Christmas 2011

BRADFIELD
News
Christmas 2011
From the Headmaster
Since arriving at Bradfield I have been really
struck by how much talent there is within our
pupil body and as a new Headmaster it is an
incredible privilege to be able to witness the
achievements of Bradfield pupils across such a
wide range of activities and disciplines. It is a
particular privilege to see all this being achieved
with such a strong sense of collaboration and
mutual support amongst the pupils themselves,
and all with beaming smiles on faces! Young
people achieve amazing things when they are
trusted to take responsibility for themselves
and I think the successes of this term highlight
just that. I wish all of the Bradfield community
a very Happy Christmas. The pupils have
certainly earned
a good rest!
Admission of Scholars
The annual Admission of Scholars’ Service took place in Chapel on
the evening of Sunday 25 September. During the service, all new
Scholars, Exhibitioners and Award Holders in Faulkner’s and the Lower
Sixth were admitted to the College and awarded a scroll by the
Headmaster. The pupils committed to observing the College rules,
setting an example to their peers and seeking always to grow in
knowledge and understanding. The service was followed by a Drinks
Reception in Hall where the pupils celebrated their achievement with
family, friends and members of the SCR.
Helen Bebbington (SCR)
Stevens Academic Scholarship:
Isabel Baddeley (ML)
Hannah Kelly (IL)
Alexander Krag (FL)
Christopher McCleery (GL)
Art Award:
Noah Walton (GL)
Sixth Form Sports Award:
Max Evans (C)
Textiles Exhibition:
Victoria Peake (IL)
Music Exhibition:
Charlotte Renals (KL)
Headmaster’s Art Exhibition:
Benjamin Finegold (GL)
Sixth Form Art Award and
Honorary Academic Scholarship:
Katya Kozary (K)
Dr Gray Bradfield Exhibition:
Isla Beardmore-Gray (ML)
Benjamin Chapman (HL)
Seth Dunford (DL)
Toni Alana Robertson (KL)
Design Award:
Robert Goodwin (DL)
Harry Swanborough (DL)
Headmaster’s Exhibition:
Lucy Lee-Smith (ML)
Sixth Form Academic Scholarship:
Georgina Currie (J)
Gabriella Houseman (K)
Chloe Watson-Smith (K)
Sports Award:
Penn Frank (FL), Arabella Nunn (ML),
Beth Wall (ML), Ukasyah Wallace (CL)
Sixth Form Dr Gray Bradfield
Exhibition:
Lucinda Black (I), Alice Copner (J)
Sixth Form Performing Arts Award:
Emily Webster (J)
Honorary Academic Scholarship:
Ayshea Baker (I)
Anna Davies (M)
William Hartz (F)
Susie Ju (I)
Rokas Jurkenas (E)
Jessica Kingsbury (I)
Michael Lavoipierre (D)
Samuel Lerche-Thomsen (C)
Tom Watson Brown (C)
Bradfield gains IB World School Status
Earlier this term Bradfield was host to
visitors from the International Baccalaureate
Organisation carrying out an authorisation visit;
the final stage of our application. We are
delighted to announce that the College is
now authorised as an IB World School for the
Diploma Programme with lessons beginning in
September 2012.
This is an exciting development for the
College, as pupils will now have a choice in the
Sixth Form between A levels and the IB
Diploma Programme (IBDP). Pupils studying
the Diploma Programme will undertake a
course designed to provide the critical thinking
skills and sense of international-mindedness
required in today’s interconnected, globalised
world. The preparations continue over the
next two terms as we look forward to IB
lessons from September.
Louise Marshall (IB Coordinator)
Pembrokeshire
Pilgrimage
Earlier this term, 31 Sixth Form biologists,
accompanied by two biology teachers, set off
for the annual A2 Biology field course held at
the FSC field centre in Dale, Pembrokeshire.
The weather was mixed and collecting data
with rain being blown horizontally into your
face definitely tests your resolve! Despite the
weather, the pupils were able to gain some
excellent experience of marine ecology on a
rocky seashore. Fieldwork provides a real life,
hands-on quality ecological experience for the
individual. This year’s group clearly enjoyed
the experience and were reluctant to get on
the coach to come back to College! Ask any
ex-pupil what they remember of their A level
biology course and most recall the field trip!
Rod Dethridge (SCR)
Modern Languages Trips
During Long Leave, a group of Shell pupils travelled
to Puerto de Santa Maria in Spain while the Sixth
Form linguists visited the French capital. Both
groups participated in morning language lessons
followed by sight-seeing tours in the afternoons.
Harry Tanner (F) said that “one of the highlights
of the trip to Spain was a boat in the Straits
of Gibraltar where we saw Orcas and dolphins.
