible character, resilience and leadership; qualities that will serve them well in the future.

Mrs G Callow

LEAP

Introduction

Our school enterprise project involved launching a small business focused on the design, production, and sale of DIY jewellery. This project aimed to provide students with practical experience in entrepreneurship, enhancing their creativity and helping them to understand the intricacies of running a small business.

Market Research

The target market was young children who we hoped would attend the Christmas Fairs at Woodhouse Grove School and the Merrion Centre in Leeds. Through surveys and focus groups, we identified preferences for customisable jewellery, a ordability and eco-friendly materials. Competitors in the area mainly focus on mass-produced items, giving us an edge with our personalised touch.

Product Development

Our product line included homemade necklaces and bracelets as well as the sale of stock left over from previous years. Each piece was packaged and allowed for customisation according to customer preferences. This unique selling proposition di erentiated us from competitors. In retrospect, the target market was too narrow and the product too niche.

Marketing & Sales Strategy

Our target market was parents buying for younger children. We utilised social media platforms including Twitter to showcase our products, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with our audience. We advertised on Instagram and Alex Butler (Social Media Director) remained active, especially during Christmas, when customers were buying stocking fillers. Christmas served as a good opportunity to advertise as people were buying gifts. We created a basic online presence; an easy-to-navigate website where customers could browse our products. We added many pictures to our Instagram and provided links to our website, which advertised the markets we were attending. The website was simple and e ective, as were the Instagram posts. Our logo was recognisable and simple, while appealing to children (hand-drawn). This was shown clearly on our selling boards and social media. We used a Pop-up Stall at events during the academic year to try to attract customers and build brand awareness. We used Word of Mouth to try to encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about our products.

Financial Plan

We secured initial funding through the sale of shares. We aimed to break-even for the first 6 months and buy new stock later on in the academic year.

Conclusion

This jewellery project not only aimed to be profitable but also served as a valuable learning experience for students, teaching them about business planning, marketing, financial management and customer service. The fundamental aim of LEAP was to gain experience from running a business and dealing with finances, we learnt about many fundamental parts of the business; such as investing money into business shares, marketing and how to promote the business. We also developed people and leadership and teamwork skills; we learnt how to manage criticism and customer service, we reviewed our sales and learnt from them. The most annoying part of the aims was dealing with failure, but this is significant as we were able to learn from our mistakes.

Highlights from the Executive Overview: Managing Director - Report

Our brand BDI sold many di erent products; our main product was a DIY bracelet, with side products being magnetic putty, stretchy-men, slime play and fun snaps. The price range was £1-£4, the main product allowed the customers to make their own bracelets. Our meetings took place weekly on Mondays, where we would discuss sales, problems and achievements. William Woolridge - Managing Director and Administrative Director of BDI –overlooked the main aspects of the business. He found that our product faced little to no demand and our sales stagnated; we were too focused on the stock we had available rather than focussing on market research. He remained in contact and had discussions with each member of the BDI team:

Fortunately, we had Limited Liability as an organisation as we failed to raise the monies needed for the Registration Fees including the Share Capital we had introduced and stock we had located. This meant that after Tax, we had a short-fall of £1.98 – this could have been accounted for by our lack of business acumen around costs of the Sum-Up machine.

William Woolridge stated – “On that note, I will ‘Sum-up’ – mine and the Team’s learning experience. Adversity and the process we have been through have given me a snap-shot of the struggles real-life businesses have, especially with new concepts, including taxation and competitor strategies. It has given me the drive to become an entrepreneur, and has taught me the many pitfalls that businesses need to overcome.”

Alex Butler (Social Media Director / Human Resources)

Hebe Mak (Finance Director)

Anneke Luise Eichert (Marketing & Advertising Director)

We presented our journey in front of a panel of judges in Spring 2024 and attended an Awards Ceremony in April 2024 – where our journey ended alongside the close of the Financial Year.

Our first stock of DIY bracelets faced little to no sales and the fun snaps were possibly the only product that was in demand in the market. We thought that we could gain better sales in the Merrion Centre but there was, once again, little e ective demand. This is because we only used leftover stock to sell as our product without doing worthwhile market research. Overall, we believed that our business was not as successful as we hoped because we didn’t make as many successful sales, and we were apathetic towards the idea of a third trade fair after the first two had given us little to no return on investment. We barely had a customer base; we received no feedback, and we had no retention. We didn’t do enough market research and that is reflected in our sales.

Compiled by LEAP members from BDI and the Link Teacher - Mr L McNeill

Trips & Tours

Battlefields Tour

The Battlefield Tour is the history department's flagship tour and 2024 was no exception.

Our first day was primarily travelling to Belgium in preparation for the first day on the Somme. An early start had the group travelling to northern France to experience the first day on the Somme battlefields. The Somme is always a moving experience, but it also holds real significance to Woodhouse Grove students, as it is the site of the demise of many of the Bradford and Leeds Pals on the first of July. Students saw the devasting power of the mine at Lochnargar crater, where hundreds of Germans were eviscerated through thousands of tons of TNT. Visiting the war graves of the Leeds and Bradford Pals was a very moving experience. The day ended with tea and students enjoyed watching England V Belgium with some Belgium students, fortunately it was a draw and everyone was happy!

Day Two: The tour of Ypres and the surrounding area was an amazing experience. Students found their family name on the Thiepval memorial, such were the huge numbers of men missing from the Somme. Students also visited some ‘real’ trenches and went through the tunnels and experienced a little of trench life. The highlight of the trip was our students laying a wreath at the Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony. Our students William and Zahra were exceptional ambassadors for the Grove.

Our final day was heading back to school, but not before a lovely morning in Bruges. It was a beautiful bright day, and students walked along the canal into the medieval square, before going to buy some famous Belgian chocolate. This was a great way to bring the trip to a close after so much emotion spent on the previous two days.

The students were exceptional and, as always, did the school proud. The Battlefield is a thought provoking trip which brings our classroom work to life. It was a fantastic trip and a big thank you to sta and students for making it such a success.

Mr R Firbank

Costa Rica

This summer I was lucky enough to be part of the group of fifteen students from Years 11, 12, and 13, who travelled to Costa Rica on a 23-day trip.

After soaking up the local culture in San José, we travelled by coach down to Puerto Jiménez, where we undertook a 3-day trek through the rainforests of the Corcovado National Park. It was amazing to see the Osa Peninsula, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity. I was stunned by the beautiful views, plants and adorable animals.

After the trek, we volunteered at a local turtle conservation project, where we were given tasks such as late-night turtle patrols, beach clean-ups and working in the hatchery. On the last night of the project, I was fortunate enough to see a turtle nesting; it was an incredible experience.

In the next few days, we visited a sloth sanctuary and went on a dolphin watching and snorkelling tour in the Golfo Dulce. Finally, we stayed in Uvita for a couple nights, where we visited the Whale Tail Beach and the spectacular Nauyaca waterfall.

My favourite part of the trip was just after the trek, when we all watched the sunset over one of the beaches because it was so beautiful.

Ellen Dawes, Year 13

Iceland

In what can only be described as a remarkable fusion of geological wonders and well-behaved students, the Iceland trip 2023 was a whirlwind of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable activities, and a touch of Viking spirit.

Our adventure kicked o on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where we crossed the Bridge Between Two Continents. This wasn’t your average school trip visitit was an actual bridge straddling the tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. In the spirit of Leif Erikson, the students enthusiastically hopped from one continent to another, posing for photos, pretending to be explorers, and generally acting like they’d discovered a new world.

Next on the itinerary was the Blue Lagoon, where we experienced the full range of emotions, from the serene bliss of soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters to the slight confusion of trying to figure out how to apply silica mud masks without looking like zombies from a horror movie. Some students even found the energy to master the art of ordering a drink from the water bar.

Our exploration continued with visits to the magnificent waterfalls of Selfoss and Seljalandsfoss. The roar of the water, the spray dampening our faces, and the awe of standing behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss made the students feel like characters in a Tolkien novel. Naturally, a few of them couldn’t resist the opportunity to become impromptu models for dramatic, slow-motion selfies.

One of the highlights (literally) was the ice climbing experience on Sólheimajökull Glacier. Despite the intimidating sight of the ice wall, our students displayed Viking-level courage, scaling the icy cli s with more grace than anticipated. A few clumsy stumbles were quickly forgiven, and the sounds of "I did it!" echoed over the glacier.

After a spectacular viewing of the aurora borealis at Hotel Laki (which really put the awe and wonder into the trip), we headed to the nearby Icelandic ponies for a ride through the countryside. While some of the ponies appeared more interested in grass than their riders, everyone had a fantastic time - and the ponies were surprisingly gentle. Things got a lot warmer later on, as we watched lava being created at the Lava Centre in Vik, and the day was eventually done after a visit to the beautiful black sands and coastline of Reynisfjara.

Then came the amphibious boat ride on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the students embarked on a nautical adventure. The surreal sight of floating icebergs was not lost on anyone, even if some students became overly fascinated by the seals that seemed to disappear from their icy sun beds as the boat's wake interrupted their sleep.

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to Thingvellir and the iconic Gullfoss and Strokkur. Thingvellir National Park was another highlight of our trip, o ering a stunning mix of natural beauty and historical significance. As we walked through the rift valley, it felt like stepping into the very heart of Iceland's geological activity. The landscape was rugged and dramatic, with deep fissures and vast expanses of moss-covered lava fields. But it wasn't just the scenery that captivated us; Thingvellir is also the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, Alþingi, where the country’s first lawmakers gathered in the 10th century, making it a place of deep cultural heritage. It was hard not to feel the weight of history as we explored this UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Gullfoss, the sheer power of the waterfall left everyone speechless as the water cascaded in two dramatic stages into the canyon below, sending up a mist that sparkled in the sunlight. Just a short drive away, we watched in awe as Strokkur, the geothermal geyser, erupted every few minutes, sending a towering plume of water high into the air. Between the thundering falls and the unpredictable geyser bursts, it was a perfect snapshot of Iceland's dynamic natural beauty.

Our final adventure involved navigating a lava tube, where the students’ collective enthusiasm for spelunking was only slightly dampened by the discovery that the lava tube was, in fact, a bit colder than anticipated. Nonetheless, everyone dutifully clambered through the cave with the kind of teamwork that would have made any adventurer proud.

All in all, the students were excellent company, brimming with enthusiasm, laughter and good spirits. The sunny, blue skies were the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable trip. Whether conquering glaciers, riding ponies, or just crossing bridges between continents, everyone agreed it was an experience that will be talked about for years to come.

Finally, a big thank you to all the sta that supported me on the trip, making it one of the best that I have had the privilege to lead!

Mr J Robb

Year 7 Adventure to PGL Winmarleigh Hall

In the last week of the Summer Term, 100 eager Year 7 students and 10 sta embarked on a thrilling adventure to PGL Winmarleigh Hall, where four days of activities and team-building challenges awaited. This much-anticipated trip, designed to encourage personal growth and foster teamwork, provided students with the perfect setting to bond, conquer their fears, and push their boundaries.

Located in the scenic Lancashire countryside, Winmarleigh Hall o ered an ideal backdrop for students to dive into a wide array of activities, from climbing walls to zip wires and archery. The initial excitement was palpable as students donned their harnesses and helmets, ready to scale heights and tackle obstacle courses. The high ropes course was a particular favourite, with students cheering each other on as they navigated suspended bridges and tricky balance beams.

One of the standout experiences was the team-based “Jacob’s Ladder” challenge. Here, groups worked together to ascend a series of progressively spaced beams. For many, this was a lesson in trust and perseverance, and it was inspiring to watch classmates encouraging each other to reach new heights – quite literally! Other activities included climbing, abseiling and raft building, where teamwork and communication skills were put to the test in a fun, hands-on setting.

Beyond the physical challenges, the trip also fostered friendships and resilience. Evening campfires and group reflections gave students a chance to share their experiences, creating memories that will last well beyond their Year 7 journey.

The PGL trip was more than just an adventure; it was an opportunity for personal growth. Students returned to school not only with stories to tell but with newfound confidence and camaraderie, ready to take on the next stage of their school journey. A special thanks to all of the students for making this a memorable experience and to my colleagues for the support and commitment in helping us make the trip such a positive experience for all students.

Mr D King

New York Tour

Over the May half-term break, some of our Year 12 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to New York City. The trip was a resounding success, filled with diverse experiences that showcased everything the Big Apple has to o er.

The students demonstrated remarkable independence by successfully navigating New York's public transport system, with many of them leading the way. This adventure kicked o with a private tour of the renowned Garment District. Here, students delved into the history of the fashion industry, visited a working factory in the heart of the city, and concluded with a shopping trip at the iconic department store, Macy's. One of the trip's highlights was a tour of the United Nations, where students gained invaluable insights and witnessed a live meeting involving UK diplomats. Culinary adventures were aplenty as we dined in Central Park, Times Square, Little Italy, and Chinatown, each o ering a unique taste of New York's vibrant food scene. We also managed to consume many slices of the infamous New York pizza along the way!

The adventure continued with a private tour of Wall Street and the Ground Zero Memorial, providing profound historical and financial insights. A guided cruise around Manhattan allowed us to marvel at iconic sights, including the Statue of Liberty. The fun didn't stop there; an evening at Ellen's Stardust Diner proved to be a brilliant and entertaining experience. Our private tour of Madison Square Garden o ered a

behind-the-scenes look at this legendary venue. A day trip to Coney Island provided a delightful change of pace, where students enjoyed beach fun, New York pizza (again!), and the iconic fairground.

A Broadway show and a visit to the Empire State Building's observation deck, where we took in breathtaking views of the city, were among the trip's pinnacle moments. Central Park and the Rockefeller Center o ered serene breaks from the city's hustle and bustle, while shopping sprees on 5th Avenue and in Times Square were aplenty as the students enjoyed spending their dollars! We stayed in Queens, which provided a gritty yet authentic New York experience, contrasting with the glamour of the main tourist attractions.

Throughout the trip, our students were exceptional ambassadors for the Grove. They embraced every activity with enthusiasm and fun, making the most of every moment. Their behaviour and spirit were commendable, and I am immensely proud of them all.

This trip to New York was not just a journey through a city but a journey of growth, learning and unforgettable experiences for our Year 12 students. They truly were a credit to the school, embodying the spirit of adventure and curiosity.

Mrs L Watmough

South Africa Rugby Tour 2024

Day 1

The touring party of 49 students and 6 sta met at school at 3pm on Saturday 6th July to head to Manchester Airport. This was the beginning of what was to be an amazing trip.

Day 2

The flight was via Dubai, which meant we didn’t arrive in Durban until 5pm on the Sunday afternoon. Once we transferred from the airport, the squad settled into the City Lodge Hotel for 5 nights in Umhlanga Ridge. This was a good place to base ourselves at the start of the tour.

Day 3

The boys and sta were up early the next day to take part in some training at Riverside Sports Ground in preparation for the first matches of the tour against Pinetown Boys HS in the afternoon. The aim was to get the journey ‘out of the legs’ but also to prepare the two squads for the matches. Following lunch, we travelled to Pinetown to play the first fixtures of the tour. Pinetown is a tier 2 rugby school in South Africa, but they provided the perfect opposition. They also provided an excellent braai for the post-match function.

GAME 1 Match Report v Pinetown

The first challenge came less than twenty four hours after landing in the country, with a fixture against Pinetown High School, based on the outskirts of Durban. The U17s played first and started strongly, scoring three converted tries before half time, coming from Isaac Korda, William Ga ney and Alex Horne. The home support spurred the Pinetown boys on after the break and they came back out firing, scoring two tries soon into the second half. However, converted tries from Alex Horne and Josh Kippax meant the game finished 35-10 with Alex Horne and Matthew Roberts putting in standout first performances on tour.

