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Quae sursum sunt quaerite CONTENTS Welcome to The Johnian Magazine 2018 3 From The Head’s Desk 4 Interview with Rowena Cole, The Head 6 Farewell from the School Captains 8 Johnian Editorial 10 From the Archives 18 Valete 20 Library HOUSES SPORT 26 Lower School 100 Hockey 28 Churchill 106 Football 32 East 112 Rugby 36 Gloucester 116 Netball 40 Haslewood 123 Shooting 44 Montgomery 124 Cricket 48 North 130 Athletics 52 South 132 Sailing 56 Surrey 134 Tennis 60 West 135 Swimming FEATURES 66 Music 68 Chapel Review 70 Drama 75 Debating and Public Speaking 76 School Trips 88 Speech Day 92 Army 93 Navy 94 RAF 96 Community Service Unit Report FROM THE HEAD’S DESK

I am writing this during the summer chance. They outperformed expectations holiday as I reflect on the excitement, with an impressive 74% A*/A (9-7) grades, achievements and challenges which have 38% of grades awarded being A* and 30% made my first year as The Head of St John’s at grade 9. Seven pupils achieved straight so interesting and enjoyable. It would be A*s/9s, and a sixth of the whole year group impossible for me to list all of the highlights achieved eight or more A*s/9s, while a of the past academic year – they have been third of the year group achieved five or too numerous and too varied to name – more A*s/9s. Amongst the overall success, and I wonder how we fitted it all in to one there were many individual stories of academic year! outstanding dedication, effort and excellence and I congratulate them all. While academic outcomes When I arrived at St John’s I knew that I was joining a should always been viewed in the broader context of a truly school which prides itself on the strength of its community. rounded education - something St John’s does very well – My family and I were immediately made to feel at home strong examination results can unlock opportunities and and the sense of belonging which I experienced personally choices for young people. For our Upper Sixth leavers, this is one of the characteristics of St John’s of which I am means pursuing their first choice higher education courses most proud. Our house structure, and the way we involve and embarking on careers in the sectors they aspire to; families in school life, gives pupils and their parents a while, for our Upper Fifth, it means they are entering the connection to St John’s which is genuinely special. This is Sixth Form with a strong academic foundation on which to a school with such a strong sense of identity that we know build. our values and ethos hold true, even as we innovate and adapt to ensure that we deliver the very highest standard of The breadth of a St John’s education is outstanding and education for pupils in today’s shifting landscape. you will get a flavour of the variety and scope of our co- curricular activities across the pages of this magazine. Over Towards the end of the academic year I gave an assembly the last year, I have thoroughly enjoyed cheering on our about the importance – and satisfaction - of hard work. teams at sports fixtures, although the weather occasionally It was timed to encourage those who were preparing for tested even my spirits. The artistic life of school, from exams to understand that there are times in life when you artworks adorning the walls to dramatic and musical have to put in the extra effort to achieve your goals, but performances, have delivered colour and vibrancy. And it is a useful reminder for us all. While there will always I have been deeply impressed by the ingenuity, spirit of be some for whom success comes more easily than others, adventure and the willingness to give back which are we only uncover the true extent of our potential when evident every day through charity fundraising, community we commit and put in the work. I was delighted that our projects and activities such as CCF. Upper Sixth heeded this advice and achieved impressive A level results: the cohort of 126 pupils achieved 47% As we embark on a new academic year - full of potential, A*/A grades, 31% of pupils received three or more A* or opportunity and new experiences - I would like to thank A grades, a total of 81% of grades were A*-B and the pass everyone who contributed to making last year so special rate was 100%. We were equally pleased that the Upper and to extend a very warm welcome to everyone joining our Fifth performed so well and achieved the School’s best ever school. GCSE results. The upheaval to the examinations brought challenges which the professionalism of our teaching staff Mrs Rowena Cole helped to mitigate, giving our pupils the best possible The Head

4 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 3 INTERVIEW with Rowena Cole, The Head

What attracted you to St John’s? Do you prefer teaching or being The Head? I grew up in Surrey and have known St John’s since I was Teaching is hugely rewarding; being able to impart a a pupil at a nearby school – we used to come to Chapel for concept or idea to a pupil and watching them master a topic our carol service – so I’ve always been aware of the School. and take pleasure in learning is why we become teachers. Working as a teacher and then a headteacher in the local But being The Head also brings other rewards and I love area, I was interested in the way that St John’s has adapted how unpredictable each day can be; it allows me to shape over the years without losing its core values. When the how this whole community will develop and there is a opportunity arose to become The Head, I was excited about sense of satisfaction to that. the potential of leading this amazing community. Do you like the traditions of the School? Like the prefects, Where do you see St John’s in five years’ time? What did you study in university? Did you enjoy it? house system, Christian-foundations, or is this something I would like St John’s to be capitalising on its excellent First impressions of the School? My degree was in Biological Sciences and I loved it – and you would like to change? reputation in areas such as pastoral care and making a The strongest first impression was one of warmth and still do. Traditions are really important in a community like ours. contribution to national discussions in these areas. I would welcome. It is an overused phrase, but at St John’s there is I love the House system and believe it immeasurably like to feel we can become a school that other teachers come a deep-rooted sense of community which extends across Favourite part of biology? Why? enhances life at St John’s, being in Chapel is one of my to in order to learn about outstanding practice. But most pupils, staff, parents, OJs and beyond. Genetics. I still find it awe inspiring that all the differences favourite times of the week, and our prefects make an of all, I hope it will retain its purposeful, happy atmosphere that exist in the natural world are caused by tiny variations enormous contribution to our school. Over time, schools and continue to provide outstanding opportunities for Favourite area of the School? in the DNA. do need to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs young people in the local area. It is hard to choose just one but, if I must, I would say the of pupils, but that doesn’t mean discarding the traditions, Quad. It is a brilliant vantage point and, standing in the What do you like to do to relax? values and ethos which are at their heart. Quad, I love the sense that every aspect of school life is I really enjoy spending time with my family and walking happening around you and everything is within reach. our three dogs. What key values do you want a St John’s pupil to take away from their time here? Best and worst part of the job? Favourite type of food? I am immensely proud of the young men and women I There are many ‘best’ parts to the job, especially watching Cake! see growing up at St John’s. I want our pupils to be open fantastic performances in drama, music or sport, informal minded and open hearted, with a strong sense of their own opportunities to talk with pupils and watching great Did your previous school have prefects? If so, how do the values so that they have the confidence to be guided by lessons. The ‘worst’ aspect of this job is really that there just St John’s prefects differ from them? their convictions and to live their lives in a positive way. aren’t enough hours in the day! We had a school captain team at my previous school. The Courtesy, respect and tolerance are core values at way that pupils with leadership roles behave and undertake St John’s, but I also want our pupils to be brave and Have you always wanted to be a teacher? their duties varies to suit the needs of their particular ambitious, willing to try things beyond their comfort At school I loved the sciences and decided to pursue that school but there are many consistent factors. All pupils with zone, because it is only when you push your own personal field at university. I also knew that I really wanted to leadership roles need to embody their school’s ethos and boundaries that you achieve real satisfaction and realise work with young people and therefore teaching seemed to values, to care about the community they belong to and set your true potential. provide the way to combine these important aspects. a good example for those who follow in their footsteps.

4 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 5 The end of this academic year has been a bitter sweet We would also like to extend our appreciation to our moment, not just for us, but for all those who are leaving parents. They are the ones that have been there for behind St John’s. On the one hand, we are starting exciting us through it all and supported us through all the new chapters in our lives, but on the other hand we are questionable decisions we have undoubtedly made. They leaving behind a memorable place where we have spent a have loved us, cared for us and pushed us to be the best significant part of our lives thus far. we can be. We don’t always recognise the sacrifices they FAREWELL FROM THE SCHOOL make for us, whether it be giving up weekends to drive Throughout our time at St John’s we have had experiences us to matches and concerts, listening to all our pointless that have defined our time at the School. Whether it drama and, of course, picking up the bill and making our has been representing the School on the sports fields, in experience and education at St John’s possible. Thank you musical performances or on the stage, we have been given for giving us the best possible start for our future. Even CAPTAINS endless opportunities to discover our talents and to create though we don’t always show it, we are truly grateful for all long-lasting memories that will connect us to the School. that you do. We have been on incredible trips which have enabled us to visit places for the first time and to have experiences that During our final year at St John’s we have not only been we will never forget. Precious hours in our houses bring supported by staff and teachers but also by the prefect us truly close together and we, in common with so many body. Whilst many other pupils may only see prefects on others at St John’s, have made friendships which will last the lunch queue or walking down Chapel, they do so much far longer than the brief years we spend here; these are more than meets the eye and we could not have carried friendships and bonds that we will treasure for many years. out our responsibilities as School Captains without their support and commitment. Thank you to all the prefects for On behalf of the pupils of St John’s, we would like to thank making our experience as smooth as possible and for being all of the members of staff who work tirelessly behind the outstanding leaders and role models for the School. scenes to keep the school running the way it does. To the catering staff - who not only provide an assortment of curry The last person we would like to thank is Mrs Cole. for every day of the week, but also prepare breakfast and This has been Mrs Cole’s first year at St John’s and so she dinner for boarders, provide those much needed donuts stepped into her role at the same time as we stepped into after Tuesday games and produce match teas for every sport ours. During her short time at the school, Mrs Cole has - we would like to say thank you for how much time and created a caring ethos second to none and it is easy to see effort you put in to making us delicious food all day every that she takes great pride in the School. Not only will you day. Furthermore, thank you to the groundsmen who sort see her on the side-lines on Saturdays, or in the audience at out the fire alarms when the toaster overloads and who concerts and drama performances, but she has made time keep every part of the School looking immaculate all year to get to know each pupil. She has created a very warm round. We don’t think you get half of the recognition that and welcoming atmosphere and I don’t think our journey you deserve. as School Captains would have been nearly as enjoyable or memorable without the help and support she has given us. While we are reflecting on unsung heroes, what would a We want to thank Mrs Cole for making our last year one to school be without its teachers? An empty vessel, a printer remember and we hope she continues to enjoy her time at without its ink, a pie without its pork! Teachers are the St John’s and fulfils her ambitions to make the School the people who selflessly give up their days to help us excel, best it can be. not only in the classroom but in all aspects of life, and who have supported us through all the difficulties we have faced As we move on to pastures new, we will leave you with a as teenagers. It is very easy to take what teachers do for final thought that sums up our feelings towards our time at granted. They can give the wisest pieces of advice to the St John’s. In the words of A.A. Milne (or, more specifically, class but they have no idea whether anyone has bothered Winnie the Pooh): ‘How lucky we are to have something to take note of it. Pupils don’t always appreciate the level of that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ patience required to deal with us on a daily basis, and while some may think it is easy for teachers to come to class and For all of you still lucky enough to be at St John’s, teach from a lesson plan, what we don’t always understand and for those just starting their journey at the School, is how they come to school each day in the hope of we urge you to make the most of every opportunity making a positive impact on our lives. Therefore, for all and every moment. For everyone embarking on the hard work and time they have devoted to us, thank the next stage of their lives, we wish you the very you. Thank you for being there for us through the easy best of luck and every success for the future. and the difficult parts and supporting us no matter what. Fin Deuchar and Katie Littlewood School Captains 2017-18

6 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 7 Five years ago, a young girl walked into a big school, This, I leave you behind, but I also know that everything staring up at the angry red bricks, and feeling very small this school is, and has been, I will harbour with me, long indeed. She knew no one. She had left behind what she after I leave this place, and as I journey on a new path. was familiar with, to dive into the unknown, and try something different. She was too innocent, and very shy, ‘There’s a road we must travel, there’s a dream in the future, far preferring books to people. She was one of 18 first- a struggle that we have yet to win. But I’ll give thanks to JOHNIAN generation Gloucester girls, green tartan well beneath her my God, because, Lord knows, I know where I’ve been.’ knees and drowning in her pristine blazer. I will always be a Johnian. And that is a start to life, a Today, she moves on leaving behind five years of what preparation for life, that will give me great strength in this has become known, for a world of unknowns. She can next chapter. In a year that has seen yet more political and EDITORIAL hold her faithful books close, but has learnt to find domestic upheaval, leading to an uncertain and turbulent faith and joy in living moment by moment, and not future, having a sense of identity in where we are, and feeling like she has to escape her world. For, for five where we’ve come from, seems never more important. years, her world has not been something to be ashamed of or feared. To work for joy alone is enough; people It has been my privilege to write for the Johnian for five can be as books once were. No longer so shy, she can years and to lead the pupil editorial body for the past two. I proudly turn her head and walk out of those grandiose hope this publication will be able to give you just a glimpse oaken doors for the very last time as a St John’s pupil, of the strength, solidarity and success. A glimpse of the soaring on eagle’s wings to seek those things above. faith, friendship and fun. A glimpse of where I’ve been. May St John’s be for you, all that it has been for me. And so it goes. Five years flies by. Perhaps it is only in the last few moments that what that means really hits. There Catherine Perkins is a gut-wrenching twist as you realise that this is the very last time you will sing Jerusalem in Chapel, or hear a mob rendition of Libera Me in the Dining Hall. The last time you will stand before the altar in the Martyrs’ Chapel to receive communion. The last time you will be in a house assembly, a Head’s assembly, a service of School Evensong. The last time you will stand together with all your peers in these hallowed walls. The last time you will take out and return a library book. The last time you will don a CCF beret. The last time you will score runs on the cricket pitch, jump that final hurdle. The last time you will eat St John’s famed curries. The last time. The last time. Each moment seems precious, special, final. You close your eyes, and try to cherish it, holding on. And so it goes. You say goodbye.

I say goodbye; a moment where both excitement and anticipation for the future are intertwined with an underlying sense of loss. Yet, it is truly a special thing to walk out of this school proud as I do. It is special to have had such a wealth of opportunity, from music, to drama, debating, academics, service, sport and more. To have been underpinned by a net of such infallible support, humour, grace, faith and mercy. To have been uplifted when I have fallen. To be carried when I saw no way to go on. To have succeeded and failed, and to have been encouraged to bear both with grace and humility. To have continually been encouraged to seek things higher, to have lived some extraordinarily divine moments.

8 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 9 From the ARCHIVES TAKE A WALK BACK THROUGH TIME

MYSTERY ARTIST REVEALED!

In the late 1990s a large oil painting of the front of the School Brenda Johnston on the second picture, we realised that we and the Old Chapel was spotted at a local antiques fair had a match and at a stroke, our mystery was partially solved. and subsequently acquired for the School. No information Brenda Johnston studied at Epsom School of Art in the late about the artist or date of the painting was available – just 1940s and again in the 1950s. She attended Reigate School the words ‘Artist: Johnston’ on the back. For many years, of Art in the 1960s, had a number of solo exhibitions and this painting hung in the front office, then in 2009 it was showed her work at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. transferred to the School Archives. From 1970 – 1980 she was a member of the Leatherhead Art Club. HERITAGE DAY 2017 The identity of the artist remained a mystery until local resident Andrew Clegg contacted us in the summer of 2017 We still do not know the exact date ‘our’ painting was Visitors to the Heritage Day event on 9 September with details of a painting of St John’s, which he had recently created, but it may predate the view of the rear of the School were treated to an exclusive exhibition of rarely purchased from a gallery in America. This unusual view of which we know was painted in 1973. We would love to find seen original paintings, drawings and prints of the School from Linden Pit Path showing the back of the out more about these two paintings of St John’s and discover the School, spanning over 160 years of history. Dining Hall and the Churchill (now Gloucester) House why Brenda Johnston chose the School as her subject. building bore a striking resemblance to our painting by Andrew kindly agreed to lend us his painting of St John’s Featuring paintings and drawings by former local ‘Johnston’. by Brenda Johnston for our Heritage Day exhibition in artists Geoffrey Fletcher and Brenda Johnston, September 2017. together with those of renowned artists and With great excitement, we compared the two paintings etchers including Edward J Burrow, Dennis side by side and, with details of the artist named as Flanders and Bryan de Grineau, these images trace the growth of the School from its small beginnings as a Choir School for the Sons of Poor Clergy attached to St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace in 1851, through its various locations in London until it finally became established in Leatherhead in 1872. Views of the School before and after the fire of 1913 show the small but significant architectural changes made to the main building as it was rebuilt in 1914, and officially re-opened by HRH the Duchess of Albany on Speech Day, Wednesday 1 July 1914 just a few weeks before the outbreak of the First World War.

Limited edition prints of various views of the School, commissioned in the 1980s, 1990s and 2012, were also on show.

10 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 11 The decision to form an Officer Training Corps (OTC) at St John’s in 1912 was made possible by the HOW YOU return in 1911 of former pupil Lancelot Townshend Driffield, a CAN HELP Captain in the Special Reserve, to teach at St John’s. We aim to publish and print this book in the His military experience gained at autumn of 2018, initially as a limited edition run Cambridge, at Derby School and St of 250-300 copies. This large format illustrated Edmund’s, Canterbury, enabled the book will be a further memorial to those Old headmaster to obtain the consent Johnians, both pupils and staff, who served their of the Army Council to provide country at home and abroad in the First World Cyprian Bourne: Assistant Master, Victor Bedwell: Albany Scholar, and Joseph Gedge: the first officer killed Frank Allan: school captain, an OTC contingent. Service in War. died of wounds in 1917 winner of the Craven Scholarship in WWI scholar and athlete, died of gas the OTC was compulsory for all at Exeter College, Oxford, killed in gangrene in 1916 action in 1916 boys over the age of 14 and as To help with the financial expense, we are the war progressed, training and seeking donations to help with the costs of this drill occupied much of their time publication, which include professional book outside the classroom. The impact design, copyright costs and printing costs. We of the war on school life is told in this book through letters and stories from former pupils and the pages of the Johnian magazine welcome contributions from OJs and friends of Forthcoming Book: which chronicled the events of the war years. the School and hope you will be able to help us. St John’s School Leatherhead and the Great War, 1914-1918 Lessons, sports All donors will have their names inscribed and games, school on a page within the book. Additionally, To mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the meals and the newly benefactors who make a contribution of at First World War in November 1918, we plan to introduced House least £100 will be recognised by the School publish a fully illustrated book to commemorate system will all feature, with the gift of a first edition of the book. We those OJs who served at home and abroad. illustrated by some of anticipate that the selling price of the book the wonderful lantern Stories of those who died and those who will be around £25, but the final price will be slide images taken by survived will be told and illustrated with first- confirmed nearer the time. one of the masters, hand accounts and images from the School Eustace Coddington. Archives. If you would like to support this project, please contact the Development Officer, In total, 769 Old Johnians, 21 members of staff and three Naia Edwards: governors are known to have served in the First World War. Of these, 162 were [email protected] killed in action or died of wounds. This book will be a tribute to a generation Lieutenant Commander Eric Gasgoine Robinson VC of pupils and staff who were called to serve their country, and the sacrifices they made. 2nd Lieutenant Geoffrey Harold Woolley VC

The book is the result of many years of meticulous research into the lives of those OJs whose names appear on our Roll of Honour Boards in the Old Chapel.

Included in the text will be a brief history of the School up to 1914, details of the formation of the Officer Training Corps in 1912, the devastating fire of 1913 and the re-opening of the buildings by the Duchess of Albany on Speech Day, 1 July 1914, just a few weeks before the start of the First World War.

The book will contain original documents, anecdotes and photographs, many of which have not previously been published. School memorials to the First World War will feature, and an updated list of the Roll of Honour will be published.

Victoria Cross winners, GH Woolley and EG Robinson, will be remembered, together with tales of other young officers who gained distinctions and medals for their leadership, courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

12 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 13 1st XI Cricket 1912 At first sight, I thought that our negatives were damaged as The four young men who survived the war went on to I could see what looked like greasy finger marks around the have varying careers. Their names are recorded on the 42 Back row: faces on the emulsion side of the plate. Abby explained that illuminated handwritten panels, produced in 1918, listing GS Middlemiss; CEVK Peberdy; KC Gill; VLS Bedwell; SC Squire; this was a common re-touching process before the advent Old Johnians who served all the armed forces up to and LPS Bourne. of photoshop, where the photographer applied ink, either including the First World War. with a brush, or smudged quite literally onto the surface Front row: of the plate with a finger which actually served to enhance Leonard Percival Spencer Bourne was one of four brothers CLN Roberts; CFE Clarke; WH Round; HJ Barnard; the portraits. The results when professionally scanned are who attended St John’s, three of whom served in the First EWC Turner remarkably good as you can see from this image of the 1912 World War. His brother 2nd Lieutenant Austin Spencer 1st XI team (left). Bourne was listed as ‘wounded and missing’. Austin died of wounds on 23 April 1917, but his body was never identified The further significance of these previously unseen and today his name is on the wall of the Arras Memorial, photographs lies in the fact that nearly all the boys who along with 35,000 other men with no known grave. appear in the photos later served in the First World War. Those in the 1912 1st XI cricket team all saw active service Leonard won an exhibition to Sidney Sussex College and seven were killed in action. Cambridge to read Classics in 1913, enlisted in 1915 and gained promotion to Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Biographies of Godfrey Stewart Middlemiss, Kenneth Carlyle Manchester Regiment. After the war, he was a merchant Gill, Victor Leopold Stevens Bedwell, Stanley Charles Squire, in India and East Africa and then Senior Partner with the Cecil Llewellyn Norton Roberts, William Haldane Round Mackinnon, Mackenzie Company, Calcutta. LPS Bourne was and Eric Walter Carpenter Turner can be found on our awarded the CBE in 1949, in recognition of services to the commemorative War Memorial Archive website at UK Community in India. He died in Southwark, London, www.stjohnsleatherheadatwar.co.uk in 1970.

Charles Edward Vernon Kingsbury Peberdy served as ‘Acting’ Captain in the 4th Battalion, West Yorkshire RESCUED FROM OBLIVION: Regiment and was wounded six times. He was mentioned 100 year old glass negatives found in a skip! in despatches and awarded the DSO and MC. Appointed manager of the Rugby Boys’ Clubs in 1937, he later served in the Royal Pioneer Corps, with the rank of Major, during the In February 2018 I was surprised and delighted to be given was left in the cellar of his shop and was acquired by Sutton Second World War. He remained a keen sportsman all his a set of nine glass photographic plates dating from 1912 – Archives in 1978. The plates then remained untouched in a life and was a Vice President of the Old Johnian Rugby Club. 1914. These old glass negatives of St John’s School cricket basement store for over 35 years, until in 2014 Sutton and football teams and a prefects group had been rescued Archives was awarded £95,900 by the Heritage Lottery The Revd Harold Jeune Barnard was a School Prefect, from a skip many years ago, together with those from other Fund to clean, rehouse, digitise, catalogue and research the Captain of East House, a member of the choir and played schools in Sutton and Carshalton. collection. Details of this project can be found on the Past 1st XI football and cricket from 1912 – 1914. When war on Glass blog: www.pastonglass.wordpress.com and the broke out he joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers, being promoted This was a hugely valuable donation as we have very few photographs they have digitised are available on Flickr: to Lieutenant in 1916 and Assistant Staff Captain in 1918. original photographs from that period, possibly because of www.flickr.com/people/pastonglass After the war, he gained a BA in 1925 from Christ’s College the School fire in June 1913 which destroyed much of the Cambridge and was ordained in 1926. In 1929 he was main building, including the library where all the School I made contact with Photographer David Knights-Whittome appointed Organising Secretary to the Church of England photos were held. We found that we now had photographs Abby Matthews, by kind permission of the London Borough Waifs and Strays Society in the Diocese of Canterbury and of Sutton Archives of the 1st XI cricket and football teams for 1912, the 1st XI the ‘Past on Glass’ in 1931 was appointed Chaplain to the Forces, stationed at football team 1914 and the 2nd XI cricket and football teams project officer, at Woolwich. He regularly played cricket for the Old Johnians for 1912 – 1914 and the Prefects in the Summer Term 1912. Sutton Archives who and the Army and in 1937 was awarded his Army Cricket On closer examination I realised that they also formed part kindly offered to Cap. of a large photographic archive of over 10,000 glass plates scan the glass plates which belonged to photographic artist David Knights- we had been given. Charles Frederick Empson Clarke came to St John’s in Whittome, as I had spotted a couple of similar photos on Old glass negatives 1906 and played for the 1st XI cricket team in 1912. He Flickr in 2016. are fragile and need left the School in 1912 for All Hallows School, Honiton. to be scanned with During the First World War he was a Lieutenant in the 9th David Knights-Whittome owned shops in both Sutton and a large flat-bed Gloucestershire Regiment and was awarded the MC. In 1939 Epsom from around 1904 until 1918 and took thousands of scanner with a he was promoted to Major in the Royal Artillery. Charles photographs of local people, places, institutions and schools. transparency lid or Frederick Empson Clarke died in 1969 in Derbyshire, He was granted a Royal Warrant and photographed members by using a camera aged 73. of the Royal Family, describing himself as ‘Photographer to and a light box the King’. In 1918 he gave up his photographic business and to produce the Sally Todd, School Archivist moved away from the area. His huge collection of glass plates best results. War Memorial Panel 1918

14 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 15 25 YEARS AGO St John’s welcomed a new headmaster, Chris IN BYGONE DAYS Tongue. Following the opening of the Sports a journey through the pages of the Johnian Magazine Hall in 1992, the old gym was transformed into the ‘Anthony Hope Theatre’ with a new façade. The School play, Timon of Athens, was directed by Brian Joplin, with Andrew 75 YEARS AGO Noble taking the leading role and a new school Major D A Seagrim VC uniform was introduced. Early in the term there was announced the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Major D. A. Seagrim for A memorial service was held in the School conspicuous gallantry at the Mareth Line. A special holiday Chapel for OJ Billy Rivers (1912 – 1917) who was given in his memory. The headmaster wrote to Mrs offered his services free of charge to the School Seagrim on behalf of the School and received the following as Bursar during the Second World War and letter in reply: later was a member of the School Governing Council. 7, Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho. There were just 32 girls in the Sixth Form, but the netball team had an outstanding season: Dear Mr. Carter, I am very grateful to you and the School, and in this I know his ‘The first team won nine out of twelve matches. brothers join, for your kind letter and sympathy. My son Derek Our most glorious moment being the win and his two elder brothers have very happy memories of St John’s over Charterhouse, whom St John’s had never and I know he would feel glad and proud to know you were all beaten at netball before. We also won the runners up plate trophy in two tournaments. remembering him in such a happy way. Johnian Summer 1968 (cover page1968) In the Eastbourne tournament we beat Yours very sincerely, A. H. Seagrim Charterhouse again by one goal in the final.’

The following announcement in the London Gazette is quoted from The Times of 14 May 1943: The King has been pleased to approve the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Major (Temporary Lieutenant BUILDING THE FUTURE Colonel) Derek Anthony Seagrim, The Green Howards St John’s School 1851-2018 (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment) An illustrated time-line charting the growth of the School CCF 1968 - inside page through its buildings was installed in May 2018 on the with news re CCF and cartoon hoardings along Linden Pit Path and Garlands Road, which surround the building works for the new swimming pool. Using images from the School Archives, this display shows 50 YEARS AGO how the School has transformed from a small choir school From the Johnian 1968: with just eight boys attached to St Mark’s Church, Hamilton Membership of the CCF became voluntary, over 100 boys Terrace, north London in 1851 to a fully co-educational volunteered for the new style CCF and Fred Jode, Regimental school in Leatherhead with 770 pupils in 2018. Sergeant Major (RSM) of the CCF, retired after 22 years’ service.

