news and reviews from the school and alumni

Transcription

NEWS AND REVIEWS FROM THE SCHOOL AND ALUMNI
2013-2014
NEWS AND REVIEWS
FROM THE SCHOOL AND ALUMNI
2013-2014
CONTENTS
Introduction from the Head
1
Leavers2
Features
A year in the Art department
10
Sevenoaks School Certificates in Art and Art History
14
Art sketchbooks
Artist in Residence
Myth of the Firebird
12
15
17
The Art Room effect
18
Old Sennockian artists
The three greatest years of my academic life
Selected by the Royal Academy
Reflections on a first year at Sevenoaks
20
25
26
28
SPOTLIGHTS
Founder’s Day
30
BBC Young Musician
32
New YoungSox
31
Science and Technology developments at Sevenoaks
Can Do Too!
An evening with Nigel Connell
A year in Sennocke House
Private Peaceful
34
36
37
38
40
Art on campus
42
History Bee and Bowl
44
Leadership Day
Commemorating the First World War
45
46
REVIEWS
Academic Review including prizewinners
48
Drama Review
66
Art Review
Music Review
74
Sport Review
by Olivia Storey
84
Trips and Activities Review
102
Philanthropic Leadership
124
Alumni Review
American Hedonists
62
112
Valete133
Dates for your diary
140
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2013-2014
????© Zak Waters
AN Introduction from the Head
Welcome to this year’s Sennockian, which takes
as its theme the visual arts. We celebrate the
creativity of our students, past and present, and
acknowledge the imagination, study and discipline
demanded by successful art.
It has been a productive year for the visual arts
at Sevenoaks. The bright white spaces of the
refurbished Art department provided a showcase
for an impressive range of student work, including
the IB Art exhibition. The mosaic that now
decorates the campus was designed and created by
a team of pupils from every section of the school.
There is a close link between such projects and the
learning experience in the classroom. Last year saw
the introduction of two new Sevenoaks School
Certificate courses in Art and Art History offering
students unique opportunities beyond the limits
of the conventional GCSE syllabus. Inspiration
has also come from outside the school. Michael
O’Reilly spent a year as artist in residence to
provide opportunity for students, and his work
has been displayed in The Space and around the
school. The sculptures of Joshua Vaughan, a recent
graduate of City & Guilds of London Art School,
which were installed over the summer, reflect the
busy lives of our pupils in the complexity of their
forms. And the Parents’ Association has
commissioned a piece from Oliver Barratt (OS
1979); his sculpture Thinking Aloud is an inspiring
presence on campus.
company responsible for The Space. I am delighted
to report too, that this year we received three times
as many bursary applications to join Year 7. The
Bursary Fund – which reflects the generous
donations of past and current parents, Old
Sennockians and staff – has already raised enough
to provide places for two additional pupils starting
in September 2015.
The beauty of the campus will be further enhanced
by the relocation of car parking to Duke’s Meadow.
Our next two major projects, the new Science &
Technology and Sixth Form Centres, are already
advanced in the design process, following the
appointment of Tim Ronalds Architects, the
The success and happiness of our pupils depends
upon the environment that we can provide for
them, and enriching their environment,
intellectually and aesthetically, by works of art is
a vital strand; I hope you enjoy the celebration of
visual art in this year’s Sennockian.
The Head and senior prefects, 2013-14
1
LEAVERS
Leaver 2012
Leavers 2013
2
NameDegree
University
Kellen Maganjo
Queen Mary, University of London
Law
Sophie Adair
Modern European Languages & History
Durham University
Gregory Arts
History
University of Edinburgh
Rupert Bennett
Interior Architecture
Oxford Brookes University
Filippo Brignone
Information Management for Business
University College London
Naomi Carndorf
Psychology and Anthropology with Professional Development
Brunel University
Angus Dymoke Graphic Design
Michael Forward
Architecture
Oxford Brookes University
Sophia Buhl-Nielsen
History
Christ’s College, Cambridge
Fred Johnson
Arts and Sciences
Dominic Kehoe
Biological Sciences
Durham University
Victoria King
History
Magdalene College, Cambridge
Will Kneeshaw
English
University of Exeter
Tom Lord
Physics with Theoretical Physics
Imperial College London
Julia Muench
Land Economy
Newnham College, Cambridge
Michael Musker
Ecology
University of East Anglia
Elspeth Newey
Music
King’s College London
Viktoria Noka
Geography
University of Glasgow
Leavers 2014
NameDegree
University
Noah Parfitt
Modern Languages with Business
University of Nottingham
Nicholas Rupp
Mechanical Engineering
University of Bath
Thomas Scott
PPE
Oriel College, Oxford
Emily Shepherd-Barron
Combined Honours in Social Sciences
Durham University
Joshua Snow
Philosophy
Jan Sokol
Liberal Arts
Stanford University, USA
Kirsty Sutherland
Anthropology
Kitty Tittle
Experimental Psychology
Jesus College, Oxford
Claudia Vanea
Philosophy
Ben Waters
Classics
Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Edward Whelpton
Business Management
Newcastle University
Kirsten Whitaker
Biochemistry
University of Leeds
Grace Whitehouse
Biology
University of York
Hannah Abdoh
Political Science and Economics
McGill University
Ibrahim Abed
International Relations
London School of Economics
Lindsay Adams
Liberal Arts
Northwestern University
Tabitha Adams
English
Downing College, Cambridge
Louis Ashe-Jepson
Spanish and History
Rory Barber
Geography
King’s College, Cambridge
George Baron
Geography
Jesus College, Cambridge
Emma Barry
Natural Sciences University of Bath
William Beckman
History
Aneesha Bhandari
Biomedical Science
Muryah Bottcher
HSPS
Murray Edwards College, Cambridge
Ruth Bourne
Law
Elliot Briery
Liberal Arts
Yale University
Charles Bruxner-Randall
Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience
Alexander Bullock
The University of Warwick
Elsa Cameron
Law
The University of Nottingham
Imogen Canetty-Clarke
French
The University of Edinburgh
Chiara Cappellini
Social Policy
Toby Carling
Business and Management
Zoe Carver
Biomedical Engineering
Larissa Castellano
Liberal Arts
Cornell University
Victoria Cheah
Economics and Economic History
Isaac Cheng
Global Business
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Jasmine Chu
Economics with Year Abroad
Emily Chung
Medicine
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Robert Cinca
Computer Science
3
LEAVERS
4
NameDegree
University
Isobel Connelly
Durham University
Madeleine Cummins
Geography
Magdalene College, Cambridge
Katherine Curran
English
Sufyan Dabbous
Liberal Arts
University of Pennsylvania
Kieran Davey
Biotechnology
Zoe Dawson
Arts and Sciences University College London
Luisa de Belgique
Liberal Arts
McGill University
Nimal de Silva
Chiara Del Rio
Engineering
Emmanuel College, Cambridge
Nina del Ser
Natural Sciences Trinity College, Cambridge
Daria Deluermoz
Biomedical Engineering
Chaitanya Desai
Business, Management & Entrepreneurship
Marshall School of Business,
University of Southern California
Toby Dix
IT Management for Business
with Industrial Placement
Caroline Doddrell
Kathryn Dodds
Natural Sciences Churchill College, Cambridge
Phoebe Dyer
Economics with Hispanic Studies
Mofeyifoluwa Edun
Liberal Arts
Harvard University
Elizabeth Elton
Education Studies (English Studies)
Durham University
Jack Ferguson
Modern Languages and European Studies
University of Bath
Alessandro Ferrari
Law University College London
Kaylee Finn-Henry
The Wharton School
Sufiyah Fitzgerald
Law
University of Bristol
Max Fry
Geography with Business
Tiffany Fung
Medicine
Robinson College, Cambridge
Emily Galvin
History
Alice Geradine
Marine Geography
Cardiff University
Oliver Gibson
Physical Education with QTS University of Brighton
Natalia Gonzalez-Morales
Russian Studies and English Literature
Isabel Goodman
Modern and Medieval Languages
Homerton College, Cambridge
Elizaveta Grushina
Engineering Business Management
University of Warwick
Aman Gupta
Durham University
Jennifer Hack
Bethany Hall
Veterinary Science
University of Liverpool
Felix Hammett
Medicine
University of Sheffield
Amelia Hammond
Psychology
University of Bath
Oliver Heighton
Law
Pauline Helly d’Angelin
English Law and French Law
Deanna Hetherington
Architecture
University of Manchester
NameDegree
University
Alexander Hill
History
Harry Hobbs
Geography (Science)
Matthew Holden
Chemical Engineering
University of Birmingham
James Holland
Medicine
Jessica Hui
Science Research Fellowship
Columbia University
Emma Hulston
Geography
Toby Hunt
History
Thalia Hutcheson
English Literature
Durham University
Nicholas Ingram
Biochemistry with Industrial/Professional Experience
University of Manchester
Maria Isaacson
Neuroscience
University of Sussex
Adam Ismail
Law
St Catherine’s College, Oxford
Alexandra Isong
Tilly Jacob
Medicine
Hull York Medical School
Sophie Jenner
Medicine
Ecem Karaman
Management Science
Fenella Keevil
Geography
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
John Kendrick
Chemistry
University of York
Rahil Khemani
Liberal Arts
Chicago University
Joy Kibaki
Harriet Kildahl
Maastricht Science Programme
Maastricht University
Benjamin Kitson
Chemical Engineering
University of Bath
Frederik Kohl
Business
University of Mannheim
Ethan Kok
Law
Maximilian Kotz
Natural Sciences Robinson College, Cambridge
Madeleine Kowitz
Psychology
Hans Lam
Chemistry and Management
Alex Lantos
Environmental Policy with Economics
Tat Lee
The Wharton School
Jessica Li
Veterinary Medicine
Robinson College, Cambridge
Rachel Lillie
Geography
Yi Jia Loh
Psychology
Jonathan Man
Renewable Energy
John Martin
University of Bath
Helena Maybury
English Literature
Freya Maynard
History
Caroline McMenamin
Law
Durham University
Selvaggia Messi
Liberal Arts
New York University
Nikolas Miranthis
Mathematics
George Moore
Biochemistry University of St Andrews
Catherine Morris
Durham University
5
LEAVERS
6
NameDegree
University
Matilda Morris-Jones
Psychology
University of St Andrews
Ben Moverley Smith
Natural Sciences University College London
Bongi Munatsi
Liberal Arts
University of Southern California
Deepika Narayan
War Studies and History
Claire Nesbitt
Chemistry
Magdalen College, Oxford
Alexandra Neufeld
Medicine
University of Heidelberg-Mannheim
Katherine Nickols
Liberal Arts
Bryn Mawr College
Emily Norley
Psychology
University of Sussex
Christopher Norris
French and Management
Edward Oliver
Medical Physiology and Therapeutics
Christopher Olley
Physics with a Year in Europe
Samuel Parker
Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge
Eliza Parr
Law
St Peter’s College, Oxford
Taran Patel
Eashan Patel
Medicine
University of East Anglia
Georgia Pearson
Political Science and Economics
McGill University
Julia Pinchuk
Liberal Arts
McGill University
Azure Prior
Geography
Frances Ramji
Chemistry
Durham University
Katherine Reade
History
Durham University
Julia Reading
Combined Honours in Arts
Durham University
Elizabeth Reeves
Classics
Jesus College, Cambridge
Serene Reza
Law
SOAS, University of London
Emma Louise Rixhon
Philosophy and History of Art
Alesi Rowland
Psychology
Greta Sallusti
Liberal Arts
Boston University
Hannah Sands
English
Aditi Satija
Biology
Manuel Seiters
PPE
Kamil Shaydullin
Politics and Sociology
Sophie Simpson
Law
Durham University
Sarah Skulczuk
Geography
University of Leeds
Christopher Spedding
Engineering with Foundation Year
University of Southampton
Oliver Spence
Medicine
University of Southampton
Zena Stead
Biochemistry
Olivia Storey
Law
Durham University
Victoria Strutt
Materials Science
St Anne’s College, Oxford
Keyu Sumaria
Modern Language Plus
Danial Syed Mokhtar Shah
Management University of Warwick
Jason Tang
Liberal Arts
University of California, Berkley
NameDegree
University
Miyu Tarumi
Liberal Arts
Duke University
Leonard Taylor
Biology University of Bath
Oscar Thewlis
Business Management
Edward Thomas
Modern Languages
Durham University
James Thomas
Natural Sciences University of Bath
Patrick Thompson
History
Magdalen College, Oxford
Carla Troyas
Engineering
Trinity College, Cambridge
Leyre Troyas
Engineering
St John’s College, Cambridge
Ben Tyrrell
Business Economics
University of Leicester
Tabitha Urban
Hans van Daele
European Social and Political Studies
Gabrielle van den Hoek
Liberal Arts
Dartmouth College
Francesca Vernon
Classics
Corpus Christi College, Oxford
Theresa von Boetticher
Law
University of Heidelberg
Jule Waehning
Arts and Sciences
William Warren
Modern Languages
Durham University
Ben Warwick-Champion
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University of Bath
Anna Watkins
Combined Honours in Arts
Durham University
Alistair Webb
Psychology
Oliver Webster
Natural Sciences Clare College, Cambridge
William White
Biochemistry and Genetics
University of Sheffield
Frederick Williams
University of Bath
Callaghan Wilmott
McGill University
Eleanor Winch
Durham University
Florentina Winkelmann
Biochemistry
William Wood
Liberal Arts
Jeremy Yao
Economics and Economic History
Samir Yep-Manzano
Medicine
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
7
LEAVERS
Gap Year 2014
Harith Bahren
Katy Hollings
Xander Bastin
Hanna Jay
Violet Bennett
Bernard Lee
Christiana Bickley
Laura Looi
Will Bilton
Filippo Marangoni
Rex Boulter
Abigail McKnight
Simon Bowes
Derrick Metuh
Natasha Brandt
Firoz Mistry
Sarika Breeze
Matthew Payne
Alexandre Cheneviere
Isabelle Piper
Brandon Cheong
Alexander Robbins
Meggy Court
Sienna Rothery
Megan Critchlow
David Scotland
Arthur Davison
Harry Smith
Robbie Edwards
Caitlin Stevens
Natasha Farrant
Isla Stevens
Julia Ganis
Michael Thompson
Oskar Goodwille
Jay Trevor
Saul Greenhalgh
Annabel Turnbull
Philip Gull
Anton Volkov
Daisy Hale
Alastair Walczak
Jake Harley-Pile
Abdulla Zaman
Roberto Hofmann
8
F EATURES
A year in the Art Department
A spirit of collaborative
creativity in which pupils
are encouraged to find their
own voice.
Secondary school art departments are strange
beasts; one never quite knows the nature of them
before visiting. We had a major refurbishment over
the summer which left in its wake a brilliantly lit,
pristine white shell. The pupils thus returned to be
confronted with a space devoid of any art or
colour. The concept, however, was simple: to
maximise wall space so that ambitious work could
be created for much of the year, whilst retaining
the possibility of stripping everything back to form
a contemporary exhibition space. The recent IB
assessment exhibition (seen in some of the photos
here) demonstrated that taking the time to consider
where best to hang a piece of art can greatly
enhance its power. The Upper Sixth were
single-minded in presenting their work in a very
personal way; some painted the walls of their
exhibition area in a restrained grey, while one
candidate decided that a shocking pink wall was
an appropriate backdrop for her work.
10
FEATURES
Whilst a classy gallery space is essential, the bread
and butter of the department’s work is producing
artwork to exhibit. Sixth Form pupils work in
dedicated studio spaces to make their art. This
means that they can they come and go as their time
allows, and by seeing their work develop on the
wall better reflect upon and benefit from passing
remarks made by those that pass through the
studios. This year, one such voice has been that of
Michael O’Reilly, our Artist in Residence. Fresh
from completing his MA at the Royal Academy
Schools, Michael joined the department with the
brief to maintain and develop his creative practice
alongside our pupils in the hope that they could
feed off his creativity. His studio space quickly
became the venue for a spectacularly prolific
output of joyously coloured paintings. His pupils
soon warmed to his immediately apparent
enthusiasm for painting. An exhibition in The
Space in the Lent term showcased examples of his
work and provided opportunities for great insight
into the creative process. Michael has been running
the Lower School Art Club which quickly outgrew
the single studio initially allocated and now
spreads itself across three studios.
Michael is not the only artist to visit the
department. Over the course of the year, Joshua
Vaughan, a final year Fine Art student at the City
& Guilds London School of Art, has been working
on a series of sculptures for the school campus.
The concept began with Joshua asking a Year 9
class to draw maps of the routes they follow
around school on a daily basis. The resultant
drawings were scaled up and cut out from large
sheets of steel. The intricate, varied and boldly
coloured sculptures were installed over the
summer. Our own pupils’ work has also been
displayed beyond the confines of the department.
The Sevenoaks offices of the estate agent Savills
has been displaying a large abstract painting by
Zoe Dawson, the first of a new venture that will
see work exhibited on a rotation system. Zoe also
had a hand in initiating a new student-led
magazine, Framed, to showcase art by pupils,
the first issue of which was circulated in the
Michaelmas term.
One of the key aims of the department is to allow
pupils to find their own creative ‘voice’. To this
end, we have expanded the range of processes and
techniques available to pupils. The challenging but
endlessly rich process of printmaking has
developed a popular following and pupils are now
able to pursue traditional techniques such as relief
wood and linocuts, and intaglio processes
including hard ground etching, aquatint and
collagraphy. Our large Rochat press
is in constant use and is well supported by a full
range of digital processes so that pupils can extend
and refine traditional techniques with
state-of-the-art digital equipment. The arrival of
Emma Delpech as a full-time member of staff has
invigorated ceramics within the department and
pupils have enjoyed a wide range of daring,
experimental approaches. Film-making and
photography continue to enjoy great interest
and pupils benefit from specialist teachers in
both areas, allowing for a great deal of
individual tuition.
Another new process is that of mosaic making.
A competition was held for designs for a new
piece of work on the fountain in front of Old
School. The winners were Larissa Castellano and
Daisy Hargreaves who collaborated on their
designs. A group of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils
installed the mosaic with the help of a professional
mosaic artist. Looking to the future, we hope that
this spirit of collaborative creativity will lead to the
creation of more works of art about the campus.
Charley Openshaw
Previous page:
St Andrew Undershaft
by Rory Alexander
This page: IB artwork by
Larissa Castellano
11
AR T SKETCHBOOKS
Sketchbooks are used as a vital creative tool to
explore and experiment with ideas, materials and
processes. Pupils document their progress and
respond to works of art in independent and varied
12
FEATURES
ways. Ideas are conceived, considered, rejected
and pursued. These living, working books act as
a lasting record of paths not taken and creative
opportunities seized.
Left to right: Sketchbooks and
finished works by Cornelia Bentsen
(Year 11), Juhi James (Year 11),
Eleanor Winch (Upper Sixth)
13
sevenoaks school certificates IN Art and Art History
deadlines. The aim is to raise the bar in terms
of the ambition and independence of what
Middle School pupils can achieve with their
creative projects.
Raising the bars of artistic
ambition and independence.
Two new courses were introduced to the Art
department in September. The new Middle School
Art course allows pupils to gain a structured
understanding of a wide range of processes and
approaches to producing informed, personal and
ambitious work. The emphasis initially is on
gaining a broad base of transferrable skills. In time,
pupils use these skills to develop their own
personal portfolios of work through
experimentation, investigation and reference to
masters both old and modern.
Pupils are encouraged to follow personal passions.
For example, if a pupil is excited about the
creative potential of digital photography, they
have the freedom to concentrate their efforts in
this particular area. This Sevenoaks School
Certificate course differs from the GCSE mainly
in its structure. For example, there is no artificial
time-pressured exam; rather, pupils have the scope
and time to explore their ideas over sustained
periods without the anxiety of externally imposed
14
FEATURES
The new Sevenoaks School Certificate Art History
course aims to equip candidates with rudimentary
knowledge about the journey art has taken over
many centuries through to the present day.
Additionally, students will complete the course
with the ability to describe and thoughtfully
analyse any given painting, sculpture or building
in an informed manner. It is hoped that being
articulate and informed about the visual arts is not
only an invaluable educational skill but also an
enrichment that will bring lifelong rewards. Pupils
study a very varied programme of works of art.
Discussion is encouraged and an emphasis is
placed on independent response. Ultimately,
candidates become curators of virtual galleries,
so that they can digitally select works of art to
discuss and illustrate themes, ideas and periods
of personal enthusiasm.
Both courses offer a unique opportunity for
both teachers and pupils to go well beyond the
boundaries set by conventional GCSE courses.
The freedom they offer represents a tremendous
opportunity for the production of creative work
which is ambitious, personal and deeply
thoughtful.
Charley Openshaw
The Sevenoaks Middle School Curriculum, which
includes the Sevenoaks School Certificate courses,
is designed to be both academically exciting and
intellectually ambitious. We are updating and
reshaping the curriculum from a shared set of values
and skills prized by parents, teachers and employers.
As well as serving as preparation for the IB Diploma
Programme in the Sixth Form, the study skills
developed in the Middle School will serve our
students at university and beyond.
Artist in Residence
In September 2013 painter Michael O’Reilly
joined Sevenoaks School as Artist in Residence.
Over the last academic year I have been working
at the school as Artist in Residence. I am from
Cleveland, North Yorkshire, and studied painting
at Wimbledon College of Art, where I received a BA
Honours (first) in Fine Art. After this I was accepted
onto the intense three-year postgraduate programme
at the Royal Academy of Art. Being there opened
opportunities to work with students from primary
schools right through to undergraduate level.
I wanted to give back some of the fantastic input
I had received while studying at the Royal Academy.
Working at Sevenoaks has meant that I can continue
to develop my own practice as well as being
involved in inspiring students with their art.
The fact that Sevenoaks endorses an Artist in
Residence position demonstrates its sincerity in
promoting the arts. It reflects an ambitious Art
department that seeks to give students a practical
insight into the contemporary art world. They are
given the opportunity to learn about the daily
activities that constitute artistic practice and they are
able to see first-hand how essential self-discipline is
to an artist, even one in the early stages of their
career. This can range from painting in the studio,
setting up for an exhibition, preparing canvases,
documenting work, researching, writing statements
and applications, or meeting with collectors, curators
and other artists.
15
Artist in Residence
When I was at school I had very little tuition on
technical processes, methods and materials – this
really began when I entered higher education.
Having worked with paint specialists, including
conservators from the Tate, I am now eager to
share what I have learnt with students, so they
can be better equipped at an earlier stage in their
artistic development. Being part of the
contemporary art world allows me to point
students toward current artists and exhibitions for
their research. Over break, lunch and art club time
the students and I sometimes chat about one
another’s work in a positive working environment.
By giving them what are hopefully helpful tips and
ideas, I encourage them to communicate their
thoughts. Working within the framework of a
school timetable brings to my mind busy lessons,
moments of calm at break time, studious
commitment during term and the eager
anticipation that precedes the holidays. The
relationships between these moments have
16
FEATURES
pervaded my paintings as I think through the
significance of palm trees, hammocks, beehives
and outdoor toil.
I am deeply appreciative of the teaching experience
I have gained while leading projects as varied as
‘Op art’ and ‘Victorian Natural History dioramas’.
Assisting with lessons spurs me to try out
processes like print and ceramics. I’ve begun
making distorted mugs and applying paintings
with glaze, because sometimes the future of a
painting I’m working on seems to hinge on taking
a coffee break! As I sip my coffee I consider what
to do next. I find that I am becoming more
thoughtful and attentive. My practice is flourishing
both practically and theoretically here at
Sevenoaks. It can all be attributed to being in green
space away from London, having use of the
department’s superb facilities and being immersed
in such an enthusiastic environment.
Michael O’Reilly
www.michaeloreilly.co.uk
The Myth of the Firebird
Student Composers and
Artists unite to tell the
‘Myth of the Firebird’.
The Recital Room was transformed into a vibrant
display of colours and shapes in June as artwork
from Michael O’Reilly’s Year 9 and 10 students was
showcased around the room, and even onto the
floor in front of the stage. Igor Stravinsky’s 1910
ballet score The Firebird, and the myth surrounding
this magical creature, had provided inspiration for
these works, as well as eight student composers
from my Composers’ Corner. Having heard The
Firebird in its full orchestral version at Cadogan
Hall earlier in the term, the young composers had
been working on brand new pieces of their own,
and they were fortunate enough to hear a group of
professional musicians rehearsing and performing
their pieces in a workshop, followed by a concert.
These new pieces were framed magnificently by
a performance of the fiendishly difficult piano
version of Stravinsky’s original piece by
Christopher Atkinson.
Chris Roe
17
The Art Room Effect
Seeing all pupils as creative beings; the
Art Room of the late twentieth century.
How was it that, under Bob White, the Art Room
nurtured so many very successful creative
professionals in the 1970s and 1980s? Andrew
Burton, artist and Professor of Fine Art at
Newcastle University, recently wrote to me: ‘When
I remember Sevenoaks, it is certainly the Art
department I think of first of all. There was a
wonderfully relaxed and yet rigorous atmosphere,
more akin to being at art school than at secondary
school. There is no doubt that the art staff, Bob
White, you and Jim Hornsby treated us like adults,
and expected commensurate behaviour in return.
It was a creative place, and one was encouraged to
pursue one’s individual creativity in an energetic
and ambitious way. It’s quite amazing that we
18
FEATURES
were able to construct little dens, private studios
with all the trappings these bring. This all makes it
sound too informal and laid-back, but it wasn’t –
somehow an ethos of being an artist was
inculcated.’
Film maker and OS Adam Curtis, interviewed
on Film Comment by Chris Darke in 2011, said
the following:
‘Darke: Wikipedia tells me something about your
schooldays and the Art Room at Sevenoaks School
in Kent. You’re named down along with future
luminaries of Gang of Four and the Mekons... and
[Paul] Greengrass… So were you all knocking
around together, listening to the same music,
imbibing the same cultural ideas?
‘Curtis: No, we all had very different tastes. But
basically, this happens in schools, there was a very
good art master who dominated that art room and
used it as a space to protect people he thought
could be encouraged. It was just a very, very good
space to romp around in, both in terms of art but
also content. What I learnt from Bob White was
that art and content are indivisible. He introduced
me to Robert Rauschenberg, the painter, whom
I was really interested in, who’s always been a big
influence. So he was a really good teacher and…
you see the same influence in the experimentation
of [the guitarist and music producer] Andy Gill.’
In 1965 the Art department staff consisted of Bob
White, his wife and an ever-open door opposite
the Little Theatre. But the department soon moved
on to its present location and continued to reform,
as did the school. Provision for the recruitment of
talented local children was an important factor too
and Paul Greengrass was certainly one of this
number. I also remember reading in The Alternative
Guide to Public Schools at the time that Sevenoaks
School was a place preferred by parents from arts
and media professions. This idea was certainly
supported by attendance figures at Founder’s Day
art shows, which were frequented by large
numbers of parents, friends and teachers from
other schools engaged in art talk, long after
everyone else had departed.
Bob White taught at Sevenoaks for 37 years. He
had been exceptionally gifted as a youngster, being
admitted to The Slade from Ardingly College at
the age of 16, and he saw all pupils as creative
beings. The widest range of opportunity was
offered, so that those who avoided a paintbrush
could use a camera or clay. Standards were high in
every area. The darkroom was never quiet; students
printed their photographs whilst listening to
anything from Prokofiev to punk. The TV studio
was often completely silent by contrast, and within
this space students could learn a number of video
and audio production roles with Jim Hornsby, who
taught at the school during the 1970s. I ran the
ceramics studio which was busy before assembly
and still going at dusk. Life class took place on
Thursday evenings for staff, parents, friends and
pupils who crowded into the TV studio with a
model who usually defended her personal space
and dignity with stoicism. As the staffing expanded
further, Bob recruited artists, believing that they
offered a cutting edge that teachers might not have.
Even the technician was a creative presence.
There was further expansion when Bob
experimented with a seventh term Sixth Form
Foundation Course and craftsmen in residence, in
conjunction with the Crafts Council. These ranged
from a weaver and a guitar maker, to a
photographer, blacksmith and green wood furniture
maker. By 1983, the faculty was confident in a full
range of subjects from Art & Design to Architecture
and Design Technology. It is not surprising that
Sevenoaks students’ work became increasingly
interdisciplinary, as exemplified in the work of
Simon Starling (OS 1986), who won the Tate’s
Turner Prize in 2005.
There are large numbers of Old Sennockians from
this era who have not become household names, of
course, but who have developed and practised their
art in their work to this day. The list extends to
every kind of creative profession. I hope I have
shown here how contemporary culture coincided
vibrantly with the ethos of a confident independent
school which was harnessing the expertise of the
best possible artist teachers. The great extent to
which these teachers were able to effectively
communicate their passion and skills to receptive
and dedicated students allows us to refer to their
experiences as ‘the Art Room effect’.
Chris Thomas
Teacher of Art 1976-1983; Head of Art 1999-2012
19
Old Sennockian Artists
John Coppinger
John Coppinger (OS 1966) has worked in museums,
television and the British Film industry, primarily as
a sculptor and designer. This has also involved mould
making, painting, prop making and the occasional
cameo performances as a Wookiee Senator, a stand-in
mummy or the eyes of Jabba the Hutt!
My time at Sevenoaks School was an extraordinary
privilege; especially being witness to its
transformation by LC (Kim) Taylor. I particularly
remember Mr Taylor taking time to help me
personally: I wanted to study both Arts and
Sciences at A-level and he tried to make that
possible. Halfway through the course I switched
from science to the arts and encountered no little
confusion. At that point I was rescued by Bob
White, the Head of Art, who encouraged me to
make sculpture and actively helped me with art
college applications and career advice.
Jabba the Hutt colour sketch
approved by George Lucas
20
FEATURES
Armed with a Diploma in Art and Design from
Saint Martin’s School of Art, I won a post as a
scientific model maker at London’s Natural History
Museum, working directly with scientists and
exploring new artistic methods and materials. This
was ideal training for the new field of Animatronics
when Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal began hiring in
the UK. A golden age of make-up effects followed;
giving me the chance to work on major films and
characters. My two favourites (beauty and the
beast!) have to be the Diva, from The Fifth Element,
and Jabba the Hutt in Star Wars Episode VI: The
Return of the Jedi. In recent years my partner, Nicole,
and I have made props for the Royal Institution
Christmas lectures; a fascinating and theatrical
synergy between art and science.
I count my time at Sevenoaks and the influence
of Kim Taylor, Bob White, several other masters
and my friends as the most fortunate start in both
life and work.
Lucy Cousins
Lucy Cousins (OS 1982) is an illustrator and author.
After leaving Sevenoaks, she studied art at foundation,
undergraduate and postgraduate level at Canterbury
College, Brighton University and the Royal College of
Art. Her Maisy Mouse books have seen worldwide
success, and in 2006 Maisy appeared on Royal Mail and
US Postal Services stamps. Lucy’s awards include the
Bologna Ragazzi Non-Fiction Prize 1997, the National
Art Illustration Award 1997 (Highly Commended) and
the Smarties Book Prize in 2002.
In 1990, I created a children’s book with a character
called Maisy. Since then I have written and
illustrated many more books about Maisy as well
as several other books, which have been translated
into 27 languages.
I wanted to be an artist from as early as I can
remember. When I joined the Sixth Form in 1980
the Art department was a revelation, a dream.
It was, in my opinion, the place to be. I loved the
buzz of the creative, interesting and occasionally
rebellious people who gathered there. At my
previous school art had not been considered an
important subject, but at Sevenoaks, Bob White,
who ran the Art department, made it a truly
inspirational place. As well as developing my
drawing and painting, I was introduced to the
delights of silk-screen and lino printing, sculpture,
photography, mural painting, graphic design,
pottery and weaving. Bob would set us a project
every couple of weeks, with widely varying
themes, and then our work would be put on the
wall for one of Bob’s ‘crits’. Earning praise from
Bob White was one of my main ambitions.
Bob’s projects were great. Each A-level pupil had
to paint a large mural in the Sixth Form Common
Room. We made sculptures for the driveway on
Founder’s Day. Silk-screen prints covered the
walls. I have just been looking at some of the work
I kept from my school days, and rediscovered a
poster I designed for a school production of Lark
Rise to Candleford, and another for a recital of 18th
century flute music.
I loved being an art student, and went on to spend
six years at art college, taking a foundation course
at Canterbury, a degree in graphic design at
Brighton and an MA at the Royal College of Art.
I was at the RCA when I first created a children’s
book, about a penguin, and found what I really
wanted to be doing. A college project to make a
flap book later became the first ‘Maisy’ book.