It was the turn of the 1st XV next, and Pinetown started well taking an early lead after a spilt kick o went into their winger’s hands to score in the corner. Although this would be the last time Pinetown would cross our try line, with first half tries from Jacob Eaglestone, Freddie Brown, Oscar Binns and two from Thomas Reavey, all converted by Callum Hyland-Dugbo, gave a 7-35 lead at half time. We maintained good width and precision to our attack into the second half, and tries from Callum Hyland-Dugbo, Freddie Brown and Jacob Eaglestone gave a final score of 7-54, with an impressive first display on South African soil. Man of the Match performances were awarded to Freddie Brown and Sam Vernon.

Day 4

The squad travelled up to Phezulu in the KwaZulu-Natal hills to enjoy a Cultural show. It was a great experience for the boys where they had an early taste of the local culture. This was followed by an afternoon down at Umhlanga beachfront, but the weather was not favourable. We returned to the hotel and the boys spent some time in the Gateway Mall and in the hotel swimming pool.

Day 5

The whole day was spent at UShaka Marine World in the centre of Durban, as the boys enjoyed the wet n wild park and the Durban seafront. Much fun was had by all with some exhilarating water slides and some fantastic warm sunshine beating down. In the evening, the squad enjoyed a team meal in a local restaurant whilst watching the England v Netherlands football match in the Euro semifinal.

Day 6

There was an optional early visit to a shark dissection at the local seaboard in Umhlanga. This was an opportunity to witness a shark being dissected and understand its anatomy and physiology. Following a light lunch, the boys travelled to Durban High School where three matches were to be played. The facilities at Durban High are outstanding and it is a great place to play rugby. The pitch is in the middle of the school and all of the students were out watching. The post-match hospitality was excellent, and it was good to play them again. However, they have taken their rugby to another level since 2018. They are now the 7th best U18 team in South Africa.

GAME 2 Match Report v Durban High School

On a hot Thursday afternoon came our second challenge on tour, Durban High, a school with rich sporting history, boasting producing the most test cricket players out of all schools in the country, the most notable being Barry Richards. Throughout the afternoon we played three fixtures, with their rugby pitch being in the heart of their campus, the home side had much of the school out watching. Everyone got plenty of gametime throughout the day with three games being played back to back. It was the U16s who started the afternoon o . Durban started well, scoring a couple of early tries which gave them the momentum to produce a strong display, a good advert for the school’s rugby programme. The game finished 55-0 with commendable performances coming from Alex Horne, Henry Hynchli e, Oliver Stoner and Ethan Taylor.

The U17s played next and started very strongly against a powerful DHS side. Matching the opposition physically, the team were right in the game at 12-0 at half-time. Despite the best e orts of the boys, DHS ran in two more tries. However, their excellent e ort and endeavour were rewarded when Oliver Howes showed good pace to score in the corner, with Will Ga ney adding the extras. The game finished 24-7 and was competitive throughout.

The 1st XV played last, with the rest of the Grove teams watching. The opposition had three junior Springbok players in their squad and the size and physicality of the Durban team proved too much for Woodhouse as we struggled to generate any go forward momentum against a well drilled and aggressive Durban defence. It was a masterclass from their forwards in the set piece and the game finished 50-0 with respectable performances from Barnaby Steere and Matthew Roberts.

Day 7

There was an early check-out from the hotel as the group made their way up north to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the oldest reserve in Africa. After checking in at lunchtime, the boys enjoyed an afternoon game drive where we got to see elephants, rhino and gira es in their natural habitat. Accommodation was provided in Damazulu resort where we stayed in traditional Zulu huts.

Day 8

We headed back to the Game Reserve at 7am to enjoy another game drive, with the focus on trying to see some lions. Although they were well hidden, some of the groups managed to see them up close as they had just managed to kill an impala. It was an amazing experience for everyone to see. The group then headed back to Durban airport for an internal flight to Cape Town. The climate in Cape Town was very di erent and it was raining heavily as we landed. We transferred to Lagoon Beach hotel, where we checked in for two nights and enjoyed another team meal.

Day 9

We headed into Cape Town for a visit to the V&A waterfront, before heading up to Table Mountain in the cable cars. The weather was poor so there wasn’t much to see in and amongst the clouds but there were some breathtaking views of Cape Town from the cable car. Camps Bay was next for a stroll on the beach as the sun finally came out and everyone enjoyed another team meal in the Tiger’s Milk restaurant on the seafront. We then returned to the hotel to watch the Euro final together, as England unfortunately lost to Spain.

Day 10

The squad enjoyed a relaxed morning in preparation for the afternoon fixtures where we played two matches against Connect Academy.

GAME 3 Match Report v Connect Academy

Game three took place at a school called Bosmansdam against Connect Academy, which is an academy set up to give opportunities to players from lesser privilege that have shown good rugby potential. Both the U17s and 1st XV game were played with a fierce intensity to them, as the Connect players were relentless in not allowing either of the Woodhouse sides to have it our way. The U17s fought brilliantly and took a half time lead 0-12, with tries from Dan Littlejohns and Jake Lynch, with good cohesion between the forwards and backs. The home side however did not give up, and scored two tries in the second half, one in the last play of the game where the Connect academy goal kicker showed good composure to successfully covert their last try from the touchline to win the game 14-12. There were strong performances from Oliver Stoner and Zach Taylor.

The 1st XV had a similar contest, with Connect not allowing the Grove attack to get going. The game was at a stalemate in the opening twenty minutes, we still however managed some well worked tries before half time through Henry Barton and Freddie Brown, to give us a lead. As with most of the games on tour, the home side came out strongly scoring soon after the break. They still had no match for the pace of Feddie Brown and Tom Rowe, who capitalised on a Grove attack that finally found its feet, with the forwards giving a better platform for the backs to play o , resulting in the final score being 28-5.

Straight after the fixtures, the squad travelled 2 hours east to Hermanus, where we spent the next two nights at the Windsor Hotel overlooking the ocean.

Day 11

It was a very early start (6.30am), after a late arrival and a fixture, and this saw some tired boys board the coach to Gans Baai, where we headed out on boats to see the local wildlife, including whales and sharks. However, the sea was very choppy and there were a few green faces. The boats returned to land when some bad weather arrived, a relief for many, but an amazing experience was had by all. Following lunch, we returned to the hotel for some well-earned rest.

Day 12

We transferred back to Stellenbosch where we would play the final matches of the tour against the Paul Roos. They are the number one school in South Africa and we played their 3rd and 6th teams. This shows the strength in depth they have at the school.

GAME 4 Match Report v Paul Roos Gymnasium

Our last game on tour was against Paul Roos, a prestigious boarding school based on the outskirts of the idyllic town of Stellenbosch. The school has a long history of producing Springbok players with 54 names etched on their wall, including players such as Schalk Brits, Willie Le Roux, Steven Kitsho and Damian Willemse. They field eleven senior rugby teams every week. The U17s were up first against the 6th XV and started well, with glimpses of good attacking shape allowing William Ga ney to carve through the Paul Roos defence and score under the posts. Paul Roos, however, improved as the game progressed and they were able to show their physical dominance. With that being said, the boys displayed a lot of bravery to consistently tackle their much larger opponents. Despite some good attacking play in the second half, the Grove boys couldn’t add to their earlier score and the game finished 33-7.

The second game was held on the school’s first team pitch against their 3rd XV and we were led out by our captain, Archie Hurford. The Grove got on the score board first with Rufus Halliday crossing the whitewash. However, a number of loose o oads gave Paul Roos opportunities to put pressure back on us and they took their chances well with a strong set piece getting them back into the game, scoring three tries in quick succession. Just before the whistle blew for half time, Freddie Brown was able to pick up a spilt ball in the tackle to get a much needed try before the break, giving a 17-12 scoreline. Going into the second half, the Paul Roos set piece did not waiver and they got three more tries after play resumed, making it 36-12 with ten minutes to go.

After some impressive defensive sets with big tackles coming from Jobe Knapton, Archie Robinson and Jacob Eaglestone, the team were spurred on and attempted a late come back. We scored two tries through Tom Rowe and a penalty try awarded after we were able to apply relentless pressure to the Paul Roos tryline, giving a respectable 36-28 final score. This would be the last time the Year 13s would wear the Woodhouse Grove badge and they all did the school proud in their e orts. Once again, we were treated to some outstanding hospitality after the match in their amazing facilities. It was great to play in their 4500 capacity stadium and they also have an indoor training barn! Following the matches, we checked in at the Protea Hotel in Stellenbosch for our last two nights.

Barcelona Netball Trip

Day 13

Another day of bad weather meant that the trip to Robben Island was cancelled. However, we managed to book into Total Ninja, an indoor activity centre, where the boys could enjoy some more physical activity. After this, we headed to the V&A waterfront for some last minute shopping. We returned to Stellenbosch and enjoyed a final meal together at Bossa.

Day 14

After checking out of the hotel, the squad enjoyed some time in Stellenbosch before heading to the airport for the return flight. We checked in and boarded the 6.20pm flight home.

Day 15

With connecting flights again in Dubai during the early hours of the morning, we arrived at Manchester airport at midday on Saturday 20th July. We boarded the coach back to school with some tired eyes but sadness the tour was over. A super time was had by all and some amazing memories were created.

Finally, I want to thank the amazing sta for giving up some of their summer holidays to accompany the boys on the tour. I would also like to the thank the 49 students for their excellent behaviour o the pitch and their strong performances on it. They did the school proud!

Mr J Bedford

After an early morning at Leeds Bradford, we arrived in Spain and visited the city of Barcelona. We got to explore the streets and even try some local food! We then arrived at the hotel and the following day we went to PortAventura and enjoyed the day by going on lots of rides, which were very fun.

Wednesday was the start of our netball training. After a busy morning with lots of fun drills, we then got to relax at the beach and Miss Vernon took one for the team by going into the freezing cold sea so we could all join her and have a great time!

The next day it was tournament day. After an early start we had another hour of training and then got some time to relax in the sun. After that was the tournament; we played 5 games and the U15 A team came out on top and came home with some medals. A good e ort from the teams all round and it was a good day for all.

We have all taken away some amazing memories from this trip and have developed some lifelong friendships along the way, and also a few Spanish dance moves! Finally, a massive thank you to Miss Thompson and the netball sta for giving up their time and allowing us to have this amazing opportunity!

Lucy Bedford and Isla Eaglestone, Year 10

The U14B squad had an amazing opportunity to participate in the recent trip to Barcelona. Our week included lots of di erent activities such as visiting a theme park, going to the beach and a shopping trip. The sun shone, the hotel was lovely, and fun times were had. The highlight of the week was the tournament on Thursday. We started the day with a

masterclass session, which included attacking drills and more. Well done to Daisy Mantel who showed a range of di erent skills and won the masterclass Coach’s Player of the day. After a morning of intense training, we participated in a tournament, which included 8 matches against the other visiting English teams.

We started confidently, and in our first game Izzy, Caragh and Zara were sharp in defence. Ellie L, Milly, Daisy M, Deeya and Alice used their impressive attacking abilities in mid-court, and a huge thank you to Daisy Allen who was our only shooter and played exceptionally well. We won this game by an incredible 9-1.

Unfortunately, we lost the next few, however we didn’t let our heads go down and came back to win a 3 further games. I want to give a special mention to Caragh, who smashed it in defence and was intercepting all of the opponents’ passes. She deservedly won the school’s Player of the Day. Overall, we played with great team spirit and won a total of 4 games. Chloe also deserves a special mention for being a great cheerleader on the sidelines.

All of the girls really enjoyed the trip and came out with some improvement points on the court, but most importantly some wonderful memories of great times with great friends.

A very special thank you to all the coaches and sta who made the week such an unforgettable experience

Milly Cross, Year 9

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Review

Remember Me

For the senior production ‘Remember Me’ last year, we were given two themes of ‘Facing Adversity’ and ‘Rising From The Ashes’. The cast was given complete control of what we did, whether it was writing our own short scenes, choosing a monologue to perform as a group or devising a musical performance. Personally, I was given the opportunity to write a poem and perform this at the end of the production before the final scene; a whole-cast rendition of ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman. Stand-out performances included: a moving performance of ‘True Colours’, dedicated to Mr Crawford; a powerful feminist monologue from ‘Barbie’ by the Year 13s; and both the whole-cast musical performances which started and ended the production. An innovative and powerful rendition of overcoming adversity, in modern times and throughout history, ‘Remember Me’ was absolutely not a production to forget.

Lily Edwards

The Addams Family

I really enjoyed taking part in the production of The Addams Family. It was so nice to learn the silly scenes along with everyone else and eventually put on the final performance with an amazing atmosphere. I think I speak for everyone involved when I say that dancing in the wings and o stage to every song was some of the most fun you can have when doing one of the school productions and I will definitely miss The Addams Family.

George NG

The Addams Family really demonstrated what The Grove prides itself on in the Performing Arts, which is community. Having done past productions, everyone anticipated which song was going to be ‘that’ song, where the whole cast would dance and mouth the words in the wings. With The Addams Family however, that was EVERY song, every number carrying that energy both onstage and o . I think it’s really vital to introduce the inter and lower years to that kind of atmosphere at The Grove, showing the Performing Arts department’s importance alongside that of Sports and Academia.

Ash Poplar

Our Teacher’s a Troll

Have you ever thought that one of your teachers was a bit like a troll? Well, Years 7 and 8 got to find out for themselves in their junior production of Our Teacher’s a Troll. We had over 70 students on stage, with everyone being able to audition for a main or chorus part. Everyone showed great commitment to the rehearsal schedule, including a Sunday run through. Productions do take a while, but it was really good to see everyone pulling together and the excitement before show time. Of course, no production is possible without tech and backstage teams, which gives even more opportunity to get involved. We performed over two nights, to a full audience each time, who I don’t think were expecting such deafening roars or to witness a teacher trying to drink co ee wearing boxing gloves, but it all made for a great show. And to celebrate the great performances, Miss Habergham invited all cast and crew to a party afterwards. To sum up, being in a play is really fulfilling and is a great way to make friends and improve your confidence. Maybe you could get involved in the next one?

Noah Pennington

Summer 2024 Concert

The Summer Concert is a collaboration of instrumental and song pieces. This year, I co-compered this performance, introducing all the acts such as the rock bands or the Swing Group. This year was a phenomenal performance, including original songs and a brand new music tech team to enhance everyone’s musical attributes.

On the show night, I was incredibly nervous to co-compere but, after being consoled and encouraged by my fellow peers and the sta , I felt more grounded. Even though I may have messed my lines, I still felt comfortable, and it was rewarding to represent The Grove in such an impactful way. After the performance had finished, I felt a wave of relief and I was so happy to celebrate this achievement with the rest of the performers, especially the Grove Singers, which is a choir which shows o extraordinary singing talents.

The most significant aspect about the Summer Concert is the sheer dedication to the Performing Arts department which is displayed; whether you sing or play an instrument, everyone always puts in maximum e ort to demonstrate true Grovian talent, creating an impressive and fulfilling ambience which I’m extremely glad to be a part of. This amplifies how the Summer Concerts are an integral part of the Woodhouse Grove culture.