Fred Jode, Malta 1967

16 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 17 SCOTT LOMAS CONSTANCE TEACHER OF MATHS CHAPMAN TEACHER OF CLASSICS AND valete HEAD OF WELLBEING WE BID FAREWELL TO TEACHERS LEAVING CAROLINE MARTIN CLARKE ST JOHN’S FOR PASTURES NEW TOWNSHEND DEPUTY HEAD HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

At the end of every academic year, we have to bid farewell to Finally, I would like to express my particular thanks to a number of members of staff who have served the Martin Clarke. Martin intended to retire at the end of last School with dedication, intelligence and generosity. We year but postponed his retirement to support me in my first TIM COOK would like to thank all our departing staff and wish them year as The Head of St John’s. He has served St John’s for PART TIME ENGLISH TEACHER well for the future but I would also like to mention some 28 years and I have learnt a lot from him and have greatly GARY WADE individuals here. appreciated his wisdom, guidance and experience. Martin TEACHER OF RS has a no nonsense approach and high expectations because Nick Smith departs after 14 years at St John’s. He joined in he has always wanted pupils to be the absolute best they REBECCA HARRIET PASKELL 2004 as Director of Music and Assistant Housemaster, later could be and I know many OJs credit him with playing DAVIDSON HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY becoming a Housemaster, before relinquishing his pastoral a part in the success they have had in their adult lives. TEACHER OF BIOLOGY role to focus on developing the School’s music provision. St John’s will miss him. As Director of Music he has overseen a wonderful array of musical talent at St John’s and he has contributed further Rowena Cole to school life by coaching 2nd team rugby and 3rd team The Head cricket, in addition to being Common Room President for the last three years. Simon Bland leaves us with an extraordinary musical legacy and we also owe him a debt of gratitude for his enthusiasm for croquet which has established the popular house croquet competition on the SIMON BLAND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC STEF JONES Quad! Constance Chapman has only been at St John’s for TEACHER OF ENGLISH two years but has left her mark having been involved in every aspect of school life as a tutor, a valuable member of the Classics Department, leading the wellbeing programme and even coaching and umpiring sports teams. Richard CLARE ED SYKES Gregory, who leaves the Chemistry Department, has GREENWOOD TEACHER OF CLASSICS contributed widely to the outdoor education provision of the TEACHER OF ENGLISH School, notably DofE, and will be pursuing his passion for skiing by becoming an instructor in the Austrian Alps. Gary Wade, a man of kindness and intellect who will be sorely missed in every aspect of school life, leaves us to study for a PhD. Housemaster of East and Head of Boarding, Ash Vargas, has provided pupils with an exceptional level of care over his decade with St John’s. NICK SMITH RICHARD GREGORY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY

18 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 19 Gone by Michael Grant In the blink of an eye, all the adults disappear in a small town in Southern California and no one knows why. Cut off from the outside world, those that are left are trapped, and there’s no help on the way. Sam Temple and his friends must do all they can to survive.

Library Private Peaceful Here are some of the most popular fiction books by Michael Morpurgo in St John’s Library this year. Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows 24 hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family and his village life.

This Mortal Coil One by Emily Suvada by Sarah Crossan Three billion lives at stake. Two people who can save them. One Grace and Tippi are conjoined twins, united in blood and secret hidden in their DNA. One girl’s quest for answers in a bone. But a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead. One that genetically and technologically advanced future. could change their lives more than they ever asked for...

Wonder Stormbreaker by R J Palacio by Anthony Horowitz Born with a facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his life turned upside by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he’s being down on discovering that his late uncle wasn’t a mild- sent to a real school - and he’s dreading it. All he wants is to be mannered banker, but instead a field agent for MI6. accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all? Noughts & Crosses I Have No Secrets by Malorie Blackman by Penny Joelson Sephy is a nought but her best friend Callum is a Nought. Fourteen-year-old Jemma has severe cerebral palsy. Unable to Two young people are forced to make a stand in this communicate or move, she relies on her family and carer for thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an everything. When she is confronted with this terrible secret, she alternate society. is utterly powerless to do anything. Though that might be about to change... The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time One Thursday lunchtime the Earth gets demolished to by Mark Haddon make way for a hyperspace bypass. For Arthur, who has The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder just had his house demolished, this is too much. Sadly, the mystery novel like no other. Christopher has never gone further weekend’s just begun. than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered, he sets out on a journey that will turn his whole world upside down.

20 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 21 houses BEING PART OF A HOUSE COMMUNITY IS ABOUT IDENTITY, PRIDE, A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF BELONGING... AND WINNING THE HOUSE PANCAKE RACE!

22 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 23 LOWER SCHOOL

head of lower scHool report Matron report

With the Lower School welcoming its second cohort of Lower School - what can I say? Loud, exuberant, full of pupils, the 2017-18 year saw the Lower School housing expectation and excitement, fun and never a dull moment. both a Lower Third and Upper Third for the first time in The role can be challenging, demanding, emotionally the School’s history. The Lower School pupils continued to draining but always extremely enjoyable. When the pupils provide a tremendous energy around the School site and are in House the most popular word you hear is ‘Matron’ have certainly added an extra dimension to the St John’s followed by ‘can I have?’, ‘have you seen?’ or ‘do you know?’ community. All of which I am expected to know all the answers to. There pupil reports is of course a down side to everything, and mine is dealing The co-educational nature of the Lower School House is an with lost property and padlocks! Coming into St John’s at Year 7 I was particularly nervous exciting place for anyone to be and the Lower School tutor and scared because I didn’t know anyone. But as the team certainly have felt lucky to be part of such an historic I think it is great that they have a space that still allows them academic year went on, I realised that not knowing anyone process. The pupils themselves continue to throw themselves to be children, especially in a very adult environment. coming to this school from your previous school, doesn’t into every aspect of school life. Events such as the Lower My favourite time is when the pupils are in house and I get mean you won’t make friends quickly. Looking back on School play - which was an exceptional feat - and the House the chance to just sit and natter with them. They are often it everybody was so kind and nice to everybody else and fundraising for Marie Curie are merely two examples of how performing their dances or drama pieces they have been friendships and bonds were made instantly. This school diverse their skills are. practising, telling me riddles or just sharing their free time has changed my life not just in academic focuses but with with me, which is very special. I am fortunate to be included friendships and confidence. As the Lower School continues to grow and establish itself in whatever they are doing and I consider myself very lucky James Burfield charity reports even further, the possibilities as to what the pupils will to be part of Lower School. achieve next year are endless, and I for one look forward to I have absolutely loved life in Lower School. It has been The chosen charity for the Lower School has been Marie being a part of it. Anita Freeman such a privilege being the pioneers of St John’s. I have met Curie. The charity is very close to several members of the Lower School Matron amazing people and we have all settled in extremely well. I Lower School and helps to provide night nurses to the Ian White am sure we will all love going into Houses, although it will houses of sick patients. This allows family members to get Acting Head of Lower School be nerve-wracking. I would like to thank all the tutors, and a good night’s sleep safe in the knowledge their loved one is particularly all the help Matron has given us. being cared for. Zoe Ryan For me in particular, Marie Curie helped assist my dad in Despite being new to the School in September, I now feel the night with his needs so that my mum could get a good very much part of it. The days at first were tiring because night’s sleep, which then helped my mum take care of my I was not used to them being so long and I did not know brother and I including taking us to school then looking anyone else. Within the first week or so, with the help of after my dad during the day. tutors and teachers, I felt I adjusted completely and have gained some amazing friends. Throughout the term we have held Swimathons, sold daffodils around Leatherhead High Street and school, as Academically, all of my lessons have been really fun but the well as numerous yummy bake sales. The end of year dinner highlight for me has been the co-curricular side of school additionally helps add to these funds. It is so good to see life. The chance to have some great coaches and play exciting so many people raise such a large amount of money for a fixtures has been great for my development, and I look charity that does so much to help patients and families in forward to continuing next year. such and dark and tough times. Hannah Wainwright Ella Bromfield

24 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 25 LOWER SCHOOL YEAR REVIEW By Daisy, Grace, Asantewaa, Osian and Will

London Zoo On 20 April 2018 the Lower School went to the London zoo. My highlight from this trip was seeing penguins being fed, I don’t think they were the penguins from Madagascar though. The information we learnt on site about the food chain was invaluable for end of year exams and the ice On Sports Day the adrenaline was high. You could feel the tension. Parents were extremely supportive. The races got harder and harder to creams were delicious too! win. As a member of the Yellow house team moral was high and everyone congratulated each other despite where they placed. The food was great as the catering staff kept the table packed and everyone enjoyed the burgers and ice lollies. In the end we all had fun and enjoyed the races and the day out in the sun and on the fields. Purple house came in overall first, Blue was second, Yellow was third and Green came in last. Everyone was proud of their house and nobody was disappointed, no matter where they came.

Our charity this year has been Marie Curie, which is an incredible charity Science museum that supports those suffering with a terminal illness and their families. As the charity has been very important to several of those in Lower School we have One of our recent trips was to raised lots of money. We have a had two bake sales, sold dafodills throughout the London Science Museum to the School and on the streets of Leatherhead, donated our time and had an study maths. First of all we looked amazing charity dinner which was huge success and raised lots of money. around the history of engines and space. Then we had lunch and a One of the House competitions that we competed in was house singing. Each house picked a song out of a hat and we had to practice this song with our milkshake. After that we visited the house. The theme was “Songs from the Movies”. Yellow house sang “The specially booked Wonderlab. In Circle of Life” from The Lion King. Green house sang “A Whole New World” the Wonderlab there were over 50 from Aladdin. Purple house sang “Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book interactive activities including a tesla and Blue house sang “Consider Yourself” from Oliver Twist. The Houses put coil and some grass slides. I think so much effort into the competition, there were actions, conductors, stunts everyone enjoyed this trip! and solos in the performances. Mr Smith found it really hard to choose a winner. But in the end Purple house won the competition. It was really fun and something we will all remember.

26 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 27 Having reached June, one can look back on an I would particularly like to thank an exemplary Upper exceptionally busy year, and what a great year it has been Sixth year group which has led the House in every aspect, for Churchill! From a personal perspective, the second culminating in the superb delivery of the house charity year in post, I have loved every minute of this year as night in aid of YoungMinds. A gamble-a-thon in the form CHURCHILL Housemaster – suddenly a steady hand on the tiller! The of an assault-course race, as well as a stellar range of tutor team and Matron Jane have excelled at making the auctioned goods fetched over £5,000 for this very worthy I WOULD PARTICULARLY LIKE TO THANK AN EXEMPLARY place even easier to run, working tirelessly to support the cause. UPPER SIXTH YEAR GROUP, WHICH HAS LED THE HOUSE IN boys in all of their endeavours and I thank them for their EVERY ASPECT, CULMINATING IN THE SUPERB DELIVERY OF THE immense efforts. I finish by thanking Mr Howell who departs to take up his HOUSE CHARITY NIGHT IN AID OF YOUNGMINDS. position as Assistant Housemaster in Montgomery House As well as being a home from home during the school – I am sure he is rueing his poor fortune…he had formerly day, providing a strong sense of community and shared been a tutor in Churchill House after all! And I am pleased existence, the mood and pride in the House is to some to highlight the appointment of Miss Symes-Thompson as extent always defined by its performances in house Assistant Housemistress of Churchill from September. competitions. Strong performances in many of these this year has been a theme. In house singing back in October With familiarisation day done and 13 new Fourth Formers we progressed from a consecutive run of ninth places to joining us in September, we look forward to all giving it finish a healthy sixth! The seniors led a strong showing in our absolute best in 2018-19. part song and we were unfortunate not to place. Debating remains an area of strength as Doug Simmonds and Elliott Tom Leonard Needham in the seniors, Charlie Collins and Scott Parker Housemaster, Churchill in the inters and Lucas Patel and James Searle in the juniors demonstrated their ability. Finally, Oliver Gordon has excelled, balancing his A levels with numerous choir and drama commitments – indeed it was a pleasure to see him star on the stage – and his creative vision, the house film, won numerous plaudits and awards.

The pancake race continues to elude us…perhaps one day we will grasp the principle of stop and flip a little better! The standout performances this year have been the large inter-house events including the glorious house athletics where numerous Churchillians won their track and field events and the seniors’ victory in the inter-house rugby competition. I am proud of all these achievements but also of the real sense of house passion and support from all year groups toward those representing the blue and white.

On the academic front, the House is on the up-and-up, amassing an incredible 913 credits in the year – more than any other boys’ house – long may this continue!

28 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 29 CHURCHILL 10 things that make churchill great House Captain Report

Churchill House, with Dr Leonard in his second year from mental illnesses. George Edkins and I were responsible INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY commanding the blue and white ship, has been successful for hosting the night as Masters of Ceremonies, accompanied academically, theatrically and sportingly. by other members of the Sixth Form working hard selling raffle tickets, manning the bar and interacting with parents. The term started with house music and a valiant effort which An evening of entertainment included the house part song, NEVER REGRETTING GIVING was unlucky not to earn a place. André Sanderson worked the house film, a spectacular Violin performance from Alex ONE’S BEST hard to ensure an impressive Part Song with notable mentions Semple, an enjoyable performance from Sam Turner singing to Deputy House Captain Patrick Gilbertson and Arthur a Lennon-Harrison medley of Imagine and Something, and Lewis. The event was thoroughly enjoyable, especially the finally the Sixth Form assault course. This was accompanied Unison where we got to sing our hearts out and show the by a three course meal, a raffle and an auction with an GENTLEMANLY CONDUCT Churchill House passion. incredible array of options ranging from a Anthony Joshua signed glove, a backstage tour of the Royal Opera House, and With five Churchillians representing in the 1st XV Rugby a holiday for eight in Spain. We raised an outstanding £5,000 EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE MATRON during the first term, and many other members of the Sixth for an incredible cause. Form being important players for the 2nd and 3rd XV, we AND SENIOR HOUSE STAFF were undoubtedly favourites for the prestigious house rugby The Summer Term brought career defining examinations for competition. After convincing wins in the group stages against the Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth, and I have no doubt that North and Surrey, we faced a tough match against East and Churchill participants will put their all into making their UNDENIABLE HOUSE SPIRIT came from behind to score a crucial try in extra time, which house and school proud. secured us a place in the first senior final since a time that only Mr King can remember! A tough match against West drew at As the year comes to a close, thanks must be given to the FRIENDLY TO ALL THOSE INSIDE AND full time and led to extra time and golden point. Magic from Prefect Team and the whole Upper Sixth who have done an Ben Bound with a grubber kick through to Will Sanders meant incredible job assisting in the running of the House, devoting OUTSIDE THE HOUSE ENVIRONMENT we became senior house rugby champions. time and effort while setting high standards and acting as role models. Dr Leonard and the tutor team have been On the music and drama fronts, the House has been led extremely supportive in what has been a stressful last year and RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER to dizzying heights by Alex Semple and Oliver Gordon our Matron Jane has been an extremely important support respectively. Alex continues with the NYO and retained the and without her Churchill House would undoubtedly be a Forbes Senior Music title, whilst Oliver has starred in both different place. Her work is most certainly not overlooked by SOLIDITY AND INTERACTION school and devised examination productions as well as Churchillians who have the utmost respect for an incredible carrying the house film. woman. Leaving a house with cohesion such as Churchill BETWEEN YEAR-GROUPS will be difficult for the leavers, but we will leave with fond The Spring Term was significant in the Churchill calendar, memories and pride. It has been a pleasure to be part of, and with the house charity night, house film, house football and be appointed House Captain of, this monumental, successful ACCEPTING OF ANYONE AND house hockey to name just a few. The House was proud to House. have a number of individuals captaining teams, with three EVERYONE Churchillians representing the 1st XV for football, and two for Ben Tudor hockey. House Captain, Churchill WILLINGNESS TO ACHIEVE Churchill received acclaim in the house film competition, with Oliver Gordon’s well put together film, James Watkins GREATNESS AS INDIVIDUALS claiming best actor, and Charles Watkins, Elliot Needham and Jamie Philips placing first for sound. All participants’ efforts AND AS A COHORT have been recognised and greatly appreciated by the House.

The charity night was an enormous success, raising money for Churchill’s nominated charity YoungMinds who raise awareness for youth mental health and help those suffering

30 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 31 East House were able to add a certain flair to the House competition. In the inters debating competition, James Singing competition, the first house competition of the Perkins and Harry Young spoke very articulately and year. This year, the part song choice was Feeling Good thoroughly deserved to achieve first place, with the help of by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, in which Toby excellent contributions from the floor. The junior debating Gray and Rob Butler sang spell-binding solos, backed by saw speakers Ollie Karmel and Edward Jennings perform Alex Shepherd, Luke Read, James Perkins, Harry Forster- well, with some excellent contributions from others in the Scorgie and Ben Stefanik. Four members of the Upper floor too. Sixth (Luke Grob, Hugo Coughlan, Ben Howe, Hector Keighley Elstub) ably added a unique twist to the song as Alex Shepherd and James Perkins led the House Drill they strutted down the Chapel aisle, dressed up as a velvet Squad well. flight crew, re-enacting the Virgin Atlantic flight advert. This fun piece of choreography was a hit with the judge Well done to East House’s cross country relay team which as well as the crowd, helping East secure second place. In achieved second place overall. Particular commendation the Unison, East sang Do You Hear the People Sing from goes to Harry Lawes (Lower Fifth), who finished fourth Les Misérables very well, but unfortunately they were not in the School over the 2km course. Other team runners placed. were Hector Keighley Elstub, Ryan Hanratty, Matthew O’Neil and Toby Smedley. Well done to East’s film EAST Following postponement due to frozen pitches, East House producers and actors in the Lower Sixth, who won the best were eager to get the house rugby tournament underway. cinematography award: Charlie Bennett, Adam Goldsmith, In the Spring Term the boys helped raise over £5,000 The senior team narrowly lost to West in a tough first Nikhil Patel, Harry Lynn and Sam Attard. for the Community Holiday at the annual charity match of the group stage; however, the boys were eager to event. We are hugely appreciative to the parents for fight back and ultimately ended up thrashing Monty 40-0, In the junior house squash competition, East claimed their kind generosity. finishing second in the group. Unfortunately, the team lost second place; in the play-offs East played Surrey with out to Churchill in the semi-finals, a disappointing result, Jack Spurgeon winning an excellent contest against this given the strength of the team. The Inters (Fifth Form) opponent. In the house football, hockey and junior cricket played well, taking their match against West to extra-time competitions, unfortunately, East did not fulfil their with the scores level at 14-14, however, they were unable potential. However, the senior house croquet team of Hugo to overcome the opposition. The Juniors (Fourth Form) Coughlan, Ben Howe, Hector Keighley Elstub and James also managed to progress through to the semi-finals, but Allan retained their much-coveted title by beating West in disappointingly lost out to the overall winners, North 26- the final. 17, in their competition. In the junior tennis competition, East’s team of Alex The St John’s Golf Open was a fiercely competitive O’Brien, Matthew O’Neil, Oliver Latham and Tomas tournament with a number of East Boys representing. Cabrelli came third and in the Seniors, Michael Georgiou, Most notable was Luca Williams who took part in his Hugo Coughlan, Sam Attard and Harry Forster-Scorgie first open at the School and finished a strong third place came second. In house athletics, East achieved fifth in the handicap competition. James Allan also played position but there were some excellent individual tremendously well, coming fourth in the handicap performances: Jonny Lack won both the 100m and 400m competition. The winner of the competition was an East for the seniors; Harry Lawes came first in the 800m and boy, Ben Howe (Upper Sixth), who won both the scratch 1500m for the Inters; Billy Mardon was second in the and handicap competitions. Inters A javelin; Louie Fronzoni took third in both the B 100m and long jump; Lewis Moir came second in the On the cultural front, Luke Grob, House Captain, high jump; Ben Stefanik was second in the boys B 100m; performed exceptionally well in Oedipus, as the main Josh Newby was first in the Inter Bs 400m; Oliver Karmel protagonist. Set in the year 2050, following Donald came third in the junior long jump; James Perry took third Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate in the junior shotput; Dougal Storrar was second in the Agreement, global warming has escalated exponentially junior javelin. and the people of Thebes turn to Oedipus to lift this terrible curse. He consults the oracle and learns he must Luke Grob led by example throughout the year as House drive the man who killed the previous king out of the city Captain (and School Prefect). I would like to wish the in order to save Thebes. Throughout the play, he learns the Upper Sixth leavers luck in the future and thank them for terrible truth, which leads to a savage conclusion to the their contributions and support throughout the past five piece. Luke’s performance was a highlight of the cultural years. calendar at the School. A.C.M. Vargas Charlie Bennett, Alex Felstead, and Harry Lynn spoke very Housemaster, East well in the senior house debating competition, producing convincing and articulate arguments in all rounds of the

32 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 33 EAST what makes east house great House Captain Report

This year has been memorable for East House with new were some impressive performances throughout the STRONG SENSE OF CAMARADERIE additions in Fourth Form and a couple of new faces in year groups and all the boys should be proud of their the Lower Sixth. commitment. Sadly, this was also the case in the house hockey where we did not reach any of the finals but During the first term, East took part in many house again it was a strong effort from everyone involved. In TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY competitions, the most prestigious was the house the football, the Inters were able to reach the final but singing competition which included the house unison lost narrowly to North House after a tough battle. The (conducted by Luke Grob and Hugo Coughlan) and Inter boys played well and were very close to securing a ALL MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO HOUSE the house part song. This year was a little different from victory. previous years as we were not able to choose our unison EVENTS WHERE THEY CAN song. East were given Do You Here the People Sing A significant highlight of this year was the East House from Les Misérables. Despite a powerful performance, Charity Night. The Masters of Ceremonies made sure East were unable to place in the top three but they were the evening ran smoothly and successfully with close to EVERYONE GIVES THEIR MAXIMUM EFFORT commended for their efforts. In the past East typically £5,000 raised funds raised for the Community Holiday performed better in the unison than in the part song, and we hope that the holiday is as enjoyable as it has however not this year. We sang Anthony Newley and been in previous years. All year groups from the House REGARDLESS OF YEAR GROUP EVERYONE Leslie Bricusse’s Feeling Good better known to us as a teamed up for special performances throughout the song by Michael Bublé! This was masterfully directed evening. Every house member should be commended SOCIALISES WITH EACH OTHER by music scholars Toby Gray and Rob Butler who both for their efforts and helping to raise money for such a performed incredible solos accompanied beautifully good cause. by the rest of the ensemble. Not only was the singing SUPPORTING SENIOR HOUSE STAFF AND excellent, but Luke Grob, Hugo Coughlan, Ben Howe This year has been tremendous for East House; the work and Hector Keighley Elstub enhanced the performance ethic, positive attitude and enthusiasm has been evident MATRON with additional choreography inspired by Virgin Atlantic in all house events. Every member of East has given their cabin crew! Due to the singing and the ‘spectacle’ East all this year and everyone deserves a much-needed rest placed second in the part song. This was a tremendous in the summer. WELCOMING TO NEWCOMERS achievement and all contributors deserve huge congratulations. Luke Grob House Captain, East Unfortunately other competitions did not go as well. POSITIVE CONTRIBUTORS TO ALL ASPECTS East did not place in the house rugby; however, there OF SCHOOL LIFE ATMOSPHERE THAT ENSURES EVERYONE ACHIEVES THEIR FULL POTENTIAL LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER

34 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 35 This was always going to be a special year as the first set The Gloucester Challenge had a twist to it this year when of Fourth Form girls to have joined Gloucester House the girls were asked to play 24 different sports over 24 are now in their Upper Sixth year and looking forward hours. So many girls rose to the challenge but the stand to the adventures they will have as they enter university out moments were Jess’s lack of co-ordination in rounders, life. They all have contributed much to Gloucester over Georgia and Annabel’s look of total despair during the the past five years, helping to shape and drive the House 4.00am stint of basketball, Mr Bland crawling behind forward and all embody the spirit of Gloucester – “be the mattress trying to retrieve the lacrosse ball and the yourself, as everyone else is already taken”. Thank you, dedication of Dr Bastin to cycle at 3.00am. Well done to girls, for all that you have done, for all the support you Ella Perry who raised the most and to Kirsty Hawker for have given to house events over the years, and for being her levels of endurance. The two charity events held thus such good fun and company to have within Gloucester. far had secured a total of £3,500.

The first house competition of the year, introduced by Both the juniors and intermediates gave good accounts of GLOUCESTER the CCF, was the house drill. Although at first reading themselves in the house debating, and although there were it seemed a rather daunting affair, Ellie Grove learnt the no placings in the house pancake race, I think that good The Summer Term house BBQ provided a wonderful commands off by heart and instructed her squad superbly fun was had by all who participated. Kyra Le Quelenec opportunity to say farewell to the Upper Fifth and Upper through the course. The first major event though was of the Fourth Form has led the way within the UK Maths Sixth as they departed for study leave. the house singing competition and under the direction of Challenge achieving the highest score in the intermediate Eleanor Chalk and Isobel Galloway the whole House was age group. Snow days came and went and the cross galvanised to give a wonderful performance. Gloucester country relays saw Francesca Beech of the Fourth Form gained a placing in both the house unison and the part leading the Gloucester girls in. The final house event of song competition – special thanks go to Eleanor Holley the Spring Term was the inter-house netball tournament. for the time she must have spent over the summer in the Three competitions saw all year groups fully involved, and arrangement of The Birdie Song. for a Saturday competition the girls’ commitment was first rate. The start of the second half of the Autumn Term is always a busy time, with preparations to be made for Gloucester The Summer Term house BBQ provided a wonderful House Charity Night. This year we returned to supporting opportunity to say farewell to the Upper Fifth and Upper CPS Nepal and our Guest of Honour was Janice Hall, Sixth as they departed for study leave. Garden games, one of the charity’s trustees. We were very grateful to Mr tombola and the last supper beautifully cooked by Mr Smith for standing in last minute for Mr Bland as our in- Bland and Miss Jones also enabled us to finalise our house accompanist. The night allowed parents to watch fundraising total to £5,000. This is our highest total yet, and marvel at the fantastic musical abilities of the girls. so thank you all. In the final house competition of the year Eleven acts intertwined the three course meal and, by all the inter girls ran, threw and jumped superbly to win their accounts, it was the best charity dinner run so far. section.