I work in my studio at home, and that has given
me the flexibility to muddle through bringing up
my four children, managed only with the support
of my partner, Stephen Rock (OS 1982), whom
I first met, aged 16, at Sevenoaks School.
21
© Bernard Pretorius
Jonathan Lloyd
Above: Jonathan Lloyd
with Icarus
Below: Woodcuts after
Uccello’s Rout of San Romano
Jonathan Lloyd (OS 1981) is a painter, printmaker and
former ice sculptor. He was selected for the 2013 Royal
Academy Summer Exhibition and again this year with
two woodcuts based on Uccello’s Rout of San Romano.
He made brief forays out of ice retirement in 2012 and
2013 to win the London International Ice Sculpting
Competition with Piers Griffin.
I joined the Sixth Form in 1979 on a scholarship,
with no clear idea for my future but a nagging
doubt that I had chosen the wrong combination of
subjects. It soon became apparent that I had no
interest or aptitude for Business Studies so I
contrived ways to spend as much time in the Art
Room as possible. Bob White gave me the chance
to switch to A-level Art and without hesitation
I made my bid for freedom. The idea was roundly
rejected by the Head and my Housemaster, but it
was my Physics teacher, Ken Crowther, who
became instrumental in my eventual success by
encouraging me to dig my heels in. He always
took an interest in what I was doing and I
regard him as the most influential of my teachers
at Sevenoaks.
I went on to study Fine Art at Maidstone and like
many of my fellow graduates have had to face
stark choices about how to fund my chosen path.
With parenthood looming there was mounting
pressure to get a proper job and I reluctantly found
myself working in an ice sculpture factory in rural
Kent. Controversially, I brought a new approach of
tight composition to an industry that was still
dominated by pastry chefs and stylistically parked
in the 1970s. I was soon poached by the more
forward-thinking Ice Box in London to train a team
of sculptors and they gave me a remarkable
amount of artistic freedom to develop ways of
carving which were as much about engineering as
draughtsmanship. We used all our skills to make
things look simple and for our competitors this
was an equation that didn’t compute; you had to
come to The Ice Box to learn it.
Ten years working in a freezer was enough though;
I longed to get back to painting and in 2004 we
uprooted from Benenden with three young
children to move to Northumberland and escape
the clutches of a lucrative career. My focus (or
affliction) is and always has been painting, but it’s
taken over 30 years to gain any real traction in this
field. My Headmaster’s scepticism was essentially
well-founded, but he also understood the inherent
value of stubborn determination.
www.jplloyd.co.uk
22
FEATURES
SIMON STARLING
Simon Starling (OS 1986) is a conceptual artist. After
leaving Sevenoaks, he studied photography and art at
Maidstone College of Art, Trent Polytechnic
Nottingham and Glasgow School of Art. In 2005 he
won the Turner Prize for Shedboatshed, which involved
taking a wooden shed, turning it into a boat, sailing it
down the Rhine, then turning it back into a shed. His
work can be seen in galleries across the world.
Top left: Autoxylopyrocycloboros,
2006. A self-consuming boat.
38 colour transparencies (6 x 7),
Götschmann medium format
slide projector, flight case.
Top right: Phantom Ride, 2013,
HD video projection (loop),
Tate Britain
For me the Sevenoaks School Art department was
all about feeling connected to the wider world, the
world beyond the parking lot panorama of the
semi-subterranean Art Room. Those connections
came primarily through three fantastic members
of staff who were the driving force behind the
department.
There was the charismatic and somewhat aloof
Bob White, the then Head of Department, whose
straggly long hair and well-lived-in face were
alone enough to make an aspiring teenage artist
feel somehow connected – connected to what, you
were perhaps never quite sure. What we did know
was that Bob’s son was in a fantastically cool band
and that he had an ‘art practice’ above and beyond
his teaching position.
Then there was the mercurial Simon Evans, a
part-time DJ, folk music fan and morris dancer,
who ran the photographic darkrooms.
Photography has always been central to my
activities as an artist but over and above that,
Simon opened up a whole world of grassroots
culture to me, the complexity and depth of which
was a revelation.
Finally, and no doubt most significantly, my time
at Sevenoaks was most deeply marked by the
arrival of a young and extraordinarily gifted and
energetic teacher, Graham Coupe. Graham, who
came pretty much fresh from studying at London’s
Goldsmiths College, was hugely influential on me,
opening up a range of possibilities, constantly
pushing new books under my nose, tipping me off
about the best exhibitions to see in London and
perhaps most importantly, making me feel that my
interests really mattered, that they shouldn’t be
understood as peripheral or extra-curricular. With
his openness, generosity and sense of excitement,
Graham, I think, also taught me how to teach –
something that has also been important to my
development as an artist in recent years. With this
team behind me, I was able to handle the move
into the socially and politically more complex
realm of art education with a degree of confidence
and conviction.
23
Celia Pym
Celia Pym (OS 1996) is an artist working with
knitting, darning and embroidery. She recently
exhibited in No Excuse For What I Do In Private at
Delicious Spectacle in Washington DC, Cloth &
Memory {2} at Salts Mill, Saltaire and in UFO:
Unfinished Object Project Administration at Prick
Your Finger in Bethnal Green. She teaches part-time
and runs workshops with ReachOutRCA at the Royal
College of Art.
Top left: Vermont (2011), wool;
top right: Mended Norwegian
Sweater (2010), damaged
sweater from Annemor Sundbo’s
Ragpile Collection, wool darning,
(photograph by Michele Panzeri).
24
I am making a series of plaid drawings at the
moment. These are daily drawings, made with Tria
Marker felt pens (a lovely brand from Japan that
produce really saturated colour). I make them by
laying down horizontal lines and then vertical
lines on top, looking for the colour combinations
that occur when the colours cross. They are quite
slow to make, deceptively easy and really fun.
They are an excellent exercise for seeing and
feeling colour.
FEATURES
I was making similar drawings when I was a
student at Sevenoaks School, so that’s where the
roots of these drawings stem from. I realise too
that they remind me of learning to make windings
for weavings. Lesley Millar taught weaving at
Sevenoaks and the weaving studio was one of my
favourite places to be when I was there. I joined
Sevenoaks School in the Sixth Form. I really
wanted to go to Sevenoaks because of their Art
department, which looked messy and exciting to
me. Ollie Barratt was Head of Art and a brilliant
teacher. Discovering the weaving studio and
Lesley was an amazing and added bonus. What
both Lesley and Ollie modelled was a way of
living as an artist. You could work late, play music,
do life drawing and I learnt that you can work in a
serious but playful way.
I went on to study sculpture and then completed
an MA in textiles at the RCA. I loved my time at
Sevenoaks, and have maintained close
relationships with both Ollie and Lesley, and
continue to feel supported by them. Some of my
work was included in a remarkable exhibition
Lesley curated last year, Cloth & Memory {2}.
www.celiapym.com
GOING ON TO STUDY AR T: Joshua Henshaw
Joshua left Sevenoaks in 2010.
He studied Art History at Nottingham
University from 2011 to 2014 and has
begun an MSc in Entrepreneurship.
When I left Sevenoaks I feared that I would never
again receive such imaginative and inspiring
teaching; I was wrong. You may read in the press
about the lack of interest that university teachers
have in their undergraduates, but the University
of Nottingham, and specifically their Art History
Department, gave me the three greatest years
of my academic life. There are perhaps many
suppositions about what a degree in Art History is.
What it is not is a degree that simply looks at
pretty paintings, as some detractors would have it.
Granted we are exposed to some magnificent
works of art, but it is also a degree that equips all
its participants with a rigorously analytical
approach to thinking and creative problem-solving,
with a focus on the value of written and spoken
communication. The strength of the Art History
Department at Nottingham University is its
lecturers, who are not only highly regarded in their
academic field but also exceptional teachers who
understand how to bridge the gap between school
and university.
Alongside my passion for the Italian Renaissance
I have been introduced to a variety of periods,
mediums and artistic theories, all of which have
added to my knowledge and stretched my
intellect. In a world where students are required to
pay such large tuition fees it is tempting to pursue
a more obviously vocational route, or to assume
that a degree in Art History will only lead to work
in a gallery or museum. While for some art
historians this is the case, others of us have chosen
to use the skills that the degree has offered us in a
wide range of ways. I therefore have decided to
stay at Nottingham and to read for an MSc in
Entrepreneurship. I can already see many ways in
which I can synthesise my interest in Art History,
and the skills it has taught me, with my
forthcoming MSc.
Joshua Henshaw
25
Three Sevenoaks School pupils were recognised in this year’s
Royal Academy A-level Summer Exhibition Online; one of the
greatest accolades in the art world for students aged 16-18.
26
FEATURES
Selected by the Royal Academy
American Hedonists by Olivia Storey (Upper Sixth)
was one of the 36 works selected for the Royal
Academy A-level Summer Exhibition Online
winners’ gallery, while two Lower Sixth students
saw their work shortlisted among 70 commended
entries: Isabel Law’s collagraph print Human and
Rory Alexander’s linocut St Andrew Undershaft.
These pieces were among 1280 submissions from
361 schools, prepared by student artists aged 16-18
studying for A-level, IB, Higher or BTEC. Works
are entered from all over the UK and showcase
a rich variety of styles and media, from drawing
and video to sculpture, prints, photography and
painting. The A-level Summer Exhibition Online
coincides with the Royal Academy Summer
Exhibition, and having one’s work chosen is
one of the greatest accolades in the art world of
this age group.
Below are Olivia’s reflections on her work and her
reaction to being selected for the exhibition.
Left: Human, Isabel Law.
Collagraph
Top right: St Andrew Undershaft,
Rory Alexander. Linocut
Bottom right: American
Hedonists, Olivia Storey
Oil, canvas
The painting American Gothic by Grant Wood has
always interested me as I always had lots of
questions about the work like: Who are the people?
Where are they? Why do they look so sombre? Are
they married? How are they related? Therefore,
when presented with the theme of identity and the
challenge of recreating a well-known painting, I
decided to take the opportunity to impose my own
identity on this piece. My passion aside from art is
free skiing, which involves risk-taking, creativity
and a certain hedonistic quality. The stark contrast
between the worlds of the farmer and his daughter
in Wood’s painting, and those of the vibrant and
crazy world of free skiing appeared to be the
perfect contrast, and almost crazy enough to work.
It is no secret that American Gothic is one of the
most parodied paintings in the world, but I have
never been a person that has overtly tried to be
different, just for the sake of being different.
Personally I feel proud of this piece as it indirectly
shows a part of me and above all, it was fun to
paint and I believe it is quite fun to look at too.
Olivia Storey, Upper Sixth
alevel.royalacademy.org.uk
27
Reflections on a first year at Sevenoaks
This is something I have also noticed in Sevenoaks
School’s Art department since I joined in
September 2013. My colleagues are passionate
about their individual areas of expertise. My
students are enthusiastic, dynamic and articulate.
Both groups are generally keen on culture, the
visual image and a good debate. This makes for
rich and exciting lessons in which I have been
delighted with the students’ ability to clearly
articulate their views on the power of the image in
the world around them. This is a world where
being able to communicate on a visual level is a
massive advantage.
‘Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing
mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes.
Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for
your being here. Make. Good. Art.’
Neil Gaiman
‘Art is literacy of the heart’
Elliot Eisner
Art is at the core of all that I do. It is my job, my
passion, my experience of the world around me.
I respond visually; I’m stressed therefore I must
paint, I’m bored therefore I must draw, I’m excited
therefore I must carve. I discuss the work my
students are making and reflect on what the work
suggests and on how it may be received. To be
moved and challenged and to obsess about art on
a weekly, daily and moment-by-moment basis
is something which I feel able to share
enthusiastically with my students.
Angels and Lumens
by Emma Delpech
My Sixth Form students are engaged in a wide
variety of experiments with materials. They are
bold and thoughtful. Whilst one is philosophical,
using delicate transparent and opaque fibres to
represent the modern preoccupation with
overpopulated cityscapes, another is building a
semi-abstract figure combining human and
architectural forms. There is a genuine sense of the
pleasure of making and the joy of being the creator.
This evolution of ideas is based on a response to
the work of artists, but could potentially progress
to become independent, dynamic, experimental
and ambitious.
At the other end of the school I have seen my
Year 7 and 8 students building on their knowledge
of a range of materials and techniques. Students
here are very busy. But it appears to be an
enjoyable, fulfilling and rich world in which these
young people learn and contribute. Their views are
often entertaining, their brains full of ideas, and
they know that they matter. They are the artists,
economists, politicians, lawyers, surgeons of the
future. Working with these young people is a
privilege. Guiding them creatively is an experience
which impacts hugely on my own work. Whilst
this is a new chapter in my teaching career, I feel
sure that it will be a very happy one, and I hope
that I will be able to bring out the best in my
students, for I know that, simultaneously, they
affect my work and creativity.
Emma Delpech
28
FEATURES
SPOTLIGHTS
FOUNDER’s day
This year’s Founder’s Day was a celebration of
service and its vital place in the school curriculum.
The Head, Katy Ricks, opened the proceedings by
recalling some of the ‘random acts of kindness’
that have helped in the development of the school
over the years, from the provision of a shark’s
skull to the Park Grange estate. These generous
donations are today echoed in the actions of our own
students who give time and effort to fundraising,
and make such an important contribution to our
many service initiatives. The Head then introduced
the guest speaker Tim Child (OS 1981), who
presented the awards to this year’s prizewinners.
Tim Child is Chief Executive of the Optima Energy
Group. He has worked tirelessly for homeless
charities in the UK, including Crisis and Deptford
Reach. Mr Child began by remembering his own
Speech Day of 1981 and the breadth of education
that he enjoyed at Sevenoaks. Noting happily that
the soul of the school has not changed in the last
33 years, he applauded the 18,000 hours of service
that the students complete every year. He then
painted a harrowing picture of what it means to be
homeless, exhorting the audience never to forget
30
SPOTLIGHTS
how lucky they are. Describing his own efforts in
modest terms, he acknowledged that he felt
uncomfortable with the term ‘philanthropy’,
although he approved of its etymology from the
Greek, meaning love of our fellow man. With such
an attitude, he reminded us, we can all do ‘our
own little bit’ to change the world for the better.
Mr Child finished his powerful speech by recalling
one particular foundling from 600 years ago,
William Sevenoke, who gratefully gave something
back to his own community by establishing a
school and almshouses. And that, he concluded, is
why we are all here today.
The final address was given by Nicholas Gould,
the Chairman of Governors. Mr Gould thanked
Mr Child and expressed his gratitude to all
members of the school, before describing some of
the exciting plans for the future of the school
campus. He then congratulated the Head on the
imminent award of her doctorate, before closing
the proceedings to enjoy the entertainment and
a buffet lunch.
Andy Waldron
The new Lower School Common
Room opened in September,
to a warm welcome from Years 7 and 8
who enjoyed their first games of table
football and pool, and relaxed on the
smart new chairs.
New YoungSox
This was the culmination of six months’ work to
provide a new Lower School social area, replacing
the old YoungSox common room and Meeting
House, introducing improved seating in the Little
Theatre, and providing an open-air play area.
Additional facilities in the new Common Room
include a large flat screen and, outside, a surfaced
area for football, basketball or netball, a terrace
area for benches and an outdoor table-tennis table.
At the official opening ceremony, the Chairman of
Governors and the Head addressed the assembled
gathering of Lower School students and tutors.
Musical entertainment was provided by Alex
Huisman with a rendition of songs from Les
Misérables and Camille Driessen who sang ‘Caro
Mio Ben’ by Giordani. Both were accompanied by
Matthew Cook on the keyboards.
Phil de May
31
BBC Young Musician
Sophie Westbrooke won the
Woodwind category final of
BBC Young Musician 2014,
and was one of the three
competitors selected for the
final, broadcast from the
Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
© BBC
32
SPOTLIGHTS
Looking back to September, when I first decided to
enter BBC Young Musician, it seems worlds away. I
never, ever, in a million years would have thought
I would get to the final. I genuinely didn’t even
think I’d make it through the first round. It was
just so out of reach – the kind of thing you think
‘imagine if...’ but stop yourself to come back to
reality. Yet somehow it actually happened. And it
still hasn’t sunk in.
BBC Young Musician is like no other competition
in the country, and certainly not like anything I’ve
ever done before. I was apprehensive about
entering at first, as I knew how high the standard
was and didn’t feel I was ready, but my teacher
Barbara Law, at the Junior Royal Academy of
Music, and my good friend Charlotte
Barbour-Condini, 2012 competition finalist,
reassured me that no matter how far I got in the
competition it would be a great experience.
I work better when I have a goal to focus on, so
this seemed a perfect opportunity to force me to
really think about my programmes and my
performance. I learnt something new and gained
confidence in each round, and had to raise my
game another level as the challenges became more
and more testing. It was a steep learning curve for
me and pretty much took over my life for almost
a full school year, but it was completely and
utterly worth it.
I was very lucky throughout the competition to
have the support of some very experienced
people who served as calming influences. Barbara
and Charlotte played key roles in guiding me
through everything, as having been through it all
before, they understood the ups and downs of
the competition.
Crucial to my success in the competition, I feel,
was my decision from an early stage to exploit my
love of the collaborative element of music to my
advantage. In this way I wanted to show a
versatility which I hoped would be unique. I was
lucky to have worked with four amazing
musicians throughout the competition who were
so friendly, encouraging and comforting that
I hardly felt nervous on stage with them. In the
second round my accompanists were Sam Tsang
(guitar) and Daniel King-Smith (piano) and in
the Category Finals and Semi Finals I was
accompanied by David Gordon (harpsichord) and
Carl Herring (guitar). In rehearsals we were able
to bounce ideas off each other and develop a
cohesive, effective programme with such ease that
I had every confidence that I would be able to
showcase everything I needed to in the time
allowed. This in turn made it easier for me to relax
and focus on performing to the best of my ability.
I never saw the whole event as a competition:
I was never in it to win it, so to speak, and I
genuinely expected each round to be my last.
This meant I was able to relax and that I could give
each performance everything I had, without
worrying if it was good enough to beat the other
contestants. I viewed it as a fantastic opportunity
to play music I loved in amazing venues and
improve my musicianship as much as possible.
The other contestants, especially in the final, were
really friendly and as we were going through
exactly the same thing, we never ran out of things
to talk about. I admire them greatly as musicians
and as people and feel lucky to have met them.
I know that the competition has taught me so
much, and I feel like I have matured dramatically
as a performer and a musician. As a result I now
feel ready to take on more challenges in the future.
It was the most daunting and yet the most
rewarding experience of my life, and although
I know I made countless mistakes along the way
I wouldn’t change it for the world. So thank you to
everyone involved in helping me through this, for
giving me the experience of a lifetime.
Sophie Westbrooke, Year 10
Sophie was the only recorder player to reach the
Woodwind Category Final, in which she performed
Meditation (Hirose), Lamento di Tristano (Anon),
La rotta della Manfredina (Anon), Sonata Prima
(Castello) and Choro (David Gordon). She was also
a guest on Radio 3’s In Tune. The winner of BBC
Young Musician 2014 was pianist Martin James
Bartlett and the other finalist was percussionist
Elliott Gaston-Ross.
33
© HM The Queen and British Ceremonial Arts Limited
In a year which saw Sevenoaks win the
TES Science Award and join a power
networking event at Buckingham Palace,
the Director of Innovation reflects on how
the Science and Technology Faculty goes
from strength to strength.
34
SPOTLIGHTS
In June I was invited to attend Tech at the Palace,
a private reception at Buckingham Palace with the
Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of
Cambridge, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke
of Kent to celebrate the UK Technology Industry.
Over 350 of the UK’s most successful technologists
were invited in a bid to provide a ‘power
networking’ opportunity to enhance and further
technological advancement in industry and
education. This was an ideal opportunity to make
contact with some inspiring and forward-thinking
individuals and we hope that some of them might
visit us in the future as guest speakers or
workshop leaders.
Science and Technology developments at Sevenoaks
Department. Activities are varied and exciting,
enthralling our students and encouraging them
to pursue higher education and careers in science
and technology.
We are embarking on new and exciting projects
leading up to the unveiling of the new Science &
Technology Centre which is currently in the design
stages. Our annual Science Week has provided a
showcase event in which to celebrate STEM
subjects and we have sought to provide compelling
‘headline acts’. These have been as varied as Titan
the Robot in 2010, the live link with the
International Space Station in 2011, an aeronautical
engineering and air display in 2012, the
Bloodhound Supersonic Car in 2013 and the
Sustainability Week in 2014.
In July, Sevenoaks School was presented with
the TES Science Award. The TES Awards recognise
the extraordinary innovation, dedication and hard
work of those schools, individuals and teams who
are making a real difference to the lives of future
generations. Sevenoaks was recognised for our
Science Weeks which reach out not just to our own
students but also to thousands of other local
children. The judges commented, ‘This was a fine
example of the work an independent school can do
with its wider community.’
The TES Science Award is a prestigious and
sought-after accolade, and a perfect way to show
my appreciation to the absolutely superb science
teachers with whom I have had the pleasure of
working over the last five years. It is their hard
work, commitment and passion that make
achievements like this possible, and I feel very
lucky to have been part of such a sensational team.
Following the introduction of new government
initiatives that have revamped the national
curriculum in Technology and Computing, we will
soon be unveiling our new and exciting Sevenoaks
School Certificate in Robotics (see the Academic
Review pages). We have been working with
Buckingham Palace to promote the 2015 Science
and Digital Skills Week. We are actively working
with the Duke of York and his team and hope to
host another free event similar to previous years,
albeit with a slightly different focus.
The event is still in its infancy, but with interest
from the UK Space Agency, Maggie Philbin,
Airbus Defence and Space and many other
influential and key players in industry the week
is filling up with some very special opportunities
for students and staff.
Graeme Lawrie
The Science and Technology Faculty, which
consists of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Technology and Sports Science departments, is one
of the largest in the school with over 40 teaching
staff, eight technicians and five Heads of
35
Can Do Too!
stitches; along with clever rhymes and a catchy
melody packed with imagination and humour,
these teachers also proved to have an appetite for
risk, with caricatures of the Head’s office! In a
more muted mood, Mr Smith captivated his
audience with a nostalgic arrangement of Bruce
Springsteen’s ‘Dancing in the Dark’ while Mrs
Stuart’s romantic rendition of ‘Fly Me to the Moon’
would have met with the approval of Sarah
Vaughan herself. Another female vocalist who
showed true talent was Mrs Dyer, particularly as
a harmony singer.
In ‘classic’ Iberian style, the Spanish department
went to town, or rather, went to the beach, with a
delightful dance number, dressed in Speedos and
make-believe bikinis. The department performed
a hilarious dance routine accompanied by the song
‘Vamos a la playa’ as inflatable beach balls flew
over the audience.
Sean Holden
impersonating Elvis
In the last week of an arduous Summer term, the
Pamoja Hall hosted the Teachers’ Concert, Can Do
Too!, to ensure that the school year ended on a
great high. This charity event was one of our most
delightful performances in 2013-14, with a talented
cast of singers, dancers and composers.
As it had been four years since the inaugural ‘Can
Do’ concert, expectations were high. The lights in
the theatre were dimmed while a full house of
students waited unsuspectingly. Was this going to
be a night filled with generationally afflicted jokes
or improvised performances? Were our teachers
really prepared to expose their talents and be
judged? My questions were answered within the
opening minutes when Monsieur Coquelin strutted
on stage with a smug grin and a tucked-out shirt
to set the tone as the compère for the evening.
Among the early performers were Mr Drury,
Mr Rands-Webb and Mr Cook performing their
composition of ‘That’s what we go to school for’.
It was a satirical number that had the audience in
36
SPOTLIGHTS
In another remarkable performance, the new and
improved ‘Spice Girls’ defied the old-fashioned
notions about scientists and mathematicians…they
really rocked. Maths at school will forever be
linked with Dr Levine’s Union Jack skirt! The
ladies demonstrated serious dance skills and were
the envy of many a shy student.
The guys and gals from Grease performed an
enjoyable titbit led by the exceptionally talented
Mr Drury, supported by his greasers including
Mr Tetley. Shortly after, Mr Connell, a popular
musician at the school, perpetuated his rocker
image accompanied by his fellow house assistant,
Mr Russell, who received a huge applause from
the boisterous IC boys in the front rows.
The concert ended with a well-deserved standing
ovation and over £3000 raised for charity. Despite
sometimes capricious microphones in The Space
and demanding rehearsals required for the concert,
the teachers proved that they truly Can Do Too!
Jamie Deverall
An Evening with Nigel Connell
Listening in to the conversation we were moved
rapidly amongst the unexpected: bus-driving in
Glasgow; reminders of war and flower power in
the 1960s; dark sarcasm as a teaching tool; family
joys; the rewards of the IC. All this helped reveal
what has made Nigel special as a person and
special as a teacher. He exemplifies that education,
like life, requires oddness to keep it vital. He is
fond of the quote that schools and children ‘need
that kind of eccentric nutter’ and we can all agree
that he provides that while, at the same time,
‘delivering the goods’.
On Friday 25 April, an audience of staff and students
enjoyed an unusual concert featuring Nigel Connell,
housemaster of the IC, who retired this summer after
nearly 30 years at Sevenoaks.
If the audience thought they knew what to expect,
then that expectation was already being challenged
as they waited for the show to begin. We were
presented with a cosy little domestic interior –
comfy chair and sofa, table, rug, standard lamp
suitable for a one-act play, perhaps, or an episode
of a sitcom. This mini-stage setting, however, was
dwarfed by the larger stage setting of the Pamoja
Hall itself where, to one side was a drum kit which
was screened off, albeit the screen was transparent.
And, ranged along the front of the stage were a
series of microphones with one of them set at the
height for a singing dwarf.
As the lights dimmed, our host for the evening, a
faultlessly charming Chris Dyer, introduced Nigel
Connell who, to a massive cheer, launched into a
superb rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘The Times They
Are A-Changin’ and we knew we were in for
something special.
The vehicle for this celebration of Nigel’s life and
times was the format of the BBC radio show Desert
Island Discs, in which the individual’s life is told,
interspersed with eight pieces that have personal
significance. As a reflection of the man himself,
Nigel’s choice was eclectic and always interesting.
Having been treated to the full range of Nigel’s
conversational style – from extremely funny
one-liners and humorous anecdotes, through
observations on running a successful boarding
house, to penetrating analyses of education in
general and the modern evolution of the school,
he picked up his guitar and played. Chris Dyer
transformed himself into a versatile accompanist
on double bass and then flute, and various
members of the audience with talent and beauty
(together with an uncomfortable second guitarist)
joined him for a couple of numbers.
The evening, sometimes strange, sometimes
surreal, always enjoyably provocative, ended,
appropriately enough, with Nigel centre-stage.
He gave us one last surprise: a song that most
of us had never heard before, Chet Atkins’ ‘I Still
Can’t Say Goodbye’. The choice and his voice
expressed that this one came to us straight
from the heart.
Tony Stuart
Nigel’s selection of discs:
1. I’m The Lonely One – Cliff Richard
2. Chanson Pour L’Auvergnat – Georges Brassens
3. Another Brick In The Wall – Pink Floyd
4. Just Like A Woman – Bob Dylan
5. Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones
6. Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield
7. Those Were The Days – Mary Hopkin
8. Happiness Is A Warm Gun – The Beatles
Book Choice: The Art Of Losing – Rebecca Connell
Luxury item: Guitar (of course!)
37
A Year in Sennocke House
From settling in and socials
to Stealth, shooting, service and sewing.
Sennocke House was built in the grounds of The
Old House, now the Girls’ International House,
and was completed in 1986. Architecturally, the
modern building blends in well with the existing
period properties and, as a purpose-built boarding
house, is able to provide light, airy rooms for 60
girls aged 13 to 18. We were extremely fortunate
to have had a much-needed renovation during the
summer of 2013 with every inch of the house
improved, from new furniture in every dorm to
new carpets, curtains and lighting. We overlook an
extensive garden to the south and enjoy views of
Knole House and its parkland; as a result,
Sennocke House is a lively and stimulating place
in which to live and learn.
Life within the house sees a friendly mixing
of year groups as the Sixth Form supports the
younger girls and organises house activities.
We are also a diverse house, reflecting the
international feel of the school, in that over half
the girls either live abroad or are themselves
38
SPOTLIGHTS
foreign nationals. The combined talents and
experiences of the girls are enormous and their
interests range from art to Zumba!
As the new students arrived at the very end of
August we arranged a plethora of activities to help
settle them in. The ‘big sisters’ made cookies with
the Year 9s and there were games and offerings of
popcorn and sweets. Each boarding house hosted a
year group ‘social’ on the first Saturday evening in
order for them to either meet for the first time, or
for those returning to catch up on the news of the
summer. The full boarding trip on the first Sunday
is always a treat, and it falls very near my birthday
every year! There is no better way of confirming
my youthfulness than with a three-second ride on
Stealth at Thorpe Park!
We chose the theme of Arabian Nights for our
Christmas Ball which attracted genies, belly
dancers and a whole host of exotic outfits. I am
always impressed with how much effort the
students put into these events; sewing bright
cushion covers, creating Bedouin tents from a bit
of cloth and string, and sourcing tropical trees and
plants to transform the Dining Hall into an oasis.
In the Michaelmas term,
a landmark
The Lentthe
term,school
as always,hosted
brings Valentine’s
Day
and our Year 11 charity event; the selling of
dinner
tocards
celebrate
carnations.
Valentine’s
are sold inthe
their 50th
thousands to all members of the school. The girls
anniversary
of sorting
the founding
spend a whole
evening reading,
and tying
the cards onto red carnations which are then
International
Centre
deliveredof
to the
each person
in their tutor rooms
the
following morning. We raise approximately £2000
Boarding House.
for different charities annually. This year our
donation was made to the Hospice in the Weald.
Sennocke is full of talented young women who
have many varied interests including music,
debating, drama, and sport both in and out of
school. The list of accolades is lengthy; to choose
but a few we have Pro Corda finalists, National
Youth Orchestra members, shooting team aces,
leading ladies, and even a polo player! When it
comes to school charity events, the Sennocke girls
move in force. Many of them help with activities at
Valence School and teaching primary school
children. They also like to tap into their creative
side and several have made contributions to the
school literary magazine, Verve.
Despite the challenging and demanding nature of
a busy school, the girls of Sennocke House still
manage to find time to let their hair down.
Activities include racing each other on Mario cars,
knitting (yes some of them actually do), cooking
up some interesting international dishes and
internet shopping! The girls’ zest and enthusiasm
is certainly matched by the staff who work in
Sennocke House. Whether it’s Matron’s tea parties,
Mrs Edwards’s vegan baking, Miss Pearson’s
rounders matches on the lawn, Miss Fayaud’s
knitting club, Miss Bonsall’s discussion on
recycling, Miss Sassen’s general capacity to be
energetic all of the time, or my carefully
constructed Break Up Suppers, the young women
of Sennocke House have a range of excellent role
models to look up to.
Kristine Lewis
39
Private Peaceful
In early February the Lower School staged Simon Reade’s
adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful, which
follows the lives of the two Peaceful brothers before and
during the First World War.
The leading roles of Charlie, Tommo and Molly
were performed by several different actors, who
played the characters at different stages in the
story, giving us a fascinating, nuanced insight into
their lives. As we followed the trio growing up,
maturing and their relationships forming, the
succession of actors literally became older,
reinforcing a sense of their personal development.
This created great sympathy in the second half as
we witnessed their suffering during the Great War
and Charlie’s tragic end. With the sheer scale of
casualties, one can easily lose the sense of personal
detail. However, the young cast’s sensitive and
committed portrayal of this story underlined the
richness and vibrancy of each soldier’s life, and
thus the devastation of such loss.
40
SPOTLIGHTS
This was a challenging play for the Lower School
to bring alive. The actors did a fantastic job of
playing characters much older than themselves.
Not only did they do so with great assurance and
dedication, but their youth also served to enhance
the loss of childhood and innocence in a deeply
moving way.
The performance included two narrator figures
playing the part of Tommo in Flanders (Daisy
Hargreaves and Ben Hancox-Lachman). Despite
being detached from the stage (sat upstairs,
looking down on events from Tommo’s memory),
these two young actors were incredibly convincing
in the emotional connection they made to their
roles and how they conveyed the difficulty of
recounting such a painful past.
Ella Roberts and Eleanor Williams played the
young Tommo and Charlie, who meet their friend
Molly (Louisa Philips). The trio captured the
antics, struggles and innocence of their formative
years. As the characters and their relationship
grew, new actors took over the roles. The romance
between Charlie (Charlotte Foss) and Molly (Molly
Deagle), was charmingly played, whilst Tommo
(Alex Huisman) began to feel left out but
nonetheless devoted to them both. Charlotte and
Annabel Jairaj brought great pathos and dignity to
the role of the Mother of the Peaceful brothers, and
there was also excellent support from Isobel Tucker
as the Colonel and Ellen Parker as Grandma Wolf.