Rudy Halliday

Exam Results

Scarlett Swinney Grade 8 Singing – Distinction

Eimer Treanor

Grade 5 Singing - Merit

Connie Dawes Grade 6 Piano - Pass

Juno Goodwin-Bates Singing for Musical Theatre - Grade 2 - Distinction

Alexa Pickard Grade 1 Singing - Distinction

Matilda Frazer Grade 1 Singing - Merit

Miranda Bayliss Grade 5 Singing - Distinction

Catherine Jackson Grade 2 Singing for Musical Theatre - Distinction

Ash Poplar Grade 6 Guitar - Distinction

Milo Neil Grade 1 Rockschool - Distinction

Elizabeth Morley Grade 1 Trinity - Pass

Patrick Miscia Grade 1 Trinity - Pass

James Howcroft Grade 2 Rockschool - Merit

Giselle Haddad Grade 2 Rockschool - Distinction

Harry Large Grade 1 Trinity - Pass

Max Warland Trinity Diploma - Pass

Rebecca Chapman Speech and Drama Grade 4 - Distinction

TRAINING FOR STAGE & SCREEN AGES 4-18

Arts

Nina Hawkshaw, A Level

Aymaan Asif, A Level

Beatrice Mackenzie, GCSE

Grace Roy, GCSE

Isabella Defurey, GCSE

Alyse Warburton, GCSE

Ashley Broome, A Level

Ashley Broome, A Level

Belle Nimmo, GSCE

Elijah Lawson, GCSE

Ashley Broome, A Level

Jessica Jones, A Level

Lorna Kerr, GCSE

Nina Hawkshaw, A Level

Lily Bickle, GCSE

Maidie Jennings, A Level

Jessica Jones, A Level

Nina Hawkshaw, A Level

Ashley Broome, A Level

Phillipa Green, GCSE

Sarah Rueger, GCSE

Ruby Clark, A Level

Brabners is a purpose-led independent law firm and proud supporter of sport — from grassroots level to elite clubs and athletes

We were delighted to sponsor the Woodhouse Grove U14 and U19 teams at the 2024 England Netball National Schools Finals.

Our north-based teams provide businesses, families and high-profile individuals with the full range of legal services across corporate and commercial matters through to resolving personal or contentious situations.

Our sports team is widely recognised and features the team who led Coleen Rooney’s victory in the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial.

Sports Reports

Athletics

The athletics season saw a lot of success in team and individual competitions with over 120 students across Years 7 to 11 representing the school, with displays of individual excellence throughout.

English Schools’ Track and Field Cup

All four teams including the Junior Girls, Boys and the Inter Girls, Boys, progressed through to the regional finals of the English Schools’ Track and Field Cup, being only one of two schools in the district to achieve this. Three out of the four teams finished first in the initial county rounds.

Regional finals

This was the first time in the school’s history that we had four teams attending the regional finals. All athletes gave their best e orts on the day and did really well. The Junior Girls finished fourth overall, this was our best team on the day. Well done to all who represented the school.

Bradford District Championships

For individual competitions, we had large numbers of students competing in the Bradford Schools’ Championships held at Carlton Keighley. The below students were the standout performers on the day:

Year7

Noah Anderson – 1st 100m – 12.1 seconds Junior Girls

Lili Guthrie – 1st 300m – 45.3 (Championship best performance)

Bolutife Solaru – 1st 200m – 28.9 seconds

Abigail Stirk – 1st Long Jump – 4.72m Junior Boys

Stan Mo at – 1st 200m – 24.1 seconds

Guy Wilkinson – 1st 300m – 41.9 seconds

James McLarnon –1st 1500m – 4:30

Simeon Tedd – 2nd 1500m – 4:31

West Yorkshire Championships

The following twenty-six students were selected to represent the district at the West Yorkshire Championships, held at Leeds Beckett: Maisey Bellwood, Oliver Blake, Freddie Brown, Charley Clark-Taylor, Taylor Cody, Benjamin Cooper, Georgie Cothli , Benjamin Dickinson, Macie Donaldson, Sam Dowsland, Lili Guthrie, Cleo Hainsworth, Sam Johnson, James McLarnon, Stan Mo at, Fabian Poor, Matty Roberts, Bolutife Solaru, Abigail Stirk, Simeon Tedd, William Thornhill, Lucy Wainwright, Guy Wilkinson, Harriet Williams

All students performed well, with a number of personal bests. There were podium finishes for:

Maisey Bellwood 1st Inter Girls’ 800m

Bolutife Solaru 1st Junior Girls’ Shot Put

Ben Cooper 1st Junior Boys’ Long Jump

Georgina Cothli 1st Junior Girls’ Javelin

Freddie Brown 2nd Senior Boys’ 100m

Ben Dickinson 2nd Inter Boys’ 400m

Sam Johnson 2nd Inter Boys’ Shot Put

Abigail Stirk 2nd Junior Girls’ Long Jump

Stan Mo at 2nd Junior Boys’ 200m

Guy Wilkinson 2nd Inter Boys’ 300m

Taylor Cody 3rd Junior Boys’ 300m

Macie Donaldson 3rd Junior Girls’ 800m

Simeon Tedd 3rd Junior Boys’ 1500m

Individual Success

The final event of the season was the Bradford Athletics League finals. It was another brilliant performance from our four teams against a number of local schools. The Junior Girls, Inter Girls and Inter Boys finished first and the Junior Boys third overall. It was a great finish to a successful term of athletics.

After a fantastic season, representing the school on a number of occasions, Maisey Bellwood (Inter Girls, 800m), Freddie Brown (Senior Boys, 100m) and Bolutife Solaru (Junior Girls, Shot Put) were selected for English Schools, a huge well done to all three! This was Bolutife’s second English Schools’ Championship Finals, which has never been done before by a Woodhouse Grove student; an impressive achievement!

We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of sta who support in coaching, organising and o ciating during the season, a huge thanks goes to Mrs Jennings, Miss Dudley, Mr Exeter, Mr Birkett, Mr Jackson, Miss Hughes and Mr Bedford.

Mr T Hicks

Rugby - 1st XV

The 1st XV enjoyed an outstanding season, reaching the Schools Cup quarter final for only the second time in the school’s history. They also had an excellent playing record with just three defeats. It was a di cult year to navigate, mainly due to the number of players with other representative commitments. This meant that game time needed to be managed to ensure each player could achieve their personal goals. However, the boys were fully committed throughout the season and produced some fantastic performances.

The season started well with a great home win against Barnard Castle, 24-10. This was followed by a visit to Loughborough University, where we played St Joseph’s, Ipswich for the first time. We started strong, scoring three outstanding tries, but the boys couldn’t hold on as the St Jo’s pack dominated the second half as we lost 33-19. Wins against RGS Newcastle, which doubled up as the 1st Round Cup match, Harrogate GS, RGS Lancaster (Cup Round 2) and GSAL meant half term arrived with only one defeat.

Durham away was one our toughest encounters of the season as they fielded two England U18 internationals in their pack. However, the forward pack matched them, and the back line showed their quality scoring some excellent tries from their

own half. The final score was 22-13 to the Grove. A win against QEGS was good preparation for the next round of the Cup against a strong St Peter’s, York team. Thankfully, the boys produced their best performance of the year with a scintillating display of attacking rugby, winning 41-17.

Unfortunately, a string of cancelled fixtures and a loss against Hill House meant that the Cup quarter final preparation was hampered slightly. The Cup quarter final was played with real intensity and the boys never took a step back against a fierce Kirkham GS team. However, their huge pack proved to be too strong as we lost 12-35. Kirkham ended up losing the final of the cup 28-27 to Harrow.

Overall, it was a really positive year for the boys with both team and individual successes. Alfie Longsta represented England U18 and U19 and Tom Rowe, Callum Hyland Dugbo and captain Archie Hurford attended England camps throughout the year. Fergus McCormack played for Leeds Rhinos’ 1st team on Boxing Day and several other players represented Yorkshire Academy or Yorkshire RFU. I would like to thank all the players and parents for their unstinting support throughout the year and for their commitment to the Grove rugby programme.

Mr J Bedford

1st VII

Rugby

It was a season a ected by the weather, with the 1st VII only managing to play in three out of the six tournaments planned. The Scarborough College floodlit 7s was cancelled but thankfully Ripon GS hosted a training tournament. We made a great start by winning every match, apart from a draw against Mount St Mary’s. The boys, however, turned this defeat around with a 19-7 win in the final. The North of England 7s was cancelled, which meant we travelled to Ampleforth for the first o cial tournament. The boys were outstanding in di cult conditions, winning each game in the group stage and comfortable wins against St Peter’s, York and Dame Allan’s in the quarter and semi finals respectively. This meant we met Sedbergh in the final on the Dallaglio Match Ground. We started well and were camped on the Sedbergh line for long periods, but we couldn’t convert. Sedbergh scored a couple of breakaways, and we ended up losing 7-19. The Mount St Mary’s tournament was our last chance to prepare for Rosslyn Park and allowed us to rotate the squad and rest individuals. We lost to Kirkham and finished runners up in the group. This meant we played in the Plate competition and won our final two matches, finishing 3rd overall.

We travelled to London for the Rosslyn Park 7s a week later, with a full squad to choose from and there was much anticipation after an outstanding 15-a-side season. However, it was a tale of what could have been. We started with a bang, beating a very strong Tonbridge team, 33-17, with an outstanding performance. This set us up nicely in the group with two out of five teams progressing to Day 2. However, on the showcase pitch (RE1), we failed to produce a similar display and too many defensive errors led to a surprise 26-33 defeat to Henley College, who had lost their first match heavily to Tonbridge. We had to win our next two matches but there are no easy games in the Cup at Rosslyn Park. We ran out of steam against a physical Dulwich College, losing 5-19 and we gave everything we had against Llandovery, but we couldn’t get the results we needed. It was disappointing to end the season in this way but we had competed against some of the top schools in the country.

Mr J Bedford

Played 3 tournaments: - Losing finalists at Ampleforth 7s player of the Year: - Freddie Brown

2nd XV

A most enjoyable season. We were blessed with an enthusiastic and committed squad who were eager to improve. What was a predominantly young group benefitted from the presence of several senior players and also contained a number of players who made a successful transition to the 1st XV. Along with such players, we also benefitted from a number of stalwart players who regularly battled through adversity as their teammates were elevated to the 1st XV, on several occasions during the middle of a match!

The team received regular strong support from the touchline and rewarded this support with wholehearted endeavour and no little skill. Our forward play developed throughout the season. Reliable set piece play providing a good attacking platform for both our back row and backs. At half back we benefitted from the presence of several key players with 1st XV experience, while throughout the backs we had pace and elusiveness to challenge all opponents.

With elevations to the 1sts, leadership opportunities were shared and throughout, the squad intelligence combined with pure guts and bloodymindedness to achieve solutions to problems.

Memorable highlights would include a floodlit victory at Yarnbury against Harrogate GS, away v Wath 1st XV, RGS Newcastle, GSAL and at home against our good friends from Frizinghall, while a trip to the Darlington Arena to meet Newcastle School for Boys 1st XV ended the Autumn Term on a high note. Home defeats to Barnard Castle and QEGS, though disappointing, proved great learning opportunities for the players and subsequent performances in a weather hit Development XV underlined this.

End of Season Awards

Most Improved Player: Daniel Littlejohns Coaches’ Award: Jack Tattersall Players’ Player of the Year: Ayo Solaru

Mr R Howard

P10 W8 D0 L2

The U16 rugby season was a challenging one and injuries halted the season’s progression. However, we did overcome these to finish with an overall season that everyone can be proud of.

The overall statistics do not do justice to a team who have shown up each week to face some tough, well-developed teams. We can take pleasure with 4 strong victories over Kings Macclesfield, Giggleswick, Barnard Castle and GSAL. But it's in those tougher games where we learnt the most. RGS Newcastle and Bradford Grammar were our toughest fixtures this season, but we had some close results against Prince Henry’s, Harrogate Grammar, Durham and St Peter’s, with just a try or two being the di erence.

We have had some incredible moments throughout the season, such as Lezain Shyllon scoring the first try of the season, cracking tackles from Oliver Rimington, dummies from Will Ga ney, dazzling runs from Tish Onigbogi and Zach Taylor and hard carries by Oliver Stoner and Alex Salvador Medina.

Another key moment was when Alex Salvador Medina returned to the team and scored an excellent hattrick against Durham and a mention must go to Jamie Wheelhouse with his outstanding performance against GSAL.

The overall commitment from the U16 team has been a key part to the season. There was not a moment in the season where we struggled to get enough players for training or matches. The U16 team is a talented squad who are certainly going to be able to showcase their ability over the next 2 years with the 1st and 2nd XV teams and many will get the chance for this to happen on the South Africa tour.

7s season

The first tournament was at Durham, where we had a decent tournament with 3 wins and 3 losses, but the slow start caused us to lose some winnable games.

We then had a home tournament where we performed notably better than the last with some stand out performances in the group stages from the unyielding defence of Alex Salvador Medina, and the blistering speed of Ethan Taylor, which teams couldn’t handle. We entered the quarter final against Sedbergh leading at half time 19-12, with some crucial tries from Henry Hinchli e and Will Ga ney. However, the second half finished 31-19 to Sedbergh. But overall, the boys put out a stellar performance with some class skills on show.

Tournament 3 was Oakham and Tournament 4 was Sedbergh. Both tournaments were tough but it provided the opportunity for several players to represent the school.

Tournament 5 was Rosslyn Park. We came up against a solid Welsh school and lost out by a try after a sleepy start, but the whole squad redeemed themselves and won the remaining games by 40 points and the second by 50. It was great to have Sam Johnson and Oliver Blake with the team and Jamie Wheelhouse and Oliver Remington both played really well. Although we were disappointed that we did not progress further in the tournament, it was great to end the enjoyable season at Rosslyn Park.

Ben Vernon, Ethan Taylor, Zach Taylor and Will Ga ney

Played: 9, Won: 3, Drawn: 0, Lost: 6, For: 186 Against: 212, Di erence: -26

The U15 squad enjoyed a successful season, with 28 players representing the ‘A’ team during the year. With a NatWest Cup and Langley Festival, there were more opportunities than ever for the boys to play and challenge themselves against some of the best schools in the country. The highlight of the season was the Langley Festival, where the team won the Plate Competition, beating a strong Brighton College side in the final. The boys also got the chance to play against the renowned Wellington College and Hurstpierpoint College. It was a fantastic weekend for the players and their families, and the boys should be very proud of their e orts.

There were some other high points during the season, including beating QEGS Wakefield away from home (the only team who beat this team in Year 9), as well as strong victories against RGS Newcastle, St Peter’s York and Bradford Grammar. There were also some close defeats, with the team narrowly losing to GSAL and Durham by a couple of points.

As the year went on, the team developed as a group, becoming more cohesive and playing a standard of rugby that they can be proud of. At times the boys played some exhilarating rugby, with tries being scored that involved pretty much every player on the field touching the ball.

The boys also had to overcome some adversity over the season, with several players getting injured. I believe the resilience the boys learnt from these occasions held them in good stead and helped them navigate tough points in the year. The boys also enjoyed the sevens season, despite losing a tournament to the weather. The sevens season culminated in a brilliant win at the BGS Sevens.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys and I really appreciate their e orts over the course of the season. There is a lot of potential in this group and I am excited to see them progress and develop over the next few years.

Mr N Barr

Played: 21, Won: 12, Drawn: 3, Lost: 6, For: 277 Against: 175, Di erence: +102

U14s

The U14 rugby season has been a thrilling journey filled with ups and downs, showcasing the resilience and talent of our squad. We started the season a bit rusty, facing a tough loss against Kings School Macclesfield that didn’t truly reflect our capabilities.

However, we bounced back in our next match against Rodillian, where we delivered a fantastic first half. With standout performances from Elliot, Lander, Aaron, and Guy, we played physically and scored some impressive tries. Unfortunately, we ended up losing 35-17, but the e ort was commendable.

Our next challenge was against RGS Newcastle, where we played some of our best rugby of the season. Ollie Hall shone with a remarkable two-try performance, complemented by some powerful runs from Fizz. Despite losing by a narrow margin of just four points, we felt we had played the better rugby.

A highlight of the season came during the Ashville walkover, where Oli Simpson scored his first A team try. This game was particularly memorable as it lifted the team’s spirits and allowed everyone to showcase their skills. Next, we faced Harrogate, where Halstead’s quick thinking led to an incredible quick tap try. Harry Hainsworth also made a mark on his A team debut, scoring two tries. The match against Durham was another intense encounter that ended in a great win for us. Frankie, Stan and I combined for a quick try in the corner. Although our captain received a sin-bin towards the end, I managed to keep the team focused, and we celebrated a well-deserved victory.

