OLD

BLUES- AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... - FORGET WHERE’S WALLY - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - INTERNATIONAL PHYSICS OLYMPIAD - FIRST DATES - FROM TO SHANGHAI - THE SKY’S THE LIMIT - IVY LEAGUE SUCCESS Inside

The annual review for Old Blues of The Blue Coat School 2016/17 Issue 3 Inside

4 SCHOOL NEWS 7 SPORTS REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM The Headteacher

Welcome again to our annual review for Old Blues of The Blue Coat School. It has been another great year in the THE APPRENTICE School’s long history with many exciting developments 8 to report and look forward to. Our history and our Old Blues tell a remarkable tale about the gift of education that The Blue Coat School has given to students who MR CAULKIN GOES TO were fortunate enough to attend. With a reputation for 9 THE PALACE academic challenge, personal development and a culture of support, The Blue Coat School sits proudly as a place that changes children’s lives. Our School has achieved this because it has always been forward thinking and has never stood still. This year has been no different.

As we seek to offer a Blue Coat education to even more students this year welcomed 180 students into Year 7 in September 2017. With more Liverpool children enjoying the Blue Coat experience we can be proud of our efforts to change the lives of more children from many different backgrounds. As the number of students increases, so too will our estate. In January 2017 we brought the clock tower entrance and east wing back into day-to-day use, to support the School’s expansion, and next year we look forward to commencing redevelopment work to ensure that our students have the very best facilities throughout the School. AND THE OSCAR 10 GOES TO... I hope you too are excited by this important chapter in the Blue Coat story, which is only made possible by the terrific support given to us from all areas of our forward-thinking community. I share with you here my FREEDOM TREE thanks to the Foundation, the Old Blues and the Parents 10 Association, whose long history of supporting the School continues as strongly as ever.

I hope this you enjoy our 2017 edition. BLUES IN BUSINESS: If you have any suggestions for features next year, 11 CHRIS DOTTIE please email the Development Team at [email protected]. BLUES IN BUSINESS: Mr Mike Pennington PAUL MCEVOY Headteacher, The Blue Coat School 12

2 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 Inside

FROM LIVERPOOL WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 12 TO SHANGHAI 19 NIKOLETTA MICHAEL, CLASS OF 2011

OLD BLUE HAICHO 13 JOSEPH LEE RETURNS 21 FIRST DATES 22 FORGET WHERE’S WALLY!

FROM LIVERPOOL TO SHANGHAI

22 THE SKY’S THE LIMIT 14 CLASS NOTES ALZHEIMER’S THE SEARCH 23 FOR A CURE 2017/18 EVENTS Stay connected!

New house? New email address?

We’ve made it quick and easy to keep your details up to date, NHS DIGITAL ACADEMY just complete our online contact form and you will never miss 15 an event invitation or a Blue Coat e-newsletter or Old Blues magazine.

GOOGLE’S DIGITAL Our online form can be found at www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk/old-blues/keep-touch/ 15 GARAGE Alternatively you can contact the Development Office directly on 0151 733 1407 ext 207 or at [email protected] WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LUCY MCKINSTRY, Don’t forget you can also keep in touch with the School using 16 CLASS OF 2012 our social media platforms:

OUR TIME AS HEAD /bluecoatschoololdblues 18 GIRL & BOY @LiverpoolBCS THE SQUIRREL ARCHIVE 20 www.linkedin.com/groups/8153535

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 3 SCHOOL NEWS

Congratulations Class of 2017

Having completed the exhausting application process Across the Atlantic earlier this year, three members of the Class of 2017 received offers to study at America’s prestigious Ivy League institutions. This autumn Oscar will attend Ivy League Success Harvard University, where he will pursue his passion for art, Ben will embark on his studies at North Carolina’s Duke University and Lucy will continue her love of Physics at Yale University.