In the second half, Charlie (Cameron Allan) was
reluctant to fight, but Tommo (Finn Tyndall) was
eager to prove himself and follow his brother, and
so joined the army too young. The two actors
showed marvellous dedication and composure in
their characterisation and portrayal of the horrors
of the Western Front. They received excellent
support from Rachel Sparkes (Pete) and Michael
Jacob (Les) playing fellow soldiers on the frontline.
Nell Rudd-Jones showed particular depth of
characterisation and rigour as Nipper. There was
also excellent characterisation from Ilya Pecherskiy
as Sergeant ‘Horrible’ Hanley, Alex Ford as
Lieutenant Buckland, Christian Sayers as Captain
Wilkes, and Mia Hart as the Brigadier.
The battle scenes were staged fantastically well by
the whole ensemble, which included Arthur
Zijdenbos, Mia Shamash and Max Doll, who along
with the rest of cast, manipulated folding tables to
suggest training courses, trenches, dugouts and no
man’s land. They all worked professionally with
vivid sound effects to show the hardships of the
war in gripping and engaging fashion.
Overall, the young cast did themselves proud,
performing to a high standard. Their sense of pride
and commitment to each other and the story was
palpable and endearing. This was a moving,
memorable evening of theatre and fitting way to
commemorate the anniversary year of the outbreak
of the First World War.
Verity Thomson, Lower Sixth
With additional reporting by Gavin Henry
41
AR T ON Campus
This year we commissioned three
distinct but complementary
installations for the school campus.
Currently sited on Claridge House lawn, it will
eventually be positioned on the newly landscaped
Flat. It stands three metres high and is lit up at
night. Thinking Aloud is in many ways a play on
the role of sculpture to make solid the inner
process of the imagination and asserts the right of
students to direct their minds in a multiplicity of
directions. It is enigmatic but purposeful, strong
and elegant, painted in hot orange and warm
yellow. It is full of life, and I hope it will be a
permanent presence in the mind of the school.
Oliver Barratt
Joshua Vaughan
We launched a competition open to BA Sculpture
students at City & Guilds of London Art School for
a new sculpture to be installed on campus. Joshua
Vaughan won the commission and submitted a plan for
a series of seven sculptures, forming a trail across the
grounds. The sculptures were conceived with the
assistance of a Year 9 class, who drew maps that
documented the routes they take about school on a daily
basis. The sculptor used these drawings to dictate the
composition of his pieces, taking the pattern of irregular
rings on the maps and designing and fabricating
multiple units from painted steel.
Oliver BarrAtt
The Parents’ Association commissioned and bought a
sculpture by our Art teacher Oliver Barratt (OS 1979),
a sculptor of national and international reputation.
Thinking Aloud is a large painted bronze sculpture.
It has no single point of view or optimum visual
direction and does not depict a single thought or
statement. However, references can be glimpsed
in its turning shapes. A sparking neuron, or a
complex bone, a molecular cluster or a burning
flame – all are hinted at but never defined. Its
liquid forms turn and flow in a complex of curves
that describe the intuitive but disciplined act of
thinking rather than the thought itself.
The work was commissioned for the heart of a
school campus where open-mindedness and
wide-ranging thinking is not only encouraged
but also is seen as the prime role of education.
42
SPOTLIGHTS
A combination of elements informed me in
developing the work. The writings of Guy Debord,
who contributed to the psychogeography
movement, provided the initial spark of
inspiration, while my interest in topography and
the use of Google Maps drove the formal
development of the structures. A visit to the school,
to get a sense of just how large the grounds are,
allowed me to play with the distribution of the
sculptures so that they took on the content of their
creation; similarly, to discover the work, one has to
walk around the school grounds. Finally, involving
the students was a necessity, given that
psychogeography is about the interaction of the
individual with their surrounding environment.
Joshua Vaughan
Student artists
The Art department launched a competition open to
all pupils, in which entrants were invited to propose
a site-specific design. The winners were Larissa
Castellano (Upper Sixth) and Daisy Hargreaves
(Year 8) who collaborated on their designs of a mosaic.
The text is a reference to St John of Damascus and his
Fountain of Knowledge, literally translating as
‘streaming with gold’. The piece was made by students
from Years 10 and 11 with the assistance of Oliver
Budd, a local mosaic artist.
I was having trouble thinking of something to
draw that had to do with water, so I decided not
to draw anything. I decided that words could be
an art form too, so I did some research for a
famous quote about water. I came across The
Fountain of Knowledge, a book written by John of
Damascus, a Syrian monk. One quote from the
book was ‘streaming with gold’. I particularly
liked this quote as it showed how knowledge is
golden, which I think is true.
Daisy Hargreaves, Year 8
43
History Bee and Bowl
In March, we entered two teams of budding
historians into the History Bee and Bowl of
Britain, an international series encompassing
16 nations around the world.
We are delighted to report that our two teams both
successfully won through to the event final, where
the two teams faced each other in a bid to claim
first place. In a dramatic finale, a predominantly
Year 9 team overcame the Year 10 team in a fitting
conclusion to the day’s play that went down to
tie-break, showing the strength and depth of
historical knowledge on show. Of particular note
was the difficulty of the questions, ranging from
ancient studies to the most contemporary; the
performance of our boys would have put many
History graduates to shame! It is noteworthy too
that both of our teams probably would have won
the Sixth Form competition outright based on their
scores in the qualifying rounds, as their cumulative
scores both outweighed the top two teams in the
Sixth Form final.
44
SPOTLIGHTS
In the individual event, Patrick Nickols performed
with distinction in reaching his sectional final
(winning the earlier rounds with ease), whilst
Ishaan Bhardwaj won outright the Junior Varsity
(Under 16) category, showcasing a hugely
impressive grasp and depth of historical
knowledge. This was a dominant performance,
and was just reward for Ishaan’s incredible
historical knowledge.
As a result of these fine victories, we were invited
to progress to the world finals in both the team
and individual events of the International History
Olympiad to compete against the national
representatives of the other 15 nations taking part
in the series. This takes place next summer at
Princeton in the USA. Congratulations to all
involved on a superb day of historical enterprise.
Sean Reid
Y9 team: Patrick Nickols, Thomas van Issum,
Alexander Buxton-Carda, Finley Dubell,
Ishaan Bhardwaj
Y10 team: Nathaniel Robinson, Daniel Wu,
Cameron McClellan, Sam Lloyd, John Broomfield,
Miles Caven
Leadership Day
In the Summer term, over 40 pupils in their
penultimate year at primary or prep school spent a
day with Sevenoaks Sixth Formers to prepare them
for the leadership roles they would occupy as
Year 6 or Year 8 prefects after the summer holidays.
Being at the top of the school brings exciting
opportunities to take on positions of responsibility
and to be a good role model to younger pupils. On
our Leadership Day we aimed to help the children
understand the qualities and characteristics needed
to be a good leader, whilst remembering that not
all successful and effective leaders have the same
style of leadership! This event was a new venture
for Sevenoaks, and one we hope to repeat as part
of our ongoing partnership with local schools.
A fun-filled training event
for local children.
The pupils came from St Thomas’, Amherst,
Sevenoaks Primary, St Michael’s, The Granville,
New Beacon and Solefields. They were selected for
the day by their schools on a first-come first-served
basis. They worked in small groups, each led by
two of our Sixth Form prefects through a variety of
indoor and outdoor activities. From tasks designed
to improve collaboration, such as getting their
team through a giant ‘spider’s web’, to an
interview skills workshop and the problem-solving
challenge of launching an egg off a balcony
without letting it break, the day was stretching and
fun-filled. The pupils especially liked the activities
which took place outside.
The Sevenoaks students also thoroughly
appreciated the opportunity to participate in a
training event, and they enjoyed sharing the
leadership skills they have developed as prefects in
the Sixth Form. Wing Lau of the Lower Sixth
commented: ‘I had so much fun. Spending time
with the children was as much of a rewarding
experience for me as I hope it was for them. I feel
they are able to learn in a different way with
people who are closer to them in age to how they
would have learnt with a teacher.’
Lorna Dolan
45
Commemorating the First World War
Considering the profound
legacy of the Great War.
Recent months have seen hours of broadcasting
devoted to the First World War and, early in 2014,
attempts to turn the topic, and the way it is taught,
into a political battleground. Much of this coverage
is to be welcomed, particularly when it compels us
to confront the past, appreciate how contested it is,
and consider the profound legacy of the war.
However, there are dangers that we politicise the
conflict by viewing it through the prism of our
own times, and that our commemorations lead to
an anachronistic view of the past which have little
to do with those who fought in the First World War.
Avoiding an Anglocentric view:
This booklet contains satirical
drawings of the Austrian
Emperor Franz Joseph I and of
soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian
army. Booklets like this were
designed to raise the morale of
Italian soldiers, and to belittle
the enemy through caricatures
and jokes. Biblioteca Nazionale
Centrale di Firenze. (Supplied by
British Library)
Top: Sevenoaks School in 1914
46
Given these challenges and opportunities how will
Sevenoaks School be approaching the centenary?
We certainly don’t claim to have all the answers
but we hope our approach will encourage a
genuine engagement with the complex issues
involved. The First World War has long been an
integral part of the Year 9 History curriculum but
the approaching centenary has given us cause to
consider exactly what we teach and how we teach
it. In recent years we have attempted to follow the
lead of Cambridge historian Professor Christopher
Clark in asking how the war started, as opposed to
why. By focusing on ‘how’ the hope is to
understand how many events in the build-up to
war were contingent upon each other, challenging
SPOTLIGHTS
teleological narratives of war as inevitable, and
avoiding the narrowing question of who was to
blame that ‘why’ questions can easily lead to.
A second focus will be on teaching the war
through a comparative framework, considering the
effects of war on a range of countries and avoiding
a narrowly Anglocentric view. This is important in
a school with a firm belief in the benefits of
internationalism.
Beyond the classroom we are taking the whole of
Year 9 to the Battlefields of Belgium for a day in
October, arranging for a number of university
academics to address our students, and holding
assemblies to mark some of the key events of the
war. In addition to the school’s annual
Remembrance Day service, and our engagement
with the events in the wider Sevenoaks
community, we hope that our students will
develop a sophisticated and thoughtful
understanding of the events which did so much
to shape the modern world.
Gareth Parker-Jones
ACADEMIC REVIEW
47
ACADEMIC REVIEW OF THE YEAR
I visited the Guggenheim in Manhattan this
summer for the first time. There’s a good deal
to see there, not least the beautiful Frank Lloyd
Wright building itself.
48
representation might ultimately prompt citizens
to conspire against it.
I was particularly taken by an installation by
Amalia Pica, an Argentine artist who lives and
works in London.
In A ∩ B ∩ C, Pica invites performers to manipulate
translucent coloured shapes, producing new
configurations that use abstraction and intersection
as an invitation to reimagine forms of collaboration
and community.
Her 2013 work A ∩ B ∩ C (read as A intersection B
intersection C) references the fact that, during the
1970s, Argentina’s military junta forbade Venn
diagrams and the related concept of intersection
from being taught in elementary schools,
concerned that even its mathematical
I was intrigued by the art and surprised by the story
– I like to think the abstract nature of mathematics
raises it above politics and cultural differences and
thought it ridiculous that a political administration
could be so scared of a mathematical idea usually
encountered at primary school.
ACADEMIC REVIEW
Then I thought about it a little more and began to
appreciate that the idea of intersection – having
both one property and another – is both genuinely
subversive and central to the idea of a Sevenoaks
education.
Schools and other institutions make mistakes when
they confine themselves to one gender, or one
faith, or one background or even one particular
speciality. What’s lost in such specialisation is
usually the ability to empathise, to see the world
through different eyes and to appreciate fully the
difference and complicated lives of others with
empathy and humanity.
That’s why when speaking about the school to
prospective parents I like to use the phrase ‘Why
would you not?’ to emphasise the rich diversity of
our school. Why would you not want your child to
be taught alongside pupils of the opposite gender;
to learn alongside pupils with different
backgrounds, views and experiences of the world,
in a school that appreciates that success and
fulfilment comes in many different forms from
many different arenas? Why would you not want
your child to learn in a school that resists the old
dichotomies (arts/science, sports/academic) and
instead encourages pupils to embrace the idea of
intersection: English literature and mathematics;
British history and the history of other countries;
their own and other languages; sports, drama and
music; international and local service projects. I’m
proud of the fact that our students are encouraged
both to have a strong sense of their own identity
and to have a deep appreciation of the value of
the perspective of others.
Tim Jones
Academic Deputy Head
John Sprague, our Director of IB, has joined forces
with Hodder Education to produce the world’s first
magazine designed solely for International
Baccalaureate students. Called IB Review, it is the
newest addition to the Philip Allan line of successful
Review magazines for A-level students. IB Review,
however, will be much broader in scope and content,
catering for all IB students in the world. John is
leading a team of editors, including Nathalie Fayaud
(Head of French) and Paul La Rondie, who left
Sevenoaks School in 2012 and now teaches
Mathematics at UWC South East Asia.
The magazine will be published quarterly and
include academic articles written by IB teachers
all over the world covering all the IB Groups,
including TOK, EE and CAS.
The inaugural issue includes an interview with the
IB Director General Siva Kumari by Julia Ganis
(Upper Sixth), and an article on History from David
Hall, who joined our History department in 2013.
49
Higher Education: Old Sennockian Careers Forums
As part of our ongoing initiative to connect Old
Sennockians with current students, and advance
our careers strategy, we are looking to create more
robust professional networks. Two years ago we
successfully launched this new initiative, which
began a series of three Sixth Form Careers Forums
for Law, Medicine and Engineering. Current
students with an interest in those professions were
able to put questions to a panel of OS experts. The
afternoons concluded with drinks and canapés and
a chance for informal conversations. These were
the Higher Education department’s first
professional network events, and we hope to hold
future forums across the range of career areas.
50
ACADEMIC REVIEW
The most recent forum was centred on the area
of engineering and was chaired by an illustrious
Old Sennockian, Dr Philip Ruffles CBE (OS 1958),
formerly Director of Engineering and Technology
at Rolls Royce. It was an inspirational event with
revelations of cutting-edge technology, advice on
different engineering disciplines and guidance on
how to pursue a successful application and
subsequent career path.
We are holding a similar forum for journalism,
publishing, PR and advertising, and look forward
to many future forums and increased opportunities
for OS and current students to network.
Ruth Greenhalgh
Teaching Technology at Sevenoaks
merged into one department simply called
Technology. This change was made with little
disruption to the teaching of the two subject
areas as the divide between syllabus content has
grown smaller over the years and now
significantly overlaps.
Students from Year 7 will continue being taught
Design Technology, but with more emphasis on
digital literacy skills in context, which will enhance
their abilities across the whole school curriculum.
Students will have opportunities to explore
common desktop publishing software such as
Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as more
advanced software such as Adobe Photoshop,
Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
In Year 9 students are introduced to basic
electronics, mechanisms and programming in line
with government guidelines.
Students on the
Robotics course
With the development and implementation within
the state sector of a new national curriculum for
September 2014 and an ever-increasing demand for
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Maths) skills in the workplace, the Sevenoaks
School Technology department have adapted their
schemes of work across seven years of teaching to
ensure the programme is up-to-date, exciting and
useful not only to those students going on to study
a course in a Technology-subject-specific discipline,
but across all subjects.
We have enhanced the education of our students
through an advanced approach to digital skills
and technological development. In September 2013
the Design and Technology and ICT departments
The real changes, however, appear in the Middle
School with the launch of the new Sevenoaks
School Certificate courses in Technology. The
courses offer a core of material which covers the
generic skills a student might need to pursue a
career in green design, materials, ergonomics,
sustainability or manufacturing techniques. They
also acquire knowledge and expertise in hardware
and software, security, research techniques and
project management.
The students are then offered the choice of two
electives: Robotics or Visual Communication.
The Robotics course is an advanced qualification
that is enhanced by the addition of advanced
programming skills, computer-aided design and
simulation, in-depth electronics and mechanical
design. The Visual Communication course gives
students the opportunity to study a more creative
approach to Design through advanced digital
manipulation skills, web development and
computer-aided design and manufacture.
Graeme Lawrie
51
The daily mail Chalke Valley History Festival
‘History provides constant
inspiration...it amuses, entertains,
explains the world and helps you
find your path in life’ Dan Snow
On a beautiful day in June, 22 Lower Sixth
historians travelled to the heart of Wiltshire to
attend The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History
Festival. Now in its fourth year, the festival brings
together eminent academics and broadcasters for
a week of lectures, seminars, and interactive
demonstrations. For Sevenoaks students
considering History at degree level, as well as those
keen to extend their general historical knowledge,
it provides unparalleled extension and enrichment.
Festival map designed by
nqdesignhub.co.uk.
The day started with a keynote lecture from Dan
Snow, in a marquee packed with a very
appreciative audience, on ‘History: the greatest
and most important subject ever’. Attendees then
had a choice of speakers ranging from Anna
Whitelock giving a reappraisal of the reign of
Elizabeth I, to Kwasi Kwarteng MP discussing the
inextricable link between war and gold since the
era of the Spanish conquistadores, and David
Gilmour on the surprising absence of nationalism
in Italy in the years immediately preceding Italian
Unification.
Other topics covered throughout the day included
the impact of the Norman Conquest, the origins of
the American Civil War, and the mystery of the
Mary Rose. Students also had the chance to see a
medieval longbow demonstration and a Tudor
warfare re-enactment, attend a writing seminar
with an editor from Penguin, and visit an
Anglo-Saxon encampment which had been created
for the week.
For all of us soaking up the sun in this stunning
corner of England, the day reaffirmed how, in the
words of Dan Snow, ‘History provides constant
inspiration...it amuses, entertains, explains the
world and helps you find your path in life.’
Vanessa Fitzgerald
52
ACADEMIC REVIEW
A selection of this year’s Lectures and Visiting Fellows
Sackville Lecture: Clive Alderton
On Wednesday 30 April all Year 9 and Year 10
students were given a rare opportunity to hear the
insights and opinions of Clive Alderton, British
Ambassador to Morocco and non-resident
Ambassador to Mauritania, who came to address
us about his experiences of the country and the
Arab Spring.
its neighbours and covered a multitude of factors
including the country’s economy and the decisions
of the monarchy.
A few of us were lucky enough to have lunch with
Mr Alderton and continue the discussion where he
spoke more about his duties as an ambassador. My
grateful thanks go to Mr Sprague for organising
the event, and Mr Alderton for such an
We were treated to a lively and in-depth discussion illuminating lecture.
Daniel Wu, Year 10
of the history of Morocco and its economic and
social background, as well as a look at the
Sevenoaks Lecture: Matt Parker
country’s political structure and monarchy. Mr
Ever wondered what it would be like to play with
Alderton was also able to share with us the story
a Rubik’s Cube in four dimensions? Or how to
of the educational charity he has set up in
Morocco, and provided valuable reflections on the visualise a four-dimensional cube? Matt Parker’s
importance of education in such countries. Perhaps Sevenoaks Lecture attempted to make sense of
how this might work. Parker, known as the
most interesting, however, was his evaluation of
Stand-up Mathematician, has presented on topics
the factors leading to the revolutions of the Arab
Spring, and how Morocco and her monarchy have related to maths for the BBC, in the Guardian and
on stages across the UK – at science fairs, festivals
been able to avoid such an outbreak. Mr Alderton
and in theatres. Matt talks about mathematics for
provided a perceptive comparison of Morocco to
53
leading organisations including the Royal
Institution, and he was the People’s Choice Award
in the 2009 National FameLab competition.
His lecture, entitled ‘Adventures in the Fourth
Dimension’ began with Möbius strips, as Matt
slowly built up our understanding of this
‘two-dimensional object which extends into three
dimensions’ in order to prepare us for the four
dimensional cube, before showing us its
two-dimensional ‘shadow’. Along the way we
explored questions such as how an ant might tell
whether it is living on a massive sphere or a torus
– a doughnut-shaped object and other objects such
as the Klein bottle (another two-dimensional object
existing in three). While certainly mind-bending,
Parker’s presentation was engaging and incredibly
funny, as he wove his ‘stand up mathematics’ into
the lecture with great effect – even showing off the
Klein bottles woolly hat his mother made. As an
encore he presented us with visualisations of both
four- and five-dimensional Rubik’s Cubes!
John Sprague
54
Sackville Lecture: Professor Nick Rawlins
During Science Week, the whole of the Sixth Form
enjoyed a very interesting Sackville Lecture by
Professor Nick Rawlins of Wolfson College,
Oxford. Professor Rawlins’ research lies broadly
within behavioural neuroscience, and spans areas
including the neural basis of memory, brain
degeneration, and pain and anxiety. Its particular
emphasis is on the design and application of new
behavioural paradigms to analyse central nervous
system function, particularly in memory and
emotion. His presentation was entitled ‘Pain and
the Brain’, and he explained some really interesting
research and information about how the actual
pain we suffer is only a part of the whole story – in
fact, it is our anticipation of pain that comprises a
significant amount of the physical pain we feel. As
Psychology and Biology students, we found it
fascinating to hear from an expert in the field and
to learn about the technical, biological side of
psychology that we don’t study in depth for the IB.
Segun Awolowo and Veena McCoole, Lower Sixth
ACADEMIC REVIEW
Professor Mark Brouard,
Chemistry Visiting Fellow
We were very fortunate to host Professor Mark
Brouard as a visiting fellow in the Chemistry
department for two days. Professor Brouard,
an Old Sennockian, is Head of the Physical and
Theoretical Chemistry Department at Oxford
University and a fellow of Jesus College. His
research focusses on studying the mechanisms
of simple gas phase and he gave two fascinating
talks to Sixth Form groups on the work of his
research group.
Professor Brouard had
a very busy time with us.
In addition to meeting
with students and senior
members of staff and
giving talks on his
research, he conducted a
masterclass on Quantum
Mechanics for some of our
Upper Sixth who were
applying for science subjects at university. This
was very well received and gave students a
fascinating insight into a subject which is only
dealt with very superficially at school level.
Having very fond memories of his time at the
International Centre, Professor Brouard also
enjoyed a nostalgic visit to School House, the
former IC site, and to the current home of the
IC, where he was surprised to find a photograph
of his year group and his name and that of his
brother on a world map in the foyer.
It was a great experience for our students not
only to learn about more advanced science but
also to meet such an eminent scientist on an
informal basis. Professor Brouard also
commented on how impressive he found the
students with whom he spoke. The visit has
also resulted in a closer link between Oxford
University’s Chemistry department and
Sevenoaks School.
Steve Owen
Dr Lynn Robson, English Visiting Fellow
Dr Lynn Robson, Tutor in English Literature at
Regent’s Park College, Oxford came to Sevenoaks
for two days to lead lectures and seminars with
our students. Dr Robson thoroughly enjoyed her
time here and commented on the lively academic
interest and curiosity of the students she met.
Students from Year 10 and 11 attended lectures on
‘Why English?’ in the Pamoja Hall and enjoyed the
opportunity to have a lecture from an Oxford
fellow. Dr Robson also led seminars on ‘Female
Authorship’ for Upper and Lower Sixth Higher
Level English students, who were challenged and
stimulated by new approaches to literature.
Dr Robson particularly enjoyed being invited to
the Literary Society’s meeting on Friday lunchtime,
where students and teachers led seminars on their
own areas of interest. Violet Bennett led a
fascinating seminar on Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita,
which showed an impressive depth of knowledge
and passion for literature. Students and teachers
also enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the
university application process, literature in general
and Dr Robson’s own academic interests in a
variety of less formal settings, including a dinner
and Q&A sessions.
It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Robson to
Sevenoaks and to see how well our students rose
to the challenge of participating in university-style
seminars. The students left the sessions inspired,
motivated and excited by their studies of English.
Sarah Ventress
55
PRIZEWINNERS
Upper Sixth Prizes
Tabitha Adams
Taylor English
Extended Essay Prize
Rory Barber
Humanities Faculty Prize
Violet Bennett
George France
English Faculty Prize
Larissa Castellano
Expressive Arts Faculty Prize
Victoria Cheah
Tatersall Humanities Faculty Prize for Economics; Mathematics Faculty Prize
Brandon Cheong
Robert Cinca
Taylor Science
Meggy Court
Languages Faculty
Prize for Russian
Kate Curran
Kieran Davey
RAF Service Units Prize
Arthur Davison
Army Prize
Zoe Dawson
Taylor Expressive Arts
Nimal de Silva
Gandon Science and Technology Faculty Prize
Nina del Ser
Taylor Mathematics
Elizabeth Elton
Alice Little English Faculty Prize
Natasha Farrant
Rowan Landy Award for Contribution to Sport
Jack Ferguson
Taylor Modern Languages Extended Essay Prize
Kaylee Finn-Henry
Tiffany Fung
Science Faculty Prize
Emily Galvin
Higgs Walker Humanities Faculty Prize for History
Oliver Gibson
Navy Centurion Cup
Katherine Nickols
Sportswoman Prize
Sam Parker
Languages Faculty Prize for French and Spanish
Taran Patel
Mathematics Faculty Prize; Science Faculty Prize for Chemistry
Isabelle Piper
Languages Faculty Prize for Spanish and French
Hannah Sands
Midge Adams Drama Faculty
Prize; School Captain Prize
Isla Stevens
Keyu Sumaria
School Captain Prize
Leonard Taylor
Service Units Prize for Shooting
Patrick Thompson
Carla Troyas
George France Mathematics Faculty Prize; Science Faculty Prize for Physics
Leyre Troyas
Mathematics Faculty Prize
Francesca Vernon
Alcock Prize for Best All Rounder; Languages Faculty Prize for Latin and Greek
Anna Watkins
Oliver Webster
Science Faculty Prize for Biology
Freddie Williams
Service Units Prize for Shooting
Samir Yep-Manzano
Science Faculty Prize
Upper Sixth Merit Prizes
William Beckman
Humanities
Rex Boulter
Sport
Sportsman Prize
Zoe Carver
Languages Merit Prize for German
Isabel Goodman
Megan Critchlow
Mathematics
Hanna Jay
Chiara Del Rio
Mathematics
Nina del Ser
Languages Merit Prize for Spanish
Kathryn Dodds
Expressive Arts; Science
Mofeyifoluwa Edun
Science
Natalia Gonzalez-Morales
Languages Merit Prize for Russian
Oskar Goodwille
English
Deanna Hetherington
Science
Alexander Hill
Humanities
Hanna Jay
English
Frederik Kohl
Languages Merit Prize for French
Ethan Kok
Mathematics
Ecem Karaman
Languages Faculty Prize for Spanish
56
Ben Moverley Smith
Fenella Keevil
Taylor Humanities Extended Essay Prize; Humanities Faculty Prize; School Captain Prize
Maximilian Kotz
Madeleine Kowitz
Jessica Li
Caroline McMenamin
ACADEMIC REVIEW
Claire Nesbitt
Science
Christopher Olley
Sport
Anna McGee
English Faculty Prize; Languages Faculty Prize for Spanish & Italian; Harvard Book Prize
Elizabeth Reeves
Languages Merit Prize for Latin
Hannah Sands
English
Molly Merson
Languages Faculty Prize for French
Sarah Skulczuk
Humanities
Otto Newland
Languages Faculty Prize for Russian & Greek
Isla Stevens
Languages Merit Prize for Greek
Alexander Newman
Science Faculty Prize for Design
Francesca Vernon
Sport
Maximilian Noka
Oliver Webster
Expressive Arts; Languages Merit Prize for Mandarin ab initio
Jayna Patel
William White
Sport
Chloe Rouse
Akanksha Santdasani
Jack Winchester
Languages Faculty Prize for German
Lower Sixth Prizes
Capucine Barcellona
Languages Faculty Prize for Spanish; Humanities Faculty Prize
Maria Bassi
Nicholas Bell
Sportsman Cup
Zoe Brandon
Abie Witts
Chantal Wong
Languages Faculty Prize for Latin
Lower Sixth Merit Prizes
Georgina Barker
Sport
Robert Boylin
Sport
Jaqueline Cho
Science Merit Prize for Chemistry
Rebekah Collins
Humanities
Lucy Delchar Languages Merit Prize for French
Rosie Donald
Science Merit Prize for Biology
George Evans-Thomas
Expressive Arts
Niamh Fenton
Mathematics
Lucy Fenwick
English
Jaime Deverall
Science Faculty Prize for Physics; Mathematics Faculty Prize; Honorary Academic Scholarship Prize
Loris Gliner
Mathematics
George Karl
Humanities
Emma Kemp
Expressive Arts
Rosie Donald
George Evans-Thomas
Languages Faculty Prize for
French & German
Kantida Koysombat
Languages Merit Prize for Mandarin
Terri Ha
Abigail Hands
Olivia Brandon
Honorary Academic Scholarship Prize
Chloe Broom
Sportswoman Cup
John Bryant
Science Faculty Prize for Chemistry; Humanities Faculty Prize
Thomas Buhl-Nielsen
Honorary Academic Scholarship Prize; Mathematics Faculty Prize
Hugh Cornes
Leo Danczak
Angela Loescher-Montal
Humanities
Alexander Borodin Prize
Charlotte McNally
Languages Merit Prize for Latin
Service Prize
Molly Merson
Mathematics
Mei Lian Hoe
Mark Bullock Prize
Maximilian Noka
Science Merit Prize for Physics
George Jack
Nicholas Perry
Sport
Amber Jeffryes
Science Faculty Prize for Biology
Michaela Rakova
English
Max Kitson
Phillip Sakellarios
English
Isabel Law
Thomas Smith
Sport
Veena McCoole
Emma May Jin Tan
Science Merit Prize for Design
57
PRIZEWINNERS
Year 11 Prizes
58
Year 11 Merit Prizes
Rosie Alderton
Art
Cornelia Bentsen
French
Charlene Chau
Biology; Chemistry; Maths
Emily Brandon
German
Lucy Eifion-Jones
Sports
Charlene Chau
Music; Physics
Elizabeth Elgar
French; Latin
Oliver Clinch
Sports
Boma George
Classical Civilisation
Sarah Dodds
English
Tabitha Gibb
Wavetrend Electronics Prize
Kirsty Hands
Latin
Christina Hill
Drama
Edward Harris
Chemistry
Remi Pfister
Best All Rounder Gilchrist Trophy
Ursula Horton
History
May Randall
English
Yash Kothari
Drama
Matthew Riches
Greek; Physics
Amanda Lee
Eloise Robson
Bridget Harmer History Prize
Theodora Mead
Drama
Roshan Ruprai
Midge Adams Drama Prize
Vardaan Mehra
Russian
Olivia Sayers
Spanish
May Randall
Geography; Maths
Elizabeth Shaw
Russian
Nicholas Robbins
Spanish
Miranda Stevens
Geography
Lizzie Roberts
Sports
Pippa Stevens
Music
Marcel Sand
Electronics
Theo Ventura
Sports
Hugo Sunnucks
Design (Resistant Materials)
Sam Yeates
Design
Sophie Tyrrell
Art
Lusha Zharova
German
Florence Williams
Biology
Lusha Zharova
Greek
ACADEMIC REVIEW
Year 10 Prizes
Year 9 Prizes
Helen Clay
French
Phoebe Barker Biology; Chemistry; Latin
Clare Cooke
Art
Finley Dubell
History
Grace Day
Physics
Matthew Emmerson
Art; Drama
Hethvi Gada
Chemistry; Greek; History; Mathematics; Russian; Design
Alicia Gilliat
Sports
Oscar Gordon-Reid
Sports
Lucy Goodfellow
English
Sophie Holliday
Sports
Tiffany Griffiths
Spanish
Aarti Jalan
Drama
Rhys Joseph
Sports
Oliver Kidd
Biology
Pragna Kasetti
German
Rachelle Lam
Music
Anna King
French; Greek; Music
Sebastian Perera-Slater
Latin
Birkaran Sachdev
Geography; Mathematics
Lily Smart
Ellen Steiner
Design
Katharina Vrolijk
German
Elise van den Hoek
Russian
Lou Warnett
English
Thomas van Issum
Schickler
Sophie Westbrooke
Spanish
Louisa Webb
Physics
Daniel Wu
Geography
Year 9 Merit Prizes
Year 10 Merit Prizes
Kate Arkwright
Drama
Ollie Banks
Russian; Design
Charlotte Bonner-Davies Art
John Broomfield
German
Sophie Bruxner-Randall
Art
Reena Chow
Chemistry
Matthew Collins
Chloe Evans
Biology
Hethvi Gada
Physics
Josephine Hogh
Geography; Sports
Alex Lenhart
History
Sehee Lim
Music
Fraser Lindsay
Sports
Anna Marisina
Latin
Joshua Marza
Mathematics
Anna Merson
Spanish
Jake Parker
Greek
Maya Raman Jones
English
Anastasia Spiridonova
French
Anna Davis
Spanish
Cailin de Wet
Greek
James Elgar
German
Tiffany Griffiths
Chemistry; Music
Pragna Kasetti
Latin
Charles Lindsay
French
William McQuail
English
Patrick Nickols
History
Robert Perry
Russian
Federico Roma
Design; Physics
Kieran Sassone
Sports
Georgiana Scott
Art
Prangan Tooteja
Biology
Elise van den Hoek
Drama
Sofiia Verkhoturova
Mathematics
Louisa Webb
Sports
Jess Wentzel
Art
Dominic Wilks
Geography
59
PRIZEWINNERS
Year 8 Prizes
60
Year 7 Prizes
Cameron Allan
Midge Adams Junior Drama Prize
Madeleine Brown
Music Prize
Grace Annetts
All Round Excellence Prize
Phoebe Buckland
Sport Prize
Florence Coumbe
Academic Prize
Chiara Calcagnini
Academic Prize
Rory Easton
Sports Prize
Laura Holland
Drama Prize
Jahnvi Gada
Academic Prize
Harry Houillon
Sport Prize
Clara Tyler
Academic Prize
Emma O’Brien
Academic Prize
Anna van Velsen
Academic Prize
Rosie Peachey
All Round Excellence Prize
Orissa Welsh
Sports Prize
Ellie Price
Academic Prize
Jackson Wen
Music Prize
Juliette Briery
Sport Merit Prize
Jonathan Buhl-Nielsen
Merit Prize
Sophie Fujiwara
Merit Prize
Avarna Chana
Merit Prize
Douglas Hoyer
Sport Merit Prize
Louisa Child
Merit Prize
Riccardo Roma
Drama Merit Prize
Nicholas Davies
Sport Merit Prize
Tiffany Lau
Music Merit Prize
Zoe Eifion-Jones
Sport Merit Prize
Aanya Tanti
Merit Prize
Charlotte Foss Drama Merit Prize
Angus Thomas
Merit Prize
Rebecca Funnell
Merit Prize
Eleanor Williams
Merit Prize
Lara Gueorguieva
Merit Prize
Peter Westbrooke
Music Merit Prize
ACADEMIC REVIEW
art review
Art Review of the Year
These pages include a selection of student art work
from 2013-14. For more information on this year’s
Art news and activities see Features.
