2012 - Bradford Grammar School

thebradfordian
2012
issue346
School Notes
Contents
page
School NoteS
3
clock houSe
25
SocietieS & FeatureS
33
ViSitS
49
art & perFormaNce
61
Sport
71
old BradFordiaNS’ aSSociatioN
109
Kevin Riley, Headmaster
2
3
school notes
school notes
The Editor writes…
The Headmaster writes…
Welcome to the new-look Bradfordian. I very much hope that
you enjoy reading this first full-colour issue, and that the new
format doesn’t scupper your shelving too much!
It is always a pleasure to write the introduction to the school
magazine, especially for the first time here at Bradford
Grammar School. What an interesting and successful year
this has been for the school, as the articles and features
here demonstrate. A great school magazine has a number of
functions: first and foremost it is a document of record but it
is also a showcase of all that takes place within the school
and a medium where students can express their talents, in
the written word, photographs and drawings.
It seemed fitting to start afresh this year: 2011-12 has been
a year of transition. I wrote in last year’s edition about the
physical transformation the school had undergone; this year
was all about an important change of personnel. Following
an ‘outstanding’ Inspection Report in the Autumn Term, one
satisfied Headmaster left us, and a brand new one arrived to
begin the Spring Term. What better time to refresh the school
journal, I thought.
I hope you will like the changes. My aim is to get more of
the magazine to be written by the pupils and to showcase
more of their talents within its pages; this issue has proven a
transitional step towards that goal.
As I come to the end of my first year at the school, I remain
delighted by the huge variety of activities which take place
in the school and the unswerving pursuit of excellence. It
is a happy and vibrant community which, in its 350th year,
continues to offer much to Bradford and Yorkshire.
Kevin Riley
Not everything is ‘new-fangled’, however. Within these pages
we also pay tribute to several wonderful and long-serving
members of staff who departed this year and will be much
missed; you can read about the two fantastic South African
tours enjoyed by our Senior Rugby and Netball squads - fine
rewards after a year of dreadful weather which curtailed
the sporting seasons at school; or you can find out how
the school celebrated the Diamond Jubilee, or how intrepid
students and staff are making their mark around the world;
finally, some truly outstanding Old Bradfordians also make
an appearance.
My thanks go to everyone who submitted articles or
photographs; to Andrew Vaux and Robert West for their
meticulous and professional proof-reading; to Marie Sugden
and Joanne Wellings in Marketing, Sam Wilkes in Human
Resources, and Koleen Wright in the OBA’s office for always
answering my frantic cries for help; to Richard Clough and
team at Hart and Clough for his patience and efficiency;
and to Bob Gibson at Staunch Design for creating such a
beautiful magazine.
This has been a fantastic year in so many ways. I hope you
enjoy reading about it.
Joanne McNamara
Mark Scholefield who represents the England Wheelchair
Basketball team... and this was in the time before lunch! As
the Duke departed he was introduced to our Hollywood star,
a Northern Ballet ballerina, and a singer with Opera North,
and was then entertained by little Han Zhao from Clock
House who is a pupil of another strong supporter of BGS,
Dame Fanny Waterman. It is easy to see why the Duke and
his party were so utterly impressed, particularly commenting
on the understated self-confidence and warmth of our boys
and girls which is so quintessentially Bradford Grammar.
It has been said that the Headmaster’s speech is akin to
the State of the Nation address. I have gone on and on…
and on... about the fact that the greatest things about BGS
are the opportunities it affords to its pupils; but there is
something - lots - in it for us teachers too. On a trip to visit
some of our North American Old Bradfordians in Washington
D.C., I was given the chance to stand where the President
of the United States delivers his State of the Union address
to the joint Houses of Congress: during my time at BGS Bill
Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama have held that
office. Last Monday, courtesy of the new Lord Mayor of the
City of London, Old Bradfordian David Wootton, I was at the
Guildhall where, during my tenure, John Major, Tony Blair,
Gordon Brown, and now David Cameron have made their
‘State of the UK Nation’ speeches.
Three Presidents, four Prime Ministers, one Headmaster;
perhaps there is something to be said for continuity after all.
Headmaster’s Speech Day
Address
NoVemBer 2011
May I add my own words of welcome to our distinguished
guests. It says a great deal about the school, and it means a
great deal to the school, that so many of you have taken the
trouble in your very busy lives to be with us on this extremely
important day. That our Lord Lieutenant should once again
find time in her busy schedule to join us, mirroring the
interest of her predecessor, John Lyles, and her Vice Lord
Lieutenant, John Brennan, is a not only great source of
pride and a boost to our morale but, I hope, a recognition
of what we as a school, contribute to the county at large.
The presence of our Lord Mayor underlines the enduring
bond between the city and the school which proudly bears
its name locally, regionally, nationally, and beyond these
shores. It has been a BGS hat-trick this week for the Lord
Mayor, with appearances at the Guildhall, Weidenhammer
Packaging and now back here at base!
And as for our Guest of Honour Steve Abbott – I can’t begin
to tell you how thrilled I am that Steve has accepted the
invitation to return home and be with us … but I’ll leave our
Head Prefect, Ravi, to say more.
4
I feel particularly blessed to be surrounded by my own family
today. The support that my dad and sister-in-law, Jane, lent me
during my brother’s illness was immeasurable, as has been that
from Carol’s parents over the years. In addition, it is a particular
delight to welcome my friends, the Gamble family from Brussels
and Canada. Who would have thought, Arthur and Lily, when
we first met in February 1975 on that cold field in Tervuren, that
thirty-six years on we would still be speaking to one another,
never mind that you would be sharing this occasion with me
just around the corner from where Arthur grew up?
The state of any nation can be summarised by answering three
questions: how was it?; how is it?; and how’s it going to be?
For BGS, this has been another extraordinary year combining
the sort of top-flight academic performance to which we all
aspire, alongside a commitment to extra-curricular activities
which is legendary. In public examinations we once again
comfortably outperformed our local competitors (as judged
by the Inspectors) the selective state grammar schools, and in
most cases by a considerable margin too. It may not have been
pretty but there are times when you are happy to win ugly!
It is hard even to begin to pick my own highlights of the
year, but I would have to include the visit by Roger Evans
to formally open the Learning Link which he gave $1 million
to build - an act of quite extraordinary generosity, since this
was his second gift to us of that amount. On the same day
we also dedicated the new building for Chemistry and Social
Sciences to Alan Jerome, justifiable recognition for all Alan
has done for the school
For many the particular highlight was the visit by HRH the
Duke of Kent to give his royal blessing to our new facilities…
and yet it was far more than that. What a privilege to be
graced by a second official Royal visit in less than ten years;
few, if any, schools could incorporate such an array of
activities and performances into a visit, yet still provide the
superb lunch which had been prepared by Geoff Holmes
and his team. During his two hours with us, the Duke saw
some of the finest school science facilities, he met and
listened to some amazing musicians, was introduced to our
World Champion rowers, the cricketers preparing for their
tour to the West Indies and our South African tennis tourists,
as well as members of our CCF. He met an international
cyclist, swimmer, Rugby and Water Polo players, along with
Steve Abbott distributes the prizes
And what can I say about last weekend’s experience at the
Lord Mayor’s Show? We all so enjoyed repaying the tribute
paid to BGS by the new Lord Mayor in awarding us the
incredible honour of being the first float in the procession,
with a float that many observers regarded as one of, if not
the best in the entire parade.
So the year haS BeeN good … But how are
thiNgS Now?
To say ‘pretty good’ would be something of an
understatement, but ‘understated’ is a word used frequently
in these parts, especially when associated with excellence. To
wear your talents lightly is, after all, the Bradford way. Even
in the teeth of such a national, indeed global, financial crisis,
numbers within the school are the best ever. Outstanding
facilities, academic success and no debt are undoubtedly key
factors in families choosing to make the huge sacrifices they
often must to send their sons and daughters here. There is an
inner strength and a strong sense of self-belief in the school.
aNd how’S it goiNg to Be?
Judging by the large numbers attending Open Day in
October (within a whisker of last year’s record-breaking
figures of 1,300 visitors), another triumph for Marie and her
colleagues in Marketing, the future looks bright - very bright.
Past experience shows that in tough times the Independent
Sector sees a ‘flight to quality’ and we hope that quality
5
school notes
is what we provide here. We all worry about the financial
climate and future prospects; both the short term for current
parents and the long term for our children have a measure of
uncertainty the like of which few of us can ever have seen.
On a personal level, just as worrying is the lack of recognition
shown by our political elite for the contribution schools such
as BGS make to the national picture. We are an extraordinary
nation, aren’t we? We combine a love of tradition and
pageantry and a great affection for our monarchy, alongside
a genuine democracy... something which is almost unique in
the modern world. At a local level our democracy functions
well; issues are debated fiercely, councillors are elected and
held to account for the decisions that they make. We rely on
the dedication and hard work of our local representatives who
often hold down a full-time job whilst giving up precious family
time to promote the values in which they believe.
At a national level, the picture is rather less straightforward;
we have some outstanding MPs who understand the
nature of their constituencies. They recognise that, first and
foremost, their responsibility is to the people who placed
their trust in them by electing them. Some even manage to
do this and hold a ministerial role, and at the risk of making
him blush, Gerry Sutcliffe is a case in point. We are delighted
to welcome him here today, especially since, in his former
role as Minister of Sport, he was such a strong advocate for
Bradford and the school. I’m sure he will have appreciated
our high profile during the Lord Mayor’s Show, where the
theme was ‘Fit for the Future’.
I suspect, though, I am not alone in wishing that the same
principles applied to the leaders of the three main political
parties who, again from a personal perspective, seek to run
with the hare and hunt with the hounds when it comes to the
issue of their own schooling. Many high-profile politicians,
including our own Prime Minister, recognising the need to
engage with the electorate, seem keen for the details of
their education to be brushed over. Why is it that whenever
private schools are mentioned in the media we see boaters,
bow-ties, privilege and toffs? The reality, although it may
not be particularly palatable, is that the vast majority of
independent sector pupils are at schools just like this one?
Bear in mind that none of our leaders chose their school
just as in reality none of the boys and girls here today really
chose their school; it was their parents who were doing what
parents do, or try to do… the very best that they could for
their children.
But this is my last Speech Day, my final commentary on
the state of Stevie D’s nation. How was it? In short, a
privilege. My own highlights would naturally include the
hugely successful move to becoming a fully co-educational
school, along with restoring the academic self-belief and
pre-eminence of BGS. I have enjoyed being part of a team
which has overseen a spectacular capital development
programme; this school has some of the finest facilities
anyone, anywhere could ever wish to have. The existing
fabric of the school and the grounds, under Chris Walkin’s
outstanding stewardship, are fabulous. We have invested
millions (one estimate is about £14 million) in new buildings
and refurbishment without borrowing a penny – so there is
no legacy of debt. Every penny of fee income is spent on
6
school notes
what matters most, the teaching and learning of our boys
and girls, rather than servicing huge loans.
I have valued working alongside other like-minded people to
try and create an environment where I hope every member
of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, feels valued. There
have been, and will continue to be, great benefits to BGS in
building on the genuine goodwill of so many former pupils of
the school in developing the Old Bradfordian’s Association
with the 600 or so members in 1996 now numbering almost
7,000 around the world. But, above all, my greatest pleasure
has been helping to enhance our bursary programme to
one which not only supports about 120 boys and girls this
current year, but will ensure that the social diversity which
is, and always has been (and which for many people is our
greatest strength), remains into perpetuity to underpin the
very soul of this great school.
how iS it For me?
A bit unreal, in all honesty. This school has been our life
for the last fifteen years and without Carol’s incredible and
enduring support I simply would not have lasted the course.
In addition, I have to say that being half way through an
Inspection process is something I could have done without.
And yet, just as in 2005 when BGS was given probably the
finest Inspection report I have ever seen, I am confident
that we shall do it again. Slow run down to retirement then?
Hardly!
BGS will continue to thrive because it has a clear sense
of purpose. It enjoys excellent governance from a Board
of Governors who give so willingly of their time and vast
expertise, and a superb Senior Management Team. Michael
Sharpe has the vision, resilience, insight, and attention
to detail so typical of the Deputy Heads for which BGS
is renowned; Ian Findlay is a Bursar who is unique, in my
experience, in creating such a positive link between the
academic and financial operations of the school; Bob Page
magically manages an incredibly complex curriculum, while
keeping the children and their choices at the centre of it;
Nick Smith has overseen a significant development in our
Pastoral programme which puts so much emphasis on
developing our youngsters personally as well as nurturing
their academic potential; Danny Conroy has brought the
cohesion and vision to our ICT provision which seems to
have grown exponentially both within the curriculum and
administratively; Jed Boardman has led us superbly into
Inspection and shown a determination to optimise the extracurricular opportunities for our pupils, complemented by a
range of outstanding Outreach initiatives. The leadership
of Neil Gabriel has seen Clock House go from strength to
strength - even if he does worry if there is nothing to worry
about. All of us have been supported superbly by Karen
Hewitt and Penny Browne before her. May I also say how
good it is to see Les Slow here today?
Alongside this team, we have dedicated, hard-working
and talented teaching and non-teaching staff… and terrific
pupils. Anyone who knows me will know that it is the boys
and girls I shall miss most. I can honestly say that not a
single day has gone by when some boy or girl, whether by
a genuine act of kindness, a thought-provoking question,
a flash of genius, a smile or just a cheerful greeting, has
Stephen, Steve Abbott and the Head Prefects
not made being here worthwhile. This school has produced
some exceptionally gifted people. We can’t all be a creative
genius like David Hockney; a statesman in the mould of
Denis Healey; a towering intellectual such as Lord Alan
Bullock; or have the brilliant business acumen of Sir Ken
Morrison; lead the Civil Service like Sir David Normington
or Sir Duncan Watson; possess the diplomatic and
ambassadorial flair of Sir Roger Tomkys, or the punishing
intellect of the BBC’s Olympic Leader, Roger Mosey; win
an Olympic Gold like Adrian Moorhouse, or show the
silken skills of Roger Shackleton or Charlie Hodgson; be
a pioneering surgeon and double Cambridge blue like
Richard Jowett; or an inspirational Physicist like Professor
John Dainton; actually reach the stars like the Astronomer
Royal Sir Frank Dyson; or compose music in the fashion
of Frederick Delius; direct The Tudors like Michael Hirst, or
‘The Pythons’ like Steve Abbott; or even be a philanthropist
in the mould of Mark Richer - who every year contributes
half the fees for thirty bursaries - or Roger Evans.
to shatter, BGS girls will inevitably take their place on
that roll of honour… as swimmer Sian Morgan, actress
Georgie Henley, cyclist Abby Mae Parkinson, cellist Joanna
Twaddle, and others, already testify.
In conclusion, all I ask of all the boys and girls here today
who, like those distinguished former pupils, have had the
opportunity to share this school’s values, is to do one thing:
never, ever feel you have to apologise for attending or having
attended this amazing school, Be proud that you played
your part, however small, in maintaining over 460 years of
tradition and of excellence.
BGS: Bradford Grammar School: Blooming Great School.
Hoc Age
Enough said.
S R Davidson,
Headmaster, 1996-2011
That is just a small sample of what this school, through
its former pupils, has given to the world, and as the
glass ceiling, which has for far too long restricted the
opportunities for young women, genuinely does begin
7
school notes - StepheN daVidSoN
StepheN daVidSoN - school notes
Stephen Davidson
The month of November 2011 found me some twenty
months into my role as Chairman of Governors here at
Bradford Grammar School and facing the challenge of my
second Speech Day of the year! Unfortunately I was unable
to fulfil my obligation, which was discharged by my ViceChairman, Professor Colin Mellors, far more eloquently than I
could ever have managed.
Whilst not relishing the nerves a stint on the stage of the
Price Hall inevitably brings I would, however, have liked to
pay tribute to Stephen Davidson, his outstanding leadership
and achievements during his time as Headmaster of our
great school.
Stephen Davidson in 1996, his
first year at BGS
Stephen today
coliN’S wordS were aS FollowS:
“This is a special occasion for Stephen Davidson since it will
be his last as the school’s Headmaster. For fifteen years,
Stephen has led the school to success after success. I
am told that Stephen began his first speech to the school,
from this same platform, with the words “This is one of
the proudest moments of my life” … a sentiment that has
echoed through his leadership ever since.
A Geordie by birth, and spending over twelve years in
Manchester, it obviously took Stephen some time to realise
that Bradford is the true capital of the North, but we are
delighted that he eventually did so, and are grateful for the
foresight of those who selected Stephen, against very strong
external competition, to become Headmaster.
Graduating from the University of Manchester Institute of
Science and Technology, Stephen did not immediately enter
teaching but took a more natural route for a metallurgist by
going into industry. A spell teaching football in the United
States, however, convinced him that his true calling was as a
teacher and his first job was at Lord Wandsworth College, a
boarding school in Hampshire.
Enjoying the luxuries of every meal being provided, and his
housework done by others, there was a risk that he might
not have ventured far from this cosy world but his future
wife, Carol, had other ideas and wisely encouraged the
return North.
A teaching post in Mathematics at Manchester Grammar
School followed, with subsequent promotions to the role of
Head of Maths and then to Head of Middle School. Finally,
in 1996, he came to Bradford Grammar School.
Now, if there were time, I could list a vast array of
achievements that stem directly from Stephen’s leadership
– some remarkable enhancements to the school’s estate
8
and facilities – the Sixth Form Centre, the new Pavilion,
the recently opened Alan Jerome Building and the iconic
Learning Link that rightly bears Stephen’s name.
The list would obviously include the hugely successful move
to becoming a fully co-educational school, the school’s
commitment to social diversity, and the school’s bursary fund
about which Stephen is so passionate.
Sadly, time does not allow but there will be other occasions
over the next few weeks when there will be opportunity to
both reminisce and to celebrate.
Instead, I will just mention two things which, I believe, set
Stephen apart.
The first is Stephen’s commitment to our pupils as
individuals, where every child really does matter. I go into
many schools as part of my work but can think of none
where the Head knows every pupil by name and where every
pupil is valued so greatly. It is not surprising that Stephen’s
office is bursting with ‘thank you’ cards – they are testimony
to the appreciation and affection of pupils and their families.
Whilst the school buildings are quite remarkable, and will be
enjoyed by future generations of staff and pupils, I know that
the legacy Stephen will cherish most are the many hundreds
of young people who have flourished during his time here.
The second thing is Stephen’s remarkable ability to develop
the BGS family of supporters. His ability to convey what the
school stands for and what it does is really quite exceptional,
as are his powers of persuasion (as Governors sometimes
know to their cost). Indeed, were he ever to venture into
the selling of double-glazing he would be lethal. Fortunately
for us, he chose education and, in promoting the school
and its values, he has secured so much that is good for the
school. That we have enjoyed so much development of the
estate, without any borrowing, is in very many ways down to
Stephen. That we have such a healthy Bursary Fund is again
very much the result of Stephen’s passion for the school and
skill in conveying this enthusiasm to others.
Indeed, when the school decided to launch a fund in his
name to mark his retirement, it was no surprise that he
wanted it to be dedicated to a fund that would enable more
young children to benefit from a BGS education. The fund
has already reached in excess of £80,000. We are keeping it
open until the end of January so that there is still time to give
it that extra push towards the six-figure mark.
Although he is retiring from his role as Headmaster, we know
that Stephen will remain a close friend and supporter of BGS.
In wishing him and Carol well, it is good that Stephen will be
taking on a new role in the Spring as the next High Sheriff for
West Yorkshire.
The role will give him ample opportunity to continue to be an
advocate and ambassador for BGS… although I must confess
to being a little worried that the next time some of you might
see Stephen he will have dispensed with the academic gown
and replaced it with tights and breeches… (There were several
attempts at a sentence to follow this thought but I rejected
them all on the grounds of good taste).”
Commitment to our pupils and a remarkable ability to
develop the BGS family of supporters are the two things
I too would have chosen to highlight. Anyone who knows
Stephen soon realises that he really values, understands and
genuinely likes children and young adults. His commitment
to the bursary programme, which in his final year supported
approximately 120 boys and girls, helped to preserve the
social diversity in the school of which we are all so proud.
His bursary fund totalled £138,000 when it closed at the end
of January this year. Stephen’s work with our supporters has
been remarkable and this has enabled us to develop, extend
and improve the fabric of the school’s estate to the tune of
approximately £14 million. He leaves the Old Bradfordians’
Association with some 7,000 members across the world.
He was rightly proud of the Inspection Report we achieved
in 2005 and a further ‘Outstanding’ report was received this
year following an inspection on his watch at the end of 2011.
Stephen used his remarkable abilities for the good of our
great school and we should be grateful to him. History will
tell (as those of us here now know) that he was the right
person for the role at the time when he came; he met the
challenge and continued to tackle it with gusto throughout
his period of tenure.
We were lucky to have him.
Lynne Morrison, Chairman of Governors
with Colin Mellors, Vice Chairman
The Head Prefects hijack
Stephen’s last assembly
Fifteen years in office and no-one has hijacked one of your
assemblies… well, there is always a first time for everything.
So, today is the last normal assembly of term, with tomorrow’s
being the Christmas service. It is also Mr Davidson’s last
assembly so we thought it would be appropriate to take
this opportunity to reflect on the fifteen years he has been
with Bradford Grammar School and allow us to express our
wholehearted gratitude for what he has done for the school.
front. Now it would be easy for a Headmaster merely to take
credit for all these achievements whilst remaining very distant
from the pupils themselves. But the reality is that you do the
complete opposite. Not only do you remember every pupil’s
name, but you take an active interest in supporting us in all
aspects of school life, in our studies and activities outside
of the classroom. I think it is underestimated how much we
appreciate those little things as a student body.
Before we come to the conclusion of our vote of thanks
today – I’d just like to quote Epictetus, a Greek philosopher.
Headmaster, you will remember this quote as you yourself
used it during the Speech Day of 1998.
“Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes, therefore give
yourself fully to your endeavours. Decide to construct your
character through actions of excellence and determine the price
of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to
your strengths. Remain steadfast and one day you will build
something that endures, something worthy of your potential.”
There can be no more appropriate quote epitomising your time
here; what you have helped to shape here will endure, and you
leave a legacy that will not be forgotten.
For everything you have done for us, the school would like
to present you with a token of our gratitude. The support we
had in raising the money among students was phenomenal.
The gift is truly BGS – it has involved Old Bradfordians,
Governors, and every pupil and teacher. We decided to give
you a suit-length which we have arranged to be tailored at
your convenience. The material is from Bradford, as is your
tailor. Our hope is that when you take up your position as
High Sheriff you can represent the things that mean the most
to you – your city, its industry and, most importantly, your
school. Today we also have a card for you signed by every
pupil, in order to say goodbye and, of course, thank you.
But the size of the job facing us was truly colossal - we
knew it would be next to impossible to do justice to a man
who has such a prolific BGS career to his name. Trying to
emphasise his achievements for the school in a lousy few
minutes was going to be no easy task. Thus the viewpoint
we decided to take was: “Who’d have thought fifteen years
ago that BGS would be the school that it is today?”
Fifteen years ago this school was not co-educational, this
school did not have many of the state-of the art facilities it
has today, this school did not have a Learning Link which
can be seen from out of space - I mean, I don’t even think
the concept of a Learning Link was invented back then! And
the list goes on - with each and every addition reinforcing the
character and charisma of our school. No one could have
imagined BGS like it is today, except maybe the man sitting
next to me who had the vision.
It is fair to say that the school has gone from strength to
strength under your leadership, Mr Davidson. BGS has
maintained and increased its reputation on both the local and
national stages, both academically and on the extra-curricular
L to r: Katherine Dixon, Ed Lund, Head Prefect - Lydia Holloway, Jamie
Davidson, Emily Layton, and Head Prefect - Ravi Patel
Before we hand over our gift to you Mr Davidson - on behalf
of all the pupils - not just current students but the 2,500 pupils
who have attended this school during your time here and the
many thousands more who will be educated here in the future
- I would like to say thank you, goodbye and good luck to a
man who has played a truly instrumental role in shaping the
present and future states of our school. Thank you.
Ravi Prasad, 6RDS, Lydia Holloway, 6APJ, and Katherine
Dixon, 6JDD
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school notes
Susan
Brear
Sue joined Bradford Grammar School in 1989 from her first
teaching post at Airedale High School in Castleford where
she had gained considerable experience as a Speaking
and Listening Moderator, assessing the work of many
other schools throughout the region. In the last few years
she has been an examiner for Bradford Grammar School’s
most popular English A Level, the combined Language and
Literature course, and, since leaving BGS, she has expanded
her repertoire of examining skills by undertaking work for
more than one examination board and taking on the senior
post of Assessor. During her distinguished twenty-two year
career, Sue has held many posts of responsibility, including
Sixth Form Tutor and GCSE Coordinator.
Sue was educated at Pudsey Grammar School and
The University of Birmingham and took postgraduate
qualifications at Leeds Trinity University College. She
brought to the English department expertise in Chaucer,
the Romantics, Gothic Literature, Austen, the Brontë
sisters, Media Analysis, and many examples of English and
American contemporary fiction for both older and younger
students; her recommendations enriched the book cupboard
and schemes of work in school. Her administration of the
labyrinthine details of examination board English was always
excellent and her annotations of coursework were regularly
praised in Moderators’ reports. Colleagues new to the
department were often grateful for Sue’s patient advice and
support in effective and efficient marking and administration.
Many pupils have benefited from Sue’s generous and warmhearted tutoring and she is fondly remembered yomping up
and down the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and Wales
with the various outdoor pursuits clubs that the school has
nurtured over the years. In addition to teaching English
at all levels, Sue also taught a popular General Studies
option in Media Eduction to Sixth-Formers, and French to
First Formers. She accompanied several school trips to
France and joined the Battlefields trip twice, contributing
her expertise on War Poets, Wilfred Owen in particular. Her
favourite venues on English residential trips were London’s
South Bank and Wordsworth’s haunts in Grasmere, where
her knowledge of Shakespeare or her ability to inspire
creative writing were invaluable. As well as chaperoning
girls in the early days of co-education, Sue’s presence was
always welcomed on school trips as she remained unfailingly
good-natured, motherly and calm.
Old Bradfordians will remember Sue’s stylish and creative
contributions to the theatre productions in school. Sue knew
her way around the costume store and the make-up supplies
and enjoyed passing on the tricks of the trade to new staff
members and pupil teams who had fun practising both
natural and outlandish designs on Wednesday afternoons.
Sue was one of the team running the face-painting stall at a
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great number of Spring Fairs. She was also known to tread
the boards and trill like a trooper in Ken Harwood’s Gilbert
and Sullivan productions and my own production of Oliver!
With the help of Sixth Form girls, she helped choreograph
The Pirates of Penzance, and co-directed Stephen Taylor’s
The Silver Sword adaptation, but many remember the vivid
and colourful masks, make-up and costumes she produced
to complement David Hockney’s set design for James
Priory’s Godspell. She enjoyed working backstage (and
sometimes on the catwalk) at the charity fashion shows in
school and helped organise visiting poets and writers who
gave inspiring workshops.
Sue’s children have both been educated at Bradford
Grammar School, with Harriet now moving into the final
year of A Levels and Josh attending Newcastle University.
She remains a voracious reader and can always be called
upon to recommend books to buy as gifts. Her home-made
cards are always welcomed on special occasions and her
infectious giggle will be missed at department meetings. Sue
will continue to travel, garden, cook extravagant meals for
friends and family, attend the theatre and read, in addition
to her examination board duties, while her love of France is
currently gaining a boost with part-time French classes at
Leeds Metropolitan University. We wish her the very best.
A P Johnson
Terry
Carman
Terry Carman is retiring from the Physics department after
twenty-one years at BGS. His knowledge of Physics,
enthusiasm and experience make him a unique individual,
and virtually impossible to replace.
Terry was born in Farnborough, Hampshire in 1952. He
attended Cove Secondary Modern School between 1963
and 1968. He gained nine O-levels and CSEs, including
Metalwork, for which his exam project was making a model
diesel engine. He also made his own oscilloscope and
Geiger counter. Realising that he loved Physics, he moved
on to Farnborough Technical College, where he gained A
Levels in Pure Maths, Applied Maths and Physics.
From 1970 to 1973, Terry studied Physics at Imperial
College, London, gaining an upper second class degree. He
was heavily involved in several union societies and jointly
responsible for the screen-printing of union society posters.
He carried out research into high pressure CO2 lasers for
his PhD at The University of Hull. After employment in the
Applied Physics Department and despite promising never to
become a teacher, he was persuaded to give it a chance and
finally sat his PGCE exams in 1981.
Terry began teaching at Malet Lambert School in Hull in
1981 and became Deputy Head of Physics in 1985. As well
as acting as a form teacher, he also co-authored a CSE
Technical Science course and acted as a Link teacher,
liaising with British Petroleum. He by no means restricted
his teaching to school-children; he taught adult education
classes in computer awareness and programming, and ran
INSET courses on the use of computers as a teaching and
administration aid. He coached winning teams of third year
pupils for the Humberside Schools Technology Competition
in 1982 and 1983, and was in charge of sound and lighting
for school productions. He was also involved in camping
activities and caving trips, acting as a Gaping Gill tour
guide on behalf of the CPC, and organising and performing
a cave rescue.
In 1988, he was appointed Head of Physics at Kingston
School in Hull, and was responsible for the introduction of
micro-technology into the school. He was always a form
teacher and organised walking and camping activities for
pupils, and once again, was in charge of sound and lighting
for school productions.
Terry made the move to BGS in 1991, to teach Physics,
ICT, DT and Electronics. The list of duties and activities
he has taken part in is exhausting to contemplate. He has
been Form Tutor to both the Third and Sixth Forms, vicepresident of the Science Club, the co-author and editor of
the Lab Mouse 5 (A2 Physics) CD ROM in conjunction with
BNFL, the school’s Higher Education adviser for Physics,
and the Radiation Protection Supervisor. He ran both internal
and external INSET courses on the use of ICT in Physics,
held responsibility for ICT development within the Physics
department, and, in 1988, he developed and has since
maintained the Physics Intranet facility. He organised sound
and lighting for school productions, supported charity events
(especially when it involved fancy dress). He became a
CPhys and MInstP in 2005.
Terry met his wife, Jeannette, at German evening classes in
Hull and they were married in 1992.
Terry is often described (by those who do not know him) as
‘old school.’ If this term denotes an outstanding knowledge
of the subject, thorough marking of homework and an orderly
classroom, then it is correct. But this description does not
include Terry’s ambition to use the latest technology and
ideas in his teaching. He has always sought new ways to
inspire and help students, and was a pioneer in many of
them. The department owes him a debt for the Physics
Intranet (created long before the term ‘Virtual Learning
Environment’ was a gleam in the eye of educationalists) and
for ensuring that our ICT facilities all work as planned.
Terry is a teacher who always wants the best for his
students. His enthusiasm for teaching has never waned. He
required the highest standards in presentation and clarity of
solution. Many students found this approach demanding, but
many have also found that the good habits this created have
lasted a lifetime as scientists and engineers. Many returning
students have spoken of their gratitude of having a teacher
who ‘got them through the exam’ but who also cared that
they understood the subject at a high level.
Terry was an exceptional colleague. He was very kind
to new members of staff and was always willing to give
up precious time to advise, help and demonstrate. His
encyclopaedic knowledge of practical work was invaluable.
In decades of teaching he had pretty much seen it all, and
could tell a colleague straight away what would work and
what was a waste of time. The author of the piece views
the future with some concern when this wisdom is no
longer available to the department.
It is impossible to imagine Terry looking forward to a quiet
retirement. He has far too much energy to take it easy. His
hobbies and interests include photography, Islay whiskies,
scuba-diving, DIY (design and construction of decorative
and structural furniture), competitive fell-walking (including
the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon and other
events), caving, Hi-Fi and sound recording, and travelling.
I am sure that all these hobbies can now get the attention
they deserve.
The Physics department is one of the engine rooms
of BGS, and Terry was one of driving forces of the
department. Schools need teachers like Terry who combine
excellent knowledge and teaching ability, and who will
never lower the high standards they set for their students.
We will sorely miss him.
P Shepherd
Jonathan
Devlin
Jonathan Devlin joined BGS in 1988, having read History
and Modern Languages at Balliol College, Oxford, and
then completing a DPhil on civil-military relations during
the French Revolution. The school in those days was a
much less friendly place than it is now, and Jonathan’s
uncompromising methods in the classroom initially led to
some friction with students. Nevertheless, his intellectual
rigour rapidly won respect and many students found his
teaching to be an excellent preparation for university.
Students at all levels of the school will remember the
meticulous care with which he prepared for lessons and his
deep knowledge of every topic he taught, even if he took no
prisoners when it came to the delivery of that knowledge.
Numerous Sixth Form students have benefited from his
assembling of several volumes of Philosophical Concepts,
and he was much in demand for interview practice with
Oxbridge candidates.
Many students will remember Jonathan Devlin for the
Philosophical Society he established and chaired, and
for the historical trips he organised. The former was a
nurturing ground for many of the best intellects among
generations of BGS students and will be remembered
with affection by the dozens who attended it down the
years. Here, students had the freedom to tackle the most
challenging concepts and to present their ideas and
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debate them under the spotlight of Jonathan’s searching
analysis.
He came with me on my first Battlefields trip in 1990,
accompanied by his characteristic golf umbrella. I well
remember him standing with his foot on an unexploded
six-inch shell on the Somme battlefield, as I expounded on
what had happened at that point. We all sidled away, and
only then did I remind him of the foolishness of his stance.
He soon began to organise day visits related to the topics
taught by the department, the first being to the preserved
cotton-spinning mill at Styal, Cheshire, which we continue
to visit. He moved on to organising residential visits linked
to his deep interest in Hitler’s Germany, to Berlin, Krakow
and Auschwitz, and Munich. He delighted in rigorously
researching and planning extensive walking tours of both
well and lesser known sites of historic interest. He took
particular pleasure, for example, in pointing out the location
of Hitler’s bunker in Berlin, hidden under a children’s
playground and car park, years before the Berlin authorities
put up an official sign to its location. In the evenings on trips
with Senior pupils he happily socialised with them in the bar.
Jonathan’s plans became ever more ambitious. The final
visits he planned, which are taking place without him, were
to Anne Frank’s Amsterdam and to China. Many more were
being planned!
In his spare time Jonathan is a noted collector of antiques,
especially clocks and furniture, and a connoisseur of red
wine. He is also a painter. But above all, students, OBs and
colleagues will remember his restless energy, his wit, and his
deep and abiding love of history. He left an indelible imprint
on the History Department and on history students at BGS.
N A Hooper
school notes
and preference for ‘lager top’ in the clubhouse afterwards, did
not make a very good impression; many of us wondered how
well Greg would settle into life North of the Watford Gap. But,
under the appropriate guidance, settle he did; and, whilst he
clung dearly to the Palace kit and the Sambas, he divorced
the lager top, having developed an affection for Timothy
Taylor’s ‘Landlord’, brewed for men of the North.
As a schoolmaster sculpted from the traditional mould
Greg believed wholeheartedly in and was committed
heavily to the extra-curricular side of the school. He made
a significant contribution to the Rugby and Cricket Clubs,
and prepared and assessed BGS pupils completing the Gold
Duke of Edinburgh Award. He was a committed member
of the Pastoral team, eventually graduating to the Sixth
Form, where his experience and knowledge was used to
guide many of the school’s brightest students into highly
competitive universities, often to study Medicine. He was
a skilful member of the staff football team and a valuable
domestique for Los Sinverguenzas CC (no more so than
during his final send-off in the French Alps last Summer).
In his spare time, Greg ran the Chemistry Department and,
despite the complexities of the subject, not only did pupil
uptake reach record levels during his tenure, but the results
weren’t half bad either.
After seven academic years Greg leaves Bradford Grammar
not for another great northern Grammar School, but for the
leafy suburbs of Tonbridge. He will be sorely missed by
all those strands of the school with which he associated
himself. The term genuine schoolmaster is often overused
but in Greg’s case is entirely appropriate. We wish Greg,
Penny, Louis and Amalie all the very best for their lives back
down South. Finally, in the famous words of D.A.G. Smith;
Greg, thanks for coming.
M A Wilde
Greg
Fisher
Greg Fisher arrived as Head of Chemistry in September
2005 after taking his degree at King’s College, London, and
teaching at St. Olave’s School, Kent and University College
School, London. As a boy, he passed the 11+ and attended
Chatham House Grammar School. Whilst at Chatham, he
represented the school at all the major sports and excelled
at Cricket; as a 1st XI opening fast bowler he struck fear into
the opposition batsman as he charged in with the English
Channel at his back. He was to re-live these halcyon days
many years later in the annual BGS Dads versus U13 Lads
match. Playing in his Chatham 1st XI whites, by this time a
little tight, he bowled an aggressive but wicketless spell at
the terrified Second Form.
His obvious association to and affection for the South became
apparent on his first appearance at Friday night staff football.
Unfortunately his Crystal Palace home kit, Adidas Sambas
12
Andy
Hargreaves
Andy made his return to BGS in 2010, having been a pupil
here from 1993 to 1998. He gained his BSc in Environmental
Biology at The University of Liverpool and, after completing
two teaching posts elsewhere, we were thrilled to welcome
him back.
We were sorry to lose Andy, however, after only two years
as a colleague. Unfortunately, the daily commute from
Warrington, as his family grew, just became too difficult;
there are only so many audio-books out there to while away
the hours on the M62! Quite understandably, therefore, his
favourite days were the departmental trips to Chester Zoo
and Ainsdale Sands, when he was lucky enough to be on the
correct side of the Pennines to allow him a lie in!!
Despite only being a member of staff in the Biology
department for a short time, Andy made a considerable
impact. The introduction of the Forensics Day with the First
Form towards the end of the Summer Term was a winner; the
Second and Third Form students who acted for ‘AJH Video
Productions Inc.’, the Sixth Formers who were the SOCOs
(Scene of Crime Officers) and the lab technicians’ recipe for
‘sick’, all made for a memorable sleuthing experience. Andy
also used his love of drama and the theatre in a different
direction, working closely with the Pete Dutton and the
theatre sound and lighting crews, and helping backstage at
school productions.
Andy will be missed most for his humour and his computing
skills. The whole staff benefitted from the way in which he
took ‘Moodle’ under his wing, providing demonstrations
and encouraging all teaching staff to get to grips with it. His
understanding and patient attitude towards us ‘Luddites’, not
to mention his ‘fire-fighting’ skills, were legendary. Under his
watchful eye (and every Apple product going!), he dragged
the Biology Department well and truly into the twenty-first
century; thankfully there is still a hot line to his mobile phone!
She was a Fourth and Fifth Form Tutor under the guidance
of Jed Boardman and she very much enjoyed this role. Her
charges felt comfortable and confident, and Christine guided
them sensitively and realistically through their GCSE years.
Christine was a dedicated member of staff from the outset;
she gave her all to her department writing many schemes of
work and setting up a Computer Animation Club for pupils in
First to Fourth Forms. She enjoyed teaching all year-groups
from Clock House to the Sixth Form. She took her passion
for IT even further, training as an Assessment Associate for
the EdExcel exam board and as an Ambassador for CEOP
(Child Exploitation and Online Protection).
P M Dunn
Christine’s desire to further her career and to take on more
responsibility saw her appointed as Head of Careers in 2009.
She flourished in this role, swiftly overhauling the department
and setting up an extremely successful Work Experience
Programme for the Fifth Form. In 2011, seventy-eight of our
Fifth Formers benefited from this scheme. Outside of her
curriculum subject, Christine’s interest in traditional crafts
saw her help to run a very popular Crochet Club with Angela
Slater. This has run successfully for the last four years and
has now mutated into Stitch Club and is still going strong.
In addition to this, Christine was a valued member of the
Spring Fair Committee, serving as Staff Representative for
the Parents’ Association. This involved helping to organise
numerous Spring Fairs to raise funds for the Grants
Committee and the BGS community.
Christine
Harvey
Christine has always held BGS close to her heart but recent
developments meant she has decided to reluctantly bid us
farewell after ten happy and successful years. Christine is
now putting her efforts into getting her health back on track.
She has moved on to pastures new and hopes in the future
to combine all her skills into a setting up her own business
as a crochet designer, maker and tutor. With Cath Kidston
already a fan of Christine’s work, I think we can safely say
she’s already on the road to success! We all wish her well
with her new venture.
On a personal note, Andy was one of my tutor group when
he was a student at BGS, so I have known him for many
years. It was a pleasure to teach him and see him pursue a
degree in Biological Sciences; it has been an honour to know
him as a colleague as well as a friend.
Christine came to BGS in September 2002 as an NQT,
bringing a wealth of experience from her previous jobs and
her placements in two other schools. She completed her
first degree at the Newcastle University reading Archaeology
and did two years of Computer Science alongside this. Her
natural ability with IT was soon evident; whilst still a student
at the University, Christine freelanced as an IT Consultant
and set up the department’s webpages. Wanting to further
her education, she later went to the University of Durham
where she achieved a Distinction and Best Student Award
for her MA in Archaeological Survey (whilst working full-time
as an Archaeological Scientist for GeoQuest Associates in
County Durham). Christine then worked as an Archaeological
Geophysicist for GSB Prospection in Bradford, using her IT
skills to collect, process, interpret and present data, often
appearing on Channel 4’s Time Team programme. After five
years of this, she wanted a greater challenge and decided to
retrain as a teacher. She completed a PGCE in Secondary
ICT at St Martin’s College, Lancaster, in 2001.
2002 saw many NQTs start at BGS, all of them dynamic,
energetic, enthusiastic. Along with these attributes, Christine
brought her down-to-earth attitude and professionalism.
E Tomlinson
Richard
Salter
After thirty-one years of loyal service to the school, Richard
Salter retired at the end of the academic year. He will
be fondly remembered by generations of Bradfordians
and greatly missed by his friends and colleagues in the
Common Room.
After completing his degree in French, German and
Linguistics at Pembroke College, Cambridge, Richard spent
a year as an English Language Assistant in Winterthur in
Switzerland, and then undertook a postgraduate teaching
certificate at Bulmershe College in Reading. Four years’
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teaching at a comprehensive school in Stevenage followed
before, in 1981, Richard decided to make the move north to
Bradford.
Throughout his time at the school, Richard taught French
and German, initially in approximately even measure, but
in recent times more German than French. His pupils
benefited from his encyclopaedic knowledge of both
languages, his careful preparation of each lesson, and his
expert and thorough marking of their work. He particularly
enjoyed teaching Sixth Form pupils where he was able to
use his erudition to good purpose, preparing candidates
for the A Level examination with a genuine commitment
to the highest standards and a desire to get the very best
grades for each pupil. Richard has always been keen
to instil into his pupils both a love of languages and of
language learning and an appreciation of other cultures
and ways of life.
The pastoral life of the school has always been close to
Richard’s heart and for fifteen years at the start of his time
at the school he was a form teacher in the First Form. He
greatly enjoyed helping the new boys settle into life at
school, and it would be hard to imagine a more caring,
thoughtful and avuncular figure. After a brief sojourn in the
Second Form, Richard spent the latter part of his career
as a form teacher in the Sixth Form. In this role he offered
level-headed and rational advice to the young adults in his
care, helping them in particular with their higher education
decisions and with the university application process. The
references that he wrote on the pupils in his form are the
stuff of legend and will remain for many years the model on
which other colleagues should base their efforts.