“My experience at Blue Coat has inspired me to reach for and eventually achieve my goal of being

able to travel to the US for university. With the help “of the staff and other students I have even surpassed my own expectations by getting a place at Yale. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies in physics “ and broadening my knowledge in other areas. I’m also hoping to start learning Russian, and of course, I’m excited for the adventure to come! I could not thank Blue Coat enough for helping me achieve my dream.” Lucy, Class of 2017 Ivy League Ben Keegan, Lucy McEwan and Oscar Hou

4 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 This summer, our latest cohort of Old Blues achieved an outstanding set of A Level results, producing the best results the School has ever seen!

Of all grades awarded: • 20.6% were A* • 57.1% were A*– A • 86% were A* – B

Supported by inspirational and devoted teaching and support staff, the Class of 2017 displayed a fantastic level of commitment and enthusiasm towards their subjects. Their high standards and conscientious approach to their studies has enabled the Class of 2017 to secure places at universities here in the UK and also the United States, including Harvard and Yale.

We would like to wish the Class of 2017 the very best of luck as they embark on the next new and exciting phase of their lives, and we look forward to sharing their many successes with you in the years to come.

International Physics Olympiad

For over fifteen years Blue Coat physics enthusiasts have taken part in the Physics Olympiad, a nationwide competition set by the University of Oxford.

Earlier this year it was announced that following a rigorous selection process, Year 13 student Callum Brennan-Rich had secured a prestigious place on the British Physics Olympiad team, which would travel to the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta to compete in the 48th International Physics Olympiad.

The competition involved a series of tests including a gruelling five-hour practical exam, which the team prepared for in the weeks and months leading up to the competition during special training camps held in Oxford and Cambridge. Callum pictured second from left with We are delighted to report that Callum’s hard work his British Physic Olympiad teammates and effort was rewarded with a bronze medal!

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 5 SCHOOL NEWS

Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of Edinburgh scheme remains the most popular extra-curricular activity at The Blue Coat School, with over 300 students currently enrolled on the programme, making us one of the largest providers in the North West.

From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions in North Wales, Yorkshire and the Lake District our students have pushed personal boundaries Photograph courtesy of Diane Aspinall to achieve their Bronze and Silver Awards, and for the first time in Blue Coat history Year 12 students set-off on their Gold Award expedition. Open Evening Over 1,000 prospective students and their families had the opportunity to sample Blue Coat School life during our annual summer Open Evening.

From Art to Politics, prospective students were invited to participate in a number of activities designed to demonstrate what makes a Blue Coat education so special. Our Year 7 tour guides led visitors to departments, such as Design Technology, where they could learn about the inner workings of our new laser Year 12 students complete their Gold expedition cutter and get involved in a pop-up craft club. Small explosions greeted visitors to our science laboratories, as our enthusiastic young scientists brought science Tod House to life, with hair-raising experiments and dissections.

In June new School House was officially unveiled. Named in recognition of the longstanding contribution of the Tod family, Tod House will sit alongside Blundell, Bingham, Graham, Shirley and Styth. A special event provided the School with an opportunity to not only thank the family but also to illustrate their impact. Sir Alan Tod, Honorary Treasurer from 1955 to 1968 and his nephew Ian Tod, who also held the position from 1976 to 1991, were extremely well liked and respected men.

The contribution of the Tod family continues to this day through the Sir Alan Tod Travel Scholarship scheme. Introduced during the 1970s by Ian Tod, the scheme has HRH Prince Edward Edward become an integral part of Blue Coat School life. Thanks to the scheme hundreds of Blue Coat Sixth Form students have enjoyed educational visits to countries around the world. By Royal Appointment

Throughout 2017 the Bluecoat arts centre has been celebrating the building’s landmark 300th anniversary, bringing the building’s history to life through a series of special events.

As part of their celebratory programme, The Blue Coat School Jazz band were invited to the arts centre to welcome the Earl of Wessex. The band provided the prince and members of the public with a series of exuberant performances. Tod Family

6 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 SCHOOL NEWS: SPORTS REPORT