62
AR T REVIEW
Previous page: Zoe Dawson, U6
Top right: Nick Penney, Year 11
Top: Deanna Hetherington, U6 IB
Right (2): Joachim Fjeldsoe,
Above: Florence Williams, Year 11
Year 11 GCSE
GCSE. Left: Max Paillard, Year 11
Far right: Rory Alexander, L6 IB
63
Art Review of the Year
Above left and right:
Seva Lobov, L6 IB
You can view more student work at
www.soaksart.com
Right: Rosie Alderton,
Year 11 GCSE
64
AR T REVIEW
DRAMA REVIEW
65
DRAMA REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Artistic risk-taking
and explorations
of hope.
Linking each of the four major school
productions this year has been the exploration
of hope in the face of unspeakable loss. The
imaginative staging and powerful acting of
highly ambitious material produced theatre
that has been epic, exceptional and enthralling.
The Sevenoaks School Theatre Company
programme has offered audiences both a
compelling reflection on the human condition
and an awareness of world issues.
66
DRAMA REVIEW
Student-led drama remains strong. Five leavers
took a production of Mike Bartlett’s dark satire
Contractions to the Edinburgh Festival. Lower Sixth
student Veena McCoole directed some of her peers
in the challenging and controversial Punk Rock by
Simon Stephens, in preparation for performances
in September. Meanwhile, Year 9 students
Elise van den Hoek and Alex Parton were accepted
into the National Youth Theatre and spent part of
their summer holiday on the residential course for
new members.
The Sackville Theatre has also hosted six diverse
national and international professional touring
productions throughout the year. These have
included Fringe-First and Total Theatre awarded or
nominated shows, and a traditional Kathakali
troupe from Kerala, India. These performances have
broadened all students’ artistic and cultural
appreciation, as well as inspiring their
theatre-making during lessons and co-curricular
rehearsals. This year we also saw an unprecedented
number of students from other schools visiting
Sevenoaks to take advantage of the impressive
professional theatre programme we have on offer.
Left: Welcome to Thebes
Above: Pericles
The Lent term featured two war plays: Private
Peaceful was impressively staged by the Lower
School, followed by the outstanding Upper School
production, Welcome to Thebes, staged in traverse.
The Summer term featured the Middle School’s
in-the-round production of Shakespeare’s Pericles.
This brought an impressive season to a close,
which had begun back in October 2013 with The
Canterbury Tales – one of the most successful
Germany tour productions to date. Each has
exemplified the two important attributes guiding
the Sevenoaks School Theatre Company: first, a
commitment to the ensemble, and second, the
willingness to take artistic risks. In every
performance, cast, crew and audience have all been
stimulated by a combination of complex material
and inventive staging which has challenged our
perceptions of school theatre.
Looking to the future, this year laid foundations for
two exciting upcoming events. First, on the academic
front, three Year 10 sets have enjoyed the new
curriculum of the SSC Drama and Theatre Arts
course, which has offered a broader and more
rigorous study of the art form. It will feature a major
public production next year, as a significant part of
their assessment. On the co-curricular front, since
January, the Drama and Music departments have
collaborated to stage a large-scale production
of Les Misérables in October, in the Pamoja Hall.
Nearly one hundred students have been involved in
the staging of this powerful and highly popular
musical.
As ever, none of these impressive artistic
achievements would be possible without the
commitment and talent from the students, but also
the drive, dedication and professionalism of the staff
involved. My thanks and appreciation to them all.
Gavin Henry
67
Welcome to Thebes
Clever set design and
strong female roles in this
astute production.
Welcome to Thebes, by Moira Buffini, was first
performed in 2010 and is set in a poetical
modern-day version of Thebes that is as disturbing
as it is laced with Greek myths. It tells the story of
a nation trying to re-establish peace under a newly
elected female president, Eurydice, and her
all-female cabinet.
the newly elected government with any
successful underhand method. This Machiavellian
pair was played with sizzling venom by Sasha
Dulerayn and Veena McCoole or Rosie Donald
on alternate nights, both crafting hilariously
devilish performances supported by Sasha’s
bull-headed Prince.
The Thebes ensemble made full use of their traverse
stage, dominating the theatre at all times and
crafting riveting moments of explosive passion.
The set was astutely designed by our Set Designer
in Residence, Fin Woolgar, exploiting the length of
the theatre and conveying the heat and aridity of
Thebes with vibrant yellow sand. Polynices’ body
(made by Art VSU) remained onstage throughout
as a reminder of the destruction and hate
Eurydice’s cabinet is trying to uproot.
It is testament to Gavin Henry’s choice of play that
the show was able to showcase a variety of strong
female roles. Verity Thomson, as Eurydice’s
Foreign Secretary, Aglaea, and Charlotte McNally,
as the Minister of Finance, were notable for their
sharp sophistry, with Verity delivering many witty,
thought-provoking quips.
The crux of the story was the development of the
relationship between Eurydice and Theseus, a
glossy senator from neighbouring democratic
Athens flown in to advise her. The nuances of this
relationship were brought alive by Chloe Rouse
and Yash Kothari, with Chloe showing exceptional
poise and care in her performance. A stark contrast
with this pairing was Prince Tydeus and Pargeia,
leaders of the opposition, keen to overthrow
68
DRAMA REVIEW
Welcome to Thebes goes beyond Greek tragedy to
carve out a contemporary ending. The refreshing
conclusion – that a male and female leader can
muddle through their mistakes, see beyond sexual
agendas and shake hands in friendship – was
charmingly delivered by Chloe Rouse and Yash
Kothari. Welcome to Thebes was an astute
production with an important message keenly
delivered by a student theatre company
exceptional in its standards of performance.
Hannah de Quincey
PERICLES
A bold and exciting choice
for the Middle School.
One of Shakespeare’s late romances, Pericles makes
a bold and exciting choice for a school production.
It is a sprawling, picaresque story which sees the
hero ricocheting around the Mediterranean
encountering tyrants, winning a princess wife in a
jousting competition and suffering shipwreck. The
second half, after a 14-year jump in time, switches
attention to his daughter, Marina, who, fleeing
from a murderous queen, must endure attempted
assassination and kidnapping by pirates.
The play has resonance today with its references to
child abuse, incest, people-trafficking and enforced
prostitution. Jim Grant’s superb production gave
these horrors their full weight, while bringing out
the humour and magic of the play. Deft directorial
touches – a torn photo, a red rose – emphasised the
theme of broken families, which built up a real
emotional charge for the two ‘recognition scenes’
(a hallmark of Shakespeare’s romances), when
Pericles is reunited first with his daughter and then
his wife, both of whom he had believed dead.
These climactic scenes were beautifully handled
by Seb Imas as the quietly intense older Pericles,
Juliet Boobbyer (alternating with Izzy McGrady)
as his wife, her voice tremulous with joy, and Elise
van den Hoek (alternating with Molly
Marr-Johnson), who combined vulnerability with
inner strength as Marina.
The younger Pericles of the play’s first half was
played by Matthew Emmerson in a tour de force
performance, which saw him move from
fresh-faced optimism to shocked horror as he
unmasks the incestuous Antiochus (powerfully
played by Rob Critchlow, with Caragh Taylor
heartbreaking as the abused daughter) to the
maturity of a young father tenderly cradling his
newborn baby before bidding a miserable farewell
to his wife who seems to have died in childbirth.
What was so impressive about the show, however,
was that it was truly an ensemble performance,
with even the smallest cameos brought vividly to
life and the chorus holding it together as they
became a stormy sea or shared the narration
between them. A highlight of the evening was the
wonderfully detailed group mime by the Knights
of Pentapolis, which had the audience guffawing
with laughter, as they competed at tennis, golf,
cricket and boxing as part of the ‘joust’ in which
Pericles triumphs. This typified the adventurous
approach taken by the actors and production team
in telling the adventures of Pericles.
Lorna Dolan
69
Canterbury Tales Retold
The Sevenoaks School Theatre Company’s production, written and directed
by Mark Beverley and Jim Grant, was an excellent exposition of seven of
Chaucer’s original pilgrim stories, updated for the 21st century.
In ‘The Merchant’s Tale’, another story of desire,
selfishness, love and betrayal, the Old Knight,
January, a lonely barrister, was brilliantly
portrayed by Harry Smith. Ignoring the words of
his sisters (Tina Hill and Selvi Messi) he marries
the young beautiful girl, May (Chloe Rouse), who
is soon swept her off her feet by the young,
handsome Damien (Maxi Lampert). The use of
sound effects and additional props, such as the
stepladder, enhanced the comedic elements of the
scene very effectively.
With the action relocated from a tavern to an
airport, the first-world issue of cancelled flights
contrasted throughout with the everyday moral
issues of 14th-century Britain. The audience could
relate to the amusing opening scene featuring
Verity Thomson as a particularly unhelpful
member of the airport staff. A cheerful group of
post-exam skiers then set the scene for ‘The
Miller’s Tale’, a very funny story of love, sex and
revenge. John, the old carpenter (Remi Pfister),
acted brilliantly opposite the charming Nicholas,
his lodger (Bongi Munatsi) and the love-struck
Absolon, a parish clerk (George Rountree) who
cunningly gains his revenge on the young beauty
of the village, John’s wife, Alison (Rosie Donald).
Next, ‘The Reeve’s Tale’ showed the selfish, greedy
and devious miller, Simekin (Roshan Ruprai) and
his wife (Selvi Messi) get what they deserve from
many years of stealing extra wheat. John (Ed
Perkins) and Alain (Rob Lewis-Davies), two
Cambridge students, come to trick the miller. The
two engaged the audience brilliantly with their
comic use of mime and running techniques.
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DRAMA REVIEW
‘The Franklin’s Tale’ showcased the wonderful
Sian (Hanna Jay) and her hen party. The tone
changed radically in the church scene at the
airport, with some serious and harrowing stories
from Bruce, a charming Canadian surgeon, and
Veronica, the emotionally intense con woman,
outstandingly acted by Sasha Dulerayn and Violet
Bennett respectively.
The use of individual masks in ‘The Wife of Bath’
to finish the show reintroduced a humorous
element to the performance, heavily reliant on a
masterly use of voice. The Knight (James Robson)
worked well alongside the old woman (Hannah
Sands), whose use of mime to show the woman’s
elderly features was very successful.
Canterbury Tales Retold was hugely entertaining,
using a combination of different styles and
dramatic techniques that blended successfully to
create an engaging performance. The use of
minimal props (only three main benches) to create
a sequence of varying scenes, and the comedic
elements interspersed with serious moments, were
very engaging and enjoyable to watch. However
the serious subtext of many of the tales was very
much to the fore. Overall, this was a very
engaging, touching and humorous production.
Siena Hammond, Lower Sixth
Canterbury Tales on Tour: An Insider’s Perspective
Our very successful production of
Canterbury Tales Retold toured in
Germany as part of a seven-day visit to
the Goethe Gymnasium, Ibbenbüren.
I have been acting at Sevenoaks for some time
now, and have come to the conclusion that acting
is the talent of deceit. An actor must dupe the
audience into believing a tale that is not true.
However, I must confirm that what follows is very
much the truth. The rehearsal process and the
tour itself did not run like a Swiss watch and there
were some moments of tedium reminiscent of
Groundhog Day.
What was interesting, and rather unique, to this
play is the manner in which it was created. We did
not start with a script and stage directions or even
a cast. The reality was that we started from scratch.
Until about three weeks in we didn’t know that the
play was to be set in an airport, and it was only a
collaborative effort that brought the whole venture
alive. As a consequence, when we acquired the
final copy of the script about two or three months
before the first performance we all knew that there
was some part of it that we had created either
individually or as a group.
I can confidently say that this piece of theatre was
successful, even when performed in the smallest
venues. For example, in Tecklenburg for our first
performance in Germany, we had an audience of
about 20 to 30, (which was rather depressing,
considering there were more people on stage than
off it), but most of us would say that it was the
best audience of all seven performances. It is rather
special for any comic performer to be waiting
backstage to come on and hear the audience
laughing, especially when it crosses the language
barrier. Having rehearsed the jokes for goodness
knows how many months they had become rather
stale to us, but to have them brought to life again
by a small and fun audience was a great pleasure.
However, the greatest pleasure of all, to me at
least, was working with a fantastic group of
people. I can honestly say that there wasn’t a
single person I worked with in this process whose
company I did not thoroughly enjoy. There was
always a convivial atmosphere, and the sense of
camaraderie and achievement that ensued made
the whole process an experience that I wouldn’t
have missed for the world.
George Rountree, Lower Sixth
71
at the Edinburgh Fringe
We were also calmed by the arrival of our dear
friend and resident techie Kathryn Dodds on the
day of the second performance. Her relaxed
attitude towards the lighting and the sound made
us far less nervous on stage. As Kathryn had to
leave halfway through our time at the Fringe,
the ever-happy Ollie Webster replaced her. These
two contributed significantly to our incredible
experience of the Fringe and we are very
grateful to them.
A stunning offering from the
Sackville Theatre Company.
In August 2014, five very new Old Sennockians,
Hannah Sands, Hanna Jay, Julia Ganis, Natalia
Gonzalez-Morales and Elizabeth Elton headed
north to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of
the Sackville Theatre Company. We were to be
performing our own interpretation of Mike
Bartlett’s dark satire Contractions at the prestigious
C Nova Studios for three weeks. Situated at the
top of the Royal Mile, the studios were in a large
stone building, right in the buzzing centre of the
Edinburgh Mile.
Poster by Zoe Dawson
72
Our first night in Edinburgh consisted of our
tech rehearsal from 2am to 6am. The whole cast
was completely shattered the following morning,
which added to our apprehension. Nevertheless,
waking up every morning, covering the Mile in
posters advertising Contractions, and handing out
flyers to (sometimes) keen spectators was a
welcome and incredibly fun distraction from
stressful rehearsals, even when it was pouring
with rain.
DRAMA REVIEW
The number of people that came to see Contractions
surprised us. Our studio seated 50 audience
members and for our first performance, 30 turned
up. In a performing arts festival where over 3000
shows are available to the public, we thought this
was a great achievement. Performing on stage at
the Fringe in front of people was a rewarding
experience. Seeing friends, family and fellow Old
Sennockians from past years in the audience, as
well as Messrs Grant and Henry, gave us an
enormous sense of pride and accomplishment.
It took a full week for the reviews to start
trickling in. We had wonderful audience feedback
ranging from ‘clever staging, troubling content
and impressive acting’, ‘funny and unsettling’ and
‘engaging, very well acted and loved the direction’
to ‘would highly recommend’ and ‘one of the best
things I saw at the Fringe’. However the highlight
of our trip came three days before we had to leave,
when a reviewer from the New Current, a
well-respected professional magazine, gave us
a four-star review, stating ‘as a debut this is a
stunning offering’ and that they were ‘really
impressed’ by how it was brought together.
It was the perfect end to an unforgettable
experience. It was an absolute pleasure to perform
at the Edinburgh Fringe 2014 as representatives
of the school and we would encourage fellow
students who enjoy acting to follow suit.
Elizabeth Elton, Upper Sixth
MUSIC REVIEW
73
Music Review of the Year
I have enormous respect for all the musicians who
have contributed in many ways to this year’s music
programme. Last year’s Upper Sixth were such a
strong year in all forms of music making that I quite
underestimated how much the younger years had
taken from the successes of that year group and
quite how well they would build on them.
The chamber musicians were outstanding and for
three of our chamber groups to be singled out in Pro
Corda’s hall of fame was quite astonishing. It is a
credit to the Symphony Orchestra that, when
listening to them perform Dvorak’s ‘New World’
Symphony we never felt we missed the class of 2013.
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A late addition to the programme of professional
events saw Joe Stilgoe entertain us all in January
but the performance of the entirety of Years 7 and 8
so enthusiastically in Emeli Sandé’s ‘Read all about
it’ and Gershwin’s ‘They can’t take that away from
me’ has made me rethink our provision for Lower
School singing. The Gospel Choir said farewell to
Emma Pears but not without another fine
performance in Crash into Christmas and, more
recently, Sevenoaks Swings.
I continue to be amazed at what the Foundation
Orchestra is able to achieve on never more than 40
minutes a week. Once again we were indebted to
A day in the life of The Space
Christopher Atkinson, rounded the event off with
a spectacular performance of Stravinsky’s
arrangement of the Firebird Suite for solo piano.
There were also five concerts planned and
delivered in their entirety by the students
themselves with no help whatsoever from the staff.
One of these, the brainchild of Russell and Rachelle
Lam, raised £7000 for the Philippine disaster fund.
Rachelle was later to give her own debut solo
performance in the Pamoja Hall and it was great to
see so many of her peers supporting these concerts.
Tau Wey continues to find interesting angles to
explore for the Piano Showcase. Taking advantage
of the offer of free hire of a fortepiano for the year,
he built his theme for 2014 around the idea of
‘Historically Informed Performance’ and gave all
the school’s pianists a chance to perform their
music on the kind of instrument the sound and
touch of which Beethoven would have recognised
200 years ago. He even got the staff to give a piano
duet lunchtime recital, prompting even the rusty
Director of Music to do a little practice and indulge
in some improvisational flights of fancy!
Talking of staff performances, I can’t turn down
the opportunity to mention Tony Stuart’s Can Do
Too! concert in the last week of term. With 40 of us
strutting our stuff in some way or other and a
further 30 joining Roger Woodward for a rendition
of Monty Python’s ‘Always look on the bright side
of school’ (sic), we somehow managed to keep our
cool and provide hearty entertainment for a full
house. The next staff concert is planned for 2018 –
Can Do Better!
Top: Successful Pro Corda
chamber musicians.
the ingenuity of Chris Roe composing a score
which joined Harry Potter to Saint-Saëns’ Danse
Macabre. He was later to have the brilliant vision of
combining his work with the student composers
with Michael O’Reilly’s work with the student
artists. Taking Stravinsky’s Firebird suite as the
common stimulus, the audience was entertained
by top notch performances of the compositions
whilst surrounded by terrific paintings and
sculptures. Our other graduate student,
Looking back, I’m not sure how many other
schools are able to provide such a range of
opportunities for so many students (and staff!) and
this is without mentioning the many PROMO gigs
that always sell out, the über-enthusiasm of
Matthew Cook and the choirs he and Toby Carden
run, nor the solo platform concerts, of which there
are about 15 over the course of the year. It remains
a joy to be a part of this lovely department.
Christopher Dyer
75
Mighty Orchestra Concert
There followed a succession of performances
which consistently impressed through their
assurance of delivery and an almost tangible
evidence of delight in music making. Under the
highly competent direction of Chris Roe the
Foundation Orchestra gave an entertaining
account of Chris’s own arrangement of ‘Harry
Potter and the Dance of Death’. Totally in their
element, the Wind Band provided foot-tapping
exuberance in ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’,
followed by the more restrained soulfulness of
Skyfall. This gentler mood was continued in
Beauty and the Beast from the Sevenoaks Strings
before they sent us out for the interval with
a thoroughly compelling rendition of Pirates
of the Caribbean.
And so to the main act. Take one magnificent
concert hall; add 200 orchestral players from
beginners to highly accomplished executants;
a rattling good tune (in this instance ‘The Anvil
Chorus’ from Verdi’s Il Trovatore); then add one
inspirational conductor in the form of Toby
Carden and you have The Mighty Orchestra,
making its second appearance in recent years
and introducing many novice players to the
thrill of orchestral playing.
A near-capacity audience in the Pamoja Hall
was treated to a feast of orchestral and ensemble
music making that can only have served further
to justify the school’s enviable reputation for the
excellence of its music.
The concert opened with something both old and
new; the newly arranged and orchestrated version
of the long-neglected school song, ‘The Song of the
Seven Oaks’. Composed in 1932 by erstwhile
Director of Music John Longmire with words by
former pupil Peter Warrick (OS 1931), this new
version had fresh life breathed into it by Jack
Long’s skilful and imaginative treatment. Assured
orchestral playing and well-enunciated singing
from the massed members of three of the school’s
numerous choirs provided convincing proof that
you can’t keep a good tune down.
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MUSIC REVIEW
The calculations of the hall’s architects and
acousticians were once again shown to be
well-founded as the auditorium resounded to
the stirring fortissimos of the Brass Ensemble’s
delivery of Fanfare for the Common Man by
Aaron Copland.
To conclude the evening the Symphony
Orchestra gave us the first two movements of
Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 in E minor. Under
Chris Dyer’s expert direction and following his
customary meticulous preparation there was a
great deal to admire.
A final word of appreciation should go to all
involved in the preparation of this wonderful
and impressive concert.
Peter Young
Teacher of Music 1972-2008
The Alan Adler Concert
The inaugural Alan Adler concert took place in 1968.
It was conceived as a concert in memory of a past
Master of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe
Makers and Tobacco Blenders, Alan Adler. Funded by
the Livery Company, the earliest concerts were given
by professional musicians for the benefit of pupils.
Over time the nature of the event changed, to become
a concert given by pupils.
This year’s concert was devoted to just two works
by a single composer: Antonin Dvorak’s
ever-popular Symphony No 9 in E minor, and his
sacred masterpiece, Stabat Mater. The performers
were the Symphony Orchestra, and the Choral
Society and Parents’ Choir, accompanied by a
smaller orchestra comprising pupils and staff.
The richness of the lower string sound at the very
opening was especially commendable, given
added depth by the luxury of having three double
basses. Equally admirable was the blend and
tuning of the woodwind section to which Dvorak
gives a marked prominence. The hauntingly
beautiful slow movement solo for cor anglais was
played with finely controlled eloquence by Pippa
Stevens. The decision to omit the third movement
probably reflected pressure on adequate rehearsal
time. This downside was compensated for by the
confident performance of the last movement,
where the contrasts between bold assertion and a
more inward reflection were well caught.
The spur for setting the Stabat Mater text, Dvorak’s
first sacred composition, was the death of his
daughter Josefa. Initial sketches were started in
1876, but the final version was not completed until
the following year, shortly after the death of the
composer’s remaining two children. The full work
is a monumental piece comprising ten sections,
often symphonic and operatic in conception.
Considerations of stamina (performers’ and
audience’s alike!) wisely dictated the choice of six
movements only, and considerations of balance led
to the use of an orchestra smaller in numbers but
by no means restricted in instrumental colour.
The choice of movements performed gave ample
scope to display the talents of all performers.
Emily Ward (OS 2000), Helen Walker, Anthony
Dawson and Bertie Watson made an accomplished
quartet of soloists. For this listener, however, it was
the singing of the chorus that made the deepest
impression; well-blended tone, effortless top notes
from sopranos and tenors especially, ringing
fortissimos and hushed pianos were all conjured
up by conductor Matthew Cook’s unobtrusive but
masterly direction.
Peter Young
Teacher of Music 1972-2008
77
Music at Sevenoaks concerts
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MUSIC REVIEW
In stark contrast to the classical first half, the
second half was an uplifting affair by the Gospel
Choir, directed for the last time by Emma Pears
and accompanied by a band including Will Wood
on guitar. The choir exquisitely sang a programme
of popular music including ‘I Still Haven’t Found
What I’m Looking For’ by U2 and ‘Brighter Day’
by Kirk Franklin, with superb solos by Emma
Clark, Maria Bassi, Jonathan Chen and Alexa
Chukwumah. Overall, it was a wonderful event.
In May, for the Summer term Music at Sevenoaks,
a fabulous night of film music was performed in
the Pamoja Hall. From Skyfall to The Dam Busters,
we heard some of the great works that have filled
cinemas over the last 60 years.
Golden voices, energetic strings and a
superb performance by the Wind Band.
In March, an audience was treated to a feast of
choral music as part of the Lent term Music at
Sevenoaks concert. And what a wonderful
showcase of golden voices it proved to be!
The concert opened with the Sanctus and In
Paradisum movements of Fauré’s Requiem
exquisitely sung by the Chamber Choir who
continue to flourish, followed by another of
Fauré’s works, Cantique de Jean Racine. These
stunning renditions of his works show the talent
of the younger singers coming through the school,
who are able to tackle some difficult and complex
works. Elsewhere in the first half, the audience
enjoyed the Lower School Chorale performing the
popular ‘As long as I have music’ and were
mesmerised by the Senior Girls’ Ensemble’s
outstanding performance of ‘The Turtle Dove’,
Tantum Ergo and ‘Remember’ whose poignant
harmonies filled the Pamoja Hall. To finish the
spectacular first half the Sennocke Consort sang
the triumphant ‘God is gone up’ and ‘Thanks Be
to God’, giving yet another polished and
accomplished performance.
The evening opened with a medley of film tunes,
including Beauty and the Beast and Harry Potter,
performed by Sevenoaks Strings and directed by
Christopher Dyer. The finest part of their
performance came with the dramatic music from
Pirates of the Caribbean. Their extremely energetic
playing whilst tackling some difficult polyrhythms
added to the excitement of this exhilarating piece.
Following this we heard the Wind Band superbly
playing The Magnificent Seven and the Looney Tunes
Overture, directed by Toby Carden. The
accessibility of the genre allowed young
instrumentalists from local primary schools to
join the Wind Band in playing Skyfall and
Highlights from Brave directed by Julia Kiggell.
It was astounding to see these children integrate
themselves so well in a more mature group
and play with such conviction, and they were
very excited by their involvement in such a
thrilling concert.
Never failing to impress, the Foundation Orchestra
closed the concert in magnificent style. Playing
‘Flying Fiesta’, an arrangement of music from films
focusing on the topic of flight, they amazed us
with their polished and accomplished performance.
Ellie Newey (OS 2013)
79
An evening with Joe Stilgoe (OS 1997)
Joe Stilgoe returned to Sevenoaks in late
January to perform with the school’s
Big Band and a choir made up of our
entire Lower School. After a workshop
during the school day, Joe was joined for
the evening by Phoebe Ray (OS 2008)
who gave a guest performance.
half of the concert he sang with the school Big
Band and introduced Phoebe Ray, another Old
Sennockian, whose painting still hangs in Park
Grange. She sang three beguiling songs that
showed the rich roundedness and complex range
of her voice.
When Joe and his trio began their own set, their
true musicianship and utter brilliance became
clear. They have worked hard to retain the balance
between finely poised discipline and openly
woven intuition. Combining these opposing
elements can be transformative. The Joe Stilgoe
Trio were without any doubt magnificent, and as
As the winter wind blew and the damp splashed
they played the winter night faded into a dream.
into mud-soaked puddles, the Met Office officially
The mesmeric brilliance was measured out
announced January 2014 was the wettest month for
between the three performers; in their vivacious
100 years. Despite the drizzle, in a corner of Kent
but unshowy sophistication and the human
an audience arrived buttoned and booted for an
warmth articulated in the crispness of their
evening that was seriously inspiring and playfully
playing. For the last song Joe played ‘If I only had
serious. It made you feel that ‘there are songs to
a brain’, from The Wizard of Oz. This was the most
be sung, bells to be rung and a wonderful spring
moving part of the evening, for jazz and jokes were
to be sprung’.
supplanted by a tender reverie: ‘I’d unravel any
riddle for any individual in trouble or in pain’.
Joe Stilgoe left Sevenoaks in 1997 and is now a
The riddle of how to transcend a cold, wet January
highly successful jazz performer. He has a quiet
night is without doubt to listen to Joe Stilgoe and
confidence, a strategic command of his creativity
and an effusive delight in all his material. The first to delight in his modest virtuosity.
Oliver Barratt
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MUSIC REVIEW
This exceptional evening of jazz was the result of a
collaboration between our current musicians and
our alumni. The show began with Joe singing two
Sinatra numbers ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘You
Make Me Feel so Young’, and it was great to hear
Joe’s delivery of Sinatra’s lyrics backed by the
power and energy of our own Big Band.
Phoebe followed with a spellbinding performance
of her own material along with a fantastic cover
version of Japan’s ‘Ghosts’. Phoebe’s incredible
vocals, coupled with the verve of her stage
presence, make her an extremely engaging live act.
The Joe Stilgoe Trio completed the first half with a
mixture of songs from his albums ‘We Look to the
Stars’ and ‘Songs on Film’. As a performer, Joe’s
connection with the audience is exceptional. He is
such a warm, funny, sincere artist that you just
can’t help liking him. You could feel the sense of
friendship between the audience and Joe, as his
trademark clever and amusing repartee focused on
his time as a student at the school. The trio are
brilliant musicians: Ben Reynolds is one of the
country’s leading jazz drummers and Chris Hill is
one of the best double bass players you will ever
hear. When you add Joe’s incredible piano playing
and silky-smooth voice you get an incredibly full
sound that stirs you with its wonderful melodies
and joyful spirit.
The second half began with the Lower School choir
(pretty much every member of the Lower School!)
singing Emeli Sandé’s, ‘Read All About it’ and
Gershwin’s ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’.
The time Joe had spent rehearsing with the pupils
earlier in the day had clearly enthused them
enormously: each one was fully committed and
engaged, resulting in a bold, uplifting performance
which carried with it one of the important themes
of the evening – fun!
The Trio played the second half with passion,
vitality and quite superb musicianship. There was
a real sense of emotion at the end of the concert as
the audience rose to its feet to thank Joe for
everything he had given to the evening. His last
number ended the evening by reinforcing the great
sense of connection Joe had established with his
listeners. All in all, it was a very special evening.
Alex Smith
81
An interview with AlexANDRA Kidgell
Alexandra Kidgell, soprano, studied at Gonville and Caius College,
Cambridge, where she was Senior Choral Exhibitioner, and the Royal
Academy of Music. She is a member of The Sixteen and teaches singing at
Sevenoaks School. Isla Stevens and Fran Vernon caught up with her to
find out what it takes to be a professional singer.
How did you get into singing?
I’ve always sung, really. I even remember doing
solos in my nursery school! I had some really good
music teachers when I was in secondary school,
who encouraged me, and I did some singing
outside school. I’ve had some musical role models
whom I admired, and then I thought that a choral
scholarship at Cambridge would be a good idea.
What do you like best about your job?
It’s varied and different every day. I did try an
office job but I hated it and it really didn’t suit me.