Sophie Mosselmans led the charge in the house debating My thanks go to all the girls for making this such a and once again we reached the finals of the competition wonderful year. Sadly we are having to say some farewells in what was the first ever all-girls final. South proved to within the House. To Mr Bland, UCAS reference writer be just that little tougher in the speaker challenges, but extraordinaire, who has been in Gloucester from the start well done to all the girls for really moving house debating and Miss Jones, who manages to keep the incoming Fourth forward. The house competitions ended on a definite Formers in tow, I say thank you. And Mr Blumfield, who high through the hockey tournament where, once again, has been with us for a year, moves onto Haslewood as the standard of play amongst all houses was of the very Assistant Housemaster. highest order. Being winners of both junior competitions and the senior Bs enabled Gloucester to secure the hockey The first lifecycle has passed through Gloucester’s door, cup – fantastic. and what will the next five years bring?

Lise Parker Housemistress, Gloucester

36 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 37 Gloucester what makes gloucester great House Captain Report

As the first House Captain to attend Gloucester since it we have raised over the year. However, the most notable BEST MATRON opened its doors, I have been able to see it go from strength fundraising event was the annual 24 hour challenge. This to strength and this year has been no exception. year we decided to take on 24 sports in 24 hours, which the whole house did with enthusiasm, even those playing The Gloucester spirit was on display at the first major badminton at 3am! Special mention for this challenge goes BEST HOUSE COLOURS competition of the year - house singing in October. to Kirsty Hawker for completing the most sessions and Ella Maximum vocal effort was applied behind both Singing Perry who raised the most money. in the Rain for unison (an impressive second place), and Wings by Birdie for Part Song (a well-deserved third place). All these achievements are important, but for me the most BEST HOUSE MASCOT Shout outs must go to Eliana Boateng and Isobel Galloway important thing is to have been part of such a great house for their performances. This proved to be an early indication with an amazing group of girls – it has been an honour. of this year’s artistic talent and countless Gloucester girls We cannot go without thanking our fantastic tutors who have given outstanding performances in recitals and drama help us all on a day-to-day basis, Matron, who is always BEST HOUSE SPIRIT productions throughout the year where individuals such as there to put a smile on our faces and spoil us with her Imogen King, Sophie Mosselmans and Imogen Mingos have outstanding displays and, of course, Mrs Parker, who leads excelled. Gloucester House so amazingly day in day out. We all wish Mr Bland and Miss Jones well in their new adventures, the BEST LOCATION Gloucester also shone on the sports field, kicking off in House won’t be the same without them to make us laugh. the Autumn Term with hockey wins in Junior A, Junior B I wish the House the best of luck in the years to come and and Senior B competitions - three cheers for Sophie-Rose hope it carries on with the same fun and camaraderie that I Russell and Esme Cosham for their outstanding captaincy. have had the privilege to experience. WE’VE WON THE HOUSE SHIELD Many great sporting performances followed, the highlight TWO YEARS IN A ROW! of which (especially for Mrs Parker) has to be the clean Eleanor Chalk sweep (well almost) in house netball, which included House Captain, Gloucester wins in the Intermediate A and B, the Senior A and B and a very close second in the junior competition. It was a BEST CLEANERS huge achievement, with particular credit going to Ellie Grove for captaining the Senior A team and helping all teams throughout the competition. Ellie has also thrived in her individual sporting career, whilst captaining the girls’ BEST TUTOR TEAM athletics team she also medalled at the English Schools’ Championships. Many other Gloucester girls have been selected for national and county teams including Eliana Boateng, Jodie Brine, Sanne Senior and Martha Hansford. BEST DECORATIONS IN HOUSE

The girls in Gloucester have excelled academically: Kyra Le thanks to matron!! Quelenec produced the best Maths Challenge performance in the School and Safoah Ntiamoah became a finalist in the annual poetry competition. Our seniors fought incredibly hard in the house debating and came close second to South. BEST FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Gloucester’s charity work has always been of primary importance, and this year the House supported CPS Nepal. Our charity night was a success, raising a lot of money and providing an enjoyable evening. Alongside this, we sold many gifts made by children from Nepal at events such as the Christmas Fair and this has all contributed to the money

38 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 39 It has been a pleasure to see the Haslewood community Throughout the year, Haslewood has been bolstered by a grow and reach their potential this year under the dedicated team of prefects. As always, our matron, Teresa, leadership of House Captain, Hope Macmillan, and has been an invaluable support to all in the House and I HASLEWOOD passionate Deputy, Isabelle Hammersely. thank her for the love and care that she gives to Haslewood each day. Furthermore, my thanks go to the tutor team, in The House certainly put its best foot forward in the first particular Miss Toloczko who has been a force of nature in The House certainly put its best foot forward in the term with the house singing competition, which is always the House and who leaves us this year to take on the role first term with the House Singing competition, which is a favourite for Haslewood. The unison saw all of the of Head of Lower Third, Constance Chapman who has always a favourite for Haslewood. The unison saw all of girls working together and their performance of ‘We Go been a constant source of support to the Lower Sixth and the girls working together and their performance of ‘WE Together’ from Grease, complete with dance moves was who leaves St John’s this year to start a career in coding GO TOGETHER’ from Grease, complete with dance moves was something to be proud of. The part song performance of and Mrs Lane who steps down as Assistant Housemistress something to be proud of. Dog-Days are Over by Florence and the Machine took first after years of hard work behind the scenes to keep the place and Haslewood will certainly be striving to dominate Haslewood running smoothly. this competition next year. I am extremely proud of the Haslewood girls and I am The CCF drill also saw a very strong performance from looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish next the Haslewood team and the girls took second place out year. of the nine houses. While the trophy cabinet has been somewhat lacking in sport cups this year, there have been excellent performances across the various competitions Danielle Dixon and Haslewood had many close finishes. The most Housemistress, Haslewood impressive part, however, was the constant support that the Haslewood girls gave to one another; the House spirit was clearly evident on the pitch and the side-lines with girls covered in blue face paint and ribbons and a willingness to fight with all they had against formidable opposition. This is greater than any victory and I hope to see this perseverance and passion sustain the House in future years.

Fundraising for Woking Hospice kicked off with Haslewood girls putting on an exciting charity evening for parents. The dining hall was transformed into a haunted gothic castle and parents got involved in the ‘wrap the mummy’ competition, with many of them ending up wrapped from head to toe in toilet roll. Alongside this, resourceful Sixth Formers have had great success, raising money through many initiatives, and the girls should be proud of their total of almost £4,000. The hospice are enormously grateful for the support they have been given.

40 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 41 HASLEWOOD why our house is great House Captain Report

September began by welcoming a new and energetic Fourth in the result! More recently, the house netball competition OUR CONSISTENT TEAMWORK Form, keen to start life at St John’s, as well as some new was closely fought against Gloucester and South. A one Lower Sixth girls who immediately threw themselves into point loss against the winners, Gloucester demonstrated Haslewood life. Haslewood’s teamwork at its finest. OUR DETERMINATION WHEN FACED Our chosen charity for the year was Woking and Sam Sporting events aside, the house debating was excellent, Beare Hospice, and we raised just over £3,000 from with nearly all the girls stepping up to give their views WITH A CHALLENGE the Halloween themed charity night in October which and helping us to excel on the floor point section of the included performances, games, auctions, raffles and competition. plenty of food. Throughout the year our Matron, Teresa, has been continuing her 50p tuckshop during break (and In the house film competition, Libby Thornton and Izzy OUR ABILITY TO BE GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT occasionally lunchtime if we are feeling particularly greedy), Mogridge created a spooky yet humorous film about a and thanks to our never-ending appetites, managed to raise Haslewood cult. Elsa Edwards performed the main role and a significant amount to add to our total. deservingly won best actress – no doubt a highlight of her acting career! OUR SUPPORTIVE NATURE WHEN IT COMES In October we also took part in our favourite event – house singing. Despite being the favourite to win the unison, our Haslewood are never without an event in the calendar – TO HOUSE EVENTS rendition of We Go Together from Grease was not enough whether it be our Christmas ice-skating jaunt (which went to get us a place in the top three. However, we excelled in down excellently this year, with a Christmas buffet in house the part song led by Isabelle Hammersley, aided by Talya before heading to the rink), or our film night (with plenty of OUR COURAGE WHEN TRYING Chambers, Chloe Gardner and Yvette Murphy, and to our pizza!). surprise we came first! This resulted in the whole house SOMETHING NEW singing The Dog Days are Over under our breaths for the It has been a pleasure leading Haslewood this year, and next couple of weeks. being part of a house which never fails to fulfil our house values in everything we do. Thank you to Miss Dixon for At the end of the Autumn Term we took part in house always being Number 1 supporter at the house events, OUR UNITY AS A HOUSE hockey led by Chloe Carter, who after managing to persuade and for always keeping us on track as Housemistress and some of the girls to dust off their hockey sticks and find a never letting us leave house with a rolled skirt or too much pair of shin pads and a gum shield, was able to keep all the makeup! And thank you to Teresa, for always being there as girls in high spirits throughout the event. We played a close a shoulder to cry on, or letting us borrow a spare piece of OUR STRENGTH TO STEP UP AS LEADERS game against both houses, even though we lacked many sports kit. Lastly, thank you to the prefect team for helping high team players it was excellent to see the House either me to lead the house; Izzy, Chloe, Jemima, Alicja, Rosie, getting involved in the game or cheering on the side lines Molly and Yvette, I could not have done it without you. I complete with face paint and chants. wish Haslewood all the luck in the future, keep making OUR NATURE OF BEING A HOUSE OF yourselves and others around you proud. Other house events included the cross country, where we INTEGRITY secured second place (thankfully no one went the wrong Hope MacMillan way this year!). We also came runner up in the house drill House Captain, Haslewood competition led by Alicja Makowaksa in a well-deserved OUR CAPABILITY TO ACT WITH KINDNESS placement, after all the practice this year. NO MATTER THE SITUATION Of course we cannot speak of the house sporting competitions without considering the aggressively-fought annual pancake race. Despite being disqualified in the senior race, we managed to achieve fourth place in the OUR WILLINGNESS TO STAND OUT Inters, leaving us with fifth overall – unfortunately the effort and determination that went into the race does not show

42 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 43 find time for two hours of Fortnite and occasionally even some prep remains a wonder! Individually, Andrew Sargent continues to forge a martial arts career, this year claiming his black belt, while Toby Rackett’s fledgling rowing squad finished second in the national regatta. Cameron and Alasdair Wilson remain at the musical heart of the House, putting in virtuoso performances thanks to their endless hours of practice. Alasdair and Cameron were integral to the entertainment at this year’s charity gala night which, together with proceeds from Becky’s tuck shop and cake sales, raised over £3,000 for the St John’s Community Holiday. This was a fantastic effort but it is an even greater source of pride that so many of our Sixth Form volunteer for the project. This summer, Matt Evans, Stephen Harman and Ariyan Makhecha take up the mantle but throughout the House, Monty boys show themselves aware of their montgomery privileges and many contribute to charity projects and service to the local community. “What I like about Monty is that there are Finlay Hurree were instrumental in despatching all-comers no egos – everyone just gets along.” with relative ease. The Fifth Form have led the way on the Community means much to the boys and, as ever, a report sporting front with other victories in competitions coming such as this picks out individuals and the highlights when This was the overwhelming response the boys gave when asked what makes Monty what it is for the Intermediate B team football with James Bonner, it is the small everyday events and the collective effort that when I joined the House in September – and they were not wrong. James Berry and Austin Bell starring and the Intermediate truly makes the House – it’s the smiles, the laughter and the athletics. Even without star turn, Michael Anderson, the day-room banter – the table tennis, the chess and even the boys outran, outjumped and out-threw the opposition with work – the moans, the groans and the little mistakes (if not Omar Matthias, Patrick Boothby, Oliver Langlands and Nick the holes in the walls, the broken desks and the footballs Boulton to the fore. But for the bounce of the ball, we could through the window, Nathan!), and it’s Lower Fifth music The boys – and notably the departing Upper Sixth – have Together they embody all that St John’s has to offer and have won many more trophies, losing out in any number of and the Lower Sixth flat (RIP). created a place free from pretence and arrogance, where have led by example, never shouting from the rooftops but finals by the narrowest of margins with the lottery of golden each is allowed to follow his individual path. Take the always committed and unfailingly supportive. They leave goals, last-minute winners and penalty shoot-outs going Monty is all this and more, and it has been a pleasure leavers as an example; a tighter bunch of friends you are a legacy of inclusion and effort without conceit and we against us. to lead the claret and blues for a year. I hope that the unlikely to meet but they all hold individual interests and thank them for their dedication to both the School and the monologues continue and improve and I hope that the follow individual pursuits. House and revel in what was perhaps their crowning glory – Away from the sports field, there is perhaps work to be new logo gets some use. I know that the place will move winning the house film competition! done to develop the cultural side of the House but, equally, on and camaraderie will stay strong. I thank Becky and the Charlie Townend has dedicated much of his time to music other judges may have seen our performances differently tutor team for all their support and hard work and wish Mr and won colours for his contribution to the choir, Jack Tom Rogers’ portrayal of Kim Jong Un will live long in the and we should certainly be proud of our efforts. The Hammond the very best as he takes over as Housemaster. Rickerd has performed expertly on the rugby field – not memory in this light-hearted and, at times, outright odd house part-song was quite spectacular with a complex and Most of all, I thank the boys who have done themselves and least in the sevens team, while Kieran Davidson has vignette on the North Korean’s autocracy. Josh Boulton must highly-accomplished rendition of Lennon’s Imagine while the House proud. complemented his design and technology ideas with tennis take much of the credit for the success which owed a great Ariyan Makhecha’s forceful speeches in the senior debating excellence. Bruce McCormick has been part of the all- deal to his camerawork and production. Josh takes over the competition showed real passion. Joel Harris also shows Guy Hicks conquering swimming squad, Sam King has won awards reins as House Captain next year, leading a fine group of promise as a debater, as do Sami Berendji and Daniyal Housemaster, Montgomery for his service to the community, and Matt Thomas has led prefects and peers who have impressed in their Lower Sixth Khan in the Fourth Form, who showed great poise when academically to earn a place to read medicine at university. year and not least, James Gardner who was duly appointed they won their first ever debate. Sami and Daniyal also ran Harry Robertson has livened up the foyer with political as School Captain. James consistently tops engagement out triumphant in the Spanish Spelling Bee to prove their debate and insight (as well as some less erudite musings scores, represents the 1st XI in football and athletics and linguistic prowess. about Chelsea FC) while Michael Hagon and Tom Rogers he played a major role in the senior school production of have continued to offer their services to coach football Oedipus. If it is modesty in endeavour that has become a hallmark at their clubs. Nathan Bradshaw has blossomed in the of Montgomery, then we must not overlook the many classroom with quiet determination while Jacob Stevenson Joining James and Josh as a School Prefect is Jack Potter successes that come outside of competition and often puts great effort into supporting The Children’s Trust, who has shown real leadership in the House and on the outside of the school day. That the boys manage to fit in Tadworth. Ben Harries has led the RAF expertly, Angus rugby field. Together with Josh Williams, Jack helped so many clubs and activities after long days at school is Lonsdale has lived and breathed Monty House, and House coach and cajole the intermediate rugby team to victory in testament to their energy and aspiration. How they still Captain par excellence Ali Blair has done it all. December. The side was expertly captained by Ed Timpson and Will Farnsworth while Owen Thomas, Luke French and

44 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 45 MONTGOMERY why our house House Captain Report is great

The beginning of the 2017-2018 academic year welcomed the As the first term drew to a close, the house rugby competition Monty boys back with open arms. With a new Housemaster, a was upon us. With passionate and enthusiastic contributions new logo, a pristine refurbishment of the first floor and a new from the house on the field and the touch lines, the Fifth cohort of Fourth Formers, Monty was set for an exciting year. Form boys romped home to victory. The final against West highly successful Monty Tuck Shop run by the ever- proved Monty’s dominance as we scored five unanswered tries helpful Becky. COMMUNITY We kicked off the term with a new house event – house drill. under the leadership of Ed Timpson – a great way to end the Perfection and composure were delivered by the team, all of first term. What is a private school without a momentous event whom left the competition with their heads held high, despite like the coveted house pancake race? This year the SENSE OF HOUSE SPIRIT the result. After a long and well deserved Christmas break, the boys were senior team raced home by a huge margin in the annual back in full swing into Spring Term. The panic to meet the frenzy, however, the juniors slip sadly saw us lose out Then came the event of the year – house singing. With a deadline of the house film loomed over the fantastic director, on the golden frying pan to close neighbours - North. slightly new format, the part singers were determined to place Josh Boulton; however, Tom Roger’s academy award-winning We got our own back against North in the senior house ALL-ROUND ABILITIES this year. After endless evenings of rehearsals, the day was portrayal of Kim Jong Un led us to victory. Our exclusive hockey competition despite taking a respectable second upon us – we were robbed! Special mention goes to James screening of the motion picture, as well as an entertaining place to West in a 6-6 nail-biting – a painful loss for Gardner and Freddie Barnes who delivered excellent solos. Lower Sixth film, was enjoyed by the parents on a successful the boys and Mr. Hicks. Then came the dreaded cross PASSIONATE Then came the unison. Despite a slightly dubious song choice, charity night, raising money for the St John’s Community country relays, but with excellent runs from the boys, we worked hard to serenade the adjudicator with our angelic Holiday. we finished in 3rd place. voices in a rendition of A Whole New World - but there is always next year! Over the course of the year, the boys have taken part in cakes As the days became longer, the weather became warmer SUPPORTIVE TEAM OF STAFF sales to raise extra money for the charity - not to mention the (despite a total white out closing the School), the term drew to a close. However, house football was still on the cards. The Monty boys reached three finals across the CONSTANT LAUGHTER board (with the juniors losing out in the semis), but it wasn’t our day despite an excellent effort from the boys involved. ENTHUSIASM We had reached the Summer Term, after grinding through the dark, cold days of winter, and the boys were set for an exciting term of sport and sadly, exams. BEST MATRON (BECKY) As another year draws to a close and the sun sets on what was an exciting and busy academic year, Monty has upheld its values to offer a close-knit sense of community. Such values have been supported by the INTEGRATION BETWEEN all-round nature of the boys in House, ranging from sporting tacticians to academic whizzes who rake in five YEAR GROUPS credits on a weekly basis!

Finally, I would like to thank Matt Thomas and the team MONTY TUCK SHOP of House Prefects for aiding in the smooth running of the house, as well as the Upper Sixth for leading by example. On behalf of all the boys in house, I would like to thank the supportive group of tutors, our selfless and helpful matron, Becky, and of course Mr. Hicks who has ably guided Monty from strength to strength.

I wish the house the best of luck in all its endeavours for the years to come.

Alistair Blair House Captain, Monty

46 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 47 I have made it through my first year as Head of North In North House, we take pride in the boys’ sense of House! Despite the somewhat daunting combination of camaraderie, and this includes their willingness to help in a new role and the very big and much-loved shoes of Mr the wider community. We had an incredible toy appeal for Wade to fill, the North House boys welcomed me and the Royal Marsden Children’s Hospital at Christmas, and immediately made me feel part of the community. Mr Wade the boys brought in 80% more toys than our original target. handed over a House full of boys who live up to their We also sent out Christmas cards from each boy to elderly motto: passion, integrity and perseverance. Their antics and residents in the area. The boys have been involved in bake sense of humour have brought me a lot of joy this year and, sales and other fundraisers for our charities, and I could although it has not always been easy, every day has been not be more proud of their continued generosity. a great adventure with these boys, making it an absolute pleasure to be the Housemistress of North. I am very grateful to all the boys in North House, but especially wanted to say a big thank you to my first Upper The current Lower Sixth set the bar high from the very Sixth year group. They have supported me all the way north beginning with an outstanding set of GCSEs in the summer through this year, making my life a little easier while also - North House had already started as it meant to go on. giving me many memories and laughs along the road. It Throughout the year, boys from all year groups and with a has almost become the norm for random furniture and I am very grateful to all the boys in North House, but wide array of talents put themselves forward for each and trophies to disappear from my office, only to later reappear especially wanted to say a big thank you to my first every house competition. We have enjoyed many semi- in various studies, and I fear I will be a little lost when this Upper Sixth year group. They have supported me all the finals and finals and our trophy cabinet has slowly but stops next year. A special thank you to all of my prefect way through this year, making my life a little easier while surely filed over the year. We are very proud of all who team, and also my deputies and House Captain; Harry also giving me many memories and laughs along the road. took part, from our debaters to our tennis players, our Russell, Sam Serfozo and Alfie Parker. They have made sure croquet players to the squash players (although, maybe that North House keeps its traditions and have been great not our golfers…). We had particular success in the junior role models for the upcoming year groups. I am looking house rugby, senior house touch rugby, inter football, forward to our Lower Sixth taking up the mantle. Junior debating and the junior cricket. However, the pinnacle of the North House success this year was clearly Finally, I have a deep sense of gratitude for an amazing winning the coveted pancake race – the competition that tutor team: Mr Parry, Mr Debney, Mr Davies, Mrs Abbott, makes the House. Mr Marshall, Mr Reid, Mr Whitmore and Mr Thomas. They have all put their tutor groups first and played We have also had some wonderful socials throughout very influential roles in the amazing young men they are the year. The Fourth Form gave Zac Taylor a send-off to becoming. Of course, my final gratitude is for Nathalie, remember with some very competitive bubble football, our matron, and now my partner-in-crime. She always where we all ended up on the receiving end of Mr Parry’s has the wellbeing of the boys at the core of everything she tackles. The Sixth Form also got together for pizza and does – from cupcakes and terrible serenades, to a cup of laser quest, which ended in a battle of the year groups, tea and tissues, depending on the situation. The wonderful with the Upper Sixth finally emerging victorious. We ended heart and soul of North House truly is the combination of this summer with a sunny Monty-North BBQ to send our outstanding boys and staff that make it so special. Upper Fifth off with our best wishes for their examinations. Catie Moon The North House formal dinner was another memorable Housemistress, North event, with a classy meal and speeches from the youngest and oldest in the House. We also had a hugely successful Charity Night where we raised almost £5,000 for the Community Holiday and Shooting Star. During the evening, we enjoyed magic tricks and talent from the Fifth Form, quiz shows and creative films that included our version of Taken, but the highlight had to be the breaking of the Guinness World Record, by Luke Trimming, for the most number of hugs given in one minute.

48 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 49 NORTH what makes north house great? House Captain Report

This academic year North House has strived to uphold The Summer Term, for the Upper Sixth, signals the last its core values: passion, integrity and perseverance. The ever term at the School and as part of North House. Each spirit of the North community has been noticeable around and every member of the Upper Sixth are grateful for OUR ABILITY TO ALWAYS SEE THE BRIGHT school since the start of the year and has been evident the support of our three Heads of House throughout the SIDE TO ANY SITUATION throughout all year groups including the Fourth Form who years, Mr Allan, Mr Wade and Mrs Moon. Mrs Moon has have adapted confidently to life at St John’s. been a fantastic Housemistress, always encouraging all OUR AFFINITY FOR PANCAKES (RACING) the boys to do their best, while having a highly likeable The singing competition kicked the year off with Sam and approachable personality. I know I speak on behalf Serfozo leading a talented group of singers to an unjust of all the boys in saying we are very lucky to have her. OUR CAKE AND CUPPA MORNINGS fourth place, whilst the unison rendition of Joseph’s Our Matron Nathalie is a motherly figure to all the boys Technicolour Dreamcoat has not been spoken about since in the House and her positive energy and compassion OUR SOCIALS-PARTICULARLY THE for a number of reasons. Second came house CCF drill in are infinitely appreciated – she is the heart of the House. which Joe Davies lead an able group of cadets to a very Mr Thomas, the Upper Sixth tutor, has helped guide us TRADITIONAL NORTH HOUSE FORMAL respectable third place. The first term was rounded up through the two toughest years of our lives and is a perfect by house rugby, admittedly not North’s forte, in which example of the outstanding tutor team North House has, OUR CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH MONTY our spirit was undoubtable but our talent was very something for which all the boys are grateful. questionable in all years but the Fourth Form with the likes of Josh Shaw and James Martin fighting hard for an As House Captain, I would like to say thank you for all TUTORS THAT CARE AND GO ABOVE AND impressive debut win. We excelled in the senior house the opportunities North House and the School have given BEYOND touch with the likes of Ben Geddes and Tom Lambert to me during my time here. I would also like to say thank shining with the title sealed for the second year running by you to my prefect team and Deputy House Captains OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CHARITY Sam Serfozo in a golden try finish. Sam Serfozo and Harry Russell. The North House we leave behind this year has true community spirit and EVENTS The Spring Term included house football, hockey and togetherness, with honest support for each other. I have no film competitions. Despite our football team being rated doubt that the House will continue to go from strength to OUR NEWEST REFURBISHMENTS AND OPEN the best, with five of our starting eight including Alfie strength in the future. Parker, Stuart Shannon, Olly Wilson, Luke Trimming SOCIAL SPACE and Ben Geddes who have all played first Xl football, Alfie Parker we underachieved, only reaching the Sixth Form semi- House Captain, North OUR VERTICAL TUTOR GROUPS AND INTER- finals. Nevertheless, our Fifth Form team made up for it, HOUSE COMPETITIONS. by winning their competition through a nervy penalty shootout. THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION House film was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable house events I have participated in at St John’s, with all MATRON! the boys getting involved from across the year groups. We based our film on George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones, and captured some stunning footage with William IN ANDREW DEBNEY’S OWN WORDS: Groothedde’s drone. “THIS HOUSE IS BEAR GOOD”

50 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 51 The past academic year has been an absolute success. This year’s Fourth Form have been a brilliant addition I would like to begin this report by thanking House to the House and their enthusiasm, perseverance Captain, Rhianna Hyde, and her team of prefects who and commitment were exemplified in the debating have led the House superbly throughout the year. It competition. All girls spoke confidently from the is difficult to sum up the success of the year in a few floor and lead speakers, Lucy Dwan, Louise Orr and words, but hopefully this will give you a brief snapshot Izzy Vickery were fantastic. We went on to win the of what a fantastic year it has been for South House! competition which shows what a little bit (or a lot in this case!) of team spirit and determination can do! The The competitions got off to a fantastic start with the Fourth Form were also successful winners in house perhaps the favourite of all - house singing. South netball with all the girls in the tutor group taking part SOUTH were certainly tested with the unison song, Seasons of and sharing in the victory. At the end of the term, we Love from the musical Rent. However, as South girls were treated to the Middle School Play of the Lion the At the end of the term we were treated to the Middle do, we rose to the challenge and gave a phenomenal Witch and the Wardrobe. Sofia Riome, Jess Hall and Katy School Play of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. performance, even nailing those high notes! Hardy were a delight to watch on stage and they must be Sofia Riome, Jess Hall and Katy Hardy were a delight to commended for their time given over to rehearsals. watch on stage and they must be commended for their As we began to settle into the year, the Sixth Form time given over to rehearsals. entered into the debating competition, and what a Summer Term brought with it warm weather and we fiercely fought event this was. Rhianna Hyde and were able to enjoy drinks on the Quad during the Megan Wrigglesworth worked incredibly well as a team rearranged charity evening. The night was, as always, and demonstrated themselves to be strong female role a highlight of the year; it is so lovely to see the girls models. South went on to win, and the trophy sits take charge of the evening, preparing music, dance proudly in the cabinet. The Autumn Term ended with performances and fun and games for parents. The house hockey tournaments where the seniors put in contributions of all the girls and support from parents a strong performance and won the competition, with made the event the success that it was and allowed us to Emily Roe, Macy McCutcheon and Christina Georgiou raise a brilliant sum of money for Basingstoke Hospital. displaying excellent leadership and skill. South House also dominated summer sport, winning the house tennis and house athletics competitions. The Spring Term saw rather a lot of cold weather but this did not deter South House spirit. Whilst we were due to The tutor team have worked tirelessly to support the have our charity night in March, this was unfortunately girls this year and I am hugely grateful for all the extra cancelled due to the inclement weather. Nonetheless, hours they give to the girls to make sure they fulfil their Bella Eperon made fine use of the European snow and potential. This year we say goodbye to Mr Tunnacliffe, partook in the inter-school ski competition in Pila, Dr Pritchett, Miss Davidson, Miss Tiller and Miss coming ninth in the Giant Slalom under 21 category. Greenwood – South will not be the same without you. Isla McDonald came runner up in the RAD London Thanks also must go to Karen, who gives the girls so and Middlesex Awards and has been accepted into the much time, care and kindness – goodness knows where English National Ballet Summer School. Also, Flo Holder we would be without her! received the news that she had been confirmed for the GB Ladies U16 Ice Hockey squad. Grace Sullivan has Claudia Densham continued to excel in netball and has played for the Housemistress, South U21 Surrey Storm Squad all year – I look forward to watching her netball career progress, and hopefully one day, will see her playing for the England 1st team. What a talented bunch of girls we have in the House!