We also spent two adventurous evenings out,
first at a bodega where we were entertained by
a Spanish Flamenco display, and secondly at a
typical Spanish restaurant where we ate tapas
and delicious paella.” In Paris, Jack Mackintosh (A)
particularly enjoyed the Eiffel Tower, one of
many famous landmarks in the city: “During the
trip, we visited many of the famous Parisian
monuments and museums. Each morning we
attended a French language school, which was
extremely beneficial for our spoken and written
French, and spent the evenings together
experiencing an array of different things, from
an Ionesco play called La Leçon to a casual evening
in a typical French restaurant.” Many thanks must go
to Kirstie Parker (SCR) and Jo Hanbury (SCR) for
organising these trips.
Mark Etherington (SCR)
Michaelmas Goose
This year’s Michaelmas Goose was definitely not a
disappointment: with the sun blazing, it once again fulfilled
everyone’s highly competitive expectations. The first
competition was the Debate. The motion was Academic
qualifications are the key to success and Army House
triumphed this year. This was followed by the Book Quiz
where Stevens House regained their title from last year.
It was then time for the eagerly-awaited Tug-of-War and it
certainly lived up to its fiercely competitive reputation,
enjoyed by a capacity crowd who screamed, shouted and sang
for their houses. Stone House, the winners of last year’s boys’
event, outgunned all the other houses yet again to retain their
crown. After a fierce and energetic warm up, the girls’ Houses
took to the rope where Stanley House emerged triumphant.
On Sunday, the inter-house matches took place, with Stanley
House retaining both senior and junior hockey titles, but only
after being made to fight all the way by Palmer House; the
boys’ inter-house football competition included wins for
House-on-the-Hill (D), The Close and Hillside. Meanwhile,
the Charity Cake Sale and Fair Trade Stalls raised £150 for
Bradfield pupil, Jeremy Ousey (C), who recently worked at a
hospital in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Jeremy has decided to
return to Africa on his gap year next year, and plans to set up
a charity to raise money to buy some basic equipment and
medication for patients at the hospital.
The final event of the weekend was the one that everyone had
been waiting for: the House Song competition. All Houses
took to the stage after weeks of preparation. The competition
was close, leaving Army House in third place singing, I’m a
Believer and Stevens House in second place singing Wouldn’t
it be Nice. In first place came Stanley House singing a very
enthusiastic version of Twist and Shout by The Beatles.
Last year’s Academic Cup winners, Stevens House, gave
Stanley House a run for their money, missing out on retaining
the trophy by only two points, but Stanley House just
managed to grab the top place.
The finale was the awarding of the Goose Trophy itself.
Points towards this very special prize are awarded for the
cumulative activities throughout the year and this year Stanley
House erupted with joy as they were awarded the prize.
What a weekend to remember! It certainly created team
work within the houses enabling all pupils to get involved in
the wide variety of activities. Huge thanks to Mr Harrison
who organized the weekend.
Alice Stow (M)
Hillside Play
The comic absurdity of Dario Fo’s one-act farce, One Was Nude and One Wore
Tails, could easily disguise the left wing undertones flowing through the play.
As a well-respected ambassador finds himself completely naked but for his top hat
and 18-carrat gold watch, seeking to protect his dignity by hiding in a bin, it takes
only the addition of a road-sweeper, a policeman, and a seductive young woman
to bring about the farcical hilarity that ensues. Punches are thrown, identities
are mistaken and the play concludes with a screaming, naked man running
through the audience to escape the pursuing police. The young and relatively
inexperienced cast faced a mountain as they began rehearsals just a week before
the first night. However, it seemed Bradfield couldn’t get enough of the fantastic
seven, and there were even calls for an encore night the following week.
Jon Joe Young (F)
House-on-the-Hill (G) Concert
The Close Evening
of Entertainment
Master of Ceremonies, David Parnell,
opened this year’s Evening of
Entertainment with some cracking jokes.
Sam Wood-Dow performed magic,
followed by two Shell sketches (one
written especially for the evening).
Benedikt Kau played some wonderful
piano, which led into an hilarious
impression of Mr Masters taking evening
call. Chris Bailey and Jamie Parnell
performed our first song of the evening
and then Adam Birkett and Jamie Hough
took to the stage to demonstrate Dating
101, an enlightening experience. After
the interval, three more songs were
performed, including a drum solo by
Freddie Larkins. Dougie Jones and James
Wood played Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours
which was followed by a brilliant cover of
Rocket Man from Chris Bailey and Sam
Scott. The Lower Sixth then premiered
their Cloning film with some very complex
camerawork. The evening drew to a close
with the Upper Sixth Film, A Day in the
Life, and a number from the House Jazz
band. To finish off, the whole House gave
a performance of this year’s House Song,
Bye Bye Baby.
David Parnell (H)
This year’s concert to parents, staff and
pupils took place on Saturday 13 October.
It included a pleasantly surprising range of
performances from a technically brilliant piano
exhibition from our youngest performer,
Edward Hopson, to the constantly energising
performances of Charlie Kirby and Andrew
Ghiacy on guitar and vocals. Other highlights
included Harrison Charles’ comedy sketch and
Olly Kent’s astonishing modern dance routine.