Netball Four Blue Coat netball teams were crowned Liverpool City Champions, making the 2016/17 netball season the most successful in Blue Coat history! The hard work and dedication demonstrated by members of our Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 teams during countless lunchtime and after-school training sessions lies at the heart of their success, and these results are an outstanding reflection of their talent and commitment to the sport. Sweeney Todd cast Year 10 emerged undefeated at the end of the season, serving as fantastic role models for our younger Sweeney Todd players. Despite facing tough opposition from surrounding schools, our Year 9 team also produced a The School Show returned in February, with audiences 100% clean record sheet. The talent emanating from our transported to the dark and shadowy underworld of Year 7 and 8 ensures that netball’s future at the School Victorian London during the Dramatic Society’s remains extremely bright.Congratulations girls! production of Hugh Miller’s Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Over four consecutive nights the whole cast were galvanised by our magnificently talented Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett and fine musicians, conducted entirely by a Year 13 student, under the watchful eye of Miss Horton. Netball Team Goodbye and good luck At the end of July The Blue Coat School said Football goodbye to six respected and popular teachers who During their first season representing The Blue Coat have shown dedication to the School and shared School our Year 7 football team progressed through to their passion and energy for their subjects with their the final eight of the English Schools Football Association’s students. Pursuing new adventures far and wide and PlayStation Cup, defeating teams such as Upton School careers are Head of Biology Mr Kenny, Head of Politics and St Bede’s Blackburn, along the way. Mr Cox, Mr McBride, Chemistry teachers Mr Smith and Mr Dunkin and DT Technician Mr Anderton.

Their Blue Coat careers have been scattered with international trips, involvement in extra-curricular activities, sports days, chemical explosions, and appearances on the famous Xmas Factor, an experience 2012 winner Mr Cox described as “great fun, albeit terrifying!” We are extremely grateful for their contribution and would like to wish all of them every success for the future! Football Team

Basketball Our Under 16 basketball team made it through to the semi-finals of the Basketball England Under 16 Schools Premiership, for the third year in a row. Despite a nail-biting game, the team, led by Head of PE Mr Phelan, were defeated by London-based St Bonaventure’s.

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 7 THE APPRENTICE

The APPRENTICE In 2013 Old Blue Amy Kirby decided to take the less conventional route of bypassing university, opting instead to apply for an apprenticeship at one of the UK’s leading investment management companies, Rathbone Brothers. Four years later and aged just twenty-one, Amy has become the youngest professional to complete the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments’ Chartered Wealth Manager qualification.

“I have always been interested in the investment industry and my apprenticeship at Rathbones’ Liverpool office provided me with an opportunity to get my foot in the door, at a much earlier age than normal. It offered me a valuable platform from which to start work and earn money, whilst still studying for further qualifications.

Beginning with a NVQ in Business and Administration, I advanced onto taking my industry qualifications and I am now a fully qualified Chartered Wealth Manager. The two-year apprenticeship provided me with a great introduction into the working world. Rathbones provides its apprentices with a huge amount of support, and we were able to witness various aspects of the company and were not just left to make the tea as people sometimes assume!

I now have a full-time role within the company, working as an assistant investment manager alongside two investment directors. This puts me in the heart of what the company does – managing people’s money – and I love it! The markets change every day, which is always interesting, and I love meeting and speaking to our clients who trust us with their money to invest. Meeting such a variety of people is one of my favourite aspects of the job.

When I joined Rathbones’ apprenticeship scheme in 2013, it was the first year Rathbones had ever offered an apprenticeship and they are now about to start on their third intake. I am delighted that apprenticeships are becoming more commonplace, especially in the investment industry, and that they are increasingly seen as an equally viable alternative to university. The lack of student debt alone is one of the main benefits!”

8 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 MR CAULKIN GOES TO THE PALACE Mr Caulkin GOES TO THE PALACE We would like to congratulate former physics teacher Reflecting on his award, Mr Caulkin stated: Mr Caulkin, who has received an MBE in recognition of his services to education in the Queen’s New Year’s