In one of our final matches against QEGS, we demonstrated excellent teamwork despite a 24-5 loss. Everyone played hard until the final whistle, and with Mr King under the weather, Mr Randhawa stepped in as our coach. Jenson, one of our borders, made a significant impact in his first rugby game, and Stan managed to score a try, albeit with a bit of a struggle. Unfortunately, I also managed to break my finger just in time for the Sevens season!

The Sevens season began even more slowly than the 15-a-side season, with a last-place finish at the St Peter’s tournament. Despite this, we had some standout performances from Archie and Jack, along with impressive line breaks from Ben. Sadly, Freddie su ered a knee injury, side-lining him for most of the Sevens season.

At Sedbergh Sevens, we improved significantly, finishing 5th out of 10 teams. Ben and Seb delivered standout performances, and Lander was particularly impressive against Prince Henry’s, making every tackle count. Jimmy played up a year and had a fantastic tournament, scoring a try and assisting others. Hymers Sevens proved to be a turning point for us. After a tough first game against Hymers, a motivational talk from Mr Cadman inspired us to win our next five matches, placing us 3rd out of 16 teams. Everyone contributed, with Frankie scoring his first try for the school and Ben dazzling with his footwork.

The season culminated at the prestigious Rosslyn Park, the largest rugby festival in the world. We faced a tough group but celebrated a remarkable comeback win against the Welsh school rugby league champions, finishing 20-0 with a clutch kick from Lander. Freddie also showcased his tackling skills by charging down a kick, leading to unforgettable moments.

Overall, this season has been a fantastic experience filled with growth, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr King and Mr Jackson for their support and guidance throughout the season, as well as to all the players, parents and teachers who made this journey possible.

Thank you all!

Thomas Howcroft and Charlie Rimmington

As the U14 rugby season comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the pupils and parents for their unwavering commitment and support throughout the year. Your dedication on and o the field has been instrumental in fostering a positive and encouraging environment for our pupils to thrive.

Whether it was cheering from the sidelines, travelling across the North of England or simply encouraging the players to give their best, your involvement has made a significant impact. It has been a pleasure to witness the growth and development of each player, and I am proud of what we have achieved together as a team. Thank you for being an essential part of our rugby community; I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented squad.

Mr D King

U13s A

As the playing record indicates, this was a very successful season for the Under 13 team. This group have huge potential to be very successful as they move through the school as they possess bags of talent; but, more importantly, they want to work hard and become better, both individually and as a team.

The season started with some excellent wins against determined opposition in Witham Hall, Barnard Castle and Ashville College. After this promising start, we sadly fell to our only defeat away at Newcastle RGS, where we simply didn’t perform to our usual high standard and missing a couple of key players at a tough place to go took its toll. However, this allowed the boys to realise that they didn’t have a right to just go onto the field and win, they had to earn it. Shortly after this loss, we had a chance to redeem ourselves away at the previously unbeaten Aysgarth School. This was a superb game of rugby and, leading by three tries to one with only a little time left, the boys were hugely unlucky with a couple of big refereeing calls meaning the game was drawn.

This only spurred the players on further and they never looked back, with the best performance of the season against QEGS Wakefield, winning by six tries to two and coming through a tight game at Prince Henry’s, Otley by two tries to one.

The season is one I will look back on with a great deal of fondness. The boys were a pleasure to be with. We had 18 players in the matchday squad most weeks and none of them complained when they spent time o the field to allow their teammates field time. I do not want to mention individuals in this report as it truly was a squad e ort.

The sevens season was also hugely enjoyable. Although we did not play to our potential in the early part of the season, the finale at Rosslyn Park was superb. The team won all five games to finish top of one of the toughest groups on the day. This bodes well for next year when the competition becomes knock out! Good luck, lads!

I would like to thank the boys for their e orts, the parents for their support and finally, Mr Eaglestone, for his outstanding support throughout the season.

Mr A Cadman

Played: 14, Won: 12, Drawn: 1, Lost: 1, For: 425 Against: 200, Di erence: 225

U13s B

B team rugby falls into an odd position in relation to the opposition. Schools either have far more boys per year, so the contest, on occasion, is not particularly equitable…or too few boys, so cannot field a B team.

However, the main purpose of B team rugby is not the result (some may be surprised at this) but ensuring boys enjoy their participation and turn out for the team the next week.

Just like in all walks of life, adolescents develop at di erent rates and B team rugby accommodates these players. There will, undoubtedly, be a number of these players who step up in following years.

Of the seven games played, we only won two, but the improvement seen in training and match days was encouraging; there were a number of B team players that played for the A team later on in the season. The season started well, in the ubiquitous sunshine that was lacking in July and August, with a comfortable win against Barnard Castle. A loss away against RGS Newcastle did not derail the squad, with another win, again away, against Gateways School A team. Unfortunately, the squad did not see winning ways again, with a number of agonizingly close losses to end the season.

Finally, I would like to thank the players and parents for their support and Mr Cadman for his coaching expertise.

The awards were as follows: Players’ Player: Zak Morton Coaches’ Player: Zeb Wilson Most Improved: Ben Whittaker

Mr K Eaglestone

Played: 9, Won: 2, Drawn: 0, Lost: 7, For: 165 Against: 240, Di erence: -75

U12s A

The Under 12 season got under way with a great open training session, where all the boys got together and started to get to know each other. There are some very talented boys in this squad. In the blink of an eye, the team sheet was announced for our first trip up to Barnard Castle. It was really exciting for all the boys to go up as a team on the coach. As it was the first game for school, a lot of the boys were nervous, but those nerves soon disappeared as soon as the whistle was blown and the game got underway. There were some outstanding performances from that first game. A bunch of individual boys came together as a team for a hard-fought victory.

The following week, the boys went down on the coach with the first team for the marque game against St Joseph’s College at Loughborough University. Unfortunately, we came out with a loss, but it was an honour to be the warm up game for our first team and to stay and cheer them on under the lights. An experience we will always remember.

Two days after, we were back up at Barnard Castle for the Tait Tens; a brilliant festival of rugby, which saw us play a number of really good schools. Our team was really gelling, everyone knowing their jobs, where we played some excellent rugby.

After a successful festival, the team got a number of wins under our belt, however, our winning streak came to an end against GSAL, losing by two tries. We then had a tough four game run playing Rodillian, Stonyhurst, QEGS and Hymers.

Our season finished on a high with three wins on the bounce against Prince Henry’s, BGS and HGS.

What a season it was! I know it was hard to watch us at times but the team constantly improved, every player getting better with every game. We would like to thank our coaches, Mr Bradburne and Mr Birkett, for their time and patience. We can’t wait to go again in Year 8.

Clark Bolton

U12s B

The season got o to a rough start with us only winning two games out of our first four games, but after that the wins started to pile in.

Naveed Amani saved us in a tight 3-2 win vs Rodillian. Then we got another tight win against QEGS 25-20. These last two games made our team more confident with tackling and taking the contact and not being scared. This helped us win our next game more comfortably against Hymers 40–15. After that game we were on fire by winning our next two games with great team spirit and then, to top it o , we thrashed Harrogate Grammar School 50-0 in our last game of the season.

In our defence, we were very comfortable with Bobby Duggan, Naveed Amini, Aikam Randhawa, Sam Trossell, Milo Neale, Rhys Toure-Coulibaly, Ephraim Musariri and Jackson Berry being in the rucks, putting in tackles and running through the opposition with no fear at all. In our attack, we got lots of tries down the wings with Finley Stockdale, James Neale, Dougie Hargraves and Diogo Ramos. In the middle, our inside centres - Ben Thornhill, Noah Lloyd and JJ Van Beek - did very well, providing great passes to the wings. Then the outside centres also played very well, with Jenson Canavan, Tom Simpson, Henry Hanson and Max Coulson giving support to the wings and the runners. Jack Cross and Henry Sewards played a vital role at 9 and 10 to get the attacks started.

We want to say a massive thank you to all the players for playing amazingly and bringing great results back to Woodhouse Grove and a massive thank you to Mr Birkett and Mr Bradburne for their brilliant coaching techniques and helping us all come away with great memories and showing so much development over the course of the season.

A great first season at The Grove and we look forward to continuing our journey.

Jack Cross

Fencing

Again we have seen a large influx of new Year 7 pupils joining the club, and one of the nicest parts of this particular co-curricular club, is the kind support the older pupils give to the new, younger recruits. Year 8 – 13 established fencers regularly help out with organising the kit, refereeing and giving new fencers pointers on how to improve their fencing technique.

Congratulations to Year 13 pupil Kira Grahamslaw, who continues to represent Team GB at various events, and has competed across Europe in Budapest, Klagrnfurt, Grenoble, Copenhagen, Bratislava and Krakow. Her standout performances were coming 3rd at the senior Elite epee competition Manchester, placing 60th at Krakow, and highest ranked Cadet fencer at the Merseyside Senior Open.

Year 10 pupils continue to use fencing as a great way to gather evidence for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, be it in the volunteering or sport specific section of the award. These pupils attend regularly, are proactive in helping out and have a real focus on improving their skills.

A special thanks goes to the Friends of Woodhouse Grove, who again were extremely generous in providing the club with supportive funds. A total of £511 was spent on replacement blades, new larger jackets and a few other items of useful equipment. As the club’s numbers grow, so does the wear and tear of the equipment, so this financial support is gratefully received.

We have not attended any external fencing tournaments this year, but are looking to attend more in the future. A new initiative is to introduce a House fencing tournament, as there is such a wide spread of pupils who now fence across the Houses and year groups. Look out for the results from this in future publications.

Mr T Exeter

Swimming

The 2023/24 season was a mixed year for the swimming team, but we welcomed lots of new swimmers to the pool for training, with nearly 40 new year 7s dipping their toes into the world of swimming training in the first term. As swim captains, we are glad to have seen so many new swimmers getting involved and we hope they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Our first gala of the 2023/24 season was towards the end of November against BGS, where lots of year 7s were able to get involved with the competitive side of swimming. Although we lost, our next gala was also against BGS, so we trained extra hard to give us the best possible shot at winning. After an evening of ups and downs the results unfortunately came to 236 – 220 to BGS.

House swimming was another eventful time this year with Vinter coming out on top. As always, it was a well-supported and competitive event, with over 100 swimmers taking part in both the boys’ and girls’ events.

After a much-needed February half term, we came back strong with the determination to win the next gala against Harrogate Ladies’. We gave it our all on the day and were able to score 60 more points than them, resulting in a big win for us! All the girls in the team should be very proud of themselves!

Our last gala of the season was at GSAL, where we decided to make the most of it by having lots of fun cheering each other on, especially during the cannon at the end. We fell short of winning, however, we think it was a satisfactory ending to the 2023/24 season. Both Ashley and I would like to thank each and every swimmer involved in training and the galas this year, for making it a fun and competitive season. We would also like to thank the teachers for the work they have put in over the years we have had in the team. We wish everyone the best for the 2024/25 season and coming years.

Nina Hawkshaw & Ashley Broom, Year 13

Recent years have seen a significant revival of chess as a fixture sport and an extra-curricular activity at Woodhouse Grove. The club has grown significantly over the course of this year, and the team has made excellent progress. Improvements in individuals’ chess skills have contributed to a higher standard of play in training and a more competitive team in fixtures.

The training sessions, both during Games and after school, have allowed a wide variety of students across a range of year groups to join in with the activities and compete against their classmates. The internal Winter Chess Competition held at the end of the Autumn Term provided students with an opportunity to hone their skills, which served as excellent preparation for the upcoming inter-school events.

This year, Chess Club at The Grove has been very eventful with many competitions and tournaments at inter-house, intra-school and inter-school levels. In November, we assembled two teams for the West Yorkshire Schools Championship. This was the first time Woodhouse Grove has been invited to the competition in 15 years. In the first half of the tournament, our juniors fought valiantly against the Grammar School at Leeds’ senior team, though unfortunately with little success. The juniors saw more success during the second half, just as the senior team had been in the first few games. Overall, both our teams played admirably, and the Grove placed a respectable 12th and 14th out of the 24 school teams that took part.

As in many other sports, house competitions present an opportunity to get many more students involved in the game, to identify otherwise hidden talent and to give players experience of playing under pressure. This year’s House Chess competition was as competitive as ever, with Atkinson and Vinter fighting for the top of the podium. A range of students from all areas within the school had come to support and play for their house, which encouraged new pupils to participate in the weekly chess sessions. Although Vinter was victorious, it was a close competition between the houses, and everyone had a lot of fun.

The Chess Club has expanded significantly over the course of 2023/24, and we hope that even more potential chess grandmasters are recruited next year. We are proud that the Chess Club allows students to access competitive sport and represent the school who would not do so otherwise.

Joseph Consterdine and Harry Kerfoot

Climbing

Climbing has seen great success in both games and clubs so far this year. Training sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school, as well as games lessons on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, have provided students with regular opportunities to develop their skills. Our senior climbers have had the chance to take their climbing outdoors to Armscli e Crag, where they’ve been pushing their grades and gaining valuable experience on real rock. Looking ahead, we have several exciting competitions lined up against Roundhay School and Allerton High, and we’re in the process of organising House competitions to further engage our climbers.

Miss G Callow

Netball 1st VII

Grove Netball I could ever have asked for. Heading into this season o the back of our tour to South Africa, where we said our goodbyes to last year’s Year 13s, I was excited to see what our new team would be capable of. It’s safe to say we exceeded all our expectations.

Our first round of the Independent Schools’ Cup was a tense first game with the match going to extra time and us winning by just one goal. This was Miss Thompson’s first heart attack of the season. After a strong cup run it was now time for the quarter finals, where again we only won by one goal (Miss T’s second heart attack of the season).

Then it was time to face the county round of the National Schools’ Competition where, after a dominant display of netball against local schools, we qualified for round two. The regional round consisted of many challenging games, one of which we fell behind by 6 goals and managed to pull it back in the final 3 minutes of the game to win by 1 (Miss T’s third heart attack of the season). As a result of this fixture, we had qualified for National Schools, making us one of top 16 teams in the country.

Following this we had a few busy weeks, consisting of many trips up and down the country. First was our semi-final, where our win against Brentwood meant we had made it to the national final, making school history. The following week we faced Berkhamsted in the national final, unfortunately it wasn’t our day.

achievement that we are immensely proud of. Finally, we finished the season with the National Schools’ final competition, consisting of the top 18 schools in the country. After a tough day of netball, we finished 7th overall.

I’d like to say a massive thank you to the parents, who consistently showed up and traveled miles to come and support. Also, to our coaches, Miss Thompson and Miss Dudley, thank you for all your hard work this season and for the past seven years. You’ve shaped my Grove Netball experience into an unforgettable memory.

Summer Anderson

Netball 2nd VII

We kicked o the season with a fantastic winning streak, taking convincing victories against Bury Grammar, HGS, Stockport Grammar, and a huge 46-7 win over BGS. These strong performances set an optimistic tone for the months ahead. Next, we headed to the annual Alex Reid tournament, where we faced some challenging teams from further afield. Winning the second-team tournament was a highlight, as we delivered powerful performances and adapted quickly to di erent styles of play.

This year, we were entered into the Sisters in Sport National Shield, competing against numerous schools' first teams. Our squad showed incredible resilience and teamwork, securing impressive scores against strong teams like Harrogate Ladies’, Harrogate Grammar, and Sedbergh. With dedication to our fitness and lots of intense training sessions, we felt ready for the semi-final.

Unfortunately, Cardinal Newman’s 1st VII proved too strong on the day, but we left the court proud, knowing we gave it our all to reach that stage. To round o the season, we enjoyed a final win against BGS and some fantastic victories at the QM Senior Tournament. These games showcased how much we had grown as a team and our consistency on the court.

Special thanks go to Miss Curtis, whose dedication to our 2nd VII was invaluable. Although it feels like ages ago, we also want to extend our gratitude to all the sta who supported us on our tour to South Africa. It was an unforgettable experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for everything this season!