52 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 53 SOUTH what makes south south! House Captain Report

South House has had a year of great prosperity with The Fourth Form proved their excellence and DEDICATION inter-house competition victories and many individual dedication to the House in the academic sphere taking successes throughout the year groups. first place in the junior house debating competition, lead by Lucy Dwan. The house song and part song in September was HOUSE SPIRIT memorable, with special mentions to Millie Butler and With much success in such a short period of time, Phoebe McCutcheon for brilliant performances, and it is no wonder that South House remains a strong led to many successes in the first term, including a competitor in all areas of St John’s life, from academia senior debating competition win, senior house hockey, to music to sport to art, and this is down to the FAMILY Fourth Form house hockey, house squash, coming dedication of all the girls throughout the year. second in Fifth Form house hockey and putting our best foot forward in house drill. As House Captain, it has been an honour to see FRIENDSHIP the House flourish from the girls hard work, strong Sporting competitions have always been a huge leadership from Mrs Densham with the aid of Miss part of South House life. Our teams always put up a Lawes, constant support from the tutors, and of course formidable front, particularly as we have our strongest continuous laughter from our wonderful Matron, KAREN teams for hockey and netball since the Upper Sixth Karen. It is with sadness and joy that this year draws began. The Fourth Form sprang into action despite to a close but I wish the best for the House in its many only being fresh recruits and put up an admirable years to come. fight in the hockey; however, it was the Fifth and LAUGHTER Sixth Forms who stole the show, bringing second and Rhianna Hyde first place trophies back respectively. Special mentions House Captain, South must be given to Holly and Amy Hume and Meg Perry in the Lower Fifth who led their team well, and Macy SILLINESS McCutcheon who not only headed the 1st XI this year, but also led the South team to success. LEADERSHIP Having returned to the brisk weather after Christmas, January proved to be the start of what would become an outstanding second term. The rapid speed shown in the pancake race and great athleticism, while STRONG aggressively flipping pancakes around the Quad, placed us third overall. This was shown again when house cross country returned and South took first place, with a special mention for Charlotte Cole. INDEPENDENT

The warmer months brought the film competition in which South proved that, although you may have artistic ability, sometimes it isn’t always shown. In house netball however the girls’ ability was proven, taking second place in intermediate and senior competitions aided by the outstanding leadership of Katie Littlewood.

54 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 55 Our motto, “Belong, Believe, Achieve” attempts to distil This, finally, is where Surrey’s DNA derives: in laughter, Surrey’s unique spirit. From day one the boys truly companionship and shared endeavour. No year group belong and exhibit a fierce loyalty to the House, manifest embodies this better than the Upper Sixth, for whose surrey in fierce loyalty to each other. It is a real pleasure to leadership and example I am profoundly grateful. I pay witness each year’s Fourth Formers arrive, shy and tribute especially to Seb Carley and Fin Deuchar, House “Belong, Believe, Achieve” tentative initially, but immediately embraced by the and School Captain respectively, and the outstanding others, quickly forging the life-long friendships that will prefect body they have led. But I also want to pay be the greatest legacy of their time at St John’s. tribute to the oddballs and mavericks we have cherished over the years. So I close with the words of an Apple They believe - often against heavy odds - in the always commercial from my distant advertising past: “Here’s present possibility of success, relishing their underdog to the crazy ones; the misfits; the rebels ...” Surrey has status in the beefier sporting contests, and frequently always been a house with something of that quality: outfoxing the opposition by creativity, guts and sheer a house where everyone can belong, contribute, feel tenacity. And they learn not just the sweetness of hard- valued and happy amidst the stresses and strains of those fought victory but the pride of hard-fought defeat. crazy teenage years. Long may it continue.

Achievement in the form of academic success is one of Nick Johnston-Jones the pillars of the House, with exceptional results year Housemaster, Surrey after year. For this the boys owe much to a dedicated tutor team, guiding, cajoling and supporting them at all times, but also their own ambition and determination. The culture of the House celebrates this spirit, coupling it with a sense of joy in the humour and camaraderie of the boys as they negotiate this journey.

56 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 57 SURREY facts about surrey House Captain Report

This academic year was undoubtedly one of the most against Churchill. Unfortunately, we lost that game but successful years for Surrey and the boys have done have had done more than enough to make it to the semi-final MOST COMMITTED lived up to the great successes of last year. where we faced West. With the support of the whole house pitch-side Surrey fought valiantly, forcing West to give it all HOUSEMASTER In September, we were excited to welcome our new cohort they had however fell just short. Most memorable was a of Fourth Formers. This year offered more strengths and beautiful breakaway try scored by Harry Edwards. diversity than ever before, promising success in sport, music and many other areas of school life. In the Spring Term, we held our fundraising evening for BEST JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Huge thanks to our The first big event to hit this year was house singing. After Matron, Angela, for organising such a brilliant evening weeks of deliberation over song choice, we finally cracked which was enjoyed by all. A great speech by OJ James BEST AT CHESS on with perfecting The Bare Necessities. On the day, we Biggar reminded us why supporting this charity is so gave a confident and powerful performance enhanced important and what an amazing job they do in research by the theatrics of our banana props. On the part song and care for cancer sufferers. The sum raised of over side, Magnus Merryweather superbly put together an £5,000 was amazing and more than doubled the takings BEST HOUSE MASCOT arrangement for James Bay’s Hold Back the River that from last year. Thanks to all parents who helped us support brought out the very best of Surrey House singing. Well such an amazing charity. done to first time part song singers Will Smith and Luca MOST ENTERTAINING HOUSE Hatwell for stepping up to the mark. The focus turns toward exams for the Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth where we are hoping for excellent results. But SINGING PERFORMANCE Next was the senior debating. Both the floor and our unfortunately, we also prepare ourselves to see JJ step down speakers Harry Edwards and Oliver Bell were exceptional, as Housemaster. We will all be sad to see JJ step down picking apart any opposition that came our way. A string after he has led the House with such kindness and passion of clinical performances in early rounds sent us to a semi- and hope all the values he has instilled in the House are BEST AT GOLF final clash against South. The motion was that ‘this house upheld. I’m sure that many of the rituals brought to Surrey believes the public was misled in the referendum and as by JJ will last forever, as I’m not sure anyone would like to a result there should be a second referendum on leaving stop flinging KitKats around in house assembly. We wish BEST AT SQUASH the EU’. We were to oppose the motion, and during the him all the best. debate, felt we had the upper hand after providing accurate and logical answers to all of South’s claims. However, Sebastian Carley unfortunately the judges felt otherwise and gave the win House Captain, Surrey BEST MATRON to South. Without doubt, the house will not wait long to return to winning ways in this prestigious event. MOST IMPROVED The end of Autumn Term brought the inter house sports events. First the squash where the seniors Finlay Deuchar and Nico Orr only lost one game in the entire tournament. CHARITY FUNDRAISER Equally successful was the junior team of Will Payne and Patrick O’Neill who were also crowned squash champions. BEST TUTORS Finally for 2017 was the rugby. The senior boys thrashed North in a convincing victory followed by a valiant effort

58 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 59 It is always a pleasure for me to spend time reflecting Mr Kidd steps down at the end of this term after 12 as another academic year draws to a close, though it is years of devoted service to West. I would like to take always difficult to comprehend where the time goes! In this opportunity to thank him for his help, support and WEST September, my first Fourth Form group begin their final guidance. He has been a rock, a constant around which year at the School. I remember our first meetings vividly; the recent history of the House has been built. He has We have been blessed with beautiful weather in the final the young boys who stepped into the Duty Office for continued to be an outstanding tutor while balancing his weeks of the academic year, a fitting end to what has the first time in 2014 are now young men who will soon significant whole-school roles and responsibilities, his been an outstanding year! be ready to take on the challenges of adulthood... time devotion and commitment to the boys has never waned certainly does fly! nor wavered. So it is with a heavy heart that West says farewell to JBK; there is no doubt that he will be sorely I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys this missed (though we hope he pops up the stairs to see us year, they are incredibly passionate about West and their from time to time in-between scuttling around making role in continuing to drive the community forward. sure the School runs like clockwork!). They have approached every aspect of school life with focus and enthusiasm and deserve huge credit for their Sue, Laurence, Joe and the West tutors have continued to progress and achievements. provide me with invaluable guidance and scaffolding, I am extremely fortunate to live and work with such a fine All the boys have managed to navigate through a period group of professionals. I have reminded the boys to show of either public exams or internal assessments. I was their appreciation for the unconditional care and support impressed by the purposeful working atmosphere that they receive from house staff. was palpable in and around the House during what was hectic and pressurised period. I wish those who will It has been a fun packed year full of success and receive results in August the very best of luck! achievement; West House continues to go from strength It is always sad to lose senior pupils. This year’s Upper to strength! Sixth have been custodians of the West House ethos and values; I am hugely grateful to them for their support Huw Jones and contribution. I wish them the very best as they Housemaster, West embark on the next stage of their lives and I sincerely hope that they keep in touch with the House. However, it is important we look to the future. Fourteen new Fourth Form pupils join West in September; the life cycle of the House continues!

60 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 61 WEST what makes west house great House Captain Report

West House has undoubtedly gone from strength to of the game. This resulted in penalties against Surrey, CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN YEARS strength this academic year in house events, on the which easily could have gone either way but was won by sports field and through individual successes – West Surrey on this occasion. West also managed to make the pupils have consistently worked to improve performance senior A and B finals, both of which were against Monty. WE PUT MAXIMUM EFFORT INTO ALL in all aspects of school life. The B’s final was first and despite going 1-0 down, the team persevered and won the game 2-1 thanks to an HOUSE EVENTS The first event was particularly significant – house extraordinary finish by Ross Adams, who managed to singing. The new format of the event meant that we were surprise teammates and spectators alike. The A team WE PERFORM WELL IN ALL VARIETIES OF SCHOOL unable to choose our unison song so we were very lucky was missing some key players in the final and were the to have been given the iconic Circle of Life from the underdogs heading out against Monty. The game was LIFE, INCLUDING MUSIC, SPORT AND Lion King. Despite some tricky parts everyone was able fiercely competitive and went to penalties following to learn it thanks to Charlie Joyce and Anthony Kiely a great save by Ethan Heard, with the game-winning ACADEMIC WORK leading from the front. Jack Musk also had an important penalty by Jamie Hewson. role to play as he bravely sung the intro in front of the entire school. Due to the hard work put in by everyone, As we now go into the Summer Term it is sad to PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT INTERESTS WHICH we managed to win house unison for the first time since participate in our final house events but we will continue THEY BRING TO THE HOUSE the Upper Sixth started at St John’s. The house part song to put in the same intensity and work rate to ensure a unfortunately did not yield any awards but the entire great finish to the year. The achievements of West this group worked hard after school for several weeks and year are hugely due to the support and leadership of Mr EVERYONE’S OPINIONS ARE RESPECTED huge thanks is due to Scott Driscoll, Max Simpson and Jones, Mr Pepper and Mr Bruggemann who have helped Richard Kenyon who stepped up to do solos. co-ordinate teams and support pupils to succeed. Our Matron, Sue, plays an understated but pivotal role in the WE MAINTAIN AND UPHOLD THE HOUSE ETHOS OF Another house event we were successful in during the running of the House as she gives sage advice to those first term was house drill. The hours of preparation by who need it. Fundamental to this final year’s success has BEING ON TIME, POLITE AND SMART Cameron McKenzie were definitely worth it as we placed been the enormous contribution from the House Prefects first. all of whom have devoted so much time and effort to FIRST BOYS HOUSE TO WIN HOUSE UNISON assisting in the running of the House. In all our time The end of the term brought house rugby, an event in at St John’s, our last year has been our strongest and as FOR A LONG TIME which West house normally perform well. This year House Captain, I am sure the House will continue to win we made several finals through the dedication of many more events thanks to the attitude of the younger years players, but we were ended coming away from the event and the legacy left by our year and all the previous years VERY SUPPORTIVE MATRON AND HOUSE STAFF without a trophy. who mentored us.

The Spring Term brought house hockey, football and Cameron Brassington WE ACT AS RESPONSIBLE ROLE MODELS TO the house film competition. House hockey was fiercely House Captain, West YOUNGER YEARS competitive, with a strong senior team being led by Anthony Kiely. The final against Monty went to golden goal which was well executed by Sam Laslett. The house WE ARE ABLE TO LEARN FROM OUR film was led by Laurence Deakin and Charlie Joyce and was focused around West House and the various staff FAILURES AND MISTAKES AND members who make the House what it is. IMPROVE ON THEM TO The final and most enjoyable event this term was the BECOME BETTER INDIVIDUALS house football. West managed to make it to the juniors final and played cohesively as a team for the duration

62 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 63 PERFORMANCE

THIS HAS BEEN A BIG YEAR FOR BOTH DRAMA AND MUSIC - WITH AN EPIC NUMBER OF PLAYS, PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS, BOTH IN SCHOOL AND OUT

64 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 65 first movement of Beriot’s Violin Concerto, played by Jimena Rodriguez-Foronda. Her playing was truly outstanding for someone of such tender years and she commanded the performance from start to finish with beautiful phrasing and dexterous virtuosity. The string quartet then played a movement from Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No.2 in A minor. This ensemble is fast gaining notoriety for their playing and this performance was no exception. The concert finished with the mighty Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven, which pushed the players’ ability to the extreme. The performance was MUSIC professional in all aspects, with some outstanding individual contributions from members of the woodwind and brass sections especially.

Director of Music, Nick Smith commented, “Yet again, the Sinfonia proved that strong individual musicians are a formidable force when they combine their talent and musicianship. This was a beautifully crafted concert that demonstrated the very best from our instrumentalists. Bravo!”

Success at Barnardo’s National Choir Competition

The Schola Cantorum has achieved remarkable success in the 2018 annual Barnardo’s Choir Competition. Chosen as one of seven senior choirs, from hundreds across the country, the choir was awarded a trophy and commendation for second place at the finals, which took place on Monday 12 March at the Royal Festival Hall in London. It is a wonderful testament to the dedication of all the pupils who have worked so hard over many weeks to perfect a beautifully mature sound.

The Schola performed twice during the day. First, at the afternoon competition, at which they sang Mother of God by John Tavener and Sure on this shining night by Morten Lauridsen. Second, at the evening performance in front of a capacity audience, at which the winner and runner up choirs were announced. Many commented on the Concert at Cadogan Hall poise and sophistication of the final performance that was, indeed, the summation of so The concert’s second half proved no less enthralling. The much hard work. It is an exceptional achievement. A large audience gathered in gleaming Cadogan Hall on Schola Cantorum have, perhaps, had their finest year to Friday 4 May, a glorious spring evening, for the School’s date and proved as much with a beautifully measured and second Celebration of Music in as many years. The breadth serene performance of Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Tenebrae and depth of pupil musicianship and endeavour shone Songs. The string quartet played a movement from through a concert that was a testament to the hard work Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, before The visit of Tenebrae, for the second time in as many years, proved one of the highlights and diligence of the superb body of people who make up the massed voices of the Chapel Choir and Choral Society of what was a special year for music-making at St John’s. The internationally renowned the music department. engaged fulsomely with Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de a cappella group spent two days with the choirs of St John’s in masterclasses and Confessore. workshops, concluding their stay with a spectacular concert on the Friday evening. First among them must be the Sinfonia. Playing Beethoven The packed Chapel heard a concert of spell-binding precision and interest, which took to Bruch, via Beriot and Mozart, it is extraordinary to think We are proud of all those pupils who participated in what remembrance as its theme, including works by Howells, Elgar, Tavener and Schoenberg. that the group was formed but three years ago. Ismael was, at turns, enchanting and mesmeric. It comes toward The latter’s Friede auf Erden was an earth-shattering rendition, testing the human voice Rodriguez-Foronda led the orchestra brilliantly, and for the the end of a busy year, upon which we might look back to its known limits. first time, whilst his sister - Jimena Rodriguez-Foronda - with joy and a deep sense of satisfaction. What a time this dazzled the audience as the violin soloist in Beriot’s Violin is for music at St John’s! During their residency, Tenebrae – and the director Nigel Short – worked with the Concerto No. 9 in A minor. Alex Semple, winner this year Lower School and Chapel choirs as well as the Schola Cantorum. In the evening of both the Concerto Competition and the Forbes Senior concert, the Chapel Choir sang alongside Tenebrae in Footsteps, a new work composed Music Competition, gave a heart-rending account of the Sinfonia by Owain Park, and the Schola Cantorum sang Tavener’s Mother of God, here I stand – middle movement of Bruch’s famous Violin Concerto in alone and conducted by Nigel Short. G minor. The Lower School Choir, on excellent form, Members of the Sinfonia played with style and maturity sang two movements from Andrew Carter’s Benedicite, to an appreciative audience on Tuesday 20 March in It was extraordinary to watch the pupils gain so much from Tenebrae’s time here at St which propelled the first half towards a confident display the Old Chapel at St John’s tackling some extremely John’s. They are the finest of ensembles and are an excellent witness to the very best of of musical fireworks from the Swing Band, together with demanding repertoire. The concert opened with Mozart’s choral music in the country. soloists Isobel Galloway and Eddie Jones. overture from The Magic Flute, and was followed by the

66 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 67 CHAPEL REVIEW

This year, perhaps more than any in recent memory, house have followed the same general theme of ‘Self’ has seen the most dramatic changes to our Chapel in the first term, followed by ‘Others’ and then ‘The routine. As before, we gather as the main school on a World’. Within these reflections, there has been a breadth Monday morning to listen to the Head, the Chaplain now of subjects touched upon, from quizzes on tutors, the leads our reflections on a Wednesday, whilst the joy of biological changes within our brain, the Sex Pistols’ impact congregational singing practice remains simultaneously upon culture and Pablo Picasso’s painting of Guernica a preparation for the week ahead and a time of joyful as a political statement. The Chapel calendar has been spirituality. characterised by the usual array of services and events, and we have been delighted to welcome a host of parents, Old Part of the change facilitated the movement of House Johnians and visitors to the Chapel for Sunday services. As Chapel to a morning slot, as the School continues to ever the annual service on Remembrance Sunday was one evolve and changes to the school day meant that the of the busiest of the year. Our focus continued to be on the traditional end-of-day house service was no longer impact of the Great War as we remembered, 100 years on, apposite. House Chapel is an opportunity to reflect in a those killed in action in 1917. We were moved as a school, slightly more informal way compared to other mornings, remembering the singularly most tragic year in the history it also allows for a more specifically tailored address to of St John’s when the death toll of 52 previous members of eclipsed that of any other year. The challenge was to use move us in our spiritual journey from our own needs to each house. The three House Chapel Services for each our community our remembrance as a spur toward seeking freedom and face those of the world around us. tolerance in our own lives. At the end of the first term, our Festivals of Lessons and Carols moved us toward the Jesus in his last words entrusts not only himself to the celebration of Christmas, before we finished the term by Father’s care but also all of humanity. He realises his holding a slightly alternative nativity; Miss Jones and Mr purpose on earth has come to a completion, and on the White made a lovely couple as Mary and Joseph! cross, the centre-point of the Christian faith, Jesus again shows the humility that has been central to his time on The choir this year has, as always, supported and uplifted earth. Whatever our religious views, fear and worry are a the worship and reflection of our community. In particular, challenge to us, and Jesus’ words on the cross challenge a the singing at the new service of commemoration in lifestyle which is all about control. Who do we trust and November provided an opportunity for all who attended do we live merely ourself? Or, or are we willing to take the to remember those held dear, but sadly no longer with us. risk of trusting others?

The Chapel is often the place where we learn most about As the words of Jerusalem reverberate around the Chapel ourselves and our nature as a school and, for both the walls on Speech Day and we gather together for the final Lower and Senior School, the Chaplain has led a reflective time this year, the many words heard in Chapel may not journey throughout the year. A spiritual reflection on always spring to mind. The very act of gathering as a our history and the Last Words of Christ have been the community reminds us that we go out into the world as focus for all, amongst themes tailored for each age group. part of a community which is founded on the love and The Seven Last Words of Christ on the cross mirror acceptance of all displayed by Christ to the end of his life. the movement in Chapel. Timothy Radcliffe writes that “these sayings of Jesus show us the successive steps in the Rev’d Charlie Moloney deepening expression of his love for us.” By extension they School Chaplain

68 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 69 DRAMA

Senior School Play - Oedipus

On 6 and 7 December the Senior School gave an impassioned and impressive performance of a reinterpretation of Oedipus by Sophocles. Earth in the future is a barren wasteland ravaged by climate Upper Sixth change. At a press conference Oedipus declares he practical exam will remedy the environmental curse; a quest which ultimately leads to his destruction. The Upper Sixth A level drama pupils provided audience members with some truly outstanding Chorus groups mastered the growing unease of the performances for their practical scripted examination on play and the curtain fell on the broken and haunted Thursday 8 March. Oedipus accompanied by Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush and the lyric Look at Mother Nature on the Run The evening began with a sequence of monologues each in the 21st Century. taken from a wide range of plays, from Shakespeare to contemporary 21st Century texts. This was then Luke Grob’s performance in the lead role was followed by the performance of two group pieces. masterful. The chilling portrayal of Tiresias by Harry The first was Attempts on Her Life by Martin Crimp: Edwards was full of venom. Isabelle Hammersley gave a mosaic of scenes, stitched together by the many their effort and hard work, both in the preparation and a shocking representation as The Messenger, Megan pressing, contemporary issues of our modern day execution of these pieces of work. This is the final time Wrigglesworth’s emotionally conflicted Shepherd society. The second group performed Five Kinds of these pupils will perform at the School and we would gave the final scene tremendous pathos and Oliver Silence by Shelagh Stephenson, which tells the story like to take this opportunity to thank them for their Gordon was comically sycophantic as The Stranger. of a family living under the power of vicious Billy who commitment to school drama throughout their time at Libby Thornton’s and James Gardner’s powerful physically, emotionally and sexually abuses his wife St John’s.” performances (as Jocasta and Creon) were incredibly Mary, and their daughters, Susan and Janet. mature from Lower Sixth pupils. The pupils who performed their examination pieces Director of Drama, Jamie Garbett, commented, “The were: Harry Edwards, Oliver Gordon, Luke Grob, The entire ensemble was phenomenal and the Drama power and detail of these performances was highly Isabelle Hammersley, Estella Jones, Imogen King, Grace Department is very proud of all involved. impressive and the pupils should be commended on Sullivan and Darcy West.

70 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 71 The Lion, The Witch courageous Peter, fighting off the Witch once and for all, only to return moments later with her army of Uglies. and The Wardrobe The battle commenced, but in the end, good conquered The snow had melted across Britain but it was still very evil and the Pevensies were crowned rulers of Narnia. much present in St John’s PAC for the Middle School They fall back through the Wardrobe once again, back play of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. to reality; however, the Professor left them and us with a heart-warming message, “And remember, once a King or We were taken aboard a miniature steam train, carriage Queen of Narnia, always a King or Queen of Narnia!” windows lit, with the evacuees escaping the city to the Professor’s house. The Pevensies journeyed into Narnia through the Wardrobe, past the fur coats and to the Upper Fifth lamppost. Toby Smedley captured the spiteful Edmund lying to his brother and sister about his first encounter scripted practical into Narnia, and indeed his meeting with the White performances Witch, that Georgia Kennefick so wickedly portrayed in a menacing manner. They came across a Beaver The Upper Fifth drama pupils produced a striking, comically played by Luca Bindi who, with Mrs Beaver, impactful and entertaining evening through the led us to the great Aslan himself. Disguised and hidden performance of their GCSE scripted exams. by a chorus of creatures and protected by his loyal Leopards throughout, the first glimpse was astonishing Texts were as varied with extracts from 4.48 Psychosis with a creative design by Sarah Jones wowing the by Sarah Kane, Heritage by Dafydd James, Be My Baby audience. An eye catching Nymph, Zoe Donaldson, by Amanda Whittington and the evening concluded gracefully transitioned us through the snowy land with a performance of Cagebirds by David Campton. into the witches’ lair with pirouettes and turns, where we witnessed frozen statues being brought back to The pupils should be congratulated on the the life and the Giant Rumblebuffin blowing down determination, skill and bravery throughout all the castle walls before the battle scene finale. Tommy the rehearsals and in their final execution of their Haines impressed with his fierce weaponry skills as the performance in the exam.

72 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 73 Alice@Wonderland

The Lower School put on a marvellous performance of Alice@Wonderland, an imaginative update of Lewis Carroll’s much-loved classic which saw Alice enter a virtual world and embark on a quest to complete a series of challenges as DEBATING she met a host of fascinating characters. The production showcased the performance abilities of the Lower and Upper Third pupils and was much enjoyed by the packed audience. AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

It has been another excellent year for debating at St John’s. As usual, our inter-house debates have been of an extremely high quality with some very exciting finals. The pupils have argued articulately on issues ranging from whether homework should be banned in schools to whether civil liberties are of the utmost importance in comparison to our national security. Congratulations to South for winning the debate competition in the Sixth Form and Fourth Form, as well as to East for winning it in the Upper Fifth and Lower Fifth.