Honours list 2017. “I am delighted and humbled to receive the award. Mr Caulkin’s longstanding connection with the School Life at Blue Coat has been gratifying, edifying and

dates back to 1958 when he arrived as a Blue Coat inspiring, which has kept me going for all of these student. Ten years after completing his Blue Coat “years. education, Mr Caulkin returned to The Blue Coat School to share his passion for physics, inspiring The investiture by Prince Charles at Buckingham “ countless students to pursue the subject at university Palace was a memorable experience. The short chat during his forty-one-year teaching career. with him was delightful and he displayed good background knowledge about the shortage of Despite retiring from teaching in July 2016, Mr Caulkin physicists and physics teachers.” APPRENTICE continues to play an extremely active role within the School community, including taking up a new role in the School’s Development Office from where he engages with our global network of Old Blues. Once again we would like to congratulate Mr Caulkin on Away from the office Mr Caulkin also finds time receiving such a prestigious award, one he truly deserved, to be President of the Liverpool Blue Coat Old Blues and we thank him greatly for his ongoing contribution to Association and oversees the School Badminton Club. Blue Coat School life.

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 9 Going GLOBAL With our international network of alumni rapidly expanding, our spotlight falls on five Old Blues who have established themselves in North and South America, Asia and Europe.

Freedom Tree And the A full-time management accountant in a construction company in Calgary, Canada, Old Blue Omotara Johnson (nee Morakinyo), Class of 1998, is also the founder and president of OSCAR Freedom Tree, an organisation that aims to eradicate the causes of maternal and infant goes to... mortality in Sierra Leone.

“I was one of the first female students at the School, which was something of a culture shock after an all-girls school! However, I found the Stuart Ford, learning and teaching interesting and varied; these The founder and former CEO of IM Global, Stuart Ford, years were full of discovery and focus for me. Class of 1988 has been elected to the prestigious Academy After studying Biological Sciences and International of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Development at the University of Calgary, Canada, I went on to pursue a career as a management Stuart, who entered the entertainment industry as a lawyer, accountant. I also worked in the not-for-profit quickly relocated to New City to become an executive at sector, including a volunteer medical mission to Miramax Films, where he was involved in the production of a Sierra Leone. After visiting the country every year, number of critically acclaimed films such as Shakespeare in eventually Freedom Tree was born. We now work Love and Pulp Fiction. At just thirty-one, Stuart was with nine communities, and have established three promoted by Miramax to Head of Worldwide Distribution. birthing clinics. As a result, we have seen maternal deaths in these communities reduce from one a Swapping New York City for Los Angeles, Stuart embarked month to none at all. We are also working on a on a new challenge when he established IM Global in 2007. teacher training conference, as well as an Over the past ten years IM Global has become one of Hol- education sponsorship programme that provides lywood’s leading film production, financing and distribution life-changing education to those who cannot afford companies. Having produced over 100 independent feature it. More than 80,000 people have benefited directly films, it has become one of the most recognisable and active from the organisation so far. companies in Hollywood, with films including Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge and Tom Ford’s A Single Man included in their I spend two to four weeks a year in Sierra Leone, portfolio. Its rapid growth has led to creation of offices in on a voluntary basis. My work is varied, including London, Mumbai and Beijing. As a marker of the company’s writing proposals, and working on budgets and success IM Global and Stuart were jointly awarded Variety’s with the Board of Directors. When I’m not there, annual ‘Achievement in International Film’ award in 2015, I rely heavily on our team of volunteers. and in 2017 the company collectively received seven Oscar Freedom Tree is a living, breathing entity – nominations. under which others can find shelter – rather than a structured building. It is a movement of people We would like to congratulate Stuart on this fantastic from various walks of life united under a common achievement! cause.”

10 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 Blues in Business: Chris Dottie For the past sixteen months, Chris Dottie, Managing Director of Hays Spain, from the Class of 1991, has held the prestigious position of President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, the second-oldest international chamber in the world. Despite at times wishing he could be in two places at once, Chris and his team have successfully implemented a number of changes that have brought a new sense of professionalisation and modernisation to the Chamber.

“As President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain my role is to ensure that we successfully represent UK/Spanish business interests to national and regional governments, and to relevant associations on behalf of our 300 company members. This year we have had the additional privilege of accompanying the first Spanish State Visit to the UK in over thirty years. My position as President of the British Chamber is voluntary and unpaid, OSCAR and I fit it around my full-time job as MD of Hays Spain.

representatives such as KPMG, LSE and now Hays, who are charged with the running of the Chamber on a non-executive basis. I served as National VP for four years before being elected President in May 2016.