Richard’s considerable organisational talents were
recognised by the school when, in 1988, he was offered
the position of Master in charge of the Book Room. His old
manual ledgers – originally the only source of information for
the Finance Office – were eventually supplanted by computer
spreadsheets, but he continued to order all the text books
for the school until 2011, and took great pride in having them
ready for the start of each school year. Each book would
arrive in a pristine plastic cover and stamped neatly on the
inside with the school stamp – a Head of Department’s
dream.
Another role which Richard carried out in his usual unfussy
but methodical and sensible style was ensuring that the
Speech Day ceremony went without a hitch, from the initial
allocation of prizes to their final distribution. Logistics aside,
his main concern was whether the creaking, book-laden
table would survive the afternoon.
Richard will not sever all his ties with the school after his
retirement; he will continue to play an important role in the
organisation of the annual Speech Day ceremony, and prize
winners will still receive their precise seating and standing
instructions from him. Plans are also afoot for him to play
an important part in the school’s minibus driver training
programme for members of staff.
Richard’s two great passions outside school are the electric
guitar, and driving buses and coaches. He plays the guitar
very well (much better than his natural modesty would ever
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school notes
allow him to admit), and he plays entirely by ear. Many of
his past and present pupils will recall with fondness Modern
Languages lessons just before Christmas when Richard
would bring out his guitar and play them some seasonal (and
not so seasonal) tunes. Out too would come the words in
German to famous Christmas carols, and the echo to the
sound of Stille Nacht or O Tannenbaum.
Richard has held a PSV driving licence for more than twenty
years, and he derives a great deal of pleasure from driving
coaches and buses in the local area. Recently he has
rekindled his interest in driving vintage buses; if you are ever
in the Haworth or Oxenhope area and you see an open-top
bus go by, Richard may well be at the wheel. Why not put
your hand out and jump on board? After all, it’s not every
day that you can discuss the finer points of Goethe’s poetry
or the Second Germanic Consonant Shift with your bus
driver.
We wish Richard a very long and happy retirement after
many years of dedicated service to the school and to the
Modern Languages department. He will enjoy spending
more time with his wife Margrit, whom he met as a student
in Cambridge when she came over from Switzerland to learn
English, and with his two grown-up children, Christina and
Alan. He will also be able to spend more time grappling with
the vagaries of non-synchromesh gearboxes. Bonne route!
G P Woods
at the other end of the spectrum he can prepare children for
singing Evensong at Bradford Cathedral.
Nick is responsible for encouraging very many pupils to join
the School Orchestra, some of whom have gone on into
Senior School, developed their musical talents and now
perform professionally as a career.
Every two years Nick and Geoff Lee-Gallon used to have
a conversation about which production the school might
perform. Eventually one of them would suggest a musical
play which they thought the children would enjoy and, just
as importantly, be capable of performing well. Nick was
meticulous in preparing both soloists and chorus in some
very challenging musical pieces. He always threw himself
into the task, but was generally so laid-back you would never
have guessed the challenges he had met and overcome! We
came to realise that musicians can be rather precious about
changes to the score and he was often rather disdainful of
Geoff’s suggestions. He would have none of them - and he
was usually right. The children rose to the challenge, sang
beautifully and in the correct key! One year we produced
The Pirates of Penzance and the pirates did particularly well.
Geoff asked Nick why the pirates were good singers; quick
as a flash he replied, “because they like high Cs”.
Nick gave so much to Clock House, playing the organ for
us at all our Christmas Concerts, taking pupils to perform at
various outside venues, and managing the school orchestra.
He is an exceptional man and he will, I am sure, be sorely
missed. We wish him well in his retirement.
N H Gabriel
Nick
Sykes
Nick Sykes joined the Junior School in 2000. Following in
the footsteps of Jane Forbes, the previous Director of Music,
was always going to be a difficult task and a hard act to
follow. Nick was the man to do it. An accomplished organist,
Nick started in the September of that year and, as with
most Music teachers, had only three weeks before his first
performance. October’s Open Day was bearing down on us
and required Nick to assess each pupil’s musical ability and
select talented musicians to perform on the day. In addition,
both a Senior and Junior Choir had to be established and
rehearsed. The day was a great success and from that day
on the school never looked back.
Janine
Batley
Allan
Wilson
Allan, when he retired in June 2012, was the longest
serving member of the support staff at BGS. He had seen
five Heads of Chemistry come and go while he adapted
and adjusted the practical programme for the Chemistry
department without fuss for thirty years. Allan worked hard
not only as Senior Chemistry Technician but also contributed
his teaching skills to extra-curricular Chemistry lectures
and provided specialist training in analytical skills, such as
titration and volumetric work, with Sixth Formers. His main
strengths were his rigorous organisation of the prep. room,
stock checking, PAT testing and bagging bargains from all
chemical suppliers. He was meticulous in his recording of
every coming and going in the Chemistry accounts and was
always quick to spot when money had been debited from
the account by CH(Clock House) and not CH(Chemistry)! In
my time at BGS I valued not only Allan’s depth of experience
in the profession and all things BGS, but also in the way in
which he would engineer ingenious methods to practical
assessments set by the examination boards. This really
helped both the teaching staff and the pupils attain high
results in the practical elements of the course: Allan’s input
led directly to the improvement of pupils’ attainment at
GCSE and A Level. Outside the department, Allan devoted
his musical and choral skills to school music, and his
outdoor expertise to CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
A receptionist is one of the few people in a school upon
whom absolutely everyone has to rely; Janine will be missed
by them all. We wish her the very best in her retirement.
Never shy to share a few light-hearted remarks and the time
of day of whoever was in or visiting the department, Allan
would go out of his way when visiting other colleagues in
the school and share a few words or anecdotes about the
trials and tribulations of life and put things into perspective.
The Chemistry department in any school is only as strong
as its technicians and I know Allan will be sorely missed by
all in the department and will be a hard act to follow. We
wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement where I
am sure he will keep himself extremely busy with his wife
Wendy, children and grandchild, while also spending a bit
more time model-making, playing the guitar, running halfmarathons and perhaps sampling the odd glass of real ale.
Cheers Allan!
J McNamara
G C Fisher
The school was sad to say goodbye this year to Janine
Batley, who retired in June. Janine joined in 2001, and
worked as the school’s Receptionist for nearly eleven years.
She was always efficient and admirably unflappable.
Janine will now be able to spend more time with her
daughter and granddaughter, who live in London, and to
devote herself to painting.
Nicks shows remarkable patience and skill when
accompanying children as they perform their musical
pieces. Nothing fazes him as he speeds up and slows down,
accommodating all levels and abilities.
The singing in the school is always excellent and he believes,
as I do, in including as many pupils as possible in as many
activities as possible. Each year, Nick makes entire year
groups sing in unison, which is the mathematical equivalent
of everyone achieving 100%. His ability to encourage
children taking their first steps in music is exceptional, while
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school notes - roBert weSt
Robert
West
Robert West first came to Bradford Grammar School in
1971, straight from his PGCE at the University of Bristol.
He was appointed by Kenneth Robinson to a large and
flourishing Classics Department (with seven staff teaching
Classics). Before Bristol, Robert had been educated at
Dulwich College, one of seven Surrey County scholars
awarded places at the school on the strength of their 11+
performance. Inspired by some outstanding Classics
masters, including Philip Vellacott (whose fine translations of
Greek tragedies are still used by our Sixth Form today) and
OB Geoff Tomlinson (who had been at BGS in the 1940s,
taught by Mr Ewbank and Mr Twelves), Robert settled on
Classics as his specialism in the Sixth, although he was a
gifted mathematician who could readily have chosen that
road instead. The Head of Dulwich at this time, who wrote
Robert’s reference for BGS, was another OB, Ronald Groves.
Dulwich was followed by four years at Trinity College,
Oxford, where Robert arrived in 1966 on a major scholarship,
to read Literae Humaniores. With characteristic modesty, he
claims that his time at Oxford was “undistinguished”, but the
self-evident depth and richness of his classical knowledge
belies this. He has kept in touch with his college over the
years, and more than one of his pupils at Bradford, inspired
by his fondness for the place, have gone on to read Classics
there. For several years he has spent three or four weeks
every summer in Oxford, and will no doubt have many
opportunities to go back in retirement.
Arriving at Bradford Grammar in 1971, Robert embarked
upon his long service to the school, teaching Latin and Greek
to the full range of age groups, with Ancient History A Level
at times, and more recently Classical Civilisation; he even
delivered Classical Studies courses at the Junior School, and
has throughout his career been able to tackle any aspect of
Classics asked of him. His rich classical knowledge has been
the bedrock of the department, and whenever his colleagues
are stuck on a point of history or a question of syntax, or
have been asked to source an obscure classical reference or
to come up with an elegant Latin motto, they turn to Robert.
A scholarly and effective teacher, he can be relied upon to
explain points of grammar, questions of style, concepts and
ideas with a characteristic clarity, authority and precision.
After eighteen years under Bernard Slater as Head of
Department, Robert took over in 1989. This was a challenging
time for a new HoD, with all three of his colleagues being new
appointments. Steering his department with characteristic
care, tact and sensitivity, he settled Tim Bateson, Ian Bentley
and myself into our new roles.
Robert’s forty-one years at BGS have been important ones
for the Classics department. The 70s, 80s and 90s were
not easy times for Classics teaching in schools all over the
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roBert weSt - school notes
country, with competition from new subjects arriving on the
curriculum, pupil numbers falling and Classics departments
in many schools dwindling or being axed. Throughout these
years, quietly, eloquently and effectively, Robert fought his
corner, and the good health of Classics at Bradford Grammar
School today would not have been possible without his
seventeen years in charge of the department.
In Classics circles beyond BGS, Robert is well-known and
much respected. He spent a sabbatical term at Selwyn
College, Cambridge, in 1996 working on a commentary on
Cicero’s Pro Milone; he finally published this in 2006, and
has given talks on the speech at various venues up and
down the country, Eton College among them. For the past
twenty-five years, he has attended the Association for Latin
Teaching summer schools (often leading discussion groups
on Prose Composition or Prose authors), and after nine
years as their Treasurer, was made a Vice-President in 2009.
Robert has also had a long career as an examiner for what
became OCR (first as Chief Examiner for GCSE Latin, setting
the very first GCSE Latin papers, then as Principal Examiner
for GCSE Greek Literature for a decade, and Reviser/
Assessor for Classics papers at GCSE and A Level for the
best part of two decades).
A man of “refined learning” (eruditio politior), known for “good
taste in his choice of words” (sermonis elegantia), who had
a “clear, gentle and melodious speaking voice” (vox liquida,
suavis et canora) and “unravelled problems in the poets and
orators with clarity and elegance” (lucide explicuit et lepide)
and was a teacher whose pupils “held him in affection, and
the teacher likewise his pupils” (discipuli magistrum charum
habuere, magister discipulos). These phrases belong to the
inscription on the memorial to Thomas Clapham, in a church
in Bethmesley, Craven. Clapham died in 1719, aged fortynine, having been Headmaster of Bradford Grammar School
for twenty years, and features in the list of benefactors recited
at the cathedral each Founders’ Day (his coat of arms now
graces the Learning Link in an illuminated stained glass
window). The warmth of this tribute to a much loved and
exceptional teacher is evident, and each one of these phrases
could equally well be used of Robert West.
We wish Robert a long and happy retirement, and thank him
for all he has done for Bradford Grammar School over the
past four decades.
M J Chapman
There is undoubtedly a nervousness in the Classics
department about LAR – “Life After Robert” – but his
colleagues will miss much more than his vast Classical
knowledge and experience. We shall also miss his quick wit
and wisdom, his sense of humour and sharpness of mind,
his patience and generosity, and, in the Classics Tutorial
Room, we shall miss him demolishing the Times crossword
or the Fiendish Sudoku, and the appalling untidiness of his
desk by the window.
I wondered whether, having seen many modern buildings
erected and enormous policy changes such as the
introduction of girls under Stephen Davidson, Mr West felt
the school had lost some of its traditional qualities. On the
contrary, in his opinion, girls were the best thing to happen
to BGS as they provided a long overdue modernisation of
the school ethos. Mr West reflected that, for many years, it
remained very much a “boys’ school which admitted girls.”
However, elements such as the fact that female pupils
were to be called by their first names (as opposed to their
surnames, as was routine for boys) meant classrooms soon
became friendlier places.
Where Mr West is less positive, and only fractionally so, is in
schooling as opposed to the school. His faith in his students
is undiminished, but he blames the introduction of GCSEs
for the narrowing in academic study he has witnessed, but
insists he still takes great interest in the abilities and academic
ambitions of individual students. He points out, however, that
it is impossible to “predict” which pupils at eleven will be the
Russell Group candidates of their year group!
It is perhaps telling, therefore, that in an environment in
which public examinations have become so crucial (and so
draining on pupils’ time), that Classical subjects at GCSE
and A-Level are becoming increasingly popular at BGS.
Mr West, having watched his department contract during
his time at the school, is in fact being replaced by a fulltime Classics teacher. The revival of Classics is something
which of course is pleasing to him, but Mr West is quick to
justify the continued importance of its study. The stories of
the Greeks and Romans in their untranslated states are too
valuable – and too good – to be lost. Many of them, he adds,
he hopes to be able to rediscover during his retirement. It is
at this point that Mr West adds that at school he only chose
Greek to avoid having to pursue Geography since the two
subjects clashed on the timetable!
A First Year Form Tutor under Derek Butler from 1973 to 1987,
Robert has since then regularly been a Sixth Form Tutor, much
valued by his pupils for his guidance and support in those
important years, not least his advice about choosing a degree
course and applying to university. His reference-writing is
second to none, and he has a talent for capturing the essential
qualities of a pupil and presenting them in lucid, elegant prose.
Five years as Assistant Higher Education Adviser (2006-11)
gave him the chance to use these skills to great effect.
Robert has contributed widely to school life over the years,
singing in the bass section in school choral groups (he has
a fine voice) and supporting musical life generally; he served
as a CCF officer between 1972 and 1984, mainly in the RAF
section, and helped with the school Scouts, especially at their
Summer Camps. For a number of years he was treasurer
for the Drama Society, and in recent years has been a timekeeper and scorer at swimming galas. His skills as a proofreader have increasingly been called upon by teaching and
non-teaching colleagues, and he is a perfectionist whose
keen eye for detail and a thoroughness means that any task
undertaken will always be performed to the highest standard.
A recent Head Boy, whom Robert had painstakingly coached
in his reading of the list of benefactors for Founders’ Day at
the Cathedral, referred to him in a piece written for the 2009
Bradfordian as the “marvellous and meticulous Mr West”,
which – as epithets go – is not so wide of the mark.
with smoke, and an evacuation to organise instead of the
end of term staff procession.
Mr West with 1RAW in 1976
iNterView with mr weSt
Mr West began our discussion by iterating profusely that he
wasn’t good at thinking on his feet, nor did he have many
interesting stories to tell. While supporting almost every child
in the school, be it in First Year Latin or, until very recently,
guiding the Sixth Form towards higher education, Mr West’s
quiet presence means many students know very little about
their teacher.
Mr West has become an understated icon at Bradford
Grammar to students who now spread across generations,
and he, as an individual, could not be a better ambassador
for BGS’s qualities and values. I posed questions regarding
how he has seen the school change over the years, and
his positivity is overwhelming. For him, the school’s secret
“lies in having been blessed by the right Head and Second
Master at the right times”; and, having known four of each
over more than forty years, he is in a good place to draw
such a conclusion. He has seen more of BGS than any
other at the present time. Memories include a studentmade bomb in the 1980s which left the Price Hall opaque
Mr West remarked that one of the most notable features
of the school that he has seen during his time is the true
dedication of all the staff to their pupils. He draws upon
the example of his time working with the Higher Education
Department. Never was a teacher too busy to help perfect
a pupil’s university reference, so willing were they to ensure
the best for the student in question. It is important we
remember that Mr West is one of those members of staff
who has given endless time and energy to pupils; taking
them on Scout camps or chasing those teachers to provide
the finishing touch to that university reference. He has even,
in his first few years of teaching, saved a boy’s life using the
resuscitation training he learnt during his PGCE. This is an
event he singles out as being his proudest moment. So too, I
think I can say without a doubt, Bradford Grammar School is
hugely proud of him.
Katherine Dixon, 6JDD
17
school notes
school notes
University Degree Course Admissions 2011
* Leaver from a previous year
L to r: Mr Riley, Louise and Richard Lee, Mr Davidson and Mrs Chapman at the Library’s opening
Opening of the Classics Lending Library
In the first week of the Summer Term, a new Classics
Lending Library was opened in Room 27. This project
was made possible by a generous legacy to the Classics
Department by Kenneth Pollard (OB 1936-39), and the
Library was opened by his daughter Mrs Louise Lee.
the Classics Society from the First and Sixth Forms marked
the occasion by being the first to sign out books from the
library.
M J Chapman
Also present for the opening were the current Headmaster
Mr Kevin Riley, the previous Headmaster Mr Stephen
Davidson, Mr Richard Lee, all the Classics teaching staff and
representatives from the Classics Society.
Mrs Lee said a few words to mark the occasion, recalling
her father’s time at BGS, and his enthusiasm for Latin,
Greek and cross-country running. She had chosen a Latin
inscription for the top of the handsome oak bookcase Dominus providebit “The Lord will provide” - because she
felt it summed up his lifelong trust in God to provide in every
avenue of life and direction.
The purpose of this Library is to make books and films about
the Classical world readily available to pupils. Members of
18
Keen Classicists borrowed the first books from the Lending Library
a
*Ameshkumar M Ahir
*Tasawar Ahmed
Zain Ansar
Calum P I Armstrong
Arkam Asif
Birmingham
Hull
Bradford College
Goldsmiths
Bradford
American Studies and English Language
Politics
Art Foundation
English and American Literature
Pharmacy
B
Benjamin A Balmforth
Samuel P Bancroft
Sophie J Barker
Spencer Barnett
James A Beaumont
Marcus E Bennett
Francis M Berryman
*Maria M Bhatti
Sarah J Bolton
*Natasha Brayshaw
Joseph R Brett
Henry W Briggs
Miriam S D Brightbart
Samuel J Brooksbank
Alexander E Browne
Georgia S Butterworth
Durham/Collingwood
Sheffield Hallam
Warwick
Northumbria
Loughborough
Manchester
Strathclyde
East Anglia
Glasgow
SOAS
Sunderland
Nottingham
Manchester
Sheffield Hallam
London/King’s
Northumbria
Natural Sciences
Information Technology Management
English Literature
Built Environment
International Business
Business Studies and Economics
Chemistry
Medicine
Psychology
Chinese (Modern and Classical)
Sport with Marketing Management
Management Studies
Drama and English Literature
Media Studies
History
Business Management
c
Mary E Chapman
Alexander G Cleminson
James D Compton
Olivia E Cooper
Oxford/Corpus Christi
Newcastle
Sheffield
Nottingham
Medicine
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering with Energy
American Studies and History
d
Naufil A Darr
Heather L Deegan
Sophie C C Dereix
Georgina R B Dixon
Jonathan H P Dow
Bradford
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Oxford Brookes
Liverpool John Moore’s
Clinical Sciences/Medicine Foundation
Industrial Economics
Religious Studies
International Hospitality Management
Sports Science
e
Joshua M Ellison
Manchester
Ancient History
F
Katie L Fitzpatrick
Newcastle
History
g
Thomas C Gardiner
Alexander H Giffen
Southampton
Newcastle
Electronic Engineering
Biomedical Sciences
h
Elizabeth Hadfield
Alison M Haigh
Edward G Hainsworth
Sophie V Halliday
Harry J Harrison
Calum S Heaton
Abigail K Holmes
Douglas W Holmes
Leeds College of Art
St Andrews
Bath
Sheffield Hallam
Manchester
Sheffield
Durham/St Aidan’s
London/Imperial
Art Foundation
Medicine
Politics with International Relations
Radiotherapy and Oncology
Architecture
History and Politics
Modern Languages
Geology
19
school notes
20
school notes
Alexander Hooker
Hamza M Hussain
Issar Hussain
Nottingham Trent
Northumbria
Sheffield
Management
Business with Marketing
Dentistry
i
Shoaib Iqbal
Shahbaz Ishaq
Leicester
Wolverhampton
Biological Sciences
Pharmacy
j
Oliver G Jones
Manchester
Chemical Engineering
k
Jiya Kaur
Jabir Kazi
Mohammed U Khan
*Sara S Khan
Talal Z Khan
Hani A S Khokhar
Conor J Kilduff
Alastair C L Kwan
Cambridge/St Catherine’s
Newcastle
Lincoln
Bradford
Birmingham
Manchester
Northumbria
Cambridge/Churchill
Medicine
Dentistry
Accountancy and Finance
Chemical Engineering
Islamic Studies and Theology
Law
Spanish with Business
Law
l
Benhokmah C H Law
London/Imperial
Chemistry
m
George J H Mack
Fabiana Macor-Castillo
Kara E Mallas
Edward D Mancey
Alec S Mann
George A Manock
Dominic P Marshall
Sorcha McCaffrey
James H McWhinney
Phillipa C Medley
Nicholas C J Merrick
Ruby E Middleton
William Miller
Calum A J Milne
Bristol
York
Lancaster
Warwick
Warwick (2012)
Brunel
York
Oxford School of Drama
Durham/Collingwood
Loughborough
Northumbria
Lincoln
London/Goldsmiths
Lincoln
Chemistry
Philosophy Politics and Economics
Geography
Mathematics
Theatre and Performance Studies
Industrial Design and Technology
Economics
Drama Foundation
General Engineering
Human Biology
History
Interior Architecture and Design
Computing and Information Systems
Computer Games Production
o
Ugochukwu Okeahialam
Charles D Oxley
Keele
Newcastle
Pharmacy
Business Management
p
Dinuka N Palihawadana
Satyam B Patel
Alexander W Payne
Graham P Pickles
Jamie A Pimblett-Speck
Theodore W G Poward
Northumbria
Bradford College
Salford
York
London/Imperial
St Andrews
Biomedical Sciences
Opthalmic Dispensing with Management
Business Economics
Accounting Business Finance & Management
Chemistry
Theology
q
Isaac A Qureshi
London/UCL
Modern Languages
r
Jacob M S Ramsey
Jonathon P Ransome
Shaan Rashid
Matthew N Riddell
George E Riley
Northumbria
MMU
London/Imperial
Leeds
Newcastle
Business with International Management
Business Economics
Medicine
Management and Philosophy
Chemical Engineering
Cecilia L Rix
Edward J Rook
Sarah P Rothery
Birmingham
Cardiff
Sheffield Hallam
Physics and Astrophysics
Mathematics Operational Research & Statistics
Business & Human Resource Management
S
Josephine D Savry
Jonathan R Schneider
Abigail D Secker
Syed M Shah
Caroline A Sharpe
Emma O Smallwood
Thomas D Snowden
Marriah F Sultan
Jack R T Swale
Sairish I Ul-Sehr-Tahir
Durham
Warwick
Birmingham (2012)
Manchester
Bradford College
Northumbria
Northumbria
Bradford
Sheffield Hallam
Leicester (2012)
Business and Management
History
Medicine
Chemistry
Art Foundation
Business with Marketing
Building Surveying
Chemistry
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
English
t
Ruth B Taylor
Connor E Tracey
York
Loughborough
History
Art Foundation
w
Philip E Wagstaff
Samuel J P Walsh
Joshua D P Watson
Tom M Webster
Jessica J Wilkhu
Liverpool John Moore’s
Lancaster
Manchester
Northumbria
MMU
Biochemistry
Economics
Politics and Modern History
History
International Business
z
Mohammed U Zafar
Bradford
Law
Upper Sixth Formers celebrating on Results Day
Gap Year Destinations & Work Experience 2011
Haider Ali
Matthew Birkenhead
Ahmed Docrat
Aarti Misra
Gdansk, Poland
MPW, Birmingham
KPMG, Leeds
KPMG, Leeds
21
school notes
school notes
General Certificate of Education (A Level) 2011
Fine Art (AR), Biology (BI), Business Studies (BS), Chemistry (CH), Classical Civilisation (CC), Design & Technology (DT),
Economics (EC), Electronics (ES), English Language (EA), English Literature (EL), English Language & Literature (LL),
French (FR), Geography (GG), Geology (GL), German (GM), Greek (GK), History (HI), Information & Communication Technology (IT),
Latin (LA), Mathematics (MA), Further Mathematics (FM), Additional Further Mathematics (FA), Music (MU), Music Technology (MT),
Philosophy (PL), Physical Education (PE), Physics (PH), Politics (PO), Psychology (PY), Religious Studies (RS), Russian (RU),
Spanish (SP), Theatre Studies (TS).
Advanced Subsidiary results are shown with lower case letters. (Bold type indicates grade A or A*.)
6ac
Ali, S Fraz
Iqbal, Shoaib
Kaul, Jiya
Rashid, Shaan
Schneider, Jonathan R
BI
BI
BI
BI
EC
CH MA
CH MA PH FM
CH FR MA
CH LA MA FM
GM HI MA
6agS
Holmes, Douglas W
Macor-Castillo, Fabiana
Whitaker, Adam A
CH
EC
BS
GG
FR
GG
6ajg
Barnett, Spencer
Connor, Struan J G
Dow, Jonathan H P
6alS
Barker, Sophie J
Misra, Aarti R
Newsham, Zoe E
Shah, S Mustafa
6apj
Armstrong, Calum P I
Brightbart, Miriam S D
Cooper, Olivia E
Mann, Alec S
McCaffrey, Sorcha E
Shaw, Olivia A
Wilkhu, Jessica J
6cjB
Packman, Oliver J
Riley, George E
6cjw
Bolton, Sarah J
O’Hara, George F M
Okeahialam, Ugochukwu
St Clair-Charles, Eloise M
Sultan, Marriah F
Zafar, Mohammed U
22
BS
BS
MA
EL
BS
HI
BI
EA
HI
PE
HI
BS
BI
BS
BI
BI
MA
PE
PH
HI LA
LL MA
PO PY
CH EC
CC EL
LL FR
LL
H
CC EL
FR SP
MA MU
AR BS
CH
CH
GL
GG MA
PE
PY
PO
MA
PY
MA
PO
6dl
Compton, James D
Harrison, Harry J
Heaton, Calum S
Manock, George A
6dmh
Deegan, Heather L
Hussain, M Hamza
Ramsey, Jacob M S
Rothery, Sarah P
Taylor, Ruth B
6dwF
Bolton, Catherine A
Browne, Alexander E
Kazi, Jabir
Mallas, Kara E
Patel, Satyam B
PY
TS
PO
TS
TS
TS
EA
MA MT
MA MT
PO
PE
CH
PO
CH
CH
PO
6crB
Bancroft, Samuel P
Brooksbank, Samuel J
Gardiner, Thomas C
Imtiaz, Ahmer
Iqbal, Atif A
Khokhar, Hani A S
Miller, William G
PH
PH
PY
IT
BS
ES
BI
HI
EC
BI
CH
DT
CC
DT
BS
BI
BS
BS
AR
MA
CH
BI
GG
BI
MA PE
IT PE
MA PH
CH MA
IT MA
HI
GG IT
DT
MA
HI
EC
EC
BS
HI
PY
HI
MA
RU
PO
HI
MA
HI
RS
RS
MA
PY
HI LA MA
CH MA
HI MA
CH PY
6ea
Darr, Naufil A
Haider, Asif A
Payne, Alexander W
BI
BI
EC
EC
EC
HI
PO
6gcF
Berryman, Francis M
Jiang, Yuqing
Jones, Oliver G
Mack, George J H
Secker, Abigail D
BI CH MA
CH MA FM
CH EC MA
BI CH MA
BI CH RU
PH
PH
PH
PH
FM
6jdd
Khan, Talal Z
Mancey, Edward D
HI
HI
FA
PH
CH
CH
EA
PO RS
MA FM
6jrp
Balmforth, Benjamin A
Chapman, Mary E
Dixon, Georgina R B
Ishaq, Shahbaz
Kilduff, Conor J
Oxley, Charles D
CH MA FM
BI CH EL
BS FR PO
BI CH MA
FR PO SP
BS EC IT
6km
Holmes, Abigail
Marshall, Dominic P
Qureshi, Isaac A
Rix, Cecilia L
FR GM HI
EC GM MA
FR PO RU
MA PH TS
6mpS
Butterworth, Georgia S
Fitzpatrick, Katie L
Ogden, Joseph W
Rhodes, Oliver T B
Watson, Joshua D P
BS
BI
ES
BS
EC
CH
HI
MA
EA
HI
PH
LA
SP
PO
PO
PO
HI
PO
6Nah
Alexander, Kane A
Bennett, Marcus E
Merrick, Nicholas C J
Webster, Tom M
BI
EC
BI
BI
EA
HI
CH
CH
HI
PO
HI
HI
6NSN
Hussain, M Ukaash A
Law, Benhokmah C H
CH
BI
EC
CH
MA
FR MA
6raS
Dereix, Sophie C C
Halliday, Sophie V
Pimblett-Speck, Jamie A
EA PY RS
BS GG PE
CH GM MA
6rdS
Docrat, Ahmed
Hainsworth, Edward G
Khan, M Uwais
Medley, Phillipa C
CH
EC
EC
BI
PO
6riw
Ansar, Zain M
Hadfield, Elizabeth
Middleton, Ruby E
Sharpe, Caroline A
Snowden, Thomas D
Tracey, Connor E T
AR
AR
AR
AR
AR
AR
BS
LL
BI
EA
BS
BS
6rwm
Cleminson, Alexander G
Milne, Callum A J
Pickles, Graham P
Swale, Jack R T
ES
DT
EC
EC
MA PH
MA PH
ES MA
ES MA
6SB
Osborn-Brayshaw, Cecily
Savry, Josephine D
Smallwood, Emma O
Ul-Sehr-Tahir, Sairish I
AR
AR
BS
EL
EL
BI
HI
HI
HI
GG
PO
LA
6Srh
Begum, Hamida
Giffen, Alexander H
Haigh, Alison M
Palihawadana, Dinuka N
Ramsden, Jeremy I
BI
BI
BI
BI
BI
CH
CH
CH
CH
CH
MA
EA
GG MA
MA Ph
MA
6twc
Birkenhead, Matthew J
Kwan, Alastair C L
McWhinney, James H
Shah, Sajan M
Wagstaff, Philip E
Walsh, Samuel J P
BI
CH
CH
BI
BI
EC
CH
LA
DT
CH
CH
HI
HI
MA PH
MA FM
MA
MA
MA PH
IT
HI
CH
MU PY
GG MA
TS
PL
FM
PH
PH
EC MA
PE PO
HI PO MA
MA PE
23
school notes
Comparison of Advanced Level Results
year
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
a*
13
21
-
a
37
42
64
60
62
62
52
51
51
47
44
39
39
39
34
38
38
44
51
39
31
a*a
50
65
-
a*aB
78
87
88
84
89
86
85
81
86
74
75
65
67
66
60
67
66
71
77
65
57
a*aBc
92
97
96
96
98
98
97
94
94
93
87
84
85
82
79
84
83
90
90
82
78
Comparison of GCSE Results
year
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
24
a*
35
37
24
38
34
24
26
32
20
31
30
25
25
21
24
25
16
13
-
a*a
70
71
56
71
71
59
65
69
54
67
65
57
58
58
65
62
54
46
62
70
67
70
57
58
a*aB
91
93
85
90
90
84
90
91
87
90
90
83
86
89
92
88
84
74
88
92
91
91
80
83
a*aBc
98
99
97
97
99
98
98
98
98
97
98
97
97
97
100
97
98
91
97
98
98
98
95
95
a*aBcd
100
100
99
99
100
99
100
99
99
100
100
99
100
100
100
99
100
97
99
100
100
100
99
99
a*aBcd
99
100
99
100
100
100
100
99
99
99
96
92
95
91
89
94
94
96
97
90
90
a*aBcde
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
98
96
97
97
97
98
98
99
99
97
95
Clock House
Science Fair
25
CloCk house
CloCk house
Headmaster’s Speech Day Address
2012
Usually at School speech days the Headmaster stands up
and drones on and on about what a great school this is
and how hard the children have worked. So you will not be
disappointed to learn that tonight will be no exception!
Before we celebrate the fantastic achievements of our pupils,
I would just like to say a big thank you once again to our
parents. Without your support and confidence in us, Kevin
and the Governors here tonight would not be celebrating the
incredible achievements of your children.
This year, for the third year in a row, we have had more
applications than the previous year; well over 100 pupils
have taken the entrance exams and assessments, and from
these candidates we have selected fewer than 50%. We will
start the new term in September with around 190 pupils,
which is excellent in the current climate. Since Easter we
have been inundated with parents desperate to get their
children into the school and last week alone we tested seven
pupils. All of this against a backdrop of statistics showing
that our entrance assessments are actually getting tougher
rather than easier. This means that the quality of pupils
entering the school continues to be high.
I say it each year but, as always, the pupils attending
Bradford Grammar Junior School perform above the national
average.
Once again we have been inundated with entrants for Year
Two and, as in the last three years, we will continue to have
two classes in Year Two. I am delighted to say that with
the approval of Kevin, we have offered Hannah Smith a
permanent position and she joins our team of twelve Form
teachers.
As always my thanks go out to you, our existing parent
body. All the marketing in the world would not replace you
as you continue to recommend this school to other parents.
You and your children are by far the best advertisement this
school can have.
I do understand just what an agonising decision you have
all made. Moving children away from schools where they are
happy and have friends, often travelling great distances to
get here, is not easy. As I mention to anyone who will listen,
we have not lost a child to another school in the last six
years apart from relocation or for financial reasons. This is a
record of which I am very proud.
Committee who have got together, organized events and
charity evenings, served drinks, given advice to new parents,
and along with a number of other parents, also joined us and
helped out on school trips. To everyone who has helped or
provided costumes for the Bugsy Malone production etc...
etc… we could not do it all without you. Thank you!
As always, I do not really want to single people out because
one always ends up forgetting someone. I must however
express my sincere gratitude to Lesley Burke who has
chaired and coordinated the Friends of Clock House for
three years. Alas, as Christian is moving up to Senior School,
she will no longer be with us. Thank you from everyone at
Clock House. I am delighted to say that Mrs Hanafin has
kindly offered to step into her shoes and I can now look
forward to the same level of arm-twisting that Mrs Burke
applied. Thank you to all those parents who have helped they know who they are; we really appreciate your input.
I would also like to thank parents on behalf of the staff for
a small but much appreciated little gesture. One of the real
moans that other Heads have is that on returning from trips
that return late or residential trips over weekends, parents
grab their children and head off without a word. It really
angers many staff. Here at Bradford Grammar School we
do not have that problem, with parents and children alike
thanking teachers for going that little bit further.
Indeed it is a nice problem to have that I am required,
occasionally, to save my staff from themselves and say
‘no’ to some of their ideas for clubs and trips and sporting
events. With well over thirty-five trips and sporting events
to organize, including booking the event, transport
arrangements, risk assessments (in triplicate), collecting any
money for the event, passing pupil names to the School
Nurses, checking on epipen carriers, asthma sufferers
and those pupils with other allergies, and doing all of this
in between teaching and marking, it’s a wonder they ever
remember to take the pupils with them on trips! They just
wouldn’t do it unless they really believed your children would
benefit.
Way back in September we started the year in trepidation…
the Inspectors were coming. We did not know when, but our
time was running out and we knew it must be soon. We were
prepared, well prepared, and knowing this, I was serenity
itself. (Well, perhaps a bit tetchy.)
The inspectors interrogated our school in a manner which
even I, as an inspector, have not seen before. They saw
everyone teach at least once, they scrutinized books,
checked all the policies and then, having passed us on the
Regulatory Requirements, came back three weeks later and
did it all again. I can’t pretend it wasn’t nerve-racking, but
the outcome, which everyone else expected but which I
could not dare to, was exceptional. This is the last time I will
mention it, honest.
So what iS new for next year?
‘Mathletics’ parents evening. We introduced ‘Mathletics’ to
Year Four and then to all year groups a couple of months
ago and it has been a great success. Natalie Rees will
be organizing a parents’ evening to encourage parents to
get involved, and to show them how to use this excellent
internet based project.
We are hoping for an adventure playground as requested
by our School Council. Tree roots permitting, we are hoping
to start this within the next twelve months. We will also be
working on both front and rear disabled access to the Junior
School.
We are hoping, sometime after Christmas, to trial iPads
on a one to one basis in Year Four. This is not intended to
replace ICT but simply to be used as a tool to encourage
independent learning.
We are also looking at a new uniform and games kit. This will
hopefully not be as expensive as the current uniform and will
be phased in so no one need go out and immediately buy a
new uniform.
The Junior School has one staffing change for the new term
in September.
Mr Sykes is, as I am sure you are aware, retiring at the end
of term and in his place we have Laura Alderson who comes
to us from Settle Middle School. She will, I am sure, be an
excellent addition to the team.
I did manage to glean one thing from the inspectors. It was
news to us all, but they did tell us that we had one parent
who thought our boarding provision was excellent and I
am absolutely delighted about that; if I can only find the
boarding house I will have it redecorated!
26
So, on to a Short review of the year:
As you are aware we will no longer be conducting the 11+
entrance exams for our current Year Six pupils. It has been a
real pleasure to discover that Kevin believes our assessment
procedures are rigorous and that we know our pupils well
enough to recommend them for Senior School.
Your support was emphasised recently during our Inspection
in the parent and pupil questionnaires. Although we are not
able to see individual papers, only overall statistics, I can
state that we had amazing results confirming to us that, in
your opinion, we must be getting things right.
I also need to thank all the members of the Parents’
So at the end of a hard year with many changes and new
initiatives being imposed I would personally like to thank
all my staff and thank you for your appreciation of all
their incredible hard work, much of which is unseen but
nevertheless vital.
And so to our pupils. I would like to show you a different
approach to the review of the year:
Lady Elizabeth Kirk kindly distributed the prizes at Speech Day
Could all pupilS pleaSe Stand up?
Sit down if you represented the school on the Rugby and
Netball tour with some excellent victories, particularly at
Rugby with a victory over Leicester.
Sit down if you took part in the Rugby and Netball
tournament and particularly if you were in the Year Five Girls’
team that won the netball competition.
Sit down if you entered the House music competition.
Sit down if you entered the Little Diamonds competition,
where we won the poetry competition and received a
splendid trophy.
Sit down if you are in Year Two and you entered the Poms
dancing, went to Manchester velodrome and came back as
national champions. This is the second year our team has
become national champions.
Sit down if you were involved in the successful Year Four
‘Mathletics’ trial or if you have gained a bronze, silver or gold
certificate.
Sit down if you were in the Boys’ or Girls’ Table Tennis
teams, both of which were West Yorkshire champions.
Sit down if you were in the Swimming team that made it into
the Northern Regional Finals.
Sit down Edmund Milwain who won a Gold medal over a
year underage in the United Kingdom Maths Challenge.
Sit down Sophie Still, Thomas Young and Thomas Austin
who achieved Silver in the same competition, over one year
ahead of the age group.
Sit down Hanna Suleman and Haaris Miskin who achieved
Bronze certificates.
Sit down if you achieved something you have never done
before at Newlands Valley Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
Sit down if you are in Year Two and were involved finding
treasure on St Herbert’s island in Borrowdale in the Lake
District.
Sit down if you were involved in the British Cycling
Association training.
Sit down if you were involved in the British Pentathlon
Biathlon in school.
Sit down if you were one of the choir that performed at
Bradford Cathedral and sang at Evensong with the Cathedral
Choir.
Sit down if you were in the U11 Boys’ Cross Country team
that won the Bradford Schools League.
Sit down Wahab Khan and Aneeq Hamdani if you were
chosen for the Yorkshire U10 Cricket.
Sit down Wahab Khan, Aditya Anand and Ajay Pulavarti if
you were chosen for the U11 Bradford Schools Cricket and if
you were chosen for the West Yorkshire U11 cricket team.
I would have said if you were involved on one of the twenty
other trips, residentials, ski trips and the Diamond Jubilee,
Bugsy Malone and all the other visits organized for you - but
27
CloCk house
you are already sitting down. So….
Amir Aghabeigi, you were involved in the dance, Bugsy and
the visit to Borrowdale. Why are you not sitting down?
Ah…now I remember: Sit down if you are only seven
years old and you were in the top thirty IN THE WORLD at
‘Mathletics’!
Ladies and gentlemen these children have worked their
socks off this year - and remember they were inspected too
- I think all your children deserve a huge round of applause.
And now to a sad event. Nick Sykes is leaving and I could
not let this moment pass without thanking him for his last
twelve years at Bradford Grammar School.
I did ask the staff to dish the dirt and provide me with
anecdotes from his time at BGS. I even contacted Geoff LeeGallon, the previous Head, and he had nothing but praise.
However, Mr Smales provided me with a little something! He
remembered the time during a concert rehearsal when Nick
sat at the piano, put his head on his arms and, whilst Geoff
Lee -Gallon was organizing the pupils, promptly fell asleep
at the piano. The staff thought he might have died and drew
lots to see who should poke him with a drumstick to see if
he was still alive.
Mr Sykes was the first to introduce ‘Pet Assemblies’. No
matter that dogs are banned on the site, three dogs duly
arrived, were wheeled into assembly only to be greeted by all
the pupils going ‘ahhhh’ and rushing to the front. It took him
ten minutes to restore order and calm them all down.
My overriding image of Nick, however, is his patience
and skill when accompanying children as they play their
pieces. Nothing fazes him as he speeds up and slows
down, accommodating all levels and abilities. The singing
in the school is always excellent and he believes, as I do, in
including as many pupils as possible in as many things as
possible. Each year, whole year groups sing in unison. This is
the mathematical equivalent of everyone getting 100%. His
ability to encourage children taking their first steps in music
is exceptional, but then at the other extreme he can prepare
children for singing Evensong at Bradford Cathedral.
He is responsible for encouraging many, many pupils to join
the School Orchestra, some of whom have gone on into
Senior School, developed their musical talents and now
perform professionally as a career.
CloCk house
We planned an action-packed day for Elizabeth, her son
and daughter-in-law, David and Louise, and her elder sister,
Margaret Barton. Elizabeth also sent us her memories of life
in Clock House when it was a home and not a school.
For the children, particularly those in Year Four, it was a
godsend and they scoured the information she sent to
find clues as to which room had been her school room,
her bedroom and the sitting room. They, as I, were excited
to read about the Bogey Passage, a dark, curving tunnel
between the study and the dining room which led to the
back door. Those of you familiar with Clock House will know
of the Bogey Passage because it is still there to this day.
For our children in Year Six who interviewed Elizabeth,
having read her memoirs, it was like meeting a fictional
character who had suddenly come to life. All went well until
she mentioned the ghost. We have been inundated with
questions about the ghost for weeks now. We were, however,
told that she was a very friendly ghost. The children learnt
that the long passage upstairs was exactly twenty-two yards
long and that Mr Brown, the maths teacher, taught them to
bowl there one wet afternoon. You can probably guess what
we had to contend with next… That’s right! The next day
tennis balls were flying down the corridor. Never suggest
anything to children.