I made the decision to make singing my profession
and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Every
new project is different; I’ve sung with many
different groups, including The Tallis Scholars, the
Gabrieli Consort and the BBC Singers, all of which
are so different from The Sixteen. It’s a new
challenge for me to be a singing teacher, and it’s
proving to be good fun; I enjoy giving something
back and passing on the love of singing.
How did you get into The Sixteen?
I was on a two-year course at the Royal Academy
of Music, and someone in The Sixteen was ill, so I
was pulled into the choir at the last minute. It was
quite intimidating, but I was asked back, and
became a deputy member. I’m now a full-time
soprano in the choir.
What’s it like to sing with The Sixteen?
It’s such a friendly atmosphere. I think that’s part
of the reason the choir sounds like it does. Harry
[Christophers, the conductor] places great
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importance on the fact that we get on well both on
and off the concert platform. We spend so much
time together that it’s vital really!
Do you prefer small or big choirs?
Small is my preference. I like singing one person
to a part, but I also enjoy slightly bigger groups,
like The Sixteen.
What’s your favourite piece of music?
(Laughs) That’s really hard! I like so many, but –
it’s got to be Bach – I think probably Bach’s Mass
in B minor.
What’s the most memorable part of your career?
Going to college was a really good experience, and
joining The Sixteen.
Have you got any plans for the future?
Well, The Sixteen’s 2014 Choral Pilgrimage runs
from March to October. We don’t get much time to
rehearse the pieces we sing – we record it in
October, so we spend about three and
a half days singing the music, then only one
rehearsal the day before we start to perform
in concerts.
Have you got any advice for young singers?
Enjoy it! Get as much practice as you can: join a
choir. Don’t rush to develop your voice, and
persevere. Rejection is common and can be
upsetting. Don’t be put off!
Isla Stevens and Francesca Vernon, Upper Sixth
SPOR T REVIEW
Sport review of the year
Teamwork: the key to success.
It has been an incredible year of sport. The Sports
Days were the fitting finale to a hugely rich and
rewarding year of great success. There was
evidence of enthusiasm, hard work, teamwork and
absolute effort to the last; typical traits of the
model Sevenoaks student.
summed it up nicely when he said sport at
Sevenoaks ‘provides a great outlet and gives me
a great sense of enjoyment’.
The girls’ teams continue to dominate sport in the
South East, performing particularly well at hockey,
cross-country, and tennis. The girls football side
Our staff have overseen unprecedented success
reached the National Independent Schools Final
and fostered excellence in over 1100 fixtures played for the first time ever in April, played out in front
out in 14 representative sports. They have
of an excitable crowd at Borehamwood, the home
provided the students with an opportunity to
of Arsenal Ladies. Boys sport continues to see
experience competitive sport as well as maintain
a huge rise in success, as we retained the Under 15
a healthy lifestyle that beautifully complements
Rugby Kent Cup, and won SKIL football leagues
the rigours of everyday life. One student I asked
at senior level. The sailing and shooting clubs
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SPOR T REVIEW
continue to lead their disciplines across the
country, with 11 shooters selected for the county,
seven of them going on to represent England.
Individually, over 70 students have represented
the county or region, with an incredible 18 earning
their international call-up over seven sports.
Amongst all the fine and special individual
achievements I would like to pay tribute to
Natasha Farrant (Upper Sixth), England cricketer.
In the space of two years she has been elevated
from talented county cricketer to full England
international, playing a pivotal role in the
retention of the Ashes.
It has been a brilliant year for Sevenoaks sport and
I would like to pay tribute to all of the coaching
staff at the school for their time, effort and devotion
in ensuring that the programme offers opportunities
for success at all levels and age groups. It clearly
means a great deal to the students. With an
increasing interest in sport science, the infrastructure
has never felt so healthy and continues to improve
year upon year.
It is rather fitting that I leave the final words to
Natasha who, when asked, ‘What does Sevenoaks
sport mean to you?’ replied: ‘Sevenoaks inspires
teamwork: the key to success.’
James Emmitt
85
Cricket: a year in review
senior England women’s team against Pakistan in
Loughborough. Natasha is the ultimate role model
to all young cricketers as she shows what can be
achieved through sheer determination and hard
work and no little talent. She leaves us for
Loughborough University where she will continue
her studies within hitting distance of the National
Cricket Performance Centre. We wish her all the
best in what is bound to be an exciting career.
Primary Schools’ Cricket Tournament
In June Chris Tavaré organised the second Primary
Schools cricket tournament at Solefields. The
competition involved a preliminary round because
of the popularity of the event and on finals day
Amherst, Otford, Sevenoaks Primary, Kemsing,
Weald and last year’s winners Ightham fought it
out in two groups to decide the eventual winners.
Amherst were exceptional all day and won the
final convincingly. It was a great day for all
involved and the primary school pupils were really
excited to have the opportunity of an autographed
bat from Chris. A huge thank you to all those who
helped to run the day so smoothly, and a special
mention to Chris for organising it so efficiently.
Cricket on the rise
Cricket at Sevenoaks School has received a real
boost in recent years as we look to develop and
nurture emerging talent in the sport. The
Ashes to Ashes
introduction of the 121s in the mornings is having
Chris Tavaré (Old Sennockian, Biology teacher and a strong developmental effect on the players
teacher in charge of cricket) made his debut against involved. The new Cricket Academy has strong
Australia in the now infamous Botham’s Ashes
links to the recently victorious Premier League
Series in 1981. It is perhaps apt that 33 years later
winners Sevenoaks Vine CC, and Knole Academy.
Natasha Farrant (Upper Sixth) participated in the
A host of young players from local preparatory
Ashes-winning T20 match in Hobart in January
and primary schools have flourished under the
2014. Natasha’s career really has taken off in recent guidance of Chris Tavaré, David Smith, Rob Ferley
times, to such an extent that she has been awarded and a number of other ex-professionals including
a central contract by the England and Wales
Geraint Jones, the 2005 Ashes-winning
Cricket Board, one of 18 women who have
wicket-keeper. The school can now boast four
achieved this for the first time in the history of the county cricketers in the shape of Natasha Farrant
women’s game. Three seasons ago she was playing (county and national), Rhys Joseph, Martha Tipper
school cricket for the 1st XI and representing Kent
and Harry Houillon, while Nick Bett was selected
U17. Within a short space of time, she had been
by the Dutch Cricket Board for the ICC U15
selected for England U17 and Kent’s senior team,
European Championships.
and within a year she made her debut for the
James Emmitt
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SPOR T REVIEW
RUGBy
The highlight of the season was retaining the U15
Kent Cup. The competition started well with some
fantastic performances and exciting rugby. The
team showed great balance and ability with strong
forward play consistently breaking down defences,
and some skilful, slick back play that got the ball
wide regularly. These traits made them a very
entertaining and exciting team to watch. The team
successfully turned over St Olave’s Grammar
School (36-7), Rochester Maths (5-0), and Hayes
(22-12) reaching the final again at a floodlit
Gravesend RFC against Ravenswood.
It was an intense evening which was supported
well by pupils and parents. The boys continued to
play their exciting style of rugby and proceeded to
dominate the game. Sevenoaks opened up the
scoring with the first try of the night and
continued to apply the pressure throughout the
game, but for all their fantastic efforts no tries were
scored. A breakaway try against the run of play
from Ravenswood saw them tie the match 5-5, and
that was how it was to remain for the rest of the
game. So although the game was drawn the title
was shared and our names were put on the cup for
the second year running.
From this successful team three members of the
squad have been selected to play for Kent: Nick
Bett (scrum-half), Dylan Morris-Jones (fly-half/
centre) and James Yun-Stevens (hooker/flanker).
It will be a big year ahead for these boys as they
start in the U16 category, and the selection process
begins for South East England and eventually the
final England squads. We wish them and all in our
teams the greatest success for the season ahead.
The U15A team, winners
of the Kent Cup
This year the school teams played 109 games
of rugby across all years. The season began in
August when we ran our pre-season training
camps for all age groups and abilities. The boys
received coaching from ex-international players
Peter Richards (England and World Cup finalist),
Duncan Bell (England), Kieran Dawson (Ireland)
and Old Sennockian Dan Caprice (England
Sevens). This was another major success from
which all our players benefited.
The future is looking bright for rugby at
Sevenoaks. We are starting to build some strength
in depth as our U14 also had a very successful
season, and three boys from this squad, Harry
Carley, Curtis French and Kieran Sassone, all
played county rugby this year.
Sean Holden
87
Hockey success
U14 County Champions!
© Peter Joarder
88
The quarter-final against Colfe’s presented them
with an opportunity to show off their goal scoring
prowess, and a hat-trick from Lauren Tucker
helped them to a 10-0 victory. In the semi-final
against Sutton Valence, Sevenoaks remained
dominant, securing their place in the final with
a 5-0 win. Despite booking their place at the East
Regional Tournament, the girls were keen to get
their name on the Kent trophy, and set out to win
the final game against a strong Cranbrook side.
After 20 minutes of applying relentless pressure
and some superb play by the Cranbrook
goalkeeper, Sevenoaks were awarded a penalty
corner as the last play of the game. A superbly
struck shot from Hannah Daly found the bottom
left corner of the goal and Sevenoaks were
crowned Kent Champions.
At the East tournament Sevenoaks achieved
victories over Brentwood (3-0) and Bourne
Grammar (4-0). Unfortunately a narrow defeat
to Bishop’s Stortford (1-2), meant they finished
We saw some significant hockey achievements
second in the pool and had to play Newport
during the course of the year. The U13 squad won
Grammar. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw, a place
the annual seven-a-side tournament hosted by
in the finals was dependent on penalty strokes.
Sevenoaks School and were the winners of the
Three superbly converted strokes by Louisa Webb,
annual Trinity Schools Tournament. The U16 squad Martha Tipper and Lexie Hoyer, and three superb
reached the semi-finals of the Kent Cup. An
saves by goalkeeper Ellie Skilton, were enough to
incredible 15 Sevenoaks players were selected to
see the team through to the regional finals.
represent the county or higher, including Tara Daly
There, Sevenoaks missed qualifying for the
and Sophie Holliday who attended the Futures
Cup, from which the England selection was made. national finals by the narrowest of margins.
Sophie went on to represent the England U16 team They knew that their fast and fluent team play
should have sufficed to see them through against
as a goalkeeper.
Queenswood, Bishop’s Stortford and Felsted.
In addition to these achievements, the U14 squad
On the day, however, nerves got the better of them
were crowned Kent champions and progressed to
and they were unable to convert their chances.
the East Regional Tournament and the regional
However the team will undoubtedly get more
finals. The 16-strong squad travelled to Canterbury opportunities to qualify for the nationals in
for the Kent Tournament in October with high
the future.
Liz Joseph
expectations having reached the national finals the
previous year. The girls outclassed their opponents
with their speed, skill and excellent teamwork and
Left: Sophie Holliday. Following a successful Futures
eased through the pool stages with convincing
Cup tournament, Sophie was selected as a goalkeeper
wins over Chislehurst and Sidcup (2-0), Tonbridge
to train with the National Age Group Squad (NAGS).
Grammar School (2-0), Kent College Canterbury
She represented England against Ulster in May and
(4-0), Ashford School (2-0), and Kent College
against Scotland in June.
Pembury (4-0).
SPOR T REVIEW
Cross Country
The number, quality and commitment of the
school’s cross country runners has continued to
increase this year, from Year 7 through to the
Upper Sixth. Training has increased to five times
a week, with some of the Sixth Form running
twice on certain days, resulting in considerable
competitive success.
The Michaelmas term saw victories for the boys
and the girls at Charterhouse and Lancing, and
the 1st VIII boys took third behind Judd and
St Albans at the King’s Trophy on Wimbledon
Common. Thirty-five students also attended a
four-day training camp in Eastbourne. However,
the biggest success of the term came with our
junior and inter girls teams, who both managed
to qualify for the national finals of the English
Schools Cup – the first time the school has
ever qualified two teams in the same year for
this event – where they finished seventh and
14th respectably.
In January, Mr de May successfully organised
the 40th Knole Run which made use of new and
improved courses that were met with widespread
approval. Sevenoaks had a record number of
runners (40 in total) and the girls’ team finished
third out of 29 whilst the boys came fifth out of 43.
Our boys’ captain, Chris Olley, placed second
individually for the second consecutive year.
The following weekend at the Kent Schools
Championships, Chris won a bronze individual
medal in the senior boys race, while Ruth Bourne,
our girls’ captain, won silver in the senior girls.
In total, 13 students were selected to represent
Kent at the schools inter-counties event – the
highest number ever achieved by Sevenoaks.
There was further success later in the term where
a very young senior girls team, most of whom are
in Years 8 and 9, finished third at the Henry VIII
relays in Coventry (which are the unofficial
national championships at senior level) and second
at the South East Schools Championships at
Harrow. The boys finished sixth and fifth at these
events, but also managed to record a victory at the
Wellington College relays, including a magisterial
final leg from Chris Olley to finally take the lead
with around 200m to go.
In total around 100 pupils have run competitively
for the school this year, and we are looking
forward to further success as some of our young
starlets mature into seasoned athletes in the next
couple of years.
Alex Patton
Boys 1st VIII Squad: I Abed, R Alexander, R Bates,
R Boylin, E Briery, S Dabbous, A Herd, C Lindsay,
R Moverley Smith, C Olley, M Proctor, E Williams
Girls 1st VI Squad: P Barker, C Bentsen, R Bourne,
C Cogné, L Gueorguieva, E Monkhouse, J Oliver,
S Oliver, L Tucker, A Tyler, C Tyler
Coaches: Alex Patton, Darrell Smith, Phil de May,
Gareth Willis, Paul Turner, Anne Durnford,
Oliver Russell
89
Football success
Topping the SKIL league and
reaching the ISFA national finals.
Boys
The SKIL league (Sussex and Kent Independent
Schools League) has continued to grow in stature
and with the competition only entering its second
year, the fixture list boasts strong opposition in the
form of Brighton College, Worth Abbey, King’s
Canterbury, Christ’s Hospital and Colfe’s. It has
undoubtedly become one of the top school
competitions to enter and its popularity has also
interested other schools such as Epsom College,
who join us next year.
Noticeably, the high achievers included our most
senior students within the school. The 1st XI, 2nd
XI and U16A teams all managed to win their
respective leagues to be crowned SKIL champions.
This is real testament not only to the students but
also the coaches involved.
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SPOR T REVIEW
The 1st XI had a very successful season, winning
75 per cent of their matches, scoring 20 and
conceding only 8. It is only right that we judge our
success upon beating strong opposition schools.
The consistently high performances within the 1st
XI were underlined with a brilliant display against
Tonbridge School which saw them just lose out,
going down 3-2. Much of this success can be
accredited to the efforts of team captain and Findlay
Sports Scholar Oliver Gibson in goal.
Oliver has demonstrated his natural abilities as a
leader. His hard work and diligent approach have
paid dividends and he gained selection for the
Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA)
England squad. He has not only displayed resilience
in goal, but has always been on hand
to use his expertise to develop the skills of
younger students within school.
Girls
Led first by Florentina Winkelmann and then by
star player and joint coach Katherine Nickols, the
girls enjoyed a terrific season. After their initial
three warm-up matches, they did not lose in open
play until the final of the ISFA U18 Girls Cup Final.
Victories over Westminster (3-0) and Charterhouse
(3-2) set up a semi-final against Haileybury. A
tough warm-up match against Bradfield (3-3)
helped the girls prepare for the big match. In front
of a delirious home crowd, they won 5-0, to earn
an unforgettable day at Arsenal Ladies Ground,
where the cup final was contested against King’s
College Taunton. Our girls lost 4-0 to worthy
winners, but showed tremendous courage and
determination during the match, and equally
impressive dignity in defeat. It was a proud and
moving moment when they came up to thank their
supporters in the stands after collecting their
runners-up medals, and found themselves warmly
applauded.
© RWT Photography
Within the younger age groups, it is apparent that
we have an array of young, talented individuals
who enjoy their football immensely. This year has
seen many representatives at county trials and
some of our students have gained selection within
youth programmes led by Premiership clubs. We
have also established a strong link with Crystal
Palace Football Club. Although it is in its infancy,
we can only see positive outcomes for all involved
in this partnership. Attracting young and talented
elite performers will continue to push football
forward at Sevenoaks.
In August 2013 Katherine Nickols was selected for
the National Girls Football Development Camp.
She is that most powerful of paradoxes: a leader
who enjoys being part of a team. She has been a
starter in the Sevenoaks 1st team since Year 8.
Season after season she has decided matches in our
favour with moments of breathtaking individual
skill. Equally impressive however, have been her
abilities in talking less experienced players through
these tight matches. Without Katherine’s
mentoring skills as captain, results might easily
have gone the other way. She has captained the
South East Independent Schools Football
Association team, and after a strong performance
against Cambridge University, she was selected for
the ISFA international match against Australia.
David Hall
We look forward to our upcoming pre-season
tour at England’s new training headquarters,
St George’s Park.
Jamie Cullen
91
Duathlon
At the sound of the klaxon I leapt forward in an
attempt to get to the front of the pack. I soon
settled into a rhythm and started running down
the kilometres until I would mount my bike.
I entered transition one in second place, seconds
behind the leader. We exited neck and neck.
The 20km bike ride involved in sprint distance
duathlon is sandwiched between the first 5km run
and the second 2.5km run. However, for me, the
bike is by far the worst of the two disciplines.
Pontevedra is a quaint Spanish town, located in the
north-west of Spain, in a river valley several miles
from the sea. The bike course for my race took me
ten kilometres up the steep valley sides before
turning and plummeting back down into the town.
Uphill, I was unable to put sufficient power out,
my legs suffering as I turned the cranks one more
time. On the way down, I spun out my gears and
was left to the mercy of gravity to get me down
quickly.
At the ITU World Championships 2014
in Pontevedra, Spain, Rob Boylin finished
sixth and Kate Curran finished 11th.
Rob recounts his experience of the race.
Since the emphatic success of Team GB in triathlon
at the London 2012 Olympic games, the popularity
of multi-discipline sports has grown exponentially
within the United Kingdom.
Although somewhat overshadowed by triathlon,
my event, duathlon, where one is required to run,
bike and run again is without doubt a mentally
and physically taxing sport. My second ever full
duathlon just so happened to be at the 2014 World
Duathlon Championships.
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SPOR T REVIEW
All in all, I lost five places on that bike ride, but
managed to reclaim one in the second transition.
I clung on in the last run to cross the line in sixth
place (U19) with a time of 1:05:06, exhausted and
ecstatic. Kate Curran (Upper Sixth), who also
competed for Great Britain, achieved 11th place
in her race (Junior Women) and second within the
GB team.
It still feels funny to think that I can now call
myself sixth in the world for duathlon, but my
ultimate goal is to obtain the world champion title,
and I am currently working towards the 2015
World Championships in Adelaide. To be a part of
the Team GB was truly an experience that I will
never forget. It would not have been possible if it
were not for the phenomenal sports coaches and
facilities that we have at school. There are currently
several Sevenoaks students with the ability to
compete for Great Britain in triathlon, so I hope
we will see others following Kate Curran and me
in the future.
Rob Boylin, Lower Sixth
ATHLETICS
running 11.3s in the 100m decathlon competition
and Rob Boylin who now holds the new 2000m
steeplechase record with a time of 7m 19.9s. A final
mention goes to Euan for his improvement in the
1500m, in which he has competed against athletes
two years his senior.
This year’s junior team is undoubtedly the most
successful, securing some outstanding
performances at home and away fixtures. Away at
Tonbridge, we were placed third over Brighton
College, Tonbridge and Cranleigh, losing only to
Harrow and Judd. The team also secured wins
over Hurstpierpoint and St Paul’s. This is an
incredible achievement against some of the
toughest opposition in the south-east circuit. In the
last home fixture against Duke of York’s, we had
an overwhelming victory of 275 to 82 points! At
the Trinity Schools event the squad were placed
third out of 15 independent schools. Consistent
performers include Maxime Robeyns (high jump
and hurdles), Curtis French (shot-put and discus),
Harry Carley (sprints) and Alex Parton (hurdles
and long jump).
Boys Athletics
Athletics remains popular in the Summer term
with all year groups competing in inter-school
fixtures and county competitions. A strong fixture
list has strengthened the quality of athletics at
Sevenoaks in recent years. We compete against the
best schools and punch well above our weight.
This year’s senior captain, Alex Charnock, held the
team together and was a stalwart in the hurdles,
javelin and high jump. Another pillar of the squad,
Nick Perry, also gave invaluable service. A strong
and committed batch of Lower Sixth students
joined two of last year’s team, Chris Olley and
Arthur Davison, to form a competitive group.
Immanuel Adewumi, Ichechi Weli, Alex Bos, Euan
Williams and Matt Proctor have all contributed a
massive amount to the senior athletics programme.
Mentions for excellent performances go to
Immanuel for his 6.10m in the long jump, Barnaby
Sandeford for 38.54m in the javelin, Ichechi
The U14 athletes competed in the Kent Prep School
Championships and the U15 and U17 athletes in
the Kent Schools’ Championships. Once again a
number of boys gained their Kent vest. Ben De
Sousa won silver in the U17 shot-put (competing
as U16), Maxime gained gold in the U15 high jump
and Kieran Sassone bronze in the U15 shot-put.
Representing Kent in the inter-counties at the K2
Stadium in Crawley, Ben came fourth with a throw
of 12.01m, Maxime third with a jump of 1.7m and
Kieran fifth with a throw of 12.09m. James
Yun-Stevens came third in the javelin with 49.79m.
The future looks encouraging with an abundance
of talent emerging from the U15 and U16 teams.
With the development of an Athletics Academy at
Sevenoaks on the horizon the prospects for
Sevenoaks athletes are extremely good.
Peter Hill
93
Swimming
Our new swimming coach
reflects on a successful year.
Having been made very welcome by the PE
department and swimmers, I set about getting
to know and preparing the swimmers for the
imminent start of gala season after the first half
term. I would like to thank the Captains of
Swimming, Sophie Simpson and Alex Robbins,
for helping me with running the teams during
the galas.
We had a successful season, with the senior boys
notably winning both the freestyle and medley
relay at the Kent Secondary Schools Gala by more
than a length. We also took a team of swimmers
to the Bath and Otter Cup which was held for the
first time at the Olympic pool in Stratford. Our
boys and girls competed in both freestyle and
medley relays. All swimmers who attended
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and swam
exceedingly well. Although we had no finalists
we could console ourselves with the knowledge
that we were up against very strong competition
from all over the country. Finally, also at the Kent
Secondary Schools Gala, the intermediate boys
performed exceptionally well in the 4 x 100
Freestyle relay final to grab second place. They
qualified fifth fastest for the final, so to finish with
a silver medal was certainly very well deserved.
John Yates
94
SPOR T REVIEW
Honours for Emily and Lily
Two of the school’s junior swimmers, Emily Das
(Year 7) and Lily Snell (Year 8), deserve a special
mention, as all their hard work and dedication
during the year has paid dividends.
Emily swam in the South East Region
Championships and took bronze in the 100m
breaststroke with a time of 1.20.80, achieving her
first National Qualifying Time. She went on to
compete in the National Championships in
Sheffield in August. Narrowly missing the NQT
in the 200m breaststroke by 0.86 seconds, she came
fourth in her group in the final, swimming against
girls a year older.
Lily also competed in the South East Region
Championships and swam in two individual
events, the 100m and 200m freestyle. She took
silver in the 100m and achieved a qualifying time
of 2.12.55 in the 200m freestyle, which places her
11th in the country. She was one of the four
swimmers to win gold in the 4 x 200m freestyle
and the 4 x 100m relay, which gained them all a
place at the nationals in Sheffield.
SAILING
The 2013-14 season was another very successful
one for our sailors. The U18 squad won the East
Kent Championships, the South East Area
Regionals and the Thames Valley Area Regional
Championships, with the 2nd team consistently
placing in the top six, and well clear of all the
other schools’ second teams. The U16s also had
a very strong year, starting off with a very
impressive fourth place overall and top-placed
school at the Junior Team National Championships
in October. They went on to finish second and
third at the Midlands regionals and second at the
South East Area Championships.
The sailors competed at a number of
university-run events where they had the great
opportunity to race against much older and more
experienced sailors. Their best performance came
at the London University event in March where
the 1st team finished fifth, beating the likes of
Cambridge, Bath, Imperial, Birmingham and
Bangor universities along the way.
Top right: The U18A team
won the Hoad Shield in May
Below right: East Kent
Championships
The year culminated with Itchenor Schools
Week. This year was extremely competitive with
sailors from America and all across the UK.
The top-placed Sevenoaks boat was Ed Haynes
and Issy Gordon who placed 11th out of 42.
Isla Stevens and Kathryn Dodds finished 27th and
were the first girls overall. We then moved onto
the Schools National and International Finals
hosted by Oakham School at Rutland Water.
Sevenoaks had high hopes, having won the three
regional events in the preceding weeks.
Unfortunately we experienced a frustrating couple
of days where the wind didn’t get above 5 knots,
and many of the races were decided on luck rather
than skill in drifting conditions. The 1st team
narrowly missed out on the semi-finals and ended
up as third-placed school overall.
During the summer holidays two Sevenoaks boats
made the journey to Carnac in France to compete
in the RS Feva World Championships, with 200
boats from ten different countries competing.
Having very little experience of sailing on the sea
or in such a big fleet, the Sevenoaks sailors had a
great week, with Matthew Caiger and Helen Jones
finishing 40th, just ahead of Oliver Kidd and Toby
Flynn who were 41st overall. Nicholas Davies of
Year 8 had another superb year, representing
Switzerland in the Optimist class and putting in
great performances for the school U16 team.
Andy Cornah
95
TENNIS
Next on court were the Year 10 girls against
Queenswood, a highly reputable tennis school.
Sevenoaks won three out of four singles matches
and therefore only needed one win from the
doubles to secure the win. Josephine Hogh and
Ellie Knox achieved this rather convincingly with
a 6-0 win over the opposition’s first pair. Cathrine
Hogh and Simone Deverall also came out of their
doubles match 6-2 to make the final score 5-1.
The final saw the Sevenoaks girls face a particularly
strong Culford team. Despite some very determined
play Sevenoaks lost all four singles matches. Ellie
and Josephine dug deep and were once again
victorious, displaying some excellent doubles play
to make the final score 5-1.
Kent Inter Schools Finals
Regional Finals
The year got off to a great start with three out
of four teams qualifying for regional finals in
November. The Year 10 boys lost their first three
singles matches against New Hall and Oscar
Gordon-Reid dug deep to win the final singles
match which was to prove decisive. The doubles
pairings of Liam van den Hoek and Oscar
Gordon-Reid, Russell Lam and Alex Lenhart were
victorious, so Sevenoaks competed in a double
shoot-out where the first pair to reach 10 would
progress to the final. Liam and Russell emerged
victorious after a 14-12 thriller. Against Reed’s
School who had been ISF World School Champions
for two of the last three years, Sevenoaks lost 6-0
despite some spirited play. The Year 9 boys team
of Dan Goodwin, Oscar Brown, Andrew Johnstone
and Charlie Lindsay lost to a strong New Hall side
4-2, setting a up a third-fourth playoff against the
Perse School which they won 4-2.
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SPOR T REVIEW
Sevenoaks had a very successful day at the Kent
Inter-Schools finals. The team of Liam van den
Hoek, Oscar Gordon-Reid, Jaime Deverall and
George Karl took the senior boys title in convincing
style over King’s Canterbury. The girls won three
out of three titles with Phoebe Buckland, Michelle
Li, Kate Lyttle and Juliette Briery taking the junior
title, the team of Anna King, Phoebe Barker, Louisa
Webb and Orissa Welsh taking the inter title against
King’s Canterbury, and the team of Chloe Broom,
Tasha Reid, Josephine Hogh and Ellie Knox taking
the senior title against the same opposition.
Doubles domination
Josephine Hogh and Ellie Knox also added the U16
Harpenden Doubles title to their list of summer
successes. In an all-Sevenoaks final versus Cathrine
Hogh and Anna King, they were also victorious at
the Kent Year 9 and 10 girls doubles competition.
Oscar Gordon-Reid and Russell Lam also had a
triumphant day and took the Kent Year 9 and 10
boys doubles title over a strong Ravenswood pair.
Kent Inter Schools senior
National Finals
and inter champions
The girls sailed through the regional rounds to
secure a place at the LTA Tennis Schools National
Championships Finals in Sheffield, where the top
16 teams in the country battle it out for national
honours. The Sevenoaks team of Josephine Hogh,
Cathrine Hogh, Ellie Knox, Chloe Broom and
Tasha Reid secured four singles wins against the
Howell’s School, Cardiff. This ensured Sevenoaks
would compete for the top eight places. On the
second day Sevenoaks drew with Millfield. Despite
all four girls having close matches, all singles were
lost. The next day Chloe and Ellie started the day
with two comfortable wins against Holmfirth High
School. It was then mixed fortunes for the Hogh
twins. Cathrine lost a close singles against their
number 2, but Josie closed the singles with another
win. Ellie and Josie won their match to end the
day with an overall win of 4-2.
Eventually, Sevenoaks competed for fifth and sixth
place. Team captain Chloe Broom led by example
with an easy victory. Going into the doubles it was
tied at 2-2. Chloe and Cathrine, playing together
for the first time in Sheffield, had a shaky start, but
before long they managed to fight their way back
to one set all, and played well in the final deciding
tie-break. However the opposition stepped up their
game and Sevenoaks were narrowly defeated. Ellie
and Josie then took to the court and secured a
good doubles win to level the match at 3-3. It was
shoot-out time. Ellie and Josie took to the court to
decide the final outcome. With an unfortunate
change of momentum, the pair lost, leaving
Sevenoaks to finish in a well-deserved sixth place,
our best achievement to date.
97
Charlotte Pearson
CRICKET TOUR TO SRI LANKA
The 1st XI Cricket squad, consisting of 15 players from five
different year groups, spent 12 days in July touring Sri Lanka.
The team were based initially in the hills
surrounding Kandy where they played three
games. They then travelled to Colombo via tea
plantations, spice farms and two hours of elephant
riding and washing! Whilst in the capital the team
played two games and also spent a thoroughly
enjoyable day coaching 11- and 12-year-olds in a
government-run school which consisted of over
5000 boys, the majority of whom bowled spin!
The team only achieved one victory in the five
games, but every match was competitive and there
were some excellent individual performances with
Cyrus White top batsman, Harry Gillis top
wicket-taker and Louis Ashe-Jepson top fielder. We
beat Palitha College in Kandy by four wickets with
Harry Gillis taking 4-17. Team captain Kieran
98
SPOR T REVIEW
Davey set a tremendous example to the rest of the
players through his attitude and commitment, but
unfortunately had to be helped from the pitch with
heat exhaustion following his spell of bowling in
the last game against Asoka School. In this same
game Findlay scholar Ollie Gibson scored a
tremendous 85 to give the side a chance of victory.
Year 9 student Rhys Joseph (the youngest player
on tour) acquitted himself admirably and opened
the bowling to excellent effect in three of the
fixtures. He is a young fast bowler with a very
promising future both at Sevenoaks and also with
Kent, whom he represented at U14 level upon his
return to the UK. Nick Bett also scored a very
promising 50 on tour and then played for Holland
U15 upon his return.
The tour was a tremendous experience for the
boys, who often played in temperatures in excess
of 34 degrees with humidity over 80 per cent.
They faced some outstanding spin bowling from
some of the best young cricketers in Sri Lanka.
What they learnt on and off the pitch should hold
them in excellent stead for their domestic school
fixtures in coming years.
The boys were an absolute pleasure to take on
tour and I am sure they will remember both the
cricketing and cultural experiences for many
years to come.
Phil Hulston
99
HONOURS TABLE
It is with great pride that the list of students representing teams
beyond school level continues to grow. The list is impressive,
highlighting the wealth of sporting talent at Sevenoaks School.