I did have some misgivings about standing for the role – I am the youngest President in the 109-year history of the Chamber, and the people I deal with are often surprised that the President is the youngest person in the room. The key has been to have a strong and united team working around me and we are proud of our achievements to date: professionalization and modernisation.

The Brexit vote is a fundamental change – lobbying has suddenly become one of our principal

responsibilities and I have had the opportunity to I subscribed Hays as a member of the Chamber in meet with the relevant ministers and parliamentarians 2010, during the recession that crippled the Spanish in both London and Madrid. We gather the concerns economy. I was looking for ways to evolve my business and proposals of our members, and communicate and skillset in a flat market, and decided I needed a them to government in the hope that this is given a more visible external profile, both to generate value for high priority in the negotiations. Hays and to contribute to solving the Spanish labour crisis. After a number of public speaking and media

engagements, and finding that the Scouse accent that continually finds its way into my Spanish (apologies to

Messrs Ling and Hobson) actually generates a certain kudos in the local market, I joined the British “We live in challenging times and those of us Chamber of Commerce. who are lucky enough to be in a position to have some small influence should do our best to “ “ensure that future generations will have similar I quickly saw that there were a lot of improvements that could be made to the Chamber, despite its opportunities to those that Blue Coat alumni of prestigious history and a strong sense of community. the 1990s like me have enjoyed.” As a result I successfully stood for election onto the Governing Council, which consists of business

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 11 GOING GLOBAL

Blues in Business: Paul McEvoy Since graduating in Geography from the University of Oxford Paul McEvoy MBE, Class of 1983, has worked predominately overseas. Now based in Ecuador, he is the General Manager of the country’s Stock Exchange.

“I studied Geography, Economics and Spanish at A Level at The Blue Coat, and since graduating I have lived overseas, mostly in Latin America. Ecuador is a great place for a geographer. Quito is on the equator, 2,800m above sea level, in a valley amid the Andes. A few years ago I reached the summit of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, and just one hour away. I’ve been whale-watching along the Pacific coast, which is four hours away, and to the Cuyabeno national park in the Amazon, three hours away. At the Stock Exchange we are trying to develop the capital markets “This role has allowed me in Ecuador, which involves lobbying and dialogue with government to travel to Peru, Argentina, ministries, the Internal Revenue, and municipalities. We take part in Brazil, Chile, Panama, educational programmes and most weeks I give presentations to

Colombia, Cost Rica and universities or trade and industry organisations, promoting investment “ Mexico (where I met up through the Stock Exchange. with Old Blue Haydn Rawlinson). Highlights of “ I am also Director of the British–Ecuadorean Chamber of Commerce, my career include a daily which aims to promote trade, educational and cultural links between commute on a twenty-seater the UK and Ecuador. I am on a working group for the Federation of Latin plane, and living in Tokyo as American Stock Exchanges that seeks to identify best practices across the CEO of Lloyds Bank, Japan.” region and help markets grow in the less developed economies. We are working on sustainable investment opportunities, in response to growing worldwide demand for Green Bonds.”

From Liverpool to Shanghai China is quickly becoming a popular destination for football players and coaches. Having carved out a successful coaching career at clubs including Liverpool, Inter Milan and Valencia, Old Blue Dave McDonough, from the Class of 1977, has relocated to the Far East to work alongside former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

“Football has been my life, playing and coaching. I have had the privilege of working at the highest level in the Champions League with top coaches: including fourteen years with Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez at Liverpool Football Club. I am currently based in Shanghai with Manuel Pellegrini’s team Hebei China Fortune.

China is putting a lot of resources into building a future bid for the World Cup but the country is only in the first stages of developing the strength of their own league. Their stadiums are very good and football’s fan base is growing. I have always enjoyed working in different football cultures as it’s the only way to improve yourself, and China is very different from Europe. They have the resources to succeed but currently lack the tradition and game intelligence of big footballing nations.

Coaching is a very enjoyable occupation, developing indi- viduals and a team. It is very rewarding when you can see

12 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 GOING GLOBAL

positive improvements. You are always looking for solutions to complex problems while being realistic about what you can achieve. Football Analysis is an objective way of directing how and what to coach and it is a relatively new area, with many students now embarking on Sports Science degrees, especially at Liverpool John Moores, which has a worldwide reputation.