However, one of the best surprises was Oliver
Chapman’s rendition of This Year’s Love by
David Gray (on the piano and vocals), as he
teaches himself everything he knows! To conclude, the whole House showcased their finest House
song in recent years, Wonderful World by Sam Cooke, which was much appreciated by the
audience. Thanks must go to Andrew Ghiacy for arranging the programme and to Helen Twycross
and Mr MacEwen for hosting the event so well.
James Pearson (G)
Stanley House Show
This year’s show featured acts ranging from stupendous singing to
dazzling drama, as well as Yeo Valley Advert Number 2 which went
down a treat. Merle Gibson, Charlie Potter and Lucy Baker-Smith
performed Fast Car by Tracy Chapman which got the audience
going while Emma Chaming’s rendition of Ave Maria resulted in
a standing ovation. The event enabled all the newcomers to show
off their dancing talent with
the Shell dance to Rihanna.
The ‘Kidsonettes’ performed
their own version of Imagine
with five people per piano!
The penultimate act, by Emma
Cole and Lara Robinson, was
a stand-up comedy piece,
featuring two headmistresses
in an assembly highlighting
funny facts about a school,
which seemed rather comparable to those supposed ones at
Bradfield! Finally, the House song, Twist and Shout, winner of
the Michaelmas Goose Singing Competition, was a great way
to end a fantastic evening which was strongly supported by
many parents. Many thanks to all the staff who helped make the
evening such a success.
Lara Robinson (M)
Mother Courage
Mother Courage
This term the main College play was Bertolt
Brecht’s Mother Courage. The three different
aspects of Mother Courage were portrayed
by Isabella Noakes (M), Georgia Roberts (I)
and Eleonora Tibbs (K), while the role of
the awkward Pastor, played by Jamie Hough
(H), enabled the audience to engage in the
humour of the piece as well as focussing
on the serious, anti-war message. Agatha
Edmondes (J), in her first College play, was
particularly impressive as the saucy Yvette
who shared some hilarious moments with
the notorious Piping Pieter played by James
Evans (E). Alexandra Harvey (I), also in her
first major role at Bradfield, skilfully created
the demanding role of Mother Courage’s mute
daughter, Kattrin. The style of this production
was very Brechtian and included an on-stage
band. Samuel Scott (H) not only directed the
band, but also arranged all the music and
accompanied the songs. Music played a key
role in the performance, adding another level
of meaning as well as lifting the atmosphere
at key moments. Well done to all the cast
on an excellent production.
Vanessa Evans (K) and James Evans (E)
Joint Captains of Drama
Mojo
Mojo is a play which I have wanted to direct for
a long time. It is a fantastically written piece
that really emphasises the effect which tempo
and rhythm can have in drama. It was a great
experience to have a small cast to work with,
but it was consequently an intensive rehearsal
process for all involved. Mojo is set in Soho in
1958, and introduces us to the infancy of the
British ‘Rock and Roll’ scene. It focuses on five
main characters in a Soho nightclub fighting it
out for the managerial rights to a young up and
coming ‘rock ‘n’ roller’. The entire cast of Leo
Glover (D), Mikey Glenn (D), Sam Scott (H),
Harrison Charles (G), James Evans (E) and
Harry Child (D) gave strong and convincing
performances of this highly entertaining and
darkly humorous play. Well done to all the
pupils involved.
Jamie Brough (SCR)
Into The Woods
I wanted to direct a production that not only
exemplified Sondheim’s lyrical mastery, but
could also be performed well by pupils. Into
The Woods, a musical about intertwining fairytales twisted by black humour, fitted the bill
perfectly. Known for its complex story, I faced
various challenges as the director, all of
which were overcome via the talented and
committed cast. It was in the last few weeks
that we were able to truly appreciate the sheer
genius of the lyrics. By performance night, the
musical had been refined to a production that
was classic Sondheim: witty, comical, detailed
and, a great story. We performed to a packed
audience every night, which ended what had
been a fantastic experience. To know that all
the hard work had paid off left me with just
one question: What next?
Harry Bowley (C)
Jazz
Recently, the College was very fortunate to
welcome Dominic Ashworth, a well-known
and extremely talented jazz guitarist, to give an
inspiring lecture followed by a performance in
an evening concert. Having intrigued pupils with
anecdotes of other jazz guitar greats like Django
Reinhardt, Dominic gave the Big School audience
a lesson in how to perform an exceptionally
technical repertoire with style, ease and finesse.
In particular, his arrangement of Take Five was
astounding, whilst pieces from his solo album
Portraits were also fantastic. Later, members of
the Staff Band, the Bradfield College Jazz Quintet
and the College Jazz Band were privileged
to perform alongside Dominic in what was a
tremendously energetic and enjoyable evening
for performers and audience alike.