SportLevel
Name
Athletics
Ben De Sousa
Kent U17
SportLevel
Name
Hockey
England NAGS U16, Kent U16 Futures Cup, Kent U16, JRPC U16
Kent U17, JRPC U17
Kent U16, JRPC U16
Sophie Holliday
Tara Daly
Georgina Barker
Eugenia Carter
Hannah Wentzel
Matthew Wilson
Kent U16 Boys Kent U15, JRPC U15
Lizzie Holder
Ellie Knox
Kent U14, JRPC U14 Grace Annetts
Hannah Daly
Lauren Tucker
Jess Wentzel
Kent U13 JAC
Zoe Eifion-Jones
Clara Tyler
Orissa Welsh
Hana Yun-Stevens
England Women’s Team, England
Academy Squad & U19,
Kent 1st XI Ladies
Netball
Regional talent programme
Catherine Brown
Freya Hall
Lizzie Roberts
Natasha Farrant
Dutch Lions U15
Nick Bett
U17 Kent Netball Academy
U16 Surrey Netball Academy
Amelia Bell
Jessie Oliver
Octavia Turner
Alicia Gilliat
Kent U15 Girls Martha Tipper
Kent U14 Boys
Rhys Joseph
Kent U12 Boys
Harry Houillon
U14 Kent Netball Potential Academy
U14 Kent Netball Development Academy
Annabel Jairaj
Charlotte Jairaj
Martha Reeve
Kent U12 Girls Emerging Squad
Ella Roberts
Rugby
Harry Carley
Kent U15
Maxime Robeyns
Kieran Sassone
Kent U13
Hana Yun-Stevens
Kent IAPS
Clara Tyler
Ballet
National Youth Ballet
Anar Shah
Basketball
South East Regional
Performance squad U13
Hana Yun-Stevens
Badminton
England U13
Rory Easton
Kent U13
Cricket
Cross Country Kent Schools Senior Boys, Kent U20
Christopher Olley
Kent Schools Senior Girls, Surrey U20
Ruth Bourne
Kent Schools Senior Boys, Kent U17
Rob Boylin
Kent Schools Senior Boys
Matthew Proctor
Kent Schools Senior Girls
Capucine Cogné
Kent Schools Inter Boys
Rupert
Moverley Smith
Euan Williams
Kent Schools Inter Girls
Emily Monkhouse
Kent Schools Junior Boys Charlie Lindsay
Kent Schools Junior Girls Phoebe Barker
Lauren Tucker
Alice Tyler
Clara Tyler
Curling
England Junior Women
Niamh Fenton
Duathlon
Great Britain Elite Junior Team
Kate Curran
Sprint Duathlon Great Britain U19 Squad
Rob Boylin
Fencing
South-East U17 Squad
Miranda Stevens
England U15 Squad
Football
Kent Elite Saracens Squad
Kent Schools U15
Nick Bett
Dylan Morris-Jones
James Yun-Stevens
Kent Schools U14
Curtis French
Sussex Schools U14
Kieran Sassone
Shooting
British Schools England Team
Xander Bastin
Tom Golding
Thomas Smith Leonard Taylor
Francesca Vernon
William White
Freddie Williams Main Kent Squad
Thomas Smith Francesca Vernon
Kent Ladies
Francesca Vernon
Kent Juniors
Henry Davies
Tom Golding
Jessica Hui
Jonathan Man
Thomas Smith
William White
Freddie Williams
Nathaniel Robinson
Sailing
Switzerland U15 Optimist Sailing Squad Nicholas Davies
ISFA Girls National U18
Representative Squad Katherine Nickols
Squash
Kent U17
Leo Danczak
Kent Clubs/ISFA South of England Squad,
ISFA England Squad
Oliver Gibson
Swimming
National qualifying times
Emily Das
Lily Snell
Elite Academy
Jamie Campbell (Arsenal training)
Ben Williams
Tennis
Kent County Squad
Daniel Goodwin
Cathrine Hogh
Josie Hogh
Ellie Knox
Golf
Tom Harrison
Triathlon
Kate Curran
100
SE England U16 Squad
SPOR T REVIEW
British Youth Triathlon Team TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
TRIPS AND EXCHANGES
MICHAELMAS TERM
Year 7 History
Study trip to Bodiam Castle
Years 8-9 German
Study trip to Aachen Christmas Market
Lower School Scholars
Study trip to Down House
Year 10 Geography
Field trip to the River Darent
Year 10 Spanish
Study trip to Santiago
Year 10 Spanish
Malaga exchange
Year 11 Latin
Enrichment trip to Pompeii
Upper Sixth Economics
Field trip to Prague
CCF
Field Day at Mereworth
CCF
RAF Gliding Course
Cross Country
Training Camp at Eastbourne
Drama
Tour to Ibbenbüren
Hockey
Hockey Tour to Brussels
Lower Sixth Geography
Field trip to London
Sailing
RYA Junior Sailing Championships at Oxford
Shooting
Fullbore Training Camp, Bisley
Skiing
Ski trip to Alpe d’Huez
LENT TERM
102
Year 9 French
Lyon exchange
Year 9 French
Study trip to Montpellier
Year 10 German
Ibbenbüren exchange
Year 10 History
Enrichment trip to New York and Washington
Lower Sixth French
Brussels exchange
Lower Sixth French
Lyon exchange
Lower Sixth Geography
Field trip to Morocco
Lower Sixth Higher Education
Tour of US university campuses
Lower Sixth Mandarin
Enrichment trip to Chinese New Year Celebrations in London
Lower Sixth Science
AAAS Science Conference trip to Chicago
Sixth Form Spanish
Santiago exchange
Technology
Study trip to the Harry Potter Exhibition
CCF
Royal Navy Field Day at Portsmouth
CCF
RAF Air Experience at Wyton
MUN
THIMUN (The Hague MUN)
MUN
BISMUN (Bath MUN)
PROMO
Lower Sixth charity trip to Rajasthan
Sailing
UKTRA Championships at Southampton
Shooting
Fullbore Shooting, Crowborough
Skiing
Ski trip to Les Menuires
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
SUMMER TERM
Year 7 Classics
Enrichment trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace
Year 7 Geography
Field trip to the Thames Flood Barrier
Year 7 Physics
Enrichment trip to Herstmonceux Observatory
Year 8 Biology
Enrichment trip to Wildwood, Herne Bay
Year 8 English
Enrichment trip to Shakespeare’s Globe
Year 8 French
Study trip to Normandy
Year 8 History
Enrichment trip to the Tower of London
Year 9 Geography
Field trip to the East Sussex Coast
Year 9 History
Study trip to the Battlefields of Northern France and Belgium
Year 10 Geography
Field trip to Iceland
Year 10 Latin
Study trip to Pompeii
Year 10 Physics
Study trip to Thorpe Park
Year 10/Lower Sixth Russian
Study trip to Moscow and St Petersburg
Lower Sixth Biology
Study trip to Madagascar
Lower Sixth German
Study trip to Berlin
Lower Sixth History
Study trip to the Chalke Valley History Festival
Lower Sixth Italian
Crema exchange
Lower Sixth Spanish
Study trip to Salamanca
Sixth Form Latin
Study trip to Rome
CCF
Army Field Day at Pippingford Park
CCF
RAF Air Experience at Wyton
DofE
Bronze Award Expedition to the South Downs
DofE
Silver Award Expedition to Dorset
DofE
Gold Award Expedition to Snowdonia
PROMO
Charity trip to Mumbai
Shooting
Competition at Basildon
Shooting
Fullbore Shooting Training Camp, Bisley
YoungSox
Year 7 holiday to Greece
103
Co-curricular Review of the Year
This has been another exceptionally strong year on
the co-curricular front. Both in terms of the range
of opportunities and the quality of what is on offer,
there must be very few schools who can equal
Sevenoaks. In Music the concert by OS Joe Stilgoe
and the orchestra’s performance of three
movements from Dvorak’s ‘New World’ Symphony
were particular highlights. On an individual level
we should also congratulate Sophie Westbrooke on
her exceptional achievement of making the BBC
Young Musician of the Year Final and Sehee Lim on
being selected for the National Youth Orchestra. The
standard of drama was superb as always, from the
highly entertaining Canterbury Tales Retold (which
went on tour to Germany) to the powerful and
challenging Pericles. The sporting success has been
tremendous with, amongst many achievements, the
girls’ tennis team making it to the National Finals
and the U15A rugby team retaining the Kent Cup.
In tennis, sailing and shooting we remain amongst
the very top few schools in the country.
Clubs and societies continue to thrive with 65
taking place on a regular basis, and debating has
been given a new lease of life this year with the
arrival of Ms Dolan. Community Service has
expanded to include opportunities for Year 9
students and every week over 400 Sevenoaks
students help with service projects. The school
raised over £50,000 for charitable projects with
most of it going to the nominated charities, Haller
and Hospice in the Weald.
Finally, the trips programme has again been
extensive with over 200 day trips and nearly 50
residential trips. The first Mulamula trip to South
Africa was a great success with students helping to
build an education centre for the village. This
summer our biologists headed off to Madagascar
to work on a conservation project while the
cricketers went to Sri Lanka.
In short there is a lot going on and we hope there
is something for everyone. The co-curriculum is a
great strength of the school and is reliant on the
expertise and enthusiasm of the staff. Many thanks
to all those who give up so much of their time to
enable so many opportunities.
Neil Tetley
104
Charity Action Group
Lower School Charity Week took place in June,
offering cake stalls, nail painting, table tennis and
pool competitions, a talent show competition and
disco, which in total raised £3500. Throughout the
year the Lower School also made £2500 from their
weekly fundraising efforts. This was divided
between Cancer Research UK, Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation, Harris Hospice Care and The
National Autistic Society; all charities with which
members of the Lower School are connected in
some way.
Developing a strong
relationship with charities
Charity Action Group is comprised of 16 students
across four year groups and is responsible for
overseeing charity fundraising in the school. Our
job is to raise awareness for the charities by
presenting assemblies and promoting events. Over
this year we have organised a number of key
events including the Big Gig, Sixth Form Sessions,
Upper School Charity Week, home clothes days,
and Krispy Kreme doughnut sales. We also held
the inaugural Middle School Charity Fair, which
coincided with the alternative pizza lunch. Having
closed off the Flat, we set up over 14 stalls with the
help of Middle School tutor groups. These
included: splat the rat, pie-throwing at acquiescent
teachers, frozen yoghurt and cake stalls, timed
digestive biscuit eating, a jewellery stand and a
tombola. There was also music, a teachers versus
students football match and an ice cream van.
One hundred pizzas were consumed. The event
was a real success in gloriously sunny weather.
This year we have focused on two charities:
Hospice in the Weald and Haller. Hospice in the
Weald is a 17-bed in-patient unit and hospice day
service, which provides care and support for the
terminal ill, their families and carers. As a school
we have a special connection to the Hospice, as it
was where Mr Pete Kino spent his last days. The
second charity, Haller, is an organisation set up in
Kenya with the goal of providing sustainable
economic development. It does this by creating
partnerships with and introducing programmes
into communities, which give poor farmers and
their families the skills and training to live
self-sufficient and sustainable lives.
We have also been involved in raising money for
the Philippines disaster relief, collecting money on
the Flat and helping at the relief concert set up by
Russell and Rachelle Lam. Finally, we successfully
experimented with a ‘Shoes-day Tuesday’ event
where, by donating £1, Sixth Form students were
allowed to wear non-uniform shoes for a day. The
money went to Kiva, an online micro-financing
organisation which allows entrepreneurs around
the world to borrow money to set up businesses
and improve their communities.
As a group we have developed a greater
understanding of the nature of charity, the means
of fundraising and the importance of developing
strong relationships with charities. This was
reinforced by our visit to the Hospice where we
saw first-hand the work they carry out. As a school
we are proud to have raised over £20,000, which
we hope to increase next year.
Abigail Hands, Lower Sixth
105
CCF ANNUAL REVIEW
The Army Section had a busy year with an intake
of 40 Year 10 cadets and ongoing training for both
the APC Basic (Year 10 + 11) and APC Advanced
(Sixth Form) certificates. Fifteen of the Year 11
cadets passed the Method of Instruction Cadre,
giving them skills to plan and deliver lessons
confidently, and preparing them for NCO duties
in the Sixth Form. The section visited Mereworth
Woods and Pippingford Park for two very
successful overnight exercises. NCOs were given
leadership tasks in the night phases and further
opportunities for command appointments during
the day phases, where they completed section
battle attacks, first aid stands, laser quest and
camouflage and concealment activities.
106
Our Senior Cadet this year was Sgt Arthur
Davison who has been a tremendous role model
to the other cadets. Due to his contribution and
commitment over four years, he won the Army
Prize. Recently promoted LCpls Euan Tyndall
and Bibi Wood attended the ‘passing out’ parade
rehearsal at Sandhurst. The culmination of the
year was Summer Camp at Crowborough with
11 cadets and three officers enjoying a jam-packed
week of military, sporting and leadership activities.
LCpl Sasha Radkovskii scored the highest
shooting mark and Cdt Ed Norman got the
highest archery score. The highlight of the week
is ‘Competition Day’, where teams are put
through ten disciplines and win points along the
way. Led by Sgt Rob Boylin, the contingent won
gold medal in the Command Task, silver medal in
the Observation, bronze medal in the March and
fourth prize overall. Sgt Boylin was awarded ‘Best
NCO’ on camp and Cdt Norman was awarded
‘Best Year 10’.
The RAF Section again attracted some excellent
Year 10 cadets. The intake bonded very well, have
been outstanding in team tasks and have all done
really well to pass their Part 1 tests. The Year 11
cadets have thrown themselves enthusiastically
into activities and also all passed the new-look
online syllabus tests. The Upper Sixth SNCOs
worked really well as a group, delivering the
syllabus with great confidence and authority and
developing excellent presentational skills and
resources. Our Head of Section, Flight Sergeant
Kieran Davey, winner of the RAF Prize, led by
example, whilst his Sergeants, Ollie Webster and
Katy Hollings, spearheaded the classroom teaching
and teambuilding activities. The running of the
section is now in the hands of an extremely
capable and enthusiastic Lower Sixth group.
Flying has been slightly more successful this year,
with the Grob Tutors back in service. Year 11 and
Sixth Form experienced aerobatics and flying this
(dual-controlled) training plane themselves. Field
Days this year were contrasting in nature and both
great fun. The first was to Duxford Imperial War
Museum, learning all about the aircraft and being
thrown about on the flight simulator. In the summer
we visited the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF
Uxbridge. The visit was made all the more poignant
by newspaper coverage of the D-Day remembrance
services. The afternoon was then spent on the
Hillingdon Outdoor Activity High Ropes course.
Everyone completed the course, much to their own
surprise and satisfaction. The strength of the RAF
Section is a direct result of an excellent staff team
too and thanks and recognition go to Mrs Nichola
Haworth and Mr Paul Turner.
The RN Section began the Michaelmas term with
a full sailing programme for Year 11 at Chipstead
Lake in the capable hands of CPOs Ben Moverley
Smith and John Kendrick. Ben, a qualified sailing
instructor and powerboat driver, was also awarded
the Centurion Cup this year. The section spent their
first Field Day in Portsmouth in October at Fort
Purbrook on the Royal Navy assault course and
tackled a collection of Command Tasks in the
dungeons and old ammunition bunkers beneath the
Fort. The following day was spent at Action Stations
in Portsmouth Harbour, visiting HMS Victory and
HMS Warrior. In March, again at Portsmouth, the
younger cadets spent a day on two RN motor
cruisers, planning routes to and from the Isle of
Wight. In the Lent term, the Year 11 all passed the
Leading Rates exam, and in March were put
through their paces in the Royal Navy’s DRIU at
Portsmouth. Under the guidance of Lt Tiffenny
Cardon they then began their Leadership Course at
the start of the Summer term. They were involved
in Practical Leadership Tests, planning and teaching
a formal lesson, leading a drill squad and shooting
on the .22 indoor ranges. The five-week course was
very successful and all the cadets passed with flying
colours. The success of this year’s training has been
made possible by the support and enthusiasm of S/
Lt Cardon, S/Lt Daniel Whiffin and S/Lt Eva
Csiki-Szasz. We lost Tiffenny and Eva at the end of
the Summer term and wish them a happy future in
their new schools.
Lt Col Paul Bassett
107
The Recovery Project Organisation
speeches during concerts, in our local church,
and in the community to raise awareness. In
February we organised a charity concert, ‘Music
for a Cause’, which featured more than 40 of the
school’s best musicians from all year groups.
We also had a bake sale during the interval. We
were very lucky to have so many roommates in
School House and Sennocke who were motivated
and willing to help with practical tasks such as
counting cash, helping backstage and baking
cakes to sell.
How two students raised
£7500 for UNICEF.
In November 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, one of the
most powerful tropical storms ever recorded, laid
its merciless hands on the Philippines, tearing
down everything that stood in its path. The
outcome: 6000 lives lost, five million children
affected, 130,000 houses demolished. Children of
our age were left homeless, their parents having
disappeared, their siblings dead. There was a
severe shortage of food supplies, clean water,
and medicine. Grieved by the desperate situation,
we wanted to help the Philippines in any way
we could.
After many emails and lots of advice and help
from various teachers, we successfully set up our
charity, The Recovery Project Organisation, with
the aim of helping people to rebuild their lives
after terrible disasters. We placed donation boxes
around school, organised bake sales, and gave
108
All the raised funds were donated to UNICEF, an
organisation that works with children all over the
world. We raised over £7500 and in March we were
honoured when UNICEF UK sent a representative
to school to explain how the funds we raised might
be used to help the Philippines (such as providing
vaccinations and buying education kits for
children). We also received a thank-you letter from
the Philippine Ambassador to the UK.
This entire process has taught us countless
valuable lessons. We have learnt to appreciate the
behind-the-scenes work that goes into organising
any event or activity. Furthermore, we have learnt
to be grateful for the things we have, such as
material wealth and a good education. Most
importantly, we learnt that with persistence it is
possible to respond in a meaningful way to events,
however far they may seem from home. Through
this we have concluded that nothing can match the
satisfaction of helping a worthwhile cause. We
would like to thank our teachers, friends and
family for giving us the immeasurable support that
made this possible.
Rachelle and Russell Lam, Year 10
IFS Investors Challenge
Each four-person team was directed into an
elongated conference room where there was a table
assigned to each team, and a separate area for
teachers. The first test was a 45-minute
multiple-choice quiz, testing us on general
economics and business knowledge, savings,
investments and the stock market. The questions
were displayed on several television screens
around the room, and we were given 40 seconds to
confer and note down our answer.
Throughout the quiz, we really gelled as a team,
truly collaborating to figure out answers, and after
all the questions had been displayed, we were
given ten minutes to discuss questions which we
found trickier than others. Following this, we were
given a five-minute ‘mini test’ that would be used
in the event of a tie-break.
A team of four Sixth Form students reached
the national final of the ifs Student Investor
Challenge, an investment competition
organised by ifs University College. The
‘Vilhelm and Co’ team competed against more
than 30,000 other students across the UK
to be selected for the regional round in March.
After meeting at Sevenoaks station at 9am, Vilhelm
and Co, comprising Freddie Bond, Max Kitson,
Alex Maguire and me, were joined by Mr Hulston
to travel up to London on Monday 10 March.
Upon arriving, we made our way towards ifs
University College. All the other 20 teams were
closely huddled around tables, discussing,
practising and reviewing their new areas of
economics expertise; we also made an effective use
of this time, asking Mr Hulston specific questions,
practising past paper questions and looking up
different share indexes around the world.
After lunch we returned to the conference room,
where the top five teams after the first test were
announced – much to our relief, we featured! The
next test contained questions on current business
affairs, economics definitions and business terms,
economic anagrams, and a ‘cryptic mind teaser’.
Upon returning to the now tension-filled
conference room we went through the answers to
all of the questions. Multiple cheers and
disappointed groans sounded around the room as
teams counted up the questions they knew they
had got wrong: for us, a mere ten. We waited
eagerly on the edge of our seats as the presenter
opened a small green envelope…third…second…
first – Vilhelm and Co. The whole team was
ecstatic, and truly overjoyed at the result! We were
subsequently asked to stay behind at the end, to
receive congratulations from ifs staff and a
surprised Mr Hulston. This success meant that
we were among the eight teams selected for the
national final. This took place in April and
consisted of a trading exercise and a small
presentation from our team. Although we didn’t
win (the final winners were ‘The Greeks’ from
Pate’s Grammar School), only the top two teams
from each region were selected for this, so we
were delighted.
Will Parr, Lower Sixth
109
Parents’ Association Review of the Year
standard by the school’s Technology department.
A group of Indian dancers entertained the guests
before and after the delicious dinner. There was
a wonderful mix of traditional black tie and
authentic Indian dress, partly as a result of the
pop-up shop which the PA helpfully organised
a couple of weeks before the ball. It was a truly
memorable evening, and huge thanks are due to
everyone who took part in the organisation.
The PA year began with a very successful New
Parents’ Supper. Other regular events in the diary
included the PA coffee mornings for different year
groups on Saturday mornings, the Careers Fair in
February, and the Social Entrepreneurship day
which the PA support not only financially, but also
in terms of manpower. It ended with another
delightful annual fixture, the New Parents’ Tea,
which gives parents and pupils the chance of
meeting one another informally before the start of
the academic year.
The highlight of the year was the enormously
successful Maharaja’s Ball which took place in a
magnificent marquee on Park Grange lawn at the
end of May. A record 500 people attended this
year’s ball, which raised around £20,000 for the
Hospice in the Weald and to help fund the
landscaping of the Flat, thanks to the generous
donation by our parents of 40 prizes.
Livia Lovell and her team worked tirelessly to
transform the marquee into an environment fit for
the golden living statue Maharaja who greeted
guests on arrival. Hanging from the ceiling were
175 brightly coloured lanterns, and the scene was
completed by the 70 trees and two life-sized
elephants constructed to a highly professional
110
In addition to the walking and cycling groups, the
Arts Society arranged an outing to Strangers on a
Train as well as an excellent private tours of
London’s Theatreland, the Lowry and Matisse
exhibitions, the Wallace Collection and Bailey’s
Stardust exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
Livia Lovell will be stepping down as Chair of the
PA in November after three years in the role. She
has worked with great energy, enthusiasm and
dedication, and the school community is
immensely grateful to her and to her team.
Arabella Stuart
The PA is always keen to welcome parents onto the
committee. If you might like to join, more
information is available from the Senior Deputy
Head, Theresa Homewood: [email protected]
ALUMNI REVIEW
111
112
ALUMNI REVIEW
OS Reunions
Annual Old Sennockians Dinner
We were very heartened by the popularity of the
inaugural Annual OS Dinner at the Lansdowne
Club, London. The event succeeded in reuniting
alumni from the 1960s to the 1990s, with
classmates travelling from around the world to
enjoy an evening with their peer groups. Katy
Ricks and Nicholas Gould, Chairman of
Governors, spoke about the school’s progress,
describing Old Sennockians as ‘rounded
individuals’. One such OS, Joe Stilgoe (1997), with
a startling talent for singing, song writing and
all-round musicianship, entertained the guests
after dinner. The second Annual Dinner will be in
November 2014 at the Grocers’ Hall, London.
10 Year Reunion for the Class Of 2004
Five Year Drinks
There was another great turnout for the traditional
10 Year Reunion which included former staff Mike
Bolton and Graham Lacey. Alex Smith addressed
the guests during dinner, describing the unique
Sevenoaks culture that still pervades the school in
the same way it did in 2004. He spoke about the
warmth and friendliness of Old Sennockians and
how this particular year group is well integrated
into the OS community through our events and
sports matches. Mr Smith also paid tribute to Jack
Salt and Natalie Skilbeck, who died in 2004, and
Tom Austin, who died in 2008.
Held in Covent Garden in October, this was a fun
and well-attended evening of conversation and
laughter with OS who left Sevenoaks up to five
years ago.
Tom de Quincey, speaking on behalf of his year
group, said, ‘We really had a great time at
Sevenoaks’ and reflected on the strong sense of
community amongst his classmates.
113
OS Reunions
Old Johnsonians Reunion Lunch
Our thanks must go to Chris Castle (OS 1958) for
his continued involvement with coordinating this
annual reunion lunch. The Recital Room in The
Space was the perfect setting for another great
get-together for the former boarders who were
able to mingle and chat over drinks and a buffet
lunch. There was plenty of reflection on their time
at Sevenoaks and wonderful exchanges of
photographs, some of which have been kindly
donated to the school archive. Several of the party
visited Johnsons, meeting current students and
walking around the house again for the first time
in 50 years.
Walker. Alex Smith affirmed the rewarding
nature of his role as Alumni Staff Liaison and
described the various opportunities provided for
OS and their families by the host of alumni events
we hold all over the world.
Summer Drinks
The tradition of exploring different London venues
continued and this year we headed to the Lamb
Tavern, Leadenhall Market in the City of London.
It was a lovely summer evening and a great
number of OS from all eras enjoyed drinks and
conversation with teachers Paul and Liz Bassett,
Paul Harrison, Helen Tebay, Gillian Williams and
Arabella Stuart. We were thrilled to see Sean
Rawnsley and Ranavir Bose from the Class of 1969
who travelled from France and India, respectively,
to meet up again after 45 years.
New York Reunion
OS living in or around New York met up at Dylan
Prime in March. They talked about the teachers
who had inspired them, the people they have in
common and the interesting careers they now
pursue. Matt Diebel (OS 1974) described it as ‘a
really great event. I met some wonderful people
I believe I will stay in touch with and had some
truly interesting conversations.’ Our thanks go to
Aliya Mamdani-Myers (OS 1988), who helped to
organise this US event.
20 Year Reunion for the Class Of 1994
There were a lot of exclamations as the images
of the Class of 1994 rolled by on the presentation
screen. The Old Sennockians avidly watched as
pictures of their classmates and teachers brought
back a host of happy memories and started the
evening off on a delightful footing. James Brown
spoke to the assembled guests, including former
staff Ray and Jill Hackett, John Guyatt and Ian
114
ALUMNI REVIEW
Founder’s Day and 50 Year Reunion
for the Class Of 1964
We dodged the showers and enjoyed lunch on
Manor House lawn. Over 70 OS and their guests
spent a relaxed afternoon with friends from the
classes of 1949-1965, including many from the
Class of 1964 celebrating their 50 Year Anniversary.
Alex Smith took visitors on a tour around the
school buildings and grounds, including the old
swimming pool, and gave a demonstration of an
interactive whiteboard! The next Founder’s Day
lunch will take place on Saturday 27 June 2015.
Katy O’Neill
OS ONLINE
OS Online brings together all the news and
information that most interests Sevenoaks alumni,
and provides access to career mentoring, a former
classmates search facility, photo galleries, and details
of events and reunions. For those OS keen on sport,
there is information on all the active clubs and
societies, and match reports following the progress
of OSFC in the Arthurian League and OSCC in The
Cricketer Cup.
OS Online is available to all former students of
Sevenoaks School. Much of the content is
accessible, but registration via a short form – name,
class of and date of birth – gives you access to further
resources. These include a members’ directory where
you can search for, and contact, fellow classmates.
OS Online, the new website
for Old Sennockians, was launched
earlier this year to a great response.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to young alumni is access
to free career mentoring by OS volunteers with
established careers in a variety of industries
including advertising, the arts, banking and finance,
government, health and law. Old Sennockians from
any industry who want to volunteer as mentors can
sign up easily and self-manage the level of mentoring
they wish to offer.
The appetite for career mentoring is soaring and
we would like to thank the many Old Sennockians
who have not only volunteered with OS Online, but
also contributed to the students’ daily school life.
This year we have welcomed panellists to Sixth Form
Careers Forums in Medicine and Engineering, guest
lecturers and Visiting Fellows.
OS visitors are not only a valuable addition to the
students’ academic experience, but they offer
invaluable inspiration and insight into career choices.
If you would like to participate in a careers event or
workshop, or to speak to our Sixth Form at a Friday
4 lecture we would very much like to hear from you.
Please contact us at: [email protected]
or +44 (0)1732 467708.
Katy O’Neill
www.osonline.sevenoaksschool.org
115
116
ALUMNI REVIEW
OS SPOR T
The 2013-14 academic year was an exciting one for
OS sport, seeing the launch of two new initiatives
for the OS community.
Old Sennockians Football Club (OSFC) completed
their first full season in the Arthurian League,
playing in Division Five against Old Boys sides
from Harrow, Ampleforth, Brentwood, Highgate,
Mill Hill and Forest School. The OS side, captained
by Alastair Perry (OS 2002), started indifferently
but after New Year went on a run that was
sustained until the end of the season. Promotion to
Division Four was secured in the penultimate
game of the year after eight wins from 11 games.
Unfortunately, in the last match the side began
slowly against Harrow and lost, giving Ampleforth
the league title in a dramatic finale. A couple of
decent cup runs and a friendly against Sevenoaks
School added to the season’s success and we look
forward to competing in Division Four in 2014-15.
The squad comprised OS from a wide variety of
years and we welcomed a couple of guest
appearances from current students. Jamie Dunnett
(OS 2006) deservedly won the Player of the Year
award, whilst Will McIntosh-Whyte (OS 2002)
bagged the Golden Boot award.
Old Sennockians Cricket Club (OSCC) rejoined The
Cricketer Trophy after a 15-year absence with an
impressive team made up of leavers spanning 20
years. The side hosted Warwick at Solefields in the
first round in June. On a slow pitch, an attacking
start from Omar Iqbal (OS 1990) was not wasted
with half centuries from Will House (OS 1994) and
then Shami Iqbal (OS 1993). Defending 223, the
younger members of the squad stepped up and
restricted Warwick to 170. Key performers
included Jack Hulston (OS 2012) and Nick Tunnell
(OS 2005). Unfortunately, Solefields was under
renovation during the summer, and the alternative
venue for the Round Two match against Millfield
proved inadequate on the morning of the game, so
our progression came to an abrupt end and we had
to let Millfield through. Next year we will look to
play an expanded fixture list alongside the Trophy
to meet the demand.
Mark Thompson (OS 2002)
If you are interested in playing for either the OSFC
or OSCC please contact Mark Thompson (OS 2002)
[email protected] or Alastair Perry (OS 2002)
[email protected]. You can also contact them
via the Development Office.
117
MARRIAGES AND DEATHS
OS Marriages
Laura Broese van Groenou (Sennocke 97)
married Ramiro de la Rosa in June 2014
Meg Bruckmann (03) and Charles Keymer (03)
were married on 9 November 2013
Orielle Clarke (GIH 04)
married Matthew Walker on 26 July 2014
Jo Dixon (04)
married Simon Middleburgh in May 2014
Claire Hazle (GIH 03)
married Ross Baker on 10 May 2014
Zaneev Shirodkar (IC 04) and Clare Williams
(Sennocke 04) were married in April 2014
Nicholas Goodyear (Johnsons 40)
died 28 March 2013
Peter Gould (Johnsons 52)
died 30 July 2014
Fred Vivian Griffiths (Johnsons 38)
died 30 December 2013
Brian Hart (School House 53)
died 5 January 2014
Peter Letchford (Wordsworth 35)
Jonathan MacDermot (Johnsons 55)
died 11 March 2013
John Mollison (Fenton 41)
died 24 April 2014
OS Deaths
Michael Morley (former staff 56)
died 27 March 2014
Isabella Gräfin von und zu Arco-Zinneberg
(Park Grange 93) died 23 January 2012
Adam Parker (IC 94)
died 16 May 2013
Peter Baistow (Johnsons 59)
died 25 September 2013
Alessandro Pasotto (IC 95)
died in May 2013
Dick Carden (School House 39)
died 5 April 2013
John Quinn (School House 51)
died 2 April 2014
David Casiot (Sackville 58)
died 29 January 2014
Richard Rayner (Johnsons 42)
David Cockburn (School House 65)
died 1 March 2014
John Ryman (Hardinge 59)
died in 2014
Michael Coigley (Johnsons 41)
died 22 July 2014
Peter Sargeant (Wordsworth 60)
Henry John (Tim) Dark (Hardinge 41)
died 5 June 2014
Brian Scragg (former staff 86 and former Governor)
Mark Ellis (Grote 60)
died 24 February 2014
Rex Sims (Johnsons 46)
Cecil Everett (Fenton 36)
died 9 April 2014
David Youdan (Hardinge 53)
died 21 April 2013
In Sennockian 2012-13 the list of OS Deaths incorrectly
included the name of Peter Keating (Sackville 62).
We apologise for the error.
118
ALUMNI REVIEW
Obituaries
BRIAN SCRAGG 1926-2013
Few have the depth of intellect, width of
experience and sense of idealism that Brian Scragg
brought to Sevenoaks for more than 40 years.
Teacher, Undermaster, Governor and author of
Sevenoaks School: A History, he had flown
Mosquitos at the end of the war, served in India
and spent four years in Paris, selling paintings,
translating and broadcasting for the BBC. His
‘perfect command’ of French, as one referee put it,
and his knowledge and love of French Literature
made him a glamorous figure to generations of
Sevenoaks pupils: many will remember hearing
Brian recite Rimbaud and Verlaine in dark-hued
tones. An excellent sailor, gifted film-maker and
lover of literature, he made a deep impression
upon all he taught.
His influence was considerable in the great years
of Kim Taylor’s Headship, sharing as he did that
spirit of innovation and intellectual excitement that
marked the time. In 1962 Kim Taylor appointed
Brian Housemaster of the new International
Centre: his chapter in Experiments in Education
conveys the energy and idealism of those years.