Highlights of my work have been – as a lifelong Liverpool fan – Liverpool’s legendary night in Istanbul in the Champions League 2005, as well as winning a World Champion medal with Inter Milan in the FIFA Club World Cup. Football teaches you about character, mental strength and discipline as well as the obvious tactical evolution of the game. It requires very hard work for long periods without time off but I have enjoyed it immensely. The Blue Coat has been a massive boost to my football career.”

Old Blue Haichao Joseph Lee supports OUR LIBRARY APPEAL

We are delighted that Old Blue Haichao Joseph Lee from the Class of 1993 has made a wonderfully generous contribution of £100,000 to our Library Appeal.

Haichao, who currently resides in Shanghai, returned to The Blue Coat School in October with China’s second-largest television network operator, Shanghai Media Group, who were filming Haichao and his wife Cathy as part of a documentary.

Following Haichao’s visit he was inspired by the impact that our Library Appeal will have on our current and future students. Reflecting on his time at The Blue Coat School and why he has chosen to support the School, he said:

“For me The Blue Coat experience was an important, character- building experience which led to shaping my entire life. When I went to The Blue Coat School I had just immigrated to England from China, and was finding everything difficult, particularly with the language barrier, and difference in culture, but the School’s teachers treated me with “During my visit the students great kindness. were very welcoming and they showed the same kind

Everyone knows The Blue Coat School has done well academically, “ of confidence and kindness but I think the real difference is the School’s high level of ethics that are as I remembered. I was consistent, from the headteacher, to the staff and to the students. particularly moved when Mr I learned to become confident yet disciplined, treating others with care,

Caulkin gave me my physics and this has helped me to later succeed in life.” test scores! I’m glad that I’m

now in a position to help the We are hugely grateful to Haichao for his generous contribution, which “ development of this wonderful has helped us get one step closer to raising the £1 million needed to School, and in future I will redesign and refurbish the School library. continue to support the School in any way that I can.” If you would like to find out more about the Library Appeal, please contact our Development Team on 0151 733 1407 ext. 207 or at [email protected]

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 13 CLASS NOTES:

Adam Clare, Class of 2000 Adam joined the University of as a lecturer in January 2010 after completing his PhD at the University of Liverpool. Since then he has undertaken fellowships at the University of Tokyo and Rolls-Royce, and has authored several papers, which have been published in academic journals. This summer Adam accepted a new position, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

Zach Washington Young, Class of 2008 Five years on from the Besitval coach crash that left Zach paralysed, Zach has defied doctors by getting back on his feet. Zach’s unrelenting dedication and a rigorous training regime has resulted in a number of milestones, from 5Ks to triathlons. Completing the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in June marks Zach’s latest achievement and one of his biggest challenges to date! Training is already underway for Zach’s next endurance test, the London Marathon! We wish Zach the very best of luck as he prepares for his next challenge. James Fox, Class of 2009 Congratulations to James Fox who graduated this summer from the University of Warwick. James, who also holds a degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Liverpool, will be starting as an F1 doctor at Arrowe Park hospital later this year. We wish James the very best of luck as he embarks on this new phase.

Eden Widdows, Class of 2015 University of Leeds Economics student Eden Widdows secured a prestigious place on the Bank of England’s undergraduate scheme. Eden is currently a Research Assistant in the Data and Statistics department.

14 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 CLASS NOTES: Where has life taken our Old Blues?

Ashley Davies, Class of 2012 Ashley left The Blue Coat School in 2012 before starting at Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University. After four years at university, with a year living in Bilbao, Spain, she graduated last summer with MA Hons in International Business Management with Spanish. After graduation, Ashley remained in Edinburgh and has now leapt onto her first stepping stone in the big wide world of work, starting her career as Business Development Manager for a hospitality company that operates bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland. During her time at the School, Ashley was a keen performer and enjoyed being involved in the School productions. Ashley is still performing on stage in her spare time for various theatre companies across Edinburgh and will be appearing in Aladdin this Christmas. Tickets on sale now!