James Pearson (G)
Michaelmas Concert
Sunday 4 December saw the Old Gym filled
with parents, staff and guests eagerly awaiting the
annual Michaelmas Concert. Susie Ju (I) began
the programme with the first movement from
Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major KV414; she
later performed on the cello together with
Jessica Burgess (K) and Miss White, playing
the Allegro from Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op 1
No 1 in E flat. The Girls’ Choir gave a magical
performance of The Linden Tree Carol while
the Chamber Choir introduced an a cappella
arrangement of True Colours with soloist Claire
Noakes (M). The audience was treated to some
toe-tapping and lively performances by the
String Group and Orchestra with Calypso Jam for
strings and Mission Impossible for the Orchestra.
With Christmas just around the corner, the
Choir led all the guests in O little town of
Bethlehem before singing the beautiful Candlelight
Carol. Great singing was also a feature of
performances by the Jazz Band with Charlie
Kirby (G) in Mambo Swing and the Swing Band
with Sam Scott (H) in a stylish rendition of Let’s
Face the Music and Dance. Michael Jackson’s
memorable Man in the Mirror drew the concert
to a close with the Concert Band playing a
medley of some of his most well-known songs.
Ann Wright (SCR)
Ethiopia Expedition
During Long Leave, a group of nine Sixth Form pupils, accompanied by three members of staff, took part in an expedition to Ethiopia. The main
purpose of the trip was to undertake two very challenging ‘community treks’, one in the mountains around Lalibela and the other in the northern
highlands of Tigray province. The group stayed with remote isolated communities, trekking through spectacularly scenic landscapes and visiting several
orthodox churches situated in vertiginous and perilous locations halfway up sheer rock faces. The pupils themselves recount below their impressions
and experiences of this majestic, diverse and compelling country:
“My favourite moment of the trip was reaching
our second campsite on the first trek; we climbed
a mountain to get there and when we finally
arrived at 3600 metres altitude we had a
welcome cup of tea with a view incomparable to
anything I have ever seen with my own eyes. That
was indeed a ‘high tea’ to remember.”
Billy Baddeley (G)
“The welcome from everyone we met clearly
shows their amazing attitude towards complete
strangers and the friendly culture that surrounds
Ethiopia. This is just one aspect of this truly
magnificent country. Though the extreme altitude
and scarce concentration of oxygen took its toll,
I still enjoyed every step and would re-live the
whole experience again.”
Freddie Hoy (G)
“Stunning views from various parts of the treks
left the whole group speechless on countless
occasions. Being so high up, we often had some
of the best landscapes to look over in the whole of
Ethiopia and even the whole of Africa. Standing on
the edge of cliffs at our evening stops, sipping tea
and reading books, we looked upon vistas filled
with a vast spectrum of never-ending colours.”
Jordan Brooks (H)
“Whether you are ambling along flat ground or
scrambling up a mountainside the spectacular
views should never be taken for granted. What is
remarkable is that while our group was finding its
way up and around the mountains and cliffs,
struggling for breath, the locals walk these difficult
routes on a daily basis. In addition, as they pass
you, the feeling of welcome and hospitality is
second to none.”
Alex Rees (G)
“It was, by some distance, our best night of the
trip so far. The hospitality with which we were
received was unprecedented as we exchanged
songs, dances and language with the locals. The
priest, in particular, threw himself into it. As Mr
Keeley commented, it is likely to be a long time
until any of us again see an Ethiopian Orthodox
priest doing the Macarena. One undisputed and
unanimous fact was that never before had we
seen landscape so dramatic or met people quite
as happy and hospitable.”
Leo Glover (D)
“As the beat of the jerry can and the sound of the
Ethiopian flute began we were hastily invited up
into the middle of the dark and smoky mud hut.
The shadows of our ‘shoulder-shaking’, a form of
national Ethiopian dance, played on the crude mud
walls of the hut. As I left the shelter that evening
I stepped into a cold and windy night – not a
single light was in sight. The Milky Way, clear as
ever, guided me back to our huts – just avoiding
the hundred metre sheer drop a few steps away.”
Will Hartz (F)
“I found looking at the school fascinating, to see
how education operated in a very remote and poor
area of Africa and how hard-working the pupils
were at school. The most rewarding part of the trip
was giving away our gifts to the children and to
see the reaction on their faces as they were given
such simple gifts as a yoyo, which they had never
seen before, and a football which got them wildly
excited as they all ran around trying to catch it.”
Harry Boden (E)
“The company was amazing; even when the
going got tough I did not witness one single
disagreement within our group during the trip.
One of the most nerve-wracking points of the trip
for me had to be the ‘short’ walk to the top of a
mountain to visit two churches and a 123-yearold monk; it was the narrow ledge outside the
church door with its sheer 300 metre drop that
left me in a silenced state of fear.”
Mikey Glenn (D)
A diary entry: “Writing by candlelight. Yet again,
the best night in Ethiopia so far. Top food, top
company and top entertainment. I feel honoured
to hear the priest say that we are the best group
he has ever had the pleasure of hosting. We are
privileged ‘lion men’, he said. They all look so
happy, and that makes me happy. Good night
for now.”