But it was a special visit from a very special person and I am
delighted to announce that Elizabeth has generously offered
a prize for citizenship and effort which will be awarded for
the first time tonight. The prize is to be known as The R. B.
Graham Prize for Citizenship in memory of her father.
All that is left is for me to say thank you for coming, and
thank you to all the pupils who make this school so great. I
also want to wish our Year Six pupils all the very best as they
move onwards and upwards into the Senior School and the
next stage of their education.
Thank you
N H Gabriel, Headmaster
Our Awesome Trip
year two trip to Borrowdale
At about 6:03 in the morning I woke up and went into my
mummy’s room. She was still asleep. I was really excited
because it was our trip. At 6.59 mummy got up - I was
already dressed.
Ski trip to Risoul, France
Disembarking on St Herbert’s Island for a treasure hunt
When I got to school I was about to punch the air. I went
into Miss Yates’ classroom to leave my bag and because it
was so sunny I went to play outside. Finally everyone was
here and we got in the minibus. We waved goodbye to our
mummies and set off.
As soon as we got to Borrowdale we had a teddy bears’
picnic. After lunch we had a go at archery and it was
awesome. Then we went on a teddy bears’ trail and did
some tree hugging. We found a tree that needed six people
to hug it. When we came back our teddy bears were gone
and we had to follow the paw prints. They were all over, on
the ground and hanging on trees, each one with a clue where
to find our teddies. Carefully we followed them and they led
us to the picnic - my hippo Snozzle was drinking some juice.
The teddy bears had eaten all the food so they didn’t want
any tea, but we had pizza and chips. It was really nice.
After tea we went for a walk along the lake and I threw
stones in the water. One even jumped out of the water.
We sat on the jetty for photos before heading back to the
cottage. Miss Smith read us a story called Aliens Love
Underpants, which made everyone laugh and then it was
bedtime.
And now to the main event of handing out the prizes.
Elizabeth asked if she could look round the school and,
thinking the children would be fascinated to meet someone
who actually lived in Clock House before it was a school, we
said ‘yes, please!’
28
We ate our lunch and packed our bags ready for the journey
home. On the way back we stopped at Ingleborough Hall,
where Mr Smith gave us all an ice pop because it was so
hot! After that we set off back to school to go home. Back
at school our parents were waiting for us. I couldn’t wait to
tell them about our awesome adventure.
William Crookes, J2S
Nick is an exceptional man and he will be sorely missed.
Lady Kirk has kindly agreed to be with us tonight following
her recent visit to the school. Out of the blue, she contacted
Kevin Riley to explain that in January 1939 her father, R.B.
Graham, became Headmaster of Bradford Grammar School.
Better than that, however, she actually came to live at Clock
House a few days before her eleventh birthday, and it was
her family home until her father retired in December 1953.
the boats. The water splashed us as we were towed across
to St Herbert’s Island. There, we found a message in a
bottle and a treasure chest, but to get the keys we had to
complete three challenges. It was worth it as the chest was
full of gold chocolate coins, which we ate after being towed
back to the beach.
If you go down to the woods today...
The next morning I woke up, got dressed and went to the
dining room for breakfast. There was so much food. After
breakfast Kev and Karen came to the cottage and we had to
get a buoyancy aid and a paddle. We were going on a pirate
treasure hunt! We walked down to the lake and climbed in
The pre-trip snow reports for the Alps did not look too
hopeful but shortly after arriving at the resort we were kneedeep in fresh snow. Up at the top of the mountains, over a
metre of snow had fallen.
Clock House hits the slopes
The resort was perfect for a Junior School ski-trip with a
traffic-free centre each evening and lots of shops to look
round. The skiing was varied and all abilities were catered
for. The ESF ski-school teachers did a fantastic job and were
a very friendly team. It was amazing to see how fast the
children progressed – particularly the beginners.
The hotel was good and the location couldn’t have been
better; just a fifty yard walk to the slopes made it easy to
transport equipment to the ski meet points. The company
organised our evening entertainment well. On the first evening
we completed a town trail and quickly became familiar with
the resort and shops. We had an Easter egg hunt with lots of
prizes; we had a games and talent evening which was a lot
of fun. We ran our annual ‘Tidiest Room’ competition, won
by girls – again! Mr Smith ran his daily quizzes which were
completed by many of the group in exchange for prizes.
It really was a fantastic holiday and the children were a credit
to their parents and school; all the staff found the children
great fun and good company. The children supported
each other really well and there was a lovely atmosphere
throughout. Of course the success of the trip was also down
to the support and assistance I received from Mr Smith, Miss
Smith and Mrs Horsfield – all of whom were brilliant and kept
me sane.
J Manning
29
CloCk house
Our Day as Victorians at
Bradford Industrial Museum
Firstly, our teacher split us into two groups. I was in Group
One, which went to the school room first. The Master
introduced himself and he talked to us about the changes
that were made from 1870 onwards to child education and
welfare. Then he told us a little bit about the school room we
were going to enter. Next, we stood in a line with the tallest
at the back and the smallest at the front and then we had
our hands checked to make sure they were clean. After that
we went into the school room with the girls using a different
door to the boys.
Our first lesson was reciting the four times table and writing
four sums onto a slate. Next we practised writing up to
D in ornate script and when we had finished the monitors
collected our dip pens. Later we had our drawing lesson;
we had to draw a brick using only straight lines. Following
the end of some lessons we said a prayer. My favourite part
was the object lesson; the object was the humble potato!
Finally we were dismissed for lunch.
CloCk house
Finally, we went to look at the mill manager’s house which
was very grand and then we looked at the mill workers’
cottages which were very basic. The cottages had been
furnished from the Victorian times, the Second World War
and the 1950s; they had toilets outside! To end our trip we
met up with Group Two and we all got back onto the coach
to return to school.
Emelye Gill, J5H
Home Front
This year, the children of Year Five were evacuated to Murton
for the day. After a long coach journey we were met by our
billeting officers Miss Bird and Mrs Wilkinson – who gave us
hot cocoa and a biscuit to help us settle in. Then the ARP
(Air Raid Precaution) Warden (Mr T) came. He was cross
with the billeting officers as they hadn’t put blast tape on the
windows. But he was kind to us as he showed us how to
use a gas mask in case of a gas attack.
Mr T was very funny; he showed us the rude noises a child’s
gas mask made and he made jokes all day. Evacuees had
to help him at the ARP shelter, where he explained about the
black out and the air raids. He showed us what a bombedout house looked like. As children we signed up to the Fire
Guard patrol and in teams of four practised putting out fires.
He also explained how chalk saved lives in the days before
text messaging.
For lunch we had to get our ration card stamped before we
could eat. Then we were able to play just like at school.
While we were outside the air raid siren sounded and we had
to walk sensibly to the Anderson shelter. These were small
and crowded. Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long for the
all clear.
Back at the billeting officer’s house, as evacuees we were
put to work doing the daily chores of washing, using a dolly
tub and mangle. This was hard work as you had to scrub
the clothes on a duck board with a bar of soap, before
squeezing out the water and hanging the clothes out to
dry. We also had to churn butter using an old-fashioned jar
churn, polish the brass and tack, and had a chance to bake
farmhouse crunch using rationed ingredients.
In full Victorian mode!
After lunch we went to the weaving shed, where a lovely lady
talked to us about the different stages involved in weaving
worsted cloth. First she gave us a piece of pure wool to feel
and we had to describe it. It was warm, soft and, when it
was twisted, it was really strong. Next we played a game; I
was a warp and others were the weft. When we had finished
the game we had made a piece of cloth. Then we went to
see some machines in action weaving cloth; there was a
man called Greg who worked the machines and he explained
what was happening. After leaving the weaving shed we
went to the shop to spend our three pounds.
During World War II there were no DSIs or X-boxes so as
evacuees we kept ourselves busy making-do and mending,
creating rag rugs. This was lots of fun apart from when
you stabbed yourself with the peg. We also had to write a
postcard home letting our families know we were safe and to
tell them about the people we were staying with.
We had a great experience as evacuees for the day but we
know we were fortunate as we got to return home, unlike
some of the actual evacuees from the Second World War.
Year Five
Review: Bugsy Malone
In July 2012 Clock House staged the musical Bugsy Malone.
Every pupil in school took part and performed brilliantly
during the matinee and evening performances.
Year Two were dressed up as boxers and danced to ‘Do you
want to be a boxer?’, Year Three acted and danced in the
factory scene and Year Four were the ‘down and outs’ who
marched onto stage. There were some hilarious and amazing
performances from Years Five and Six who acted out the
main parts.
H E Smith
Clock House Sport
rugBy
The play is set in America during the Prohibition era;
gangster warfare is rife...Dandy Dan’s (Edmund Milwain)
hoodlums were terrorising the district, seeking out Fat Sam’s
(Maryam Nisa) best men to destroy them with their new
weapon: splurge guns!
Fat Sam, who runs the Speakeasy, had to seek the help of
Bugsy Malone (Joseph Qureshi), a city slicker who was more
occupied by sweet talking Blousey (Esme Hanafin) a wouldbe girl singer.
Meanwhile, Bugsy and Leroy Smith (Joe Bacon), a guy with
an awesome punch, witnessed a secret delivery of splurge
guns at Dock 17. With a bunch of down and outs (Year
Four), they helped themselves from the crates. Then the
police arrived led by Captain Smolsky (Freddy Glover) and
O’Dreary (Marcus Hall/Christian Burke). Bugsy and the gang
escaped though a trapdoor. Finally Dandy Dan prepared for a
showdown at Fat Sam’s Speakeasy, where the splurge guns
came into their own...
It was a really fun production to do, and the children worked
really hard on it; though they might, just, have enjoyed
themselves in those gun splurging scenes! Well done to
everyone involved.
D Yates
The Sport of Smiles
On Saturday 23rd June, the BeeGeeS, Bradford Grammar
Junior School Cheer Dance squad, took part in the UKCA
National Schools’ Championships.
Clock House Rugby Festival
A long season saw some outstanding displays across all
year groups culminating in a very enjoyable tour for the U11
team to the Midlands. Once again BGS hosted its annual
tournament with over ten schools participating in what is
an excellent showcase for both the school and the ongoing
development of Junior Rugby.
CriCket
The season was devastated by the weather with some year
groups only managing two fixtures. Out of season input,
however, has seen a crop of young cricketers being selected
for regional and county honours, Aditya Anand, Ajay Pulivarti
and Wahab Khan were all selected for Bradford Schools
U11, with Wahab going on to play for Yorkshire U10 over the
summer.
The National Schools’ Championships offer teams the
chance to demonstrate their skills, with categories for Key
Stages 1 to 5. This year, our team comprised fourteen Year
Two pupils who had been perfecting their routine with Head
Coach Dawn Murray since October, competing against
five other teams in the Key Stage 1 Pom Dance Level One
category.
The team had a lot to live up to as the previous team had
won the competition in 2011. The pressure was on. The
Manchester Velodrome was transformed into something that
resembled a nightclub, with loud music and flashing lights
aplenty.
The troupe overcame their nerves to perform to a medley of
music by the Tweenies, combining dance, cheers and jumps
in unison in order to please the judges. After a tense wait
30
for the results – watching various other schools compete
- the results were in. A surprise victory for team BeeGeeS
was announced and fourteen delighted pupils, one relieved
coach and two very proud teachers accepted the trophy and
plaudits that came with it.
Clock Housers try their hand at fencing
31
CloCk house
The Girls’ U11 Hockey Team
hoCkey
CroSS Country
As with other areas Hockey is developing rapidly and the
coming season will see a fixture for the U8 Hockey squad
which will set an ideal platform for the growth and future of
hockey. Over the season the teams enjoyed varying levels of
success but this experience will undoubtedly lead to more
consistency in the coming years.
Another successful season saw the Year Five/Six boys
win the Bradford Schools Cross Country League and the
Bradford Schools Relay. Ben Moon was a very close second
in the overall individual standings. At the HMC Schools NE
championships Ben Moon finished second in the U11 Boys’
race, whilst Henry Miller and Oliver Sunderland were third
and fourth respectively in the U10 Boys’ race.
netBall
The development of Netball is consistently improving with
the school being represented at U9, 10 and 11 and, as
with Rugby, the squads enjoyed another successful BGS
tournament with victory for the U10 Girls. The U11 Girls also
toured the Midlands with the Rugby squad and we hope for
more successes next year.
C Newsome
Swimming
Once again the season saw high quality galas against some
very strong opposition; the pupils have shown outstanding
dedication to training with pupils from all year groups
representing the team. Thanks go to Rebecca Harvey and
Joseph Qureshi, the outgoing Swimming captains, who have
served the squad exceptionally well throughout their time in
Clock House.
athletiCS
Once again we entered the IAPS North East Championships
in Leeds where we encountered some very strong
competitors. Despite this, Ben Moon ran superbly to finish
second in the 1500m and Tom Austin and Adam Horrocks
improved on their personal bests in Javelin and High Jump.
Sam Harrison competes in House Cross Country
32
Societies & Features
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
33
societies & features
societies & features
Amnesty International
World events over the past year have meant that Amnesty
International Groups across the country have, as ever,
had many causes to support. Our year started with an
information campaign about the death penalty. This was
inspired by the final appeal against execution of Troy
Davis, a prisoner in the U.S. state of Georgia who had
been on Death Row for nearly twenty years.
Troy’s case was very emotive. Many of our students
responded with great empathy, writing messages of
support to Troy’s family and emailing the Georgian state
authorities to ask for clemency. However, the case
enabled us to ask lots of questions about the state of
our society. We were able to look more rationally at the
underlying ethical and cultural issues and to engage
in meaningful discussions so as to explain our own
perspective on the death penalty.
BGS staff, pupils and rowers in front of the fantastic float
BGS ‘Afloat’ at the Lord Mayor’s Parade, London
We left school on Friday afternoon not knowing what to
expect. The coach was kitted out with tables and a toilet,
so our journey was really comfortable. When we arrived
we spent time exploring London before we went to the
Lord Mayor’s house. The mansion and the reception were
absolutely amazing. We mingled with many guests, such
as Adrian Moorhouse, the Lord Mayor and his family, while
crisps were handed round by his lovely granddaughters.
The Lord Mayor made a great speech and we had pictures
taken afterwards. Later, we all rushed to Pizza Express for
a well-earned and delicious meal, and then returned to the
hotel for our night’s stay.
We rose early the following morning and had a nice breakfast,
ready for the big day ahead of us. We travelled to our float
in the coach. The float was fantastic; it was a huge rowing
boat with two rowing machines on and the world record that
the BGS Rowing Team broke displayed in big letters on the
boat. Two of the rowers were chosen to go on the rowing
machines, then the rest of us were divided into two groups;
one group got to ride on the float and the other walked beside
it. We were the very first float in the parade, right behind the
marching band. I had to walk beside the float for the first half
and we smiled and waved. As we set off the crowds were
huge, and there was a wide variety of different floats. At the
halfway point, the parade stopped for a lunch-break; this
was good news for the boys on the rowing machines - they
were completely exhausted! As the second half began we all
switched round, so this time I stood on the float. The whole
experience was truly incredible.
34
But it didn’t stop there. After watching the end of the parade,
walking around Millennium Bridge and having a look in an art
gallery, we sat down for a much-needed snack of Kit Kats
and drinks. Later on the most impressive firework display
I have ever seen began on the edge of the River Thames.
After this, we returned to the hotel and got ready to leave. It
was an exciting and exhausting weekend.
Isobel Wellings, 2VMF
First Form Biology Forensic
Science Day
On the 28th June, members of the First Form completed
a forensic crime investigation in the Biology department.
The whole year split up so that three classes would solve
the crime in the morning and the rest would do it in the
afternoon.
Firstly, we looked back on all of the techniques that our
teachers had taught us and put them into action. At the ‘crime
scene’, we found some very useful evidence to work on, such
as blood samples, fingerprints and footprints. We all had lots
of fun on this section of the investigation, especially looking at
shoe moulds, and undertaking DNA and biochemical analysis
(looking for starch, etc.). By the end of a morning of efficient
and precise work, all was becoming clear.
Our annual Christmas card was lower in profile than
usual, owing to problems with bad weather and illness.
Nonetheless, we selected a group of people to whom
messages of support could be sent and cards were duly
signed and despatched. Recipients included advocates
of women’s rights in Afghanistan and those campaigning
for trade union rights in Eastern Europe, as well as
people who had “disappeared”, having become a thorn
in the side of their government. In the New Year we were
encouraged to learn that several prisoners of conscience
whom we had supported in this way in the previous year
had been released by their respective governments as a
direct result of Amnesty’s campaigns.
We have continued in our mission to raise awareness
of Amnesty’s work by taking advantage of a captive
audience. In the Spring Term we gave presentations to
the Third Form in Form Period time. They learned about
the key tenets of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and about the foundation of Amnesty International
in the 1960s. Our two student Secretaries also recounted
the experiences of their families living through traumatic
times in Pakistan and Syria, very much bringing home the
notion that we are world citizens. Meanwhile, Sixth Form
Politics students entered the Amnesty International Human
Rights Reporter of the Year competition. The competition
attracted over 3,000 participants from all over the UK and
Sixth Former Sarah Ross was shortlisted in the top ten in
her category.
Please consider joining Amnesty, if only for one campaign.
Our supporters gain an education in world affairs and
hone their powers of thinking, debating and showing
empathy. Many of our student supporters go on to do
invaluable work in the human rights field, but we all have
the small satisfaction of knowing that “It is better to light a
candle than to curse the darkness.”
A P Simmonds
Phoebe Abruzzese analysing evidence from the crime scene
Eventually all of the classes got together to share their ideas
on who they thought was the suspect. We watched a short
clip which showed us all of the answers and I think most of
the classes worked out who committed the crime.
All of the First Form, I’m sure, would like to say a big thank
you to Mr Hargreaves who set up and created the whole
idea of the investigation, along with Mrs Chalashika and
Mrs Reeves. In addition, thank you to the actors from the
Second and Third Forms - Sasha Lawrence, Matt Parry,
Alex Priestley, Ewan Bagshaw, Adare Robins, Felix Langley,
Eddie Paget, Manisha Islam, Zoe Sheldon, Greg Cleland,
Ruby Hendry, Celia Cox, and Mia Mann - who produced the
evidence and short video clips to help us along the way.
We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and wish we could do it
all over again.
BGS ‘Afloat’ at The Lord Mayor’s Parade
Beatrice Taggart, 1ET
35
societies & features
The Big Green Society
The Big Green Society aims to learn about and promote
environmentally friendly living at Bradford Grammar School.
We want to assess the current environmental impact of
the school and make positive changes (however small) in
the school community. We are currently working towards
achieving the Silver Eco-Schools award.
This year, we made great progress on two campaign fronts.
First of all, we started a Christmas Card Collection Scheme.
After noticing that after the winter holidays the general waste
bins are often filled with Christmas cards, we organised a
campaign to collect them. We placed mail boxes around the
school for pupils to leave their old Christmas cards in. The
cards were then either cut out to make into gift cards for the
following year or they were properly recycled.
societies & features
Even closer to home, the area known as ‘The Glade’ has
been a ‘neglected’ area of land behind the school buildings
for many years. The Big Green Society has been particularly
enthusiastic about the development of a garden space. We
have been involved in the initial brain-storming of ideas to
be included at the planning stage. However, we also have
our own long term plans for the land, the most ambitious
of which is to grow vegetables that can be served in the
school kitchen! Most importantly this development assists
our group in its progress towards achieving the Silver EcoSchools award. Watch this space!
A Hicks, Davina Puri, 3AML and Liz Bailey, 6MPS
Aeneas through to Zeus;
an A to Z of the Classics
Society.
Every Monday lunch time a group of budding enthusiasts,
comprising a healthy mix of Lower School and Sixth Form
pupils meet to learn, discuss and share views on the world
of Ancient Greece and Rome; not a stone is left unturned as
we pick apart the stories, myths and legends. As we delved
deeper, I have begun to appreciate how much we owe to the
Greeks and Romans for so many of the things that we take
for granted today. They were smart – very smart!
Members of the Big Green Society encouraged recycling during Waste Week
Secondly, in March we took part in the national ‘Waste Week’
campaign, joining forces with 3,700 other schools across the
country. This involved creating and issuing a campaign to
educate the whole school about waste and how pupils can
cut down on the amount of waste they produce, as well as
how they can reduce the proportion that goes to landfill, by
re-using, recycling and composting.
The Big Green Society led a special assembly and produced
campaign posters which were displayed all over the Dining
Hall. These told people how to reduce or recycle all their
lunch waste using slogans such as ‘Lunchtime Crunchtime’
and ‘Are your eyes bigger than your stomach?’ This led to a
big reduction in the amount of waste produced at lunchtime.
Since Waste Week was such a huge success, the Big Green
Society will be leading a second one next year on a bigger
scale to produce an even better result.
We have two main aims for next year. Firstly, we are hoping
to ‘adopt’ Frizinghall Station. Station Adoption is a scheme
that involves turning round uncared-for and unloved stations,
bringing them back into the heart of the community and
encouraging greater use of environmentally friendly public
transport. It adds value to what is already there and helps
make the station more attractive. We are looking forward to
being involved with this project.
36
Throughout the year we have covered a wide range of
topics, the two most memorable being the Trojan War and
Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The Trojan War appears to be one
of the most important events in Greek mythology as it is
found in many works of Greek literature and art. It sees the
sacking of Troy after a bitter dispute between the goddesses
Athena, Hera and Aphrodite, the subsequent union of Paris
and Helen and the rise and fall of Achilles – you can be sure
of disaster once the gods get involved in affairs of the heart!
Metamorphoses is probably the best known poem by one
of the wittiest poets of Classical times, Ovid. His theme of
change and transformation, as seen through many different
guises, gave us the opportunity to prepare and perform to
the group some of our favourite stories and all members
contributed with much interest and enthusiasm. This was
my personal favourite as I enjoyed the challenge of creating
presentations based on stories such as that of Io (a young
girl who was turned into a cow by the resentful goddess
Hera) and performing them in front of the assembled group.
But by far the highlight of the year was the official opening of
the Classical Library, bursting with books on ancient Greek
and Roman myth, legend and civilisation. Now we have at
our fingertips a resource to be proud of and one to enable
us to extend our knowledge still further – thank you to Mrs
Chapman and the Classics Department; I have had a superb
year as a member of the Classics Society.
Alexander Broadbridge-Kirbitson, 1EJK
BGS Debating Society
For the Debating Society’s Annual Dinner this June, and in
light of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, I managed to find a
picture of the society from 1952. Even down to the fair share
of bad haircuts, it would seem very little has changed since
then; it still is organised by hugely supportive teachers and
is still attended by students ranging as much in their ages as
their interests. A conscious effort was made this year to draw
upon the students’ varying interests when coming up with
the weekly motions. This has meant occasionally dealing
with controversial politics, with This House Would Riot or
This House Would Return The Falklands to Argentina; at
other times debates were arranged with subject specialisms
in mind, such as This House Would Give Genetic Engineering
Free Rein for the scientists or, for the economists, This
House Still Supports Capitalism.
Remarkably, this year the Debating Society has been
attended by over sixty students for some motions. This
number is one which has been unprecedented in recent
years, and exceeds even the numbers of 1952! On top of
this, new students from all years have made promising
speaking debuts following the successful training
programmes which have been organised for prospective
debaters. Proof of this was in the final of the school’s internal
debating competition, the Davis Moxon Cup, with novice
speakers Rebecca Golenya and Shams Al-Hity holding
their own against old hands, and eventual winners of the
final, Rowan Arthur and Gregory Burke. Thus with strength
in numbers, and indeed in the quality of our speakers, the
future of the BGS Debating Society looks very bright.
Katherine Dixon, 6JDD, Secretary
BGS Fairtrade Group
It has been another busy year, featuring some events which
have become regulars on the BGS calendar and some new
ideas too. The Fairtrade tuck shop continues to run every
break from Room 13 with chocolate cookies still most
definitely our best seller. We have a very healthy rota of
helpers (including Miss Hicks), to whom huge thanks are
owed for all their time and expert adding-up skills. I wish
I had room to mention you all, but I must give my thanks
in particular to departing Upper Sixth Formers Abigail
Robertson and Katherine Dixon who have given many years
of loyal service to Fairtrade and been excellent role models
to younger volunteers.
This year’s Fairtrade Valentine’s chocolate delivery service
was ably organised by Abi Robertson who used the project
as part of her fund-raising efforts for her British Schools
Exploring Society’s trip to Namibia, which she writes about
elsewhere in this magazine. Abi managed a team of helpers
in the buying, production and delivery of the chocolates and
mystery messages. There were more than a few blushes on
delivery day!
the rest of school to Take a Step for Fairtrade. Mr Riley had
to negotiate a line of footprints through the Price Hall to the
Proclaimers’ song 500 Miles before Haaris Qureshi, Bea
Evans-Thirlwell and Selina Pillai took to the stage, helped
by First Formers Will Elmore and Hugh Barrett. Special
thanks to Haaris for alleviating the pre-Powerpoint nerves by
ensuring that all the technology worked perfectly.
Abi Robertson and organisers of the
Fairtrade Valentine’s chocolate delivery service
This was followed by a First Year raffle run entirely by Will
Elmore and Hugh Barrett of 1BRM, as their way of ‘taking
a step’ for Fairtrade. While the whole school was learning
about Fairtrade (and how it differs from charity) in Form
Period, Hugh and Will visited every First Form class, selling
tickets for an impressive hamper of Fairtrade chocolates and
(of course) cookies. The profits, together with our tuck shop
takings, will be sent to a school in the Kenyan slums where
Clock House teacher Miss Clucas will be going to work this
summer. Miss Clucas aims to use the money to buy a pair of
shoes for each pupil.
The inflatable Fairtrade bananas made another appearance
at this year’s Spring Fair, helping to secure record takings
on the slippery pole stall. Supervising pupils bashing each
other with blow-up bananas is a strange but somehow
satisfying way to spend an afternoon. Thanks to Davina Puri,
among others, for helping out.
Our final event of the year is running a team-building activity
for the incoming First Form on their transition day. Will and
Hugh (soon to be Second Formers) have previously been on
the receiving end of this challenge with secretly unfair rules
and I’m sure they’ll enjoy running the event. It is intended
as a way of demonstrating the unfair trade rules which exist
in favour of rich countries, but it’s also quite entertaining
watching the other teams struggle with inadequate resources
– until all is revealed to them.
So, another active year with a dedicated group of pupils
who are interested in learning about inequalities in the world
and in playing their part to help those trapped in poverty to
earn a decent wage for themselves and their families. Huge
thanks to all pupils who have been involved in the Fairtrade
group this year. Your action really does make a difference.
E J Kingsley
In Fairtrade fortnight (held annually in February) members
of the group put together a special assembly to encourage
37
societies & features - the diamond jubilee
the diamond jubilee - societies & features
Clock House and the Jubilee
The Queen
A project for the Lord Mayor
Clock House approached the Jubilee with unrestrained
enthusiasm. Firstly pupils entered a local competition
organised by the Mayor of Bradford and won a prestigious
trophy for their poetry as well as having art work put in a
book sent to the Queen.
Bradford Grammar School’s Stitch Club made a group
project this year themed on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The members, all in the First Form, each designed a block
based on their own ideas relating to ‘Britishness’ and the
Diamond Jubilee. Also included is a block depicting the
school motto - Hoc Age.
It was then time for energy to be given to our Jubilee Day.
Pupils and staff came in outfits belonging to the six decades
of the Queen’s reign. The selection was amazing, as can be
seen from the photographs. Pupils did not recognise their
teachers as they ranged from glamorous models of the fifties
and sixties to hippies, the Fonz and even a Bay City Roller
(aka Mr Gabriel). Then at lunchtime parents, grandparents
and friends joined us for a picnic; again they came in a range
of stunning outfits from the decades and we were even
joined by the Queen and Winston Churchill (aka Mr and Mrs
Riley).
We then went to the Price Hall for a celebration of songs
interspersed with poetry and information from each decade
with the price of bread tracked through time. A free raffle
of Jubilee hanging baskets provided by Mr Smith was
delightfully received and we finished with everyone singing
Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.
The Lord Mayor with Stitch Club’s Jubilee creation
It was a royal celebration for a royal occasion and everyone
thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
L Morris
Mosaic image of the Queen created using portraits of J4 pupils
Jubilee Jelly!
The Queen has a long family tree,
Which is all about our history.
When her father died she was in tears,
Now she has been Queen for sixty years.
The Queen is rich, powerful and wealthy,
You must admit she still looks healthy.
With gleaming eyes and a beautiful smile,
She’ll be perfect for walking down the red aisle.
Known throughout the world for her style,
Especially whilst travelling the royal mile.
The Queen likes horses and corgi dogs,
She also likes hats and fancy togs.
Mr and Mrs Riley and the Clock House staff in retro fancy dress
Mr Gabriel the Bay City Roller
She has famous people, who all come to see,
Whether she’s available for ‘Afternoon tea!’
So, as the distinguished head of the Royal Family,
We look forward to celebrating her Diamond Jubilee!
They created their individual blocks using a variety of
techniques and embroidery stitches. The blocks were
machine-pieced to form the hanging and hand-tied with
buttons.
The wall-hanging was originally due to be in the handicraft
competition at the Bingley Show in July but this was
cancelled due to poor weather. It was instead shown in the
Lord Mayor’s Rooms in City Hall as part of the Diamond
Jubilee Heritage Day on Saturday 8th September 2012.
The group members are Meggie Boyle, Emaan Zia, Ellie
Pinder, Bea Taggart, Jemima Lee, Amaara Noor-Mundiya,
Maddy Silberberg, Charlotte Pickard, Millie Websdale,
Hannah Rawnsley and Maryam Hussain. Mrs Palmer, Miss
D’Arcy, Mrs Harvey and Mrs Tomlinson also made a block.
The girls are now looking forward to a special visit to City
Hall to meet the Lord Mayor.
Stitch Club meets on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday
lunchtimes as part of the extra-curricular programme at
Bradford Grammar School.
E Tomlinson
A poem by J3S
Pupils and their familes enjoyed a picnic lunch
38
A hearty sing-song rounded off the day
Diamond Jubilee artwork
Astrid Knox-McConnell J5N
Diamond Jubilee artwork
Syndy Cheung J5N
39
societies & features - the diamond jubilee
the diamond jubilee - societies & features
…England’s 1966 World Cup victory…
Pupils re-enact The Coronation…
Diamond Decades
a show to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee
What an afternoon! On Friday June 1st Her Majesty’s
Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in style by the Second and
Third Forms. That morning the school was already bubbling
into a party mood, with pupils dressed in red, white and blue,
sporting Union Jack hats, wigs and shirts, and ready for
fun. After a splendid “Best of British” lunch (fish and chips
or a full English breakfast, followed by treacle sponge and
custard!), the costumes moved up a gear, from the patriotic
to the surreal. As pupils gathered in the theatre after lunch,
the rows were packed with hippies, zombies, characters
from Star Wars, brides, teddy boys, astronauts, footballers,
ermine-clad royals, ballerinas, old men in cloth caps and
masked men in white coats.
Earlier in the year, the Lower School Council had come up
with the idea of celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by
staging a variety show to represent the six decades of her
reign, in which every member of the Lower School would
take part. Rehearsal time in the days leading up to the show
was very limited (particularly for the Second Formers, who
had exams all week), but with tremendous enthusiasm,
imagination and enterprise, everyone had risen to the
challenge, and twelve pieces were ready (or, at least, rough
and ready) to be performed to the rest of their year groups,
and in front of a panel of judges, on the final afternoon of the
half-term.
40
The Second Form held the stage for the first half. Ewan
Bagshaw set the scene for each form’s performance with
an entertaining review of the decade’s highlights, and 2JIR
got things off to a lively start with their Fifties Flashback,
featuring Hassan Chowdhury as an unlikely Judy Garland,
fondly remembered by a row of old men as they looked
back on their youth. A lively 50s soundtrack with colourful
costumes and dancing got the audience clapping and
singing along from the start. 2DJM gave us A Taste of the
60s, with the assassinations of JF Kennedy and Martin
Luther King, the 1966 World Cup, the Beatles, “one giant
step for mankind” and a heart transplant operation, cleverly
staged behind a back-lit hospital screen. 2VMF’s 70s
Got Talent had Darth Vader, Mrs Thatcher and the Queen
judging the efforts of the Bee Gees, the Jackson Five
and ABBA, before 2SMC took us Back to the 80s with
a wonderful performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller
video. Zombies lurched and staggered around the stage as
Mehreen Khalil, playing Michael Jackson, strutted her stuff.
Then the 90s were recalled by 2JB in a quiz show (called
“Would Jubilee’ve it?” – groan!), and 2AH brought us into
the Noughties with their Face Party 2000, a lively review of
contemporary celebrity faces, as pop stars and characters
from Twilight and Harry Potter leaped around the stage with
members of the royal family.
The arrival of Mr and Mrs Riley dressed as Sir Winston and
Lady Churchill marked the start of the show’s second half, as
Ruby Hendry helped to settle a lively audience with a lovely
rendition of Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Then she and
Adare Robins steered us through the Queen’s reign, decade by
decade, linking six more performances, this time from the Third
Form. 3RES took us back to The Rocking 50s again, complete
with the coronation and hula-hoops. 3SEH’s musical tribute to
the 1960s included more live music, with songs around a piano,
and the whole form performing The Locomotion. 3BCG’s witty
70s Newsround was fronted by Greg Cleland and Ed Paget.
And then Michael Jackson was back again (Thomas Liu, this
time) along with roller-blades and Rocky revisited in 3AML’s
homage to the ‘80s. A lively romp through the news stories
of Non-stop 90s with 3LWH left it to 3MM to bring us up to
the modern day, which they did with Wedding Crashers as the
most recent royal wedding was repeatedly interrupted by the
guests whom Will and Kate had forgotten to invite. The show
finished in a shower of red, white and blue confetti.
…the moon landing…
The judges (Mrs Wilde, Mr Smith, Mr Woods and Mr Brook)
retired to make their decisions and returned to announce
2DJM and 3BCG as the winning performances.
Much fun was had, in the spirit of good old-fashioned
homemade entertainment. We hope Her Majesty would have
enjoyed the pupils’ efforts, and know that they will remember
the occasion.
…The Wizard of oz…
Vivat regina!
M J Chapman
...and the most recent Royal Wedding
Audience and judges await the Diamond Decades show
41
societies & features
Chatterbooks Year Review
Chatterbooks is a creative, constructive and cool club that
meets every Thursday lunchtime in the library classroom
to discuss all book-related themes! Students from the First
and Second Forms are welcomed with juice and biscuits
for bookworms to devour, and regular members receive a
number of privileges, like taking out five rather than three
books from the library.
We don’t only discuss books and give our summaries
of them, but we also play the greatest of games, watch
wondrous movies and take part in extreme events! This year
Chatterbooks supported World Book Day, ran an assembly,
shadowed the Carnegie Award, completed a sponsored
Readathon and so much more! We have our own display in
the English corridor and in the Library too, so you can keep
up to date with all the latest book-related news, check out
Book of the Week, and get tips on what to read from the
experts; it’s all there!
Once again, Chatterbooks has been a great success. For a
small club, we’re really growing in stature and status, and
as we sadly wish farewell to old members in July, we look
forward to greeting new ones in September. Hope to see you
there!
Ayeesha Monks, 1CWL
Model United Nations
This year’s Inter-School Model United Nations Competition
was held at Bradford Grammar School with over 110
students taking part from schools across West Yorkshire.
The debate centred on the Convention for the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women (adopted by the
United Nations in 1979).
societies & features
“Such stuff as dreams
are made on” - the Great
Shakespeare Debate
Having reached the final the next day we debated the
topic “Are Shakespeare’s plays empowering to the modern
woman?” – a hard task indeed for a boy to make a speech
about what it means to be a ‘modern woman’! Judged
by eminent Shakespeare scholars and members of the
English Speaking Union, we were narrowly defeated; maybe
we should have heeded the warning of Julius Caesar’s
soothsayer when he said, “Beware the Ides of March.”
Heading back up north we decided that, in the words of
Juliet, “Parting is such sweet sorrow”, and that, to quote
Hamlet, “There are more things in heaven and earth,
Horatio”!
BGS PeaceJam Society
Sixty countries were represented by the nine schools taking
part which included St Joseph’s College, Holy Family School,
Hipperholme Grammar School, Hanson School, Carlton
Bolling College, GSAL, Ackworth School and Beckfoot
School. Our students did particularly well with Connor
Warden being awarded Best Speaker, Chris Casson and
Scott Brayshaw awarded Joint Best Contribution, and Ben
Scantlebury and Toby Mountain awarded Best Delegation.
Congratulations to all involved.
R E Skelton
42
During the Autumn and Spring Terms, seven members of
the Lower Sixth participated in the Prince`s Trust Enterprise
Challenge after choosing it from the General Studies
programme. The Prince’s Trust helps provide opportunities
for disadvantaged young people to get back into education
and employment. The group`s first fundraising event was at
the BGS Christmas Fair where we ran a small games stall
and drew a raffle. The game, called the ‘Snowball Challenge’,
proved very popular with the children and we soon had to
re-stock our prizes! The raffle was also a smashing success
– prizes were donated by local businesses and tickets sold
around school and to family and friends.
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely
players”, or, rather, debaters, in the case of three Lower
Sixth Formers, Georgie Henley, Matt Procter and Chris
Casson, who took part in the annual Great Shakespeare
Debate, a national debating competition, in Stratford Upon
Avon in March. Having got through the video entry to be
selected as one of the final twelve teams, and stocked up
on lunch at the ‘Food of Love Café’, an action-packed two
days ensued. Topics of debate included: “Shakespeare’s
tragedies are unsatisfactory as the heroes never have a
chance to learn from their mistakes”, “Do modern-day set
designs bring anything new to Shakespeare’s plays?”, “Is
Measure for Measure a tragedy or a comedy?” and “Is Miss
Lancelot’s hair naturally so red?”. The evening was certainly
our highlight – after transporting ourselves to Shakespeare’s
Verona through our meal at Carluccio’s, we enjoyed watching
the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Measure
for Measure, featuring a motley collection of characters nuns, gentlemen, a Duke, prostitutes, friars, constables and,
inexplicably, women with lampshades on their heads!
Matt Procter, 6NAH
Delegates at the Model UN competition
The Prince’s Trust
PeaceJam UK is part of an international youth movement led
by Nobel Peace Prize winners. This year the BGS PeaceJam
Society learned about the Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond
Tutu. They delivered an assembly in January to raise
awareness of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and
sold wristbands around school to raise money for the charity
‘Children of Peace.’
In April, the PeaceJam Society went to the annual PeaceJam
weekend conference at Bradford University. At the
conference the students took part in a variety of workshops
and activities ranging from discussion tasks and drama
activities to learning the tango in a dance workshop! All
workshops were based around different ways of resolving
conflict. Over the course of the weekend, the students
also had an amazing opportunity to listen to inspirational
speeches given by Adolfo Esquivel, a leading Nobel Peace
Laureate, as well as presenting their own projects and
At PeaceJam weekend Chris Casson attended a workshop called
‘Graffiti for Change’
ideas for working for peace. They were so inspired by
Adolfo Esquivel and his experiences that they came back
to school and delivered an assembly to the whole school
about what they had learned from the weekend. This was an
unforgettable experience which motivated students to focus
on their PeaceJam project for next year!
Our next venture was our very own adaptation of the highly
entertaining and popular TV show Take Me Out. It was
hosted by ‘The Love Doctor’ and his assistants Romil Butt
and Benny Lavery in front of a full house. The show ran
smoothly (with only one minor hiccup - but that just added to
the comedy of the show). After all of our fundraising events
the group went to The Mount School in York to present in
front of a small panel of business ‘Dragons’. After their best
attempts the group did not win the competition but the
judges were highly impressed by the Take me Out concept
and the group’s enthusiasm. Overall a grand total of £630
was raised for the charity.
Well done all round to team members Romil Butt, Benny
Lavery, Talha Bhatti, Usman Latif, Aneesa Hussain, Shams
Al-Hity, and Emily Wadden.
D A Pullen
R E Skelton
Philosophical Society
Philosophical Society continues to offer students the
opportunity to explore the concepts that interest them in
an environment which is simultaneously intensely academic
and warmly welcoming of fresh faces and new ideas. It
is renowned for preparing Upper Sixth students for their
university interviews, but this does not prevent it being
attended by pupils of every year group – and even teachers
- on a weekly basis. This year students have held talks
on topics as varied as Aestheticism, War, Belief, Science
vs Religion, Human Rights and Love. Furthermore, in the
Summer Term, the Society also shifted in format by having
a new guest-Chairman every week, meaning that students
benefitted from a new teacher at each meeting to guide their
discussions. Sometimes, these pairings were particularly
apt; Dr Shepherd, for example, chaired the talk on Humour
by Andrew Glen. Very popular and hugely valuable to its
members, the Society ends this school year as successful as
ever.
Katherine Dixon, 6JDD
Members of the Prince’s Trust team proudly display their cheque
43
societies & features
societies & features
over four days in Nidderdale. This was a particularly
impressive achievement for the sixty-two students on the
Friday and Saturday of the assessment weekend, since it
was done over a period of incredibly heavy rain. All of the
students were a real credit to the school and they will have
benefited hugely from the experience.
It would not have been possible for so many students to be
involved without the support and time given by twenty-nine
(teaching and non-teaching) staff over the twelve days of
training, practice expeditions and assessment expeditions.
The Bronze Award weekends provide an invaluable outdoor
experience that is available to all students. The numbers
involved show that there is a real appetite for an outdoor
element to the curriculum. The Bronze Award reins are now
being handed over to Mrs Jackson and Mrs Reeves and
already over 100 Third Form students have signed up for
next year.
Staff came to school dressed as their favourite characters from literature for Wolrd Book Day
World Book Day
Duke of Edinburghs Award
World Book Day this year was an even bigger success than
last year, with more students and staff getting involved
than ever before. The day kicked off with a thrilling ‘flash
mob’ assembly showing the vast number of students in our
school who love reading, and continued with a number of
competitions and games throughout the day. However, the
highlight for all was seeing thirty-three teachers (including
Mr Riley!) dressed up as some of the most famous literary
characters from history. They ranged from the legendary King
Arthur and the mythological Dido, to modern classics such
as Scout Finch and The Cat in the Hat! It was a wonderful
sight to see the Little Mermaid, Sherlock Holmes and Holly
Golightly all having lunch together. Special mention should
go to the Library staff for their original ideas, and the ladies
of the Art Department for their take on the Weird Sisters from
Macbeth!
In another very busy year there have been some significant
changes to the structure of the Duke of Edinburghs Award
scheme. Participants now manage themselves online through
a new ‘eDofE’ website and area, which has had its teething
problems but is now fully functional and much more userfriendly. There is even a new ‘DofE app’ for the iPhone which
gives participants new ideas for spicing up their food during
their expedition – it has taken fifty years but the Award has
finally been dragged into the modern electronic era!
It was great fun to see the students dashing down the
corridors in pursuit of one literary character or another, but
unfortunately there could only be one winner of the Guess
the Fancy Dress competition: Yousef Hussain from 3AML.
Other winners from the day included Saaqib Riaz from 1HRT
and Katherine Dixon in 6JDD; all three received book tokens
generously donated by the English Society.