Ruby Clark

Netball 3rd VII

With pre-season done and dusted, we were more than excited to start the 23/24 season as a team. We began with a tough start, losing to GSAL’s second team, but we had plenty of positives to take with us. We continued to grow from strength to strength throughout the season, beating teams such as Harrogate and Stonyhurst.

Fortunately, this season we had the privilege to be trained by numerous coaches, which allowed us to gain di erent tactical knowledge that we could incorporate into our game.

Mid-season we came up against the Bradford Grammar first team, which definitely gave us a challenge. Each player gave it 100% and, even though we narrowly missed out on the win, it was a performance to be proud of. This personally was my favourite moment as it showed great perseverance and team moral as we never gave up and supported each other on and o the court.

Lastly, we finished o our season with a strong win against Harrogate Grammar School, with all the team getting match play for the final game of the season, which was great to see. We left the court with a smile on our face and excited for what the 24/25 season has to o er.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Miss Thompson and Miss Myers and all of the netball sta for the commitment and e ort they have put in this season for us. It is really appreciated and wouldn’t be as fun without you all!

Evie Edgley

Played: 24

Won: 8

Drawn: 2

Lost: 14

Netball U16s

This season was always going to be a challenge as we made the step up into senior netball. With new facilities being built, our home matches and training were often chilly and wet, but we’re looking forward to making the most of the new covered courts next season!

The U16A team started strong, securing good wins against Harrogate Grammar, Bradford Grammar and PHGS. These early victories boosted our confidence, especially as we headed into the U16 Leeds Schools’ Tournament and the first round of the Sisters in Sport National Cup. In the Cup, we took a solid win over Bootham, 34-15, and made a good run up to Round 4. Unfortunately, we came up against a tough Egglescli e side that had both the height and skill to outplay us, ending our run with a 16-40 loss.

The U16B team faced a tougher start, with challenging matches against St. Mary’s, PHGS, and Harrogate Grammar, often going head-to-head with other schools’ A teams or U19 squads. Despite the setbacks, the team showed resilience and kept up the e ort, improving through each game.

As the season went on, we enjoyed countless bus rides filled with karaoke, laughter and team bonding. Training sessions were intense, focusing on fitness, tactics and skill development, which paid o in our final performances. Both squads ended the season with strong performances against BGS and Benton Park, demonstrating how much we’d progressed as players.

A huge thank you to all our coaches for their dedication to our development this season. We’re excited to keep pushing ourselves in senior netball next year and are all counting down the days to our Caribbean Tour in October!

Pippa Green

Netball U15s A

The season was a mix of highs and lows for us and began with tough away games in Manchester, featuring narrow losses against Bury Grammar (14-19) and Stockport Grammar (22-27). Moving closer to home, we had wins against Harrogate Grammar and PHGS, but we faced a challenging home derby with Bradford Grammar, ending in a 26-34 defeat.

Our next matchups were against Wakefield Girls’, starting with a friendly we won 23-15. A week later, we faced them again, in the Sisters in Sport Round 2 with a solid performance from the squad, securing our progression to the next round. Our team continued its momentum with a victory over GSAL and then traveled to Liverpool to face Merchant Taylors in the National Plate Round 3, where we secured a strong 36-6 win.

An intense Sisters in Sport Round 4 game against Queen Ethelburga's showcased the team’s commitment, ending in a narrow 31-30 win that advanced us to the final four at Loughborough University. Reaching the semi-finals was a milestone, and the girls were excited, both for the competition and the new team t-shirts. Despite being well-prepared, nerves impacted the first game, resulting in a loss that led us to the 3rd/4th place playo . Here, we faced a tough match but were narrowly defeated, gaining invaluable experience in a competitive setting.

The season’s final UK game, against Ashville, was a challenging yet enjoyable match, with players trying

out new positions in a relaxed atmosphere. Looking ahead, the Spain netball tour o ered the perfect end-of-season experience. After arriving in Barcelona, the team enjoyed shopping and tapas before an intense practice session. To finish the tour, we competed in the tournament, in which we had particularly impressive performances over Ipswich and Cheadle Hulme in the final, to come away with the winner’s trophy.

A special thank you to Miss Myers for her fantastic coaching, and to Miss T, Miss Duds, and Mrs Vernon for making our netball tour unforgettable.

Lucy Bedford

Netball U15s B

What a great netball season we have had, there have been so many opportunities for us and many memories made along the way. Although training, at times, was interrupted due to building the new facility, most of the time we were able to enjoy the temperatures of the sports hall and avoid any cold weather.

Although our match results didn’t start as we would have hoped, we soon found our groove later in the season, winning 6 matches in a row. We would like to thank Miss Pearce for her patience and coaching throughout this di cult time as it definitely helped us to bond more as a team and turn the performances around to come out with those wins. Unfortunately, our winning streak had to come to an end, facing a very tough Cheadle Hulme side.

Our season finished with the inters netball trip to Barcelona, and what a trip it was! In between the master classes and matches, we enjoyed some time shopping, a trip to the theme park and an afternoon on the beach. The closing tournament provided us with an opportunity to put in practice all we had learnt throughout the season and work together to come out with the win. After losing out to Cheadle Hulme in the regular season back at home, we were delighted to leave Spain with a convincing win over Cheadle. We would like to thank all the sta who made the trip possible for us - we loved it!

Overall, it’s been a great season and a massive thank you must go to all the players and coaches who showed up no matter the weather or how early the meet time.

We cannot wait to start our senior netball years next year and look forward to doing this in our new netball facility.

Martha Wilson

Netball U14s A

After a few tough days of pre-season, our squad was excited to reunite and get our 2023 season underway. We kicked things o with a great win against Bury Grammar, which had us feeling excited about what we could accomplish this year. Stockport Grammar was always one of our toughest matchups, and after last season’s hard-fought game, we knew we’d be in for a challenge. A thrilling 21-21 draw against them showed just how much progress we’d made since last year.

With a few more wins under our belts, we were ready to dive into the National Cup. Victories against Harrogate Grammar, PHGS, Yarm and BGS took us all the way to the quarter finals, where we faced a composed Withington side. They pulled ahead in the final quarter, bringing our cup run to an end. Although we were disappointed, we still had the National Schools’ tournament to look forward to.

Making it into the last 16 schools in the country was a huge achievement and our training intensified to prepare us for this high level of competition. It was a tough day filled with moments of fantastic netball and we were thrilled to finish 6th in the country. This result was a testament to the hard work we put in throughout the season.

A huge thank you to Miss Thompson for her dedication and commitment to our team. Her support helped us reach new heights and become one of the top six teams in the country. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish next year!

Cleo Hainsworth

Netball U14s B

We were thrilled that almost all of the U14s had returned to netball again this season, having such a great year last year. We had a rocky start, unknowing what the season may bring and after 3 games lost, we managed to turn our next three into wins. This was possible as our training sessions brought huge improvements to our skill level and our tactical awareness. These sessions challenged us mentally and physically, which made us a lot closer as a group, having to work together to get through the tough fitness sessions or work out problems on the court. By the end of the season we were able to read o each other extremely well and be able to play to individual strengths.

This year we had an excellent opportunity to go to Spain on the netball tour. Whilst we were there, we had 2 masterclass sessions and competed in a tournament, winning 4 out of our 8 matches. A huge thank you to the sta and our parents for supporting us on this trip. We had an amazing time and we cannot wait for more opportunities like this in the future.

This season, the girls have played exceptionally well, putting in all their e ort, dedication and positivity. We are all already looking forward to next year and seeing what developments we can make as a squad of U15s. Thank you to all our coaches for making our 23/24 season such an enjoyable one.

Millie Cross

Netball U13s A

This year’s season has been quite a journey for the Year 8 A team. We started the season with a loss at Bury Grammar School, however, we did bring it back

a couple of weeks later winning at Oldham Hulme, 24-10. Keeping the success up, we beat Ilkley Grammar School in the opening round of the Sisters in Sport National competition. Although we secured the win and got our cup campaign o to a good start, we still looked fairly rusty and were still settling into the 23/ 24 season.

At the beginning of October, we set o to Withington Girls’ for the second round of the cup and we left very humbled with a large loss on the score board. With a Saturday fixture just two days later, we had to turn it around and learn from our loss and move on. The girls did exactly that with a convincing win over Harrogate Ladies. With some strong performances against Wolferton, Hymers, Newcastle High School and Rodillian, we had found our feet and kept challenging ourselves in training to be ready for these tough matches.

The weather was definitely against us this season, with a few games cancelled for rain, so we are looking forward to a few more home fixtures next year and getting to use our new facility, the Bolt Courts,

Towards the end of the season, we had losses against Whitby and Bradford Grammar, so a win against Ashville in the last game of the season felt even nicer.

Some of the high points of the season have been the training sessions and the bus journeys, with the memorable sing-a-longs and heaps of snacks. Despite some low points, we became closer as a team and more dedicated. Hopefully we will continue to grow together as a team next season and learn from our losses and improve on our wins. We would like to thank Miss Curtis and all the coaches for their continued support this season.

Penny Lofthouse

Netball U13s B

The U13B netball team faced a challenging start to the season with an away game against Bury Grammar. Following reports of the Manchester schools' strong reputation, we approached our next

fixture against Stockport Grammar with some nerves. However, by sticking to our game plan and working as a team, we secured a convincing win, which boosted our confidence.

Throughout the season, we experienced a mix of both wins and losses. Each loss became a valuable opportunity for learning, as our training sessions focused on areas that we needed to improve on. We dedicated lots of time to building stronger support for the ball carrier in attack, enhancing our ability to provide multiple passing options. This focus helped to improve our teamwork and consistency on court. Our hard work paid o as the season came to a close, resulting in two strong wins against our local rivals, BGS and Ashville. These victories highlighted how much we had progressed as a team and we finished the season on a high.

Regardless of the scores, we thoroughly enjoyed each match this season. The experience has deepened our love for the game and we look forward to further developing our skills and building on our progress next year.

A huge thank you to our coaches for their support and dedication. Their encouragement pushed us to perform at our best, even through the coldest winter training sessions. We couldn’t have achieved so much without you.

Isabel Burns

Netball U12s A

Our U12 squad was beyond excited to finally start our Grove Netball careers! After months of anticipation, we couldn’t wait to get on the court and show what we’d been working on. Training was challenging but fun, and it gave us the perfect chance to form new friendships and get to know each other better at our new school.

The season started o on a high with our very first game - a 26-6 win against Allerton High. That victory made us feel optimistic about the season ahead! However, we soon learned not to underestimate our

local competition, as tough matches against BGS, Wakefield Girls’, and Prince Henry’s brought us a few losses. Even though those games didn’t go our way, our dedication to training and our e ort never changed. We were all determined to turn things around in the second half of the season.

And we did! We came back strong with impressive wins against HLC, St. Aidan’s, Hymers, Harrogate Grammar, Prince Henry’s, and Stonyhurst. Finishing the season on a winning streak felt amazing and we were so proud of our resilience and the way we supported each other. A huge thank you to all our netball coaches for making our first year with Grove Netball so enjoyable and encouraging. We’re already looking forward to seeing how much we can improve over the next seven years!

Orlaith Curtis

Netball U12s B

We were so excited to start playing netball at high school and finally experience what Grove Netball is all about! Our first game got o to an amazing start with a win against HLC, which really brought us together early on.

The next few games were much tougher as we faced some really well-drilled teams like Cheadle Hulme, Robert Gordon’s College, and Stonyhurst. These matches challenged us, but they also taught us a lot. In training, we focused on improving our tactics and ball-handling skills, which made a big di erence as the season went on.

We also got the chance to rotate positions, which helped us understand the di erent roles on the court and how each position contributes to the game. This experience helped us develop into a more flexible team. We were lucky to have guidance from lots of di erent coaches this season and we want to say a huge thank you to each of them for their support and encouragement. We’re already looking forward to next season and can’t wait to keep improving as a team!

Ruby Patel & Alice Wainwright

Cricket 1st XI

Pre-season got o to a disappointing start with both games against Huddersfield New College and QEGS being abandoned.

The season started away against our old enemies, Bradford Grammar School. Skipper Jaden lost the toss, and BGS elected to bat. Lewis Howard took 3 for 16, Awais Khan 2 for 3, and James Edgely 2 for 24, bowling BGS out for 86. Jaden Webster scored 31 o 27, Lewis Howard contributed 26, and Max Chaplin finished with 26* to win by 8 wickets.

Next up was a Cup game against Huddersfield New College. This time Jaden won the toss and elected to bowl on a soggy Grove ground. New College got o to a fast start, but good bowling from Tom Yeadon 3 for 43 and Lewis Howard 4 for 30 steadied the ship and restricted them to 175 for 9 o 20 overs. Jaden with a quickfire 93 o 49, before Adam Hussain and Theo Mclelland scored 20s, helping us win by 6 wickets with 3 balls remaining.

Manchester Grammar School was abandoned. GSAL were our next guests in the Cup. Theo Mclelland took two early wickets, while Adam Hussain excelled with 4 for 13. George Webster made his 1st team debut, finishing with 1 for 4 o 2 overs, helping to bowl GSAL out for 85. Max Chaplin scored 34 o 19, and Jaden Webster 24 o 12, comfortably chasing down the runs in 10 overs.

The Grove then welcomed Pocklington on a sunny day, where Jaden won the toss and chose to bat first. The

top-scored with a run-a-ball 65, while Jaden Webster added a quick-fire 56 and Theo McLelland with a late flourish of 37 runs. Vinay Toor, on his 1st team debut, finished with tidy figures of 1 for 24 o 8 overs with 4 maidens. Pocklington finished on 251 in response.

Next round of the National Cup away to a strong St Peter’s, York. They batted first and scored 207-8 in 20 overs. Max Chaplin 2 for 41 in 3 overs and Adam Hussain with neat figures of 1 for 22 in 4 overs. Danny Morgan starred with the gloves again with a stumping, caught behind and two run outs. The Grove showed little resistance to St Peter’s, only making 135 with Max Chaplin with 67 and Adam Hussain 24.

The next morning, the Grove faced QEGS away. With Jaden calling the toss correctly, he chose to bat on a good deck and hot day. Lewis Howard and Jaden Webster got the Grove o a flyer with a 100 run opening stand, before Lewis Howard fell for a run a ball 50. Jaden and Max put on a 100 partnership until Jaden fell for 113 o 78 and Max fell just shy of 50. Grayson Oldridge with 55 o 39 and Elliott Tattersall 28 o 22 helped the total to 313 for 3 o 40 overs. Awais Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 13, backed by Lewis Howard 3 for 12 and Theo Mclelland 2 for 12, bowling QEGS out for 83.

Following the defeat to St Peter’s the Friday before, we welcomed them to the Grove. Jaden won the

toss and on a green deck chose to the bowl. Proving his decision right, Jaden and Max Chaplin went to work early. Jaden finished with figures of 5 for 26 and Max 2 for 39. This was backed at the end by Awais Khan 2 for 16 and Elliott Tattersall taking 3 catches in the field. St Peter’s finished on 191 all out. The chase started well with Adam Hussain 33 o 34 and Max Chaplin 54 o 74. Elliott Tattersall 21 and Lewis Howard 33* saw the Grove to a 5 wicket win.

The next week against Durham School was abandoned.

The next game was MCC. As are the rules, MCC batted first. Max Chaplin made early inroads getting 2 wickets and MCC got to 222 for 5 before declaring. Jaden Webster and Adam Hussain start brightly with the second over going for 20. Jaden finished with 62 from 48, Adam 25, Lewis Howard 25 and the Grove all out for 144.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School were next. Jaden lost the toss and, on a bright day, the visitors elected to bat. Max Chaplin made early inroads again, finishing with 4 for 28 o his 8 overs. Lancaster got up to 176 for 7 o 40 overs. Some lusty blows early from Jaden Webster 24 from 9 meant the Grove were well above the rate. After a couple of quick wickets, the ship was steadied by Lewis Howard 59 and Awais Khan 39 until they both fell and the Grove lost by 24 runs.