James Pearson (G)
Congratulations
Anna Horton (I)
Anna Horton, a member of
the Bradfield riding team, has
achieved tremendous success
this year. After being a part of
the Bradfield team that won at
Royal Windsor, she then went
on to win her section at The
Pony Club Championships, and became part of the Central Region team
for the U18 National Eventing Championships at Weston Park. Anna
achieved an outstanding 11th at her first CIC1* at Gatcombe Park Horse
Trials in September and has recently been accepted onto the Excel
Talent Eventing Squad.
Izzy Royds (I)
Izzy has enjoyed tremendous
success on the Lacrosse field this
term. Earlier this season, she
was selected to play for the
U18 Berkshire A team, and has
recently won selection to the
U18 West of England squad, a
fine achievement.
Stuart Cummings (F)
Stuart recently entered the
national Cambridge Chemistry
Challenge 2011 – a chemistry
competition for pupils in the
Lower Sixth. Stuart performed
superbly, coming in the top 1% in
the country and so winning the
coverted Roentgenium award
(one higher than gold!). On 24
November Stuart was invited to
Westminster for a prize-giving
reception, hosted by Dr Julian
Huppert (MP) and Professor
Peter Wothers of the University
of Cambridge. Stuart is applying
to study Natural Sciences and we
wish him well.
Jamie Dellimore-Slater (A)
Jamie is a post-Grade V111 (distinction)
pianist and studies weekly at the
Junior Academy of the Royal Academy
of Music in London. He recently won
a place to perform in the Jaques
Samuel Pianos Junior Department
Piano Festival. The highlight of this
tremendous achievement is to contribute an item to a recital by young
pianists at London’s Wigmore Hall, Europe’s premier chamber music
venue. At the recital this term, Jamie showcased the virtuosic last
movement of Beethoven’s piano sonata in C sharp minor (the Moonlight)
in a performance that showed impressive musicality and maturity.
Beth Wall (ML) and
Charlotte Daly (K)
Both Beth and Charlotte have
had huge success on the
Hockey pitch this term. Beth
(pictured left) was selected
to attend the HIPAC (High
Performance Assessment Centre) U15 National Hockey Assessment
Weekend at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre in October, while
Charlotte (pictured above right) who also attended HIPAC with Beth,
was invited back to participate at the National U16 Assessment Weekend
for Girls’ Hockey. This is a tremendous achievement for both girls.
Rebecca Cook (K) and
Katherine Alexander (K)
Rebecca (pictured left) and
Katherine (pictured right) have
enjoyed huge success on the
netball court this term. At
just 16 and 15 years of age
respectively, both girls have been selected to play for Team South in
the U19 National Talent League, which sees the top netball players from
ten franchises across the country competing against each other. Well
done to both girls on this fine achievement.
Toby Webb (H)
Cadets from all 19 RM CCF
Schools were invited to this year’s
Royal Marines Cadet Camp at
Garelochhead in Scotland. The
College was represented by Cadet
Sergeant Toby Webb (H) and
Cadet Corporal Tom Williams (A).
Both cadets performed exceedingly
well and at the final award
ceremony, Toby was awarded the
prestigious Commando Spirit Award
in recognition of the commitment,
team work and good humour
displayed by him throughout the
training; a fine achievement.
Matthew Lavoipierre (D)
Earlier this term, Matthew competed in the English
Schools’ Combined Events final in Exeter, having gained
a place in this year’s Senior boys’ decathlon age group.
In poor conditions, Matthew managed to achieve
Personal Bests in the long jump, discus and 100m and
finished in third place, picking up a bronze medal with a
new PB of 6,205 points, a remarkable achievement.
Jessica Burgess (K)
In early October, the Bradfield ClayPigeon Shooting team competed in
The Marlborough Challenge held at
the Barbury Shooting School. The real
triumph of the afternoon was the
performance of Jessica Burgess (K) who
drew with a member of Millfield’s ‘A’
team for the title of Ladies’ High Gun.
After a shoot-off, Jessica came second,
earning a trophy and establishing
Bradfield girls as a force to be reckoned
with in this sport.
Harry Bowley (C)
Harry Bowley, pictured above
right, was awarded a Headmaster’s
Commendation for his outstanding
work on the production Into
The Woods.
Faulkner’s Review
Faulkner’s girls and boys have enjoyed a
tremendously varied and exciting first term at
the College and it gives me great pleasure to
see so many of the pupils doing so well, both
inside and outside the classroom.
The New Forest Adventure was a great day
with high-wall climbing, zip wires, water relays,
aqueduct challenges and other team events in
which the boys and girls had their first real
opportunity to work together and, more
importantly, to get to know each other better.
This was followed at the end of September by
a trip to Thorpe Park, where all the ‘adrenalin
junkies’ could experience the thrills and spills to
their hearts’ content!