And from Sevenoaks to Bombay, those early
students speak of Brian with admiration and
affection. Three years later he became
Undermaster, a role he fulfilled with wisdom and
humour until his retirement in 1986. He expected
the best of colleagues and students, disdained
mediocrity and laziness but was generous towards
those in whom he recognised ability. A strong
advocate of internationalism, he recruited to the
school the brightest and most promising overseas
students, in particular many gifted Greek students
through the Schilizzi Scholarship programme, and
consistently supported the International
Baccalaureate in its early struggling days. His
commitment to co-education, too, was of crucial
importance, guiding its introduction with a careful
good sense that reassured traditionalists.
A Deputy Head acts as a cushion between the
Head and Common Room: successive
Headmasters relied on his exceptional skill in
managing talented but sometimes wayward
colleagues with humour and firmness. In a tiny
office in Cottage Block – that now serves as a book
cupboard – and later Claridge House, Brian’s door
was always open. Surrounded by anthologies of
French poetry, a packet of Benson & Hedges
(these were indeed different days) and piles of
reports, he would listen and advise. He was not
driven by personal ambition but rather by subtle
intelligence: this, his judgement and sense of
perspective proved invaluable when later he
became a School Governor.
Brian’s deepest love remained France, where in his
later years he spent much time near Prades: on his
balcony at Eus, snow-tipped Canigou in the
distance, the orchards below in blossom, wine on
the table, he was in his element. An extraordinary,
gifted man, ‘C’était quelqu’un.’
John Guyatt
Undermaster 1990-2003
119
Obituaries
Dick Carden 1922-2013
Dick Carden was an accomplished linguist who
carved out a career as an international salesman
for several British companies. His success as an
Export Manager even drew the attention of
Edward Heath, then Prime Minister, who sought
Dick’s advice on overcoming the obstacles in the
way of increasing UK exports.
Françoise died in 2012. Dick was bereft – they had
been married more than 62 years. The cold winter
of 2012-13 put paid to his daily walk on
Wimbledon Common and he died on 5 April 2013
after a short illness. He is survived by his daughter
Dominique, sons Philippe and Jacques, seven
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Philippe Carden
Dick Guy Harry Carden was born in Paris on 19
September 1922. His mother was French and died
within a week of his birth. Widowed and with a
broken heart, his father took his baby son to
Australia. When Dick was in his teens he was sent
to Sevenoaks School. Although a boarder, he was
under the watchful eyes of two unmarried aunts
and a step-grandmother who lived in Ightham. His
first year was difficult. He was away from home
for the first time, he had never studied Latin or
English History and his Australian accent was
mocked by his fellow pupils who nicknamed him
Digger. He soon caught up academically and
discovered his gift for languages, becoming the
proud winner of the Spanish Prize. Leaving school,
Dick was accepted into the Royal Corps of Signals.
He served in Italy during the Second World War
and relayed intelligence to Bletchley Park.
David Casiot at his wedding
in August 1963 with David
Stuart-Smith (OS 1955), his
best man
120
After the war, Dick trained as a weaver in
Northern Ireland. His City & Guilds Diploma
and command of languages led him to become the
one-man Export Department of the linen company
Moygashel. His global travel selling Irish linen
came to an end when he married a French woman,
a Roman Catholic. There followed a long stint at
J Lyons, a short spell at English Grains, and 25
years at United Biscuits. On retirement he was
convinced that computer work, long walks and
bridge would keep him in good health. Holidays
were active for Dick and his wife Françoise, who
had taught French at Putney High School for 40
years. She had inherited a share in a property in
the Dordogne and for years they ran a popular
A-level summer school at the house. Aged 79, to
prepare for a trip to Romania, Dick learned
Romanian, his eleventh language.
ALUMNI REVIEW
David Casiot 1939-2014
David John Casiot was born in Otford on 31
January 1939. He entered Sevenoaks School in
form 3A aged 11, and left eight years later in 1958.
He was in Grote House which subsequently joined
with Wordsworth.
David was a very keen and accomplished chess
player and was playing at the Sevenoaks Chess
Club the night before he died. His considerable
ability at chess came to light at school when he
was still quite young. The school chess club was
revived in the Summer term of 1953 and according
to the Sennockian, ‘in it (the adjustable ladder
competition) fourth formers are beating their
seniors with devastating monotony’. The Summer
1954 Sennockian records ‘the present School
Champion being DJ Casiot’. He won the knock-out
competition in the Michaelmas term 1954 and was
the first recipient of the Claude Hunter Trophy for
chess awarded at this time. David was undefeated
in inter-school matches and against the masters of
Sevenoaks. He became secretary of the club in its
second year. In the School Notes in the Michaelmas
1954 edition of the Sennockian, after recording
notable academic awards, we read: ‘A fine
achievement of a different nature was the winning
of Section C of the Hastings Chess Tournament by
DJ Casiot.’ At Speech Day 1955 David played
parents and all comers on 6-8 boards consecutively
and as far as I remember lost to none. He went on
to play for Oxford University and, as time allowed,
in national and international competitions
throughout his life.
David was also a very keen and committed
Christian from his school days. This led him to
read theology at Oxford following two years
National Service in the army and then to the
ordained ministry of the Church of England.
Following two years at Clifton Theological College
in Bristol, David served his title in Drypool, Hull
(York Diocese) with a second curacy in Barking
(Chelmsford). He followed on with two
incumbencies: St Edmund’s, Whalley Range
(Manchester) 1971-84 and finally St Michael’s
Southfields, Wandsworth (Southwark) 1984-2000.
In 2000 he retired to the village of his childhood,
Otford, and continued in a very active ministry as
an honorary curate at St Nicholas Sevenoaks and
helping out at St Bartholomew’s, Otford. David
also ran a successful weekly men’s luncheon club
in Otford to promote the Christian faith, drawing
on a wide range of visiting speakers.
matched and happy. Among other things they
enjoyed bird watching and lots of walking,
especially where they lived just off the North
Downs Way in Otford. David was a great
encourager, always cheerful and full of joy.
David died following a stroke on 29 January, two
days before his 75th birthday.
David Stuart-Smith
Peter Gould (1934-2014)
Peter Charles Breakspear Gould acquired instant
fame on his first day at Sevenoaks by going
missing on a conducted tour of the school.
Discovering that practically everywhere was out of
bounds he ventured into a private garden where
he was immediately accosted by an imperious
middle-aged woman: ‘Boy! Come here. Take your
hands out of your pockets and hold these for me.
Stand up straight, boy!’
In 1963 David married Hilary Melly; they
celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary in 2003.
Hilary died in 2004. They are survived by two
children, Jonathan and Joy, and five
granddaughters. David married Helen McGowan,
also widowed, in 2005. They were extremely well
It was Mrs Higgs-Walker, the Headmaster’s wife,
who wanted someone to hold the roses she was
cutting. She was une dame formidable and totally
ignored Pete’s protestations that he was required
elsewhere urgently. His absence transformed
masters and prefects into a frenzied panic mode.
Later that same day he was summoned into the
Housemaster’s study to receive instructions about
his duties in the prefects’ boot room, to which he
quite brazenly replied that he was unable to
perform these duties due to the fact that he had
already been appointed as Mrs Higgs-Walker’s
flower-bearing attendant! He continued in this role
for most of that Winter term until all the roses had
been picked or they had died off, then he promptly
121
Obituaries
became her dog walker, managing two Pekinese
that required daily exercise around the school
grounds, for the remainder of that term.
By this time his skills as a rugby player were being
noticed and he was selected for the Colts XV. He
soon graduated to the 2nd XV where he became an
excellent scrum-half. In 1950 Pete was promoted to
the 1st XV and then in 1951 he became captain of
the 1st XV as well as Head of Johnsons and a
prefect. He carried on playing active rugby for
Beckenham Veterans until he was over 50 and was
then elected as President of the Beckenham RFC,
a position which he held for most of the 1980s.
Richard Rayner 1924-2013
Richard Noel Rayner was born on Christmas Day
1924. His family lived in Knockholt. Richard
entered Sevenoaks School as a boarder in Johnsons
at the age of 13, and left in 1940. During the
Second World War he served in the army with
colonial forces; his service is recorded in the
school’s Memorial Book. After the war Richard
read Theology at London University and entered
the Church. He lived a full and faithful life. Shortly
before his death in Ilminster in September 2013, he
reminded his family of the words of Romans 8:38.
Marjorie Rayner
After leaving Sevenoaks Pete became an engineer
and was happiest when tinkering with motor cars,
especially his own Jaguar XJ6, a Mini Cooper and a
Fiat Cabriolet. His garage was like an Aladdin’s
cave, filled with all manner of mechanical devices,
hydraulic ramps, pumps and gauges. He was a
wizard with a welding gun and his electrical
wiring had to be seen to be believed, but he always
managed to coax old motors back to useful life.
Pete was a remarkable man, generous, quietly
spoken and a modest genius with a dry wit that
provoked much laughter on the rugby tours. He
was a lifelong friend whom I shall sorely miss. He
married twice and leaves a widow, a stepson and
many friends.
John Lay
John Mollison 1922-2014
John Charles Hornby Mollison was born in 1922
and joined Sevenoaks School in 1936. He was
captain of Fenton and a prefect, librarian, secretary
of the Arts Society, sub-editor of the Sennockian
and winner of school prizes for Greek and Latin.
Sevenoaks gave him an all-round education.
He gained his Higher Certificate and left in 1941.
He joined the West Kents, transferring to the
Intelligence Corps where he rose to the rank of
Major in India and served behind the lines in
Burma. He died in April 2014.
Brenda Mollison
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ALUMNI REVIEW
Rex Sims 1929-2013
Rex John Sims was the only child of Alfred and
Elizabeth Sims. He was born on 20 March 1929 in
Uxbridge. At the age of 12 he passed the Common
Entrance exam and was accepted into Sevenoaks
School. He entered as a boarder in Johnsons, at the
start of the Michaelmas term 1942. Rex loved his
days at Sevenoaks. He took his studies seriously,
but it was the sports and fellowship of his
teammates which he really enjoyed, graduating
through the age groups to play both cricket and
rugby union, at stand-off half, for the school 1st XI
and 1st XV respectively, winning his school colours
at both sports. When he left the school his various
offices and achievements included school
commissioner, captain of cricket, hockey and
gym, secretary of rugby, Sergeant in the ATC and
sub-prefect.
Rex Sims, above and left, in
the 1st Cricket team 1945.
Rex left Sevenoaks in 1946, aged 17, and entered
the Bank of England as a junior clerk. In 1949 he
started to go out with Peg Trim. They became
engaged in 1951 and married at St Mary’s,
Denham, in April 1953. During his long career at
the Bank he progressed through the ranks, making
many lifelong friends. He was also responsible for
training many young men and women, including
one Mervyn King! Rex was a very active man who
lived a long life to the full, and enjoyed it to the
maximum. He fulfilled all the ambitions he set
himself, perhaps with one rather flippant
exception; to be retired, drawing his pension for
more years than he had worked at the Bank; he
drew his pension for 31 years, just five years short
of that target! Rex passed away quietly on Sunday
8 December 2013, aged 84 years. He truly did die
peacefully, after a short illness; he would not have
wanted it any other way.
Chris and Tim Sims
Isabella Stefanovich
(nÉe Arco-Zinneberg) 1973-2012
Isabella-Gabriela Gräfin von und zu
Arco-Zinneberg was born on 5 December 1973 in
Munich. After elementary school, she went to high
school in Munich and then attended Heimschule
Kloster Wald. For the Sixth Form she joined
Sevenoaks School, where she was a boarder in
Park Grange and took the
IB Diploma. Isabella was
bright and well-liked
at Sevenoaks. She
enjoyed sport and was
particularly strong in
curricular and co-curricular
art. She left Sevenoaks in
1993 for a short period of
study at the Academy of
Fine Arts in Rome,
followed by two and a
half years in Florence
where she studied Fine Art at the famous Charles
H Cecil Studios, a private atelier.
To further develop her skills, Isabella moved on
to Brussels to study trompe l’oeil at the Institut
Supérieur de peinture Van Der Kelen Logelain,
and then to London to study architecture with
David Nightingale Hicks. She finished her studies
as an architect with top grades and began work at
the architect Stam in Munich. In May 1999 she
married Alexandre Stefanovich and they settled in
Brussels, and in the same year she had her first
major exhibition in Reichersberg, Upper Austria,
which was a great success. In Brussels and in many
other places and private homes Isabella worked as
an artist and trompe l’oeil painter. On January 23,
2012, she died from an incurable cancer. She left
behind a husband and three children.
Katharina Countess Arco-Zinneberg
Press obituaries are available for the following Old Sennockians:
Peter Baistow, graphic designer (Johnsons 59): The Times, 29 October 2013
Vivian Griffiths, London GP and Second World War fighter pilot (Johnsons 38):
BMJ 26 April 2014; Telegraph 16 January 2014
Brian Hart, Formula 1 Engine builder (School House 53): Independent 3 April 2014, Telegraph 6 January 2014
123
Philanthropic Leadership
The Head, Governors and Foundation Trustees
wish to sincerely thank the following donors for
their support of the school over the past year.
Alexander Dray
Dr Dominique Haiart
Michel and Edmee-Marie
Driessen
Oliver Hall
Kate Aboagye
Paul and Jessica Brown
John and Lesa Elgar
Abbad Al Radi
Michael Burden
Dr Mohamed Al Yousef
and Batool Hassan
Paul and Susan Cain-Renshaw
Chi Fai Paul
and Yik Tze Matilda Fan
Mr J Alam
Norman Fearnside
Helmuth and Irene Fellner
David Handley
Aldo Hanson
Bruno Hanson
Philip and Lesley Hardaker
Paul and Louisa Harrison
Jonathan Heilbron
Mark Allen
Helen Casiot (in memory of the
late Reverend David Casiot)
Simon Allocca
Michael Cauter
John and Veronica Fenton
Charles Higson
Marco Alverà
Alfred and Winnie Chan
Roger Alwen
Bernard Chang
Joanna Hodgkinson
Mr Y and Mrs K Ando
Alexandra Charlton
Count Alessandro Feroldi
and Countess Francesca
Calissoni Bulgari
Anthony and Ceilia Andrews
Dr Paul Chatrath MRCS
Lucia Appleby
Sim Eng and Lee Chen Cheong
Mr A Arnold
Warren Wang Yan Cheung
Suveer and Surekha Arora
Andrew Childs
Aleksey and Olga Avanesov
Dr Ching Te Chow
and Shuk Fan Fung
Captain Jake Backus RN
Robert Backus
Gordon Bassett Baldwin
John Barber
Giandomenico Barcellona
Roger Barnard
Mark Barnes
Phillip Barnett
Rachael Batyka-Williams
Roger Beales
Sandy Bell
Helen Bennett
David and Michele Bicket
Duncan Binger
Philip Bird
Michael Birtwistle
Kenneth Blezard
Omamofe and Nwakaego Boyo
Charles Breen
Michael Brett
Michael Brew
Robin Briars
Cicely Brown
John Brown
124
The late John Carrie
Alexander and Inna Dulerayn
Andrew Fenton
Dennis Filkins
Amanda Ford
Peter Foreman
Dr Ian Forgacs
Carl-Peter
and Dietlinde Forster
Edward and Clare Foss
John Clark
Norman Fox
Trevor Colgate
Kenneth Fresson
Thomas Cookson
Ian Friend
James Coomber
Robert Froy
Adam Cossey
Dr Yuk-Kwan
and Lindy Lai Bing Fung
Nicholas Cotterell
Eamonn and Fenella Cournane
Simon and Jane Court
John Crane
Stewart Cresswell OBE
Peter Curtis
John Cutting
Paul Davis
Alan and Linda Day
Richard Day-Lewis
Steve De Bonvoisin
Mark Deagle
Olivier and Pia Descamps
Frank and Michele Desmond
Peter Donia
Richard Douglas RICS
John and Julia Douglas
Grant Douglas
David Downing
ALUMNI REVIEW
Liana-Georgeta Gabor
David Giampaolo
Michael Giffin
Andrew Gilbert
Sean Gilchrist
Brian Gilchrist
Christopher and Kristin Gill
Simon and Lindsay Gilliat
Bradley Gold and Jai White
Mark Gomar
Dr Armando Gonzalez-Ruiz
and Pilar Gonzalez
Michael and Dorotka Griffin
Andrew Guest
Richard Gunner
Richard Guntrip
John Guyatt
Arun and Sharmila Gwalani
Malcolm Hepburn
Peter Hirschmann
Dr Michael
and Johanna Hogan
Michael Holman
Michael Holmes
Michael and Laurel Holt
Timothy Holt
Brian Hussey
Maho Imanishi
John Innes
Dr Khalid and Nasim Ismail
Babak and Lili Jahanbani
Matt and Katherine Jarrett
Anthony Jenkins
Martin White
and Dr Rita Joarder-White
Reverend David
and Pat Johnson
Peter and Gillian Jones
Leo and Judith Jorgensen
Michael Joyce
Dr David Kear CMG
William and Alison Kendrick
Charles Keymer
Nicholas Khan
Bharat and Kimberley Khosla
Donald Kings
Richard Kirby
David and Sally Knox
Petr Kochevrin
and Olga Dadasheva
Yu Yee Benjamin Lam
and Dr Virginia Lee
James Lambert
Christoph and Angela Lampert
James Mitchell
Marco Previero
RJ and AM Stocker
Charles and Fiona Lane
Benedetta Montesi Prati Lucca
Anthony Pui
Stephen Surgeoner
Zoe Lang
Michael and Jessica Morelle
Kenneth Quinn
George Langdon
Hugh Morgan
Charles Ramus
Roderick and Sophie
Sutherland
Dr Edward and
Dr Katherine Langford
Richard and Marian Morris
Paul and Joanna Reynolds
Professor Alexander Morrison
John and Alison Riches
David Moss FRSA
Andrew Richford
Neil Muir
Nicholas and Caroline Roberts
Colonel Hector Munro TD
Arnold Rogers
Dr Stephen Neubauer and
Dr Angela Neubauer-Heuts
Charles Rogers
Jonathan Lattimer
Hung Ho Lau and Yuen Fun Li
Chi Wah Lau and Man Yee Lau
Kwong Yau Lau
and Kit Ching Lai
Alan Lawrence
Alma Lawrie
Thomas and Winsome Lee
Dr Nikki Lee
Serge and Pamela Leibowitch
Tony Leong and Sue Chang
Philippe and Marie-Odile
Lerasle
Gun Lim and Sunghee Bang
Yun Bonn
and Candy Cheuk Lai Liu
Dominic and Miriam Nevill
Michael Neville
Robin and Susan Newman
John Newsham
Joni Ng
Alastair and Sybil Nicholas
Robert Nicholson
Colonel James Ogilvie
OBE TD DL (ADC)
Jim Oldroyd
Chek-Han A Liu
Alan Olley
Robin Lock
Claire O’Neil
Michael and Kathleen Low
Michael Orr
Keith Luxford
David and Joanna Osborne
Dickson and Agnes Mak
Geoffrey Osborne
Ramesh Mangaleswaran
and Meenakshi Ramesh
Reverend Canon Brian Osborne
Andrew Marchant
Michael Marchant
Prosper and Annabel
Marr-Johnson
Charles and Lesley Marshall
Tamsin Martin
William Mason
Mr B and Mrs A McGillivray
Anton and Rossy McGovern
Andrew and Debra McQuin
Arun and Simrit Mehra
Mark and Ruth Merson
Anna Messervy-Evans
Helen O’Sullivan
Nilesh and Soha Parekh
Ian Peacock OBE
Alan Pemberton
Alastair Perry
Andrew and Heather Phillips
Mr JR and Mrs CM Piggott
Robert and Anne Pinchuk
Kirill and Tatiana Pisarev
Nicholas Polkinhorne
Duncan Pollock-Gore
Stephen Pook
Peter Post
John Rowland and A Cipolla
Rowland
Julian and Beverley
Rudd-Jones
Professor Philip Ruffles
CBE FREng FRS
Paul Thompson
David Toser
Philip Townshend
Malcolm Toye
Dr Jitendra Trivedi
Frederic and Myriam
Vander Elst
Dietrich and Annabel
von Boetticher
Jonathan Wale
and Natalya Maslova
Brian Geoffrey Russell
Derick Walker
and Fiona Walker
John Sadler
Reverend Christopher Ward
Michael Sarkesian
and Oksana Mul
Ian and Elizabeth Warne
Michael and Ulrike Seiters
Brian Shaft
Suraj Shah
Anthony and Alison Shamash
Peter Sherrard
Saiko Agnes Shimada
Pratap Shirke MBA
and Sarita Shirke
Shankar Sikri
Christopher Singleton
An Man Siu and Kam Choi Ho
Brigadier John Skinner MBE
Simon Slater
Edward and Jennifer Smith
Richard Smith
Graeme and Lesley Snell
Patrick Southon
Magnus and Elizabeth Spence
Dieter and Elizabeth
Spethmann
Commander Eric Warnecke
Richard Watters
John Watts
Richard and Catherine Weber
Steven and Melanie Weller
Laura Wells
Wei Shao Wen and Ying Huang
Gordon Wheeler
Dr Philip Whitbourn
OBE FRIBA FRTPI
Wynyard Wilkinson
David and Claire Williams
Graham Wilson
Colin Wilson
Bonnie Wong
Jonas Wong and Lee Ching Liu
Leslie and Jane Wood
Peter and Olive Woodward
Oliver Wright
Stephen Wu and Tina Du
Jennifer Stearn
Reverend Peter Wyard
Michelle Yong
We would also like to thank
those donors who wish to
remain anonymous.
Nicholas Mills
Neil Powell
Anthony Stevens
and Young Sil Yun
Constantinos and Karen
Miranthis
Nathan Preece
Alan Stewart
Barry Preston
Nigel Stirk
Anthony Tayler
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News from Home and Abroad
1950-59
Graham Brill (School House 51)
I was in School House which was the home of
Headmaster Mr Higgs-Walker and his wife. I have
only been back to the school but a very few times.
I am now in my 82nd year and remember very
little of my time at the school, other than being
so very fond of sport that I possibly wasted
considerable amounts of my father’s money
(in those days possibly £300 per term?) by
spending most of my time in the nets or on
the practice fields.
who taught me French which I still speak pretty
well. On the arts front, I have been a professional
actor since 1981 after graduating from Rose
Bruford College as a mature student. At the time
of writing I am appearing in The Bodyguard at
the Adelphi.
Roger Barnard (Wordsworth 62)
I retired in April 2014 from Tama Art University in
Hachioji, Tokyo, where I taught general and art
and design-related English, and due to advancing
age and the changing nature of the EFL (English as
a Foreign Language) publishing business, my
Duncan Foster (Park Grange and School House 55) textbook writing career has also entered a quiet
patch. I’ve continued painting over the years and
At school, I enjoyed the ACF (CCF). Afterwards
I joined the Army but got a severe infection in both am now preparing for an exhibition of recent
paintings at a Tokyo gallery in early October. Some
feet, nearly losing my right one. I then worked at
years ago I was fortunate to get back in touch with
Castrol Head Office and was married in
St Budeaux Church in 1963 to my wife of 50 years. some old Art Room comrades: Richard ‘Jake’
Jacoby (Johnsons 62), Tim McArtney (Johnsons 61),
I have a daughter and a son. I am now retired,
living close to Guildford. I have had a fantastic and and Peter Chamberlain (Johnsons 62), and through
Jake, Bob White. We’ve met for some very
happy life and look forward to attending a
enjoyable lunches in London, and I hope there will
reunion. Names I recall are Chris Pallant (OS 50),
be more. I’ve also met Bob and Lesley Millar a
Bags (Michael) Crawford (School House 54),
number of times in Tokyo, and had the great
Richard Tobitt (OS 59) and Robert Short (School
pleasure of showing Bob around the Tama Art
House 55), who was a fantastic ghost story teller
University campus during my final year. I hope to
in the dorm.
visit the UK at least once a year for the foreseeable
Rev John Ellison (Johnson 56)
future, as long as I can afford the fare and survive
Some OS may have seen the An Island Parish
12 hours in economy class (or premium economy,
television series about Sark. They have been
depending on royalties). www.rogerbarnard.com
seeking a priest for two years and have now
appointed a woman vicar from July. I will be acting Dr Peter Keating (Sackville 62)
After leaving Sevenoaks, I spent a year on VSO
as the last locum vicar on this lovely island next
month. Most of the time I am very busy and active teaching in Swaziland. On my return to England
I trained at the London Hospital, qualifying in
as an assistant priest in the Winchester Diocese in
1968. I started training as an orthopaedic surgeon
and around Selborne and Chawton which are the
but after my wife became pregnant for the second
former dwellings of Gilbert White and Jane
time decided to settle in General Medical Practice.
Austen. I am now 77 but keep fit and well and act
as captain of the Diocesan tennis team. I am always In 1971 we moved to the pleasant Georgian market
town of Pershore and have been here ever since.
pleased to see OS in this part of Hampshire.
I was exceedingly fortunate to spend two-thirds of
my time in General Practice and the other third
1960-69
doing Orthopaedic Surgery at Worcester Royal
Chris Birch (Wordsworth 60)
Infirmary. I was also heavily involved in medical
Kim Taylor was Head for most of my school years
politics being Chairman of our Local Medical
– an inspirational choice by the school at that time.
Committee and also Vice-Chairman and medical
I also have very fond memories of Brian Scragg
adviser to our Family Health Authority.
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ALUMNI REVIEW
I finally retired from medicine five years ago and
now spend my spare time playing golf or looking
after grandchildren. I was very sad to hear that
Kim Taylor had died as he had just become
Headmaster of the school when I was a new boy
in Park Grange. He and Suzanne were two of the
most remarkable people that I’ve ever met, with
their liberal views and the ability to instil the
values of public service into all their pupils.
Rev William Allberry (Sackville 66)
William has just returned from another five-month
stay in India. Having recently retired as Rector of
Esher, he is now free to teach English to the
students at Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in
Madurai from January until May each year –
which he has been doing each May for the past
five years. He was delighted to meet a Tamil
professor of English teaching in Hyderabad who
believes that ‘English is the birthright of every
Indian child’; certainly it is vital for the students’
theological studies to be able to access English
books in the library, as well as equipping them for
later ministry. For the rest of the year at home in
south-west London he is discovering how true it is
that clergy never retire!
Jon Fay (Wordsworth 67)
In the last year, I became the Ambassador for
InterNations Palm Beach, a worldwide expatriate
networking organisation, and President of our
community Wine Club, and my wife is a Florida
licensed realtor. We return to Somerset every year
to visit my mother and family, and also to
Sevenoaks to meet with a couple of old OS friends
and Sevenoaks Rugby Club members. If there are
any OS, especially the class of 1967, living in
Florida, we would love to get together!
Ian Brinton (Fryth 68; Head of English 1988-91)
Over the past year I have co-edited two poetry
magazines, Tears in the Fence and SNOW.
In addition I have been central to the setting up of
a new Poetry Archive at the University Library in
Cambridge. I run the Bookmark Series for the
English Association and assist in the promotion of
the WW1 website that the EA set up recently. I am
also on the Secondary Schools’ Committee for the
EA. My translations of the prose poems of Francis
Ponge have recently been published in a variety of
poetry magazines. The five years since I retired
from full-time teaching at Dulwich College have
been very busy!
1970-79
Philip Bird (Caxton 70)
I’ve just finished in the run of Sunny Afternoon at
Hampstead Theatre, and it looks set fair for the
West End in the autumn. As a Kinks fan in the 60s
I never dreamed I would be working with Ray
Davies and playing some of his songs onstage.
I started out playing in bands at school and,
encouraged by Fuzz Townend, began writing
songs. He was inspirational.
Jonathan Samways (Caxton 70)
Jonathan is in active retirement, still living near
East Grinstead and still a Parish Councillor. He
celebrated the birth of his second granddaughter in
November (Amina, sister to Zeina, aged four). He
was moved by Kim Taylor’s memorial service and
reception, particularly his words about education.
He did a lot of work for a new Free School
application bid in the Sussex Weald area. He also
took a few steps forward (and nearly as many
backward) towards starting a microbrewery.
Chris Gibson-Robinson (Fryth 71)
Chris is currently Director of Exploration and
Production for KrisEnergy in Singapore and would
be happy to chat with anyone of his Sevenoaks era.
Michael Stephens (Fryth 71)
A year ago I was made redundant from the job
I had as a director of one of the large construction
companies – such is life. At the same time my son
was getting itchy feet with his job as a recruiter
working in Kent. We decided to take the plunge
and start our own recruitment company with some
of the proceeds of redundancy and, hey presto,
Harbourne Associates was born. We started
trading a month later on 1 March 2013, got our
first employee on 1 April, moved to an office in
Tunbridge Wells on 1 August and now have eight
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people working with us after 15 months. We have
a vibrant, if noisy, office and a growing list of
excellent clients mostly dealing with salespeople
in hair and beauty, FMCG, drinks and construction
products, although we are extending sectors all the
time. It is stressful, hard work but very rewarding,
especially seeing an office of young(er) people
having fun. It is also wholly unexpected at a
time when I was thinking of hanging up my
work clothes. www.harbourneassociates.com
Richard Holme (Hardinge 73)
Richard is now a trustee of the Canterbury
Cathedral Trust and newsletter editor of the Naval
Dockyards Society. He works in Tunbridge Wells
as a tax partner at Creaseys.
Matthew Diebel (Caxton 74)
Matthew moved in May to USA TODAY,
America’s largest newspaper. As Senior Headlines
Editor, he is working to improve headlining and
other presentational aspects, both in the paper and
online. The job involves much travel between New
York, where he is based, and the suburbs of
Washington DC. Later this year, he is likely to be
doing more travelling, helping with presentation
at Gannett’s chain of local papers and TV stations.
Meanwhile his wife, Barbara Zakin, continues to
work at the philanthropic arm of Citigroup and his
children, Lydia (15) and George (13) are hard at
work at Hunter College High School, near their
home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Please feel free to get in touch.
William Cuthbertson (Caxton 75)
William is an international pianist, piano teacher,
and masterclass musician. He was taught piano at
Sevenoaks by Bernard King, before studying at
the Royal Academy of Music. He was a regular
Sevenoaks Festival performer. He is married
with three children, Clara, Louis and Johann,
and lives in Waldkirch, Germany.
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ALUMNI REVIEW
Giles Falconer (Sackville 75)
After leaving Sevenoaks, I studied at Jesus College,
Cambridge and then for an MA at Lancaster
University before I embarked on a career in teaching,
which took me from the Medway towns (Rainham
Mark Grammar School), to the south coast
(Chichester High School for Girls), then to the west
country (Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School) before
returning to Kent for eight years as Assistant Head
at Dover Grammar School for Boys, and then on to
Lincolnshire as Deputy Head and Acting
Headteacher at Carre’s Grammar School. For the last
few years I left school leadership and returned to my
real love, teaching History, and undertook a number
of short-term contracts at a variety of excellent
schools, both state and independent, in and around
London before retiring after 32 years last July. Now
based in Deal just two minutes’ walk from the sea,
I am enjoying retirement with Marie-Christine, my
wife of 30 years, travelling, watching Kent play at
the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury and keeping
up with our two children, Adrian (a research
scientist currently working at Newcastle University)
and Véronique (a pastry chef in London). Early
retirement has a lot to recommend it!
Andrew Ingram (Groves 75)
I have started a second (third?) career which might
interest some of my contemporaries. I have set up
Better Business Writing with a colleague, and we
train people in how to do er, better business writing.
The Sevenoaks education has been valuable in this
of course, although I have had to determinedly
unlearn the old rule about split infinitives! We find
that most of the people we train have had
presentation training, but have never really been
shown the basics of clear writing.
www.betterbusinesswriting.biz
Guy Lancaster (Wordsworth 75)
Guy is a web systems developer, working for
Manchester Metropolitan University (previously
with the NHS). In his spare time, he is a keen cyclist.
He is married to Chinghoih.
Gavin McGillivray (Park Grange 76)
I am presently living in Burma (Myanmar)
heading the UK Department for International
Development’s (DFID’s) programme in the
country.
Amali De Silva (GIH 84)
I am working in British Columbia, Canada at the
Ministry of Forests as a senior accountant in the
pricing area and have been now for several years.
Before that I was with Shared Services BC (IT).