The last game of the season was a tour to Gresham's School. The toss was won and we elected to bat. Oscar Speck with 33 was top scorer, helped by Adam Hussain with 31 and Danny Morgan with a brave evening innings. The Grove were bowled out for 160. In the second innings, Grayson Oldridge got 3-54 and was the top bowler with the debutant Ewan Sterling 1-27 getting his first wicket and Gresham declaring at 334 for 7. In reply, the Grove managed 137 all out, with Jaden Webster 28 and Elliott Tattersall 28, losing by an innings and 47 runs.

Lewis Howard

P: 10, W: 6, L: 4

Cricket 2nd XI

A new season for the 2nd XI was greeted with a tough start; losing our opening two games to a very strong St Peter’s second team and a Yorkshire Cricket College team in which we found ourselves in a strong position but an unfortunate collapse occurred as things seemed to be too good to be true.

Back-to-back losses were followed by back-to-back wins against Pocklington and QEGS. Within these games a merger between the seconds and the U15s team occurred, seeing the unbeaten combination of Mr Cadman and Mr Bradburne coming together again, and the record remaining intact after two very confident and positive displays of batting in one game and bowling in the latter, suggesting an overall coming together of the team’s performances.

Unfortunately, Mr Bradburne wasn’t available for the St Peter’s away game where an incredibly young team including 4 Year 8s put up a good fight against a very strong St Peter’s team but ended with defeat.

In true UK fashion, the last two remaining games were a washout, with both games being cancelled due to the weather, meaning the remaining 2nd XI fixture was the long-awaited Durham T20 tournament.

Arriving in a wet Durham saw us face our first opponents in Newcastle School for Boys, where a dominant batting display from the likes of James Edgely and Elliott Tattersall left us needing to defend 183 in 20 overs. Convincingly, through the wet conditions, we were able to hold them to 131-5 in their 20 overs, with tight bowling from Dhilan Patel and George Ingham leaving us one from one.

A trip up to Durham school for the supposed second game in the afternoon was met by heavy rainfall and cancellations occurring elsewhere in the tournament, leaving the umpires no choice but to delay the game until the following morning. A night in Durham later, the boys went back up to Durham School for a very tight match seeing the boys win in the final over after successfully chasing 148 to win, with James Edgely hitting another 50 and Tom Yeadon with a solid all-round performance. Two from Two.

The third and final game was against St Mary’s College, where we were looking to become self-proclaimed winners of the tournament, disregarding the other side of the draw. Posting a score of 158 in our 20 overs set us o in good stead, with a well-structured open partnership from Daniel Varley, 12 o of about 50, and Lewis Howard, 86 o of 56. But in return, the St Mary’s captain was building a nice innings together making the scores look close, when a hero in the form of Arslan Khan propped up to take the wicket and swing the match back into our favour. With the rain still pouring, and the part time spinners coming on saw pressure building for St Mary’s and that pressure paid o when Lewis Howard went on to take a hattrick and a five-for to ultimately crown us as the cup winners.

This ended a pretty successful season for the twos, winning 5 and losing 3.

Thanks go to Mr Cadman and his accomplice Mr Bradburne, remaining unbeaten when together and thanks go to the parents for their continued support throughout the season.

Harry Bates

Played: 8

Won: 5

Lost: 3

Cricket U15s

The U15 cricket season had its ups and downs, with us playing a total of 6 games; winning 2 and losing 4. Both of the wins came in a good run in the Yorkshire Cup against Easingwold Academy and Harrogate Grammar. However, once again we came up short against a strong Scarborough College team in the semi-finals, on a very windy and typical English summer’s day, when Tom Kerfoot was required to push the side screen back into place after it got blown over.

Although the results might not have shown it, it was a really good team e ort throughout the season, with some noticeable performances from:

· Thomas Edgar, scoring a much needed 25 against Bradford Grammar.

· Matty Hands, scoring 36 runs in a T20 against St Peter’s.

· Harry Jarvis, being the star in the field with a total of 6 catches.

Although we didn’t take as many wickets as we would have liked, all of our team bowled and fielded very well to restrict some teams down to a low score.

We are also extremely grateful for some of the under 14s, who played alongside us, especially Harry Hainsworth who, against Scarborough, picked up 4 wickets and scored a quick 25 runs.

Also, a number of our team got the opportunity to play for the 2nd team. In the Pocklington game, 7 out of the 10 wickets taken came from U15 bowlers.

Finally, on behalf of the team, we would like to say a special thank you to Mr Bradburne, Mr Cadman and Mr Randhawa for all their hard work in training and matches.

George Webster

Played: 6, Won: 2, Lost: 4

Girls’ Cricket U15s

After a successful season in 2022/23, the girls were keen to start as they left o . Two strong teams were put together, mixing up Years 8, 9 and 10, playing hard ball – some for the first time. The league matches were very competitive with some well-established teams like Low Moor, Pudsey and Crossflatts.

We started well against Rayburn Valley High School, coming out victorious, thanks to some excellent bowling by Georgie and wicket keeping

from Illy. The next game was restricted to 100 balls, which meant we had to be tactical with our bowling choices and batting order.

Again, a close contest, beating Queen Ethelburga’s. Little did we know that this would be the last win of the season. Losing to Shelley College to get knocked out of the cup and Crossflatts in the league, but we had many enjoyable Friday evenings being tested against teams who had some very good players –almost all of whom had more experience than we did.

We were all proud of how well we adapted to hardball and, despite many LBW claims, which were denied by the other umpires, we are keen to progress further in the cup this season and generally be quicker at getting padded up.

Well done to all the girls who helped fill the squads this season, every one of you contributed to our successful year. We had 27 girls from Years 7-10 play this season, which is brilliant and the future of girls’ cricket at the Grove is bright.

Big thanks to Miss Pearce, Mr Randhawa and Miss Thompson who helped us through the season.

Ellie Beaini and Lois Turner

Cricket U14s

After 3 cancelled games, we finally got our season underway by playing Manchester Grammar on the 1st team pitch. After we lost the toss, we made a great start by picking up 2 quick wickets to make it 18-2. 136 runs later we took our 3rd and started to frequent wickets that just about kept us in the game. Confident in our batting, we made a good start by being 64-1. Then a quick collapse later, the game went to MGS, resulting in a 55-run loss.

After a disappointing loss, we went on a 3-game winning streak. Our first win was Pocklington, which was highlighted by Harry’s hundred, Seb’s 46* and Jack’s 3-fer, resulting in a 90-run win.

After a big win, we played QEGS at home. Batting first, a disappointing 136 all out was all we could get, but we dominated the second innings, bowling them out for 56.

Three days later we started our cup run, playing North Halifax at home. We bowled first, getting them out cheaply for 88, including a few wickets for Charley Dibb and Jack. We went out confident we could chase 88, but a few quick wickets changed our mind. Eventually, we got the end with Jack getting 45*.

Out first game after half term was St Peter’s. We bowled first, and they posted a good score of 193. After a positive start 40-0, wickets started to fall, with the only resistance being Charlie Rimmington, ending on a career high of 37*.

The second round of the cup was against Crossley Heath. After four wickets from Seb and Harry we managed to restrict them to only 81. After 16 overs we got to the end only 1 down. After a steady innings of 35 from the 2 openers.

Three days later, we played eventual winners, Shelley College. We lost the toss and got put in the field. After a very strong innings from Shelley, we struggled to get going despite Harry’s 55*.

Our final game of the season was at Lancaster. We bowled first, restricting them to a par score of 160. With a few starts, we never really got going, falling 40 runs short.

Finally, thank you to Mr King, Mr Tennant and Mr Randhawa for an enjoyable season.

Thomas Halstead & Harry Hainsworth

Cricket U13s A

Building on the success of the Year 7 Team of the Year, the Year 8 team was well placed to have another strong season.

This year, the U13A team had a lot of games, including an Indoor tournament and a 6-a-side competition at GSAL.

We started the year with an indoor competition, which none of the cricket team had ever played before, with its weird rules of 1 o the walls and 2 for a run, but we still managed to get through to the final, only to lose on the last ball of the day.

We started the outdoor season with a win against Bradford Grammar School, with Sam Dowsland scoring a quick 52 with 4 sixes and 4 fours and Hugo Webster’s 2 wickets for four runs.

We then faced a good Manchester Grammar School away from home on a very wet Saturday. Joe Besau and Josh Neale with a last wicket stand and Josh hitting a great cover drive for 4 to win the match. Highlights of the season were Tommy Morgan and James Walton with some outstanding bowling, with Jimmy taking an all bowled hat trick against Pocklington.

We finished the season with 4 out of 5 wins, only losing to a good QEGS side unfortunately, but overall we had a great season.

Cricket is a sport where it’s easy to highlight individual success but, overall, we performed brilliantly every week as a team. Well done boys . The team would be nothing without the support of our coaches. Thank you for your support Mr Randhawa, Mr Barr and Mr Tennant.

Harry Sellers

Cricket U13s B

It was a crazy season, with our first game against GSAL cancelled because of the weather, so we’ll count that as a win. The weather was the story of the season, seeing nearly half the matches cancelled. Pretty much all of these were fixtures that were supposed to be against schools, so Mr Randhawa worked some magic to secure us some matches with local teams.

Our first played game ended up being a mixed teams friendly against the Year 7 Bs. It gave us a chance to get ready for the season ahead. Turnout was low, probably because of the cold weather and wind, so Mr Dobson called in a Year 5…but the less said about my brother, the better.

Our next was a game against Rodley, where we lost by 8 wickets, but it was a lot closer than that scoreline suggests, with Leo hitting 24 o 17 balls.

Then we had an unlucky loss against North Leeds by 71 runs, but we did manage to get a good haul of wickets against a tricky opposition with Eesa, Harry Large and myself.

We then had 2 more games against local teams Horsforth and Olicanians, before our last game of the season against Alwoodley. This was one of the most thrilling games where we narrowly lost by 5 wickets, but Dean did get 3 wickets and Luke got 31 o 49, so it was very a good game to finish o a very good season.

Thank you to Mr Dobson who gave up his Saturdays to coach and umpire our games. And also, a thanks to all the lads for their e orts this season.

Eddie Burdett

Girls’ Cricket U13s

The Woodhouse Grove School Under 13A and U13 Green girls’ cricket teams have had an impressive season in 2024! Both teams showcased their skills and teamwork, finishing as 2nd and 3rd in the Bradford Region of the West Yorkshire League.

This achievement highlights their dedication and hard work throughout the season. The A team demonstrated strong performances, with key players stepping up in crucial matches, while the youngsters in the U13 Green team also contributed significantly, providing depth and talent to the overall squad. Their success not only reflects their cricketing abilities but also their dedication to training throughout the year - and also the most important factor of enjoyment of the game.

Mr G Randhawa

Cricket U12s

As ever, with cricket, the weather often determines the outcomes of matches and leagues. The Summer 24 season was no exception and actually pushed the boundaries (pun definitely intended) of the tireless work of Simon Wood and his ground sta to get the pitches into a playable condition – thank you, Simon et al.

Unfortunately, despite sunshine on the first weekend of the term, the matches against GSAL were cancelled so we had a training session in the nets, ready for the derby against Bradford Grammar in a week’s time. Despite batting first and setting a decent target for BGS to chase, they knocked it o for 6 wickets. A win by 10 wickets in the cup was interlaced between the next match against an always excellent Manchester Grammar School, which boasts Mike Atherton as one of its alumni.

Friendly matches on Friday afternoons against local schools ensured we had a steady run of matches that allowed the extended squad to feature in competitive cricket.

Disappointingly, as the term came to an end, so did our luck in the cup losing to GSAL who we did not manage to play at the start of the season.

I always say, the cricket fixture list is tough with GSAL, BGS, MGS in the first three Saturdays meaning that personal improvement is more of a focus than the result. I am confident that every player improved over the season and is ready for the indoor winter nets.

Finally, I would like to thank, the ground sta (again), the catering team, parents and Mr Dobson for helping me with the coaching and taking the B team.

The awards were as follows:

Coaches’ Player: Jonny McWilliams

Best Batter: Henry Sewards

Best Bowler: James Neale

Mr K Eaglestone

We started o with a narrow defeat against our close rivals, Bradford, that saw wickets being taken by Dougie and Tom Simpson with his Leg spin/O spin. We followed that up with our biggest win of the year against Pocklington, with us scoring a huge 139, with big scores from Henry, Noah Anderson and Benji. James Neale then led the way with the ball, taking a fantastic 3 wickets for only 6 runs. We then followed a win with a defeat losing to QEGS. Back to winning! With a great performance against North Leeds, with Noah Bradburne smashing a fast 25 and Dougie scoring 32. But, then we were back to losing! We played half the Lancashire squad who played for Lancaster – thank goodness for Jack and Noah making the game competitive. So, a mixed season. But a very enjoyable one.

We played as a team through all the games and supported each other no matter which way the game went, so a big thank you to everyone that played. And a huge thank you to Mr Eaglestone and Mr Dobson for their brilliant coaching.

Henry Sewards & Jonny McWilliams

Football 1st XI

Despite a challenging season, a lot of positives can be taken from all the work put in by the players throughout the year.

The season began with the school’s first entry into an ISFA competition. With byes in the preliminary and first rounds, we wound our way into the second round, getting drawn against Ackworth School. We played much of the game on the back foot and ended up losing 3-0. The lack of end product in this game set the precedent for the rest of the year.

The St Peter’s 6-a-side tournament is always a highlight of the season, and we were going into it reigning champions. We breezed through the group stages, beating every team we played. Then came the final, where we faced Scarborough College, who had already beaten us twice in 11-a-side. We couldn’t retain the title, but the lads were a credit to the school throughout the tournament and I’m sure they will be hungry to reclaim it next year.

We won our next game against St Peter’s with a classy finish from Harry Bates to top o the performance. This victory gave us confidence going into GSAL at home. This quickly diminished, as we conceded two quick goals. It was great to see the determination shown by the team to try reduce the deficit, however we were unable to do so, losing 4-1.

This game was the beginning of a win drought, which saw us score 6 goals in 5 games but as a team there were some good passages of play. We just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Being part of the school football team has been one of the highlights of my time at the Grove, as I am sure many of the lads would agree. Leading the players out onto the pitch for the last time was an honour, and the performance against GSAL was one of resounding determination. Playing a team who had bested us 3 times in two years, everybody played with an absolute desire to win.

Unfortunately, the chances didn’t fall our way, and the fairytale ending couldn’t be achieved. Overall, this season has been a massive learning curve for the team, with people playing new positions, and di erent tactics being tried. It was great to see the development over the year, and even better to see some great players coming through in Year 11.

Lastly, I would like to thank Mr Softley for his dedication to the team and would also like to say thank you to the catering sta for providing meals after the matches, and the grounds sta for making sure we had pitches to play on every week.

Rory Henderson

Played: 11, Won: 2, Drawn: 2, Lost: 7

Goals For: 15, Goals Against: 30, Goal Di erence: -15

ISFA Bowl Final 16 – v Ackworth – Lost 3-0

St Peter’s 6-aside tournament – 2nd Place

V Scarborough College – Lost 3-0

V St Peter’s – Won 4-0

V GSAL – Lost 4-1

V Barnard Castle – Lost 1-0

V QEGS Blackburn – Draw 1-1

V Hull Collegiate – Lost 3-1

V Birkdale – Lost 3-5

V Ampleforth – Won 4-2

V Bolton School – Lost 7-0

V Harrogate Grammar – Draw 1-1

V GSAL – Lost 2-1

Football 2nd XI

The 2nd XI boys had a very successful season, showcasing brilliant team cohesion and hard work when on the field in competitive games and o the field in training sessions.