On a more serious note, we have enjoyed
some fascinating lectures: Dr Sarah Fane,
Director of Afghan Connection and a Governor
at the College, came to launch our annual
charity project to support our Twin School
in Afghanistan, while Richard Benyon, MP for
Newbury and OB (H 74-78), gave an interesting
and personal account of life in Parliament and
Government service. There was also an
enlightening Faulkner’s-produced Chaucer
evening led by the English department. A
well-attended Coffee Morning took place
earlier in the term which provided an excellent
opportunity for many mums (and some dads)
to meet each other and hopefully forge
good friendships for the forthcoming years
at Bradfield.
There have also been some excellent
academic performances this term and none
more so than former Marlston House pupil,
Hannah Kelly (IL), former St Andrew’s
Pangbourne pupils, Isabel Baddeley (ML) and
Christopher McCleery (GL) and former Eagle
House pupil, Adam Robinson (GL), who
have been top of the Quarterly Grades
all term. There have also been a number of
Inter-Social competitions, and at the time of
writing the Inter-Social football is in full swing
and Antigone are currently first in the Social
Merit league table; it has been great to see
so much competition between the Socials
this term.
On the sports field it has been another
excellent season of football with victories
coming thick and fast for the U14A team,
pictured below left; Ukasyah Wallace (CL) and
Faiq Bolkiah (DL) are both with the
Southampton Football Club Academy and
George Knight (GL) is with the Aldershot
Town Academy – well done to all three boys.
However, it has been good to see the
excellence in play amongst the E team as well.
The girls’ hockey season has been a great
success with only one defeat thus far this term.
The girls also qualified for the South Regional
Finals and narrowly lost out in their last game
of the tournament. Arabella Nunn (ML) and
Beth Wall (ML) have been most influential and
Beth was selected for HIPAC with the England
U15 age group earlier in the term.
Roger Wall (SCR)
Prep Schools Football
Conditions were again excellent for the twenty schools taking part in the
annual Bradfield College Under 11 Prep Schools’ Six-a-Side Tournament.
In the quarter-finals Crosfields defeated Hoe Bridge 2-0, Shrewsbury
House swept aside St. Andrew’s, Woking 4-0, Yateley Manor won out
against Cheam by a goal to nil, and Forres Sandle Manor beat Daneshill
by the same score line. Shrewsbury House then produced some fine
football in their semi-final for a 2-0 victory over Forres Sandle Manor,
while in the other match, a penalty was enough to see Yateley Manor
reach the final at the expense of Crosfields. In the final, Shrewsbury
House had more possession and territory, but could not break down
a resolute Yateley Manor defence, with the latter enjoying several
good chances on the break. In the end, no chances were converted,
so the competition was decided on a penalty shoot-out, with
Shrewsbury House scoring the decisive goal to take this year’s title.
Trevor Kidson (SCR)
Prep Schools Netball
On Saturday 19 November, the College welcomed a number of schools
to its annual U11 Netball Tournament. Group A saw some very close
matches with Thorngrove emerging group winners. Highfield dominated
Group B and St. Piran’s looked impressive as Group C winners, while last
year’s winner, St George’s, Windsor claimed the remaining semi-final
place. St George’s beat Thorngrove in the first semi-final with some
fantastic netball for this age group. The second match was much closer,
but St. Piran’s eventually emerged victorious, beating Highfield to secure
their place in the final. After an exciting game in which the girls gave a
fantastic display of skills and competitive spirit, St. George’s, Windsor
retained their title. Well done to all the teams taking part!
Caroline Bedford (SCR)
Prep Schools String Day
On Tuesday 20 September, violinists and cellists from Elstree, Caldicott,
St Andrew’s, Pangbourne and Moulsford schools visited the College to
take part in an educational and fun day of music-making which culminated
in an afternoon concert. Pupils worked with the College’s music teachers
under the direction of Head of Strings, Carol Hultmark, to produce
a concert from scratch.
The day gave the young
musicians the opportunity
to improve their skills and
to make music with others,
an exciting part of playing
any instrument. Pupils
performed a Mambo
Incognito, The Red Iguana
Rhumba and a clever
arrangement of What Do
You Do With a Drunken
Sailor. Highlights of the day
also included the chocolate
and banana pudding at
lunch and an afternoon
swim in the College pool!
Parents and guests enjoyed
the concert and we look
forward to welcoming
more string players again
next year.
This term, Bradfield welcomed local primary school children to the
annual mixed netball tournament and an afternoon of science in the
College’s Blackburn Science Centre. Pupils from Englefield, Yattendon
and Theale enjoyed practical sessions in each of the three science
departments, including how to apply scientific method in a hands-on
way using maggots, lasers and the chemistry of colour. Meanwhile, in
the mixed netball tournament, Spurcroft took the title in the Cup
competition and Pangbourne won the Plate competition.