The pupils have also participated in a good range of external debate competitions, starting with the Debating Matters Competition in January. We took a team of six pupils including Libby Thornton, Charlie Bennett, Catherine Perkins, Charlie Hellier, Raef Murphy, Sophie Mosselmans and James Perkins to compete. We vied against 11 other schools for a place in the national final and the pupils gave a strong effort. In the group stage, Libby Thornton and Charlie Bennett beat Stationers provoking presentation on ‘The Illusion of Palm Oil’. Crown Woods Academy fairly convincingly. In the second In addition, our main speaker, Amica Van Strien, was group match against Godalming, it was an incredibly singled out for special mention by the judges for her close and fiercely fought debate. Catherine Perkins was excellent performance. The team progressed through to the outstanding and she was ably supported by Charlie Hellier. semi-final round at Oxted School and put on an equally The judges were split and unfortunately came down 2-1 admirable performance. Unfortunately our team was not for Godalming. This meant Godalming went through to selected as the overall winner of this round, but Zoe Ryan the semi-final and later qualified for the final. Whilst it won an individual award for delivering the best ‘Vote of was close, we were unlucky not to get the decision. As a Thanks’. result, Raef Murphy and Sophie Mosselmans did not get to compete in the semi-final despite weeks of preparation. Finally, at the beginning of the Summer Term, pupils They, however, both spoke multiple times from the floor from the Fourth Form to the Sixth Form, including in a number of debates, along with all the other St John’s Daniyal Khan, Alexander Corbett, Megan Wrigglesworth, pupils, including James Perkins, the only non-Sixth Form Charlie Hellier, Charlie Bennett, Libby Thornton, Sophie pupil competing in the competition. Mosselmans and James Perkins, participated in a friendly debate competition with CLFS Ashtead. Again, the quality In the same week, three members of our Lower School, of the debates was high, given the pupils all had only Jacob Costard, Amica Van Strien and Zoe Ryan, competed 20 minutes to prepare their speeches. Sophie and James in the first round of the Youth Speaks Junior Rotary teamed up as one of the pairs and should be commended Competition with much success. Our team, having for a particularly outstanding performance. After some competed against five other schools, were named the close debates, St John’s were named the overall winners and winners of the round with their engaging and thought- all pupils should be very pleased with their performances.

We hope to build on these achievements next year and to continue the outstanding calibre of debating and public speaking at St John’s, both internally and externally.

74 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 75 SCHOOL TRIPS

TO SKI, OR TO SAFARI? ST JOHN’S PUPILS GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE WORLD... AND THEN GET TO WRITE ABOUT THEIR ESCAPADES FOR THE JOHNIAN!

76 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 77 Cambodia Expedition 2017 museum and the Killing Fields afforded an insight into the terror and trauma of the Khmer Rouge; a regime from Eighteen St John’s pupils spent four weeks over the which the country is still recovering. summer on an expedition to Cambodia. The trip fully immersed them in the local culture, one so far removed Every pupil emerged from the trip feeling grateful for the from their own. They embraced the physical and once in a lifetime experience, with many already planning emotional challenges with impressive determination. future adventures. Teacher Clare Greenwood commented, “It was a privilege to see the pupils grow and reflect on The group stayed in rural communities where the their experiences, which I hope will be something they average earnings are just one dollar a day. They helped take with them as they move through the School and with projects including building a concrete tiled area beyond.” for a school, digging wells and planting trees to help GAME RESERVE, south africa develop the sustainability of the local villages. A visit to a local school to help teach English to the children was a highlight of the trip for many.

The 2018 trip to Shamwari, a game reserve in South Africa, A jungle trek through the Kulen National Park provided was once again an amazing experience and a fascinating encounters with an unusual array of wildlife. A local immersion in running a wild conservation area. monastery provided the accommodation and the opportunity to participate in meditation. Beds were Conservation involves more than preserving endangered hammocks under the stars. The group scaled the Kulen species – it is also fostering an understanding of local Mountain to watch the sunrise. concerns, issues and threats. The pupils learnt about the lion and elephant industries, including animal poaching and discussed the impact on communities surrounding Cambodian cultural experiences included marvelling at the conservation areas. They were also involved in the splendour of the Royal Palace and Angkor Wat, one manual operations including road maintenance and alien of the seven wonders of the world, to appreciating the vegetation removal. simplicity of the rice paddies. A visit to the S:21 genocide

The pupils took part in monitoring drives, which brought them up close with lions and elephants and sparked lively competition to see which vehicle could spot the most bird as pupils disembarked the coach, they enjoyed a picnic species in a single afternoon. lunch with the backdrop of the Corfe Castle countryside, before heading down to the beach for an afternoon of Finally, the pupils spent time in the community playing paddleboarding and sea kayaking. The highlight for one football against the Paterson team and then helping to group was undoubtedly the moment the pupils managed make and distribute soup to the elderly and young. to push Mr Bennett off the giant paddleboard and into the water without anyone else going in. Captured on camera, a printed canvas of the moment is sure to make its way onto the Lower School wall!

After warm showers and getting back in dry clothes, the pupils unpacked and settled into what would be their home for the next few nights. They enjoyed an early evening mass game of football and rounders Lower Third Induction Trip before a hearty mac and cheese supper. The rain held off for evening activities and pupils continued to enjoy On Thursday 7 September, 55 pupils and five members of participating in a number of sports and games including staff set off on the Lower Third Induction Trip to Swanage ‘zombie crawl’! for a three-day trip aimed to encourage pupils to build new friendships, develop new skills and bond as a year Friday morning’s weather initially looked more promising group. than the forecast suggested but soon after breakfast was After a busy first week learning how to find their way over, the rain started and just kept coming! Staff were around the School site, the pupils were excited to head impressed with the pupils’ spirits throughout the day as off with their new friends for a few days of fun. As soon they took part in bushcraft and tutor group teambuilding

78 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 79 activities. Pupils mastered archery, built traps and, most STEM Trip to the ICR successfully, started their own mini fire while learning Girls from the Lower Sixth recently took a trip to the about science in the woods. Luckily, after dinner, the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The day focused on rain stopped and the clouds cleared a little, making way encouraging girls to take up STEM (science, technology, for a beautiful sunset over the camp as pupils enjoyed engineering and mathematics) careers. games and storytelling around the campfire. Pupils then took part in a group general knowledge quiz to complete The first talk from Professor Raj Chopra explained the evening; there were some tense moments as pupils what the ICR do and how they have contributed to competed for the much desired prize of marshmallows breakthroughs in cancer treatment. He explained that and biscuits. Staff opted for the ‘guess the chocolate’ quiz advances in technology have meant the time it takes to which needless to say they won with ease! sequence the human genome has gone from 10 years to two hours. Malfunctioning genes can be pinpointed, and On Saturday morning pupils were treated with beautiful a genetic predisposition to cancer identified. The ICR sunshine as they packed up camp and prepared once develops therapies to treat cancer at a cell protein level. more to head down to the beach. The sea was perfectly The second speaker, Dr Olivia Rossanese, explained how calm as the groups took part in more paddleboarding school level biology feeds into the work of the ICR to and sea kayaking. Whether they were racing through the develop new medicines. paddleboarding course, balancing on the giant paddle Eight A level art students had four wonderful days exploring board as their instructor tried to knock them off, or The third speaker, Dr Florence Raynaud, spoke about the art galleries of Berlin with highlights including the private practising their yoga moves, the pupils all had smiles on the role of chemistry in developing new treatments. She Sammlung Boros collection inside a World War II bunker and their faces and all were having a great time. Throughout highlighted professional avenues to work with the ICR and the Hamburger Bahnhof Gallery inside Berlin’s old principal the morning the waves picked up and one group had advised the girls to study something they were passionate train station. The pupils also got to watch the Germany vs South Korea World Cup football, which was thrilling. endless fun bodyboarding – so much so they nearly about as specialising comes later. All specialisms were missed the coach home! represented at the ICR. The good weather made it a pleasure to wander through some of Berlin’s biggest parks and also take a stroll along the River Spree. After a warm shower and quick lunch, everyone boarded The girls then went on a tour of the Medical Chemistry, the coach for the return journey, which was unsurprisingly Molecular Biology and Cell Screening labs and got the All in all, a very enjoyable trip for everyone involved! much quieter than the way down to Swanage! Excited to chance to see experiments in action. They also used be reunited with their parents, exhausted pupils crawled microscopes to examine living human cells. off the coach and into their parents’ arms, looking forward to a warm bath, comfortable bed and well-deserved rest after a busy first week as a St John’s pupil.

The campsite staff, Land and Wave team and the catering company all complimented our pupils on their excellent behaviour and manners. The St John’s staff thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the pupils better. Thank you to Mr Hughes, Mr Blatch, Mr Bennett and Mr Scott for accompanying the trip.

Caroline Townshend Head of Lower School

80 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 81 I’ve always enjoyed science fiction writing, and last summer I decided to write a story, Wasteland of Sand and Ice, for Nature Futures. Nature Futures is a short science fiction section at the back of the weekly science research journal, Nature and describes itself as a venue for hard science fiction (no Force allowed, unfortunately) vignette stories under 1000 words. The section is non-exclusive in who can submit, the applicants ranging from amateur writers to published science-fiction authors, however due to the high number of entrants, slots are highly contested. Nature Futures got in contact to inform me that they would be publishing my story.

The storyline of Wasteland of Sand and Ice revolves around the well-known scenario of governments’ reactions to an extinction-level asteroid heading on a collision course for Earth.

The story’s premise is similar to Deep Impact and Armageddon, but by contrast is set in the future and focuses heavily on the responses made by autonomous military satellites, each one representative of their respective world power. But as the object hurtles nearer, can they really be sure it’s truly an asteroid?

‘The military satellites turned away from their endless showdown amidst their ruined brethren to gaze up, into space above. The plan was simple: if KD managed to get to Earth, it would have to dance through hell to do so.’

Tomás McMahon

82 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 83 Autobiographical squib:

By Tomás McMahon. Until located, it can be presumed he is both sketching and out cycling in the Surrey hills at the same time.

precious time. last wisps of the ultimately short-lived Far simpler for storm spiralled beneath, a surveillance both parties that satellite, one of the last few autonomy is a beautiful thing. way. left in operation, imaged an abnormality 22:55 in the Siberian permafrost. Shallow but An insignificant nevertheless noticeable, a crater, far 06:00 GUATAUVA, Lei Gong, turned away from their time. 2037 KD’s north of lake Cheko, thin tracks leading The time of rising, not the best time to endless showdown amidst their ruined sudden deceleration came as a surprise, off to the southwest and, at their end, be informed of an asteroid hurtling past brethren to gaze up, into space above. The and not unjustly. Dodged by the bullet is 2037 KD-01. Uranus at over forty-million metres per plan was simple: if KD managed to get to an uncommon phrase for obvious reasons, second. Earth, it would have to dance through hell however here it was most appropriate. How 03:00 to do so. else would one describe a body decelerating The time for toiling had come early. 06:30 from one-sixth the light speed to one- When the recovery teams at last The time of bathing, AbyssRho’s computer On any other day, three major superpowers forty-millionth? cleared the snow aside, approximately monitors awash with triangulation data and relinquishing possession of their military half the fragment’s mass was found left extrapolated vectors. The results were satellites’ kinetic warheads should have been 23:00 behind at the site of its initial impact, in, the likelihood of terrestrial impact seen as a sign of imminent world peace. That The time of rest. The Torino level slashed, what crawled out having only recently looking shockingly like the percentage of day, however, was not any other. Meanwhile, just like most of AbyssRho’s funding. That’s stilled, hull shattered and frozen. Only bacteria a good hand soap claimed to kill. against the Bay of Bengal, unnoticed, a for wasting the Union’s warheads. Indeed, a few hours later, at the bottom of a hurricane began to build. they floated aimlessly in the void of both furrow dug into the leading edge of 07:00 purpose and atmosphere, a waste of the a sand dune, the second fallen object The time of breaking fast, the time to break 14:00 taxpayer’s money. Adrift within the spacecraft finally revealed its metallic self. In old rivalries. One of the benefits of the DSIN The time to return to work, and they graveyard of Earth’s orbit, its solar-sail comparison with its twin, 2037 KD-02 being a multinational project: that NASA definitely were rewarded. Distant and low finally fully collapsed, from the darkness, had enjoyed a soft landing, the Gobi and Roscosmos received exactly the same resolution, it was around Saturn that KD had KD 2037 gazed down, towards the blanketed Desert acting to cushion its fall, data. An agreement was made and the asteroid been imaged, initially appearing almost as an planet beneath. allowing it to remain in operation for finally dubbed. 2037 KD. anti-climax. After all, the asteroid wielded several hours—at least until the dune no scythe nor rode upon an ashen horse, 00:00 swallowed the second of the two The Post-War Asian Union wires the money however, upon closer inspection, its true The time of sleeping soundly. Dashed rovers. and takes a step back from whatever deadliness became soon APPARENT. A smaller upon the Himalayas, the storm presently Autonomy truly is a beautiful thing. AbyssRho does with it. Far simpler for both package simply meant a smaller mass and, in smothered the entirety of central Asia in parties that way. turn, a smaller likelihood of interception. anarchic maelstrom. Above the chaos, KD 06:00 fragmented, two, smaller objects splitting The time of rising, tension, suspicions, 08:30 17:30 off. Within the opaque clouds, they fell most of all, a search for any sort of It was now that the morning was well upon The time KD passed Jupiter, about time the gracefully, explosively stabilised with fire, explanation. Disassembly and reassembly them and it became the time for toiling, button was pressed. By the number of and wind-torn parachute. Like marionettes on the Union and Russia’s behalf, those preparing for the inevitable, missile codes warheads up in the air, anyone could have on unseen strings, the two were dragged actually in possession of a fragment, requested, authorised thrice and ultimately thought that a nuclear apocalypse had off course, plummeting into sand and ice. whilst NASA, through gritted teeth, was given. PerUN, somehow snuck up on them. The DSIN reports potential asteroid threats already planning a mission to salvage and justifies PerUN’s possession of kinetic what they could of the orbiting Their city of smoke pillars rapidly dissipated warheads, in turn making it technically not body. As for missions themselves, by the winds of the encroaching storm, a military satellite.Far simpler for both the probes’ certainly had ended in many wouldn’t make it past the vast swathes parties that way. failure. The planet was clearly a of debris in Earth’s orbit. Those that did wasteland of sand and ice, covered by would bear all of humanity’s hopes of In the predawn hours of the following an atmosphere of opaque gases and preservation. It was just a good thing morning, the hurricane had torn itself apart extreme winds, 2037 KD transmitting they were machine and not mortal. GUATAUVA and after flying into a debris cloud without back as follows: automatically receiving data from the subsequently exiting out the other side, it Deep Space Identification Network, no input had been assumed that the orbiting body of required, certainly saves NASA plenty of KD had also come to a similar fate. As the No life on Earth.

84 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 85 unclassifiable concept. Indefinable. In its exchange tell us how to use it, or reassure us that it is always it demands of us understanding, tolerance, humility, evident in the world. But he gives it to us, as a tool reconciliation and strength. But therefore, peace is an for reconciliation, and for forgiveness. I had to seek peace be within energy deeply rooted in ourselves; a tool we choose to out peace for myself. I had to take those moments to use, and to give to others. be still, though all I felt like doing was shouting and thy walls screaming. I had to hold on to peace in torment. I had How can we live peacefully? Perhaps to seek light in darkness. I wanted to make war with a reflection on peace, what it means to be peaceful, all we can do is start by being at myself. I had to consciously choose peace, forgive and to choose to be at peace. peace within ourselves. myself, and reconcile myself to my future. Sometimes I failed to choose peace. I was headstrong, foolish, selfish. Catherine Perkins Giving a Chapel talk, I once described personal identity And those days too were allowed, because it provided a as a Rubix cube: different categories of our identity are striking foil to the days I chose peace. The days of peace like colours on a Rubix cube. All the six colours can were the days I found plenteousness; the days I was able be randomly mixed up, just like parts of identity are to flourish again. We may not be at perfect peace every Guildford Cathedral: it is still. There is an hour to go In many ways, we may seem to be far from peace. And in our personalities. A mix of our different identities moment of every day, but we should aspire to strive, before Eucharist begins. The white walls are blank peace may seem far from us. shapes our thoughts, speech and actions. But when we daily, for moments of extraordinary celestial peace, in canvasses, gently splashed with honey golden sparks think about our identity, we can also categorise it into the ordinary and mundane world around us. where the early morning light peeks in through the And we suffer trials with peace not only as a society, but sections and focus on one particular type at a time. dusty windows, adorning the soft arches with a gilded as individuals. Every day I try to seek a moment for that Either way, discordantly mixed up or harmoniously I am reminded, as I grasp at this thread of peace, of halo. A soft breath and a floating whisper are the inner peace I so crave. Perhaps turning off the alarm separated, it still makes a cube - you - just one set of visiting the installation at Salisbury Cathedral following only hints of life in the transept. I stop. A paradisal, and lying in the stillness and blackness of the morning, identities is clearer than other. Perhaps when we seek the Skripal poisonings. A flock of 3000 origami doves, divine moment. Gently, slowly, the choir begins to the blankets wrapped around me like a cocoon, holding to be at peace with ourselves, these constituent parts of flying through the Cathedral, some inscribed with rehearse: “O, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, ye shall me as I live precariously, breath by breath. Perhaps a our identities are in the process of being shifted, from messages and prayers for peace. Breath-taking, and prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and stolen moment in the cloister, watching the sun cast the jumbled multicoloured faces, to the distinct sides. uplifting, ‘Les Colombes’ speaks of the choice of peace plenteousness within thy palaces.” Herbert Howells. the radiant solstice on the sky, buildings becoming Sometimes the solution is easy. Sometimes it takes far and solidarity, in torrid moments of despair. It was They seem so sure. I cannot help but question: Is this silhouettes against a sky which fades from a burning longer. Perfect peace is a moment of transitory solution. particularly striking to see the doves’ reflection in the a foretaste of the promised celestial peace? I begin to red to a halcyon blue. A momentary peaceful escape How long does it last? How long does a Rubix cube stay baptismal font – a reminder that even when we look cradle peace in my hands. This strange thread which from such a world as ours, which daily descends into a solved? Not long at all. A brief, intangible, ephemeral down, peace from above is never far away, reflected all binds us together, yet fragile, frayed. deeper political spiral. but transcendent time. Something, someone comes around us. Look, and you will find it. Choose peace, along, and suddenly we return to a state of melted and and flourish. We cannot solve world peace alone; we Peace, where are you? It is easy to say ‘find time for peace.’ It is much harder mutually-influential identity. But that moment can be can only live at peace with ourselves, and so encourage to do, especially today where the joy of modern returned to, if we are willing to choose to work for others to choose peace. We can be those flock of doves, I start to think. The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the technology brings a daily battle between a sense of clarity, for harmony. If we are willing to choose to work flying through life, with grace, with hope, with peace. most renowned global awards, given to an individual or peaceful detachment, and the attraction to news for peace. We harbour our own Christ-given inner peace, though organisation promoting peace. In October last year, the that can be with us in an instant: Facebook, Twitter, the world around us may seem peace-less. It is Christ’s International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat. We are never more Again, it is easy to say, and harder to do. Indeed, peace that we must strive to live out in our lives. We was laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, ‘for its work than a tap away from what we want to know. So are though I see its necessity, it’s a concept that I, in my must find peace, use peace, and seek peace, not war. We to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian we never more than a button press away from turning own way, struggle with. In April I became critically ill, must pursue peace, in the darkest of darkness. We must consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for that phone off, and taking a moment for peace. But and spent a week in ICU, before being diagnosed with be a peaceful people. We must rest in the assurance that its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based that peace is all too often thrown away. The addiction a chronic illness. I came out of hospital and I didn’t Jesus gave us this peace to use in the world, and pass prohibition of such weapons.’ It is perhaps ironic that, to knowing everything in a moment is unrelenting. know where to turn. I felt like my world had been on to others, living at peace with everyone. With that the previous year, the now President of the United On average we check our phones 150 times a day, and flipped upside down, like all the colours on the cube divine peace, we will never let our hearts be troubled, States, Donald Trump, was nominated for the same are online for 31 hours per week. When a notification were irreparably jumbled, and the colours were blurring or be afraid. prize, a President who has threatened, not obscurely, pops up, we respond instantaneously. Being in a girls’ one into another. I felt as far from individual peace the ‘total destruction’ of North Korea in retaliation to house makes it all too clear: when the boy she likes is as I have ever done. I frequently asked the question: Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; the nuclear threat posed. Are the current ‘peace talks’ not texting her back, she is constantly checking to see who am I? I didn’t feel like I was myself anymore. I hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for between the countries lasting? I have doubts. if she’s missed something. Is he online? Is he ignoring felt defined by my condition, and I lost that sense of evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help For, despite the work of the Campaign to Abolish her? Why hasn’t he responded? It’s been two minutes peaceful equilibrium. I couldn’t find the peace to reflect, the afflicted; honour everyone. Nuclear Weapons, we are far from such prohibition. since she sent the text. It is a vicious cycle. to think, to work through my own identity. I had lost Indeed, we may even seem to be at a point of nuclear peace with myself. I couldn’t understand how Christ Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy crisis. For those who lived through the Cold War Both on a personal, and worldwide scale, today’s could leave us peace, and yet, that I could not grasp it palaces. period, the feeling is all too familiar. But nuclear war populations are never at peace. Yet Christ promises: in those dark weeks. We all fight battles, where peace is not the only weight on the world at the moment. “peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” seems very distant indeed. May the peace of the Lord be with you. We are under threat from supremacist politics. We are So what is peace? A difficult equilibrium between the victims of barbaric terrorism. The Skripal poisonings various languages, cultures and outlooks, the different Now, as I sit here, toying with peace, I see that Christ remind us that peace is threatened as we live out our situations and the millions of hopes and desires in the gives us the power, the energy of peace. He does not lives on a quotidian basis. minds of civilisation. A wide-ranging, desirable and

86 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 87 SPEECH DAY

Speech Day 2018 education in its broadest sense, always being willing to give extra time, effort and care to enable pupils to achieve On Saturday 30 June, in glorious sunshine, the School more and aim higher. gathered to mark the end of the academic year. Following the final Eucharist of the year in Chapel and The Head’s We were delighted to welcome, as this year’s guest speaker, Assembly, we held our last house assemblies of the term the four times Winter Olympian and one of Britain’s before congregating in the marquee for Prize Giving. greatest ever skiers, Chemmy Alcott. Chemmy’s speech was moving and motivational in equal parts; she talked Speech Day is a special moment in the School year as it about the importance of being brave enough to take risks, allows us to pause, reflect on everything that has been committing entirely to your goals and learning – then achieved and celebrate the St John’s community. Chairman persevering - when things don’t immediately go according of Governors, John Willis, welcomed parents, pupils, staff to plan. She stressed the importance of having a ‘growth mindset’, being willing to challenge yourself and push St John’s youngest pupils is truly something special. and governors to the event and gave an insight into the Lower School Speech Day boundaries in order to give yourself the chance to be In reviewing the numerous highlights of the last year, numerous ways in which St John’s continues to develop and innovate every year in order to deliver the best the very best possible version of yourself, whatever your On the sweltering afternoon of Friday 29 June, St John’s a number of Lower School pupils spoke about their possible education and school life for its pupils. Reflecting dream may be. It was a message which resonated well with Lower School assembled in a marquee on the Quad for experiences ranging from the fun of the Induction Trip on her first year as The Head of St John’s, Rowena Cole the adventurous, enthusiastic, ambitious attitude that is at Lower School Speech Day. The marquee was packed with in Swanage last September and a vast array of house then gave a compelling speech which highlighted the the heart of so much of St John’s life. proud parents and teachers keen to see the pupils being competitions to a plethora of sporting triumphs and the innovative staging of Alice@Wonderland. The pupils vast array of events, activities and accomplishments rewarded for exceptional work and to celebrate the end of With prizes presented, a wonderful performance of ‘And recounted tales of impressive charity fundraising and which pupils, staff and the wider St John’s community a successful year. so it goes’ by the Schola Cantorum and a charming final talked about the interesting trips they have taken to have enjoyed this year. She praised the pupils for all their achievements, whether they were major successes which speech from the departing School Captains, Fin and Established in 2016 to welcome boys and girls to St John’s support their studies this year. It was wonderful to hear grab the headlines or smaller personal triumphs which Katie, the School attended an end of year service in the from age 11, the last academic year has been fantastic the pupils demonstrate the enthusiasm they feel for the take place in so many different ways every day throughout Chapel and the formal part of the day came to a close. for the Lower School which has developed significantly packed co-curricular timetable, their academic lessons, the School. In thanking all the staff, including those who The afternoon was filled with house receptions and the to become a vibrant, active part of St John’s. Addressing their friendships and the Lower School values of integrity, are leaving the School this summer, she reflected on the day ended in style with a fabulous black tie Leavers’ Ball the audience, Rowena Cole, The Head, pointed out that empathy, excellence, collaboration and resilience. generosity of spirit they demonstrate in their approach to attended by Upper Sixth, parents, staff and governors. this was both her first and last Lower School Speech Day because, next year, Lower Third and Upper Third Closing the afternoon’s ceremony, Chair of Governors, pupils will be part of the main Speech Day, creating one John Willis, thanked parents and pupils for the whole school celebration at the end of the academic year. commitment they have demonstrated to the School and Mrs Cole explained how important the younger year remarked that it is the trust they placed in St John’s when groups are to St John’s life, reflecting that the thriving the Lower School was established which has made their Lower School was one of the aspects which attracted her children’s achievements and successes possible. to the headship of St John’s and commenting that the enthusiasm, appetite for new experiences and energy of

88 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 89 vocational

our pupils work hard to EXCEL outside the classroom.

Getting lost in the lake district and sleeping out on the quad are OPTIONAL, but ADVISED.