Notable wins against York, St Peter’s, Birkdale, Barnard Castle and Ampleforth shows the growth of the 2nd XI over the past few seasons. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, with standout performances from key players throughout the season.

It has also been pleasing to see the integration process of some of the boys moving into the 1st XI from the 2nd XI, noting that the 2nd XI players have adapted well to the increased intensity and expectations of the 1st team. This has been hugely down to the hard work of the boys and also fosters a culture of development within the school’s football program, run brilliantly by Mr Barr and Mr Softley.

Mr G Randhawa

P: 7, W: 5, D: 1, L: 1

Football U15s

We’ve had a tough but great season with the boys, starting with an away game early in the season against Dame Allen’s where the boys showed their class going 2-0 up with Joe Ga ney’s speed combined with a bit of Rafe McCormack’s magic to get the second. But the boys unfortunately fell short after Dame Allan’s bagged 3 back, one being in added time, leading to a long bus journey on the way home.

Next up was Dame Allen’s again where Matty Roberts showed his heart against the strong midfield, linking up well with Theo McLleland, who had the left back on strings, but unfortunately it wasn’t our day as we fell behind by 5. But don’t worry, the boys went down fighting till the final whistle, with Ollie Stead scoring in the last minute to make it 5-1. But I think we can all agree that it was last goal wins!

Next was GSAL away, our favourite game of the season. The boys went into this really wanting to win. With Victor Hanson on his A team debut, bagging a goal and causing problems alongside Ollie Blake. But once again just coming short with a tough 4-3 loss.

Later in the season was QEGS, where once again the boys put their all into it. Matty Hands caused havoc on the left wing and set up Adam who slotted the ball bottom corner to create a goal to remember, but once again the boys fell a goal short with the game ending 3-3.

The next two games were tough as most of the team were out playing sevens. It was down to the B team. Henry Clarkson and AJ stepped into the centre back role amazingly and Isaiah used his speed and balance to beat defenders. Although we didn’t manage to score, we did in our own net and all had a good laugh, thanks AJ.

Finally, GSAL again. After a close season of unlucky losses, the boys‘ hope never dropped. Heading into the last game, the boys’ determination was through the roof with great work rates from Josh Kendrick and Ewan Sterling linking up with Sam Johnson to make a beautiful back line. Toby O’Shaughnessy’s amazing saves helped the boys get the well-deserved 4-3 win. This result really showed the improvement the boys made and the determination they showed throughout the season.

Nick Bagshaw & Harry Jarvis

Played: 11, Won: 1 , Lost: 8, Drawn: 2

Football U14s Football U13s

It’s been a brilliant season for the U14 football teamwe have had some bad moments like losing 5-0 to GSAL and an unlucky 2-3 loss against Birkdale, but we have also had some funny moments, like how Elliot forgot we were playing football not rugby in one game in the way he tackled their striker and Mr Bradburne’s half time team talks became the stu of legend amongst the team!!

Our season on the whole was enjoyable with some memorable moments such as the draw against a very strong Dame Allan side, with a last minute equaliser by Seb Cadman. Then a tight win in the very next game against a good Hull Collegiate team.

Guy Wilkinson, Elliott Alderson, Archie Duggan and Tom Halstead were very solid in defence, not letting much past them. Thomas Howcroft was a revelation in midfield this season, after a positional change from Mr Bradburne, showing his strength and “technical ball skills”. And we can’t forget about Ollie Hall's fast feet on the wing and Seb Cadman's class finishing, making him top scorer of this year, but some could say a few were tap ins! And, finally, Ben Cooper with his quick feet and skill saw him passing defenders left and right - and he wasn’t bad in goal either!

The boys made a real e ort this year, making it fun yet successful, and a massive shout out to the B team who achieved a good result against GSAL, even though they have hundreds more students to choose from. They really did get the result of the season that day.

Finally, we want to say a big thank you to all the coaches and all the parents for coming and watching us each week. We know it can be a tough watch so we really appreciate your support and we hope you had as much fun as we did.

Ben Cooper

The Year 8 football teams had a great season.

The A team won 7 out of 10 games, only losing to Dame Allan’s and Langley. Our ISFA cup run was one of the highlights of the season. We got all the way to the semi-final and were inches away from the final. It was a very exciting game where we played end to end for the whole game, not scoring a single goal. When it got to extra time, they scored and we thought our cup run was over. Then Noah won a corner and scored from it, celebrating all over the pitch. Unfortunately, we then lost the match 5-4 on penalties. It was a long drive home, a great cup run but just not to be this year. We go again in Year 9…

The highlight of the season was when we beat GSAL 3-0 away from home, with an outstanding performance from all the lads that created a lifelong memory.

Overall, a great team and a great season – well done lads.

The B team also had a good season, playing 5 games, winning 2 and losing 3. There was a lot of competition for places, with several players moving between the A and B teams.

I would like to thank all the coaches who helped us out over the season, and well done to all the boys who played for the teams.

Harry Sellers

A Team – Played 10, Won 7, Drew 1, Lost 2

B Team – Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3

Players used: 49

Girls’ Football U13s

This season saw more progress for the team as we played more matches and entered two cup competitions.

The U13s girls kicked o the season with an astounding victory against Prince Henry’s Grammar (7-0) and then went on a winning streak during friendlies. They then hit their first challenging matches against Harrogate Grammar (drawing 4-4) and Tadcaster Grammar in the cup, losing 5-2, in a very competitive game.

To finish the outstanding season o , they played a 7-a-side ISAFA tournament, unfortunately missing out on a place in the final. In this tournament we played some excellent teams including Stockport GS, GSAL and Cheadle Hume. There was some excellent play throughout the day, with the girls missing out on the final on goal di erence. This gave the team a lot of confidence, knowing they could compete with some of the best teams in the North. This bodes well for next season, where the girls are looking forward to more games, including ISFA and ESFA cups, as well as a tour to Milan in February.

We would like to thank all the teachers who helped coach, referee and drive us to fixtures over the year.

Hettie Smith

Played: 7, Won: 4, Drawn: 1 , Lost: 2

Football U12s

The Under 12 football season unfortunately did not get o to a good start as our first two fixtures were cancelled due to bad weather, so we started with a training match one Saturday morning, which allowed our coaches to have a look at all the boys' abilities.

Our first fixture sadly ended in defeats for both teams against GSAL, and we won’t talk about the score lines. However, we went on to improve greatly after this, with wins for both teams against Aysgarth. The B team had an impressive 12-1 victory, with goals from Naveed, Johnny, Thomas and basically the whole team. It was great to win so convincingly! The A team won 4-2. Thomas chipped the goalkeeper on his debut for the A team and Noah had a very lucky goal that was meant to be a cross! The other team scored a couple of own goals to help us to victory!

The A team then travelled to QEGS Manchester, where Lucas opened up the scoring and then Naveed came o the bench to score a left footed volley into the top corner. Noah then finished o the scoring for the final score to be 3-0.

Both teams then travelled away to Birkdale in She eld on a very wet and cold morning. Unfortunately, it did not start well for either team, as the Bs lost 3-0, with an own goal from Thomas!! It looked like the A team might follow, being 2-0 down at half time. We were losing hope as Noah D had gone o injured, when suddenly we got 2 goals back very quickly and then in the last couple of minutes Sam scored a screamer to win us the game 3-2. We were all so wet but so happy and Nav decided to celebrate by body sliding into a pool of mud. I wish we had a picture!

Unfortunately, the happiness did not continue as we had to play GSAL again - but we won’t talk about that again!

Thank you to Mr Barr and the other coaches who have helped us this year.

Noah Anderson and Thomas Simpson

A Team – Played 6, Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 2

B Team – Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

Tennis

The 2024 Tennis season started early in March with the first round of the senior Aberdare and Glanville Cups. The U18 girls faced Ilkley Grammar School, whereby they won comfortably (12-0) progressing through to the next round against South Hunsley. After an incredibly competitive fixture, they lost their cup run battle. The boys fought well in their singles and doubles matches, narrowly losing out to Bradford Grammar School in the Glanville Cup.

Following the early cup fixtures, the rest of the season got o to a great start by hosting Optimal Coaching sessions both on Saturdays and during co-curricular clubs, open to U12-15 pupils. They got the chance to learn new skills whilst experiencing some fun, interactive game play.

The 2024 competitive season saw a wide variety of friendly fixtures for both boys and girls from U12-U18. There were regular midweek (league) fixtures and Saturday (friendly) fixtures. Y7/8 and Y9/10 teams entered the Aegon Division 2 Leagues with the Y9/10 boys’ team emerging as league winners - many congratulations to M Hands, F Rayner, N Bagshaw and G Ng. The variety of fixtures has enabled many students to experience competitive tennis, both home and away, this has been a great challenge for the students.

A relatively new partnership with Rawdon Golf and Tennis Club meant students were given the chance to train using the excellent tennis facilities at the club during games afternoons and some fixtures. This was a highly successful initiative which hopefully will be continuing next season.

Once again, the ‘Play your way to Wimbledon’ competition ran with lots of interest this year. With over 70 students entering, the competition was held on a Saturday morning and saw lots of competitive and enjoyable games between pupils. Doubles winners N Bagshaw/M Hands, N Flynn/D Treanor and singles winners D Malik and D Brimacombe were all given the opportunity to represent themselves at Nu eld Tennis Academy Hull where they narrowly lost out on a place in the finals at Wimbledon. The end of the season saw 2 super-curricular trips take place. The Year 7s were given the opportunity to visit the ATP Ilkley Challenger Tournament, where they were able to watch professionals competing as a ‘warm up to Wimbledon’ and also get a masterclass held by some of the coaches at Ilkley Tennis Club. The Year 8-10 pupils were also o ered the chance to go to the opening day of Wimbledon to see some huge stars, including Medvedev and Sinner.

Well done to all the students who have attended training throughout the year and also represented the school in fixtures. We look forward to seeing everyone returning next year for another successful season.

Mrs K Curtis

Cross Country

The Cross Country Club has had a very successful 2023-24 season, with too many individual successes to list them all.

Across the season, athletes competed at the Bingley Harriers race, Leeds Schools’ League, English Fell Running Championships, English Schools’ Cross Country Cup and the King Henry VIII relay race.

The club train each week Tuesdays and Thursdays, after school sessions, with about 60 di erent pupils attending across the two training sessions (some regularly coming to both each week). Pupils have joined from Year 7 to the Sixth Form. Each Tuesday and Thursday session is attended by between 20 and 40 pupils each time. Sta from a variety of academic departments have helped out coaching. The club started the year with a well-attended preseason training day for 30 cross country runners from Years 8-12.

The highlights of the year include three teams representing at the English Schools’ Cross-Country Finals on 2nd December in Ipswich; Intermediate Girls, Intermediate Boys and Senior Boys. This puts us as one of the top 12 teams in the country who are taking three or more teams to the finals and in each category puts us in the top 25 teams in the competition. Charley Clark-Taylor continued her race dominance in many areas, including winning the Leeds School League.

Harry Bates was elected, and was again a wonderful Club Captain.

Triathlon: Four of our pupils - Eilidh Molloy, Oliver Goodison, Charley Clark-Taylor and Simeon Teddhave been selected for the Yorkshire Triathlon Academy. The YTA has a history of producing elite athletes in the sport, including the Brownlee Brothers. Eilidh, Oliver, Charley and Simeon took part in swimming, cycling and running time trials in order to qualify for selection. The academy supports these athletes as a first step on the GB National Talent Pathway.

Oliver Goodison, Will Thornhill and Simeon Tedd all placed well in the Yorkshire Junior Triathlon Series. Charley Clark-Taylor (4th) and Tom Goodison (11th) also had great debuts in their respective age groups at the Leeds-Bradford Aquathlon.

Mr T Exeter

House Reports

Atkinson

As always, a focus for me as Atkinson House Mistress is that all students feel confident, willing and able to participate in a wide variety of house events. It is important for students to feel part of the Atkinson House community; whilst your form, set or class might change as you progress throughout the school, your participation in Atkinson House remains a constant throughout your journey at The Grove. It is a privilege to see students push themselves outside of their comfort zone, take part in some healthy inter-house competition and earn themselves some all important house points. In my seventh year as Atkinson House mistress I have, once again, been in awe of Atkinson’s ability to have full representation at every house event and give it their all against some tough competition. Atkinson House were thrilled to have come (joint!) second with Towlson House behind the worthy winner, Vinter House.

Atkinson’s success this year was attributed to an outstanding prefect team.

Junior prefects: Hettie Smith and Eloise Baker. Inter prefects: Louis Graham and Connie Dawes. Senior prefects: Kaitlyn Walsh, Alisha Ershad, Umar Khan, Oliver Defurey.

Deputy Heads of House: Mimi Jones and Jake Eaglestone

Heads of House: Ruby Clark and Hugo Poole.

A special mention to Hugo Poole, who was the worthy recipient of a Platinum house badge. This award goes to students who have gained 50 or above house points. Hugo has shown unwavering commitment and dedication to Atkinson House since Year 7 and, as such, accumulated a total of fifty-two house points, which is an incredible achievement. Thank you for everything you have done for Atkinson, Hugo! Credit is also given to Jasper Bickle who was this year's recipient of the ‘Schoeman Dedication to Atkinson House’ award, having accumulated twelve house points throughout the year, the most of any Atkinson House student throughout. Well done, Jasper!

Atkinson showed excellent spirit throughout every house competition this academic year but particularly shone in a number of events. In the Autumn Term, Kaitlyn Walsh and Summer Lawrence led Atkinson to a valiant victory in senior house debating, competing in the final against a strong Southerns House. Atkinson girls dove their way to first place in house swimming (a personal favorite house event of mine). And the Year 9s won house basketball, with a special mention to Justin Lee who was particularly e ective as team manager. These victories and accruing the most credit in the Autumn Term, meant Atkinson were finishing the calendar year in a strong position.

Spring Term was a tale of two halves. For the first time in recent memory, Atkinson scientists won both junior and senior science and came second in house chess. However, somehow Atkinson came last in junior, inters and senior quiz. Although this was not Atkinson’s finest hour, it was quite a comical realisation when the scores came through!

A special mention needs to go to Sports Day in the Summer Term. Always a highlight of the academic calendar for me, and with a rearranged date due to poor weather, Atkinson entered with a strong team. The atmosphere was electric, the face paint was on point and every student competing or supporting brought their A-game. Due to the incredible team spirit, for the first time in nine years, Atkinson CAME FIRST IN SPORTS DAY. Granted it was a joint first with Towlson House but a victory none the less.

I was particularly happy to have such a victorious Sports Day as I’m leaving on a high! After seven years at the helm, it is time to pass on the baton of Atkinson House Mistress to the formidable Mrs Owens. I would like to thank every student, sta member and fellow House Masters and Mistresses that have supported me in my role as Atkinson House Mistress. I have seen it as an honor and a privilege and will look back on these memories as a career highlight for sure. Over to you, Owens!

Miss L Holloway

Findlay

It is a great honour to take over as Findlay Housemaster from Mr Crawford. Having been in Findlay since I was 11 years old, this House is a key part of my identity. I could not be in any other house, IYKYK. And so, for me this role is not just a responsibility and a title; it is a privilege that I hold with immense pride and gratitude.

My ultimate aim for the year ahead was simple, for Findlay to be the very best that it could be! To navigate the challenges that lay ahead I knew it was essential to put a strong leadership team together and so I was thrilled to appoint: Summer Anderson and Lola Henderson as joint Heads of House, with Archie Hurford as Deputy Head. Our senior prefects wereJobe Knapton, Rory Henderson, Victoria Dabrowska, and Nicola Trimby - who further strengthened the team, along with our junior and inters prefects.

While finishing the year in 4th place might suggest that Findlay did not have a particularly spectacular year, our story tells a di erent tale! Our impressive rise in the standings during the Summer Term certainly captured the attention of the rest of the school.