World Book Day couldn’t go ahead each year if it wasn’t for
the support from the Library staff, the English Department,
the wider school community and, of course, the members
of Chatterbooks, who have excelled themselves this year
in productivity, ideas and commitment. So if you want to
be involved in events like this in the future, make sure you
check out Chatterbooks in September!
A M Lancelot
44
A smiling Bronze Award team in the sunshine
bronze award hits 300!
Gabriella Swanepoel recently became the school’s 300th
student to be awarded their Bronze Award certificate. These
numbers are sure to reach 400 in the near future, as this year
saw 110 Fourth Form pupils complete the Bronze Award
expedition section. Practice expeditions took place over six
days in Lower Wharfedale, with the assessed expeditions
The girls are excited to have negotiated a wall!
Gold award
Sun at home with his mum!). The weather conditions were
appalling for the whole of the four days but the team made
good use of the latest Gore Tex waterproof clothing to
fend off the deluge. Despite the foul weather the scenery
was stunning and made the challenging routes through the
mountains worth it. The most difficult day was the fourth day
because of the torrential rain and the final 500 metres steep
climb up Fleetwood Pike. The best part of the expedition was
the team spirit in the evenings at campsite. The singing kept
the team going throughout the four days and I have to thank
the team for getting us all through this experience, one that
we shall never forget!
anGus mather and oliver boncey write…
We found the four-day expedition both physically and
mentally demanding. Days one and two were a struggle due
to the very heavy weight of our rucksacks; days three and
four were even more difficult due to the incessant rain and
general foulness of the weather. The rain drained all of the
positivity out of the group forcing us to really hunker down
and get on with it. Navigation was a real problem when the
footpaths flooded and visibility was down to a few hundred
metres. The team did really well to cope with all of these
elements and we have all learned many useful skills from this
experience and a great deal about working as a team.
All of the students need to be commended for their
commitment, grit and determination to succeed when the
great British weather was draining their energy and spirits.
During the Upper Sixth Form they will be working towards
completing their Awards and looking forward to a visit to the
palace…
Over the Easter holidays BGS ran its Gold Award training
expedition in the Lake District. It was another excellent
expedition to the Kentmere area in the Southern Lakes, with
thirty-one Lower Sixth Form students completing the four
days. The five groups of students had some fine weather
mixed in with the usual spring rains to help keep them on
their toes during the four-day expedition. They found the
going challenging with many aching legs, sore shoulders and
some truly battered feet, but they came through with flying
colours.
The following students completed the expedition: Georgina
O’Connor, Imogen Allan, Alex Rogawski, Giti Aishwarya,
Catherine Wright, Olivia Robinson, Georgie Henley, Angus
Mather, Haaris Qureshi, Oliver Boncey, Liz Bailey, Emily
Misbert, Rebecca Irons, Sumiya Hussain, Matt Fowler, Sam
Balmforth, Will Paget, Mike Goodwin, Jamie Boden, Sam
Weatherhead, Matt Gunnee, Toby Mountain, Matt Celaire,
Will Briggs, Dominic Cox, Danielle Bennett, Georgie Kay,
Harriet Liddington, Chloe Ramsden, Kathryn Taylor, Iona
Anderson.
The following is a brief summary of the teams’ experience
during their assessed expedition in June and July.
GeorGie henley from ‘team Gina’ writes…
After the practice expedition, the whole team were much
better prepared for the assessed expedition and everyone
had an accurate idea of what to pack and what to leave at
home (thankfully Matt Celaire left his forty litres of Capri-
After a long, wet climb, the payoff!
Gold award Presentations
Congratulations to another four of our departing Sixth
form and now Old Bradfordians who have successfully
completed their Gold Award and are eagerly waiting for
their presentation at Buckingham Palace. These are: Jamie
Davidson; William Barker; Jessica Lintin; Oliver Gillat-Jones.
A further eight of our students (Seb Tullie, Courtenay Fisher,
Ravi Prasad, Jonathan Lewis, Hannah Whitford, Anisah
Rasul, Rohan Misra and Rachel Pinder) are nearly there
and working hard to complete their Award before going to
University in September 2012.
S R Hoath and I E Walker
45
societies & features - bGs and the world
bGs and the world - societies & features
In 2011, Bishop Dan Ogutu of Outreach Community Church
(OCC) asked me to fundraise and organise a camp for fifty
11-14 year olds from Mathare slum in Nairobi. We called this
the ‘Holiday for Hope’.
Namibia Expedition
This summer I joined the British Exploring Society (formerly
known as the British Schools’ Exploring Society) for a threeweek expedition to the Skeleton Coast and Brandberg Massif
in North West Namibia. From the base camp in the Numas
Valley on the NW side of the Massif, five ‘fires’ (groups of
around fifteen) set off on different projects – a 120km trek,
surveying wildlife and documenting ancient bushman rock art.
We spent the first five days acclimatising to thirty-nine
degree heat and ten per cent humidity, drinking eight litres
a day to prevent dehydration. At night the temperatures
plummeted to minus five degrees, freezing our water and
covering the tents in frost. We learnt about navigation by
GPS, the sun and the stars, and started scientific surveys
of rodents using traps, recording their species, weight, size
and sex to measure the valley’s biodiversity. Camera traps
were also set up by springs and caves, capturing images of
a leopard. In two days we carried 457 litres of water up to
advanced base camp, which would sustain fires finding the
rock art – a massive logistical challenge.
Campers cheer as they win a wet game
Community Outreach in Kenya
This year we have further strengthened our links by
supporting two large projects. One was to furnish the rebuilt
classrooms with quality desks and chairs, the other to
provide a holiday for underprivileged children.
Enjoying a wet sponge game
Over recent years, Bradford Grammar has developed
a fantastic connection with organisations in Kenya. In
previous years we have been able to raise money to rebuild
classrooms damaged by fire and help to equip orphanages
run by Outreach Community Church (OCC). OCC is a
Nairobi-based charity that seeks to support Mathare Valley
Slum. Mathare is widely regarded as one of the worst slums
in Africa, with all the poor sanitation, overcrowding, medical
and social problems we associate with such places. OCC
works directly with the people of Mathare and other poor
areas, running three schools, two orphanages and many
social projects to help the residents.
46
Fundraising for the projects involved a ‘Human Fruit Machine’ game
BGS joined up with charities BASIK and One in a Million to
run a sponsored swim in March. They raised £1700, which
has been enough to equip two classrooms with quality
furniture. Elanor Clucas was able to go and see the desks
being made by craftsmen when she visited Nairobi in August
2012. These will be put into the new classrooms that were
rebuilt with BGS fundraising, following a fire in the slum.
Without these desks the classrooms were not useful to the
school, and whole classes were struggling to learn.
Elanor with the team at Holiday for Hope
Bradford Grammar School raised a significant portion of the
money needed for the camp. Firstly, the Friends of Clock
House Parents’ Association ran a fantastic curry and quiz
evening at BGS in May. Families came to trawl through
their general knowledge and enjoy delicious food, as well
as play amazing games such as ‘the human fruit machine’.
The Second and Third Form sports day was also involved in
raising money through sponsorships, having been inspired
by assemblies. Their efforts to push themselves in sports as
families and friends generously sponsored them were truly to
be admired.
Between these two events Bradford Grammar raised over
£2000 towards the camp. This went towards food and
cooking, sports and craft equipment, travel, trips, supporting
the team and even buying anti-malarial medication and
mosquito nets.
Without the generosity of the people of Bradford Grammar,
there simply would not have been the funds for the camp
to go ahead. The camp itself was enormously successful,
and the children had the time of their lives. I hope to return
in 2014 to run another similar camp and to continue to build
links between BGS and Kenya.
E Clucas
My fire (Boomslang) then embarked on an eight day trek to
the Skeleton Coast, covering twenty kilometres a day, with
the landscape constantly changing from savannah to granite
mountains to rocky plains, finally reaching the pristine white
wilderness of the coast. It was a fulfilling experience to carry
all my belongings on my back, and night watch duty against
lions made the lifestyle even more challenging. At midday
we used our three-hour breaks to learn about Namibia from
our guide Kobus, who would draw maps and sketches in
the sand – the most enjoyable lessons I’ve ever had! We
carried out line and quadrant surveys of vegetation as we
went, finding the rare welwitchia mirabilis, and captured
aerial photographs of the desert using a kite camera. When
we arrived at the coast we found the shipwreck of Winston,
a fishing vessel that ran aground in 1970. Luckily all her crew
survived, but the Skeleton Coast owes its name to the less
fortunate seamen washed up on the shores by the Benguela
Current. Despite these gloomy surroundings, we had a dip
in the freezing sea and raised our spirits with a local game
called “shit spitting”!
For our final phase we returned to the Numas Valley to survey
ancient rock art, painted 6,000 years ago by indigenous San
bushmen of Namibia: the pictures were intended to give future
tribes information about the local geography and wildlife. Our
most interesting find was a map of the valley, showing the
river and its tributaries, and some trees, giraffe and springbok.
We were the first people to do a systematic survey of the
Numas valley, and our data have been sent to the Trust for
African Rock Art (TARA) in Nairobi for their records.
I enjoyed exploring a real wilderness for the first time, and
now feel more self-sufficient, motivated, and more confident
as a leader as a result of the expedition. The British
Exploring Society has given me a good outdoor grounding
and a determination to explore more in the future! I would
like to thank sincerely everyone at BGS who helped me to
raise funds for this expedition.
Abigail Robertson, 6NSN
47
societies & features - bGs and the world
Global Young Leaders Conference
For ten days during July 2012 I was given the opportunity
to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in
China, an experience which proved to be both culturally
fascinating and highly rewarding.
Ben Scantlebury - far left - in Shanghai
The GYLC is a leadership development program that brings
together students from around the world to build critical
leadership skills in a global context - allowing young people
to explore cultural differences first-hand and to develop
a greater appreciation of their role in an increasingly
international community. For me, this meant being able
to interact with people from a truly diverse range of
backgrounds - meeting other young people from places as
varied as Colombia, Pakistan, and Canada.
The conference took place in three different cities of
mainland China, each one unique in its own way. During
my time in Beijing, we paid fascinating visits to Tiananmen
Square, the Forbidden City, and, of course, the Great Wall.
The ancient and beautiful city of Hangzhou proved to be a
welcome break from the congested and seemingly inhuman
Beijing, with the famous ‘West Lake’, now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, being a particularly impressive feat of Chinese
engineering. The final few days of the conference, taking
48
place in Shanghai, included visits to a Coca-Cola factory
to explore the impact of globalisation and a simulation to
discuss the problem of water scarcity in a country with an
ever-growing population.
Ben with members of the GYLC in Tiananmen Square
The keynote speakers ranged from officials in the Chinese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to experts in cross-cultural
communication and journalists from The China Daily. What
all the speakers had in common was their ability to offer a
fascinating insight into the cultural differences between East
and West, and an intriguing first hand perspective on the
day-to-day running of the Chinese state.
In visiting China I found a place of contradictions – a country
which claims to be communist but which nevertheless has
an ever-burgeoning gap between rich and poor, a country
which has a highly censored media but in which the signs
of globalisation are increasingly prevalent; and a country in
which in many places its now easier to find a Big Mac than it
is authentic Chinese cuisine.
Thank you to both Mr Johnson and Mr Riley for supporting
and helping me to take part in this fantastic experience.
Benedict Scantlebury, 6HJB
Visits
German Exchange
49
visits
visits
Dan Sanderson experiences life on board a seventeenth-century
Dutch East Indiaman
The group outside ‘Nemo’ Science Museum
Amsterdam
Over the Easter break, thirty pupils from the Third and Fourth
Forms, and I, the only Second Former, together with Mr
Hooper, Mr Leake and Mrs Chalashika, assembled for the
drive to the port at Hull. The coach journey passed quickly,
as we were lucky enough to have Mary Poppins to entertain
us along the way. Thanks to our guidebooks, we were able
to read about the exciting two days that lay ahead. After a
few short safety briefings we got on the ferry - our home
for the next night. It was an unexpectedly smooth journey
across the North Sea to Rotterdam; most of us had failed
to notice we’d even cast off. After our evening meal, we
attempted to get sufficient sleep for the busy days ahead,
but mostly failed, owing to our state of excitement.
The following morning we arrived at Rotterdam. Delays
in docking and heavy traffic meant that, much to our
disappointment, we couldn’t make our first visit to the Corrie
Ten Boom House Museum, where Jews were hidden from
Nazi searchers in a secret room. Fortunately we were able
to read all about it in our guidebooks. Next, we went on a
cruise of Amsterdam’s canals which taught us a lot about
the history of Amsterdam, as well as Amsterdam today.
We saw some incredible architecture from the sixteenth to
nineteenth centuries, including the ‘Blue Bridge’. This was
the first time we saw just how many bicycles use the streets
of Amsterdam, dominating the roads everywhere. We shall
definitely have lots of pictures of this impressive architecture,
because Mr Hooper took plenty throughout the trip, even if it
did mean our losing him a couple of times!
The sights and spectacular architecture didn not end there,
because we then took a walk to the Anne Frank House. I
think most of us would agree this was the most moving part
of the whole trip. The house in which Anne and her family
went into hiding from the Nazi Holocaust has now been
made into a museum, with entries from her diary and objects
related to her story displayed all over the walls. Firstly, we
had a fascinating talk in the education centre about Anne’s
family and her history, as well as what was happening to
Jews and other races under the Nazi occupation of the
Netherlands, with helpful pictures which told the whole story
well. Our guide talked us through the layout of the house
and the rooms which Anne and her family used, including
the dark attic where they were forced to go into hiding.
We then looked around the house. The displays were quite
amazing, such as the actual pencil markings of Anne and
her sister’s height on the wall. It really made me think more
Cruising Amsterdam’s canals
50
carefully about Anne’s story, because the evidence for it was
right there in front of me. After an evening meal at the Hard
Rock Café, Amsterdam, we went to the Stayokay hostel in
Haarlem for one night.
The next day we returned to Amsterdam to visit the Jewish
Museum and Quarter. This was another very moving part of
the trip. We were shown around the Jewish Museum, which,
at first was to teach us about Jewish culture and traditions
in general, such as their kosher diet and the Torah. Then
we learned more about how badly the Jews were treated
during the time of the Holocaust, followed by a walking tour
around the Jewish Quarter. We saw the ‘Memorial to the
Six Million’, the European Jews who were murdered by the
Nazis, and were fascinated by the way Jewish people had
placed stones on it to show respect. Then, owing to the theft
of a purse and mobile phone belonging to one of our group,
The Memorial to the Six Million
Corrie Jackson-Levrier with her clogs
we had to cancel the planned visit Kamp Vught, the transit
and concentration camp through which Anne and her family
passed on the way to the death camps. However, Mr Hooper
organised alternative visits; to ‘Nemo’, an impressive-looking
science museum that we’d seen on our canal cruise, and
rather similar to Eureka in Halifax, or to Het Scheepvaart
Museum, the national maritime museum where we boarded
a replica of a seventeenth century Dutch East Indiaman. This
was a really fun way to end the trip.
We then went to the port in Rotterdam, to get another ferry
back to Hull. It was a little less smooth than before, but
still a great journey – for most of us. Kasim celebrated his
birthday too enthusiastically with chocolate and was unwell.
We arrived at Hull at about 8am, having had a better night’s
sleep than most of us expected!
Mia Mann, 2SMC
In the Portuguese Synagogue
51
visits
Visit to the Hindu Temple and
Sikh Gurdwara
On a windswept September day, a group of pupils set out
to visit the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple and the
Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara. The trip was arranged by the
BGS Sikh and Hindu Society. It was a splendid visit and all
the pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The electrifying
atmosphere en route to the Mandir was clearly evident on
the faces of those present, and having been amongst them I
too was excited for this much anticipated event.
Arriving at the Mandir, we made the most of the now
clear skies and grasped the opportunity to take a group
photograph. Shortly after this, we were met by Mrs Seema
Bhutoo of the Interfaith Education Centre. Having washed
our hands (a customary procedure in the Mandir and
Gurdwara), we were led through the picturesque arched
doorways to the main Prayer Hall. I think it is safe to say
that the majority of us were taken aback by the great beauty
of the alabaster prayer stage, home to many idols of gods
adorned in garlands of fragrant jasmine and bellflowers.
visits
received an interesting tour of the somewhat atypical articles
in and around the room as well as getting the chance to see
where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs,
also considered a living Guru) is put to rest after each day.
This was a fascinating experience as it delivered an insight
into how much respect and adoration is given to what some
people may conceive as “just a book,” when in essence to
Sikhs it is their guidance in their day-to-day lives.
The institution of Langar (free food served to anyone,
regardless of race, caste, or creed) was set up by the third
Guru, Guru Amar Das. Eating together and sharing the work of
the Langar is one of the Sikh ways of showing that everyone
is considered as equal. Unbeknown to us, the Gurdwara had
prepared a whole host of provisions for us to eat. An array of
food, from samosas to chapattis, lay before us - something
that made us feel welcome and at home.
Over all, the trip gave a real insight into the wider picture of
these two major religions and, from the comments I received
and the contented mood on the way back to BGS, it was
certainly worth the time and effort. A job well done in my
opinion!
Simran Dhesi, 5DJC
Spanish Exchange to
Córdoba
Sikh and Hindu Society members outside the Gurdwara
The clean, crisp air accompanied by the chiming of the
bell made the ambience of the room one of peace and
tranquillity. After an interesting talk by Seema, we were
given the chance to explore the hall. With our new found
knowledge, before long we found ourselves immersed in
the daily activities of the Mandir. One such activity was the
habitual washing of the Lord Shiva’s idol, followed by the
handing out of “prasad” (food that has been accepted and
blessed by the Lord) which consisted of fruit and sweets.
Having paid our respects and said our goodbyes we made
our way to the Gurdwara.
Entering the Gurdwara, we proceeded to take off our shoes
and wash our hands, a practice that we had now become
accustomed to after our visit to the Mandir. However, many
of the pupils were now met with an unusual custom: the
practice of covering your head to show respect with the use
of a simple coloured handkerchief known as a “rumaal”.
This practice is one which anyone who enters a Gurdwara is
expected to do. Tying the headscarves proved rather tricky
at first, but after a few attempts we were back on track.
Having been greeted by the Vice-President of the Gurdwara
committee, we made our way into the vast hall, where many
of the ceremonies and prayers are conducted. There, we
52
On Friday 14th October, twenty-seven Spanish students from
Fourth to Lower Sixth Forms (all perfectly fluent, of course)
set off to Córdoba in the South of Spain for a week-long
Spanish exchange. Not only did the trip give us all a chance
to show off our unique style of speaking the language (for
most of us a jumbled mixture of Spanish and English),
the exchange also allowed us to take in the rich culture of
Andalucía.
Having arrived at our host school from the airport, we
received a warm welcome from our exchange partners. Apart
from the speed at which everyone in Spain seems to speak,
the most striking thing upon arrival was the heat – thirty five
degrees throughout most of our stay.
which could only ever end in tragedy for certain members
of our group (how’s the broken finger, Peter Clegg...?). In
the afternoon we spent our free time exploring the bustling
shopping streets throughout Seville and searching out
the Spanish equivalent of McDonalds (which, having now
experienced both, is no more pleasant than the English one!)
On the Wednesday we visited the location of the ancient
Moorish City of Madinat-Al-Zahra, the location of the capital
of the Islamic Caliphate of Córdoba. The tour around the
museum and ruins proved to be of great interest to all
members of the group.
weather. However, there was no need to cry in sorrow, since
the cancellation gave us time to visit the remains of the villa
at Oplontis, a huge mansion complete with swimming-pool.
We left Oplontis looking like we’d been for a swim ourselves,
since the rain had drenched and soaked us. We returned to
the hotel to dry off, and most of us took a walk down to the
beach before enjoying our dinner and a quiz.
On the final day we visited the Great Mosque of Córdoba
- an impressive piece of 10th Century architecture and
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was followed by
several hours spending our remaining Euros in the various
shops throughout the city (and tracking down the elusive
Don Jamon…). Then, after bidding adios to our exchange
partners, we departed on our journey back to England – a
journey made no easier by a certain member of our group
insisting on singing the hits of the Sugababes on the coach
to the airport!
Muchas gracias to all the staff who organised the exchange
and made it as great as it was. We’re all now eagerly
awaiting our chance to show off the delights of Yorkshire
when our exchange partners come to the UK in the Summer
Term.
Benedict Scantlebury, 6HJB
Playing shop in a thermopolion at Herculaneum
On Saturday, the weather behaved itself again, and we
enjoyed warm sunshine. We spent the whole day in Pompeii,
wandering the huge site and looking at the buildings and
streets we had studied during our first year of Latin. Later
in the evening, we caught the train into Sorrento to eat
pizza and ice-creams and look around the shops and buy
souvenirs of our trip.
Classics Trip to the Bay of
Naples
As we arrived at the National Archaeological Museum in
Naples, shattered after our tiring journey, we sat down to
eat our picnic lunch in the burning heat. After looking at all
the beautiful statues, busts and wall-paintings, we answered
questions and drew pictures of them in our booklets. Later
on, we went to the hotel near Sorrento where we got paired
with our room-mates, ate our dinner and had an early night.
The weekend was spent getting to know our host families.
For most of us this included a trip into central Córdoba for
some shopping (and a long-awaited visit to the much-hyped
El Corte Inglés), followed by meeting up for lunch and a
chance to try out some tasty Andalusian cuisine.
On the Monday, a tour around a former olive oil factory in the
pleasant town of Baena had been arranged for us. This was
followed by a tour around the old city and all the free-time
we needed to stock up on their ‘world famous’ olive oil. The
evening entertainment was suitably Andalusian - a night of
Flamenco with our partners and their families.
On the next day we were treated to the delights of Seville,
the capital of Andalucía. To best take in the sights of this
historic city we started the day with a trip in a horse-drawn
carriage through the streets surrounding the impressive
cathedral and Alcázar. Following this, we spent the rest
of the morning looking around a medieval palace - a visit
Mr Thornton and Mr Morley play gladiator in the
Pompeian amphitheatre
Ouside Caecilius’ house!
On the Friday we visited Herculaneum, which has beautiful,
very well-preserved buildings which still have a lot of detail
both inside and out. In the afternoon, our planned climb up
Mount Vesuvius was unfortunately cancelled due to stormy
Sadly, on Sunday, our trip was ending and we had to say
goodbye. But on the bright side we got to see our parents
and relations. What a great start to the half-term!
Mehreen Khalil, 2SMC
53
visits
German Exchange Trip
On a cold wintry day in December, eighteen budding
linguists from the Third, Fourth and Fifth Forms set off for
Hofgeismar in Germany on the German exchange. We were
all nervous about meeting our exchange partners - however,
we needn’t have been since we were all greeted warmly by
the host families.
visits
In January the Germans made the return trip to Yorkshire
and had visits to Bradford and Leeds as well as a return leg
of the bowling, where once again Mr Davis showed that he is
the best. On Saturday, we all went to York to visit the Minster
and Jorvik Centre, and to have some shopping time. On the
Sunday we had some time with the students until they left in
the afternoon. We were all very sad to see them go, but can’t
wait for the next exchange.
David Bagshaw, 5SDR
…and a word from the teachers
This exchange was a great success. Everyone managed
really well to speak German with their host families and
Sophie Hill even succeeded in turning her trip into a Russian
exchange, as her host family was originally from Russia (very
handy for her GCSE Russian exam!) It may seem a little
daunting going to live with a foreign family for a few days but
an exchange gives a unique insight into the cultural life of a
country and boosts your language skills in a way that is hard
to match on a sightseeing trip.
Linguists with their Exchange partners
Our trip was a busy one and we were straight into it on the
Thursday morning as we were treated to two lessons in the
Albert-Schweitzer- Schule. Afterwards, we were given a tour
of Hofgeismar by Herr Kindl and Frau Freitag, which was
translated by Mr Davis and Mrs Kingsley. In the evening we
had a relaxing time with the German families and were given
time to sample some quality German cuisine. On Friday
we went to Kassel and were given a tour of the Ottoneum
(a dinosaur museum). After that we had free time in the
Weihnachtsmarkt where many of us tried Currywurst for the
first time. Later that evening, Mr Davis demonstrated his
prowess at bowling!
Second Formers try their hand at writing with quills at Quarry Bank Mill
History day-trip to
Quarry Bank Mill
On 20th March, the Second Form went on a day trip to
Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, near Manchester. We spent the day
learning about conditions in cotton mills. Quarry Bank was
built by Samuel Greg in 1784 and was powered by water
from the local River Bollin. It was situated in an attractive
place and few accidents occurred. This brought people from
as far as London to work there.
Mr Davis relaxes on a giant Advent Calendar
Currywurst - delicious!
The next day we caught the train to Göttingen and were
given a tour of the university and old sights by Herr Kindl.
Afterwards, we once again went to the Christmas market to
try the German food and were given free time to shop for
souvenirs. That evening we had some time to relax with the
German families. The next day we were allowed a lie-in as
we were leaving later on in the day. Many of us were given
tours of the local area and in the afternoon we had to say
goodbye to our German friends until their return visit.
54
In January we hosted our partners in Bradford. During
their stay they came into school for a day and were really
impressed by our whole-school assembly as well as the
artwork on display around the corridors. The Headmaster
welcomed the German party over breakfast and then they
came to lessons with us. We also visited York, Leeds, the
National Media Museum and Bradford and had a return
match at the bowling alley. Many of the exchange families
took their German guests out for a curry too.
Thanks to Mr Davis who organised the trip, and thanks to the
German teachers Frau Freitag and Herr Kindl for organising
our stay in Hofgeismar. Thank you too to all the parents for
hosting our German partners.
To start the day off, we toured all the machinery in the mill.
Our guide switched the machines on and demonstrated
how they worked. They were incredibly noisy - no wonder
the workers went deaf! Next we stopped for an early lunch
opposite the water wheel. The afternoon brought a visit to
the apprentice house. Children were indispensable to the
factory with their lithe figures and nimble fingers: in 1784
they made up half the workforce! The apprentices were
sometimes orphans but others were sent to work by their
families, while others still were illegitimate or paupers. Their
origin did not matter and they were all treated equally.
Apprentices were fed three meals a day, clothed, educated
and accommodated, but they were not paid. To finish the
day, we went to the domestic workshop where another guide
showed us how it worked. The loom looked like it took hours
to set up. After an activity-filled (and educational) day we set
off back to school.
Emma Peacock, 2VMF
A demonstration of a working loom
E J Kingsley
55
visits
Religious Studies Trip to
Whitby
Mr Skelton, Miss Malley and Mr de Villiers once again took
the GCSE Religious Studies students to Sneaton Castle in
Whitby. Sneaton Castle was a really fantastic place to stay.
The grounds are magnificent, having lovely walled gardens, a
donkey sanctuary and plenty of grounds to run around in, as
well as a gorgeous room to work in that contained beautifully
painted pictures of St Hilda who founded the Abbey at
Whitby. The revision sessions were a great chance for pupils
to learn more about how to tackle their GCSE RS exams
and, in the surroundings of the castle, excellent work was
produced. Friday evening was spent hard at work but there
was also the opportunity for a time of reflection, play and
enjoying the facilities at the centre.
The Fifth Form RS group at Caedmon’s memorial in Whitby
On the Saturday the group climbed the 199 steps to Whitby
Abbey (having a time of reflection at Caedmon’s Memorial),
visited Whitby Abbey and spent time hard at work at the
castle. Our study time included a fascinating talk from Sister
Heather Francis and Sister Samantha informing us about
the monastic community attached to the centre and leading
us in a tour of the beautiful Priory Church where the Sisters
worship daily. It was a fantastic trip with staff and students
returning spiritually refreshed and ready for the exam season
ahead!
R E Skelton
First Formers in Paris
On the Saturday morning at the start of the June half-term
break, forty-one excited First and Second Formers and six of
their teachers met at school to start a five-day visit to Paris.
After a long coach and ferry trip we arrived at our base,
the Centre Etoile Parisienne on the outskirts of the French
capital. On Sunday we began with the highlight of any trip to
Paris, the Eiffel Tower. We braved the rain to climb the steps
to the second stage, and most of the group then took the lift
up to the top of the tower for the breath-taking views over
the city. After lunch, Mr Merckx led the group on a walking
tour of Paris, taking in all the highlights including the Ile de
la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Hôtel des Invalides and
56
visits
the River Seine. Meanwhile, Mrs Hepworth-Wood took an
intrepid party of art-lovers to the Louvre Museum. There,
they braved the enormous queues and managed to see
some of the wonders of European art, including perhaps the
most famous painting in the world, Leonardo di Vinci’s Mona
Lisa. After an hour and a half of gallery visiting, the group
walked back through the Tuileries Gardens to meet up with
the main group again, and from there everybody enjoyed a
leisurely ninety-minute cruise on a bateau-mouche on the
River Seine.
On our second day in Paris we began in Montmartre, the
hill to the North of Paris with the famous white-domed
Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit. From there, we
spent some time in the Place du Tertre, admiring the work of
the street artists and enjoying the quintessentially Parisian
atmosphere. We bought lunch in the local pâtisseries
before re-joining our coach near the famous Moulin Rouge
nightclub. In the afternoon, we had a coach-trip around
the main sights of Paris, with an informative commentary
from Mr Merckx. We then spent some time on the Champs
Elysées looking in the shockingly expensive shops or
drinking horrendously expensive coffee, before we visited the
Arc de Triomphe with its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
We were accompanied on both days by fantastic local
animateurs who helped guide the pupils around Paris and
who spoke to them in French throughout the day. The
animateurs also provided lots of French input at meal times
back at the Centre Etoile and during our free time, which
included a football match and lots of table tennis, table
football and even Twister at the impressive sports facilities
back at our accommodation.
Letting off steam with a little
Paintballing
Paintballing, where to start? What’s better than having a
great day out with your mates? Three days after we had all
sat the first of our GCSE exams - it was perfect timing! We
needed a little break after a stressful week and, most of all,
to hit a few teachers in the process. When we got there,
some people (mostly girls) were anxious at the fact that
they would get hurt by the paintballs, but as soon as we
got onto the maps all of these worries were left in the safe
zone. Everyone just enjoyed it. Even though the paintballs
did sting a fair bit, no one cared. It was just such fun that we
barely noticed. Even when I lost both my shoes in a bog, I
just carried on shooting, rather than go back for them and
get shot at heavily. Overall, I don’t think that there’s one
person who can honestly say they didn’t have a great day.
Everything from the coach journey to the pizza at lunch was
great. The best part for me was just having a good laugh
with my friends. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and I only hope
that the school carries on with this for other years to enjoy it
as much as I did.
Oliver Dunn 4PMD
G P Woods
Miss Denby, Mr Rees, Mrs Chalashika, Mrs Dunn) got stuck
in and joined the fray. The usual splattering of paintballs
ensued and pupils forgot that they only had 200 paintballs
each. The ground was a bog and the goggles steamed up
straight away meaning that nothing could be seen. Once hit
you were dead and the instruction was to put your hand up
and walk out to the “dead zone”. I duly obliged and suffered
multiple hits from pupils (and staff), getting their own back, I
fear. Battered, bruised and worn out, we ended the day with
a final battle where it was every man for himself. I’ve no idea
who won but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. When is
Round Two?
M A Thompson
Biology Visit To Chester Zoo
Our final day in Paris was spent at Disneyland, only a short
drive from our centre. The pupils enjoyed all the attractions
of this theme park enormously, and there were some scary
tales of Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean,
Space Mountain: Mission 2 and Indiana Jones and the
Temple of Peril, while the teachers enjoyed It’s a Small World
and the other more sedate attractions! It may be a little
piece of America just outside Paris, but we enjoyed a warm
French welcome nevertheless.
Tired but happy we climbed back onto the coach to enjoy
our final evening at the Centre Etoile. Most of the group
took part in a rounders match with Mr and Mrs Merckx as
team captains and Mrs Hepworth-Wood and Mrs Kingsley
encouraging their teammates vigorously. The following day
we set off again back to Bradford, having learned a great
deal about Paris and lots of French too. A huge thankyou to
Mr Merckx for organising and leading this trip so admirably,
and to Mrs Merckx, Mrs Kingsley, Mrs Hepworth-Wood and
Mr Morley for accompanying us to Paris and making this
five-day break an unforgettable experience.
Fourth Year boys on their Paintballing day out
The 26th June was a very exciting day for all of the Third
Form. Having finished our exams in the preceding week,
and completed the tiresome revision, we were all ready to
enjoy a great day away from school! After the long journey
to Chester, we were greeted by the sight of rhinos by the
parking area – if we weren’t already enthusiastic, we most
certainly were now! The day’s sights included elephants,
giraffes, penguins, tigers (both real and painted on some
girls’ faces!), jaguars, many species of fish, turtles, chimps,
okapis, rhinos, frogs, lions, snakes, birds, meerkats, otters,
bears, zebras, ostriches, and flamingos - to name but a few!
Mr Taylor shows off evidence of a direct hit!
a teacher’s view
What a nightmare! Organising 120 pupils and accompanying
staff all in order to be the prime target. Health and safety
forms galore and the usual chasing of paperwork all finally
fell into place and we were off. Two packed coaches and one
car reached the Delta Force site in record time and we were
all given a safety briefing. Protective clothing was issued and
the guns were explained. At this point Dr Watson chickened
out fearing for his own safety and sat reading a book for the
rest of the day. The rest of us (Mr Taylor, Miss Boughton,
I wish I could say the weather held out for us, but
unfortunately we do live in Britain! The day started with
sunshine but sadly the umbrellas had to come out by
lunchtime! Through the course of the day, we learned some
interesting facts, including that a carnivorous plant is not
actually a carnivore! The long delays on the journey back
allowed us to complete our Chester Zoo booklets, and learn
some of the biology behind the day’s fun! Despite the rain,
nothing put us off from having a fully enjoyable day, which just
proves that you can never be too old for the zoo! On behalf of
the Third Form I would like to thank all the teachers who came
along with the classes. Special mentions must go to Mr Javid
for his entertaining magic shows on the bus journeys and to
Mrs Chalashika for organising the fantastic day!
Anika Prasad, 3SEH
57
visits
visits
Photographing the Colorado River from Horseshoe Overlook (and terrifying the teachers!)
Viva Las Vegas!
By an incredible stroke of luck, I was able to bag myself
a place on the most exciting educational visit of the year
(possibly the decade!) - The Geography trip to the American
Southwest! The only condition was that I had to write up the
Bradfordian article afterwards. “Easy!” I first thought; but I
soon realised that one article might not be long enough.
After a gruelling but film-filled flight, we arrived in Las Vegas
for one teasingly short night’s stay at the Circus Circus
Hotel, before being dashed away the following morning to
Zion National Park. The gentle, river-side walk was a relaxed
introduction to the amazing scenery that was to greet us at
every step of this trip. It gave us a chance to acclimatise
not only to the geographical wonders we were faced with
(like towers of Mesozoic sedimentary rock) but also the
baking sunshine and high altitudes. It was then on to Kanab
(the Hollywood of the Western) for a hearty meal and a
hilarious, interactive show in which there were some surprise
star performances, particularly from Mr AG Smith and Mr
Thompson!
The following day we set straight off to Bryce Canyon for
a day’s worth of exploring one of the most startling natural
wonders of the world. The stunning and awe-inspiring
towers of rock provided plenty of photo opportunities - mini‘Hoodoos’ that students towered over, a real-life, rock Thor’s
hammer and lots of very tame squirrels. After that, we ditched
the luxury coach for a more adventurous form of travel and
rafted down the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam, with
a brief stop to view some ancient petroglyphs left by our early
The descent into Bryce Canyon
ancestors. We then took a bird’s eye view of our route from
the infamous Horseshoe Overlook – one of the most terrifying
moments for the teachers as we watched students crawl to
the edge of a breath-taking 1,000 foot drop!
This left just one more spectacular sight - the Grand Canyon.
The extremely steep-sided gorge was carved out by the
Colorado River and exposes over 1,800 million years of the
earth’s history. Staggering, panoramic views were offered
from the South Rim walk and once again enabled the
students to get to grips first hand with the fascinating rock
formations, examples of uplift, and exotic vegetation in this
unique environment. Finally, we said goodbye to the natural
wonders and headed towards a very man-made wonder, with
just one more stop on the iconic Route 66.
This was not a trip for sufferers of vertigo
Las Vegas itself appeared out of the night like a gaudy,
brazen beacon. It really is Disneyland for adults, although the
students seemed to find plenty to enjoy. In two days of tiring
exploration we checked off the majority of the enormous,
novelty hotels and their lively entertainment (including the
Bellagio fountains and the volcano at the Mirage), witnessed
plenty of hair-raising moments at the top of Stratosphere (the
tallest tower on the strip with three white-knuckle rides) and
still managed to squeeze in some shopping!
This once-in-a-lifetime trip was filled with excitement and
intrigue. If you had asked any of the students or staff at the
end of the eight days for their highlights, it would have been
a very close call between the astounding natural wonders
and the equally astonishing man-made sights. It almost felt
like two different holidays, successfully combined together
by the superb Geography department at BGS. One last
question - when can we go back?
A M Lancelot
Enjoying the spectacular views
58
The group beneath the iconic sign on Sunset Strip
On the Colorado river
59
visits
Pupils with the dragon, protector of the city
Kraków – city of contrasts
“Dzień dobry!” After four days in Kraków our Polish didn’t
extend far beyond the words for “Good morning!” but what we
did gain was an educational and enjoyable cultural experience
which proved both moving and historically interesting.
The focus of the trip was a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau
complex, where such personal reminders of one of the darkest
episodes in history as piles of human hair and thousands of
pairs of children’s shoes were both shocking and saddening.
After such a tiring and challenging day a chance to wind down
in central Kraków was appreciated by all.
Other highlights included visits to the former Jewish quarter
of Kazimierz, the central market square (considered the
largest in Europe), Wawel Castle and Cathedral where we
encountered the protector of the city of Kraków, a dragon
which breathed real fire, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where
a restaurant, chapels and an entire cathedral made of salt
could be found, all 300 metres underground. Of course, the
Polish traditional cuisine of beetroot soup, dumplings, rye
bread and apple pie was sampled by all, although many
preferred the not-so-Polish hamburgers from McDonalds!
Despite the thought-provoking nature of the trip, time was
found for light-hearted culturally enriching entertainment –
we found that having your picture taken with a hen party of
beautiful blonde Polish women was particularly good to form
cross-cultural links!
Above all we returned to England thoughtful, emotionally
moved, slightly sunburnt and laden with cheap souvenirs.
We would like to thank the teachers for their insightful
commentary, good humour and patience, even when Oscar
Barber lost his boarding pass half an hour before our flight
was due to leave!
Ben Scantlebury, 6HJB, Matt Procter 6NAH, Oscar
Barber, 6RAS, James Regan, 6HJB
In Rynek Glowny central square
60
Arts & Performance
A level Art work by James Sugden, 6RDS
61
arts & performance
arts & performance
The Children in Need charity evening organised by Fifth Form
students with support from Dr Mouat and Mr Dutton, Starz
in Their Eyes, is mentioned elsewhere in this edition by Katie
Shepherd but it certainly produced some terrific examples of
talented singers, comedians and dancers, as well as some
very stylish compering.
The big play of the year was a farewell to Mr Davidson, a
great friend to the Dramatic Society throughout his years
as Headmaster. Miss Ball directed Dylan Thomas’s poetic
masterpiece, Under Milk Wood, with a cast drawn from
all year-groups to bring to life the fictional Welsh village of
Llareggub (say it backwards!) where nothing much goes on
but all human life lurches into view. Marshalling the many
costumes, props and bodies was a great achievement
and the overall effect was of a gigantic theatrical beast
awakening and then settling down again to sleep, perchance
to dream. Magical! Dr McNamara’s review appears below.
Ancient drama, modern themes; Theatre Studies students produced their own Greek tragedy
Drama Review of the Year
During the year, the happy news that Miss Ball was
expecting a baby meant that the search was on for an Acting
Head of Drama, and in the Summer Term Miss Lancelot took
over duties for preparing next year’s curriculum groups and
booking the theatre visits and productions slots. Baby Sorrel
arrived thriving and happy in March and we look forward to
welcoming her into future A Level lessons (with her Mum and
Dad, of course) for Language Acquisition demonstrations.
In the meantime, it was business as usual for a thriving
theatre visiting programme. Miss Ball had arranged a
superb Alhambra backstage trip with Old Bradfordian
James Newton, now a regular percussionist for Lord Andrew
Lloyd Webber’s company, the Really Useful Group. James
was drumming for Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat and the drama group found the military precision
backstage fascinating, with racks of costumes and tables
of coded stage properties, all arranged in ways that belied
the joyous spontaneity of the production itself. As James
explained, playing in a musical (on or off stage) is a strange
mixture of absolute concentration and bottomless energy.
He was exhausted but pleased to be playing in his home
town and gracious in spending so long with our Theatre
Visiting Club.
More serious drama was witnessed at the Royal Exchange
Theatre in Manchester with trips over the Pennines to see a
gripping production of Marlowe’s Edward II and the tender
modern play by Jonathan Harvey, Beautiful Thing. Both
plays contained portrayals of gay characters in very different
settings and proved very fruitful for analysis and discussion.
Salford’s Lowry Theatre gave us two major treats in the
Autumn Term, one being a Junior trip to Wind in the Willows,
a magical and inventive staging of Kenneth Grahame’s
classic tale; but the production that had the Sixth Form
62
rolling in the aisles (in one case literally) was the National
Theatre tour of One Man Two Guvnors (originally written by
Carlo Goldoni and updated to 1960s Brighton by Richard
Bean). This extraordinary production had an accelerating
sense of madness and absurdity that was truly infectious.
The Lowry was also the scene of a very moving staging of
the classic RC Sherriff play, Journey’s End. The naturalistic
dugout and the use of sound effects recreated First
World War trench life with a disturbing but eerily authentic
atmosphere and the final minutes of the play were truly gutwrenching. A monumental and stately King Lear at the West
Yorkshire Playhouse brought Shakespeare’s examination
of madness, justice and violence to vivid life. Tim PigottSmith played Lear unsympathetically at first, but gradually
his treatment at the hands of his cruel daughters won over
the appreciative audience. Most Sixth Formers, however,
cited the standout performance in this production as that
of newcomer, James Garnon, in a swaggering portrayal of
Edmund. After Christmas, the final trips proved very popular,
especially Propellor Theatre’s all-male version of The Winter’s
Tale by Shakespeare which illuminated the play’s dark
grief but also gave us the sight of a group of shepherds in
drag singing Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. We all agreed that
Shakespeare would have been tickled. During the Lower
Sixth Enhancement period a group also attended the West
Yorkshire Playhouse premiere of Loserville, a new musical
starring Gareth Gates with inventive staging, a production
that has since transferred to the West End – we saw it first!
Closer to home, the Hockney Theatre saw a mixed age
showcase of Shakespeare sketches and scenes performed
in October (my abiding memory being Max Orviss’s Oberon
Kenobi and Rohan Gohri’s Puck Skywalker in a witty Star
Wars spoof Midsummer Night’s Dream by 2SMC.) Everyone
had their favourite scenes. You can read Miss Lancelot’s
review of the showcase below.