90 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 91 ARMY NAV Y The army section has grown from strength to strength sure they will be making excellent leaders and examples of The St John’s Royal Navy section has worked tirelessly to expeditions. All courses and qualifications run by the this academic year, starting with the Upper Sixth NCO themselves in the near future. create as many opportunities for the cadets as possible CCF are heavily subsidised by the MoD, including scuba appointments and introduction of the new Lower Fifth and the results speak for themselves. The NCOs have diving, first aid, and competent crew/day skipper sailing in September. Things got off to a great start with some Additionally, this year the School underwent its biennial continued their hard work and perseverance, resulting in qualifications. The opportunity for cadets to gain world- amazing enthusiasm shown by the new Lower Fifth cadets inspection and received a fantastic report from the several junior cadets progressing rapidly through the ranks class qualifications at very little expense is one that cannot and a focused mindset for those in the Upper Fifth and visiting inspector. Other highlights included the march to AB 2-star over the course of the year despite tougher be ignored; all you need to do is find the time to apply. Lower Sixth with promotion and NCO appointments in down Dorking high street as part of a farewell parade tests. Furthermore, a group of St John’s cadets were invited the not too distant future. Each year group had a specific for the Headley Court rehabilitation centre, the Chapel to attend a tour of the new carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth The School also runs a Summer Camp at Jersey Camp goal and the year was spent working toward this, with remembrance service and the annual regimental dinner along with a few other schools. It was an exceptional on the Isle of Wight for cadets from all three sections. specific training cadres and programmes: the Lower Fifth which observed the traditions of the Coldstream Guards experience and allowed the cadets to ask hundreds of Pupils participate in a wide variety of field techniques focus was initially gearing them up for their first overnight this year. This year, Josh Williams and I were the first questions to the ever-patient ship’s officers. The scale of the during the day and spend the evening participating in exercise; the Upper Fifth spent time advancing their to take part in a regional leadership course and hope carrier was immense, and we were honoured to have the various activities such as laser tag in the nearby woods. training and principles; the Lower Sixth began the year to promote further participation in the coming years to opportunity to see the cutting edge of the Royal Navy. The camp builds up to the very competitive and fast-paced taking part in their method of instruction course which obtain further degrees of leadership. competition at the end of the week which tests the cadets put them on the path for further leadership roles and The CCF in general is an excellent opportunity to step on all the skills they have learnt. promotions; the Upper Sixth spent their time training the It has been a year to remember. The army section has outside your comfort zone, be it in the classroom, in the lower years. progressed massively, with each cadet gaining so many field or out on the water. Both senior and junior cadets The Navy Section, and indeed the entire CCF at St John’s, new skills and developing new talents whilst having such have plenty of opportunities to practice leading their peers, is improving every year, and with new opportunities For most of their first term, the Lower Fifth were a fun time. I cannot truly express how proud I am about as well as working in a team, through practical leadership presenting themselves, the future of the section is very learning basic principles of the CCF and bushcraft skills how the army section has developed and I am sure that tasks, delivering presentations or during activities on Field bright indeed. in preparation for their overnight exercise, which was a the legacy we have built this year will bring forth new Day. resounding success. They then progressed to focus on strengths and challenges alike to each new generation Cameron McKenzie marksmanship principles and lessons in safe handling of cadets. I am also very proud of the NCO team that I Field Days are traditionally the highlight of the term CCF RN Section PO of the cadet GP rifle so they could spend their next Field have worked with this year and I have great confidence for the cadets, and past ventures have included visits to Day out on the ranges at Bisley. Finally, after some further in the new NCOs that will take our place. Thank you Naval establishments such as HMS Excellent, our parent training in their last term, all of the skills that they had also to the teachers and staff that make CCF possible. It establishment - HMS Collingwood and Longmoor training so far acquired were put to the test in a final overnight is an experience that can so greatly benefit not only the grounds. Activities ranging from assault courses to sailing exercise conducted by the teaching staff and new Lower experience you have at St John’s, but it also allows you to and powerboating are always thoroughly enjoyed by all. Sixth NCOs. build and grow as a person. In summary, this year for the army section has been truly outstanding and I have every There are also ample opportunities for cadets of all ages The Upper Fifth spent much of their time advancing the confidence it can only improve. to attend Summer Camps, no matter their previous skills that they had been taught in the previous year and experience. Courses range from leadership courses at began to build on leadership principles in preparation for Elliot Needham HMS Raleigh to powerboating qualifications and yacht the promotion that is available in the Lower Sixth. Under CCF Army Section CSgt the strong leadership of Rhianna Hyde, the Upper Fifth have had a very strong year and we look forward to what the future holds for them as they progress on to the Lower Sixth.

The Lower Sixth began by working towards the completion of their method of instruction course. This year a record number of cadets not only took part but completed the course, thus giving the CCF army section a huge wealth of trained and capable cadets that are taking over the leadership roles. As a group, the Lower Sixth have worked very hard and I am very proud to say that I am

92 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 93 RAF

importantly, all the Sixth Form have passed the Method of Instruction Course (MOI), allowing them to teach the younger cadets.

During the holidays we offer a broad range of camps. There are opportunities to go to camps held on operational RAF bases in the UK and abroad in places like Cyprus, Germany and Gibraltar.

The highlight of this year for me was the Royal Air Squadron Trophy (RAST). This year marked the second year we have been able to enter a team into the competition. It takes place over a weekend and examines the team’s drill, first aid skills, teamwork, RAF knowledge, aircraft recognition, shooting and fitness. The team of 14 put in a lot effort, reaching a very respectable fourth out of 11 teams in the regionals, narrowly missing out on going through to the nationals by one point. We came first in fitness and second in shooting. The fitness squad (Sgt. Perkins, Sgt. Deakin, CWO. Harries and led by Sgt. Armstrong) did an amazing job in representing one of Although the RAF is the smallest section in St John’s the many strengths of St John’s School. In addition, the CCF, with around 70 cadets, we get the most amazing shooting team (Sgt. Armstrong, Sgt. Morcombe, opportunities. Throughout the year, cadets meet for Sgt. Holley, FS. Hawkins and led by Sgt. Deakin) an hour a week. Activities are largely led by the Sixth came second. This good result shows we are a Form and supervised by staff. The section’s aim is to strong section with enormous potential give everyone a flying experience every year. However, for the future. occasionally the weather has other ideas… During my four years in the RAF section Every term we have a Field Day, where cadets spend a day I have seen many improvements and I’m off site and extend their learning beyond what can be done sure the section will continue to go from on a normal weekly basis. This year the Lower Fifth cadets strength to strength. had lessons on flight simulators, fieldcraft and undertook leadership exercises. Meanwhile the Upper Fifth focused Benjamin Harries on training and completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s CCF RAF Awards. Section Flt Sgt

This year the section has seen the introduction of the new progressive syllabus, allowing cadets to learn in stages. On top of the required classifications, the Lower Fifth all completed their blue Heartstart (first aid) award. Furthermore, some Upper Fifth earned their blue wings for the flight training they completed. But most

94 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 95 “Words can’t express our “Once again I would like gratitude and thanks for to thank you for giving all the hard work, love and my son the most amazing care you have given our holiday. Your staff and children. Thank you for CSU volunteers constantly the last five years.” amaze me by their generosity of spirit, time, Community Service patience and the size of Unit report their amazing hearts.”

During the 2017-2018 academic year, 49 Sixth Form Community Holiday pupils participated in a variety of voluntary roles to help the local community. Several pupils helped For one week in August the annual St John’s School children at local primary schools and at a local school Community Holiday took place, during which 22 children for children with special needs, notably with reading with special needs enjoyed a residential holiday at the and at after-school clubs. Other pupils assisted in School. On-site activities included games, art, a treasure charity shops on the high street, sorting stock and hunt and a drama workshop plus evening performance. helping the managers as required. A small number of pupils worked with visually-impaired adults, while Away from the School, the children enjoyed horse-riding, others assisted at local Brownies and Rainbow groups. a day at Littlehampton seaside, a visit to see the Lion A group of pupils took left-over food to the local King in the West End and a day at Chessington World of homeless shelter each lunchtime and two others helped Adventures. The children were cared for by 37 present local residents with their gardening. and former Sixth Form pupils, including 16 pupils now entering the Upper Sixth. Besides this regular involvement, the School hosted its annual Christmas Community Lunch and Summer The carers embraced their roles well, accepting the High Tea. Both events welcomed over 80 local residents responsibility of looking after another human being. By to the School, where they were well-fed, enjoyed the the end of the week, the children had experienced a good company of Sixth Form pupil volunteers and were holiday and the helpers had grown in maturity and no “Heartfelt thanks for entertained by various musicians and a quiz. doubt looked forward to a few days’ well-earned rest. another amazing week at N Whitmore the St John’s Community Holiday, my daughter had the time of her life. The energy you bring and genuine love and care you show our children is appreciated more than you’ll ever know.”

96 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 97 SPORTS by Lauren Moors

The 2017 season Impressive starts for both the hockey was one for the and rugby clubs was just what we had hoped for. Particular mention to our U12 St John’s history hockey girls who were regional finalists books and to and our 1st XV rugby team who made the match it would be National Semi-Finals of the Champions an incredible feat Trophy before losing narrowly to eventual winners Dulwich College. This was further yet this is exactly supported by an excellent Rosslyn Park what our Eagles Cup run. aimed to do. In the Spring Term we achieved very exciting results on the court, in the pool and on the pitch. Our 1st VII netball team was unbeaten domestically, whilst our swimmers, both Senior Boys and Senior Girls, were crowned Bath and Dunelm National Cup Winners – these results make us officially one of the top four swimming schools in the country. However pride of place has to go to our football club who produced our most successful season ever. Particular mention to our U15 side who were not only Southern Independent League Champions without conceding a goal but also National Futsal Champions for the first time in our history. On the slopes, on the range and on the biathlon circuit we continue to develop at an excellent rate.

98 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 99 hockey season reports

1st XI

The 1st X1 team started with a strong 10-0 victory against CLFS and 8-0 against Lord Wandsworth College. This year’s team came from a mixture of age groups including the Fourth Form and showcased the talent of St John’s hockey players. We were lucky to qualify for the Surrey Cup finals, but the girls were overcome in a tight match against Reigate Grammar but came 4th in Surrey – a great achievement. Half way through the season the 1st team began to face tough opposition; however, the team showed great dedication and commitment particularly our greatest rival, Epsom College. The resilience shown with a 2-2 draw showed how far the team has come.

Players’ player went to Abbie Tait and coaches’ player went to Christina Georgiou.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 10 3 3 4 26 21 5

2nd XI

The 2nd XI team’s season has been full of lessons with a win against Lord Wandsworth College and draws against Bradfield College, Downe House, Reigate Grammar and Epsom College. Each game was incredibly close and presented opportunities to win. A close draw against Epsom was a highlight, fought with determination and sustained periods of pressure but the team were not to capitalise on this. Overall a superb performance.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 10 1 4 5 9 20 -11

3rd XI

The 3rd XI had a season of big wins, notably against Lord Wandsworth College, Ardingly College, Reigate Grammar and Brighton College. After a tough two loss start to the season the team rallied, the play focus was shifted to cohesive play which yielded outstanding results. The strongest win came against Ardingly College in a 6-0 victory. A well rounded season and fantastic building block for next year.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 10 6 0 4 29 15 14

100 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 101 4th XI U14A

In a fantastic start to the 4th XI the team won 6-0 vs Lord Wandsworth College and went unbeaten before half term. Two strong draws set the season rolling and a win against Lord Wandsworth set the girls up for their county round However, after half term the results were less favourable with a draw against Brighton College. This season has given the where they qualified for the Surrey cup finals, narrowly losing to Reigate Grammar in the play offs 2-1. The girls team a range of new skills and taught them how to play against tough opposition which is an excellent starting point for bounced back from this frustrating defeat with Louise Orr and Tali Gibbons running the midfield and Izzy Kuhle and next year. Francesca Beech scoring throughout the season. Two exciting wins vs Ardingly College and Cranbrook School showed their play capacity, however the final vs Epsom College resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 8 3 2 3 15 12 3 Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 12 3 4 5 19 22 -3 U15A U14B This season has been a challenge for all team members with a significant player changeover and some major highs and lows. After a successful tour in Holland and Germany, September was an adjustment with a new coach, new captain The first match against CLFS, a difficult opponent to face so early in the season, became a highlight of the season, even and new girls on the team. The challenges were met with resilience and every team member put in 100%. Individual with a 4-1 defeat because the team worked together to score a brilliant goal. Another highlight was the 3-1 victory achievements included improving fitness, finally scoring a goal, moving up to the As and changing position on the pitch. over Cranbrook School – the season’s turning point with huge improvement in match play. The energy was electric All the players should take pride in their performances. The highlight of the season was a 2-0 victory over rivals Epsom throughout the very physical match, but the girls played clever hockey and scored the impressive three goals. College. Players’ player went to Molly Warner and most improved went to Anna Stansfield. Overall, the girls worked incredibly hard this season and their improvement is phenomenal. The whole team should feel proud of their achievements and ability to work incredibly well as a team, becoming a great group of friends. Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 11 1 3 7 13 32 -19 Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 10 3 0 7 9 30 -21 U15B

The season had a fantastic start with wins against CLFS, Lord Wandsworth College and Sevenoaks School. The team Junior C showed great determination and spirit despite a reconfiguration and loss of three players to the A team. With India Howard in goal and Georgie Philpott, Yasmin Osman, Lydia Sandwell, Alice Moody and Emilia Hay defending the girls The team had not played much hockey and the start of season was difficult with a 0-4 loss. Coached by Miss Hems and were a force to be reckoned with. Mid-fielders Tilly Thomas, Primrose Lenon, Zoe Noussis and Lottie Douglas were Miss Chapman the team progressed and won their last game vs Epsom College 8-0. Victoria Bond scored five goals in tenacious in attack and defence. Forwards Molly Brassington, Tishy Rao, Emma Rickerd and Charlotte Winslet seized the final game and no player ever gave up which is a credit to their dedication and commitment. every opportunity to score, showing perseverance against tough opposition.

With five out of ten matches won by the season’s end the U15Bs claimed an impressive 5-0 victory against rivals Epsom Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference College in their final match. Overall the team showed a positive attitude and kept their heads up in defeat. 9 1 0 8 11 48 -37

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference U13A 10 5 1 4 15 22 -7 A thrilling and fast season with plenty of goals showed this team’s potential. Huge wins included 9-0 vs Lingfield College, 6-0 vs St Benedict’s and 7-0 vs Epsom College giving an outstanding goal total of 50 in 12 games. The season showed what teamwork and hard work can do.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 12 7 0 5 50 29 21

102 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 103 U13B 12C

It was a great season for the U13Bs with a 50% win ratio. A tough 4-1 loss to Lingfield College gave the girls drive to A new team with new hockey skills proved a tough affair. They battled well and developed new skills and won their improve and play tougher hockey. They bounced back with wins against Kingston Grammar School, Lord Wandsworth final game vs Christchurch. A narrow loss to Epsom College showed how far the team has come. College and St Teresa’s School. Maddie Foster was a rock at the back and Jaimee Burrage in goal was the basis of a great defensive unit. The determination they showed during the Cranleigh tournament where they narrowly missed 3rd place Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference on penalty shuffles made the girls dig deep and come away with two exciting wins vs Hurstpierpoint College and Epsom 6 1 1 4 3 21 -18 College. Well done to all involved for a season of determination and well fought fixtures

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 12 6 0 6 24 25 -1

U13C

This season the team has improved tremendously through the ups and downs, developing tactics and strategies to put into a game situation after initial losses. Drawing matches increased confidence and a high of the season was vs St Benedict’s School when the first goal of the season was scored. Another highlight was beating Epsom College 3-0 in the final match of the season. Every match was played with a positive attitude, whether won or lost.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 8 1 4 3 10 23 -13

12A

The U12A had plenty of fixtures in which to progress over a short period of time, starting at the Lingfield and Cranleigh competitions. These were followed by wins against Lord Wandsworth College, St Benedict’s and Epsom College. The county finals was vs St George’s to determine second and third place and a narrow 1-0 loss meant the team finished third, which was an excellent result.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 7 3 1 3 13 11 2

12B

There were some exceptional wins this season against Kingston Grammar School, Lord Wandsworth College and St Benedict’s with some close losses for the remainder. The team worked hard work and never gave up.

Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference 9 3 0 6 12 24 -12

104 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 105 able to slot it home, which meant that we needed to beat Harrow to remain in the hunt for first place. The 4th XI game started well with St John’s scoring the first goal but The 4th XI, skilfully led by George Emerson, had a very sloppy game management and possession ended in a 4-1 enjoyable and successful season with four wins and only loss. two narrow defeats. The reliable back four – Ollie Bell, Michael Hagon and Joe Watson - provided a rock-hard Thankfully, the side bounded back with mightily shield for goalie Ben Greenbury. Midfield was shared impressive victories against Radley (6-1), Berkhamsted between Frank Dwan, Dan Barnham, Scott Driscoll, Ed FOOTBALL (5-2) and Tonbridge (4-1) to secure Second place in the Beech, Dominic Blackmore, Luke Swiss, Tom Lambert, League for the second year running. A very impressive Freddie Shearer and Charles Watkins; not once were season reports achievement. these skilful players overrun by the opposition. Up front, Ben Gosling was a deceptively quick and mobile target man. 2nd XI The team won all away matches despite some gruelling The St John’s 2nd XI started the season with promise journeys, with the highlight a 3-1 win against Harrow. after a 2-1 victory against Dulwich College with goals Eighteen goals were hammered home, with Ben Gosling from Captain Serfözo and Tom Rogers, however, the top scoring five, Dominic Blackmore (four), Ed Beech season was to be one of missed opportunities. Against (three), Freddie Shearer (two), and one each from Tom Haileybury the side had fantastic opportunity to win Lambert, Michael Hagon, Charles Watkins and Dan but ended up with a 3-4 loss. James Robinson provided Barnham. Every team member deserves credit for a resilience and good distribution, Seb Hommasi’s addition memorable season. to the team provided creativity and Max Simpson worked tirelessly out wide. However, the side were not able to create enough chances or work cohesively. The season’s highlight came in the penultimate game where the team came back from being 3-0 down against Tonbridge but unfortunately ended up losing 5-4.

3rd XI

St John’s 3rd XI started the season with a convincing 2-1 win over Dulwich College, showing strength in attack and consistency from the back four. This debut win was followed by a victory away at Haileybury, with a memorable equaliser from Heard giving the team drive to duly slotted home a penalty. In the second half Sanders win. The third game of the season saw St John’s remain 1st XI and Tresidder broke up the play, allowing the back four unbeaten in a 2-2 draw at home against local rivals: and Coughlan to create chances for Tudor, who linked Epsom College. The game was optimised by Hanratty’s This 1st XI played attacking football and defended with play superbly with Shannon and Sellick; it was Sellick’s goal line clearance, keeping the Eagles in the game at commitment. The side were ably led by Captain Hugo delivery which gave chance after chance. Coughlan 2-1 down. The unbeaten streak was finally broken by Coughlan and Vice-Captains Alfie Parker and Ben Tudor eventually directed a header into the bottom corner Harrow; St John’s showed promise in the first half, only who demonstrated the hard graft and communication from Sellick’s in swinger to take a 2-1 victory. The to run out of steam in the second. 5th XI skills required to create a cohesive unit. After a fantastic season continued with an impressive 2-0 victory against The team was disappointed to lose the talented Sebastian preseason camp at Manchester City Academy, the season St Paul’s with Luke Trimming’s repeated saves in goal. Hommasi to the 2nd XI, but was fortunate to welcome It is an odd thing to have a season where a team plays started in earnest against Dulwich College with a 1-1 Dom Blackmore in number 10 who supplied Hanratty more competitive matches on grass than it has training draw. In the local derby which ended the first half term, expertly, resulting in brilliant goals. Finn Nicholson sessions on grass, but so it was for the 2018 5th XI. the 1st XI started sluggishly and gave Epsom’s striker consistently caused midfield problems for opponents The cancellations were a real shame for the most The League season got underway with a 2-1 victory opportunity and a freekick took the score to 2-0. with cool ball control. The defence was lead valiantly talented 5th XI team that this commentator has seen in against Haileybury. After dominating the play in the Thankfully, we rallied to draw level and, in the second all season by Ethan Heard, whose crunching challenges his five years at St John’s. There was Sam ‘self-styled- first half, the side went 1-0 down, but St John’s did half, started to attack. With just 10 minutes of play and aerial clearances are sure to propel him into the 2nd kamakazie’ Hunt in goal (or occasionally in midfield) not stop pressing forward and just before half time, remaining, Sellick scored taking it to 3-2. Unfortunately, and 1st XI next season. Every player gave their best and and solidity at the back from skipper Adam Goldsmith Captain Coughlan, who was instrumental in midfield, with seconds to go, Epsom booted a ball long and were showed improvement over the season. supported by Nikhil Patel and Hugo Carpenter. The

106 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 107 dynamic midfield included Scott Driscoll and George Myers supported by Angus Lonsdale, Luke Swiss, 16B Angus Rose and Filitino with stopper Jacob Stevenson. The U16B side should be pleased with the progress they Up front, Ethan Binns was ably supported by Nathan have made this year. Although the season’s results were Bradshaw and Freddie Shearer. An early season set mixed, the side played attacking football and worked back against Dulwich was followed by convincing wins tirelessly in defence beating Epsom College (4-1) and over Haileybury (at their lido), and Epsom (at our own Abingdon (9-1) and securing a 1-0 win against Harrow lido). A moral victory from a 3-2 defeat away at Harrow with a notable performance by Sam Laslett. The team saw the team face Radley (our toughest opposition of were ably led throughout this season by Sam Smedley the season) and finish on the wrong end of a hiding! who continues to flourish in leadership roles. After the Pools Panel said “away-win” for our cancelled game at Tonbridge, the season ended on a high with a convincing 5-0 win away at Abingdon. Congratulations to all who have represented the 5th XI this season! 16C

It has been a pleasure to captain the U16C team. After 16A last year’s impressive and consistent campaign we had high hopes under our new coach, Mr Ross. Our first game was a test of strength and after going 1-0 down in The season started with a number of boys travelling the opening stages, the game ended in a well-deserved to Manchester to train at the Manchester City training 3-2 victory thanks to outstanding goals from Jonah complex in a mixed side against strong local teams. It Cobham, Sam Turner and Max Howe. Our next game was the last match George Sellick would play and we saw a 3-3 draw against Haileybury. certainly missed his striking prowess, but our loss was the 1st XI’s gain. In the following weeks, games were cancelled, and with injuries and waterlogged pitches, we had some Friendly matches against Dulwich and Sevenoaks saw winners after finishing their League season unbeaten, inconsistency. The lack of structure in our play left us Tom Marvin take a number of excellent shots; however scoring 40 goals and conceding only two. Ryan Trevitt 15C with consecutive defeats against Harrow, Epsom College it was Harry Mead in the midfield three which set the and Braiden Hall proved difficult for the opposition to and Tonbridge. We played our last game together With strong team performances the U15Cs won two tone for strong possession based play. stop and notable wins included Harrow 5-0, Epsom against Abingdon and, after a shaky start, Fin Hurree and drew one from the six games played. Captained College 11-0, Tonbridge 4-2 and St Paul’s 3-0. saved us with an excellent stop from the penalty spot. St John’s dominated the first two league matches against by Henry Corbett, the team beat Haileybury, had a We regrouped and Austin Bell scored four goals in quick Haileybury and St Paul’s, but could not quite score fantastic 3-0 win away to Epsom College and a 2-2 succession and further goals from Sam Smitherman and despite creating opportunities, so started the season draw against Harrow. Unfortunately, two poor first-half Austin Bell (taking his tally to five for the game) ended with a draw and a loss. A 2-0 defeat to Epsom followed 15B performances followed against Dulwich and Tonbridge the match 8-1 to St John’s – a strong way to finish the and the last game before half term produced a 1-1 draw which could not be recovered despite solid second- season. against Harrow. After an unbeaten season as U14s, the side had high half performances. St John’s controlled the final fixture hopes and stayed positive throughout but faced many against Abingdon but a lack of killer instinct in the final The half term break, snow and the loss of Captain challenges this season, including losing players to the A third and conceding two sloppy goals resulted in a loss. Ethan Salter to the 1st took the wind out of our sails 15A team and inclement weather disrupting training. Omar Matthias was top scorer for the season with seven and, despite a great team effort, defeats to Radley goals. Performance-wise, it was a good season with an and Tonbridge followed, before we had a win against A tough first fixture against Dulwich resulted in a 2-3 excellent team. With only one or two tweaks, the boys The U15 team started the season by placing in the Abingdon. loss but proved to be an excellent warm up game and have a great opportunity next season to play to their top 16 of the Investec ISFA National Cup and ended was preparation for the league season. Victories against potential. the season as National ISFA Futsal Cup and Southern Honourable mentions go to Jonny Pagett and Aron Haileybury (10-0) and Epsom (2-1) were followed by a Independent Schools’ League Champions. Tubman who provided excellent width down each flank, draw against St Paul’s. and Chris Ballard who battled against some excellent The team, captained by Jack Goodman, were crowned wingers. Our player of the season was Will Farnsworth, After half term, the side faced tougher opposition 15D National Futsal Champions after knocking out Hampton who made numerous saves and ensured opposition but a victory against Radley and a draw at Abingdon School 3-2 and winning their semi-final against Brighton In a tough season, the highlight was a 7-4 victory goals were kept to a minimum. I wish the boys the best were highlights. Despite losing to both Harrow and College 2-1. The final against reigning champions against Epsom. Despite having 95% of the possession, as they move into the senior teams. Tonbridge, the side played well and made real progress Repton School was intense but the team were able to St John’s found themselves behind continually until the over the season. score two quick goals to win and take the title. end of a peculiar first half, with chances not capitalised on. The outstanding first half player was Wilf Morris This success was followed up with the U15 side who dominated midfield. With a few changes, the becoming Southern Independent Schools’ League second half was a much better performance with Twist

108 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 109 and O’Brien on both wings and de Leo up front, Epsom could not keep up. Zach Hill was the U15D version of 14C 13A 12A a battering ram and quickly netted the ball twice. The An impressive season saw four out of six wins and over Performances improved dramatically from the previous 12A have shown considerable promise in their first defence played well with Patrick Brown, Charlie Collins, 30 goals scored. The highlight of the campaign was season and the highlight came against Glyn with a season although their results were a little disappointing. Josh Hack and Ryan Want showing skill impressive for undoubtedly a commanding 12-3 victory against Epsom 1-0 win thanks to a superb goal from Filip Lissah The boys performed with a sense of purpose and a a D team. Ben Grear’s performance was like watching College. The U14Cs were captained by Bertie who was who scored the greatest school boy football goal many pleasing work ethic. A victory against St Dunstan’s was Liverpool in the late 80s with Bruce Grobbelaar as he supported by Rocco, while Poppy and Rose in full-back observers had ever seen. The ball came at him about encouraging and they utilised the use of the wings well committed to slide tackling the opposition well outside developed confidence and skill during the season. The 40m out from goal and with his heel he set the ball. The with hard running full-backs. Luc Bird opened the of the 18 yard box! A mixed season but an enjoyable midfield maestros were Toby and Finn (both deserved approaching defender saw Filip flick the ball over both scoring with a neat finish into the bottom corner. Rory one. their call-ups to the B team) and Ben, Toby and Matthew heads as he spun towards the goal. Without hesitation, Davidson caused the opposition problems with his developed a telepathic understanding of each other’s he volleyed the ball and, in almost slow motion, the ball winding runs and pace and was rewarded by scoring games and scored plenty of goals. Goal of the season looped over the goalkeeper and into the goal: simply twice. Harry Barker made impressive passes around the 14A was by Toby, who weaved through the Harrow midfield amazing. pitch. Jamie Ruscoe was the out-field performer of the before unleashing a mercurial ping into the top corner. afternoon with a hat-trick, but the goal of the day goes The team started strong with impressive wins against The only loss came to Abingdon in the final game. The The season further improved with a resounding 7-1 to Joe Willis for a fine effort from the edge of the box. Dulwich and Haileybury. Henry Boyle scored 14 goals team should be immensely proud of their effort and victory against Epsom. The focus shifted to width and Man of the match votes went to Henry Emerson for a for the season and Jake Bartholomew captained the side progress. depth while playing in position and this paid dividends, clean sheet and a fine goal-keeping display. A side with impressively from centre of defence, marshalling the with Filip Lissah getting on the score sheet and unlucky promise moving forward. side to four clean sheets out of seven. The second half not to add another with a stormer hitting the crossbar. of the season saw a stout defensive performance against Lucas Atkin followed suit with a well-worked goal, Harrow yielding a high-scoring draw. Berkhamsted was 14D before Jacob Costard’s pace made it 5-1. Another great a physically intimidating side, and St John’s struggled shot from Lissah took it to six and Costard finished 12B The season was hampered by the weather but the team to compete effectively but never gave up and the loss the scoring to see the final total 7-1. A slow start but a still played their best. With James Perry and Adam In a season hampered by adverse weather, the team highlighted areas for future improvement. The season fantastic second half, with the squad rotating well and Rustom in goal, Leyton Tribe and Tomas Cabrelli up showed skill and teamwork. Returning to Epsom finished on a high with a 7-0 win against Abingdon all boys playing as a team. Clearly the side are showing field, Poppy Power, Oran Murphy and Andrew Yi in hungry for revenge after being beaten 3-0 earlier in School. promise for next season! defence, the team played well and were unlucky to not the season, they put together a fantastic performance, capitalise. However, this did not deter their spirits and securing a 3-1 victory. Although unlucky in their last they played well throughout. game of the season, all involved should be pleased with 14B 13B what they achieved and look forward to returning to the pitch next year. The 14B had a successful season with five wins, a draw The U13Bs endured some tough weekends but and one unfortunate loss, but only six players from 14E responded with enthusiasm, heart and a positive the original team remained during the season which attitude. Twin fixtures against local rivals Epsom brought Out of a scheduled nine matches, the team played only hampered progress. Everybody played a key role, out their best, with goals from Joe Mullen and Thomas four due to the bad weather. In a difficult fixture against spurred on by half-time Haribo, combined with the Peel in the respective fixtures. The team developed Dulwich College, the opposition ran away with the fitness training, there were many comebacks and strong defensively over the season, with Captain Rhys Venmore match in the second half, scoring 11 goals. The fixture second halves with Dan Geddes becoming top scorer. acting as a defensive midfielder in front of the back four against Epsom College proved more balanced with two to great effect. While the boys consistently demonstrated goals each but whatever encouragement this provided We began the season with three 4-1 wins and the togetherness and resilience, a special mention must be was quashed against Harrow in a 1-10 defeat. In what loss to Glyn, followed by close games including two made for the last game of the season vs Abingdon. A turned out to be the final fixture against Berkhamsted, narrow victories and a draw which highlighted the severely depleted side ran their socks off, despite the big both teams scored one goal each, until the last few team’s determination to fight until the last, especially pitch and the injuries suffered during the game. So long minutes when Berkhamsted scored the winning goal. in the game against Berkhamsted, where we recovered as this attitude remains in place, the results will surely from a 3-1 deficit to draw in the final moments. Other follow as the boys move up through the School. The team was ably captained by Daniel Rindfuss who games were cancelled due to bad weather. Well done led the team to give their best and show grace in defeat. to everybody who contributed to the B team this season There were notable signs of disappointment, especially and a big mention to the coaches. in the closely fought fixtures, but the players are to be congratulated on representing the School well and playing very much as part of a team.