The year began with great potential, but it soon became clear that the path ahead would be a bumpy one! In the Autumn Term, after a tough start in senior boys’ squash, finishing 6th, we quickly bounced back with a 2nd place in senior badminton and 3rd in both senior and junior debating. The boys and girls swimming events were epic as always, though the boys' 6th place certainly did not reflect their e orts. The girls however achieved a commendable 4th place, despite being one swimmer short. Additionally, our Year 7 basketball team secured 2nd place, and the Year 10 basketball team triumphed and took 1st place.

Despite weather-related disruptions at the start of the Spring Term, thankfully senior netball went ahead, and Findlay remained undefeated! Congratulations to Summer Anderson, Lola Henderson, Nicola Trimby, Victoria Debrowska, Lexie Cadman, Lucy Hanson, and Evie Edgley for their exceptional performance on the court.

In the final weeks of the Spring Term, Findlay achieved some very impressive results, securing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the senior, inters and junior quizzes, respectively, along with 2nd in senior house science. The boys' football teams performed exceptionally well, with Year 7 finishing 2nd, Year 8 coming in 3rd, and the seniors taking 1st place, featuring Archie Hurford, Rory Henderson, James Edgley, Rufus Halliday, Jobe Knapton, Harry Bates, Thomas Reavey, Elliot Tattersall, Adam Bashir and Ned Waterhouse.

The girls' teams also excelled, finishing 2nd in Years 10-13 and 1st in Years 7-9, leading to an overall football trophy win. We were rapidly accumulating points!

During the Summer Term, Findlay elevated the annual house charity bake sale with music, microphones and, of course, plenty of cake, making it an incredibly fun experience. With only a few more events remaining, and riding on the success we had in the previous term, Findlay were now seen as a real threat and seemingly unstoppable. And it was true! We went on to secure 1st place in the junior chess tournament, the inters debate AND the junior cross country! Marking a real high point in the year for Findlay House - we had made it to 2nd place in the house standings!

We then had only one more event to go. Findlay showed up in full force to house athletics and put in a valiant e ort to try and keep 2nd place, but alas we came 5th which meant we finished the year overall in 4th place.

Whatever the outcome, I am incredibly proud of how far we have come this year. Our achievements show just how dedicated we have all been. Everyone in the house has played a vital role in our success, and I want to emphasise that everyone in Findlay is important, valued and appreciated.

Throughout the year, many students earned silver and gold badges, symbolising their participation and enthusiasm in house events. In addition to this, Platinum trophies were also awarded to Summer Anderson, Lola Henderson and Nicola Trimby for achieving a staggering 50 house points.

This year, with the generous support of the Friends of Woodhouse Grove, we introduced a new trophy: The Andrew Crawford Cup. It was my pleasure to award The Andrew Crawford Cup for Dedication and Commitment to Lucy Hanson and The Mike Allewell Cup for E ort and Achievement to Abigail Stirk. Consistently optimistic and entirely dependable, Lucy and Abigail have always been prepared to go above and beyond for the house and have, without hesitation, continually stepped up whenever the house needed them. A pair of brilliant role models.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of Findlay House for their unwavering commitment, enthusiasm and support. It is the fantastic people in it that make this house truly special. Let’s continue to work together, encourage one another and strive to be the very best we can be!

Mrs S Harder

Southerns

This past year has been an exciting journey for Southerns House, and the results speak for themselves. We moved up from 6th place last year to finish in 5th this year, and while it might seem like a small step, it’s one in the right direction. Last year, we ended our final house assembly with "The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz and this year, in keeping with tradition, we ended with "Moving On Up" by M People. Although my music taste may be a bit dated, the message remains loud and clear: Southerns is on the rise! Our achievements this year showcase the heart and determination of our students, with highlights across the vast array of competitions. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments that made this year unforgettable for Southerns House.

The year kicked o in style with Inters Badminton, where Southerns took 1st place, thanks to stellar performances from George Ng, Ronnie Hawkshaw, and Leo Wood. These players truly embodied the competitive spirit, delivering match-winning performances. Another triumph came from our Senior Girls’ Football team, who also secured 1st place. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Mica Bardouille-Lewis, who not only performed on the field but also uplifted the team’s spirit throughout the tournament. It was a victory earned with passion and teamwork. Our boys’ swimming team made waves too, finishing 2nd, just behind Vinter. This team has shown great promise, and there’s a real sense of optimism for next year as we set our sights firmly on that top spot – we are coming for you, Vinter! On the basketball courts, we saw similar success, with our Year 8 team securing 1st place and the Year 10s following closely with a strong 2nd. It was a fantastic showing of teamwork across the board.

O the field, our Senior Debating team, Mica Bardouille-Lewis and Dom Horne, took us to the finals, where we secured 2nd place. Their articulate and thoughtful arguments kept us right in the running, and though they were narrowly beaten, their e ort brought in vital points for the house. In the Junior Quiz competition, our team clinched 1st place, showing not just knowledge but a sharp competitive edge. Our Senior Quiz team wasn’t far behind, coming in 2nd place. We also achieved 2nd place in Junior Science, continuing to demonstrate Southerns’ strength in STEM. While our Senior Science team didn’t fare quite as well this time, finishing last, there’s always room for improvement next year.

Despite these successes, we also faced challenges. In the Autumn and Summer Term credits competitions, we came 6th - a result we are committed to

improving. Similarly, although we finished 4th in the athletics competition, our athletes gave their all, and with their dedication, we are sure to improve next year.

None of this would have been possible without the outstanding leadership of our prefect team, led by Hritik Bhangoo and Mica Bardouille-Lewis. Their commitment and positivity have set a strong example for others to follow, and they’ve truly embodied what it means to lead with heart. As we look to the future, Southerns House is stronger and more united than ever. The progress we made this year is just the beginning, and with continued hard work and determination, we are confident that our upward trajectory will continue. Perhaps next year’s theme song will be "We Are the Champions" by Queen, because with Southerns’ spirit, anything is possible.

Here’s to another year of growth, resilience and continued success. Southerns House, onward and upward!

Mrs L Watmough

Stephenson

Although a 6th place finish wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for, Stephenson House had a year filled with remarkable achievements, moments of perseverance and a true sense of camaraderie. As the new Housemaster, I was thrilled to see the spirit of competition alive in every member of Stephenson. The House system, after all, is about more than just winning - it's about giving everyone the chance to showcase their talents, take risks and grow. And this year, we certainly made our mark.

One of the defining moments of the year was an assembly where I posed a thought-provoking question: “If there was a magic pill that meant you could never fail, would you take it?” The conversation that followed was inspiring, but the message I wanted to leave everyone with was simple - don’t be afraid of failure. The real failure is not trying. And Stephenson House embodied that spirit of boldness, getting involved in every event with enthusiasm and pride. Let’s take a look back at some of our standout moments.

The Junior Table Tennis team kicked o our year with a bang, clinching 2nd place in a fiercely competitive tournament. This early podium finish set the tone for what was to come.

We didn’t have to wait long for more success. In Junior Debating, Samuel Peterson and Victoria Adeleke delivered an outstanding performance, securing 1st place with a knockout argument that left our rivals, Southerns, in the dust.

Our Senior Badminton team also gave it their all, finishing 3rd in an intense tournament, showing incredible skill and resilience throughout.

The boys' swimming team splashed their way to 3rd place, narrowly missing out on a top two finish. This year, we’re hungry for the top spot, and both our boys and girls are determined to take it!

On the basketball courts, our performances were mixed, but our Year 9 team shone through, earning 3rd place. Despite a tough contest, their hard work paid o .

Our junior boys and girls brought energy and grit to the squash courts, finishing 4th in both competitions, facing some tough opposition.

One of the year’s brightest highlights came during the Music Competition, where the talent of Stephenson House truly stole the show. We placed 2nd overall, with Winnie O and (Deputy HoH) taking 1st place among the seniors with a breath-taking original song performed on the piano.

In the House Quiz competition, our Inter team proved their intellectual prowess, taking 1st place. Meanwhile, the Seniors finished strong with 3rd place, and although the Juniors landed in 6th, their e ort was commendable.

Football was another area where Stephenson House excelled. Our Year 8 team emerged victorious, winning 1st place in the House tournament, while the Year 10s came close, finishing 2nd. The Senior team secured 3rd, showing depth across all year groups. Let’s not forget our Girls’ Football team, who battled fiercely to finish 3rd overall. A fantastic e ort all around!

The cross-country course saw our junior runners cross the finish line with grit and determination, securing a strong 2nd place overall.

Shifting from the field to the lab, both our Junior and Senior Science teams showed immense dedication, with the Juniors finishing 4th and the Seniors placing 5th. The level of e ort and preparation that went into both projects was truly admirable.

Finally, Sports Day provided an epic conclusion to the year. Ben Dickinson delivered a stunning performance, breaking two school records in the high jump and 400m, and joined forces with Libby Pierson, Archie Wallace, and Macie Donaldson to smash another record in the mixed medley relay. In the Junior Girls' 1500m, Charlotte Marson powered to 1st place, while Fabian Poor dominated the podium in both the high jump and the 100m sprint.

The Junior Boys’ Medley Relay team, featuring Fabian Poor, Ethan White, Noah Bradburne and George Hyatt, also brought home a 1st place finish. It was a thrilling day of athletic excellence, and although we ended up joint 5th overall with Findlay, we left it all on the track and field.

As I reflect on the year, I want to give a special thanks to our Head Prefects, Emily Greenwood, Sam Vernon, and Winnie O and, for their unwavering leadership and dedication. To the senior pupils leaving us, thank you for your contributions over the years. You’ve made your mark on Stephenson House, and your legacy will be remembered.

Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement for the new year. While 6th place wasn’t what we aimed for, we’re only getting started. With the determination, talent and team spirit I’ve seen this year, the only direction we’re heading is up!

Mr C Jackson

It is with a sad but proud heart that I start my last Grovian House report. I have been House Mistress of Towlson House for the last 10 years, so on this anniversary, it seemed appropriate to step down.

And what a year it has been! As is almost tradition in Towlson House, we started the year winning senior boys’ squash. This group of students tell me that they have won every boys’ squash event since Year 7, so they had to end their reign with another victory, which they did. Not to be outdone by the boys, the girls’ senior squash team also came a respectable second place.

We also had representations in senior debating from Lucy Lund and Mary Murphy and in junior debating from Henry Padley and Tommy Morgan. We also secured 4th place in junior table tennis, 3rd place in inters badminton and 4th place in senior badminton.

Swimming is always a highlight of the Winter Term and I am proud to say that 16 students took part in the boys’ event. Special mention should go to the junior boys’ medley relay team; Henry Padley, Ethan Holmes, Frank Warburton and Joe Besau, for achieving 1st place. And also to Noah Pennington and Simeon Tedd for achieving 1st place in the junior breaststroke and inters freestyle, respectively.

Well done, to all the students who took part in their year groups’ basketball during the last week of term and also to the girls’ swimming team; 11 students taking part on a cold Tuesday night in December. The inters team should have a particular mention here; Bella Strudwick, Leisha Woo and Daisy Mantel stepping up and doing strokes that they have rarely done before (Daisy and the butterfly) and swimming two lengths in the relay (Bella). We ended the term in third place.

We had lots of decent results in the Spring Term, starting with a third and fifth place in girls’ and boys’ junior squash respectively. Max Warland and Edward Bywell then played their final chess games for Towlson house in a week-long senior chess event. As ever, a real high point of the term was house music. This year we only had solo performances: Joe Besau played drums for the juniors; Simeon Tedd played piano for the inters; and Kitty Hawker played the trombone for the seniors. Overall, we achieved first place. Miranda and Rosalind Bayliss and Mary Murphy represented Towlson in house science and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work in putting their entries together. As ever, the term ended with both boys’ and girls’ football fixtures. There are too many students to name here,

however, if I could give an award out for participation, I think Towlson House would win! We could have played 11-a-side for some events, rather than the 5 students that were needed. The senior boys slimly lost out on first place and the Year 13 students saw their record of winning every football event they had taken part in since Year 7 slip through their fingers. I know they were disappointed, but their teamwork and camaraderie won the day for me!

The final term was a quiet one; Ti e Bolaru and Bella Strudwick flew the flag for inters debating at the start of the term but then the House was simply preparing for Sports Day. Despite not taking place on Leavers’ Weekend, it was a fitting end to my final year as House Mistress, as we came joint first with Atkinson House. 40 students took part, with notable performances from: Simeon Tedd, who once again completed the 1500m and 800m races; Matilda Frazer, who ran the 1500m as an inter rather than a junior; and the inters boys’ 4x100m relay team, who stormed to first place. Frank Warburton also won the junior boys Victor Ludorum.

At the end of term, Caitlin Marshall was awarded the James Hole Trophy for her ongoing contribution to Towlson House. Whilst Vinter House could never be caught for the overall House Trophy, I am very proud to say that we came joint second with Atkinson House.

I would like to thank all the students and sta who have been part of Towlson House over the last 10 years and my fellow House Masters and Mistresses. We have won the overall trophy twice in that time, however, whilst I have enjoyed winning events, my lasting memories will always go back to the students; those who were willing to do something they had never done before, those who would step aside for someone else to take part and those who would take part at the last minute. It is their support that makes the role of House Mistress so rewarding and enjoyable.

Finally, I want to wish Mr Gill the best of luck for the future!

Mrs C Spencer

Miss L Holloway

The whole of Vinter House is looking forward to building on the success of the 2023/24 academic year, and we will definitely aim for a back-to-back win in the overall House competition.

Mr T Exeter

What a fantastic year for Vinter House!

From day one of the new academic year, back in early September 2023 and the start of my second year as Head of House, I could tell Vinter had a truly excellent prefect leadership team, and the atmosphere in assemblies, and engagement and enthusiasm of the pupils was second to none.

The new House competition started and Vinter quickly took the lead with wins in events such as squash and the action-packed swimming galas. From then onwards, the plan was to stay at the top of the table and build a big enough lead so that we would have a very comfy bu er before the all-important, title clinching Sports Day at the end of term. Vinter stuck to the plan and stayed on top of the points table for the entire academic year, with great wins in events such as; senior chess, cross country, Year 7 football and basketball, senior badminton and junior table tennis.

The build-up to the end of the House competition was very dramatic, especially as Sports Day was initially cancelled and then rearranged. Vinter had a very strong athletics team on the day, especially our Junior and Inter Girls’ teams, who competed so well. Coming third overall in Sports Day was more than enough to secure the overall House Trophy, and Vinter finished with a fantastic one hundred and fifty-five points, fifteen clear of the next best house.

Looking back at the year there are so many Vinter pupils who have so much to be proud of. One hundred percent of all year 7s got involved in at least one House event, and numerous silver and gold House badges were awarded. Head of House, Lena Plein, was a fantastic and inspirational role model to the younger years, and I was delighted to award her a Platinum badge for earning over fifty house points over the years; a true commitment to the House. Lena and Deputy Heads of House, Abigail Lewis and Philip Wright, alongside the other sixth form prefects, did a wonderful job running assemblies, cheering on from the sidelines and helping me recruit volunteers for certain house events. Their strong team unity and wonderful positive attitudes certainly contributed to the successful year Vinter House enjoyed.

Many thanks to the kind and helpful Woodhouse Grove Vinter sta who have always been on hand to help, encourage and inspire the pupils throughout the year. A wonderful team with a real sense of community.

I am the very best of me...

I am every teacher who has inspired me. I am every lesson that has opened my eyes. I am every maths problem I have solved. I am every book that has captivated me. I am every science experiment that has surprised me. I am every sports tour that has motivated me. I am every drama class that has transformed me. I am more than just academic. I am everything I want to be. I am prepared. I am gracious and generous. I am resourceful and resilient. I am ambitious and committed. I am understood. I am my unlocked potential. I am an individual, yet I am part of something incredible. I am Grovian.