For the second year in a row, the A Level Theatre Studies
groups were invited to perform in front of around 100 AQA
Moderators at a London venue in January. The purpose of
the performance is for the Moderators’ marking of practical
work to be standardised. Our students gain an opportunity
to receive feedback on the skills they are employing in
advance of their own examination, a mock experience
that’s scarier than the real exam! Once again the groups
were praised for their professional approach and the
performances were outstanding. No doubt the standard was
helped by performing the plays to family and friends in a
preview night in the Hockney Theatre before travelling down
to London. Prior to embarking on technical rehearsals for
their presentations, the group was treated to an overnight
London hotel, a Pizza Express meal, a backstage tour at
the National Theatre (where we were thrilled to stumble
into a technical rehearsal for a play starring Sir Antony Sher
and being directed by Nicholas Hytner) and a performance
of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors in the Olivier Theatre,
starring Lenny Henry. After all the excitement it was great
credit to the group that they knuckled down very early on
Saturday morning to begin preparations for the arrival of the
Moderators.
At AS Level, Katie Shepherd, Róisín Reynolds and Bryony
Skinn produced an extract from Denise Deegan’s Daisy Pulls
It Off, a comedy in the style of Lip Service theatre company,
with exaggerated Received Pronunciation accents and
cartoonish reactions. The girls were terrific in their timing
and delivery. Charlie Tooke worked with “borrowed” Middle
School boys, Dan Sanderson and Mike Lord, to present
scenes from Jean Genet’s Deathwatch, a grim tale of a
shifting power struggle in a prison cell. The boys worked
using the methods of director Peter Brook, with ceremonial
movement and minimal props and they were praised for their
mature performances.
Connor Warden scripted one of the two devised pieces the
group had to present and, using an expressionist style, he,
Angus Mather and Georgie Henley gave us a powerful and
memorable account of the emotional battle between a young
man and a young woman setting up home together, Two
Roads. Members of this group were commended for their
control, both physical and vocal. The final piece was an
original drama in the style of ancient Greek theatre, utilising
conventions from plays studied in A Level Classical Civilisation
lessons but applying them to an invented myth. Georgia
Flavell took a lead in writing the script but the whole group
was instrumental in presenting a story that could have been
written over 2000 years ago. James Liney, Juliette Welch,
Roselle Hirst and Jade Dhesi joined Georgia in enacting the
tale of Chrisso with spectacular masks made by Katy Ball.
Later in the Spring Term the groups had a chance to present
their own plays for a live Moderation and parents, staff and
friends gathered in support for the highlight of the drama
year. Charlie, Róisín, Katie, Bryony, Angus and Connor
presented scenes from Enda Walsh’s Chatroom, a play using
the practices of Shared Experience Theatre Company. The
dangers of cyber chatrooms were highlighted in a vivid way
and the final feeling generated by the group was strangely
uplifting as the ‘cyber-bullies’ did not crush the hero’s spirit.
In a coup de théâtre the white walls were filled with what
seemed like a home-made film (but which was of course
carefully directed and edited by Róisín) which showed Jim,
the main character, seemingly about to take his own life but
instead standing on top of a table in a fast food outlet (in
Shipley, in fact) and looking unbowed and triumphant as the
sound effects team played a cowboy song. Sounds odd, I
know. But it was a feel-good finale!
The Upper Sixth students had the daunting task of writing
their own play and Brain Storm was the resulting original
work, in the style of expressionism. Each student played a
personified emotion and it gradually became clear that all the
emotions were intermingling inside the head of one person, a
young woman who was turning over in her mind the various
milestones of a new relationship. Katy Ball designed the
‘look’ of the piece with some inventive and striking masks
as assessable artefacts. The rest of the cast/creators were:
Georgia Flavell as Insecurity, Roselle Hirst as Honesty, Lydia
Holloway as Greed, Emily Layton as Vanity, James Liney
as Empathy and Juliette Welch as Independence. This
truly was an ensemble piece with many audience members
(particularly female, it’s true to say) claiming the piece had
“captured” their own “brainstorms.” The skills demonstrated
by the group were breathtaking, from the hypnotic music and
sound to the atmospheric lighting, from the vocal fireworks
to the mind-boggling physicality. The audience alternated
between delight, repulsion, sympathy, amazement – the
experience was a brainstorm for the spectators, not just for
the characters!
This has been another busy year with plenty of remarkable
memories. Many thanks to all members of the costume,
make-up, staging and technical teams under the guidance
of Mr Dutton. Two new developments for the next academic
year: Miss Wood will be joining us as an Apprentice Theatre
Technician; and the late Mrs Prior (of many years’ service in
the costume stores) has bequeathed a legacy for the Hockney
Theatre and we have been able to order an upgrading of
the lighting system as a result. Plans are afoot for an official
launch where we can show off the new lighting system to
great advantage. Contact the Marketing Department if you
would like to be kept on a Drama mailing list.
A P Johnson
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arts & performance
arts & performance
Woods and Rosa Spencer played Mr and Mrs Pugh, as
the downtrodden husband daydreamed of poisoning his
tyrannical wife. The relationships of the younger characters
were explored too. Vanessa Kennedy played love-struck
teenager Lily Smalls, who fancies the local Nogood Boyo,
sympathetically played by Dan Sanderson. Lydia Holloway
gave a touching performance as Polly, the single mother who
pines for her lost love, all the while enduring the disapproval
of the other local women. The local men, meanwhile, Mike
Lord, Angus Mather and Alex Sheldon, congregated in the
pub, with Angus in particular excelling in his portrayal of a
man who has propped up too many bars for too long. The
local children spent their time playing kissing games, with
some terrifying girls, led by Molly Orviss, harassing and
bullying poor Matt Boyle.
Characters from the delightfully dark world of Dylan Thomas
Review:
Under Milk Wood
My mind boggles at the thought of organising these three
stage performances of Dylan Thomas’s radio drama for
voices, Under Milk Wood. It has been staged professionally
a number of times and, of course, a famous film version
starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, but a school
production reflects the ambitions of the Drama staff at
BGS. Thomas’ tale of a day in the life of Llareggub, a small,
fictional Welsh town, is told by a narrator along with eighty
other voices belonging to Llareggub’s residents. Even after
the poem had been edited down the Director, Miss Ball, was
still left with a cast of fifty-six! These characters drifted on
and off the stage as they performed their brief scenes. This
play required imaginative staging and, I imagine, resulted in
backstage chaos! Not that the audience would have sensed
this - we were treated to a beautiful show, often amusing
and frequently thought-provoking, as we listened to the
lovely, lilting language of Dylan Thomas.
The poem begins at night as the sleepy town dreams, and then
follows its inhabitants through the day until they return to bed.
Three narrators introduced us to the characters and guided us
through the day. Swaraj Dewedi, Lily MacTaggart and Ed Paget
all mastered both the poetic language and the musical Welsh
accents in which it had to be delivered. They walked in front of
the stage, observing and commenting on the charming vignettes
which were played out behind them by the other characters.
In fact, ‘observing and commenting’ might have been themes
of the play, as we watched the neighbours living on top of
one another and knowing everybody’s business - from the
64
hilarious gossiping housewives, played by Tyne Anderson,
Millie Brayshaw, Ruby Hendry and Rosie Ogden, to the
nosy postman and his wife, Lewis Day and Sarah Parry,
entertaining themselves with other people’s letters! James
Liney, playing an old, rather haunted sea-captain, kept the
audience informed about the ups and downs of the lives of
the church congregation as they assembled for the morning’s
service. Meanwhile, the vicar, played by Charlie Tooke (who,
after his performance in last year’s Whistle Down the Wind,
seems to have got the ‘amiable churchman’ routine sorted!)
provided, at sunrise and sunset, two descriptions which
beautifully conjured the setting of Llareggub.
Under Milk Wood
The darkly comic moments were handled really well: Will
Truby’s sinister butcher had a touch of the League of
Gentlemen about him, Katie Shepherd played an obsessive
compulsive widow still nagging her two dead husbands,
Liam Cook and Ewan Bagshaw, in her dreams, and James
There were so many impressive characters and scenes in
this play that it is not possible to mention them all in this
review; anyone who saw one of the performances will know
what I mean. Congratulations are due to Miss Ball and
her team for managing such a feat, and for getting such a
huge cast organised and able to perform such grown-up
material. The backstage crew needed to be almost as large
as the cast to ensure everything ran smoothly: Pete Dutton
and his technical team expertly managed the sound and
lighting, and Pete, along with Katy Ball and Hettie Newberry,
also constructed the set; Mr Hargreaves and Miss Lancelot
took charge of the costumes and make-up, convincingly
conveying the 1950s setting. An awful lot of hard work
obviously went into this production. But credit is most of
all due to the performers, who not only gave a nuanced
performance of an extremely complex piece, but also, almost
without exception, managed to keep up convincing Welsh
accents throughout!
J McNamara
Dreaming Shakespeare
A showcAse of work inspired by the bArd
In the Autumn Term, the whole of the Second Form studied
the comedy of confused love that is A Midsummer Night’s
Dream and each class created a short presentation for a
relaxed evening of “lamentable comedy” in the Hockney
Theatre. They were joined by other students from across the
school to explore Shakespeare’s body of work even further,
to covering Hamlet, Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew.
The performances ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous,
but each one demonstrated the importance and joy of
studying Shakespeare, even today and even with some
of our youngest students. 2JB opened with Something Is
Rotten In The Woodland State…., a faithful and engaging
exploration of the mystical inhabitants of the forest which
was followed by 2SMC’s The Force of True Love set in a
“galaxy far, far away” and with characters Oberon Kenobi
and Puck Skywalker. Next Holly Hellawell and Brittany St
Catherine from 3BCG provided a simple, yet sophisticated
(and thoroughly hilarious!) retelling of the events of Hamlet.
2JIR and 2AH then followed on with What Angel Wakes Me
From My Flowery Bed? and Love in a Wood respectively.
Both performances
explored some of the
more ludicrous, and
confusing, love triangles
(or quadrangles!) from
the play. It was then
the turn of 1BRM, our
youngest actors of the
evening, who took to
the stage to re-enact
the three (or in their
case five) witches from
Macbeth. The final
performance from the
Brittany St Catherine takes part in the
Lower School came
Shakespeare Showcase
from another group of
students from 2SMC
who recreated the romantic tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe
with stunning and side-splitting results.
Supported by the AS and A Level Theatre Studies students,
it was an entertaining evening and worthwhile for all involved
- actors and audience members. We are hoping to repeat
the showcase next year so keep your eyes peeled for more
Shakespeare silliness!
A M Lancelot
Review:
Free by Lower schooL drAmA
After a late change to the cast list and some wobbly
rehearsals, the Lower School Drama Group stepped out on
to the stage of Free on the evening of Thursday 24th May
without a trace of nerves!
The play follows the adventures of a class of school children
whose cover teacher never turns up. The script’s witty
dialogue and thoughtfully created characters sensitively and
honestly reproduced the atmosphere of a diverse classroom.
It explored some of the issues facing students in education
today and also challenged the ideas and assumptions
surrounding the ‘characters’ found in each classroom. It could
have seemed all too familiar to some of us, but it was brought
to life in an original and engaging way by the cast. Ruby
Hendry’s Gemma led the rebellion with confidence and style,
followed duly by the down-trodden Lisa (Zoe Sheldon). Ewan
Bagshaw and Alex Priestley’s characters, know-it-all geek
and terminal sniffer respectively, offered not only laughs but
a chance for both performers to shine. Greg Cleland, Sarah
Whitelaw, Eddie Paget and Lewis Day all deserve mentions
for their performances too. Almost all the cast were required
on stage throughout the play, which was not only a test of
their mental concentration but also of their ability to stay in
character consistently. For the audience this meant lots to
keep you amused and a continuous series of giggles!
It proved a thoroughly enjoyable evening for the packed-out
audience of the Hockney Theatre and an all-round success
for Dr Mouat’s Drama Group!
A M Lancelot
65
arts & performance
arts & performance
The Hit Machine
mArch 2012
This year’s musical extravaganza featured a selection of
the greatest Number One hits spanning from the 1950s to
the modern day. The nine soloists, forty voice choir and
sixteen piece band took on musical numbers as powerful as
Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, and as complex
as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
The evening opened with a lively performance of Rock
Around The Clock and continued from there, showcasing the
work of artists and bands such as Elvis, Elton John, ABBA,
Blondie, Bon Jovi, Duffy and Adele. The soloists included
five girls, Emily Carroll, Chloe Ramsden, Hatty Liddington,
Kate Mancey and Lizzie Pike, whilst the boys were Charlie
Tooke, Alfie Chapman, Conor Walsh and Matthew Boyle.
The show was performed three times, the last night in a
cabaret format and with the proceeds being donated to
charity. Audiences came away dazzled by the costumes
and lighting, not to mention the spectacular dancing
(choreographed by Emily Carroll and Rachel Varley). Above
all, those who came were treated to a wonderful night of
singing from the entire cast, accompanied by a band whose
ability and sound is astonishing considering the ages of
many of its members. It was a show to remember!
Lizzie Pike, 6CJB
Talented pupils organised their own show for charity
Stars in Their Eyes
Christmas Concert
Bradford Grammar School has created countless spectacular
evenings in the Hockney Theatre over the years, from plays
to concerts to full-blown musicals. All of these events take
a great deal of time and effort but they are also a great deal
of fun. So, for me, having the opportunity to put on one of
these events was not only a fantastic way to contribute to
an already extremely performance-rich school, but was also
some of the most fun I have had while attending it.
This year’s Christmas Concert was yet again a splendid affair
of carols and musical performances underpinned by the
telling of the Christmas story. As per tradition, the concert
opened with Once in Royal David’s City, of which Matthew
Parry sang a solo opening verse. The choir and congregation
joined in on the following verses.
I and three of my colleagues and friends (Jade Dhesi,
Róisín Reynolds and Lizzie Pike), with the help of Dr Mouat,
produced a talent show nicknamed Starz in aid of Children
in Need. The evening, whilst only small in audience capacity,
was bursting at the seams with talent. The acts included
guitar-playing, singing, drama, comedy sketches and
dancing and the participants ranged through all years of
the school. It was an enjoyable night for everyone involved
but the real excitement came with the finale. All the acts
appeared on stage to dance to Reach for the Stars which
really got the audience up on their feet. It truly was a
spectacular evening which also managed to raise £429 for
charity.
Katie Shepherd, 6APJ
The Junior Orchestra played a festive rendition of Merry
Christmas Everyone which was received with great warmth.
This was followed by a number of superb acts and readings
including Joanna Twaddle’s flawless performance of Chopin’s
Polonaise Brillante op.3. Hark the Herald Angels Sing rounded
off the first half with the congregation leaving for the interval in
high spirits after participating in a satisfying sing.
The second half proceeded with O Little Town of Bethlehem
followed by the Senior Choir performing two K Jenkins
arrangements, Benedictus and Pie Jesu led by our Director
of Music, Mr N Mann. The Folk Group played the Fleet
Foxes’ more modern piece White Winter Hymnal. However,
the best was saved for last. The Senior Orchestra played
a whole array of music and Mr Davidson was invited
to conduct the musicians during the Radeztsky March.
The concert finished on a high - audience participation
was enthusiastic as they joined the rest of the evening’s
performers in singing O Come, all ye Faithful.
Kate Mancey, 6CJB
66
The Hit Machine was a real treat for pop music lovers
67
arts & performance
Leavers’ Concert
This year’s Leavers’ Concert was, as always, a chance for
the musicians of the Upper Sixth to display their talents
for one last time before leaving the school and becoming
Old Bradfordians. The first of the evening’s solos, Sibelius’
Rondino no 2, was played by Rebecca Dixon. Then we were
treated to Anisah Rasul performing Romance followed by
Sebastian Tullie’s rendition of 2nd movt. Oboe Sonata by
Saint Saëns. Abigail Robertson played a lovely piece by
Grieg entitled Prelude from Holberg’s Time and concluded
the solos for the first half.
The Senior Choir started the second half with You Raise Me
Up before Ed Lund stole the show with a flawless rendition
of Baker Street. This was followed by Conor Walsh singing I
Can’t Make You Love Me. The next soloist was Tom Killian,
arts & performance
having arranged music for Concert Band for years and
playing a large role in BGS music life, he played the famous
Feeling Good on trombone before Jamie Davidson rounded
off the set of solos with The Kipper by Mike Mower. The
last set of leavers to play was Rowan Arthur and Charlotte
Powne, both flautists, who performed Duet on a Chopin
melody, a Kohler arrangement. The Senior Orchestra was
the last musical item on the programme playing Handel’s
Overture from The Royal Fireworks Suite. The departing
musicians were then invited to take one last bow. The Music
Department would like to thank them for all their hard work
over the years and to wish them all the very best for the
future. With all that talent, hopefully it won’t be the last
concert they participate in!
Pupil Artwork
Visitors to the school are always impressed by the quality of the artwork produced by the pupils. I thought it time that some
of this fantastic work was showcased in the school magazine. There follows a selection of GCSE and A level artwork, with
thanks to Mr Norman.
J McNamara
Kate Mancey, 6CJB
GCSE work by Laura Jones, 4PHS
The BGS Concert Band
Chamber Concert
Pimms In The Hockney
mArch 2012
The very last item in Bradford Grammar School’s musical
calendar was ‘Pimms In The Hockney,’ a splendid evening
of jazz both old and new. The evening took in a range of
music from the 1930s to the noughties with a mix of singers
and instrumentalists playing classics such as Fly Me To The
Moon, and Strangers In The Night. It was a relaxed affair and
the theatre had been transformed into a jazz club with a jug
of Pimms sitting on each table to add a summery feel to the
evening, and audience members were encouraged to bring
their own picnic.
This year’s Chamber Concert provided a varied and
thoroughly entertaining musical programme, featuring
smaller ensembles and soloists. The evening opened with
a punchy performance from the Brass Group, setting the
tone for other instrumental groups such as the Guitar Group
and the Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles. The Dixieland
Crackerjacks’ formidable performance of When The Saints
Go Marching In was a real highlight, demonstrating the full
capabilities of the senior instrumentalists at BGS.
The Chamber Choir, Choristers and Choral Scholars created
a beautiful sound and the Folk Group’s performance of Hello
Goodbye and Love Can Build a Bridge was greatly enjoyed,
showing the diverse range of music that can be found at BGS.
The evening was also integrated with some exceptional solo
performances, including Ed Lund’s rendition of Amy Quate’s
Light of Sothis on the saxophone, Sophie Green playing
Elgar’s Salut d’amour on the violin, and Joanna Twaddle’s
performance of excerpts from Tchaikovsy’s Rococco
Variations on the cello..
The audience left the Price Hall both entertained and
impressed by the fantastic standard of music and the talent
of the young musicians of Bradford Grammar School.
All the performers looked stunning in their evening dresses or
dinner suits, including the band, led by Mr Mann. Highlights
included Lizzie Pike’s rendition of At Last, Emily Carroll’s Let’s
Do It, Harriet Liddington’s Sunrise and Kate Mancey’s But For
Now. The Saxophone Group played a set of jazz pieces and
there were two saxophone solos, Take Five, performed by
Alexandra Christian, and Baker Street, played by Ed Lund. The
evening finished with a slow, mellow version of My Way sung by
the ‘Sisters of Soul’ which reduced some audience members
to tears. What a wonderful way to bring a year of outstanding
performances to a close!
A level work by Nicole Fordham, 6NSN
A level work by Sarah McWhinney, 6WJN
Kate Mancey, 6CJB
Lizzie Pike, 6CJB
68
69
arts & performance
GCSE work by Gabi Swanepoel, 5GPW
A level work by Chiara Davies, 6AGS
70
Sport
Netball Tour of South Africa
71
sport
Athletics
This summer’s appalling weather unfortunately put paid to
much of the programme. Training and competitive events
often had to be cancelled. There were some high points,
however, since several athletes qualified for the West
Yorkshire Championships via the Bradford Schools’ event.
Harry Sagar took Gold in the Junior Boys’ Long Jump and
Emile Cairess also took Gold in the Junior Boys’ 1,500m.
Unfortunately, they missed out on selection for the English
Schools’ Competition. Other medal winners were James
Pinder in the Junior Boys’ 200m and Harry Sherwood in the
Junior Boys’ Javelin. Emerson James showed his potential,
reaching the Junior Boys’ 400m final a year under age.
In the English Schools’ Cup, our lack of strength in depth
meant we did not progress to regional finals, but there is
hope that if the present Third Formers can build upon their
current form, they may qualify next year when they are top of
the age group.
The UAK Athletics Series that survived the weather was an
excellent initiative and hopefully will be even better next year.
Of course, some of our athletes may have been inspired by
our Olympians this summer and will push on in the future to
fulfil their potential.
C W Lines
Badminton
Senior BoyS
Firstly, I would like to thank Jabin Hall, David Brown,
Zahan Darr, Matt Skelton, Adam Hamilton and Rhys Dandy
for playing in the League this year and pulling out some
great results. I would also like to thank Jabin, Peter Clegg
and Vishal Dattani for playing in the Yorkshire Schools’
Tournament matches and Raees Ishtiaq and Talha Bahtti for
stepping in to play in the Bradford League games.
sport
Over the course of the year, the team has become much
stronger due to increased composure and technique. This
improvement was well illustrated against our final opponents,
Dixons, where we won sixteen of our eighteen games. After
winning the Yorkshire School Tournament Qualifiers, our
team of Jabin, Peter, Vishal and myself went on to win the
semi-finals and final rounds of the tournament, making us
Yorkshire Champions. It has been great to play badminton at
a high level for the school for many years now and, as this
season ends, I would like to thank Mrs Chalashika and Mr
Thompson for all their support and for organising and taking
us to fixtures.
Lewis Starling, 6AGS, Senior Boys Captain
Senior Mixed
This year, the Senior Mixed Team has performed very well,
losing only one game in the whole season in a closely
fought match against Beckfoot, who in the end beat us
5-4. In the other five matches we performed well, and we
won thirty six out of fifty four matches. This is thanks to
our talented and committed team, including Lewis Starling,
David Brown, Rakhi Ahir, Hannah Whitford, Leanne Brumby,
Trishala Nursiah and Hettie Newberry. Thank you for playing
so well.
Vishal Dattani, 5SDR, Captain
U15 BoyS
The U15 Team completed a successful season. We played
at home and away against Salt’s, Hanson, Oakbank and
Holy Family, winning all but two of our fixtures and ending
on a high note by winning the final match away by five
games to four.
First of all, I and my team-mates would like to show our
sincere appreciation to Mrs Chalashika and Mr Thompson
who selflessly organised the fixtures and provided us with
a means of transport to and from various matches. Without
their help and hard work, we would not have been able to
have such an enjoyable season.
The U15 Badminton Squad
Jamie Walsh, 4FRH, Captain
Under 13 BoyS
Throughout the season the team went from strength to
strength and, following some quite staggering wins, we
I would like to thank my team mates, Ed Phillips, Avi
Patel, Adam Jabbar, Alan Li and Pavandeep Sandhar. Also
thanks to Waj Chowdhury from the First Form for filling in
when the number of players was short. He is certainly a
promising player for next season. I would also like to give
special thanks to Mrs Chalashika and Mr Thompson for
organising the games and making the season possible. We
are developing into a stronger team and look forward to the
challenges for the next season.
BadMinton ClUB report
I would like to thank my fellow team members, Alasdair Glen,
Neil Dattani, Milan Patel, Charles Farrar, Matthew Birkenhead,
Cameron Chippendale and Arjun Saralaya. We performed
consistently to produce end of season totals of forty four wins
out of seventy two games and achieving a well-earned victory
over our rivals Titus Salt’s School.
I would also like show my gratitude to my fellow team
mates Alistair Cripps, Raees Ishtiaq, Bilal Saleem, Omar
Bahadur, Mark Wilcock, Jacob Birkenhead, Adnan Patel and
Umair Akbani . They all played with a sense of pride and
determination which led to outstanding results and allowed
us to end the season on an all-time high.
The U13 Badminton Squad
Hamza Khan, 2SMC, Captain
U16 BoyS
The U16 Badminton Squad
72
Nevertheless, it still turned out to be an excellent season
and the team’s commitment and diligence was brilliant
throughout, something which I felt was reflected in our
performance. Next year’s season certainly looks promising.
Jabin Hall, 6RWM, Captain
This season has been one of the best for the Senior Boys
as we remained unbeaten in all games, both in the Bradford
Schools’ League and the Yorkshire Schools’ League.
In the Bradford League we retained the title of League
Champions, comfortably beating Salt’s, Beckfoot, Hanson,
Holy Family and Dixons in fixtures both home and away
throughout the season.
The Senior Boys’ Badminton team, winners of the Bradford and
Yorkshire Schools’ Leagues
managed to pull off some outstanding final results. The
season overall resulted in our winning a commendable five
out of six games, beating schools such as Aire Valley, Holy
Family, and Hanson. However, the loss away at Hanson was
unlucky. Perhaps luck wasn’t on our side on this particular
occasion where we lost out on a couple of sets 21-19 in a
match that could have gone either way.
This season was fairly successful for the BGS Badminton
U13s. Overall we won four of our matches and the strongest
margin of victory was against Oakbank (7-2). The strongest
team in the league was Hanson and we hope to defeat them
next year.
We got off to a slow start in which we narrowly lost to
Hanson, the eventual League winners. We then played
against Salt’s and in this game we lost by only one match
(4-5). We then played against Sandal and won our first game:
that felt good! After that we lost only two more matches and
we won three more beating Oakbank (7-2), Sandal again
(6-3) and Salts (6-3). In the end I think we did well.
This year we have had mixed results on the Badminton
court. The U13 squad have begun to work together to find
their strengths and weaknesses and have made very good
progress. The U15 Boys, U16 Boys and Senior Mixed teams
narrowly missed out on first place in the Bradford Schools’
Badminton League despite excellent play on court. However
the Senior Boys have excelled, winning the Bradford
Schools’ League as well as the Yorkshire Schools’ League.
Congratulations to all those pupils who have represented the
school on court this year.
As the end of the academic year draws close it is sad to say
goodbye to two Badminton players who since the First Form
have made superb progress on the court. Lewis Starling and
Jabin Hall have represented the school in the Badminton
Squad every year as they have moved up the school. They
have demonstrated immense dedication and commitment
and I hope that some of this will have rubbed off onto the
younger members of the BGS Badminton Squad. I would like
to wish them both well for the future.
The Badminton Club could not run without a team of
staff working together to supervise practice sessions and
matches. I would like to thank Mr Thompson, Ms MartiFernandez, Mrs Boyes-Watson and Dr Fishwick for their
continued support, as well as Mr Fisher who has been
coaching the pupils on Wednesday afternoons.
D J Chalashika
73
sport
sport
Cricket
1St xi
Thursday morning 5th July saw a familiar scene in the
‘summer’ of 2012 - a covered pitch, a square dotted with
copious sawdust patches, black clouds overhead, rain falling
and a dismal forecast. The team was desperate to play. It
was, after all, the final game of a most frustrating season
and the opposition, Audenshaw School, were on their way
(through torrential rain) on the M606. Coach Simon Kellett
forked the areas of standing water forlornly. The water table
was so high that there was nowhere for the rain to go. This
was clearly going to be the ninth match of the season to be
completely washed out. Then a bright idea – what about
the newly-laid artificial wicket beyond the Sports Hall? Well,
maybe, if only the rain would stop. Lunch was taken and,
miraculously, leaden skies turned to blue and a T20 game
was agreed. Wind forward three hours, the sun is still shining
and a weakened BGS team are 64-6 in pursuit of 129 with all
their main batsmen dismissed. Surely the heroics in getting
a game on were going to end in disappointment? The lower
order kept battling and, through a mixture of edges and wides
together with the odd lusty blow, the gap closed until, with our
last pair at the wicket, 7 were needed from the final over. A
precariously scampered 2 off the last ball saw the scores tied;
the great escape had been accomplished and a draw seemed
a good result at that point. But no, both teams still wanted
victory and a ‘superover’ was proposed – Cricket’s one over
version of the penalty shoot-out. This time we set the target,
scoring 9 before restricting Audenshaw to 7 and recording
possibly the most unusual win in BGS history. It was a truly
bizarre end to an often disjointed and difficult season.
This unlikely victory was a deserved reward for the
perseverance of both players and staff alike. Only eleven
games were played over the season, the lowest total since
1967, and two of those were washed out half way through.
The only game that was played away from BGS was the
Jack Sanderson Memorial Match at Saltaire, and we only
managed to play on three Saturdays during the term. The
games that we played, however, were certainly eventful, with
1St xi reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 11
2nd May
HuDDeRSFieLD neW CoLLeGe
Won by 52 runs
BGS
182-6 Johnston 52 no, Gill 46
HNC
130
Ishtiaq 4-40, Prasad 2-35
5th May
RGS LAnCASteR
Match Drawn
BGS
135
Patel 41, Thornton 31
RGS
70-8 Ishtiaq 3-9, Prasad 2-3
9th May
MCC
Match Drawn (rain)
MCC
140-3d Misra 2-43
12th May
WooDHouSe GRoVe
Lost by 37 runs
WG
159
Ishtiaq 4-30, Wadkin 2-13,
Misra 2-50
BGS
122
Johnston 61
26th May
24th Jun
74
Won 5
DRAWn 3
QeGS WAKeFieLD
Lost by 1 wicket
BGS
157-7 Thornton 49, Mountain 28 no,
Green 21
QEGS 158-9 Butt 3-33, Ishtiaq 3-40,
Prasad 2-48
SALtAiRe CC
Jack Sanderson Memorial Match
Lost by 5 runs
SCC
199
Bentley 3-29, Ishtiaq 3-34,
Misra 2-41
BGS
194-8 Devesher 52, Butt 27, Green 23 no,
Misra 21
LoSt 3
ABAnDoneD 8
29th Jun
oLD BoyS
Won by 4 wickets
OB
87
S Connor 22; Patel 3-8,
Bentley 2-14, Misra 2-17,
Prasad 2-20
BGS
88-4 Thornton 22, Gill 21, Butt 20 no;
R Nichols 2-15, R Harland 2-21
1st Jul
HALiFAx noMADS
Won by 137 runs
BGS
233-6 Misra 85, Devesher 59,
Thornton 35, Johnston 27
HN
96
Misra 3-15, Iqbal 2-14,
Prasad 2-26
2nd Jul
MAnCHeSteR GS
Won by 1 wicket
MGS
150
Butt 3-17, Misra 2-15,
Tahirkheli 2-22
BGS
154-9 Thornton 39, Johnston 38,
Misra 36
4th Jul
WiLMSLoW HiGH SCHooL Match Drawn (rain)
WHS
178
Prasad 5-17, Patel 2-36
BGS
29-1
5th Jul
AuDenSHAW SCHooL (T20)
Won in ‘super-over’ (9-7)
AS
129-4 Ishtiaq 2-13
BGS
129-9 Gill 37, Green 30
All matches played during 2012
five of the games decided in the last over, including all three
of the team’s defeats, as well as the memorable victories
over Manchester GS and Huddersfield New College. In
addition, we had a strong RGS Lancaster side at 15-7
although they recovered to hold out for a draw.
In the wettest April to July period since records began,
scoring runs was always going to be difficult and the team
only passed 200 on one occasion. Significantly, though,
none of our opponents were able to get past the 200 mark
at all. Our opening bowlers, Raees Ishtiaq and Ravi Prasad,
excelled and rarely allowed our opponents to get off to
good starts. If they weren’t taking wickets then they were
restricting run scoring, while good back up from the support
bowlers, most notably Romil Butt and Rohan Misra, ensured
that few sides got on top of us with the bat. With a number
of limited over games, Raees, in particular, with his accuracy
and array of slower balls, showed great skill in bowling at
the ‘death’ – he was the unanimous choice to bowl our
over in the ‘superover’ contest against Audenshaw and did
not disappoint. In his final year, the disjointed nature of our
season did not help Ravi – he was at his best in the last
week of the season when more regular Cricket enabled him
to find a rhythm. His 5-17 haul against a strong Wilmslow HS
batting line-up was an exceptional piece of bowling. Romil
was our quickest bowler, although he struggled at times with
injury and was never consistently at his best, while mention
should be made of Second Team Captain Will Bentley, who
showed real pace in his few appearances, including a matchchanging spell against the Old Boys. As the only spinner in
the team, Rohan often had the job of ‘holding up one end,’
a task that he carried out willingly and effectively. In the
last week of the season, we also gave opportunities to two
U13 spinners, Kyme Tahirkheli and Wajahit Iqbal who both
showed remarkable confidence and maturity with both ball
and bat. The bowling was well supported by the fielding –
Will Johnston, Navjyot Devesher, and Matt Green were all
outstanding ground fielders – and we also caught well, with
Romil Butt being particularly impressive close to the bat.
Batting on damp pitches was rarely comfortable and the
team lacked a dominant performer. The regular opening pair
of Rama Patel and Navjyot Devesher looked accomplished
but neither scored consistently. Rama started well but
ended the season low in confidence while Navjyot found
his form after the exams with two attractive half centuries
against Saltaire and the Halifax Nomads. But he was unable
to build on this form as he missed the last few games
through work experience. Michael Thornton always looked
the part at number 3 but, despite ending the season as
the team’s leading run scorer, he never really achieved the
big scores that his confident starts suggested. The biggest
disappointment was the form of Captain James Wadkin
who had what can only be described as a ‘nightmare’,
before disappearing to Majorca and missing the final five
games. Probably the most naturally talented batsman was
George Gill, who regularly showed glimpses of high class
but frustratingly failed to apply himself consistently. He has
the potential to make a big impact in the years to come. It
was no coincidence, however, that the two batsmen who
worked hardest at their games during the winter made the
most significant progress. Will Johnston transformed himself
from a good 2nd XI player into one of our more reliable
performers. He started the season with a composed half
century against Huddersfield New College and almost saved
the game against Woodhouse Grove with a commanding 61,
before guiding us to victory against Manchester GS. Matt
Green threatens a similar rise. A bit-part second teamer last
year, he worked tremendously hard during the winter and
grew in stature on promotion to the 1st XI, culminating in
his mature 30 around which the tail fashioned its unlikely
comeback against Audenshaw. The batting strength of the
side came from the depth available with players as good
as Rohan Misra, Toby Mountain and Romil Butt occupying
numbers 7, 8 and 9, and all making significant contributions
over the season.
The atrocious weather was just one part of the season’s
problems. Sadly, the other was the commitment of some
of the players. Former 1st XI players reading this would
be astonished at the lack of importance playing for the
team seems to have for a number of the players these
days. Almost any other activity – holidays, Wimbledon,
revision, university visits, work experience, golf, family
outings, parties – seemed to have greater importance than
1st XI Cricket and we played the last five games (out of
eleven!) without a number of our first choice players. That
we completed those fixtures with four wins and a rainaffected draw reflects great credit on the senior members
of the squad - Michael Thornton (who captained the side),
Ravi Prasad, Will Johnston and Rohan Misra managed
to forge a real team spirit and a never-say-die attitude
that resulted in some outstanding performances. The fast
match against Audenshaw was one of these, but the game
against Manchester GS that saw our first victory against
that illustrious school since 1989 was the real stand-out
result. The game was switched to BGS because of heavy
rain in Manchester and we produced an excellent all-round
bowling effort to dismiss them for 150. Having lost both
openers for ‘ducks’, a composed stand between Rohan
Misra and Michael Thornton put us on track before Will
Johnston produced a mature knock to take us to the brink
of victory. Wickets continued to fall and a tense last over left
us needing one run to win from the final ball with one wicket
in hand. A similar situation last year saw us tie the game, but
this time Raees Ishtiaq drove the final delivery through the
covers for four to complete a memorable victory.
So a season that promised much ended as it started with
rain as the most influential factor. Although we had more
games abandoned than ever before, we might have lost
even more without the efforts of groundsman Scott Higgins
who did everything humanly possible to ensure that we
got as much Cricket as we did. The driest member of the
‘team’ was undoubtedly scorer James Loney who added
a new iPhone App to his skills so that we could access
our matches on the Internet. Thanks are due to these two,
as well as to Simon Kellett for his patient coaching and
his excellent umpiring. We have a number of promising
Cricketers in the school, but their potential will only be seen
at 1st XI level if they commit themselves fully to the cause.
This means practising as well as playing. I hope to see this
commitment next year starting with the winter nets.
A G Smith
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2nd xi
The season of the floods! Here are reports on the two
matches which survived the weather.
It was early May and the team made the long trip to Lancaster.
Although the sun was shining, the wind was blowing in from
the sea and it felt colder than winter. Lancaster batted first
and a second wicket partnership of 74 determined the match.
Lancaster eventually posted 163 off their 35 overs. William
Bentley’s 3 for 17 helped to restrict the total but it was going
to prove too many. First ball, wicket! And our run chase was
off to a bad start. The innings failed to gain any momentum
as wickets fell steadily and only Daniel Bennett showed any
real resistance reaching 32. When Jack Appleyard strode to
the wicket we needed 60 off the final five overs. After a few
scrambled singles the innings ended, and Mr Schofield was
glad to get back indoors.
The end of May brought a little sunshine and a match
with QEGS Wakefield. The wicket looked flat and the big
boundaries meant singles should be easy to find. The match
started with the innings of QEGS. William Bentley opened
the bowling with three maidens supported by Matt Celaire’s
wicket maiden. After six overs QEGS were 2 for 1. QEGS
never really got out of first gear and wickets steadily fell. All
the bowlers contributed with good line and length so that we
only needed 92 runs to win. Surely 92 off thirty overs were
manageable? On the last ball of the BGS innings the scores
were tied. Richard Wall followed David Heslop to the wicket
and added some much needed impetus, hitting fifteen quick
runs. Alistair Cripps was facing; he had opened the batting
and was now 39. Singles everywhere; 1 to win ... Cripps
bowled the match tied.
R D Schofield and R i Page
U15 xi
The 2012 season was marred by the wettest summer in over
100 years. Only four matches were completed and even
these took place in mostly damp conditions. This was a
real pity as the squad was large (twenty-three players) and
all the boys were desperate to gain match experience and
represent the school in competitive fixtures. More matches
would have meant more opportunity for all the boys and
more time to develop the team. A large proportion of practice
sessions also fell victim to the rain.
Our first match on 5th May was away at Lancaster. We lost
the toss and were asked to bowl first. Lancaster batted with
skill and punished some uneven bowling. Too many bowled
too short and too wide and helped Lancaster reach a total of
177 in thirty overs. Our response was excellent and, although
we fell slightly short, there was much to be proud of: Yousef
Mahmood batted solidly and with purpose for 36 and he
was well supported by Taeed Hamdani who occupied the
crease well in the middle of the innings; Haseeb Basit scored
a brilliant 70 coming in at number seven. He bludgeoned
seven sixes in his knock and it was a pleasure to watch a
batsman really attack the opposition. If it had not been for a
mix-up in the middle and Haseeb being run out, we would
surely have been victorious.
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Our next game at Woodhouse Grove was unfortunately a tale
of the toss in extremely cold and damp conditions. We lost
it and had to bat first. There were some poor shots, but the
wicket did contribute to a very lowly 62 all out. It wasn’t easy
for Woodhouse Grove to make the total but they managed it
inside fifteen overs for the loss of three wickets.
In our third fixture against QEGS Wakefield we batted first
on a good BGS batting strip on the Colt’s square. Our 169
looked a very good target and confidence was high at lunch.
QEGS, however, were inspired and both openers went
past 50 in an opening stand of 128. We pegged them back
towards the end with some good tight bowling but they
passed our total with an over to spare.
The weather caused a gap of over a month until our final
fixture against Audenshaw School. Due to a bad forecast
and dark clouds all around, we reduced the number of
overs and played a T20 match. We won the toss and batted
first, scoring 146-5. Will Masterton and Taeed Hamdani
top scored with 29 and 39n.o. respectively. Audenshaw
struggled against some fine bowling from Haseeb Basit, Neil
Dattani and Nick Staton, and were dismissed for just 83.
This was an immensely positive way to end what was a
difficult and much disrupted season. I hope all the boys
maintain their enthusiasm for the sport and persist with their
ambitions to play Cricket for the school in the future. If they
keep listening and learning and put in the practice needed,
some of them could certainly reach First XI standard.
L W Hanson
U14 reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 8
The squad worked hard during the winter and regularly
attended net sessions. The team was eager to start their
season after Easter but initial poor weather limited this.
The fixtures started with a tough home game with RGS
Lancaster. Under the guidance of new Captain Matt Handy
and Vice-Captains Laurence Smith and Will Heard, we went
into the game in a confident manner. A tight bowling display
limited the RGS team to a mediocre total on a slow and low
pitch, but the BGS batsmen struggled to hit the ball through
the tight ring of RGS fielders and succumbed to several silly
run outs early on to lose by a wider-than-expected margin.
The fixture against Woodhouse Grove showed that the team
had backbone, with Matt Handy carrying his bat against
some tight and rapid bowling, scoring an excellent 90 n.o.
and setting WHGS a testing 159 to win from thirty overs.
Unfortunately, in Djibril Mallek we came up against one of
the best Cricketers in the region, who scored an unbeaten
century in reply. Only Laurence Smith ever caused him any
uncertainty, and our opponents went on to win with overs to
spare.
DRAWn 1
LoSt 4
5th May
RGS LAnCASteR
Lost by 7 wkts
BGS
82
Handy 22
RGS
141-3 Khan 2-14
12th May
WHGS
Lost by 10 wkts
BGS
158-4 Handy 90no
WHGS 159-0
18th May
LAiSteRDyKe (2nd round of Cup)
Won by 5wkts
BGS
69-5
Handy 32
Laist
68
Hussain 3-7, Khan 3-33
26th May
QeGS
Match Drawn
BGS
117-7
QEGS 172-1
29th May
Heard 30, Handy 25
PARKSiDe (3rd Round Cup)
Won by 10 wkts
BGS
97-0
Handy 54no, Van Berkel 29no
Parks 94-6
Bates 3-8
10th Jun
SHeLLey CoLLeGe (4th Round Cup)
Won by 8 wkts
BGS
122-2
Van Berkel 66no, Mahmood 27no
Shell
119-6 Lovitt 2-20
24th Jun
WHGS (5th Round Cup)
Lost by 71runs
WHG 158-2
BGS
87
Khan 30
26th Jun
AuDenSHAW
Lost by 10 runs
BGS
103-9 Handy 21
Auden 113-8 Smith 2-10
U14 xi
When the boys arrived for winter nets in January, I was
shocked to see that only thirteen boys were interested in
playing Cricket for BGS this year in the Third Form. Two
strong players had decided that their interests lay elsewhere,
and there seemed to be only one student new to BGS who
wanted to take part. Strength in depth would be an issue this
year if there were injuries or unavailability.
Won 3
All matches played during 2012
The highlight of the season was the team’s excellent
cup run. A bye in the first round and then a convincing
away win against Laisterdyke were followed by a revenge
win over Parkside from Cullingworth, to whom we had
lost in the third round last year. Parkside had two very
good players and the team produced a superb all round
performance in the field. They also produced some tight
bowling, but Handy and Scott van Berckel smashed the
opposition into submission with their excellent batting to
record a super ten-wicket victory. An away match against
Shelley College, Huddersfield produced a similar result,
with a match-winning performance with the bat and behind
the stumps form Scott van Berckel ably supported at the
crease by Haroon Mahmood putting on 94 for the third
wicket, to record an eight-wicket victory. Hopes were still
high for a winning rematch against Woodhouse Grove in
the fifth round, but once again the batting of Mallek and our
less than disciplined bowling and fielding display, made the
chase of 159 perhaps thirty runs too much for our 20/20
batsman. We were soon put under severe pressure with
the loss of early wickets and Yusuf Khan restored some
respectability to the total with a swift thirty.