110 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 111 2nd XV U16B

The Second XV enjoyed an excellent season with seven Free-flowing, fast and ferocious epitomises the team’s wins out of 11 and scored over 200 points. The season brand of rugby this year, playing 32 over the last three started well with an impressive performance against years with 30 victories and two narrow defeats. It is a Wimbledon College which ended 34-14. This followed mightily impressive achievement and well-deserved losses in tough games against Cranleigh and Brighton, from this talented bunch of players. The season opened RUGBY but the subsequent game against Hurstpierpoint College with convincing victories against Wimbledon College was a highlight of the season with an impressive 36-17 and Hurstpierpoint. After leading 7-0 at half time season reports win. This was due to more aggression in the tackle and against Cranleigh, the boys defended with bravery and at the breakdown, with the forwards leading the way, skill guaranteeing the win. and included stellar performances from Josh Williams and Josh Hay. A long run of wins followed against The season-defining game came against Epsom College. difficult schools such as Haileybury and an impressive Despite dominating the ball in the first five minutes, 20-12 victory against RGS. Narrow losses followed Epsom College made a breakthrough with a blind against Seaford 10-24 and Epsom 12-19 and ended the side move from beyond our 10 metre which led to the season on a lower note. opposition flanker flying over the try line. St John’s went into halftime 14-0 down following another breakaway The Second XV proved a great team, particularly as try. If St John’s were to win this, they really needed to players were being selected for the 1st XV due to bring their ‘A’ game. The Eagles came out with fight and injuries which meant it was difficult to cement a starting tenacity and pressed hard as they battled up the slope, XV each week. With excellent coaching from Mr Evans similar to William the Conqueror as he faced Harold in and Mr Smith, the Second XV was a difficult team 1066. Unfortunately, the Epsom defensive line stood to beat. strong but finally St John’s scored.

1st XV

The pre-season training started by empowering players A highlight of the season had to be hosting Dulwich in to be involved in the planning and detail of play and a the Champions Cup semi-final, in front of the entire leadership group of mixed ages thrived taking the lead. senior school, which included a temporary stand and The players’ dream goal was to win the Champions Cup, live streamed video coverage, and was a fantastic show supported by home fixture wins and these were to be of St John’s Rugby even with the loss. achieved by focusing on smaller process goals. Strong pride based themes were introduced and player led in Four of the First XV players represented the school for the area of expectations and standards. Harlequins U18 side – Jordan Bond, Thomas Davison, Jack Potter and Captain, Jack Musk, who also earned Over the course of the season, the players had a full contract with Harlequins Premiership side. tremendous results in a very competitive fixture list Flanker Raef Murphy was selected into the Irish Exiles with 15 played: seven won, seven lost and a draw and U18 squad, while Jonny Lack and Charlie Hellier will strong performances against the likes of Wimbledon, represent Surrey U18. Tonbridge, Trinity, Leeds Grammar and KCS Wimbledon.

112 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 113 Luke Reed made an excellent line and grounded the ball and in the final few minutes of the game, the score U13B was deadlocked 14-14. St John’s were dominating The U13Bs got off to a flyer at the start of the season, territory and possession throughout the second half winning three of their opening four games and putting and had numerous scrums and free-kicks, but it looked in some very strong performances along the way. as though the score would remain even. In the final Victories against Dunottar, City of London Freeman’s play, with a penalty advantage to St John’s, Austin Bell and Claremont Fan Court allowed the St John’s boys to exclaimed “we will take the penalty please ref”. Lukas gain much needed momentum. Bednall stepped up and kicked through the posts on the final whistle. St John’s won 17-14 over Epsom College - As the season progressed, the team spirit was higher a tremendous game and season. than ever and the enthusiasm shown throughout the squad was fantastic. A combination of pace on the wings, provided by Venmore and Norris, and powerful U14A ball carrying from Mullen and Sumpter created the perfect recipe. Special mention must also go to Brown, The U14A side had a very positive and successful first Chan, Clogston, Daniells, Illsley, Phillips, Shelley, season. Despite not having played together before they Evans and Macateer, all of whom played their part in a bonded quickly and a strong opening victory against fantastic all round season. I look forward to seeing their Wimbledon College showed the team’s talent. The next progress next year in the U14s. game against Cranleigh was challenging but the team remained in contention, scored in the final play and secured a draw.

The side went into the mid-season break undefeated but KCS proved to be the toughest side of the season. After a close game, St John’s unfortunately lost to a last minute try but it was a positive experience as the team was tested at a much higher level.

After that defeat, the side came back strong and beat Seaford College 43-0 before ending the season with a 38-10 victory against Epsom. It was a pleasing season for the U14A side, winning all but one of their games. They have the potential to have a strong rugby future at St John’s and I hope that they can build on this season’s success in the coming years.

114 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 115 1st VII Katie Littlewood

The 1st VII once again were undefeated in their season Our attacking side consisted of Ellie Mills and Katie netball fixtures. This is a great achievement and means that Littlewood who combined superbly in the circle to score some players have gone three years unbeaten. a high percentage of goals. Unfortunately Kirstin Hume, who has been a key member of the squad over the years, During this season, the team delivered some outstanding missed most of the season due to injuries. NETBALL performances with a particular highlight being the 50- 26 win against current Surrey County champions, St In the National Schools’ Qualifiers in November, we got season reports George’s College. The team also convincingly beat local dealt a tough pool and narrowly lost to Coloma in a critical Director of Netball: Mrs K Walsh-Jones rivals Epsom 44-18 and recorded an excellent away win match. Once again in the Surrey finals, we drew Coloma at Wellington College. Another significant success was the in our group and a repeat of losing by just one point pre-season tournament at Hurstpierpoint, with great wins prevented us from reaching the semi-finals. against Eastbourne, Brighton College, Cranleigh, Seaford and Reigate Grammar. On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank Mrs Walsh-Jones for being a really inspiring coach these last three years; it is Our defensive duo of Grace Sullivan and Ellie Grove were with her guidance and support that we have achieved the extremely impressive throughout the season as they used things we have during our time at St John’s. It has been an their height and speed to their advantage, gaining lots honour being captain and I will deeply miss representing of possession through remarkable interceptions. In the the School. centre court, our quartet of players, Pippa Hansford, Molly Saunders, Ruby Breakspear and Izzy Hammersley were rotated to great effect to make sure we transitioned the ball effectively through court.

Netball is the main sport for girls during the Spring Term The club ran a number of trips in the Autumn Term; the but also acts as preparation for the A team squads in the U12 pupils travelled to Shropshire on the JCA tour and National Schools Tournament and county preliminary the U19A and U16A competed in Loughborough and rounds. The club operates six senior teams, two U16 York. The senior tour took place in November and the sides, ten junior teams and eight Lower School teams. The team made the most of the opportunity to pit themselves netball club has 26 teams competing for the School in any against the Northumbria U19 NPL side and the 2018 U19 given week, which is outstanding for a school of our size. National School Champions, Queen Ethelburga’s College.

Each team trains three times a week and participates in We are looking forward to some exciting events coming up fixtures against other schools in Surrey, Central London, in summer 2018. Members of the club will be attending Hertfordshire, Sussex, Kent and Berkshire. This year the a Surrey Storm Superleague match and the Storm players St John’s U19A VII and U13A VII sides competed in the will be also be coaching Lower School netballers. county finals which is an excellent achievement. I am very fortunate to be supported by a committed Across the age groups, St John’s girls represent their and highly talented group of coaches, including coaches county, club and also the Surrey Storm NPL sides. We who train at Superleague and Premier League level. All currently have three Surrey Storm NPL players at the players have the opportunity to represent the School in school including one Premier League level player, three competitive fixtures at junior and senior level and we are players at Regional Level and five part of the Surrey proud of our ability to cater for both elite athletes and all County set-up. Over 30 girls regularly compete at Club other participants. Level outside School.

116 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 117 2nd VII early on. The highlight was winning against St George’s thanks to her excellent shooting and well-timed movement Connie Chapman Eventually, our patience paid off as we dominated against 40-8 in treacherous conditions. The team worked well in the shooting circle. Both Tishy and Emilia Hay worked Reigate Grammar in a 29-7 victory. A definite highlight together using attacking plays from the centre passes and strongly together in attack throughout the season. At the beginning of the season we had a fresh new 2nd of this match was Hollie Ford’s debut as GS, alongside the back line passes, keeping possession for the majority VII who were yet to get used to playing together. In consistently great mid-court play between Zanna of the match and making excellent passes into the circle. Josie Keey and Sophie Rose Russell also played consistently our opening match against Epsom, the girls showed McMahon and Rhianna Hyde. It was rewarding to leave Team training sessions were fun and full of energy with well throughout the season, maintaining a strong hold over potential but were unable to secure the win. This gave us the court with such a significant victory, in what would be lots of fitness! The entire team kept me motivated and it the centre court. With solid defence from Georgie Philpott, determination for the rest of the season, which saw only the last match we would all play together for St John’s. was a pleasure to coach them. I wish them every success Lara Quickfall and Georgia Kennefick, it is clear to see why one further loss against Brighton. next year. Special mention goes to the MVP of the season, there were only two losses throughout the season. The Jemima Good. team had a successful, fun season which culminated in a Our stand out match came in the final domestic fixture of 4th VII huge victory against Latymer Upper School at 32-9. the season and was a clear example of the improvements Claudia Densham that had been made. St John’s came from being six goals U15A VII down at half time to drawing the match in the final This has been a challenging season for the 4th VII team; Clare Greenwood U15C VII seconds. The teamwork and spirit to achieve this result however, the girls’ unfailing positivity and genuine Sophie Westerby-Jones was phenomenal and the team drew much of their energy enjoyment of netball shone through in both matches and We had a strong start to the season and the team from Captain Macy McCutcheon. Macy was our most training. Whilst we experienced a loss against Epsom’s constantly worked hard in training to improve results for The 15Cs had a successful season with five wins and two improved player this season and has been instrumental 4th team, we then went on to face their 5th team. This our weekend fixtures. The effort put in was outstanding losses. This included convincing wins against Churcher’s with her speed through the mid-court and her feeds into was a hugely competitive game and with our fitness and and we became physically and mentally stronger than and Epsom. The losses were to Bradfield and a nail-biting the circle. determination, the end score was 8-8. On a very rainy many other teams that we faced. Moreover, having Miss 13-12 defeat to Reigate. The squad consisted of Rose, day we faced Bradfield College, a highly skilled team. Greenwood as a coach really helped us to improve and India, Alice, Emma, Cecily, Olivia, Molly B, Molly W and Our final test came in the U18B Country Finals in which Issy Cooper was strong in defence along with Sophie pushed us to win, even in extremely tough matches. A Poppy was Captain. The girls were a pleasure to coach, the girls fought hard in many games, with only a single Mosselmans fighting at centre but we were unable to gain highlight of the season was our match against Bradfield. training was lots of fun and every girl made great progress goal separating winners and losers on a number of frequent possession, ending the game 6-22. Our final Our scores were almost level until the third quarter throughout the term. Rose, despite being the nicest girl occasions. The girls can be proud of having come second game was against the very strong Brighton College, and where we had made a few careless errors and suffered the you’d ever meet, displayed impressive sass as goal keeper. in their pool at this event. despite our best effort and smiles, we lost 2-32. Our most consequence of being seven goals down; in the last quarter India rose up from the E team but played so consistently valuable player this year goes to Freya Scarry, who has not St John’s turned things around and played amazing netball, well that no one would have ever known. Alice displayed Every player in the squad deserves praise for their efforts only played extremely well, but has motivated the team with impenetrable work in defence and uncountable great pace as wing defence and could always be counted and achievements this season, from our dependable GS throughout the season! interceptions throughout the court, with every player upon to keep going despite her reluctance to remove Ellie Chalk, to our unceasingly determined GD Carolina stepping up to play their best netball and showing her jumper. Emma, as shown by her MVP award, was Bond. However, our player of the season, as voted by the resilience, which led to a very close result of 25-26 to consistently excellent and worked tirelessly in training girls, was Sanne Senior, who has played at WA, C and WD U16A VII Bradfield. This resilience under pressure came to typify and matches. Cecily had to balance netball with external this season, bringing energy and vision whenever she was Kate Symes-Thompson our game and mindsets and we had several close matches hockey commitments but, when she played, she was a on the court. throughout the season with a nail-biting draw against St powerhouse of energy in the centre court. Olivia was not The U16As have had an excellent season, winning five George’s and a win against Brighton College. After half always available to play but when she did, she played with out of seven matches and demonstrating enormous term we were unbeatable, playing fluid and skilful netball. great enthusiasm and willingly played a range of positions. 3rd VII improvement from Fourth Form where we won only Molly B was new to St John’s in Lower Fifth but her netball Darcy Barnes two matches. We have exceeded expectations as a team The team should be very proud of all their hard work and talent stood out from the first session and she was an and individually we have all excelled while developing achievements this season, resulting in us winning over excellent acquisition for the 15Cs. Molly W rarely came Despite the number of match cancellations this year due skills and teamwork. This was highlighted in our first half of our fixtures and, more importantly, building strong to training as she was so busy with her other sporting to extreme weather, the netball season for the 3rd VII team match against Epsom College, where we won 30-22. This foundations for moving into the senior set up. commitments but every Saturday she would arrive, score was brilliant, with many prominent improvements made. determination and team cooperation continued to our some outstanding goals, run around the court and more As a team who had never previously played together, we last match against Latymer Upper School, where we won often than not, walk off with player of the match. Poppy bonded quickly, with positions and tactics being forged 52-8. It has been the most enjoyable season, despite the U15B VII has been fantastic in the semi-circle and as the team early on. Our first match was at home against Epsom injuries and match cancellations along the way. We all look Siobhan Alderson captain. As a captain, I knew I could rely on her and she College, a strongly contested match which we were eager forward to future seasons representing St John’s School. did a great job organising the team and making sure that to win. However, after our narrow loss of 17-20, we This was the second season that the team have played everyone was in the right place at the right time. She also were determined to claim a victory despite the hard set together, following a very successful season last year as led by example on the court and was a great ambassador of fixtures ahead. Unfortunately, the incredible defensive U16B VII the 14Bs. The girls had a strong start to this season with for the School when taking the lead in meeting opponents. skills and interceptions coming from Jem Clemett (WD), Rebecca Davidson a convincing win against Epsom College. We went on to Anya Cooper (GD) and Georgie Smith (GK) were not quite win four more fixtures out of a total of seven games played I had great fun coaching the 15Cs but the highlight of the enough to secure a win until slightly later in the season The U16Bs were already extremely strong, starting the due to cancellations as a result of bad weather. All players season had to be the game against St George’s. At the end and, even though the score sheet may not have always season as an unbeaten team. This season was similarly listened to coaching advice and there were outstanding of the third quarter, we were winning 28-5. In the break gone our way, each member of the team was intent on successful considering the big step up to senior level and individual performances throughout the games. Tishy Rao St George’s coach asked that we swap positions to make securing victory by the season’s end. the unfortunate loss of a key member of the team very was awarded player of the match in a number of games the game more competitive for his team. I was reluctant

118 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 119 to do this but he insisted his girls would be happier if we from home in the first match. This was of course an U14C VII making it to the county finals – a great achievement. did. My girls were delighted as we frequently swapped enormous success for the girls and fuelled the motivation Karen Young Another excellent achievement was beating rivals St positions in training and also spent a lot of time playing to win another. The team then went on a winning streak, George’s in the counties. This year the U13A team have shooting games so the non-shooters wanted to have a go. beating every school they came up against, including It was a pleasure to work with the U14C team this season had an outstanding coach in Miss Swift who has helped Emma, Cecily and India all had a go at shooting and they Bradfield College, Churcher’s College and Reigate even though the results went against us. We always put up and given us courage when we needed it. scored some outstanding goals. The game finished 34-7 Grammar by impressive margins. a good fight and the girls playing their best and working and the fans really enjoyed seeing the girls play with such The team seemed unbeatable but a disappointing match hard right until the end of every game. They worked delight. against Wellington College soon broke the streak. It was well as a team and managed to put together a brilliant U13B VII a frustrating game for the girls, unable to keep possession performance to beat Latymer Upper School away in the Sue Cornish and unfortunately losing 27-21. Despite the loss, the girls last game of the season. U15D VII kept their heads held high and looked forward to getting From the very beginning of the season, the U13Bs were Tanya Bateson back on top form the following Saturday. The team worked What was really pleasing to see was the team cohesion full of smiles and enthusiasm, working as a team and very hard in training that week, before facing Latymer and how they never gave up in the face of adversity. A supporting each other during every match. With two The U15Ds were consistent and always played to their Upper away from home. The girls used all their frustration special mention goes to Izzy Kuhle for achieving MVP of cancelled matches due to the bad weather, they had a great best. They started strong and won 31-5 against Epsom. from the Wellington match to guarantee a win. It was a the season due to her positive approach to every game she season, winning six, drawing one and losing four. MVP for However, the second match against Bradfield College strong performance, their play becoming better and better, played for us. I wish the girls good luck for next season the team was Sophie Clemett who was solid in defence. was the toughest of the season and both teams played and the score difference growing larger and larger as the and may they continue to enjoy the game of netball, to be exceptionally well which resulted in a draw. The U15Ds match went on. To the delight of the team, the girls went played with determination and enthusiasm. won every match after that to achieve an undefeated home with a well-deserved 36-16 victory. This was another U13C VII season. Aurelia Loth was the MVP with some outstanding great highlight for the team, and was a fantastic match to George Tunnacliffe shooting throughout the season and Lottie Douglas wrap up the season. U14D VII remained a strong centre throughout. Zoe Noussis was Nikki Dewhurst The girls had a great season with many promising our most improved player and moved from defence Overall, it has been a brilliant first season for the U14A performances, ending with a record of played ten, won positions to shooting once Poppy Parfitt was injured. Bella netball team, with each girl developing as an individual At the start of the season the U14D team worked hard in five, lost five. Losing our first game to Tormead was a Oakley was also a strong player and all the girls have been player, as well as the team as a whole. The amount of training to practice drills and match play to bring the team tough start to the season but led to a four match winning enjoyable to coach! effort put into each match was excellent to see, as was the together. After an initial loss against Epsom, the team grew streak. The girls finished the season with our best enjoyment in their play. The girls should feel very proud stronger, culminating in a win against St George’s College. performance against Tiffin, with the dream duo of Victoria of their achievements and I know we are all thoroughly The positive spirit and enjoyment of the game made this Tyshchenko and Jaimee Burrage having an unbelievable U15E VII looking forward to the netball season next year. an enjoyable season. Our MVP was captain, Faith Ruoff day helping the team win by 18 goals! Tom Parry who showed great determination as Centre to drive the Asantewaa Ntiamoah caused chaos in defence all season, ball forward. Other players who brought a consistent with many opposition coaches commenting on how well The U15Es had a strong start to the season, performing U14B positive energy to each session were Susannah Klein and she read the games. Llinos Davies and Maddie Foster were well against Epsom, Bradfield and Brighton. Whilst Jasmine Lane Emma Hull. Ella Horvat is to be commended for her goal crucial to our link play in midfield and without them our the results were not always in our favour, the girls still shooting. shooters would not have had as many opportunities. performed very well and have demonstrated a noticeable The U14B team have worked hard this season and pulled The side was expertly led by the trio of Amica Van Strien, improvement as the season progressed. There were many together as a team. There have been tough losses, but the Grace Levasier and Amy Brunton. What was most pleasing contributors throughout the season, all of whom brought girls have given it their all every single match and never U13A VII about this team is how well they worked together and something different to the versatile team! During training lost motivation. A particular strength of the team has been Olivia Newby played in a positive manner, it was an absolute pleasure they brought positivity and were very enjoyable to coach. giving encouragement to one another, which has really to coach them. A final mention must go to Grace Levasier, MVP was Charlotte Winslet for her work in Centre. made a difference on match day. A particular highlight was This year the U13A team has experienced both victories MVP for the season, for her brilliant interception play – our win against Churcher’s College 19-10. This convincing and losses, and from start to finish, the team has shown well done, Grace! defeat was down to great teamwork, with the girls moving dedication. Not only do we work to the best of our U14A VII the ball smoothly down the court to the attacking end abilities, we work as a team and have a family-like bond. Lise Parker when in possession and some lovely defence and shooting. We had so many achievements as a team, including U12A VII Another highlight was drawing against St George’s College. Hannah Rowell It was an impressive first season at St John’s for the U14A For the first three quarters the girls were trailing behind netball team. The girls went from strength to strength, but, with some great improvements in tactics, St John’s The season was full of ups and downs but we are really improving each week as they became more familiar managed to pull back in the last quarter, scoring the happy that it was many more ups than downs! We had with each other’s play. Our first game was an extremely drawing goal in the last minute of the match to finish 13- several highlights, the first being pre-season training in important grudge match facing Epsom College, a side we 13. The input of every player has made a difference this January, where the team was formed and Miss Rowell was knew would be strong. The girls came out fighting and season, but special mention must go to the MVP, Anouska introduced. The team have become friends both on and off in it to win it. It was a very fast and competitive match, White, who has worked tirelessly as an invaluable GD for the court and we have worked hard to form a whole-team neither side wanting to be the one to lose. St John’s came the team. Her positive ‘can do’ attitude has been infectious bond and positive mindsets on court. We have had some out on top, in a huge 37-20 win. This was one of the in training and matches and was much appreciated by the really well fought games – winning by one goal against highlights of the season, beating our biggest rivals away team. Well done to all the girls for their efforts this season. Royal Russell, two against Reigate Grammar and three against Tormead.

120 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 121 Beating Reigate Grammar was a particularly great moment Darcie Slatter was named MVP. Thanks to all the girls, for the team, we went out there wanting to prove that we parents and opposition for such a wonderfully positive could beat them and we played with true determination start to their St John’s Netball journey. throughout. Our real turning point of the season however, was when we beat St Teresa’s as we had lost a few games in a row, and we put real effort into trusting the process U12C VII and preparing. The team brought music and sweets and Phoebe Sharman we had a fun and fast warm-up before playing a fantastic SH OTING game. This season was amazing with fun training and great O matches against other schools. Playing at St John’s has The season finished with a win against Tiffin School, been exciting and a really good experience. I’m looking TEAM REVIEW which for Miss Rowell was the season highlight. All the forward to the next netball season. I have played for the girls played with a smile, we had a fun quarter where we U12C team, and it has been so fun playing netball with the played versatility and in the last quarter we pulled away to team. It was really good when we played matches against win by our biggest margin of the season. We are so proud other schools because we worked so hard to get the ball of how much the team has improved this season and are across the court and score goals. already looking forward to playing next season! Training was really fun because we did lots of different netball exercises to help us get better. We also did fitness U12B VII activities which were good for us. I have learnt how to play Craig Newby GD better than I could before because at my old school I played WD. I really enjoy playing GD as you get to work The U12B team has shown fantastic growth throughout with GK when the opposition is attempting to score and the season after starting on the first day as new St John’s I enjoy jumping to intercept the ball. I think I need to girls and a new to netball coach, Mr Newby. All the improve on holding my place when GK is doing a back- players had plenty of energy, and openness to learn. line pass. This year has seen some changes and a few new faces for points and a respectable 7th place finish. This however was Developing a player input culture was paramount, with all the shooting team, but we have adapted and have continued only the warm-up. the girls encouraged to lead in areas of both comfort and I have enjoyed playing with the team as, even if we lost a to improve, making this year one of the most successful in discomfort instead of having a set captain. This established match we wouldn’t be upset, we would think about what recent years. The second competition of the season was the Surrey a level playing field and a group of girls that worked their we did well and what we need to improve. I think the Schools’ Shoot. Despite a number of great scores, such as socks off for each other throughout the season. Highlights team has done really well on intercepting the ball but I At the start of the year, we said goodbye to the No. 8 cadet George Moore with 65.07 and Captain Cameron McKenzie included injured players still coaching and supporting, think we need to improve on passing into space. rifles as the new No. 9 cadet rifles were introduced for the with 67.04, equipment failure meant that the main team strong friendships developing and amazing progress. All Playing for St John’s U12C has been really fun, the team small-bore season. The No.8s were used for the last time only scored 456.25 points. George and Josh Karmel stayed the girls made such dramatic improvements that to single has done really well and we have definitely improved in our match against RGS Guildford; both sides posted focused and had a series of excellent shoots to win the one or two out would be unfair, but from a player vote, throughout the season. personal bests and a total of three perfect scores were Hawkins Cup in the pair competition. This is a fantastic recorded across the board, with numerous other shooters achievement, especially considering that the pair are still only dropping a few points. It was a fitting send off for such relatively new to the full-bore scene and will only improve a venerable rifle. as they gain more experience.