Ann Wright (SCR)
Rod Dethridge (SCR) and Maurice Maynard (SCR)
Primary Schools Events
Rock Climbing
in Spain
During Long Leave, a small group of pupils
from the College’s Indoor Climbing Club
visited Southern Spain for an introductory
week of outdoor rock climbing. On day one
we set out to the Sella climbing area, where
our guide, Johnny, and Mr Daniels (SCR) led
the first few climbs to give us the confidence
in outdoor climbing which was very new to
us. After a hot day on the rock we returned
to the family-run farmhouse for a quick dunk
in the freezing fresh water pool! Our host
family made us all feel incredibly welcome
and the warmth of their hospitality was
superb. On our second day we visited a
different crag in Sella, enjoying the sun and
rock, whilst gaining confidence with each new
climb, while day three saw us on the Costa
Blanca, learning lead climbing. The following
day we enjoyed a day’s sea kayaking at the
coast while on our last day we were back at
Sella for an all out climbing marathon that
was a great end to an awesome trip.
Robert Trapnell (G)
DofE
During Long Leave, two groups headed to
the Highlands; one group, comprising six
prefects, was being assessed for their Gold
expedition while the other was being trained
to follow in their footsteps. The assessor was
the same as last year, and she was clearly
pleased to see two girls in the group. The
absence of marked footbridges caused some
difficulty, but wet feet seemed only a trifling
problem in the context of the whole
expedition. The group passed and were
pleased to see their log books signed off.
Meanwhile, the training group worked hard to
assimilate all they were taught and managed to
push off together at the allotted time on their
final day. Head Boy, Matthew Lavoipierre (D),
was delighted to receive a huge eighteenth
birthday card as well as a present, carried by
his group for presentation on his big day.
Stephen Lunt (SCR)
Pringle Trophy
During the first weekend of October a
team of Royal Marine Cadets travelled
down to Devon to compete in the Sir
Steuart Pringle Trophy, a national cadet
competition held at the Commando
Training Centre. Along with teams from
17 other schools our cadets were put
through two days of military training
designed to assess their teamwork, fitness,
leadership and military skills. The event
is a unique opportunity for cadets to
glimpse what commando training entails
and is immensely popular with the cadets.
A spirited effort earned the team a
respectable tenth place and they returned
to Bradfield deservedly proud of their
achievements over the course of the two
very demanding days.
Danny Daniels (SCR)
Football
This has been a highly successful season
for Bradfield Football. Despite the
strength of our fixture list, we have
had an amazing record in the block
fixtures winning 68, drawing 19 and
losing only 15 out of 102 games at all
age groups. The 1st XI are a young
side containing four Fifth Formers, but
despite this, they have performed
creditably, with the win at Shrewsbury
being the highlight. The 2nd XI have
remained unbeaten. The main strength
in the College is at Junior School level
and both the U15A and U14A teams
are very talented. The U15As have
reached the quarter-finals of the ISFA
cup and are genuine contenders for
the trophy, while the U16s have
continued to win most of their games,
despite losing a number of players to
the 1st X1. Congratulations to all the
teams on their outstanding achievements
this term.
Steve Long (SCR)
Lacrosse
It has been a term of development for the College’s Lacrosse Team.
Despite the absence of a goalkeeper at the start of term, the team
has gone from strength to strength. Both Rebecca Masterman (M) and
Anna Horton (I) have since taken up the task of goalie and boosted
the confidence of everyone (especially the defence!) A handful of
keen Faulkner’s players have joined the training sessions on Wednesdays
and there are certainly some names to look out for in the future:
Beth Wall (ML), Annabel Garrood (JL) and Phoebe Hartz (ML), in
particular. The new Lower Sixth players have also changed the profile of
the team. Led by the indomitable Lexi Fielder (I) and Izzy Royds (I),
the girls have learned some new tricks and moves and have triumphed
over new opponents this season (notably, the St George’s Ascot first
team). Izzy Royds (I) has performed exceptionally well, winning selection
to the U18 West of England squad, and we are now ready to take this
new team to the Nationals in 2012.
Cesca Martin (SCR)
Golf
This has been an exceptionally successful season for our golf teams, both
Senior and Junior. In the space of just a few weeks, we have beaten
Charterhouse, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley and
Winchester. The highlight has been our progression through no fewer
than three rounds of the national HMC Foursomes Competition to
establish ourselves as finalists in the highly competitive South Central
Region of the UK. The last two rounds involved tense and dramatic
finishes, with individual matches going to play-offs to secure an outcome.
Meanwhile, our weekly coaching sessions have attracted a very loyal
following and are providing a progression of players through the ranks to
ensure that we have a really good squad of potential team players for
the future. Many congratulations to all the pupils who have contributed
so much this term.
Colin Burgess (SCR)
Hockey
Girls’ hockey has enjoyed a very
successful season. After a practice match
against Canford, Bradfield was ready to
take on Lord Wandsworth, winning all
six matches by large margins. The 1st XI,
captained by Yssy Brown (M), have had
a very strong season, winning almost all
of their regular matches, most notably
with a 3-2 win against Wellington and
an 8-3 victory over Bloxham. The 1st VI
also enjoyed much success, taking home
the U18 Berkshire County Indoor
Championship trophy and qualifying for
the Regional Tournament. Several girls
participated in the 2nd and 3rd teams
this term and the U16A team have won
the majority of their matches. The U15s
have not enjoyed as much success, but
have a lot to build upon for next year.