The weather put a big dent in the season during June with
three consecutive Saturdays without Cricket and thus no
matches with Ampleforth, Durham or GSAL. The sun did
shine on the away game at QEGS but, after a sensible
start with the ball, the level of concentration in the field
dropped considerably. The half-time team talk focussed
on the importance of concentrating, walking in and paying
attention for the full innings. The batting was much more
encouraging and the team defended their wickets well, with
stubbornness from Will Heard and Tom Dixon allowing us to
hang on for a draw.
Our final ten-run defeat to Audenshaw was a disappointing
way to end the season. Chasing a low 114 to win on the
Colt’s Square should not have been too difficult a task; but
the run rate was never high enough, and undue pressure fell
on the middle order to accelerate - causing them to play a
rash of silly shots and occasional run outs.
There were, in the end, some positives in what was a
frustrating season. Harry Mahmood can develop into a
tight and economic swing bowler as he progresses and
is ably assisted by Yusuf Khan. I had high hopes for the
devastating pace of Milan Patel this season and he is a
good long term prospect, but he must now develop more
control and accuracy in his bowling to cause problems to
good batsmen. Daniel Bates, John Lovitt and Kasim Khan
continue to work hard at their spin bowling and will feature
strongly in the future. What the team perhaps needs is an
additional change bowler who can bowl six accurate overs
an innings. Laurence Smith and Haroon Hussain offered this
occasionally, but need to become more consistent.
The fielding of Will Heard and, behind the stumps, Scott Van
Berckel was excellent, but the team as a whole needs to
improve its fitness, concentration and flexibility, particularly in
getting down to the ball.
Matt Handy had an excellent season with the bat and is a
real prospect for the future, as is Scott Van Berckel with two
cup-winning match performances. Notable innings from Will
Heard, Harry Mahmood, Tom Dixon and Yusuf Khan also
show that there is much promise to set good totals next year
if these four all contribute on the same day.
Finally, credit must go to Matt Handy as Captain for
motivating the team throughout all their fixtures and
becoming a thoughtful and strategic Captain. Thanks to Mr
Scott Higgins for his excellent wicket preparation and all of
the parents who supported us throughout the season. I wish
all the boys the best in Senior Cricket at BGS.
G C Fisher
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U13 xi
The squad this season was a tight-knit unit which worked
hard all season at basic Cricketing skills and the broader
elements of the game. There were some notable victories
over Woodhouse Grove, Ermysted’s and Audenshaw, a close
finish last ball defeat against QEGS, Wakefield, and our only
poor performance of the season against St Olave’s.
The team was captained by Kyme Tahirkeli, who performed
with both bat and ball all season, eventually gaining
selection for the 1st XI. He led by example and will learn
over time about the tactics of limited overs Cricket. Will
Robinson-George proved a destructive batsman to any ball
on the off-side and to be our partnership breaker with his
bowling. Anish Pulavarti proved to be an enigma with his
batting and bowling, showing signs of real talent in both
areas and then self-destructing in the next match. He will
undoubtedly go on to be an essential element of the 1st XI
in seasons to come. Jawad Shad took over the keeper’s
gloves this season and improved rapidly throughout the
campaign. Allied to his batting, this makes him an invaluable
all-rounder. Dhaim Ghafoor is a player with abundant talent.
His bowling was highly effective and his batting has the
potential to destroy attacks if he can conquer his nerves
and improve his concentration. Richard Lansbury developed
into a wicket-taking change bowler who also worked hard
for the team in the field. Tom Robertshaw worked hard on
his leg-spin to become an additional spin option, while his
batting is sure to flourish with more self-confidence. Wajahit
Iqbal is a batsman with all the strokes. Unfortunately, he
never delivered the runs he promised due to wanting to
play too many shots. He was at his most effective when
he kept his batting simple and this, allied to his fielding,
will make him a 1st XI Cricketer. Subhan Farooq proved to
be a highly-effective opening bowler, who needs to work
harder on his batting. Jamaal Khan is a batsman who, with
more confidence in his own ability, will prove effective.
Rohan Gohri, when he played, was a dependable bowler
and workmanlike batsman, who with greater commitment
will prove an able Cricketer. Hamza Khan worked hard at
his batting and fielding to force his way into the team. Seun
Ogunde is a raw talent who, if he continues to work on his
game, will become an effective Cricketer.
The squad has the potential to develop into an effective unit
if they continue to work hard on all areas of their game.
A J Galley
U12 xi
The summer of 2012 will be recalled as the season in which
the U12 squad led the Cricket Club into the world of Twitter,
introducing tweets and scoring on a Blackberry! The summer
of 2012 will be recalled with little fondness by players and
spectators of BGS Cricket. Met Office records tell us that
the summer of 2012 was a complete wash-out. The period
from April to June, the duration of the U12 Cricket season,
was the wettest since records began in 1910. June was
the second dullest on record with 119.2 hours of sunshine;
the record of 115.4 hours was apparently in 1987. Total UK
rainfall was 145.3mm; twice as much as normally expected
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Despite this, amazingly, only one U12 XI fixture was lost to
the weather.
The U12 season begins in January and winter nets were
enthusiastically attended with a number of individuals
impressing the ever-watchful eyes of Messrs. Wilde, Galley
and Kellett. The squad played eight games and recorded
six impressive wins, including victories over traditional rivals
Lancaster RGS, Woodhouse Grove, St. Olave’s and QEGS,
Wakefield. The team’s strength lies in its batting and, in my
experience, U12 XIs who bat first tend to win more matches
than they lose. Despite my advice, however, the team
preferred to chase totals rather than set them. In fairness
to the boys they were better at chasing; in the two games
that they lost they batted first. So much for experience! The
unpredictable nature of sport at this level is one of the most
enjoyable parts of it.
Captain Will Smith (best score 55 n.o.) and Oliver Croudson
(best score 47 n.o.) were the most technically adept, most
consistent and consequently the team’s highest scoring
batsmen. Both boys scored over 150 runs, an impressive
feat considering they often opened the innings and faced the
opposition’s best bowlers. Robbie Williams’ innings against
Ilkley Grammar School (38 off 17 balls) demonstrated how
destructive his batting can be. Charlie Andrews, Miles Loney
and Ben Merchant also showed that they have a good eye
for the ball and have the potential to score heavily in the
future. Will Hopper plays very correctly and showed in the
end of season inter-squad test match that he is capable of
accumulating a significant score when he gets bat to ball.
However, long after this edition of The Bradfordian is
consigned to the bookcase, the players will still be talking
of a heroic innings played by the most unlikely of heroes.
Step forward, Nardeep Madhas. With the scores tied and
the last ball of the match to be bowled by QEGS Wakefield,
Nardeep nonchalantly smashes a four to secure BGS a
four-wicket victory.
The team’s bowling attack was certainly varied, but
unfortunately it lacked penetration. Daniel Brennan was the
team’s most economical bowler and took the most important
wickets of the season. His consistent line and length
pressurised and frustrated batsmen, leading them to play
false shots. Hugh Berry’s left arm seam-up caused batsmen
problems when he found the right line and length. The
same could be said of the team’s other seamers, Will Smith,
Oliver Croudson and Charlie Andrews. All four will prove to
be extremely effective when they become more consistent.
Hamzah Arshad, left-arm orthodox and Hamza Shaukat,
leggy, were our kings of spin. With a couple of individual
exceptions the team’s fielding was good and supported the
bowling well; in fact, there were some exceptional catches
taken this year. Will Smith captained the side capably and
became more confident with his bowling changes and field
placings as the season progressed. Ben Merchant and Miles
Loney shared the wicket-keeping duties and were both tidy
behind the stumps.
Whilst the individual development of all the players has been
extremely pleasing, my personal highlight has to be the side’s
run in the David English County Cup. I have never reached
the final and I have only ever taken one side to the semi-
final (during the summer of 1997); such is the quality of this
competition. Therefore, the boys can be proud to have reached
the quarter finals. On the day we were beaten by a better GSAL
side, but we didn’t bat well having been put in first. Moreover,
the GSAL batsmen were not troubled by our sterile bowling and
GSAL coasted to a comfortable 10 wicket victory.
At the end of an enjoyable season my thanks to all the
players too numerous to mention here; the parents, who
have supported the team loyally; Richard Skelton for his
valuable coaching and umpiring skills; and to Mr Scott
Higgins and his team who continue to produce schoolboy
pitches of the highest quality, in often testing conditions.
Colours awarded to: Charles Andrews, Hamzah Arshad,
Hugh Berry, Daniel Brennan, Oliver Croudson, William
Hopper, Miles Loney, Ben Merchant, Hamza Shaukat, William
Smith and Robert Williams
M A Wilde
Cross Country
It is worth pausing to reflect that the 2003 Bradfordian entry
for Cross Country bemoaned a lack of runners, and noted that
the decline in participation could well result in the complete
disappearance of the Club. We should bear in mind, however,
that the Club at the time contained two brothers by the name
of Brownlee. Perhaps, then, rumours of its death were greatly
exaggerated. Realistically, if the school can be considered
as a microcosm of the picture in running nationally, numbers
are unlikely to match those witnessed in the Club’s heyday.
Competitive running is simply not as popular in this country as
it once was. Rates of turnout in traditional centrepiece events
such as the English National Championships are a fraction
of what they were as recently as twenty years ago. Another
sobering illustration comes in the shape of data collated
about entries in this year’s London Marathon: the men’s race
contained more runners over the age of fifty than under. With
this in mind we should be confident that there is still sufficient
talent, and in sufficient depth, within BGS to secure significant
individual and age group honours, provided we see increased
levels of commitment in terms of training and racing.
The first taste of competition in the Senior School for a new
crop of First Formers (many of whom have graduated from
Clock House) came at the Bingley Harriers Schools’ Cross
Country Challenge in September. We took great satisfaction
from the fact that we were able to field two teams in the
Year 7/8 Boys’ race, where Emerson James once again
underlined what a talented young athlete he is by coming
in as the Club’s top scorer in fifteenth place. In the Year
9/10 Boys’ race we again managed to field two teams and,
since all scorers were at the bottom of their age group, this
bodes well for next year. Emile Cairess would go on to run
well throughout the season, and here he put down an early
marker with a fine performance in second place. In the two
Senior races we were unable to field a full team, but Will
Jowett, one of our two Captains, ran well to place twelfth
in his event, and Natalie Brown, as the sole female runner,
finished a strong fifth.
Cliffe Castle in Keighley was the backdrop for a number of
races over a testing course, and once again there were some
fine individual performances. Jessica Manning finished in
second place in both rounds of the Keighley and Craven Cup
in the Year 7/8 Girls’ races, with Phoebe Ogden and Natasha
Dawson also comfortably in the top ten. In the same series,
runners in the Third Form and above competed together, and
Emile took two impressive first place finishes in the boys’ races,
with Will competing solidly to finish inside the top ten on both
occasions. Abigail Robertson, the second of our Captains,
secured a top six finish in a rare appearance this year.
In January we made the short journey down the road to
Northcliffe for the Bradford Schools’ Championships. It is a
familiar venue, and it was hoped that we could thus describe
the results in an event the Club used to utterly dominate.
The day started well with a team victory in the Year 7 Girls’
race, with Jessica Manning once in first place, backed up by
Phoebe Ogden (3rd), Louisa Duncan (7th, in easily her best
race of the campaign), and Amy Peacock (13th) as final scorer.
The Year 7 boys were not to be undone, packing brilliantly at
the front to take the team competition, with a slightly lower
overall total. The team comprised of Ben Moon (2nd), Henry
Miller (3rd), Oliver Sunderland (4th), and Callum Haynes (11th).
Thereafter, a different story emerges. In the Junior races
we were simply no match for Ilkley, but we at least fielded
a team in both events. In the girls’ race we took third place,
scoring as follows: Katy Boden (10th), Emma Peacock (13th),
Hope Silver (16th), and Ruby Bower (17th). In the boys’ race
special mention once again must go to Emile Cairess, who
on this occasion ran away from the field from the gun, as he
proceeded to go one better than last year’s second place
finish. Behind him, Alex Rhodes (10th), James Pike (13th),
and Ralph Coen (20th) put in solid performances to bring us
second place overall. Whilst we did not have enough runners
to register in the team competition, Maisie Manners (4th), and
Sarah Dewhirst (5th) ran with conviction in the Intermediates.
Several of the athletes competing for BGS at this competition,
of course, qualified for selection for the Bradford Schools’
team for the West Yorkshire Schools’ Championships by virtue
of coming in the top twelve in their respective races. Held at
Hipperholme several weeks after the local round, the standout
performance at the West Yorkshires in BGS terms came from
Emile in the Junior Boys’ Race, where he came second.
Emile was undoubtedly the most consistently excellent
runner this year. In addition to the aforementioned results, he
competed in the Yorkshire Championships (6th), the Northern
Championships (13th), the English National Championships
(28th), the Inter Counties Championships (50th), and the
English Schools’ Championships (12th). His form on the
track this summer suggests we can expect to see even more
improvement next season.
We would like to say thank you to our Captains, Will and
Abigail, for their help in the smooth running of the Club. The
same applies to our Vice-Captain, Rachel Pinder. No decision
has been made about next year’s choices, but with no regular
runners in the current Lower Sixth, it is likely that the appointees
to the posts will be among the youngest in the Club’s history.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the many
staff members that have helped out with training this year;
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your contributions and support during sessions (whatever the
weather throws at us!), are invaluable.
S M Harris and M McCartney
Hockey
Hockey moved into its fourth season this year and is now rightly
perceived as a major sport for girls at BGS. The girls have
continued to develop their understanding of the deeper concepts
of the game. The Hockey Club had its biggest ever turnout
this year with over 130 girls training and playing fixtures both
locally, within Bradford’s League, and regionally, within their everincreasing Saturday fixture programme.
FirSt xi
As the Seniors entered their second season at BGS we
managed to field our very first Girls’ 1st XI Squad in the
Saturday programme. On occasion, they did have to be
supplemented in numbers by the Fifth Form girls playing
up for them. This was greatly appreciated. Being the first
1st XI Squad was never going to be an easy job, especially
when the early games were against tough opposition such
as GSAL, Hymers and Ampleforth. I think we fared better
than anyone could have predicted and throughout the
season the team played some great Hockey. In the final
game against GSAL I was impressed with the determination
displayed throughout the match and the 0-3 score line really
did not do the game justice. Creating a team out of such a
small number of dedicated Sixth Form girls has been hard,
and I look forward to the current Fifth Form girls joining the
Lower Sixth to strengthen the squad and hopefully have
more success next year. Unfortunately, the Senior trip to the
Netherlands did not go ahead at Easter due to a clash with
the Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
U16 xi
The U16 Squad have again had a tough season and suffered
some heavy defeats against stronger opposition. To their
credit, the girls have taken this in their stride and are making
improvements with each and every game. In other fixtures
they have really closed the gap, such as defeating Ashville
1-0 when they lost 1-4 last year and beating St Bede’s 2-1
this year, having had a 0-4 loss last year. I know Art GCSE
has played havoc with training for some of the girls, yet others
have managed to maintain their commitment to training and I
look forward to this continuing into next year.
U16 xi Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Rachael Currie
Rebecca Leavor
Kennedy Brankin
U15 xi
The U15 XI Squads have again made huge progress this year.
They have played some excellent textbook Hockey. The proof
was in the pudding when Nicky Pensavalle put two goals
past the Wakefield keeper in a game which ended with us
winning 4-1! Although there are still the occasional periods
of play where we are not quite marking tight enough or we
are holding onto the ball too long, our general pattern of play
shows discipline and flair. We have fared well in the Bradford
arena with our A team taking both the Bradford League and
Tournament Winners’ shields.
JUnior HoCkey toUr
Courtenay Fisher was awarded Captain of the Year as
she has stood out above all the other Captains by helping
to organise not only her own team but also the younger
squads as well. She has taken the role very seriously and
led by example.
The decision was made that only the Fourth Form would
be allowed to go on tour this year, which we were a little
uncertain about. However, this meant it was more viable
to run a joint Hockey and Netball trip again, which we had
vowed not to do again. Nevertheless, I think it is fair to say
the U15 Girls really enjoyed the joint tour to Chester. The
weather was bitterly cold yet the girls just got on with playing
even as the Astroturf froze underfoot during the match
against King’s School! In addition to some excellent Hockey
we had fun doing a variety of activities such as walking the
walls of Chester and visiting ‘The Deep’ aquarium.
1st xi Squad awards
U15a Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Catherine Wright
Courtenay Fisher
Bryony Skinn
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Frankie Broadbridge-Kirbitson
Beth Horsman
Martha O’Sullivan
Hockey Award Winners 2012
U13 xi
U15B Squad
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Zoe Holmes
Emily Donaldson
Elise Starling
U14 xi
The U14 Girls have always showed a lot of promise in the
past, yet for some reason things have never seemed to
go right for them. This season, however, has been a major
turning point for the U14s as they have become more
disciplined as individuals and as a squad. This has made a
huge difference to their game play, with the A team taking
the Bradford Schools’ Tournament and League Winners’
titles. In the National Schools’ Competition we finished a
creditable fourth out of six, and are making that step closer
to qualifying each and every year. In the Saturday fixture
programme our results have been a little varied but some of
the highlights were beating Sheffield Girls’ High 4-1, Ashville
6-1 and successfully reducing the gap between ourselves
and the likes of Wakefield and GSAL each year.
U14a Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Hockey U15 girls on Tour
80
Hockey tourists took a walk round Chester’s walls
U13a Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Corrie Jackson-Levrier
Katherine Skelton
Olivia Newman
U13B Squad awards
Sarah Twaddle
Grace Ward
Zenah Al-Jawad
U12 Vii
U14B Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved
The U13 Squads are amongst the smallest we have at
BGS, yet they all gel really well together. Personalities have
definitely come out this season from the quiet teams that
they were as U12s. This has helped the teams on a full-sized
pitch as their in-play communication skills were tested. We
have had some close results this season but I think one of
the best moments had to be Rosie Ogden scoring a goal
which would draw the match against Wakefield with three
seconds to go! In the Mini-Hockey Nationals we fared quite
well, and with some convincing score lines we gained our
place in the play-off. However, it was at that point that
we ran out of steam and lost to Wakefield 0-3. Within the
Bradford arena both teams have played some excellent
Hockey with the A team taking the winners’ title of both the
League and the Tournament.
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Isabel Austin
Maria Campean
Emma Peacock
Sumaiya Rehman
Johanna Kluge
Carla Kluge
In September the U12 Girls started out as two small squads
since the new First Formers always take time to find their
feet within the Senior School set-up and master the art of
juggling the many activities on offer. However, it didn’t take
them long to get their feet under the table and they soon
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became a real force to be reckoned with. Within the Bradford
arena the A Team were the winners both of the Tournament
and the League. They have also had some great results in
their Saturday fixtures with the A Team beating the likes of
Wakefield 4-1 and Ashville 12-0! The B Team have also had
a great season, with a series of tough battles ending in a 1-1
draw with Wakefield and a 3-0 victory over Ashville. I really
look forward to seeing these two squads combine into a full
eleven-a-side squad for the Saturday fixtures next year.
U12a Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Hannah Chaudry
Phoebe Ogden
Madeleine Silberberg
U12B Squad awards
Player of the year
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Louisa Duncan
Lydia Beckett
Kirandeep Athwal
Hockey players who this year were selected to represent the region
Girls’ representative Honours
u17 - north, Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC)
Imogen Allan
u15 - north, Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC)
Bessie Allan, Frankie Broadbridge-Kirbitson, Corrie JacksonLevrier, Libby Linfield
u15 - West yorkshire, Junior Academy Centre (JAC)
Bessie Allan, Frankie Broadbridge-Kirbitson, Jill Gaunt,
Corrie Jackson-Levrier, Libby Linfield
u14 – West yorkshire, Junior Academy Centre (JAC)
Isabel Austin
u13 – West yorkshire, Junior Academy Centre (JAC)
Abi Spencer
Boys’ representative Honours
u15 - north, Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC)
James Celaire, Dan Leach
H e Boughton
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Netball
Senior SqUad
I was thrilled to come back from maternity leave to the biggest
Senior Netball Squad we have ever had. Every girl from the
U16 Squads had decided to carry on playing Netball in the
Sixth Form. This was fantastic, since Sixth Formers are often
unavailable at weekends, mainly due to university open days.
The first few weeks went well, with wins for both the 1st
and 2nd VII against Stockport, Altrincham and Woodhouse
Grove. Then, in early October, the open age Bradford Schools’
Tournament took place. The 1st Team had won this tournament
every year since they were First Formers, so they had a lot
to prove. The 2nd VII performed well with some outstanding
performances from Captains Annabel Hewitt and Lydia
Holloway. Then, disaster struck. As the 1st Team were playing
their semi-final, Co-Captain and key centre court player Sophie
Boyd went down with a thud as she landed on her ankle. Time
seemed to stop, and when I got to her I could see that she was
in a lot of pain. We took her off court and Dannielle Bennett
got her window of opportunity to play in the 1st Team. And she
never looked back. Danni made it very difficult for me to take
her off court for the rest of the season… so I didn’t!
Thankfully, Sophie’s ankle wasn’t broken but she was out of
action for a few weeks. Co-Captain Alex Smith ran the team
well in her absence and secured another few wins including
one over Bury Grammar. Next up was the first round of the
Independent Schools’ Cup, for which we travelled to Ashville
College. Without Sophie on court we seemed low in confidence:
moreover, our fitness needed looking at! Unfortunately, we lost
to Ashville that day by one goal. This loss proved even more
frustrating when we played them the following weekend and
beat them! It was as if the girls had something to prove. We
soon moved on and concentrated on what was still to come.
We had important matches coming up, as well as the National
Schools’ Competition. Extra training was scheduled on Monday
evenings and the girls took it seriously. They became fitter and
performed to a higher standard in all of their matches. We went
to the national competition feeling good. We were fit, strong and
accurate and we had a full strength squad. We played well,
beating all of the teams we played (including GSAL), before
meeting Ashville College (again!) and Greenhead College. Sadly,
after losing to these two teams, we were knocked out of the
competition - it just wasn’t to be.
We carried on and had some tough, exciting and successful
fixtures in December, including at Oldham Hulme, a new
fixture, and Wakefield Girls. The Seniors seemed to have
found their mojo again.
After Christmas, the 2nd Team continued their winning
streak, beating RGS Newcastle 25-15 and Bury Grammar
School 16-13. We had the strongest 2nd Team BGS have
ever had this season. Players who could easily hold their
own in the 1st Team were taking to the court every week and
performing to a very high standard. Chloe Ramsden really
stood out, playing a strong GA. In fact, she played for the 1st
Team on a number of occasions. Lily Bell also made some
huge improvements throughout the season and Annabel
Hewitt and Lydia Holloway continued to impress. They took
their successful game-play through to the end of the season,
when they beat Cheadle Hulme 24-14 and Stockport 19-14.
The 1st Team also had a successful end to their season,
beating Stockport 22-14 and Bury Grammar 30-14.
The Senior Presentation Night was the last thing in the diary
before Easter and we had a fantastic evening at the Mercure
Hotel in Bradford. Then, after Easter, the only thing we were
waiting for was the tour to South Africa.
Player of the Season
Most improved Player
Players’ Player
1st team
2nd team
Sophie Boyd
Danielle Bennett
Amy George
Annabel Hewitt
Lily Bell
Lydia Holloway
C A taylor
U16 SqUadS
With the U16 A Squad captained by Charlotte Coles and
Libby Illingworth and the U16 Bs by Rachel Varley, I have
been fortunate enough to have three dependable Captains
who have led by example both on and off the court. They
have not only demonstrated good organisational skills, but
also have the ability to make insightful observations about
performances which have influenced training and positional
changes during matches. It has been a real pleasure to have
such knowledgeable Captains whom I have been able to use
as a sounding board.
For the U16 B Team, this season is always frustrating as
many schools are not able to field two teams at this age
group. This has meant that Saturday fixtures have been few
and far between. But the highlight of the season was beating
a strong Cheadle Hulme side by 1 goal. The B Team was
also entered into the Bradford Schools’ League in which they
competed against Senior A Teams from other schools from
the area. The results were a mixed bag, but they did enjoy
one or two wins against Salt’s Grammar and Beckfoot. In
spite of a lack of court time they never failed to perform with
enthusiasm and skill when required.
The U16 A Team had a really good start to the season
reaching the final of the West Yorkshire Invitation Tournament
and accruing resounding victories against good opposition,
including Altrincham and Woodhouse Grove. For this squad
of players, though, the exit at the first round of the National
Schools’ Competition was a massive disappointment,
especially since we all know that they have the ability to
progress to the final stages. This, in a way, took the wind out
of the season’s sails. Although they continued to perform
really well throughout the Saturday fixtures programme,
winning all but one of their matches, they had no ‘serious’
competition to prepare for. They have, however, played
consistently well throughout their final season together.
It looks likely that BGS Netball will lose some key members
of this squad for next season. We must say goodbye to Eve
Mannings, Charlotte Coles and Natalie Brown, who have
invested a lot of time and effort in Netball throughout their
time here. They will be missed!
I would like to wish good luck to the rest of the girls for next
year as Senior Netballers.
G K Jones
U15 a Squad
This squad, under the captaincy of Francesca BroadbridgeKirbitson, has come a long way this season both on and off
the court. Notable personal achievements include Suzanna
Duncan and Caitlin Boyd gaining county selection, along
with the selection of Francesca Broadbridge-Kirbitson, Libby
Linfield, Carrie Lavery, Emma Whittam, Ella Bower, Erin Pettit
and Bessie Allan to the Bradford District Squad, which will
hopefully lead to selection at county level next season.
Netball becomes a more sophisticated game as one
progresses through the age groups and becomes much
more focused upon team strategy as opposed to individual
skill. At this point last year I had some concerns as to how
this squad would cope with those demands. They have
risen to the challenge this season and have developed a
togetherness that has seen them communicate with and
encourage one another on court. This has been reflected
in the way they train, the way they prepare for games and
indeed the way they play. The Captain has certainly played a
big role in fostering this team ethic.
Due to the strength and depth in ability of girls in this year,
group competition for places in the A Squad is fierce. This is
a wonderful position to be in as a coach. However, it does
pose problems as you often know you are going to have to
disappoint somebody who is working hard on their game.
I would like to mention in particular Bessie Allan, Carrie
Lavery, Emma Whittam and Ella Bower, girls who have found
themselves sitting on the sidelines often for half games and
at other times finding themselves not named on the team list.
Their attitude is to be commended as every time they have
found themselves out of the A Team they have worked hard
on their game in training and in B Team games in order to
force their way back in to the squad.
The U15 A Squad have won eight out of eleven Saturday
fixtures this season including victory against strong
opposition such as GSAL, Hymers and Cheadle Hulme, only
losing narrowly to Altrincham and Stockport in the first fixture
of the season and again to Stockport in January by one goal.
Despite a good win over RGS Newcastle in the first round of
the Independent Schools’ National Cup, they lost narrowly
in the second round to The Grange School, Cheshire, which
was a shame, especially as they went on to beat them in a
very cold February tour game!
Despite losing out to Bradford Girls’, again by one goal, in a
fiercely contested final of the Bradford Schools’ Tournament,
the U15’s went on to win the Regional Invite Tournament at the
end of the season, a mark of how far they have progressed and
a platform upon which to build for next season.
Looking forward to next season, this squad of players
should go into it full of confidence but they must also
appreciate that there is still much work to be done if they
are to succeed in the National Schools’ Competition. This
will include full commitment to extra training, and a desire to
improve their ‘short’ game.
Player of the Season
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Caitlin Boyd
Frankie Broadbridge-Kirbitson
Erin Pettit
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U15 B Squad
The U15 B Team, captained by Helen Thornton, has again
had a remarkable season, proving themselves a force
to be reckoned with. They have been unbeaten in their
Saturday fixtures including a win against GSAL and an
impressive 35–4 win against RGS Newcastle. They have
also competed in the Bradford Schools’ League against
A-Team opposition, beating a strong Ilkley team amongst
others, but unfortunately losing out to a very talented
Parkside squad.
The strength of this squad is evident in their results and
many players in the B Team are hot on the heels of the
A Team players. The team spirit amongst the players has
again been indomitable this season, and it is clear that they
all enjoy playing with and for one another. They do have
a thirst for success and knowledge, and although some
players in this squad still need to work hard to ensure they
perform individual skills with consistency, they have been
able to deal with the tactical demands placed upon them
this season.
The large number of girls displaying the strength to compete
at this level is evident in all areas of the court, and this
has meant that selection has been difficult and some girls
have not been able to get the court time that they would
have liked or that we would have liked to offer them. This,
however, has not deterred them from showing commitment,
enthusiasm and a desire to improve. I would like at this point
to commend them all for their efforts this season. They have
been a real credit.
Player of the Season
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Molly Orviss
Lizzie Ayre
Sophie Merrick
G K Jones
real grit and determination with their clever reading of the
game and making some important interceptions. Our final
home game of the regular season saw a worthy victory
over RGS Newcastle, which felt a timely reward for all their
commitment and progress this year.
The season’s finale was the Bradford Schools’ Tournament
which would see both the A and B Teams sweep aside the
opposition to face each other in a potential tournament
decider! It was fantastic to see both teams playing such
excellent Netball. Intelligent defending from Sarah Twaddle
and a flawless shot from Maya Marshall from the edge of
the circle even put the Bs one-up against the As! However,
the A Team Girls fought back and left the tournament as
champions.
In amongst the regular season fixtures, many of the girls also
competed in the National Schools’ Tournament where they
represented the school very well. Tremendous performances
in the County Round saw them progress to the Regionals
where, despite an impressive effort, they lost out. Although
they’ll be disappointed to have not made the finals, I know
that the girls have appreciated the experience and I believe it
will help to make them stronger and more ready for their next
attempt in two years’ time as U16s.
S McMechan
U13 SqUadS
The achievements of both the U13 A and B Squads have
been due to the commitment of all the girls to training and
fixtures this season. It also must be mentioned that both Mrs
Taylor and Mrs Jones have had a big impact on the progress
of these squads this year. It has been a season of highs and
lows for both squads.
U14 SqUadS
When reflecting on their season, the U14 Squad will, I’m
sure, consider it a pleasing one overall. Although their
form was a little inconsistent to begin with, the girls pulled
together and improved - not just as individuals, but as
a whole. Their collective enthusiasm is one of the most
impressive memories that I shall have of this team. Whenever
there were places to be filled in the A Team, B Team
members would always rise to the challenge with enthusiasm
and deputise with commendable performances.
Away fixtures against Stockport Grammar School, Altrincham
and Cheadle Hulme provided a tough start to the season
but it was clear to see that the players were quickly gelling
together and growing in strength and confidence under
the captaincy of Annie Lane and her Vice-Captain, Corrie
Jackson-Levrier.
As the season unfolded, their patience and hard work
began to pay off with well-earned victories against some
difficult opposition, including Woodhouse Grove, Wakefield
Girls’ and Bury Grammar. Although the fixture against
GSAL unfortunately ended in defeat, our girls matched
them pass-for-pass in the opening two quarters, showing
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U13 a Squad
The A Squad has grown in confidence immensely during
this year. On Saturdays they have played some tough
matches on which, to their credit, they have never given up
and the majority of them have been close matches. Their
season started well with two wins - one against Altrincham
by 13-12, and one against Stockport by 13-8. This really
encouraged the girls but, since both of the games were
close, they realised they had some work to do. Ellie Rayner
should be mentioned here since she was Player of the Match
for both. She demonstrated great movement around the
circle and accurate shooting skills. Thus the Captain led by
example from the outset of the season.
For the next few months the results did not go their way at
the weekends but they did in the Independent Schools’ Cup
competition, a new feature on the calendar last year. The
U13 A Squad have clocked up the miles for this competition,
first playing RGS Newcastle where a few players had to
play out of position due to injury during the match. They
came out the winners, through to the next round against
Loughborough. Mrs Taylor took them to this match, at which
by all accounts the U13s didn’t play their best, but neither
did Loughborough. The U13s still came back to Bradford
with another win. Next, the quarter finals and opponents
– Birkhampstead – down south (even more miles!). The
U13s played really well and did themselves proud but their
opponents were a lot taller and slicker.
The last two competitions to mention were the Regional
Tournament and the Bradford Schools’ Tournament. The
Regional Tournament was held at Leeds Grammar on a wet,
windy and cold day (that is, until the sun came out right at
the end of it). On finding out that the first game was against
Leeds Grammar, heads went down slightly (an example of
how matches can be lost before they have started) but, with
words of encouragement from the Captain, Ellie, they went on
court positively. Play commenced and the girls fought hard
to the bitter end. The result didn’t go Bradford’s way but they
again never gave up even though under pressure in most of
the areas of the court. After the group stages the U13s got
through to the semi-finals, where they played Wakefield Girls
to whom they lost. They finally beat Sheffield High to finish in
third place. The next tournament was Bradford Schools’ which
saw them dominating their group. In the semi-final they played
Parkside, a match which was quite stressful to watch as it
was so close, but eventually they came through to win, and
to meet Bradford Girls’ in the final, which they won with ease.
Winning the Bradford Schools’ Tournament was a great end to
the season! Well done.
Player of the season
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Izzy Wellings
Becky Ashurst
Abby Spencer
U13 B Squad
The U13 Netballers in action
The U13Bs have had a mixed season. They had two great
wins on the Saturday fixtures, one against Ashville by 15-11
and the other against Stockport by 12-2. Freddie Renwick,
who has played for the A Squad a few times this season,
showed herself to be a versatile player who can play at both
ends of the court. She just needs to have more confidence in
her ability. She was a definite asset to both squads. Johanna
Kluge was Captain this season. She did a sterling job to
keep the squad motivated, especially when it came to the
Bradford Schools’ matches. They were playing A Teams from
schools around Bradford which occasionally disheartened
them but they never gave up. They also played in the
Bradford Schools’ Tournament where they unfortunately did
not make the semi-finals but they played their hearts out and
did themselves proud.
There are a few players in that squad who could, if they
wanted to, play in the A Squad next season if they commit
themselves and compete to get their position.
Player of the season
Players’ Player
Most improved player
Sarah Varley
Johanna Kluge
Sasha Lawrence
M e Harling
U12 SqUadS
I was very excited to come back after maternity leave with
the thought of coaching the U12s. I knew we had some real
talent from Clock House and had heard from Mrs Jones and
Mrs Harling that we had some new girls who were looking
good too. It was difficult to separate the A Team and the B
Team as the girls were all of a similar ability. Some players
who started in the B Team are now in the A Team and some
players in the B Team are knocking on the door of the A
Team and I am sure they will make that jump next season.
The U12 Netball squad
U12 a squad
The U12 A Team have had a successful season. Over half
of the team also play hockey, which made it difficult at times
to field two teams, but the girls stepped up and we had
plenty more wins than losses. I have been very lucky this
year to have lots of strength and depth within the squad –
three accurate shooters, three circle defense and more than
enough centre court players. This showed at the Bradford
Schools’ Tournament when every player came off court at
some point, and we still won!! The team turned in some great
performances, particularly against Wakefield Girls, whom
we beat by one goal, and Bury Grammar, whom we beat
20-7. We met a very strong GSAL team in December who
were outstanding and… well, we lost. We met them again
in the U12 Regional Tournament at the beginning of March,
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and they certainly are a team to be reckoned with. Again, we
lost, but by a much smaller margin, which shows how much
improvement the girls made over the course of the season.
We finished as runners-up in that tournament.
The team ended the season on a high - not only winning
the Bradford Schools’ League but doing ‘The Double’ and
winning the Tournament too, beating Parkside in the semifinal and Ilkley Grammar in the final. I am sure the parents
who were watching will agree when I say they made it hard
work for themselves in the first half of the final but, after a
few words at half time, they went out and showed sheer
determination to emerge triumphant.
Two U12 players have this year been selected for the
Bradford District U13 Squad, and deserve to be mentioned.
Phoebe Ogden plays GD at school, but has been playing WA
and C for the district. It is great that she has been getting
more experience of playing different positions and she will
always step up to the mark and change positions for me
when needed. Hannah Chaudry is one of the shooters at
school, and again has had some experience playing WA for
the district. Well done to both girls.
Player of the Season
Players Player
Most improved Player
Hannah Chaudry
Zoe Briggs
Hannah Moursi
U12 B SqUad
The B Team had some real success over the season, winning
most of their games in the Bradford League and coming
third in in their section at the tournament. They had some
very high scoring games. The one that springs to mind was
against Oldham Hulme, where they won by (wait for it…) 3-0!
Over forty minutes! They also beat Cheadle Hulme by 16-8
and had some very close games against RGS Newcastle
and Stockport which they won by 6-4 and 5-4 respectively.
In some other schools, our B Team players would have
been playing in the A Team. This says a lot about the size
of the squad and the commitment to training shown by the
girls. There have been many players who really stood out
and made lots of progress, which was evident in the recent
tournament. Some players have also played for the A Team
on a number of occasions, which allows them to take that
experience back to the B team and encourage others to
have the same competitive edge.
Player of the Season
Players’ Player
Most improved Player
Kirandeep Athwal
Elisha Baranian
Jemima Lee
C A taylor
Senior netBall toUr to SoUtH aFriCa
The fifth Senior Netball Tour took place this summer in the
‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa. A lot of hard work went into
making this tour possible and special thanks must go to
Mark Briggs and the rest of the Netball Parents’ Association
for their tireless work. Also, many thanks to the rest of the
Netball staff, particularly Georgina Jones and Jassmine
Manning who were a huge part of the tour.
86
Saturday 14th July came round quickly, and we met at BGS
ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime. The girls looked
fantastic in the tour kit and they were all very excited. The
journey was a long one but, since it was an overnight flight,
those of us who can sleep on a plane were alright. Unlucky,
Alex Smith!
On arrival into Cape Town, we were met with terrible weather,
so our original plan of going straight up Table Mountain was
put on the backburner as we headed straight for the hotel.
The girls managed to get some rest before we went out for
dinner and had an early night ready for the first game the
following day. The weather was still unpredictable, so a court
at Cape Town University was booked to make sure the fixtures
against Rustenburg Girls’ School went ahead. After a visit to
the Two Oceans Aquarium and a bite to eat, we made our
way to the venue. It was a fantastic facility and the girls were
really looking forward to playing there. We had a 1st Team and
two evenly-matched teams, so we rotated the teams each
played against. Beccy Dixon’s team took to the court first to
play against their Third Team. The girls went out with a real
desire to win and were up 5-0 after the first quarter. They were
playing with real confidence and their defence all the way
down the court was exceptional. The second quarter proved
more difficult and we drew 3-3. However, they pulled it back
again over the second half of the game and there were some
outstanding performances, particularly by Chloe Ramsden
and Izzy Holmes who got Players of the Match (voted by
opposition and umpire) and we won 18-10. It was a great
start, and certainly put the other two teams under pressure!
Elephants in the road!
Lydia Holloway led her team to the court to play
Rustenburg’s Second Team, and they had a somewhat shaky
start. They were still up 5-3 after the first quarter but we all
felt that they had not quite found their stride. After a pep
talk from Lydia, the girls took to the court with a changed
attitude and were up 14-4 at half time. This was more like
it! The girls won the match 30-12, with Players of the Match
going to Charlotte Coles and Freya Armstrong. The 1st VII
had a lot to live up to now. I knew they were feeling slightly
nervous because they were spending more time warming
up than they had for any other game all season! They had
nothing to worry about, however, as they looked the more
dominant team right from the start. The Rustenburg Girls
were strong and much more physical than in the other
games, and the score reflected this, but BGS looked strong,
determined and accurate. There was no way they were
The Senior Netball Tourists
going to lose after victories from our other two teams! They
emerged victorious. The final score was 23-14, with Players
of the Match going to Sophie Boyd and Emma Spencer.
This was a great start to the tour and I was very excited to
Tweet the results! We went to a lovely seafood restaurant to
celebrate our success before heading back to the hotel as
we had an early start the next morning.
We were due to head for the Peninsula Tour on Tuesday
17th, and the Cape Town weather was now much better,
so our tour guide Peter, advised us to take the trip up Table
Mountain. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk up
(the girls were gutted … honest!) so we took the cable car.
It was certainly worth it. The views over Cape Town were
sensational. The Peninsula Tour proved very popular, mainly
due to the incredibly cute penguins at Boulders Beach! The
boat trip from Hout Bay proved less popular, but the day on
the whole was very enjoyable and the weather was great.
We had team meetings in the evening to go through the
match analysis and statistics (courtesy of Jass), which were
very helpful, before the second game against Wynburg on
Wednesday 18th.
Wednesday came along and we had a slight disappointment
with some confusion in the booking of the Robben Island
trip. So we took a trip to Muizemburg Beach before heading
off to the fixture. Wynburg Girls proved tougher competition,
slightly more physical and definitely more accurate. Lydia’s
team played against their Third Team and Beccy’s team
played their seconds. Both of their teams were of a similar
standard, and gave our girls a really good game. We came
out on top in both. The light was disappearing, so our First
Team took to the court pretty quickly. They had done a
thorough warm up and so were raring for action. They were
up 12-4 by the end of the first half, and this was mainly
down to the outstanding performances in defence by Alex
Smith and Danni Bennett. They went on to win comfortably,
25-13, with Players of the Match going to Amy George and
Sophie Boyd. The girls were met by their hosts and off they
went. The other staff and I went for a lovely meal at The
Mount Nelson Hotel and Emily was perfectly behaved – she
slept the whole time!
The next morning, we met the girls and wished Lily Bell a
very happy birthday! We headed off to Langa Township for
the tour, which proved an extremely poignant visit. It certainly
made the girls feel very lucky and they were quite humbled
by what they saw. We had lunch at Sheila’s Restaurant and
Lily was serenaded by the phenomenal Township band.
We then headed for Stellenbosch and fixture number three.
The weather was glorious and the sun cream was flowing! I
knew from previous tours that Stellenbosch would be tough
competition. Stellenbosch is an Afrikaans school, and they
are known for their more physical style of play. They are quick,
accurate and strong and played very good netball. Beccy’s
team took to the court first to play their Third Team. It was
close all the way through – we were up by one, then they were
up by one. It went on like this throughout the game. Players
of the Match went to Poppy Briggs and Chloe Ramsden, who
were both outstanding. BGS won by 13-11, a great result.
Lydia’s team stepped up next to play Stellenbosch’s Second
Team. We went up 6-4 after the first quarter and the girls
were feeling good. We had a dip in the second quarter and
were losing 14-10 at half time. Again, we went goal-for-goal
in the third and fourth quarters but couldn’t quite do enough
to win. We lost 18-24. It was the first loss of the tour, but to
a very strong opposition and Lydia was proud of her team
for putting in such a good performance. The 1st VII took to
the court knowing what to expect. The sheer physicality of
the opposition was hard to compete with, but the girls gave
it everything they had. I think playing hard games in quick
succession was beginning to take its toll on the girls and for
five minutes of the third quarter they looked really tired. It
was hard to change their style of play to suit the needs of this
game, but they did it well and were goal-for-goal throughout
the rest of the game. They lost 17-20, but held their heads
high knowing they had played well and had done everything
they could. The girls went off to be hosted again and the staff
said farewell until the morning.