It is a beautiful province, especially on the coast
Tim Procter (Taylor 76)
and well worth a visit for all the outdoor activities
I have a challenge to the Old Sennockians – my son
and the perhaps little known, but incredible
Henry is just finishing his first year at Sevenoaks
variety of global cuisine available. It has been great
in Year 7 and thoroughly enjoying it (particularly
to keep in touch with alumni over the years – it
cricket!) but can I claim to be the oldest old boy
keeps me grounded. Please feel free to get in touch
who has a new boy at school?
if you are visiting, or how about an alumni
John Lancaster (Caxton 77)
reunion over here?
John is a solicitor, currently FD, for GHP Legal
Maurice O’Driscoll (Taylor 84)
based in Wrexham.
After many years of making money for others,
Alex Timms (Fenton 77)
I have finally branched out on my own to run and
I held a reunion earlier this year in Bath for
deliver IT Enabled Change Projects for clients
my best friends (and their wives) from
globally…scary and fun all wrapped up in one!
Class 1X of 1970.
Currently I’m working in North America and
looking forward to a possible reunion at the OS
Dr Philippos Papadopoulos (IC 78)
Dinner in November. Catch me on LinkedIn.
Philippos is Dean at Perrotis College, American
Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is a
Emma Slade
grandfather of four and wonders if there are any
(monastic name Ani Pema Deki) (GIH 84)
other OS involved in the agri-food sector.
I have recently been ordained as a Buddhist nun in
the Himalayan country of Bhutan. You never know
1980-89
where a good education can lead!! Still asking
Professor Tom McLeish (Fenton 80)
questions!
Tom has had a new book published by OUP. Faith
Nicholas Wergan (Hardinge 86)
and Wisdom in Science claims that we urgently need
Nicholas is now Headteacher at Steyning Grammar
a long cultural narrative for science. It draws
School, West Sussex.
together the political troubles we have debating
Helene Delstanche née Reinders
genetic modification, fracking, climate change etc,
(Wordsworth 88)
with the strange cultural compartmentalisation
of science and its artificial restriction to the modern Helene is married to Mark Delstanche and they
have two sons, Louis (two) and Harry (born this
period. It also looks at the strained debate of
year). They live in Mayfield, East Sussex. Helene
science with religion, and asks what ancient
remains in the yachting industry and has worked
wisdom literature might bring as resource today,
for Superyacht Brokerage Firm, Burgess for the last
in a fresh approach to answering ‘What is
11 years.
science for?’
Simon Wergan (Hardinge 82)
Currently Head of Talent Development at
Sport England, I am enjoying life in Curdridge,
Hampshire, and running a vineyard with
my brother.
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Colonel Marcus Evans (Tammadge 90)
Janneke Saebo (Caxton 93)
With her partner Duncan Gunn, Janneke had a baby
boy on 12 June 2013, whom they have named
Henrik Saebo-Gunn.
David Garcia-Pawley (IC 90)
I was very happy to visit Sevenoaks in May with
my girlfriend Elena Gvozdeva. We spent a night at
the Royal Oak and had the opportunity to visit
Knole Park on a beautiful sunny day. It was the
perfect place to propose and Elena accepted. We
plan to get married around mid-2015. Sevenoaks
has always been a special place for me and will
always be. It has been wonderful to meet up with
Samir Varma in Chicago as well as with Kinner
Lakhani in London recently, and it would be great
to hear from other Sennockians from my time or
anyone passing through Madrid.
Helen Ibbotson (GIH 93)
I am still Principal Counsel with the International
Finance Corporation, currently on assignment to
Johannesburg where I have now been for three
years. Living here has meant that I have become a
big running (road and trail) fanatic and I am
travelling all over South Africa to race, as well as
doing the occasional race on stopovers in the UK
(most recently at Bewl Water which took me back to
my Sevenoaks rowing days with Mr Watson!!). I still
regularly travel for work (globally as well as within
Sub-Saharan Africa) as well as for fun and I am
currently planning my next mountain climb with
my dad, who accompanies me on my various
adventures (Mount Kili, Mount Kenya so far) when
he and Mum are not on their boat. We all still sail
regularly, and they are based in Croatia now and
Naples (Florida) in the winter.
1990-99
Marcus has been promoted to Colonel in the
British Army and is posted to the US Army
War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, as an
International Fellow.
Elizabeth Guyatt (Taylor 90)
I have recently returned to translation after nearly
20 years. This is far more family friendly than my
previous role as a social worker in London! I’m
also working with others to promote additional
language learning from as young an age as
possible – there is so much untapped potential for
this in the UK. I would love to hear from other Old
Sennockians with an interest in languages as well
as anyone who just wants to catch up.
Sophie Llewellyn Smith (GIH 90)
My husband Alan Weekes (Fryth 90) and I moved
to Brussels in September 2012; I have returned to
work full-time as a conference interpreter at the
European Commission, and he has taken a career
break to look after our children Nicolas (six) and
Alice (four). These are interesting times to be an
interpreter at high-level meetings, where
Ministers and Heads of State discuss the situation
in Ukraine and the future President of the
European Commission. Brussels is a capital on a
human scale, and we are enjoying being in a
multilingual environment.
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ALUMNI REVIEW
Chris Rodgers (IC 94)
Chris is a London-based composer who has written
the music for over 50 election campaign films for
the recent Indian elections. Additionally, this year,
Chris has composed music for the Seychelles Tourist
Board and is currently scoring the music for an
eight-part television show to be launched later in
the year. www.chrisrodgers.eu
Ross Carmichael (Groves 96)
Ross has recently moved to Sevenoaks from
Clapham Junction, having spent a lot longer living
in London than he ever thought he would! He
married Louise in 2012 and they are currently
enjoying getting the new house ready for the arrival
of their first child, due in October. Ross is working
for a trading software firm in Blackfriars whilst his
wife is based in Victoria working in medical
research with the Department of Health.
Gemma Baggot (Plender 97)
Gemma became engaged to Kobie van der
Westhuizen on 5 March 2014, and will be married
on 28 February 2015. She is still working as an HR
Business Relationship Manager at the Barbican
Centre and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Laura Broese van Groenou (Sennocke 97)
Laura married Ramiro de la Rosa in June, making
official their family including two-year-old son
Joaquin.
Ali Klevnäs née Draper (Wordsworth 97)
Ali has moved to Sweden with her husband and
sons and is doing postdoctoral research in the
Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies
at Stockholm University.
Stanley Pignal (IC 99)
Stanley and his wife Elvira are enjoying
parenthood following the birth of Axel in
September 2013. Despite the ensuing sleep
deprivation, he was appointed banking editor
at The Economist in June, after two years of
contributing to its finance and economics section.
Oliver Randall (Plender 99)
I started as an Assistant Professor of Finance at
Emory University in Atlanta, USA, in August 2013,
teaching undergraduate Economics, having
graduated with a PhD in Finance from New York
University. My research on liquidity in the
corporate bond market has been featured in the
Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and
Bloomberg. I am particularly grateful to my A-level
Maths teachers at Sevenoaks, Doc Williams and
Mrs Stevens.
Andrew Smith (Fryth 99)
After working as a management consultant in
Australia for five years (Sydney and Brisbane),
Andrew completed his MBA at IE Business School
in Madrid in 2013-14 and now works for easyJet
in the UK.
2000-09
Hayley Smith née Jenkins (2000)
Hayley and Steve Smith are delighted to
announce the arrival of Theo in March 2014,
a brother for Honor.
Marina Nogales (GIH 01)
I got married in July 2012 and I have been happily
living in Madrid for the past seven years. I am
currently a director at K2 Intelligence, a strategic
consulting firm, working on anti-fraud and
anti-corruption cases.
Matt Brown (04)
Shameless self-promotion here, but I’ve recently
started a branding agency called Dover Ellis. I’m
actually working with Old Sennockian Chris
Porter (04) as one of my designers and we’ve
helped another Old Sennockian brand his start-up
business. I’ve also spent the past year travelling
Italy writing about beer, which might be more up
your street! But that’s not paying the bills,
somewhat unsurprisingly!
www.doverellis.com; www.birrapioneer.com
Jo Middleburgh née Dixon (04)
After graduating from Sotheby’s Institute of Art,
I joined International Art Consultants in London
where I trained to be an art consultant. I enjoyed
a great deal of success and I even met my future
husband, Simon Middleburgh, who was
completing his PhD in Nuclear Physics at Imperial
College London. Simon got a job working for the
Australian government at ANSTO in Sydney and
I promptly followed him out there into a world of
sunshine and killer spiders. We were married this
year at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex. I am
now Mrs Middleburgh! All my old school friends
were in attendance and I consider myself very
lucky to have found and kept such a strong
friendship group from my time at Sevenoaks
School. The move to Australia gave me a chance to
develop my career and I am now training to be a
visual arts educator. I was asked to consider why
I wanted to teach and the two inspirational
131
teachers that came to mind were Mr Chris Thomas
and Mr Oliver Barratt who encouraged me to
explore a career in the visual arts. Simon and I are
now looking forward to our future together whilst
fending off the local wildlife with dogged
determination.
Clare Williams (Sennocke 04)
Clare Williams and Zaneev Shirodkar (IC 04)
married in April 2014 at Nonsuch Mansion,
Cheam. Old Sennockians featured in the wedding
party as well: Emma Williams (Park Grange 07),
Laura Arthur, Melissa Constable, Marie Le Hur
and Hannah Peat (all 04) were bridesmaids; Keong
Shyan Yeoh (IC 04) was a best man, and Ross
Williams (School House 10) was an usher.
Casper ter Kuile (05)
Just a little bit of news from me – I’m still at
Harvard, now combining my Masters in Public
Policy with a Masters of Divinity, where I am
preparing for ordination with the Unitarian
Universalists to become a minister for
non-religious people. My partner Sean and I are
based in Boston, Massachusetts and are likely to
be here for another two to three years at least
before hopefully returning to the UK.
Tom Sain (School House 06)
Tom recently became a qualified skydiver and has
done 130 jumps in the last year.
Romi Sumaria (IC 07)
I graduated from UCL in 2010 having read
Economics and Geography. Since graduating
I have been working at HSBC in Debt Capital
Markets. I cover all major global banks, and advise
them on their debt refinancing needs. Most
recently my brother and I have started our own
company called Oblique, a lifestyle brand focussed
on giving you the most exciting and unique social
experiences. Based in London, we have launched
a multifaceted social platform to help people
connect. We specialise in large daytime brunch
parties but also host a variety of smaller, more
intimate events. The events we organise are
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ALUMNI REVIEW
complemented by the Oblique blog which provides
our community with articles about food and drink
across different cuisines, our thoughts on London’s
trendiest spots as well as an insight into our events
and social experiences. www.obliquelondon.com
Marta Szczerba (GIH 08)
Marta has been awarded a Fulbright scholarship
for her two-year MBA studies which she has just
started at Harvard Business School. Marta
previously worked as a consultant in the London
office of The Boston Consulting Group and as the
head of a £6M nutrition business while employed
by the UK’s largest and one of the fastest growing
online retailers, The Hut Group.
Hans Kern (IC 09)
I’ve just graduated from Bard College in
Annandale-on-Hudson, upstate New York.
I received an A- on my thesis: ‘Omnilegitimacy:
From Representative Democracy toward Emerging
Alternatives’ earning me a Bachelor’s in Political
Studies.
Joanne Sy (Sennocke 10)
Joanne Sy was commissioned to compose ‘Flung’,
a piece written for Royal Academy of Art’s Sensing
Spaces exhibition which was performed to the
public in March. The piece was then featured on
BBC Radio 3 in April. www.joanneclara.com
VALETE
Nicholas’s quiet authority and inner calm have
characterised the 96 beginning and end of term
services he has given, in addition to numerous
services to mark important moments in the school
year. Intrinsic to these services has been the part
the pupils have played, both in words and music;
these contributions have been made possible by
both the Music department and the immensely
supportive relationship Nicholas has built with
St Nicholas’ Church.
Nicholas Henshaw
The Chaplain has been both at the centre of the life
of the school, engaged with every individual, and
yet as a priest in Holy Orders, he has stood outside
the school. It is precisely this that has enabled him
to offer so much of value to our community.
Ordained 40 years ago, in June 1974, Nicholas
Henshaw was curate at Beaconsfield in the Diocese
of Oxford and was then Senior Chaplain at
Wellington and Assistant Priest at St Peter’s Eaton
Square. Appointed by Richard Barker, Nicholas
joined the staff at Sevenoaks in 1982. For 32 years
he has given weekly school assemblies for the
Lower, Middle and Upper School, to promote an
understanding of all religious traditions as well as
a sense of school community. He will be
remembered fondly for his familiar trademark in
the Aisher Hall; the repositioning of the lectern set
to the words, ‘Well, it must be Tuesday...’
In addition to his public face on big school
community occasions, and his academic role as
Head of Religious Studies, his pastoral work behind
the scenes has been tireless. He has given weekly
communion services and confirmation classes,
organised Lent visitors, retreats to West Malling
Abbey, and boarding house visits. His weekly
services at St Nicholas’ Church moved into the
Sunday at 8 programme, with boarders arriving
back in time to hear a range of visiting speakers.
He has fostered connections with the wider
Christian community; the monthly communion
service in Knole Chapel has been a privilege for him
and a much cherished tradition. He has undertaken
interregnums in local parishes, and regularly
preached in local parishes and local schools.
Pastoral connections with pupils and their families
often remain long after pupils have left the school
and have resulted in him conducting many
weddings and subsequent christenings. He
developed a connection with the wider community
by organising weekly visits to the St Botolph’s
project for the homeless in London, and he has
found time to be a Governor of St Michael’s School
and a Trustee of the Almshouses.
In short, his contribution has been deeply valuable
and we have all benefited from his unique presence.
He has the art of putting everyone at their ease and
his ministry has been characterised by the value he
places on listening to others. He has embodied
service to our school community and his patience,
professionalism and sense of humour have made
him an absolute pleasure to work with. We offer
him our deepest and sincerest thanks for all that he
has done to guide and inspire us.
Wendy Heydorn
133
Neil Tetley
Tiffenny Cardon
The arresting first impression generated by
seeing Neil Tetley is of someone very tall and
authoritative. The authority is easily worn, and
a more enduring impression is that this is someone
you would follow into a fire.
Tiffenny joined Sevenoaks in 2008 and quickly
settled into life in the Biology department. Her
lively personality and passion for her subject
enthused her students and she became a popular,
knowledgeable and dynamic force, ensuring that
her charges looked forward to their Biology classes
and gained much from the experience.
After studying History at Cambridge, Neil went
to work in Japan, where his height must have
conferred on him a god-like status. Stints in
Brussels and at King’s College Wimbledon
followed before Neil joined Sevenoaks in 2010
as Co-curricular Deputy Head. He gave new
coherence and strategic direction to this role,
overseeing sport, drama and music, as well as
offering a commanding voice on key management
committees.
As fellow Deputies, we worked in offices opposite
each other for three years, and discussed school
business on a daily basis, but my most enduring
memories of Neil are at lunch, where his appetite
was only matched by the speed at which he
consumed his food, and on the squash court where
his grace and power made him comfortably the
best player on the staff. Schooled on the courts of
Epsom, Neil could dispatch my gawky efforts with
ease. Tactfully, however, he would extend the
matches, keeping the ball in play, while I searched
for the single deft drop shot – lobs were a hopeless
proposition – that might elude his reach.
In a more general sense, little is beyond Neil’s
reach. Clear-sighted, consistent, persuasive, Neil
marries managerial calm and administrative
exactitude with human warmth and a keen sense
of humour. His lordly suavity is mixed with
genuine humility and a willingness to listen.
In short, Neil is a born leader, and his elevation to
headship at Woodbridge School in Suffolk comes
as no surprise. His intelligence, compassion and
communication skills, together with his integrity
and innate kindness will see him thrive as Head.
We wish him, his wife Laura, and their two sons,
every success, and best wishes for the future.
Chris Greenhalgh
134
ALUMNI REVIEW
Always keen to push her boundaries, Tiffenny has
involved herself in many aspects of school life
beyond the Biology department, as she taught the
SEHS course, became a resident boarding tutor in
Sennocke, and helped run the CCF Navy section –
enjoying it so much she considered a change of
career on the back of her experiences. She has also
been involved with sailing and climbing, and
accompanied numerous school trips around the
globe. She recently took up the mantle of HE
Science Adviser and was a well-respected Lower
School tutor. A keen sportswoman, Tiffenny loves
competitive triathlons and has persuaded her
partner Eddie to get involved too!
Her organisation is legendary and she fuels her
daily workload with a selection of carbohydrates,
of which she keeps a ready supply in her office
desk! She has been a tremendous colleague, who
we will miss very much, but we know she will
make a fantastic Head of Biology at Guildford
High School. We wish her every happiness and
success in her new post.
Kerry Pitcher
Elaine Connell
Nigel Connell
Elaine is a wonderful colleague. She first joined
Sevenoaks in 1984, and taught for six years,
returning for a second stint in 2000. Pupils love
being taught by her and the IC boys simply love
her. She is endlessly patient, caring and thoughtful.
Members of the Maths department have really
missed her since she stopped teaching. She found
her niche teaching Maths Studies, helping and
guiding teachers new to the IB and working
collaboratively on projects in particular and
correcting all the mistakes in the draft exams!
Elaine has worked for five heads of department
and all have described her as a ‘dream teacher’:
undemanding, cooperative, efficient and simply
superb with her students, a teacher who is calm,
unflappable and reliable.
A hugely talented and charismatic colleague and
friend, it is absolutely no surprise that Nigel spent
a season with the National Youth Theatre on
leaving school. Following various acting and music
projects, and a degree at Exeter University, where
he met Elaine, Nigel taught French at Millfield
and Bristol Grammar School before arriving at
Sevenoaks in 1984. He was Head of French for five
years, started up the Lyon exchange and ran it for
many years, and directed two French plays.
He also taught English, Drama and TOK and
coached rugby, football and tennis. In 1993 he was
appointed Sixth Form Registrar; for ten years
he travelled the world recruiting students for
Sevenoaks and making lifelong friends in
many countries.
Her creativity and resourcefulness have benefited
the department too, making mathematical models
to show latitude and longitude by tying hula
hoops together! Her preference not to be the centre
of attention and her resourcefulness extended
beyond the classroom too. When the department
put on a musical, Elaine was fantastic backstage.
Always safety conscious she even made an apple
from a sponge to drop on Newton’s head!
Meanwhile he developed a reputation as a
performer, playing guitar with the staff band, The
Elderly Brothers, in the Sevenoaks Festival, and
later in 46 Points. He performed music by his idol,
Bob Dylan, in assemblies and concerts; his on-stage
banter delighted audiences packed with Sevenoaks
pupils, and his Anti-Smoking Roadshow was
eagerly anticipated each year.
It is arguably in the IC where many will have
appreciated Elaine the most. She has certainly
notched up many hours helping boys with their
Maths, of course, but the boys really think of her
almost as their mother. She is always there for
them, ready to greet them in the afternoon. She
knows every single boy well, their strengths, their
weaknesses and aspirations. She is happy to give
them her time whether sick, upset or simply in
need of company. She is also a very talented writer
and her end-of-year songs always incorporated
the names of everyone in the house. She will be
sorely missed.
Helen Tebay
He and Elaine ran the International Centre with
warmth, intelligence and great good humour,
genuinely caring about the boys as their own, and
going well beyond duty in their care of them. The
boys’ parents recognised the extraordinary effect
Nigel had on their sons: the way he inspired deep
loyalty and affection through his ability to
empathise with them. Every year he would assure
the new parents: ‘You give me the boy and I’ll give
you the man!’ And this he managed to do,
supremely well.
We look forward to more evenings of music and
laughter with him and Elaine as they retire in
Sevenoaks to spend more time with their adored
daughter, Becky, and granddaughter, Saskia.
Tony and Arabella Stuart
135
Valete
Emily Francis (née Boulton)
Laura Hardwick
Emily came to Sevenoaks in 2006 as a newly
qualified History teacher. As the daughter of a
History teacher and Deputy Head of Bryanston
School, Dorset, where she grew up and was herself
a pupil, she already had a true appreciation of the
demands of a busy boarding school.
Proud of her Macclesfield heritage, Laura has
brought a breath of fresh air, style and lively
northern sense of humour to the Modern
Languages department over the last two years.
A fabulous colleague, always generous with her
time and ready to share her ideas and creative
resources, she has always been the first to
volunteer to cover classes and help her colleagues
out. Coming from teaching Italian and French at
KCS Wimbledon, then Benenden, Laura brought
a wealth of experience as well as a love for the
languages. Both staff and students have profited
enormously from her warmth and enthusiasm.
Immensely kind and impressively calm, Emily was
one of the hardworking faithful of the History
department. Completely unflappable and always
flexible, Emily taught all year groups with
carefully prepared and creatively crafted lessons.
Her students appreciated her patient, personal
attention and gentle manner. Her generosity in
sharing her resources, time and expertise benefited
us all; in particular those newly arrived in the
department. Although it was not in her nature to
take command, Emily expertly led numerous
Year 9 Battlefields trips, ran the Debating Team
and was a stalwart of the Year 8 Normandy Trip.
With quiet capability and unquestioning
commitment, Emily made a full contribution to the
wider life of the school. She spent three years in
Park Grange as a boarding tutor to Year 9 and was
later a Lower School Tutor. A dependable coach of
hockey, netball and rounders, Emily was invariably
managing the non-squad or lower teams on a
Saturday afternoon with understated proficiency.
In 2010 Emily escaped to London to live with her
new husband Richard. Somehow she managed to
commute from Putney for four years and still
maintain her calm poise and good cheer. With the
birth of Beatrice in September Emily left us to
enjoy her new family and moves with them to
Esher, one small step on the way back, perhaps, to
her beloved Dorset. We will miss her in the History
department but wish her, Richard and Beatrice
every happiness.
Rachel McQuillin
136
ALUMNI REVIEW
As teachers we will miss her friendly and caring
companionship (and her book trolley!) and the
students will miss her extraordinary
professionalism. Laura was always ready to help
when students were finding things difficult and
her lessons were meticulously and faultlessly
planned; she found an interesting and original
approach to each topic, embracing all types of
technology to make grammar and vocabulary
learning fun both for younger students and the
Upper Sixth Higher Level. She seemed to have
a video or a song for every teaching occasion.
We will miss Laura and her family hugely but
wish her very well in Woodbridge, where we hope
that she has the chance to share her talent for
teaching, in addition to juggling the demands of
her two lovely sons Charles and Henry and her
new role of Head’s wife.
Alison Maynard
Yuri Knott
Yuri built Japanese up from scratch and leaves her
Schemes of Work in such a healthy state that
teachers from other schools are desperate to get
their hands on them!
In the classroom Yuri has consistently overseen
a set of excellent grades at IB ab initio level. She
was particularly attentive to those who struggled
with the intricacies of kanji and the sheer weight of
new vocabulary to be mastered. She was popular
with her students precisely because she had their
best interests at heart. As a result she was a regular
at GIH Leavers’ suppers.
Yuri has single-handedly raised the profile of
Japanese culture within the school. She instigated
many drumming workshops and led her own
popular sessions on floral design and ikebana.
Such was her expertise at instructing the
uninitiated in the finer skills of origami that one
year there was a plethora of staff Christmas cards
in the form of trees, and Valentine cards in the
form of hearts! She led many trips to performances
of Kabuki and Noh theatre, and one colleague
particularly valued Yuri’s insights into Japanese
texts he taught for the World Literature course.
Yuri was a brilliant guide on the Design
Technology trip to Japan and exemplified the
perfect host as she relished introducing the
students to her culture. This was true of the
international evenings of years gone by, where
she would serve sushi, dressed in the most
exquisite kimonos.
We shall miss Yuri’s infectious giggle and her
ability to laugh at herself. She has a huge heart
and will continue her charitable endeavours in
Malawi as she enters retirement. We hope we
might still see her next year in the capacity of
visiting language tutor to the small network of
students that value her tuition skills so highly.
Navaneethan Kunaratnam
Melanie Bedford
Mel joined the Classics department here at
Sevenoaks in September 2005 and it was very
quickly apparent that we had gained the services
of one of the kindest and most thoughtful
Classicists in the country, soon establishing herself
firmly in the affections of colleagues and pupils
alike. She had more than her fair share of
rumbustious classes, but she dealt with all in the
same patient, even-handed way. She gave of her
time very generously, preparing her lessons with
meticulous thoroughness and always making
herself available for those seeking extra help.
She showed herself four-square in support of our
project to provide local primary schools with a
little tuition in Latin and she was a valued addition
to the Learning Support department and to the
Duke of Edinburgh programme. She contributed
a great deal in terms of assistance and fun to
departmental trips to Pompeii and to the Year 7
trip to Greece.
In her decision to change career the world of
Classics has lost a very fine teacher, but the
profession of Occupational Therapy has gained a
treasure. We already miss her very much from the
department, but wish her very well in her course
at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Simon Carr
137
VALETE
ROWAN THOMPSON
Alison Wertheim
Rowan arrived in the Design department 13 years
ago with a wealth of experience under his belt.
Having lived and taught in South Africa and
Botswana, Rowan has always had a fascination
with different cultures. Taking an active role in the
school’s co-curricular life he set up and led the
Aikido club. Design VSU also went from strength
to strength under his stewardship, with many
varied projects to support the local community,
from bird boxes for a local nature reserve to
wheelchair access onto sailing boats.
As Senior Nurse, Alison has developed and
expanded the role of the Medical Centre to the
extent that it has become a central element in the
life of the school – taking care of the needs of all,
from the residents of the Almshouses to support
staff, teaching staff, day pupils and their families
and the boarding community at large.
Rowan’s interest in Japanese and African culture
led to several sensational departmental trips which
staff and students will never forget. There was a
trip to Japan with 38 students, for ten days,
travelling across the country to see the most
amazing architecture, technology and
manufacturing industries. There was also a
department charity project to build an education
centre in the village of Mulamula, in the Limpopo
province of South Africa, which is making a
life-changing difference to those that live in the
area. His influence, drive and motivation towards
this project were an inspiration, and he helped
raise over £20,000 towards building materials and
land acquisition. After three years’ hard work,
liaising with the government in the region, raising
funds, visiting the area with several successful
student trips, the buildings now stand proud on
the landscape. A large community centre and
crèche, alongside new toilets, water towers and
landscaped gardens have made a real difference.
Rowan leaves us to join his family in Durban and
to further his work with the Mulamula project.
Rowan will be missed by pupils and staff, but I
know he will be ‘over the moon’ to be permanently
with his family again, and we wish them all every
happiness for the future.
Graeme Lawrie and Andrew Day
138
ALUMNI REVIEW
As well as providing first-class practical care
and advice on issues as varied as the travel
vaccinations needed for far-flung school trips, to
the care of the perhaps ill-judged piercing, Alison
has taken many vulnerable students under her
wing and during their most difficult times has
provided them with the support and
encouragement required to get them back on their
feet. Testament to Alison’s compassion and
expertise is the number of letters of thanks to be
found in the Med Centre at the end of each school
year from grateful youngsters.
Alison has taken on many roles at school, and has
brought great warmth, energy and enthusiasm to
them all. She has contributed significantly to the
pupils’ PSHE programme and has overseen and
encouraged the increased provision of excellent
counselling services in school. Latterly, Alison’s
vision and determination have been instrumental
in working towards improving and extending the
Medical Centre facility itself. She has been a highly
regarded team leader to those who have worked
with her and is a greatly valued colleague to all.
A hard act to follow, Alison is greatly missed but
we wish her happiness and every success in
the future.
Kate Ellis
JULIA DOUGLAS
In October 2013 we said farewell to Julia Douglas
who had worked at the school for nearly 16 years
as a careers adviser and Head of US and
International University Applications. Over her
time at Sevenoaks Julia helped to give impartial
and very well-informed information, advice and
guidance to hundreds of students. Dedicated and
expert in her dealings with students she will be
remembered for her attention to detail and her
caring approach. The email extract below from a
grateful Old Sennockian bears witness to her
professional dedication and instinctive expertise:
‘I just finished my freshman year at Stanford, and
looking back on the past year, I really wanted to
write to thank you again for all your help and
advice during my college application process. I’m
not sure if you remember, but I always think back
to how I really wanted to apply to Yale, and you
suggested that I consider applying to Stanford
because you thought it would be a better fit for
me; I am really so grateful that you suggested
Stanford. I think enrolling here has perhaps been
the best decision I have made in my life – and I
know I could never have been accepted without
your guidance!’
Julia saw two of her own three children go through
the school – Bruce and Mia will be remembered by
many. Now a grandmother, she goes on to a
retirement full of new and pleasant challenges with
the next generation. We wish her every happiness.
Ruth Greenhalgh
We also say goodbye to the
following members of the
Academic and Support staff :
Thomas Bell
Nicola Benson
Julia Bevan
Lucy Billings
Andrew Bishop
Juan Bolado Herrero
Chris Cakebread
Anson Cheung
Elaine Clayton
Christopher Collard
Eva Csiki-Szasz
Hannah De Quincey
Tessa Donaldson
Adèle Fitchett
Laura Garcia Catone
Juan Manuel Gonzalez Trujillo
Minela Hadzic
Nick Johnson
Ingrid Kelly
Vicki Lyons
Elizabeth Moore
Louise Porter
Caroline Sarfaty
Juan Tellechea
139
dates for YOUR diary: School and OLD SennockianS
Friday 14 November
18.45
Annual Old Sennockians Dinner, Grocers’ Hall London
Friday 21 November
14.30
Junior Knole Run
Tuesday 2-Thursday 4 December,
Saturday 6 December
19.00
Upper School Production, Our Country’s Good, Sackville Theatre
Friday 5 December 19.30
Crash into Christmas, Pamoja Hall
Tuesday 9 December
19.00
Service of Readings and Carols, St Nicholas’ Church
Thursday 11 December
14.30
End of Michaelmas term
Wednesday 7 January
08.30
Beginning of Lent term
Saturday 10 January
14.30
41st Knole Run and 19th Girls’ Knole Run
Monday 9-Thursday 12 February
14.00
Transformations Festival (Year 11 SSC Drama Public Productions)
Friday 27 February
18.30
OS 10 Year Reunion Dinner for the Class of 2005, Sevenoaks School
Monday 2-Friday 6 March
Science Week
Tuesday 17-Saturday 21 March
19.00
Middle School Production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Sackville Theatre
Thursday 19 March
12.00
Old Johnsonians Annual Reunion Lunch, Sevenoaks School
Thursday 19 March
19.30
Sevenoaks Swings, Pamoja Hall
Tuesday 24 March
19.30
Music at Sevenoaks Choral Concert, Pamoja Hall
Friday 27 March
14.30
End of Lent term
Wednesday 22 April
08.30
Beginning of Summer term
Thursday 23 April
19.30
Sevenoaks School Jazz Club, Sackville Theatre
Tuesday 28 April
19.30
The Alan Adler Memorial Concert, Pamoja Hall
Saturday 2 May
11.00
OS Five-a-side Football Tournament, Sennocke Centre
Saturday 16 May 18.30
OS 20 Year Reunion Dinner for the Class of 1995, Sevenoaks School
Saturday 23 May
Leavers’ Day
Friday 12 June
18.30
OS Summer Drinks, Central London
Tuesday 16-Saturday 20 June
19.00
Lower School Production, Animal Farm, Sackville Theatre
Monday 22 June
12.30
Middle School Sports Day
Monday 22-Wednesday 24 June
19.00
Classics-Drama department collaboration: Hecuba
Wednesday 24 June (TBC)
09.00
Lower School Sports Day
Saturday 27 June
12.00
Founders’ Day Picnic and 50 year reunion for the Class of 1965, Manor House Lawn
Saturday 27 June
14.00
End of Summer term
Friday 4 September
08.30
Beginning of Michaelmas term
Saturday 5 September (TBC)
12.00
OS Rugby tournament
Michaelmas term (date TBC)
Lambardes 50th Anniversary Reunion
All dates are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change.
For Old Sennockian events please see the events page of OS Online for the latest information: www.osonline.sevenoaksschool.org
140
Editorial team: Arabella Stuart, Navaneethan Kunaratnam, Charlotte Hails.
Photographs by David Merewether, Jannick Fjeldsoe (OS 2013), Matthew Caiger (Year 9), other students and staff, or as credited.
Front cover shows student art by Clare Cooke (Year 10).
Designed by Nick Darke.
Printed by the Caxton & Holmesdale Press Ltd. on paper from a sustainable source approved by FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council.
Sevenoaks School, High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU
Telephone: +44 ( 0 ) 1732 455133 Fax: +44 ( 0 ) 1732 456143
Email: [email protected]
www.sevenoaksschool.org
© Sevenoaks School. A Company Limited by Guarantee (4908949). Registered in England and Wales. Registered Charity Number 1101358
Sevenoaks School Foundation. Registered Charity Number 307923

news and reviews from the school and alumni

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