After an adjustment period with the new and unfamiliar All of this means that the team is confident moving into the No. 9s, St. John’s were soon back to top form and ready for final, and the most important, competition of the season: the Country Life competition. The team did exceptionally The Ashburton Schools’ Meeting. The high standard of well, coming second in the first round of the competition shooting displayed so far has already meant that this year but unfortunately didn’t quite make it to the top spot in the has been more successful than previous years and the final round. I am sure that the team will look to do better Ashburton shoot is the opportunity for the team to win for the next season. some even bigger prizes and finish the season in style.

Moving into the full-bore season, several new faces joined us and most of them had never fired the 7.62 cadet rifles before. Many had been with us for the small-bore season and were excited to try out with the bigger rifles.

The first competition of the season was the Clayton Cup and it was a strong start for the St John’s team. The top scorer of the competition was Vice-Captain Ben Somner- Bogard with a score of 65.02 and most of the team were not far behind. This led to St John’s scoring a total of 458.22

122 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 123 victory against the last of these (Jonny Pagett 136*) was Robbie Dennis and Freddie Simpson led the way with the potentially a school record win! The only blemish was ball, forming a good opening partnership which made it coming up short against an Eastbourne team containing difficult for opposition teams to get off to a quick start. several first teamers. Skipper Wood led the side with the James Searle had some good performances with the bat, gloves and the bat, twice moving past 50 with able support narrowly missing out on a half century against Epsom provided by Rob Butler, Sam King, Matt Evans and Will when cementing together an impressive run chase. Highest Ferguson throughout the season. Sam Bennett led a tight score of the season went to Daniel Geddes who scored 83 bowling group in terms of wickets with Jonny Pagett, to end the season against Caterham. CRICKET James Robinson, Luke Read and Blake Fildes as reliable as ever. All in all, a fantastic season, played in a great spirit Overall, the side will know they have the potential to have season reports throughout. Well done to all who have represented the a string of impressive results next season if they can build 2nds this season! on the foundations they have laid this year.

3rd XI U14B This was a season where early promise was not quite With Mr Gale’s catching drills fresh in the mind, the U14Bs fulfilled. One match was cancelled because of weather and entered the season in good spirits. After a tough start another because the opposition could not raise a team; against impressive opposition, solid wins against Reigate three matches were won and the two lost matches could/ Grammar, Eastbourne and Caterham meant that the season should have been won. ended on a high and Mr Hammond remained employed for another year. A huge amount of progress was made The first match was against a strong Reed’s team and, throughout the season, and credit must go to all the boys having been put in, sensible batting by Will Ferguson and for their commitment. Seb Carley ensured a reasonable total on a poor pitch. Rob Butler with two early wickets and Ben Geddes who took 5 for 20 ensured victory. Against Trinity, Lewis Moir and Ben U14C Geddes bowled well to limit Trinity to 111. Owen Thomas Taken at face value, it has been a difficult season for the and Martin Vogel batted well, but the luck did not go with U14C cricket team. However, scratch a little beneath the us and we ended 7 runs short. surface and there has, in fact, been much to celebrate.

The match against Epsom was won comfortably with Most of the U14Cs came into the season as cricketing Epsom restricted to 110 and JJ Hayter taking three novices. In our first fixture against Reed’s we suffered a wickets, but a strong opening partnership between Dan number of run outs, which hampered us on a flat pitch. Craig and Owen Thomas and some poor bowling from the However, since that first innings of the season, we did not opposition ensured a win with 10 overs to spare. lose any wickets to run outs for the rest of the year. It has The two matches against KCS were very similar. We batted been these progressions which have been so rewarding to first in each and set competitive totals, with good batting observe in the U14Cs. from Ben Bound, Owen Thomas, Ethan Heard and Seb Carley. We bowled well to start with and in both matches With tough defeats against excellent cricketing schools and guile whilst Matt Evans chipped in with some very 1st XI they needed 100 off the last 10 overs. At this stage the such as Reed’s, Trinity and RGS Guildford, the U14Cs significant partnerships in the latter part of the season. Mr Hammond had a new assistant coach this year in the bowling and fielding deteriorated and we lost in the last have faced a superb level of competition throughout the Special mention must also go to Jack Potter, who picked form of Mr Turner, a partnership that proved fruitful as over in the first match and just managed to win by two season. The season culminated in a home fixture against up player of the tournament in the festival for his three they guided the boys to a hugely successful season. A runs in the second. Eastbourne. Though we were not able to register a maiden half centuries in a row. Jack was at his destructive best that young side, led admirably by Ben Geddes, were able to victory on the final day of the season, every batsman from week and can take apart any bowling attack on his day. win 8 out of their 13 matches played. Notable victories 1-8 scored a run (9, 10, and 11 did not bat) and we posted My thanks must also go to the parents who came to watch against Epsom, KCS Wimbledon and Whitgift were U14A a season high score. This improvement demonstrates the every game without fail throughout the summer. Your particularly satisfying. The season culminated with the Although the U14A team results were mixed, the side hard work that has been made over the course of the term support is greatly appreciated and I am looking forward to boys winning the end of season festival shield against a has made excellent improvements as the season has and I hope that the boys take this into their Lower Fifth next summer already! strong Abingdon side. There were numerous highlights, progressed. The team took a few games to find their feet year. including maiden 1st XI centuries for Trimming and as a squad, but victories against Caterham and Epsom in Bond, another festival ton for Geddes, 5 wicket hauls and 2nd XI the Cup demonstrated the progression the side had made a hat-trick for Sanders and the emergence of some hugely over the first half term. After half term, the team struggled U15A The 2018 2nd XI were without doubt one of the strongest talented U5th boys. Farnsworth, Mead, Tubman and to manage the close situations and disappointing losses The U15As have had a thoroughly enjoyable season of teams to have ever donned the green and white in the Pagett acquitted themselves brilliantly and with those boys against KCS and Eastbourne left the team knowing they cricket which has seen numerous highs and lows. The 2nd XI guise. The season opened with a draw against available for another two years, exciting times lay ahead. could have won. The season ended with a pleasing victory boys have worked hard on their batting and Braiden Hall, Reed’s before the team hit its stride with wins against KCS Hunt, Simpson and Hanratty all bowled with great skill against Caterham. Charlie Wolff, Wilf Morris and Joe Moss secured 50s (x2) Wimbledon, Epsom, Trinity and Caterham. The 273 run

124 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 125 with several additional notable performances, such as to rack up the runs to take the win. Charlie Collins and U12A Ethan Macallister’s winning runs in the quarter final cup Mustafa El Barky both bowled well and Payne took three The U12As have had a mixed season with match against Whitgift. The quality of bowling on display catches on top of his two wickets! The short season for some close losses and some big wins too. In was, at times, particularly intimidating for our opponents, U15C team ended away at KCS Wimbledon where, despite swapping the captain round every week we and Ben Stefanik must be congratulated on taking five scoring well and starting the bowling well, St John’s have sought to give everyone an opportunity wickets in an early game against Reed’s. Above all else, this slipped away and allowed KCS to take the game at the to lead the side with the intention of season will be remembered for bringing a squad together end. A very short season in all but one that was enjoyed improving their cricketing knowledge as a and fostering a supportive and unified sense of team spirit. by all and possibly a school first (?) in fielding an almost result of this. Standout wins include a 6 run The boys should all be proud of their efforts and I look gender-balanced side against! win against Caterham in a high scoring game forward to seeing them compete at the top levels in the and winning the derby game versus Epsom by near future. 86 runs. U13A The season for the U13A team has been mixed. Having Special mentions go to Luke Patterson and U15B played 11 games, the boys won just the single game. A Reiss Campbell for scoring 50s and Cameron The 15Bs dramatically increased their win rate this year, convincing win vs Dunottar started the season very well Sim for being leading wicket taker of the from last season’s admittedly low baseline of zero. The and the next game vs St Thomas saw some good individual season. The boys have a lot of potential and victories over Epsom College and Caterham were well performances - George Perry hit 53 and Max Gray made hopefully lots of them will be gracing the 1st deserved and highlighted the significant improvements a valuable contribution - but we were just beaten to the XI in years to come. that were made across the course of the season. This was line. The rest of the season was one for reflection and particularly evident with players such as Sami Zubaidi, development. The team saw close losses to Trinity and who began the season by insisting that he bat at number The Cedars, where the games could have gone the other U12B 11, before progressing to opening the batting and finishing way, but playing a top four team in the country - Cumnor The U12Bs had a very encouraging first the season as the top scorer. An innings of 50 against House - was always going to be a tough affair. In the cricket season with three good wins against Girls’ Cricket 2018 KCS was a real highlight and he also became one of the season’s last game vs Caterham the boys looked to really Dunottar, Epsom and Caterham and some tight other The summer of 2018 may be remembered for football best bowlers, taking 6-6 against Eastbourne; he was a dig in and improve; they battled well and batted with heart matches. The standard of the fielding was high and Henry coming home, however for St John’s cricket, it will be the deserving winner of the player of the season award. But and it was another very close match which could have Emerson particularly excelled at short mid-on. The summer that girls’ cricket in the Lower School truly took this was a genuine team, with an excellent ethos and gone either way. A season for reflection and building. bowling of the team improved steadily over the season and off. attitude shown throughout. Harry Young was a very steady Ethan French, Jack Smosarski-Wright, Joseph Willis, Jake opening batsman and wicket keeper, whilst Ben Webb Loy and Rory Davidson all look fine bowling prospects for Though many of the girls had played cricket before, the played some very aggressive innings, effectively winning U13B the future. majority of them came into the Summer Term as cricketing the match against Caterham. The bowling attack was The U13B squad has had a topsy-turvy journey this year. novices. Weekly cricket sessions, open to all Lower School well led by Matthew Shadrack, with Jonah Webster also Our aim from the outset was to learn, experience and be Batting was probably the weakest element of the game for girls, has allowed their cricketing abilities to soar, in no providing some pace. The slower bowlers such as Tom constantly challenged and the players did their best at the boys but, as players gained in confidence, there were small part due to the boundless energy and enthusiasm Winchester performed excellently in several matches, with every training session and game to achieve this. Winning some great shots played by the likes of Jake Loy, Luc Bird that the girls have demonstrated for the sport. Olly Tredgett and Ben Potter also bringing good game was never mentioned, only improvement. and Josh Tredwell. Playing pairs cricket most of the time management skills with them from the A team. Luca Bindi meant that losing wickets was often crucial and it was The season began with fixtures for the U12A and U13A captained well for much of the season, before passing the We had some fantastic games and performances over the great to see players like Ewan Collingbourne, Joseph Lee teams versus Dunottar in April and concluded at Epsom mantle on to Olly Tredgett. Fielding remained an issue, season, from a nail-biting loss by one run to Dunottar and and Luc Martinez valuing their wickets and seeing off the College in July with fixtures not only for our A teams, but with potentially winning positions squandered in at least a close loss to St Thomas’s, to a worthy performance in the opposition’s best bowlers. for our U12Bs and U13Bs too. The U12As notched up two games. Overall, it was a pleasure to coach this team final game of the season away to Caterham defending 70, impressive victories against Dunottar and Sutton Valence. and they should be proud of the big improvement on last bowling them out for 29 in 8 overs. All 17 boys of our B The final match against Caterham was our finest hour Their enthusiasm has been infectious throughout the season’s results. squad got game time over the season, and we saw some with a superb partnership of 63 between Louis Jeffcott and term and the two victories have been just reward for their outstanding individual performances, with 10 players Matthew Shilton finishing the season off in style with a six energy. Meanwhile, the U13As picked up a maiden victory scoring double figures and over 10 players getting their wicket win. away at Epsom, having previously come close in the U15C first wicket or run out. previous fixture against Sutton Valence. The U15C team had a dramatic start to the season with a Credit should go to all 20 boys who represented the final ball win against Reed’s. Zak Winefield threw the ball The support from parents and players for the process and team during the course of the season. All the matches Fielding four sides on the last day of the season was a from deep in the field and hit the stumps out with one run the enjoyment was so positive and made this season one were played with a great level of sportsmanship and testament to the effect that cricket has had on the Lower needed. Jack Sumpter scored 29 while Zak Winefield and full of improvement and character. Thanks to them for this enthusiasm. My thanks also go to the parents who School this year, and as these girls move up through Will Edmunds both took four wickets each. support. supported the boys throughout the season, particularly the school, girls’ cricket will only grow at St John’s. to the three dads who came and fielded in our Saturday While the results have been encouraging, the girls’ In the second game against Trinity, the team included practice match! cricket programme is focused less on winning individual five girls. Despite good scores from Will Payne and Amy fixtures and more on instilling the girls with a love of the Hume, St John’s ran out of experienced bowlers and sport. With that in mind, this has been a monumentally limited experience in the home side’s attack allowed Trinity successful season for Lower School girls’ cricket.

126 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 127 CRICKET RESULTS

1st XI 2nd XI 3rd XI U15A U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U12A U12B U13A U13B U12 Girls U13 Girls Reeds Lost Draw Won Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Dunottar Won Won Won Lost Won Lost XL Forty Club Won Reigate DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP St Paul’s DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Trinity Lost Lost Lost Lost MCC Draw St George’s Lost Lost DNP Lost Trinity Croydon Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Epsom Won Won Lost Lost Reigate N/R N/R Lost N/R N/R DNP N/R Won DNP St Paul’s DNP DNP Lost Lost Epsom Won Won Won Lost Won DNP Won Lost Lost Cedars Won DNP Lost DNP KCS Wimbledon Won Won Won Won Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Caterham Won Won Lost Won Lost Won Eastbourne Lost Lost DNP Lost Lost DNP Lost Won Lost Kingston Grammar Lost Lost Caterham Won Won Won Won Won DNP Won Won Lost Sutton Valence Won Lost Brentwood Won Abingdon Won Cheadle Hulme Won Hinchley Wood Won Whitgift Won Won

Played 13 7 6 9 7 3 7 7 6 TOTAL 65 Played 6 5 6 6 TOTAL 23 Won 8 4 4 4 2 1 2 3 0 TOTAL 28 Won 4 3 1 1 TOTAL 9 Lost 3 1 2 4 4 2 4 4 6 TOTAL 30 Lost 2 2 5 5 TOTAL 14 Tie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 Tie 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 Draw 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 2 Draw 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 N/R 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 TOTAL 5 N/R 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0

128 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 129 pupils year and a willingness to step up to events that they have never done before in the pursuit of team points. There is no better example of this than the likes of Charlie Hellier and Jonny Lack competing in the 2000m steeplechase and Arthur Lewis tackling the senior boys’ hurdles (no small feat) in our campaign against Tonbridge School – disciplines ATHLETICS none of them had even come close to before. The family of the athletics team has grown this year, a fact highlights highlighted quite literally by three Whites being the first three brothers to compete for the same St John’s team. The 2018 athletics season has seen tremendous success in many aspects both on and off the track. James (Sixth Form), Michael (Fifth Form) and Tom (Fourth Form) have managed to cover such a range of events from shotput, to hurdles, to high jump, to discus, all in the same The intermediate age groups repeated their incredible family. successes from last year. The intermediate boys became the first St John’s age group to successfully defend their The main event for most of the athletics club was the Surrey District title, something not achieved in the history Surrey School Championships. Thirty-seven of our athletes of the club. A very well established group sees so many of qualified for this and of the 22 athletes who made the final the boys backing each other in their events, their support (or top 8s) in their competition, six came away with medals. for one another is one of their main strengths. Michael Anderson has continued his jumping form from last year, Luke French threw 10.71m in the intermediate boys’ with another school record in the triple jump of 13.12m shotput, and Josh Shaw set a PB of 39.25 in the 300m, with and Jack Goodman, Braiden Hall and Pat Boothby have both claiming silver medals. Emily Roe in the senior girls’ become District Champions. The girls, despite being fewer 800m, Megan Wrigglesworth in the senior girls’ 100m, and in numbers than the boys, have achieved equal success. Charlie Townend in the senior boys’ shotput all achieved Finishing 3rd in the Districts, their highest place ever, 2nd places and walked away with well-deserved silver the intermediate girls have seen one district champion medals. Henry Boyle claimed the junior boys’ 80m hurdles in Charlotte Winslet (equalling the school record in the title in 11.87 - a time which not only sets a new school process), and two further records broken. Team Captain record but also makes him eligible for qualification to the Phoebe McCutcheon has led by example in breaking the English Schools Athletics Championships in mid-July. The junior age groups have made a positive impact in their girls’ triple record with a leap of 9.87m, and has provided first season together as an athletics squad, many of whom a solid presence in the girls’ team both in track and field Outside of the regular school fixtures, Henry Boyle and were competing in events they had never done before. In a competitions. India Howard claimed the 1500m record Lara Quickfall demonstrated their all-round prowess in very small amount of time, they gelled as a team and found very early on in the season with a run of 5 min 54 sec. the Surrey School Multi-Event Championships. Lara, each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which they used in Other stand out performers include Lara Quickfall, Sophie- competing a year ahead, finished in 5th place, with Henry fantastic fashion. The first record of the year was Isabelle Rose Russell, Georgie Philpott, Eliana Boateng and Lana winning the junior boys’ title. His score placed him top 10 Benson’s discus record with a throw of 18.34m, the second Finnegan. in the country and qualified him for the English Schools’ was Caroline Webb’s 1500m record of 5 min 35 sec. It was Championships in the holidays. also amazing to see some Lower School athletes step up The seniors this year were ably led by captains Tom to the mark for this team with three Upper Third girls in Lambert and Ellie Grove. Consistently being the supportive particular, Poppy McCutcheon, Claudia Phelan and Molly and passionate face of athletics they helped lead not only Wolff, all competing so enthusiastically (and voluntarily) the Sixth Form but the lower years as well. The largest a year ahead of themselves. In fact they competed so well number of school records this year came from the senior that they almost qualified for the Surrey Championship girls, with Ellie Grove breaking her own 200m record Finals for the year above and Molly Wolff even ended the with 24.6, Lucie Bishop setting the 400m hurdles record year with a school record in the triple jump for the age in 74.58 and Alexa Eichelmann breaking her own pole group above. The junior boys also proved a formidable vault record with a massive leap of 3.62m. Outside school team, particularly in victories against the likes of strong fixtures Ellie and Alexa have continued their successes rivals Epsom and Cranleigh, with leading performers with County Championship titles to their name and including Henry Boyle, Josh Shaw and Luke Genco taking qualifications to the South of England Championships. An the reins of the team. excellent spirit has developed throughout the Sixth Form

130 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 131 south. We crossed the busiest shipping lane in the world The next morning was the last leg of our journey to and arrived in Alderney by afternoon. We anchored and Portsmouth. The French coastline gradually disappeared headed ashore to swim off the beach and visit the one as we sailed north, crossing the shipping channel again ‘shop’. Alderney is a quiet back water of the Channel and by mid-afternoon the Isle of Wight was within Islands where the pace of life is almost at a standstill. sight.

SAILING Leaving Alderney after breakfast the following day, we On approach to Portsmouth the crew was tired but the season reports headed to Guernsey through Sark and as the winds were mood was buoyant. There was a real sense that we had light we motor-sailed. It didn’t take long to get there and achieved so much in one week sailing on this world- with some free time the pupils walked around the town class racing yacht. Although the weather conditions of St Peter Port and swam off the beach nearby, with ice- were light and we didn’t see how impressive this type creams all round before heading back to the yacht. of yacht can be, it was a wonderful chance to see how We departed for St Helier, Jersey the next morning. The quickly the pupils adapted to their watches, cooked winds were light once again so we motor-sailed south for the whole boat, made tea and cleaned without a Sailing has grown at St John’s and there are now 12 Sail Training Expedition to the furthest of the Channel Islands. There were lots complaint. pupils taking their qualifications. The sailing club 2017 of questions about passports and currency and where widened its breadth of activity over the last year and on exactly Jersey was! The sail was easy and it allowed Above all else the pupils will have learnt how to work days with less wind the pupils SUP (stand up paddle Passage Portsmouth – Cowes – Weymouth – the pupils to take some time out, relaxing on the deck together as a close unit and I hope will look back on boarding), windsurf and kayak. Alderney – Guernsey – Jersey – Cherbourg – listening to music and touching up their tans. this sail training expedition with fond memories. Total Portsmouth nautical miles completed 428Nm which is quite an The beginners’ crafts are Laser Picos with pupils We arrived at St Helier in late afternoon – it is a achievement in the conditions. My thanks to the St progressing to an RS Feva – a common choice for The St John’s Sail Training Crew: Jack Perry, Millie beautiful city, buzzing with activity. The marina was John’s pupils that made this trip so worthwhile. schools’ racing. A third second-hand Feva was acquired Bowles, Charlie Joyce, Patrick Gilbertson, Izzy Mogridge, filled with yachts from all over Europe and the streets in the spring and Mr Mooney was busy getting the new Martha and Pippa Hansford, Ella Cawthra, Ellie del la were lined with hanging baskets giving the port a Mr A Mooney addition to the fleet sea-worthy. The sails and rigging Vera. European feel. The pupils headed, you guessed it, to the MIC Sailing on all the vessels have been replaced and three new beach and had a swim. masts have been installed ready for summer. The three After a quick kit check we set off to Portsmouth to remaining Picos were put on a triple-stack-road trailer join Challenger 4, a 72’ yacht. With our kit stowed, Shock hit that evening when the skipper announced to make the sailing club more transportable and we the induction took place and the skipper announced that to get north before the tide turned, we had to hope to re-join Emsworth Sailing Club, Hants and take that he wanted to do a short crossing to Cowes for the get past a race at Alderney which meant a 3.30am part in race training and competitions, providing pupils evening and the plan was to leave on the morning tide to departure! After an enjoyable evening meal, the pupils with the opportunity to sail on open water and learn to Weymouth. had an early night. navigate tides, winds and currents. The sailing club is for all pupils in all year groups and we are always looking We rose early to leave Cowes and before long were At 3.30am we were on deck, readying the sails to leave for new people to start sailing, regardless of sailing moving past the Needles Lighthouse where we spotted without complaint, and slipped out of harbour with the experience. dolphins. The wind was reasonable and this gave the first fishing vessels, watching the sun rise as we travelled opportunity to get used to the yacht’s rigging and sails. north. One watch returned to their bunks for more The year started with a cross channel expedition to the With the crew divided between two watches, Port and shut-eye before they had to be on deck. Channel Islands after a group of Upper School pupils Starboard, the schedule was set for the week and Watch decided they wanted more of a challenge (see account Leader was allocated. It was agreed that five pupils Winds were light again and we made Cherbourg, France below). Several pupils continue to sail with the Rona would be going through their RYA Competent Crew by mid-afternoon with a chance to spend some euros Sailing Project and Martha Hansford has started her qualification and the remaining crew would be taking on on presents and try out the local pain au chocolat. It Watch Leader training, with several trips on the Donald more of the challenges of becoming a watch leader. was Mike’s (watch officer) birthday and as a surprise the Searle and Merilyn and a place in the Small Ships Race pupils bought two cakes to celebrate the event; he was from Cowes. We arrived late afternoon after an easy following wind very touched by their thoughtfulness. After a relaxing along the south coast. With the yacht put to bed, we afternoon and an excellent supper, we settled down for looked for a place to swim and relax so we made for the night. Weymouth beach, returning to the yacht for the evening meal. The skipper agreed that the competence of the crew was sufficient to make for the Channel Islands. The wind had shifted to the northeast and was ideal to head

132 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 133 TENNIS SWIMMING season reports report

This year the tennis club saw a few changes to the We took to the London Aquatic Centre again for the regular fixture list, with more block fixtures across Bath Cup – one of the most historic and famous school the board. Thanks to the help of our external coaches, championships in Great Britain. Although the boys the clubs saw wins vs Epsom and Freeman’s. The U15 returned to successfully defend both the Dunelm and teams, both boys and girls, had strong performances Aldenham cups, their drive to improve meant that also beating Cranleigh and putting in good efforts something else had to go, so they went ahead and broke against a tough Bradfield side. the records this time. Bruce McCormick, Ben Simpson, Tom Stansfield, Ed Reed and Josh Shaw deserved to stand In the Rootham Shield, the boys U18 side progressed on that top podium. through to the quarter finals after beating George Abbot and Grey Court School. The boys and girls U13 This year the girls were not to be outshone and took LTA teams won both of their respective groups and St John’s swimming to a whole new level. Charlie Cole, will progress to the regional finals day next term - a Martha Hansford, Anna Stansfield and Aurelia Loth also fantastic achievement for these young eagles. The Eagles chased their prey in the water again this year made the final in both events. The girls’ final had the with more historic wins in the pool than ever before. crowd on their feet in an event that came down to the Key highlights of the season include the internal Despite having to travel from pool to pool to satisfy final touch at the wall and a moment of silence while we singles tournament - which was won by Louise Orr their training needs and being one of the smallest teams all looked at the times. The girls had done it – a historic (Senior Girls), Nico Orr (Senior Boys), Alex O’Brien in the country, St John’s has become a powerhouse in win of both the Dunelm and Aldenham cups, as well as a (Junior Boys) and Yasmine Ozredici (Junior Girls). the world of English School Swimming. Early on in the new record to call their own. Not only is this the first time To finish off the season, the inaugural mixed doubles year, the senior boys swept both wins at the Surrey Team in St John’s history for us to bring back all four cups, but tournament showcased the high standard of tennis on Championships to win their place at English Nationals. it is also the first time it has ever been done by one single offer at St. John’s. With some impressive performances, school at the Bath Cup. The girls came back beaming the winners were Nico and Louise Orr, with runners Vyncent Lowery, Bruce McCormick, Ben Simpson and with their medals and after many photos and hugs from up, Axel and Alexa Eichelmann. Well done to all on a Tom Stansfield swam a strong 4x50 freestyle relay to get the whole team, they requested one thing – a celebratory fantastic season. us into the final event in the evening. After looking at their McDonalds. It became a moment that sums up a St John’s splits, they each told me, without an ounce of doubt or swim team: nine boys and girls of all ages sitting together, hesitation, that they would swim a personal best in the four big silver cups on the table, enough food to feed an final. With the Olympic pool stadium full of spectators entire army being shared amongst them and the biggest watching the fastest eight teams in the country, each of grins you’ll ever see across each face. our boys flew through the water and kept to their word to come fifth and give St John’s its highest National rank ever. At Surrey Individual Championships we watched our Water Eagles shine on their own. Medallists included Josh Shaw, Anna Stansfield, Ben Simpson, Tom Stansfield, Bruce McCormick and Ed Reed. The senior boys once again brought the shield back, placing first in Surrey.

This year has seen St John’s become a powerhouse in the world of English School Swimming.

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