87
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pressure there, Lydia! It was wonderful, and we went to our
accommodation feeling very happy. Samah Alizai celebrated
her eighteenth birthday in Knysna with a lovely cake and a
few glasses of Coca Cola …
Poppy, Amrita, Vicky and Freya get close to a cheetah
Friday came around and we headed back into Cape
Town to visit Robben Island. Unfortunately, the weather
had taken a turn for the worse again and it was a sign of
things to come. The boat trip out to Robben Island was
horrendous; ‘choppy’ is an understatement. Most of the
girls were ‘ill’ on the way there and Danni even considered
swimming back to avoid the journey!! The girls showed
their worth that day, as one of their number really was ill
and needed hospital attention. The rest of the girls were
exceptional and did everything we asked. We were meant
to be visiting the Cheetah Outreach Centre and Eagle
Encounter at Spier in Stellenbosch, but we sadly missed
out. That evening, however, the girls went to Mojo’s
Restaurant for an authentic African meal and thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. They had their faces painted and
danced the night away!
The run-up to the Knysna game
We left Stellenbosch the next day and made our way
towards Knysna for two nights. The accommodation
was lovely and we had our fourth fixture against Knysna
Secondary School. The whole town showed up to watch the
games, and although they weren’t as strong as Stellenbosch,
they were really good. Moreover, the welcome we had
there was by far the best of the tour. Lydia and Beccy’s
teams played at the same time and won 27-15 and 14-5
respectively, with Giti Aishwarya and Charlotte Coles getting
Players of the Match for Lydia’s team and Poppy Briggs
and Natalie Brown for Beccy’s team. The Firsts then played
afterwards and won 28-9, with Emma Spencer and Danni
Bennett getting Players of the Match. We then took a trip to
their local sports club where they had put on a wonderful
spread for us, and even had their Head Girl sing for us! No
88
The next day we headed for the Ostrich Farm and had lots
of fun. On the way back, we decided to stop off and give
the girls a bit of a treat. This was in the form of the Cango
Wildlife Sanctuary. After the disappointment of missing
the Cheetah Sanctuary in Stellenbosch, the girls had the
chance to have an up close and personal encounter with the
cheetahs or with Bengal tiger cubs. This made the girls very
happy and some said it was their best day of the tour (apart
from all the netball, of course!)
Brown and Amrita Bhogal. Lydia’s team won 27-9; Players of
the Match were Charlotte Coles and Lily Bell. Finally, the 1st
VII won 42-9, the best score of the tour. Players of the Match
for them were Liz Bailey and Freya Hall. We had a braii after
the game and an early start the morning after as we headed
for Port Elizabeth Airport for our flight to Johannesburg. We
arrived in Pilanesburg and Kwa Maritame Game Reserve for
two nights of pure luxury. The girls had a fabulous time and
we saw plenty of animals on the game drives. I think the
elephants provided the experience that made everyone hold
their breath! We had some time at Sun City, followed by a
bush braii to celebrate Helena’s sixteenth birthday. It was a
fantastic way to end the tour.
Rounders
This season has been very hit-and-miss in terms of both
practices and fixtures due to the inclement weather.
Although we had several fixtures in place for both A and B
Squads at U12 to U15, in reality some teams only ended up
playing one or two games.
In wintery conditions at the start of the season we faced
some very strong GSAL teams at all age groups. All
games were very closely matched with only a few rounders
difference in the final score lines. However, unfortunately only
the U14 B were victorious. Continuing a promising start to
the season we took six teams across to play Ilkley Grammar
School, resulting in six wins for the BGS Girls. This was
followed up by victories for the U14 and U15 Teams against
Stonyhurst. From then on, the weather was against us and
many fixtures had to be cancelled.
We did however continue to have a good turnout at training
even if we have only managed to train on the Governors’
Lawn on a handful of occasions. Breaks in the weather
allowed us to have fixtures versus Crossley Heath and
Bradford Girls’. We have produced some excellent teams
at all ages including the U12s who have taken on board the
tactical side of the game. The majority of girls are now able
to place the ball according to the setup of the opposition.
On Nahoon beach for a surfing lesson
The next few days were spent in East London at Cambridge
High School, where the girls were hosted for two nights.
Many of the girls said that Tuesday 24th was a real highlight
as I sprang another surprise on them - a morning at Nahoon
Beach, surfing, sand-boarding, climbing and snorkelling. The
weather was lovely, and the girls headed for the penultimate
match feeling relaxed and ready to play. Most of the school
came out to watch the games and their support was
extremely vocal! They were singing on the side-line, which
inspired our girls to sing back. That was interesting! Beccy’s
team took on their Thirds and won 16-11, Players of the
Match going to Samah Alizai and Chloe Ramsden. Lydia’s
team played their Seconds and lost 22-24 but, again, had
a hard match and played out of their skin. Players of the
Match for that game went to Charlotte Coles and Helena
Casson. Our Firsts took to the court last and had tough
competition. Again, their First Team was much more physical
and played a different style of Netball, one that was hard to
match. This, coupled with the support on the side-line, made
it very difficult. However, the girls were strong and emerged
victorious. The final score was 21-17 and Players of the
Match were Alex Smith and Danni Bennett.
We moved onto Grehamstown and Victoria Girls’ High
School for our last fixture. We stayed in one of the boarding
houses for two nights and George and Jass, I think, had one
of the nicest rooms of the trip! They had so much space
they did not know what to do with themselves! We had a
relaxing morning on the day of the fixture, playing Rounders
and sunbathing on their pitches. We then got ready for the
fixture and had a very good ending to our Netball on tour.
Three games, three wins. We cannot ask for more than that!
Beccy’s team won 15-5; Players of the Match were Natalie
Lydia Holloway against Victoria Girls
We held the Presentation Night on the penultimate night of
the tour and gave awards out to everyone. The main awards
were Players’ Player, Best Tourist and Player of the Tour.
Everyone voted for the Players’ Player and Best Tourist
awards, and they were given out as follows:
Players’ Player:
Beccy’s team
Lydia’s team
1st VII
Poppy Briggs
Charlotte Coles
Emma Spencer
Best Tourist (as voted by the players)
Best Tourist (as voted for by staff)
Player of the Tour (as voted for by staff)
Lydia Holloway
Danielle Bennett
Alex Smith
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all those girls leaving
BGS the very best of luck, whether they are going to
university or to pastures new. You will all be missed. You
have all been great ambassadors for BGS and for Netball,
not only whilst on the tour, but throughout your time here.
I hope you carry on playing, and that we have instilled a
passion for our wonderful sport into your heart and soul.
Alex Smith and Sophie Boyd have been fantastic Captains of
the 1st VII this season as have Lydia Holloway and Annabel
Hewitt for the 2nd VII. Alex, Sophie and Lydia carried on that
duty with pride in South Africa, with some help from Beccy
Dixon. I look forward to coaching the rest of you again next
season and hope you come back with the fire in your bellies
that you showed out in South Africa!
The U14 Rounders Squad
In addition to the fixtures for this season both the U13 and
U14 A Squads had last season’s finals to play (last season
remained unfinished due to the weather) against Ilkley and
St Joseph’s respectively. Both games proved to be high
quality with outstanding fielding skills and tactical awareness
demonstrated by all the BGS girls despite it being so early in
the season. Both teams came out victorious with the U14’s
beating St Joseph’s by a full innings and 2 rounders. In a
closer encounter the U13’s came out on top against Ilkley
with a score of 13 ½ - 9.
We are sorry to produce such a brief report but this season
really has been a washout! Let us hope for some better
weather next season.
H e Boughton and G K Jones
C A taylor, Director of netball
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The Runcorn head race
Rowing
The BGS Rowing Club entered the 2011/2012 school year on
the back of arguably its most successful season ever, hoping
to gain more success with promising squads throughout the
age groups. For the Senior Squad, formed from the Upper
and Lower Sixth Forms, and backed up from time to time by
Fifth Former Sam Munro who made tremendous progress,
the aim was to field a J18 VIII and build upon the experience
gained in the previous year. Further down the school it was
hoped that the Third Form, which boasts an impressive
number of promising rowers, would be successful in their
first national competitions.
During October, fourteen members of the club travelled to
Holland for the annual training camp and race in the Vecht.
The Dutch canals offer mile after mile of uninterrupted rowing
BGS Rowers on the Vecht, Holland
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Competing in the Vechtrace
in contrast to the short stretch of river upon which the
school’s boathouse is situated. Thus it offers an unrivalled
chance for training and development. Each of the four years
that I have travelled to Holland the quality and quantity of
the Dutch and German opposition has swelled, and this year
was no exception. However there were, as always, a number
of successful BGS crews.
We all had cause to be hugely grateful to our hosts at
Saaland Rowing Club for the genuine warmth of their
hospitality. The Vecht race is a part of the rowing year which
I will greatly miss.
The club left Holland on a high, and to boost spirits further
there was the Lord Mayor of London’s Show on the second
Saturday of November. The newly-elected Lord Mayor of
London, David Wooton, was a keen Rower whilst at BGS
and he afforded a large number of Rowers and other pupils
from the school the honour of leading the entire parade.
Alongside the pupils on the float, which included a boat
and rowing machines, were Old Bradfordian sporting greats
Richard Nerurkar, 10,000m runner, and Boris Rankov, winner
of six consecutive Boat Races with Oxford. The pupils were
acutely aware of the great honour bestowed on them, the
school and the Boat Club, and it was a day which both they
and the Club will remember for a long time.
Following the Dutch training, the eight had begun to merge
into a solid and efficient unit and there were signs of real
improvement among the Fifth Form Squad. However, as the
year progressed, bad weather began to rear its ugly head as
it too often does, leading to the cancellation of head races
and missed training. The consequent lack of time on the
water meant that, despite putting in spirited performances,
crews from the Senior Squad found the Runcorn and York
Head Races less fruitful than usual. On the other hand these
early head races did demonstrate the strength of both the A
and B J14 Crews.
In March, the 1st VIII, the J16 VIII, and the two J14 quads
travelled to London for the prestigious Schools and National
Junior Sculling Head Races. Again for the Senior Rowers
the effects of a lack of training were clear, but determined
Rowing ensured that the 1st VIII, missing an injured Will
Weatherhead, and the J16 VIII held their own in the toughest
school-level competitions found anywhere in the world.
However at the Sculling Head the J14 A Crew of Matthew
Kay, George Kay, Toby Nicholson and George Hudman,
coxed by Adam Smith, and the B Crew of Robert Ashby,
Matthew Harris, Matt Carey, Cameron Chippendale, and
Matthew Boyle, produced mature and fast performances,
with the B Crew winning medals as the fastest second crew
of the day. There was also a taste of success at the English
Indoor Rowing Championships, a gruelling challenge on
rowing machines, where Liam Day took bronze in the J18
Category and Angus Mather broke the seven minute barrier
to do the same in the J16 Category.
The 2012 Regatta Season was like no other I have seen
whilst rowing for the school. Due to incessant rain nearly
all the season’s river-based regattas, including Bradford
Regatta, were cancelled. At Nottingham City Regatta, Liam
Day and Rowan Arthur came third in the J18 pairs and
they also raced at the National Schools’ Regatta along with
both J14 quads. The J14 A Crew performed very creditably
considering their lack of water time and reached the semifinals which will provide important experience for the years
ahead. For the youngest boys and girls the best racing of
the year took place in the scratch races at the annual lunch
by the river, which was contended by a record thirty pupils
in the First to Third Forms. At the end of the afternoon, next
year’s Captain Will Weatherhead and Vice-Captain Sam
Munro were also announced.
This year the Boat Club has enjoyed a much higher profile,
largely thanks to the world record breaking efforts of the
previous year. Sadly, though, we have as yet not been able
to afford the much needed new boat which the boys worked
so hard to raise money for last year. On a happier note, the
club has been glad to see the new Headmaster, Kevin Riley
(himself a former rower), show great support for Rowing in
the school.
Rowan Arthur, 6RDS
Sam Munro looks a bit weary after the English Indoor Rowing
Championships
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Rugby
1St xV
The 1st XV playing statistics were disappointing, although
perhaps unsurprising when the strength of the fixture list,
the low numbers in the Senior Squad and the long-term
injuries to several key players are taken into account. The
South African touring party of 2012 consisted of just twentysix players in stark contrast to the forty-six who travelled to
South Africa in 2006. Schoolboy Rugby is extremely fast and
physical, meaning a large squad is needed to be competitive
throughout the season.
The Upper Sixth had a successful team during their Junior
years at BGS. However, six of the squad are no longer at
the school, and several boys have stopped playing Rugby.
This left just thirteen active Rugby players from the top
year, of whom Henry Walker, Jack Small and Calum Foster
managed just four starts between them. In addition, James
Wadkin, Matt Beaumont, Sam Garnett, Matt Gunnee, Peter
Gouldesbrough and Jack Robinson all had lengthy spells
injured on the touchlines.
The team was at its strongest at the start of the season,
and the early signs were encouraging. We played well for
most of the first fixture at Harrogate, before a sloppy tenminute spell cost us two tries and the match by six points.
BGS then beat Hymers by a single point in a thrilling match
the following weekend and the side looked to be working
well as a unit. A mid-week draw against Ermysted’s, and
a win against St Paul’s from Manly, were followed by a
comprehensive victory (67-0) against Bingley Grammar in the
first round of the DMC. Our record on 5th October read a
satisfactory Played 6; Won 3; Drawn 1 and Lost 2.
The fixtures had taken their toll on the squad and the 1st
XV Team at GSAL was missing ten first choice players. We
were comprehensively beaten, and did not win again in the
season. However, despite endless changes to the team,
we were competitive against Stonyhurst, Mount St Mary’s,
QEGS, and Wirral GS, and with a bit of good fortune could
have won all four games.
James Wadkin captained the team from inside centre
and he led the defensive line well and his strong running
regularly broke the gain line. Seb Tullie was our scrum-half
whose ability to choose when to pass, kick or make a break
dictated team patterns of play. Sam Garnett was the regular
fly-half whose natural ball-playing ability gave the backs
room to find spaces into which to run. Peter Gouldesbrough
and Matt Green played in the centres together when any
injury occurred, but when at full(ish) strength, one played
at outside centre and the other on the wing. Both are big
tacklers and strong runners with an ability to offload. Jack
Crabtree filled in at scrum-half on occasions, but was more
regularly found on the wing or at full-back which enabled
his open field running and where his kicking could be better
utilised. Sam Melville proved a reliable full-back who dealt
well with the high ball and came into the line well in attack.
Will Bentley was often found on the wing where his tackling
stopped many tries. Michael Bates, Umair Shabir, Dominic
Cox, and Jack Robinson all got a fair share on first team
games and were happy to play anywhere in the backs.
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Michael Thornton was the cornerstone of the BGS pack
and played every game at prop. He works hard in the set
piece and was always in the middle of rucks and mauls.
Tom Hobson had an excellent season as hooker, struck
the ball well in the scrum and was exceptional in defence.
Harry Manock and Ed Brownlee from the Fifth Form were
also regularly found in the front row, and were extremely
committed to the team. Ed Lund and Josh Green shared
the second row berth. Neither missed a match, and they
provided much hard work in the set piece and open play.
Ed, Josh, Michael and Tom all had a great work ethic and
enjoyed a really good season because of it. Matt Beaumont,
when fit, was an inspirational pack leader who led through
example. He is a strong ball carrying No. 8 and provided a
basis from which the pack could function. Luke Kopelciw
was an aggressive blind-side flanker who regularly turned
over ball. Matt Gunnee played on the open side flank and,
when not out of breath, enjoyed returning to the back row
and became a real nuisance to opposition No. 10s. Richard
Baugh regularly featured in the team and was happy(ish) to
play at prop, but preferred to play in the second or back row.
I hope all those leaving BGS continue to play rugby - and
we look forward to beating you in the Old Boys’ game in
September.
The 2012 U16 XV
C e Linfield
U16 xV
1St xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 15
PointS FoR 264
Won 3
DRAWn 1
LoSt 11
PointS AGAinSt 460
Date opposition
Venue
Result
Score
SePteMBeR
10th Harrogate Grammar School
17th Hymers College
21st Ermysted’s Grammar School
24th Crossley Heath School
26th St. Paul’s Manly Australia
Away
Away
Home
Home
Home
Lost
Won
Drawn
Lost
Won
10 – 16
12 – 11
12 - 12
10 - 46
24 - 21
oCtoBeR
5th
Bingley Grammar School*
8th
GSAL
Home
Away
Won
Lost
67 - 0
5 - 68
noVeMBeR
5th
Stonyhurst College
9th
Woodhouse Grove School*
12th Wilmslow High School
19th Mount St. Mary’s College
26th QEGS Wakefield
Home
Home
Home
Home
Home
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
24 - 27
0 - 44
7 - 52
22 - 31
22 - 29
DeCeMBeR
3rd
Wirral Grammar School
10th St. Peter’s School York
Home
Away
Lost
Lost
24 - 26
22 - 40
JAnuARy
28th Nottingham High School
Away
Lost
3 - 37
*U18 Daily Mail Cup Fixture
Matches played 2011-12
Hopes were high for the U16s this season with what started
as a large squad, containing numerous talented individuals.
Unfortunately, the results were not as expected, with injuries,
call-ups to the 1st XV and, at times, some very poor tackling
all contributing to some disappointing losses.
First up was Hymers. On reflection, this should have been an
easy victory, but by giving opportunities to our opponents we let
them into the game. Despite a hat-trick from James Pinto, and a
spirited last five minutes, we lost the first game of the year.
Playing Lancaster away was always going to be tough and
it proved so. We competed well at times but the home
side proved too strong in all positions. Our high points
were a well-worked try in the corner finished by Charlie
Snowden and a fabulous individual effort by George Gill,
who zigzagged his way through would-be defenders to score
from over halfway.
Crossley Heath at home should really have gained us another
win. However, a couple of absences late on led to a slightly
weakened side. BGS played some of their best attacking
rugby of the year, but again defence let them down. A late
lead produced by a brace from Pinto, and one each for
both Jack Coen and Melville was not enough to defeat an
opposition who took advantage of mistakes by BGS.
Flanker Jamie Moss was the Man of the Match for his efforts
in the next game against Stonyhurst which again highlighted
the frailty of the BGS tackling. 17-0 down at halftime, we fell
apart defensively and never looked in with a shout. Perhaps
the poorest display of the year, this was one to forget.
Another tough away trip to GSAL followed. Again the
team fought valiantly at times with Guy Foggitt deservedly
scoring the only try for BGS after some fantastic hard work.
Unfortunately, GSAL were the better side overall as BGS
failed to take advantage of the opportunities they created.
Cockcroft was superb at fullback and prevented their score
being even higher.
Finally, against Wilmslow, BGS got the win their play so
far had, at times, deserved. We got on the board quickly,
scoring two early converted tries by Snowden and Kodie
Brook but some of the best Rugby was to come later. With
some fantastic work by the forwards, it gave the backs
space to score three further tries in the first half to Coen,
Cockcroft and Brook again. Leading 33 to 0 at half time this
game was won. Occasionally in the second half BGS allowed
Wilmslow back into the game but, despite this, BGS scored
further tries by Snowden and Navjyot Devesher. BGS were
deserving winners dominating both up front and out wide
where Kodie Brook orchestrated the game to perfection,
earning Man of the Match honours.
The Floodlit Cup at Preston Grasshoppers was next, with a
chance to field a full-strength side. In a game that was closer
than it should have been, BGS came out on top following
tries by Ed Brownlee, Gill, Sam Melville and a match- winning
chip and chase from Tom Cockcroft in the last few minutes
to seal a 26-20 victory. Hamish Kay was Man of the Match
with a fantastic defensive performance, tackling anything that
moved. Unfortunately in the next round we met a strong St
Peter’s side who put the boys firmly back in place.
The final three games saw the Under 16s quickly brought
down a peg or two. Losses to QEGS and St Peter’s in a
crunch rematch highlighted the side’s defensive frailties yet
again. Two high points in the second game though were
the outstanding display from Joel MacFarlane in a Man of
the Match performance and another great try for George
Gill. The final game of the season against Nottingham was
a perfect showcase for what was good and bad about the
U16s this season. A much depleted side went down 68 -20
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but there was some fantastic attacking rugby with tries for
Harry Petyt, Cockcroft and two more for Gill playing on the
wing. MacFarlane and Pinto both had strong games in the
centres but it was again poor tackling that let us down.
We fared just as badly in the Sevens season, and absences
in what should have been a strong squad took their toll. The
tournament at Stonyhurst resulted in just one victory and
it was with trepidation that we went on to Rosslyn Park.
On a scorching hot day BGS failed to progress past their
group but did get better as the games went on. In fact we
dominated the final game against Shrewsbury and with
similar performances against Sedbergh and Llangatwg we
could have made the second round.
Overall this was a very disappointing season with few
highlights, but the side was not short of talent and many
players have come through to stake a claim for 1st XV rugby
in upcoming years.
D A Pullen
U16 xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 11
PointS FoR 180
Won 2
DRAWn 0
LoSt 9
PointS AGAinSt 417
Date opposition
Venue
Result
Score
SePteMBeR
17th Hymers College
Home
Lost
26 - 33
oCtoBeR
1st
Lancaster RGS
8th
GSAL
12th Rossal School*
Away
Away
Away
Lost
Lost
Won
10 - 40
5 - 37
26 - 20
noVeMBeR
2nd Crossley Heath School
5th
Stonyhurst College
12th Wilmslow High School
23rd St. Peter’s School York*
26th QEGS Wakefield
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Lost
Lost
Won
Lost
Lost
29 - 38
0 - 64
45 - 12
0 - 39
12 - 41
DeCeMBeR
10th St. Peter’s School York
Away
Lost
5 - 25
JAnuARy
28th Nottingham High School
*U16 UCLAN Floodlit Cup Fixture
Away
Lost
22 - 68
Matches played 2011-12
U15 xV
This season was always going to be a challenge with many
of our opponents having their strongest year groups at U15,
including the Daily Mail Champions, two teams who made
the Daily Mail last 16 qualifiers and the previous year’s
Lancashire finalists. The squad needed to develop the depth
and physicality in its play to be able to compete well and
avoid the comprehensive defeats of the previous season.
There were a number of significant matches. The defeat
94
of RGS Lancaster was particularly memorable since we
bettered their physical approach at the breakdown. If we had
been more clinical in the scoring zone the result would have
been even more comfortable. The victory over GSAL where
both sides were missing players was a welcome turnaround
from the previous season’s defeat and gave the team real
confidence going into the Daily Mail match against Crossley
Heath, where our pack dominated. The defeat to Lancashire
Champions, Stonyhurst, was disappointing as we competed
on all levels, apart from three lapses of concentration and
tackle technique on their danger man who exploited them,
marking the difference between the teams. BGS pulled the
season round, however, with two fantastic results against
tough opponents - a destructive forward performance
against QEGS Wakefield setting the backs up to score,
and a comprehensive team performance in wet conditions
away to Wirral GS. After a long break and no training due
to bad weather, we never got going against Manchester but
returned the following week to dismantle Nottingham High in
a physically intimidating show of forward resolve.
Our style of play was never going to be conducive to the
Sevens game, but the team developed their defensive
structure to become a very hard team to play against. The
final tournament at Hymers College saw the team in the
group of death, just failing to qualify against the eventual
winners Stonyhurst College, where our defence dominated to
put us in the lead, before our struggles with the ball in attack
cost us dearly and we lost by two scores.
The forwards developed into a dominating unit and the
competition for places was fierce. The front row rotated
throughout the season with James Downey initially
occupying the hooker’s role and gaining selection for
Yorkshire U15s until injury curtailed his season. His allround strong play saw him play in the back row in a number
of matches. William Rice-Birchall developed into an able
hooker through the season, becoming a strong tackler
and ball carrier, although there is still work to do on his set
piece skills. Matthew Chivers worked hard on his set piece
skills as a prop and, when in position, his ball carrying was
destructive. Shadmaan Kader claimed a starting role as prop
with his excellent set piece, although his loose play needs
more direction. Tom Ashurst also moved between prop and
second row, ably covering both and adding to the team
with his loose play. Joe Hargreaves was another player who
propped through the season, while his ability to read the
game allowed him to move into the back row.
The second row was an area of strength with Rowan Beckett
returning to full fitness and displaying his typical high-energy
all round play. Conor Gundry enjoyed a solid season, doing
a lot of the unseen work in hitting rucks and driving mauls.
Unfortunately, we lost Simon Lovitt to injury early in the
season but it was pleasing to see him return later in the year.
Late in the season saw Will Masterton train in the second
row and he shows real promise in that role for next season.
In the back row, James Johnson performed at an exceptional
level all season, carrying strongly and defending with real
aggression. It was pleasing to see him gain selection for the
Northern Counties England Development Camp this summer.
Sam Crossley moved into the back row to add pace and
is another strong carrier of the ball - the more he plays the
The 2012 U15 XV
better he looks in that role. Meanwhile, Oliver Clegg moved
from the wing onto the open side, proving to be difficult to
dislodge from the loose ball and winning the team numerous
turnovers.
The backs enjoyed the season feeding off the ball the pack
provided, with Bertie Worthington proving to be a dynamic
scrum half, who worked hard all year to improve his pass
to unleash the backs. Greg Cox captained the team and
filled the standoff role, using his kicking game to great effect
and controlling the distribution of the ball. Sam Ogden was
a highly effective inside centre, who tackled strongly and
carried effectively. His performance against Stonyhurst,
in particular, was outstanding. Alex Marriott-Mills played
outside centre developing his confidence in contact, with his
running game being a real strength. Owain Downes occupied
the full back role adding pace to the line in attack on
numerous occasions. Dominic Bailey proved to be an able
finisher on the wing and he improved his defence through
the year, while George Akester showed real pace at times to
finish the scores. Alex Robinson moved into the backs early
in the season and showed potential, until injury finished his
season for him; we look forward to his return. Ben Appleyard
played at both scrum half and on the wing showing fine
running skills and becoming a key part of the Sevens squad.
Other players to represent the A Team were Haseeb Basit
who, when directed, was a strong performer for the team
in his numerous matches. Nicholas Staton proved to be
effective in the second row particularly at set pieces. Finally,
Daniel Leach showed what a fine footballer he is with his
play against Crossley Heath.
The squad worked hard in practice to develop their play
in order to become competitive on a strong circuit. They
certainly achieved this. The next step is to challenge these
teams and turn the results around in the coming season.
U15 xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 14
PointS FoR 432
Won 9
DRAWn 0
LoSt 5
PointS AGAinSt 308
Date opposition
Venue
Result
Score
SePteMBeR
10th Harrogate Grammar School
13th Horsforth School*
17th Hymers College
24th Crossley Heath School
29th Crossley Heath School*
Home
Home
Home
Away
Away
Won
Won
Won
Won
Lost
52 – 24
54 – 0
31 - 25
51 - 21
32 - 52
oCtoBeR
1st
Lancaster RGS
8th
GSAL
Home
Home
Won
Lost
17 - 7
10 - 24
noVeMBeR
5th
Stonyhurst College
12th Wilmslow High School
19th Mount St. Mary’s College
26th QEGS Wakefield
Away
Away
Away
Home
Lost
Lost
Won
Won
5 – 26
24 - 28
52 - 17
29 - 15
DeCeMBeR
3rd
Wirral Grammar School
Away
Won
26 - 15
JAnuARy
21st The Manchester GS
28th Nottingham High School
Home
Home
Lost
Won
7 - 33
42 - 21
*U15 Daily Mail Cup Fixture
Matches played 2011-12
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My thanks go to Mr Wilde and Mr Oakes for their additional
input into the squad throughout the season and the extra
work with the scrum. Thanks also to the players who
continued to train hard on Wednesdays with me and the
B Squad with Mr McNab. It was a shame that the weather
disrupted the A and B Team tour to Scotland.
A J Galley
U14 xV
This has been the most successful, enjoyable and fulfilling
U14 season since I coached the side captained by Hainsworth
EG in the 2006–7 season. Unsurprisingly this year’s squad
shared similar qualities to those of their predecessors. The
squad is blessed with talented individuals complemented by
skilful, committed team mates. Throughout the season they
have trained diligently, enthusiastically and in good number.
On the field of play they have been led by an extremely
capable Captain, implemented effective game strategies and
consequently have produced the best U14 playing record
since 2007. A playing record that meets the standard to which
the BGS Rugby Club aspires to; a playing record of which the
boys can be justifiably proud.
There were many individual and collective highlights during
the course of the season. Personally, the result against
Stonyhurst College and the victory against QEGS Wakefield in
the final of the Hymers Sevens Competition gave me the most
satisfaction. For many reasons, Stonyhurst College is one of
the toughest places to play Rugby. Those who watched the
game will appreciate why I was so jubilant at the end of the
game having secured my first ever victory in Clitheroe. QEGS
Wakefield set the standard at this age group and in our regular
fixture we lost to a better team. Despite creating chances,
particularly in the middle part of the game, the boys were
not clinical enough and consequently lost the opportunity to
really test our opponents’ resolve. At the end of the game, our
genuine disappointment was obvious. Four months later, that
disappointment was harnessed and used to our advantage.
With silverware up for grabs the boys comfortably defeated
QEGS to become the latest BGS side to win honours at
Hymers College, and the first U14 VII to do so since 2007.
To secure their first victory against the Wakefield lads was an
extremely fitting conclusion to the season and sets up what
should be a mouth-watering encounter next year. However,
despite the success, enjoyment and fulfilment, there is still
much work to be done if this squad of players are to give
a good account of themselves in next season’s U15 Daily
Mail Cup. Complacency will need to be guarded against and
expectation is something that the boys will have to respond
positively towards. The biggest game of next season might
not be against QEGS Wakefield. Lancaster RGS, Stonyhurst
College and Manchester Grammar School all have good
squads and will prove tough opposition next year. And who
knows what may lurk in the Cup?
The squad’s forwards were mobile, technically sound at the
breakdown and won their fair share of possession all year.
They are not the biggest pack on the circuit, however, and
consequently they lack a little firepower, particularly at close
quarters. Only 17 of our 81 tries were scored by a forward,
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a statistic that succinctly illustrates the need for some
strength and conditioning work before next season. Callum
Manchester, Matthew Bulmer and Alfie Blackhall were the
squad’s best forwards. All three worked tirelessly to secure
possession, defended strongly and carried the ball well.
Callum was the side’s top try scoring forward, with four. It
should have been at least five but, unlike a good fisherman’s
story, we will not mention the one that got away! Sabbih
Khan, James Lord and Aqib Khan all made a significant
impact in their first season in the A XV Squad. All three will
continue to improve as they move through the school. Adam
Waring is a good footballer who will begin to excel when he
finally settles in a position. James Callender and John Lovitt
both grew in confidence as the season progressed. Both
will make bigger impacts as their fitness improves. Harry
Sherwood demonstrated that he has the ability to make a
significant contribution at this level. Sachin Ahir also proved
to be a valuable squad member.
A well-known Rugby saying states that while forwards win
games, the backs decide by how much. This was certainly
how the majority of our games played out. In defence of
the forwards’ poor try-scoring record they did win enough
possession for the backline to utilise. But in scoring 64 of our
81 tries (thanks, IE Walker) it was the backline who posed
the greatest threat to opposition sides. Harry Sagar was the
team’s leading try scorer with twenty-six and, as you would
expect of a modern day winger, Harry is quick, strong and
U14 xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 14
PointS FoR 494
Won 11
DRAWn 0
LoSt 3
PointS AGAinSt 134
Date opposition
Venue
Result
Score
SePteMBeR
10th Harrogate Grammar School
17th Hymers College
24th Crossley Heath School
28th Ermysted’s GS
Home
Home
Away
Home
Won
Won
Won
Won
52 – 0
40 - 0
46 - 19
45 - 12
oCtoBeR
1st
Lancaster RGS
8th
GSAL
Home
Home
Lost
Won
10 - 29
40 - 0
noVeMBeR
5th
Stonyhurst College
12th Wilmslow High School
19th Mount St. Mary’s College
26th QEGS Wakefield
Away
Away
Away
Home
Won
Won
Won
Lost
19 - 7
58 - 0
43 - 5
12 - 19
DeCeMBeR
3rd
Wirral Grammar School
7th
Audenshaw High School
Away
Home
Lost
Won
7 - 19
36 - 0
JAnuARy
21st The Manchester GS
28th Nottingham High School
Home
Home
Won
Won
24 - 12
62 - 12
Matches played 2011-12
The 2012 U14 XV
clinical. Captain James Pinder scored nineteen tries but
contributed so much more, both on and off the field. He was
a constant threat with ball in hand, he created and put other
players into space and he is one of the finest defenders I
have seen at this age group. His leadership and organisation
were exemplary, his understanding of the game mature.
James was the squad’s best player and will be integral to the
success of any side in which he plays. Isaac Greene scored
ten tries from the centre. Isaac carried well and has a lovely
step allowing him to beat the first defender to cross the gain
line. Ed Cooper secured the scrum half spot with his efficient
service but must work on his defensive frailties (as witnessed
on video during a match analysis) to fulfil his potential. Scott
van Berckel deputised when necessary but, with increased
fitness, could find himself plying his trade elsewhere next
year. Will Heard’s decision-making and distribution improved
during the year and this afforded the luxury of playing Pinder
as second five eighth. Will’s tackle on Ilkley RUFC’s finest
1st XV prop (according to the Gazette!), during Games one
Thursday, was a statement to next year’s U15 coach of his
defensive ability. James Liu was magnificent all season.
Lacking the physical attributes of many of his opponents
he was never beaten defensively. James tackled way above
his weight and always kept the ball alive often passing back
inside to one of our supporting players. George Cockcroft
and David Cobb were extremely versatile and played in
a variety of positions often at personal cost. Both made
fine contributions in the Sevens, evidence of the progress
they both made during the year. Adam Aslam, although
inexperienced, was quick and elusive. So elusive, in fact,
that I lost him after Christmas only to discover that he had
unfortunately turned up at Salt’s GS. George Kear has the
potential to become a valuable squad member but lacked
the confidence to make the contribution of which I thought
him capable.
At the end of such a great season my thanks to Mr I E
Walker, without exception the best B XV coach I have had
the pleasure to work with. I am confident that if a greater
number of boys had committed themselves fully to the B XV
programme we would have won more games than we did. To
Mr Scott Higgins and his staff for the provision of the excellent
playing facilities we enjoy at BGS, to the dedicated band of
parents who support both the team and the Rugby Club so
loyally and of course to all the boys who work so hard and
give up so much time in representing this great school.
M A Wilde
U13 xV
The team this year encountered a mixture of outcomes,
winning some and losing some, while in our very first match
against Harrogate Grammar we drew, 28-28! We knew that
we could have beaten this team, so we look forward to our
next battle. After this draw Mr Taylor worked on developing
new skills, set plays and tricks that would help us gain better
position on the field and hopefully create tries during difficult
matches. The next match, against Hymers College, showed
how these skills helped us, since we beat them decisively,
47-15. Another big win was that against Ermysted’s, 43-0.
Our greatest defeat was against QEGS since a fourteen
man side turned out due to illness. We are looking forward,
however, to our next match against them.
The team’s enthusiasm kept us going through the season
and the players’ commitment was outstanding. Next
came the tournaments! We came second in both of them,
while QEGS came out on top. One highlight was beating
Crossley Heath in the Sevens, having lost to them in
the fifteen-man game. The team was delighted with this
achievement. The next tournament was at Rosslyn Park.
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The 2012 U13 XV
The 2012 U12 A XV
We got through the group stages but sadly got knocked
out in the first round by the eventual winners of the
tournament; but this was a close match, which we lost
U13 xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 13
PointS FoR 229
Won 4
Date opposition
SePteMBeR
10th Harrogate Grammar School
17th Hymers College
24th Crossley Heath School
28th Ermysted’s Grammar School
DRAWn 1
LoSt 8
PointS AGAinSt 337
Venue
Home
Home
Away
Home
Result
Drawn
Won
Lost
Won
Score
12 - 12
49 - 15
7 - 38
43 - 0
oCtoBeR
1st
Lancaster RGS
8th
GSAL
Home
Away
Lost
Lost
5 - 35
10 – 15
noVeMBeR
9th
St. Olave’s School York
12th Wilmslow High School
19th Mount St. Mary’s College
26th QEGS Wakefield
Home
Away
Away
Away
Lost
Lost
Won
Lost
7 - 24
12 - 62
41 - 0
7 - 49
DeCeMBeR
3rd
Wirral Grammar School
7th
Audenshaw High School
Away
Home
Lost
Lost
0 - 32
14 - 36
JAnuARy
28th Nottingham High School
Home
Won
22 - 19
Matches played 2011-12
98
to this team by only 10 points, whereas the tournament
runners-up lost by 28!
On behalf of the whole team we would like to thank Mr
Taylor for all he has done for us this year. Thanks also to
everyone who helped the team, Mr Oakes, Mr Linfield and
the B-Team coach Mr Kellett. Finally, a huge thank you to all
the parents for all their support for the team. We shall look
forward to many more years like this.
Max orviss, 2SMC
U12 xV
This year’s U12 side was an interesting mix of Clock House
pupils and new boys and what was pleasing was that they
knitted together very quickly and complemented each
other’s strengths. We had a good turn out to training from
the start and numbers in the squad were strong throughout
the season which is always a healthy sign of a strong year
group. Nearly twenty-eight boys represented the B Team
in their fixtures and there was keen competition for places
throughout the year, with several pushing hard to gain A
Team places next season.
The season got off to a pleasing start with a win over
Harrogate GS, and although they seemed more organised
due to many of their side playing for the local club, we
were too strong and managed six tries to their three. It also
confirmed in my mind where certain players’ strengths lay.
Unfortunately, at this stage we lost Oliver Croudson who
broke his arm in a training session just as he was beginning
to show that he was going to be a key asset. Hymers
College were our next opponents and again we prevailed
against a very strong team, and there were pleasing signs of
our organisational work. After a weekend off due to the First
Form camp in North Wales, we were back in action against
Ermysted’s GS and another good win. Several players were
really beginning to show what they could do and were
growing in confidence each week. Particularly pleasing was
the performance of Rory Macnab as Captain. He led the
side well on the pitch and encouraged the side off the field,
while ensuring they bonded too.
Next up were Lancaster RGS, one of our hardest fixtures,
but a good week’s preparation and a fine performance on
the day meant we ran out comfortable winners. Our next
opponents were local rivals GSAL. This was our first defeat
of the season. Having conceded 19 points in the first half,
we made a much better fist of things in the second half,
scoring 15 unanswered points before conceding a final try
to give GSAL a comfortable-looking final score line which
didn’t reflect the competitiveness of the game. It did make
us appreciate the need to be ready to go from the start. The
half-term was completed at the Barnard Castle ten-a-side
tournament the following day. Having won the group quite
comfortably, we found ourselves in the Trophy Competition.
We gave good accounts of ourselves in all matches, but
could only manage third place in the group.
After a few weeks off we looked a little rusty against Crossley
Heath in a 5-12 defeat, but some of the changes we were
making were beginning to show promise. A great match with
St Olave’s resulted in a 21-28 defeat, but we matched them
all the way. Two comfortable wins followed, with the side
getting into their stride and playing to a pleasing pattern.
Better ball retention and use of balls we won meant that we
were more confident in building scoring opportunities and
tighter in defence. Our biggest defeat of the season came
next but, unusually, it was one of our best performances. We
played against QEGS Wakefield, a physically big and skilful
side. After an early score, we realised we were going to be
doing a lot of defending and we stood up to the task well,
only conceding tries when they finished off overlaps, with
which I was particularly pleased. Despite the weather taking
a turn for the worse, we were able to get two more matches
in before the end of term, recording two more wins. We also
saw the talents of Khizar Shehzad, who up to this point had
found the commitment to training and fixtures a struggle,
despite having undoubted talent. Looking back, the term had
been very pleasing with the side having made great progress
in organisation and fitness.
The second term was unfortunately somewhat curtailed by
the severe weather, with long spells when the temperature
failed to get above freezing. Our only fifteen-a-side match
was against Nottingham HS and we looked a pale imitation
of the side that had last played in December.
We now moved onto the abbreviated version of the game
with Tens and Sevens competitions, although some of these
fell foul to the weather as well. In our own Tens tournament
we were unbeaten until we met QEGS in the final match,
despite fierce defence. In our own Sevens tournament we
reached the semi-finals, but lost narrowly to St Olave’s,
who then went on to inflict upon QEGS Wakefield their
only defeat of the season in the final. A disappointing
performance in the first match at Hymers College meant we
only ended up group runners up, thus failing to make the
final. What was particularly pleasing was that some of our
victories were over sides that had beaten us earlier in the
season. At the Manchester GS Tens we were losing finalists
to Kirkham GS, but we may get a chance of revenge when
we meet in our fixture with them next year.
The forwards became a strong unit, producing more than their
fair share of ball. They became much more mobile during
the season and more confident handlers. The front row of
Barney Vaughan, Chichi Muchimba and Ibrahim Abdullah
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Colours awarded to: I. Abdullah, C. Andrews, D. Brennan,
O. Croudson, L. Ebert-Moran, W. Elmore, R. Inayata-Sahota,
T. Liu, A. MacFarlane, R. Macnab, A. McCash, C. Muchimba,
K. Shehzad, J. Sherwood, B. St Catherine, B. Vaughan and
R. Williams.
C W Lines
Senior rUGBy toUr to SoUtH aFriCa
On the day we met up for our tour to South Africa, I was
unsure what to expect from the following seventeen days of
Rugby and travel. For me, it would mean a return to South
Africa twenty-two years after my first visit and it would also
be my first experience of an overseas sports tour, albeit as
a supervising adult. The preparation for the tour had gone
incredibly smoothly, with Mr Linfield and the Rugby Parents’
Association working hard to ensure the boys arrived at the
start line well-funded and equipped for the tour. The only
last minute hitches were injury-related: Toby Mountain hurt
himself in pre-tour training, requiring stitches, and Captain
James Wadkin suffered a concussion on holiday that meant
he would miss the first two games.
The 2012 U12 B XV
was an imposing sight for all our opponents. In the boiler
house, Robbie Williams proved that he could do the shoving
and still run strongly in open play. The other second row
place was filled by a number of players, Zander MacFarlane,
Jack Sherwood, Lewis Ebert-Moran, Alex McCash and Toby
Hainsworth-Brear. All played well and some showed promise
in other positions too. Brandon St Catherine and several of
the above-mentioned players filled the flankers’ spots, with
Will Elmore securing the number eight berth, becoming a
real threat when picking up from the base. I am sure that this
pack will see changes as the seasons go by with players
challenging the present incumbents, but if they progress they
will become an even more efficient possession-producing unit.
Behind the scrum, Rory Macnab made the scrum half place
his own, as well as leading the side very well from there.
Daniel Brennan played most of the season at fly half, but
came under pressure in the abbreviated games. Khizar
Shehzad and Olly Croudson filled the centre berths, creating
openings for each other as well as being a solid defensive
pairing. The back three was almost unchanged throughout
the season with Tom Liu, and Rouhie Inayat-Sahota showing
good pace and strong tackling on the wings, and Charlie
Andrews at fullback.