Particular congratulations go the U14A
team who have qualified for the Regional
Tournament, having come second in the
finals of the County competition.
Melissa Jenkins (SCR)
Racquet Sports
Fencing
Following a drive to increase numbers this
year, and incorporating fencing into the Fourth
Form Introduction to Games programme, pupils
are enjoying the increased competition to win
places on the teams for external matches. In
addition, a number of the Fourth Form and
Lower Sixth pupils are continuing to fence from
their previous schools and building on their
experience. One of the highlights this term was
a win over Wellington, while another was the
College’s annual Epée Challenge. As well as
our experienced fencers, it was good to see
many of our new Faulkner’s fencers enjoying
the event. The competition was intense, with
the final between Oliver Binkiewicz Jones (C)
and Alexander Galbraith (A) being particularly
hard-fought. At twelve-all, Alexander finally
took the last three points to win the
competition 15 points to 12. Well done to all
the pupils who took part.
Mark Harrison (SCR)
This term the Badminton squad has welcomed
some new players: Georgina Currie (J),
Thomas Berry (C), Christopher Gaede (F),
Thomas Dunn (F) and Harry Vernau (G), as
well as a new member of the coaching team,
Mr Adam Weston. Although the pupils have
enjoyed mixed fortunes in terms of results, a
good fixture against Eton resulted in a closelyfought victory for Bradfield, and we hope to
complete the success in the return fixture. The
squash team has been rebuilding after a very
successful season last year, and a recent hardfought match against Radley showed some
promising individual performances. George
Holbech (C) has been on very good form
playing at number one for the Junior team
while Mark-Anthony Mendes da Costa (H), as
Captain of the Senior team, has been playing a
high standard of squash.
Mark Etherington (SCR) and Trevor Kidson (SCR)
Inter-Schools
Show Jumping
On Saturday 12 November, the Bradfield
riding team competed at Kennet School’s interschool show jumping at Sparsholt College,
Winchester. Six members of the College
competed at a range of different levels. Lucy
Lee-Smith (ML) and Rebecca Freer-Smith (K)
both completed double clear rounds in their
classes. However, it was Olivia Caplan (I), Maia
Patrick-Smith (M), Annabel Chamings (M) and
Charlotte Masquelier-Page (I) who saved the
best till last, winning the final class by beating
fourteen other school teams and taking home
another well-deserved trophy.
Annabel Chamings (M)
Artist-in-Residence
The role of the Artist-in-Residence will always
include some combination of pupil interaction
in a direct educational context and the
exploration and exhibition (here at the
College) of my own research, which it is hoped
will influence by example how ideas and
processes can develop. The work might include:
heading figure-drawing sessions or a series of
two-week modular style projects, in which
we explore themes of landscape or the figure
in different media with an entire year group;
or working with pupils one to one; or being in
my studio discussing my own work. Much time
is also spent helping pupils to identify and
understand possible art historical influences
and theories in an investigative and analytical
way, so as to help them to think broadly and
critically. Above all, the Artist-in-Residence role
is an adaptable one. In a subject such as Art,
the needs of the department and its pupils will
vary dramatically throughout the year and the
role will change to reflect these needs.
Alex Whittaker (Artist-in-Residence)
Remembrance
Services
On Friday 11 November, the College gathered
in Quad for the annual Act of Remembrance.
This year was particularly moving due to the
fact that it was 11 o’clock, on the 11th of the
11th 2011; the year is also particularly notable
as it is the 90th anniversary of the founding of
the Royal British Legion. On Remembrance
Sunday, the Chapel was packed with pupils,
parents and OBs for the Remembrance Service.
Two pupils played The Last Post and a twominute silence was held. There was also a
thought-provoking sermon from Father Godfrey
and the laying of wreaths at the Collingwood
Cross. After the ceremony, all were invited
for a very enjoyable roast lunch in Hall, after
which, several CCF Cadets, a trumpeter, as
well as the Chaplain and Headmaster, headed
down to Bradfield Southend for their annual
Service of Remembrance.
Rory Boden (C)
Huxham Ten-Miler
OB Mike Cucknell (D 93-98) won this year’s
Huxham event in just over 75 minutes, closely
pursued by Toby Webb (H) in just under
77 minutes, with Lauritz Byok (F), Ryan Murray
(A) and David Rowley (SCR) getting back in
78 minutes. Congratulations also to pupils
Damian Maib (H), Will Hartz (F), Nick
Goodwin (G), Harry Stevenson-Smith (E), Seb
Watts (F), and George Taylor (A), all of whom
beat the benchmark 90 minutes.
Adam Smith (SCR)
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