There are other players who are waiting in the wings to
challenge for places and this can only strengthen the side.
I urge all the players to keep working on their skills and
fitness, since you can expect stronger opposition each year
as opponents work harder at trying to defeat you. A good
first season does not mean you will be a good 1st XV but, if
you work, it could be a possibility.
U12 xV reSUltS 2012
PLAyeD 13
PointS FoR 342
Won 8
DRAWn 0
LoSt 5
PointS AGAinSt 217
Date opposition
Venue
Result
Score
SePteMBeR
10th Harrogate Grammar School
17th Hymers College
28th Ermysted’s Grammar School
Away
Home
Home
Won
Won
Won
32 - 17
22 - 10
43 - 10
oCtoBeR
1st
Lancaster RGS
8th
GSAL
Home
Away
Won
Lost
40 - 12
15 - 24
noVeMBeR
2nd Crossley Heath School
9th
St. Olave’s School York
12th Wilmslow High School
19th Mount St. Mary’s College
26th QEGS Wakefield
Home
Home
Home
Away
Away
Lost
Lost
Won
Won
Lost
5 – 12
21 – 28
52 – 0
40 – 10
0 – 58
DeCeMBeR
8th
Wirral Grammar School
7th
Audenshaw High School
Home
Home
Won
Won
14 – 7
46 - 0
JAnuARy
28th Nottingham High School
Away
Lost
12 - 29
Our first destination was Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape
Province, situated about fifty kilometres east of Cape Town.
It is the second oldest European settlement in the province,
after Cape Town, and its first language is Afrikaans. We
arrived with no major incidents en route - apart from the
seizure of Mr Kellett’s entire wash kit at Heathrow - and
settled into the town and our apartments. Stellenbosch
provided very welcoming, if somewhat quiet, surroundings
in which to begin the tour, particularly as the university
students were all on holiday. Stellenbosch has its own
municipality (incorporating the neighbouring towns of Pniel
and Franschhoek), and our first fixture was to be against the
Pniel Villagers club side, in perhaps the most spectacular
setting for any rugby match played by BGS, with a 360
degree back-drop of mountains.
Pniel Villagers 31 – BGS 34 (tries – Small, Baxter 2,
Gunnee, thornton 2)
A first win to start the tour, but it was a far closer affair than
we would have liked. The side was mixed up to ensure all
twenty-four fit players got a run-out, but in the end it was
only a last minute try from Michael Thornton that got us
over the line. The game was played in the most fantastic
spirit, with some excellent running from the Pniel backs
and forwards alike. In the end it was our ability to retain
the ball in the forwards that won us the game. All six of
our tries were scored by the pack. The club made us feel
exceptionally welcome after the match, and it is evident
that, despite their modest funding and facilities, their rugby,
is developing well, and they very much suggested that next
time we visit they intend to win. It was humbling to observe
them warming up before the match with the BGS ball we had
left them on our last tour visit two years before.
After the opening match we travelled back to Cape Town
and settled into our hotel. Though we stayed in the city we
did not see a great deal of the ‘real’ city, which was also
true of Durban and Johannesburg later in the tour. But since
security still remains a concern in South Africa, this was
certainly the best option. So our leisure time within the city
was mainly spent at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is
one of the city’s most popular shopping venues, with several
hundred shops. Part of the charm of the V&A, as it is locally
known, is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can
watch ships enter and leave. It was here that I spotted HMS
Dauntless, one of the British Navy’s new Type 45 Destroyers.
A few drinks later, and after chatting with some of the sailors,
we were able to arrange a visit on board for some of the
Matches played 2011-12
The 2012 Rugby Tourists
100
101
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Ian the Twitter and reporter mascot - may his shirts forever
stay on their hangers.’
Sebastian tullie (oB) – scrum-half – studying Medicine at
Cambridge university
So we departed Cape Town and flew on to Durban, which
provided us with a few days of sunshine, as it had actually
been quite cold and overcast at the Cape. The boys, and the
Linfields, certainly made the most of the sun. We stayed at a
hotel with an outdoor pool, visited the beach in Durban and
enjoyed a day at the Wet and Wild water park. The build-up
and change of scenery certainly allowed the boys to forget
their drubbing at Rondebosch, but did nothing for our match
preparation and focus.
Westville Boys High School 64 – BGS 0
The less said about this match the better! We were not up
for it at all and played well below our ability. Westville were
good, but we did not perform.
At the Cape of Good Hope
BGS boys. It was very much a chance opportunity, but one
that was most enjoyable for those that were interested.
in one of Cape Town’s townships was a cultural eye-opener
for the boys.
Later, most of us climbed Table Mountain, although the views
were limited by the weather. Some returned for a better
view using the Table Mountain Cableway two days later. We
also travelled to Simon’s Town, Cape of Good Hope and
Cape Point, including driving along Chapman’s Peak Drive,
a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, where
we took a ferry out to Seal Island to observe a seal colony.
Finally we spent an afternoon at Newlands Stadium watching
the Stormers win in the Super 15s. Alongside all this tourism
we also played two games in the Cape Town region.
Rondebosch Boys High School 52 – BGS 5 (try – Wadkin)
Lagunya 5 – BGS 25 (tries – Small, Hobson, Garnett,
Beaumont, Bates)
We were by far the better team in our second fixture and
win of the tour, but Lagunya was always about far more
than Rugby. The visit to the Rugby club and primary school
The Sevens squad with Mr Oakes
102
This fixture was a completely different lesson for our boys, as
they came up against a far fitter, more physical and much better
prepared opposition. The boys actually played out of their skins
and were only three scores down at half-time, but in the second
half the fatigue showed. This, though, is what I would have
expected from a South African State School that has produced
twenty-one Springboks, in addition to national players for
other nations. In fact, ironically, it is also Jonathan Trott’s old
school, and he was expected to bat at three for England the
next morning in the Oval Test Match against the nation of his
origin. It was also here that the boys were first hosted by the
opposition. To my mind, it was actually the six days of hosting
during the tour that provided the boys with the best cultural
insight into South Africa, so it seems an appropriate point to
read the reflections of one of the BGS boys:
‘We always knew the Rugby would be tough, but had no idea
how tough! South African schools are on a different level.
So three out of five wins is a good record for any touring
team in South Africa; but this tour was far more than the
Rugby results. The South Africa Tour was the most exciting
and diverse experience I think I’ve ever had - from playing
in the shadow of the Drakensburg Mountains to watching
a township side sing Shosoloza - and in doing so putting
our singing to shame! The honest nature of the developing
culture does not appear to attempt to cover its past or
present faults, and this made it all the more easy to warm
to; that and the cheap beer! Perhaps the nights out with our
welcoming hosts are best left unmentioned... but from Cape
Town to Durban and onto Jo’burg I would go back. I think if
you don’t want to return then you haven’t toured it right! So
cheers to Linners and his family, Oaksy, miserable Kell, and
After the match we moved onto Cape Town and into the
Garden Court in Sandton City. Again we spent much of the
leisure time in the sanitised environment of the shopping
centre, but it certainly allowed the boys and I to add to
our growing collections of South African Rugby shirts, for
ourselves and our families. A day at the Gold Reef City
theme park saw Mr Kellett and I brave all the rides with the
boys, before a guided tour down the former mine shafts.
Parktown Boys High School 15 – BGS 21 (tries – Small,
thornton, tullie)
So to our last match and thankfully a win, and in the most
fitting manner, given it would be the last game thirteen of the
boys would ever play for BGS. We were trailing 15-7, when
Michael Thornton’s try and Sebastian Tullie’s conversion
put us back to within a point. Then, in the dying moments,
Sebastian scored a match-winning try, the moment the
whistle went there was a wave of emotion and quite a few
tears. I had learnt a lot from the likes of James Wadkin and
Mr Linfield on this tour; for both of them the tour was seen
as the end of an era, a biannual reward and celebration of
the commitment some of the boys give to school’s Rugby
over their career and never was this clearer than at the end
of the final match. Best for James to put it in his own words:
Mr Kellett, Mr Oakes and HMS Dauntless
‘I think the highlights of the tour were playing Rugby matches
in some incredible settings and experiencing all the different
areas and cultures of South Africa whilst touring around the
country. All of this was done whilst being around a team in
which most of us have played together for the last decade. It
was an unforgettable end to a fantastic career representing
BGS Rugby and to end on a win made it all the better.
Good luck to Linners with next year’s 1st XV!’
James Wadkin (oB) – Captain and centre – studying
Medicine at university
The last few days were spent enjoying the relaxed
atmosphere of the Kwa Maritane Resort in the Pillanesburg
Game Reserve and reflecting on the tour. South Africa had
been eye-opening for the boys, and we had only scratched
the surface. I was particularly pleased to see the emerging
integration within society, evident both in the schools
and amongst the younger generations out socialising on
evenings. It is evident, however, that many social, economic
and political challenges remain ahead. The Rugby played by
the South African schools is impressive and improving, and
it is to their credit that our talented boys were competitive
most of the time. This was a very successful reward tour
for those boys who have played Rugby for BGS through
their whole school careers. I would suggest, though, that if
the aim is to develop a more competitive BGS 1st XV, then
the BGS boys need demanding tours earlier in their school
career, providing more of them with the opportunity to bring
back the Rugby lessons they learn to their senior careers
within school.
toUr awardS:
Best Back
Sebastian Tullie
Best Forward
Jack Small
2012/13 1st xV Captain Matt Green
Sebastian Tullie’s last ever kick for BGS
ie Walker
103
sport
sport
throughout the year. Their full report appears later in this
section.
a growing group of talented pupils who also attend clubs
outside school.
Finally, I would like to report on the outstanding
achievements of two individual BGS Swimmers in particular,
Sian Morgan and Freddy Hoban, who are working incredibly
hard and deserve to be recognised for their achievements
outside school. Remember their names, because you will be
seeing lots of them at future championships.
The West Yorkshire Schools’ Competition was held at
Keighley Table Tennis Centre this year. The Girls’ U11 Team
had no opposition, but the U13 competition was strong
with Bradford Girls’, Horsforth and Ilkley Grammar providing
our opposition. Pascale Fisher managed to defeat all her
opponents apart from Kate Nixon from Ilkley (England
Number Three), and she was ably supported by Hibah
Mahmood who won four out of six, including defeating
Bradford Girls’ Number One Sophie Yeung. Hannah Chaudry
also managed five wins out of six and Ava Hepworth-Wood
won three out of six. BGS defeated both Ilkley and Horsforth
by 6-2, and Bradford Girls’ 5-3.
Sian MorGan
Sian’s final year at the school has seen her continue to
shine, training hard and competing at the very highest
level. In September 2011, she represented Wales in the
Youth Commonwealth Games in the Isle of Man, returning
with one Silver and two Bronze medals. Sian was among
the first to swim in the new Olympic Pool in London
when she competed in three events at the Olympic trials
in March 2012. She represented Wales again in April at
the Celtic Tri Nations Championships in Dublin, winning
Bronze medals in the 200m and 800m Freestyle, and
Silver in the 400m Freestyle. Over the summer, she will be
taking part in the British Youth National Championships in
Sheffield and representing Great Britain in the USA National
Championships in Indianapolis. We congratulate Sian on her
achievements to date, and wish her the best of luck in all
that awaits her in the future.
Freddy HoBan
Freddy is involved with the England Talent Programme,
which sees him training hard and competing all over the
country. This year, Freddy was the youngest male to qualify
for the Olympic trials in March 2012. In July, he qualified to
represent England at a WISE event (Wales, Ireland, Scotland,
England) in November by winning the 200m Butterfly at
the ESSA Championships in Liverpool. Like Sian, he will
compete in the National Championships over the summer.
This dedication is all the more impressive when one
considers that Freddy has achieved all of this in his GCSE
year, surely the busiest academic year of his life to date. Well
done, Freddy.
Sian Morgan and Freddy Hoban were both selected for the Olympic trials
Swimming
The Swimming Team continues to have mixed success
at Swim meets. Once again the Senior Team, ably led by
Captains Jen Bonson and David Brown, helped to make some
of the results more respectable. My thanks to the Captains
for always encouraging the younger members of the team
who sometimes became despondent because they were not
winning. We do not win all our events but I feel we have the
best team spirit of all the schools we compete against.
We were represented at the John Parry Relays for Northern
HMC Schools and also at the National Bath Cup and Otter
Medley Relays at Crystal Palace. The timing of these events
was not ideal as they came at a very busy period in the
academic calendar and we were not always able to swim our
best teams. Rest assured that those who did swim did so
with great spirit.
Once again the First Form pupils had two fixtures against
104
This year twenty-four pupils have successfully completed the
prestigious National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, with some
of them going on to work part-time as lifeguards. In addition,
fourteen pupils attained the Bronze Medallion award, gaining
a good insight into water safety, rescue, personal survival
and CPR. The course regularly proves popular with pupils
working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In Water Polo, my thanks go to Fifth Formers George
Goddard and Nick Winn. Between them they have coached
a group of First Form boys each Monday lunch-time this
year. From fumbling beginnings, they have produced a team
of very able players who will hopefully go from strength to
strength. Thanks also to Matthew Birkenhead who has been
a very able assistant at the Tuesday evening sessions run
In the Boys’ U11 final, BGS defeated Lady Lane 8-0 with
Josh Poulsen, Tom Young, Tom Austin and Sam Young all
winning two matches.
The Boys’ U16 Team failed to qualify from their group after
losing to GSAL and Allerton Grange, but defeating Ilkley. The
U19s drew 4-4 with Parkside, but lost 14-12 in games.
All four teams represented West Yorkshire in the Zone Finals
against county winners from Derbyshire, Staffordshire,
Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. In a much tougher
competition only the Girls’ teams managed to qualify for
the Regional Finals, with the U13s winning all their matches
and qualifying as Zone winners, and the U11s winning one,
drawing one and losing one. Ava Hepworth-Wood, Melody
Seifzedah, Megan Bulmer and Sophie Holden all improved in
their first team competition.
Table Tennis
In Blackburn, at the Regional Final, the U11 Girls competed
well against teams from Morecambe, Kettering and Stockton
and finished in fourth place. At the regional final in Grantham,
the U13 Girls had a very close competition drawing 4-4 with
St Mary’s, Hull, and Deyes High School, Merseyside, but
lost 5-3 to Kesteven and Grantham School to finish second
on game count. These represent excellent achievements for
both teams, placing them in the top sixteen nationally.
BGS Table Tennis Club had another successful season with
the younger teams, U13 Boys and Girls and U11 Boys and
Girls, all winning the West Yorkshire Schools’ Championships
and both girls’ teams reaching the Regional Finals (the last
sixteen of the National Competition).
In the West Yorkshire Schools Individual Championships,
Ava and Melody lost in the semi-finals of the Girls’ U11
competition, Hibah lost in the semi-finals of the Girls’ U13
and Fraser, Miles, Thomas Young and Josh Poulsen qualified
for the quarter finals of the Boys’ U13 and U11 competitions.
After an Autumn Term sharing the Sports Hall with Badminton,
Table Tennis moved back to the upper room, which is a place
where pupils can develop their Table Tennis skills in secret
without anyone in school ever finding out, until Lower School
Sports Day, when everyone is astounded by their ability.
Hibah, Fraser and Josh all qualified through the regional
trials at U12 Girls, U13 Boys and U11 Boys respectively.
B townsend
Woodhouse Grove and Silcoates School and were unlucky to
be edged out of first place by the smallest of margins. Their
enthusiasm and team spirit were excellent and the future of
Swimming at BGS looks bright.
In the Boys’ U13 Competition BGS competed against GSAL,
Horsforth, Beckfoot and Ilkley. Fraser Riley won six out of
eight as our Number One, as did Miles Loney as Number
Two. Pavandeep Sandhar won seven out of eight, and Asim
Rehman all eight of his games to see BGS defeat Beckfoot
and Ilkley by 8-0, Horsforth by 6-2 and GSAL by 5-3.
A large number of Junior School boys and girls have really
improved this year along with a few First, Second and
Third Form pupils, but the attendance and interest amongst
older pupils has been disappointing. Nevertheless, there is
Fraser won the U13 school competition, Josh the Junior
School Boys’ competition and Melody the Junior School
Girls’ competition.
Congratulations to all involved in Table Tennis this year.
A Crabtree
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sport
Tennis
Half colours - Omar Bahadur, Harry Brayshaw, James Pinto,
Harjan Sandhar, Charlie Snowden.
BoyS
Junior colours – Rowan Beckett, Jason Bellanfante, Josh
Bhagaloo, Alfie Blackhall, Matt Bulmer, George Cockcroft,
Greg Cox, Harry Crabtree, Tom Currie, Alex Marriott-Mills,
Owain Downes, Kristan Dobson, Oliver Dunn, Erin Erturan,
Charles Farrar, Isaac Greene, Simon Hardy, Joe Holden, Nick
Keating, Sam Linfield, James Liu, Tom Liu, Ben Longfield,
Simon Lovitt, William Marshall, Rishi Naru, Max Orviss, Ed
Phillips, Harry Robertshaw, Pavandeep Sandhar, Khizar
Shehzad, George Sugden, Ed Truby, James Walsh, James
Wardale, Adam Waring.
BGS Tennis - 59; British weather - 2! It is a credit to all BGS
players that the extremely wet summer failed to disrupt the
season. Boys turned up in all weather and frequently rejected
the opportunity to come off court to avoid a soaking. All
home fixtures and practices took place, with only the
matches at Wilmslow School being cancelled.
Our club won forty four, drew three and lost twelve matches
in block fixtures, excluding competitions. These statistics
are good and show what strength in depth BGS has on the
court. It is difficult to analyse different age group results
as the Juniors tended to play in order of ability rather than
by date of birth. This helps to ensure that fixtures are as
competitive as possible.
The 1st VI were unbeaten in domestic fixtures, with
particularly pleasing and hard fought 5-4 victories against St
Peter’s and Ampleforth. Our team won the BGS Tournament,
coming out on top against Woodhouse Grove, Manchester
GS, Yarm School, Ampleforth College and GSAL. Peter
Clegg and Adam Hamilton won the U19 North of England
Plate at Bolton, whilst Alex Marriott-Mills and Dominic Cox
lost in the U16 final. At Eton College, in the ISTA Schools
Competition, the U18 Team lost to a strong Newcastle RGS
Team in the last sixteen round.
The U15 Teams, as a group, won all their fixtures, with the
exception of draws against Loughborough, Manchester GS
and Ampleforth. We had particularly pleasing wins against
GSAL, Woodhouse Grove, Newcastle, St Peter’s, Wilmslow
and Hymers. In the BGS tournaments, we were runners
up in the U15 and U13 events and came third in the U14
and U12 age groups. The U15 and U13 Teams won the
West Yorkshire groups of the Aegon Tennis Championships
and will both play in the knock-out stages next year. Alex
Marriott-Mills and Greg Cox reached the last sixteen in
the Thomas Bowl at Eton College, while Simon Lovitt and
Charles Farrar got to the quarter-finals of the Clark Cup. In
the U13 event, Kristan Dobson and Ed Phillips lost in the
final of the plate; Jason Bellanfante and Samuel Linfield
played well, but could not progress from an extremely
strong group.
The BGS ‘Road to Wimbledon’ qualifying tournament was
well supported and the school had the biggest draw in
Yorkshire with sixty-eight players! James Liu was a worthy
winner who beat Kristan Dobson in the final having already
dispatched Jason Bellanfante in the semi-finals. James went
on to win one of his two matches in the regional competition
at the John Charles Stadium. Well done to all the players
who entered.
2012 was a really enjoyable season and the highlights
included the annual Junior Tours, competing at Eton in the
ISTA Championships and seeing so many boys on the court.
Keep practicing, boys; 2013 will be equally busy!
Colours for tennis:
Full colours - Greg Burke, Peter Clegg, Dominic Cox, Ben
Cunnington, Jamie Davidson, Josh Green, Adam Hamilton.
106
sport
she helped rally the girls to play and generally did a great
job throughout the season. One of the highlights for the
Seniors was a new fixture against Worksop - a long journey
but a worthwhile one. The BGS Girls won five sets and
only lost one, but the score doesn’t reflect how close the
fixture was. Worksop’s senior players were a similar ability
to our girls, but we just had the edge on them in terms of
competitiveness.
FixtuRe ReSuLtS tABLe*
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
U12
6
3
3
0
U13
6
4
1
1
U14
7
6
1
0
GirlS
U15
9
9
0
0
It has to be said that this has been the fullest season so far
for Girls’ Tennis at BGS. The fixture list showed a match on
virtually every Wednesday and Saturday. These included four
BGS Invitational Tournaments, two of which, a Senior and a
Mixed Tournament, had never been held before. All the girls
who played this season showed commitment in lessons and
at lunchtime practices and they were rewarded with a super
results table.
Seniors
5
3
2
0
total
33
25
7
1
Ce Linfield
Most of the fixtures saw the girls travel to a variety of
schools - we certainly clocked up the miles. Like last season
we also played at two fixtures simultaneously. This happened
when U12 and U13 Teams travelled to Wilmslow, while
U14s, U15s and Seniors played Stonyhurst at home. The
Wilmslow fixture started something that I and Mr Linfield
felt could benefit both the girls and boys who played tennis
for school, which was to play Mixed Tennis. Seeing this
happen so successfully at Wilmslow was a real highlight of
the season. BGS won eleven sets and only lost one. From
the perspective of developing Girls’ Tennis, this could only
benefit the girls. Playing tennis with boys seems to lead to a
bit more competitiveness in their game. This was definitely
evident when later on in the season BGS held a Mixed
Tournament where we saw several of the U15 Girls lift their
games to really complement their male partners. One player
to mention here is Krista Bennett who, apart from being
U15 Captain this season, also remained unbeaten with her
partner Greg Cox. She is a very committed and motivated
pupil who has developed into a mature and talented player.
Another Mixed Tournament took place at Hymers’ School,
Hull, in the final week of term. This time it was for the Junior
players, and we watched some of our pairings struggle
against teams from our host school and Pocklington, but
they were never seen to give up.
Seniors had a big year last year with their successful
Summer Tour, but this time it was an even bigger year in
terms of fixtures. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather
their first two fixtures were rained off, but fixtures continued
after that and a mixed season was had by all. It must be
mentioned that there was a core of players who were willing
to represent the school even during their preparation time
for exams. These were Charlotte Cottle, Chloe Pinkney,
Megan Sadler, Freya Hall, Liz Bailey, Lily Bell, Kathryn Taylor
and Courtenay Fisher. Courtenay was Senior Captain, and
Age Group
*includes weekly matches, Aegon Cup, Aberdare Cup and Junior Tours
The BGS Tennis careers of Megan Sadler and Chloe Pinkney
ended with representing BGS at the Eton Independent
Schools’ Tournament. There was a nice circularity to this,
since as First Formers they were the first ever girls from BGS
to be entered into this tournament. Both girls have been
great ambassadors of the school! Good luck to all the girls
who have left us – we hope you will continue to play Tennis!
Junior tours this season were enjoyable for both staff and
players. One went to Loughborough and one to Nottingham.
Due to changes to trip regulations we were only able to play
one fixture on each tour, one at Stamford and one at Trent
College. Both were played on Astro Turf, on which our girls
are not keen as the surface deadens the bounce of the ball.
Overall, they were successful tours. Every player who was
invited on tour was selected on the following criteria - ability
and overall commitment to training and fixtures. Both tours
saw us call at Alton Towers on the way back to Bradford.
The tournaments were another highlight of the season since
we entered seven, four of which were held at BGS. The
standard of tennis that was played was impressive in all age
groups from Seniors to U12, and eleven independent schools
from around Yorkshire came to our school to compete.
Over forty girls represented BGS at these tournaments and
overall did the school proud. It must be said that the U14
A Team can be congratulated in achieving second place in
their tournament. Also, what a turn up for the books for the
U13 B Team to beat the A Team and reach fifth place! Our
girls often play their best Tennis in tournaments, since the
opposition is generally playing a good standard and thus it
lifts the girls’ games.
Another highlight that has to be mentioned was the fixture
against GSAL on 28th May, especially for the U15s who
were a force to be reckoned with this season and at this
fixture in particular. The conditions were not ideal for Tennis,
since there were continuous gusts of wind making it a bit
chilly to play. The girls did not give up and they tried to take
advantage of the conditions. This resulted in a whitewash,
6-0 to BGS. The U15s this season have been the most
committed of all the age groups, for which they ought to be
commended.
Again, twelve girls were selected to compete in the
aforementioned prestigious Eton Independent Schools’
Tournament. This year, they included two U12 players who
represented BGS at the U13 age group. Their names are
Hannah Chaudry and Amy Peacock, and they deserve a
mention because they have the talent to become very good
players and their approach to the sport is commendable keep it up, girls! At the tournament they got through to the
top 16 schools to play towards the cup. Unfortunately, they
were unsuccessful in the end but they did themselves proud.
Overall this season was a busy and productive one. The
following girls took on the role of Captain - U12, Hannah
Chaudry; U13, Emma Peacock; U14, Olivia Dovernor; U15,
Krista Bennett; and Seniors Courtenay Fisher. They all were
very good Captains throughout the season and my thanks
go to all of them.
Once again this report needs to be finished by reminding all
the girls who played Tennis in the Summer Term not to leave
your tennis playing until then. If you play throughout the
year, so much more can be achieved.
M e Harling
touRnAMent ReSuLtS
BGS Senior Invitational Tournament
BGS ‘A’ 1st
U14 & U15 BGS Invitational Tournament
U14 ‘A’ – 2nd; U14’B’ – 8th
U15 – 3rd
U12 & U13 BGS Invitational Tournament
U12 – 3rd
U13 ‘A’ – 6th; U13 ‘B’ – 5th
Jubilee Cup Tournament
U13 – 3rd; U15 – 4th; Seniors – 2nd
Road To Wimbledon
BGS Winner – Pascale Fisher
Runner-up – Alex Christian
Eton Independent School Tournament
U13 2nd couple qualified into the top 16
107
sport
The BGS Water Polo teams attending the English National Championships at Oundle School
Water Polo
SeniorS
An U18 Team made up of just two Sixth Formers qualified
for the second round of the plate thanks to a great defensive
display to beat Lymm 1-0, as well as a 5-0 victory over RGS
Newcastle. BGS then breezed through the second round
conceding just one goal, with a 6-0 win against Oundle (with
Joe Allen top-scoring), and draws against Northampton and
RGS Newcastle.
U18 Finals Day was the same as that of the U16s and, since
there is currently so much overlap between the teams, an
exhausted BGS, many of whom had already played their
hearts out for the U16s, lost to Stowe in the first match of the
quarter-finals. But a fantastic goal straight from keeper to Ed
Brownlee to net with thirty seconds on the clock helped BGS
beat RGS Newcastle 3-2 to reach the semi-finals.
BGS took the lead against Alleyns in the semi-final thanks to
a penalty save by George Goddard and a majestic lob by Ed
Brownlee to take us into half-time at 1-0. However, tiredness
overtook the team, so Alleyns were able to snatch victory, and
the gold medal. BGS won bronze, after a 4-3 victory over St
Paul’s, London. The team’s top scorer throughout was Joe
Allen with eleven goals, followed by Ed Brownlee with ten.
U16
After just missing out on last year’s championship final by
one goal, this year’s U16s had high hopes. They showed
their ability early on by beating heavyweights King’s
Grantham by 5-3. However, our training partners, St Bede’s,
knew our game inside out and beat us, despite losing to
King’s themselves. Fortunately, the team still qualified for the
plate on goal difference.
108
The second round fell during the mock GCSEs, and so a
much-weakened BGS side travelled to Stowe with just three
of their first ten choice players. Despite heavy defeats to
Warwick and Stowe, BGS came above Ripley and Trinity
Carlisle to scrape through to the finals. On Finals Day, BGS
came fifth overall, losing narrowly to Warwick (after referees
failed to spot a goal from Will Liddington), Stowe and
Bedford, and drawing 4-4 with St Paul’s. Ed Brownlee was
the team’s top scorer with ten goals, while Will Liddington
scored eight.
U14
A promising U14 side started the season with a convincing
14-8 victory against St Bede’s, and the team were feeling
confident. Until, that is, they realised that they had been
drawn in a group with Bolton, Ripley, and Manchester
Grammar, all of whom have roots with the GB squad and who
went on to come 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in the plate.
Unfortunately, BGS lost all their games and so did not
qualify for the second round. However, an impressive display
against Ripley saw a close game not reflected in the 7-3
score-line, with Milan Patel putting in impressive saves,
Cameron Chippendale scoring a fantastic solo effort from a
distance, and Matthew Handy and Bilal Mian scoring wellworked goals.
George Goddard, 5APS
Old Bradfordians’
Association
Photograph © Martin Putz
Old Bradfordians Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee
109
old bradfordians’ association
old bradfordians’ association
London to Paris by Bike
Message from the
OBA President
May 2012
Although The Bradfordian still has an Old Bradfordians’ section, the journal is primarily a record of the school year aimed
at pupils and their families.
The Association now publishes an annual Old Bradfordian magazine with articles of general interest about former pupils
and about OBA events. I commend this magazine to you - it is available online on the Publications tab at
http://www.bgsoba.com/ - and whilst you are at our website do spend time having a good look round. Hard copies of the
magazine are available from Koleen Wright in the OBA office at school.
Nevertheless, I am pleased to have this opportunity of writing a message to the current school family
in the hope that when the time comes for you to leave school you will maintain links through the
Old Bradfordians’ Association throughout your life. All school leavers automatically become
members - and it’s free!
All we ask is that you keep the OBA office updated with your contact details and with any
interesting news about your career or other achievements.
As you will see from the Old Bradfordian magazine, we have had a busy year with various
reunions, sporting events and our Annual Reunion Dinner which next year will be held in
September 2013.
The OBA extend our best wishes to all at school – staff and pupils alike – and express our
hope that the school enjoys continued success in the future.
Gordon Green
President
The Old Bradfordians’ Association
As I came round in a strange room I wondered if I could
hear myself snoring for the first time in my life. Then I
remembered; I was in France with my sons, Jonny and Tim,
and 130 others cycling from London to Paris. We had already
covered 100 of the 300 miles. It had been a wet and grey
first day but we had survived! I was always confident that,
barring accidents, I could manage one day in the saddle but
would I be able to walk, let alone ride, the next?
It was a relief that my legs seemed to remember how to
work. I left Jonny in peace and went in search of breakfast.
It was still miserable outside. A strong southerly gale would
blow rain in our faces as we cycled down the Normandy
coast. It was not supposed to be like this. Didn’t Paddy
send me part of a prayer I often used in Assembly at BGS?
The wind should be on my back!
Why had I agreed to take part? Sixty-five year olds do not do
this sort of thing! It was a stupid idea but I was daft enough
to tell Bradford Grammar School in my Founders’ Day
sermon last September what I was thinking of doing. And it
was for a good cause too. The Joshua Project in Bradford
is doing such fantastic work with disadvantaged children,
young people and their families. That’s what had kept me
training through the winter months, cycling over 1,000 miles
in often wet and even freezing conditions.
Pocklington C. of E. Infant School, where I am a Foundation
Governor, and then friends at church had given Tim and me
a fantastic send off. 150 cheering children behind the railings
on the roundabout outside the school created a wonderful
atmosphere for Le Grand Départ. Flags were waving and a
big banner encouraged us with the words “Go Slow!”
Message from the
OBA Secretary
In taking on the role of the OBA Secretary, I admit that I felt quite daunted by the prospect of meeting so many Old
Bradfordians, and worried that I would be out of my depth. I can honestly say that I have felt so warmly welcomed by all
those I have met in person and corresponded with by email, letter and telephone, that I realised I had no
need to be concerned.
I have had the privilege of hearing many wonderful stories and experiences about the life of the school
and I am continually learning so much about BGS, and realising that it is not just a school but a family
of ex-pupils that keep the school’s history very much alive.
I encourage you all to keep in touch with the school as we are always happy to hear of your news and
extremely pleased to see you all at the varied and well-attended reunions and sporting fixtures.
I am thoroughly enjoying my new role and look forward to meeting many more Old Bradfordians at
forthcoming reunions.
Koleen Wright
Secretary
The Old Bradfordians’ Association
If the start of the second day was the low point of the
trip, then there are many happier memories as well. As I
struggled up the hill on my own into the driving wind and
rain south of Calais, someone overtook me at a speed I
thought I could match. I raised my pace and settled into
the shelter and slipstream he provided. At the top of the
hill the wind and rain seemed to ease and “All was well, all
was well and all manner of things were well” to misquote
Julian of Norwich.
Les, Jonny and Tim at their destination
Riding up towards the Arc de Triomphe on the cobbles on
a beautiful blue-skied day and, round the corner, finally
arriving under the Eiffel Tower was more emotional than I
had expected. I had really doubted my ability to finish and
now the journey was at an end. I had met so many different
people all with their own stories and reasons for tackling
such a challenging fundraising effort.
It was wonderful to ride with the boys through the rolling
French countryside. We would set up an echelon, with me
usually tagging along at the back, and pound out the miles.
I thanked God for these two wonderful young men working
on instructions from their mum to look after their sometimes
foolish father.
Family and friends, including folk from all the parishes in the
Pocklington Group of Churches, Bradford Grammar School
and Pocklington Infant School, helped me raise over £2,800.
The three of us collected the huge total of £11,000 which
was then match-funded through a family connection in the
Midlands. So with Gift Aid the total exceeds a staggering
£23,500!
Tim would often hang back to make sure I was OK on the
hills though I kept insisting that they should both ride ahead
at their own pace. On a couple of occasions, Jonny came
alongside and gave me a push up a steep incline “for old
time’s sake”, recalling cycle rides many years before when I
had done the same for them.
What next? I recently took part in the Beverley 100km (in
reality 108km) Sportive and was a few minutes short of
the gold standard time of 4 hours 15 minutes. I think I am
hooked! When I logged in at the end there was the usual
banter about my surname. “Just call me Less Slow” I said!
Les Slow, former Deputy Headmaster
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old bradfordians’ association
After spending the day with him, I was struck by how much
David Hockney embraces new technology. The walls of his
studio were lined with enlarged iPad paintings which stood
out in electric greens, pinks and yellows, lit by skylights.
They were eerily realistic, almost like windows, except much
more vivid and captivating. In one corner of the vast white
floor was a collection of self-portraits, each experimenting
with a different style, but all created with the iPad. In addition
to this up-to-the-minute approach to his artwork, David also
spoke positively about Twitter, online newspapers and other
social media, which is a rare characteristic for someone of
seventy-four. I was also struck by the way he uses such
vibrant colours, and so I asked if he really sees these colours
in the scenes which he paints. And the answer was yes; if
you look closely enough, the colours are there. This made
me think about the way I look at things, and inspired me to
pay more attention to detail in our surroundings.
While he was here, Adrian also took part in the Old Boys’
Swimming and Water Polo match against the pupils. A report
of the match follows below.
J McNamara
Old Boys versus BGS
annual swiMMing and waTer polo MaTch
saTurday 21sT april 2012
The BGS team seemed lulled into a false sense of security
by the title ‘Old Boys’! This year there were two recent
leavers, Mike Kipling and George Mack, who, along with Joe
Blayney, won four of the six individual events. Sian Morgan
and Tom Hobson were the individual winners for school.
Looking back on the visit, another important quality that
comes to mind is how welcoming and friendly David
Hockney was. I felt as if he genuinely wanted to share his
creativity with us, and I came away feeling enthused and
excited, and very inspired! Last week I even experimented
on my brother’s touch-screen phone with a drawing app:
the visit made me want to try out new styles and it has
encouraged me to aspire to create more.
Meeting David Hockney at his studio
A Day with David Hockney:
Two lucky pupils Tell all
What started off as a bleak British summer’s day on the east
coast at Bridlington soon developed into one of the most
memorable days of my life. Upon arrival at David Hockney’s
house we were first met by the aged smell of caramel
tobacco before David himself greeted us fondly at his door.
After welcomes and gifts had been exchanged we were led
upstairs in his Victorian house to his cinema room. Sitting
comfortably in armchairs, we were treated to a preview of
one of his latest film projects, a three-dimensional tour of his
recent exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. The tour
was filmed using three vertical cameras giving a sense of
space and perspective within the exhibition and also allowing
the viewer to see where they had been, where they were,
and where they were going. Deliberately, the three cameras
were not perfectly seamed together and therefore created
some incredible shapes and angles where they met. I felt as
if I had visited the exhibition myself.
Climbing further up David’s house we entered his home
studio and again were enticed by another of his newest
projects, filming twelve jugglers on eighteen cameras. The
results were spectacular, not only with regard to colour and
movement, but also the expressions and personalities which
you could pick up from each of the jugglers faces. It was
a film you wanted to watch again and again because you
would see something different each time.
After heading back downstairs, David offered to drive us to
his studio just around the corner; an offer we couldn’t decline!
Sitting in the passenger seat of Hockney’s car on the way to his
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studio, we happened to drive past a Morrisons supermarket,
a surreal moment for any Bradfordian, epitomising how former
pupils have gone on from the school to achieve great things.
Pulling into an industrial estate road which David referred to
as the “Hollywood Boulevard of Bridlington”, we arrived at
his studio. From the outside it was a standard industrial unit,
yet, upon entering, turned into a vast open space of creative
brilliance. The walls were decorated by, in my opinion, David’s
greatest pieces of work to date. What we saw were large
blown-up prints of his work, created on an iPad, of Woldgate,
near Bridlington, throughout the seasons. The most impressive
thing for me about these pieces were David’s perfect colour
choices and changing brush strokes to portray the different
textures within the piece, especially the puddles on the road.
After a tour around the studio we sat around a makeshift
table to eat. Here I was, eating fish and chips opposite David
Hockney, a man who on the one hand is an incredible artist,
global celebrity and living legend, yet on the other, was a
genuinely lovely man, so generous with his time and so eager
to share his vast knowledge with us: truly inspirational.
Overall, this visit will have a lasting impact on me, and I am
so grateful to David for giving up his time. I feel incredibly
fortunate to have been given the opportunity to meet such
an astounding artist.
Sarah McWhinney, 6WJN
The Adrian Moorhouse
Swimming Pool
On 21st April, Olympic medallist and OB Adrian Moorhouse
returned to the school to unveil the new name of the
swimming pool. The pool has been named in Adrian’s
honour, in recognition of his fantastic achievements and to
inspire future generations of BGS swimmers. If you have
already read Mr Townsend’s Swimming report in the Sport
section, you will know that BGS already harbours some
current swimming stars, who will no doubt go on to fulfil their
potential just like Adrian.
Before we left we were lucky enough to receive a signed
book from David. A perfect way to end what was one of my
greatest days as a BGS student.
Swimmers and Water Polo players spent time with Adrian
If the swimmers felt hard-done-by, they needn’t have
worried. The Old Boys’ Water Polo team featured one current
and four ex- International players. On top of that they had
two players who play in the National League and several
others still playing at a high level. The school team were
mesmerised by but very appreciative of the skills the Old
Boys displayed. In short, it was very much a case of ‘men
versus boys’, but it was a match played in good spirit with
neither side giving any quarter.
The event was rounded off by the official naming of the pool
by Adrian Moorhouse MBE. Adrian attended BGS between
1972 and 1982 and went on to win Olympic Silver in Los
Angeles and Gold in Seoul for the 100m Breaststroke. He
spoke very highly of the school and of how he had started
his swimming career here with Jack Sanderson who was in
charge of swimming at BGS. Afterwards he took time to talk
to the swimmers and also let them handle his gold medal.
Let’s hope something rubs off!
A superb buffet was put on by the catering department to
round off what was a very enjoyable afternoon.
James Sugden, 6RDS
B Townsend
David Hockney has always fascinated me; his colourful,
distinctive work catches my attention every time I visit Salts
Mill, and I used to look at his huge print in the Clock House
Hall almost every day when I was in the Junior School.
Therefore, it was a privilege to meet him and an incredible
experience which I will remember for the rest of my life.
Adrian Moorhouse unveils the plaque
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Visit to Grand Canyon
London 2012 Gold and Bronze medallists
Alistair attended BGS from 1999-2006 and Jonny from 19982008, and both are fondly remembered by the staff. Former
master in charge of Cross Country, Tony Kingham, says
that they were marked out for glory early on, winning Cross
Country races even at Clock House. They also astounded
all who knew them with their dedication to their training
regimes, whether these involved timed efforts in Lister Park,
or longer runs to the likes of Apperley Bridge: they always
led by example. What was even more remarkable was that
their achievements as part of Cross Country Club training
were often coupled with intensive cycling or swimming
sessions during another part of the day.
Whilst at school, Alistair won the Yorkshire Cross Country
Championships seven times and is the only runner in BGS
history to pick up the English Schools title. Jonny repeated his
brother’s success in winning the Yorkshire title and both boys
excelled at triathlon while pupils: Alistair was World Junior
Champion, and Jonny became European Junior Champion.
Ben Ross, OB and former Captain of Cross Country, kindly lent
Jonny (left) and Alistair after crossing the line
South Africa Netball Tour
The 2001 BGS Cross Country Team
Dates for your Diary 2013
Old Bradfordians doing Britain proud
And finally… I’m sure you all switched on your TV sets or,
perhaps, travelled to Hyde Park on 7th August, to watch
OBs Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee win Olympic Gold and
Bronze in the Men’s Triathlon. After dominating the race, along
with Silver medallist Javier Gómez, the two young men from
Horsforth impressed the whole world by becoming the first
siblings for more than a century to grace the same podium.
Induction Day
Mr McCartney a team photograph from 2001. Can you spot the
future Olympic champion in the BGS Cross Country team?
This Summer Term, in the exciting run-up to the London
2012 Games, BGS students undertook a ‘Beat the
Brownlees Triathlon’. Around thirty pupils from the First,
Second and Third Forms covered between them the
distance that each of the Brownlees had to cover on the day.
Swimmers swam 1,500m in relay; cyclists brought their bikes
to school and pedalled 40km round the top playing fields;
and runners completed 10km on the running track. Even
the combined efforts of all those willing competitors, whose
events were running concurrently, were not enough to match
the speed of the Brownlees. BGS pupils took 2 hours 43
minutes to complete the event, which put them 49 minutes
behind the Brownlees as individuals.
evenT
daTe
OBA Reunion Event
Sat 12th Jan 2013
1940s Reunion Lunch
Sat 20th Apr 2013
OBA Swimming & Water Polo
Sat 20th Apr 2013
Tennis Parents’ Assoc/OBA May Ball
Sat 18th May 2013
Mr Lines, no mean triathlete (or ‘Iron Man’) himself,
organised the event at school and a great afternoon was
had by all the participants. Mr Lines was also present at
the Olympic Games as a Gamesmaker. He officiated at the
Men’s and Women’s Cycling Road Races, and at the Men’s
and Women’s Triathlons in Hyde Park, supporting our OBs
in person. He was joined by other staff members and pupils
past and present, who turned up to cheer the lads on.
OBA Cricket vs BGS
Fri 28th Jun 2013
We offer our sincere congratulations to our latest Olympic
medallists. May they offer inspiration to many more!
J McNamara
A few of the ‘Beat the Brownlees’ Triathlon team
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