Steph Orme (née Denny) & Patrick Orme, Class of 2010 After crossing paths nine years ago, Old Blues Steph and Patrick recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. The Orme family grew to five earlier this year when Steph and Patrick, and their daughter Cora, welcomed twins Hallie and Arthur.

Currently based in South Wales, Patrick, who is currently completing his PhD, works with City Football Club’s under-21 team.

Francesca Krishna (nee Bird) Class of 2012 Congratulations goes to Francesca and Avinash Krishna got married not once, but three times during the summer! Friends and family gathered together in Liverpool and on the tropical island of Mauritius for three very special ceremonies.

Samuel Batterton, Class of 2013 In May, University of Miami student Sam Batterton graduated as a History Major with Minors in Economics and Marketing, achieving a GPA of 3.64 out of 4.0 (91%). Since graduating Sam has relocated to New York City to take up the position of Business Graduate Associate at FTSE Russell, part of the London Stock Exchange in America’s financial capital.

Jessica Hyde, Class of 2015 Former Head Girl and University of Cambridge undergraduate Jessica Hyde is spending her year abroad in Chile. Jessica is studying and working at a university in Santiago as an English Assistant until the end of 2017. From January she’ll be working with the director of the British Council in Santiago.

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 15 NHS DIGITAL ACADEMY This summer it was announced that Old Blue and Director of Digital at Salford Royal, Rachel Dunscombe (née Hannaway), from the Class of 1994, will play a crucial role in a new virtual academy, designed to enhance and develop the talents of the NHS’s digital leaders. At the heart of the NHS Digital Academy lies an impressive partnership of institutions. Institutions such as Imperial College London and Harvard Medical NHS School will deliver virtual classes to health professionals who are tasked with rolling out ambitious programmes Digital Academy of digital innovation in the NHS. Reflecting on her new part-time position as Chief Executive Officer, in addition to her role within the Salford Group, Rachel stated: “I am so incredibly excited about the Academy and absolutely honoured to be leading it. I passionately believe that to make the improvements in patient care that we are striving towards, we need to safely digitise the NHS.

By doing this, we will create significant improvements for both patients accessing NHS services and health professionals working within it. For patients, the benefits could include quicker diagnosis and the opportunity for patients, including those with long-term conditions, to monitor their health remotely. For health professionals, smarter, better-designed systems could simplify their working day, making their practice more efficient whilst giving them more time with patients.”

We wish Rachel every success as she embarks on her new role.

Digital Garage “This summer I had the incredible opportunity, and challenge, of interning at Google. In addition to attending lectures and seminars, “As a member of their Brand team I am proud to university students are looking to internships to have worked on the corporation’s Digital Garage acquire new skills and exciting opportunities. project; launching high street pop-up stores we For University of Bath student and Old Blue Natalie sought to close the digital skills gap, by offering Kelly, from the Class of 2014, who has just embarked free digital skills coaching. on a six-month exchange programme at Hong Kong’s City University, international brands including Ferrero, Whilst there I devised a social media strategy, L’Oréal and Google are already listed on her growing wrote course content, helped with the advertising CV. campaign and ran my own ‘Bring your

Grandparents’ event. I was also able to work on the homepage Doodles and manage the Google And the Twitter account.

Despite high pressure to perform, it has been my most rewarding experience. I can’t stress enough to current Blue Coat students the importance of “ starting work experience early and choosing a course with a placement year.”

16 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Lucy McKinstry, Class of 2012 Studied: Law at the University of Manchester Currently lives: London . How would you describe your time at The Blue Coat School? My two years at Blue Coat were fantastic. It was an incredibly formative time for me in developing my interest in politics and current affairs. Brilliant trips to Westminster to tour the House of Commons and to the Liberal Democrat Party Conference with Mr Cox and Mr Croxton brought politics to life and galvanised my passion for the subject. School trips were in fact a highlight of my time at Blue Coat. Whilst studying English Literature we visited London to watch Michael Sheen play Hamlet at the Young Vic and I also have incredibly happy memories of our Geography residential to the Lake District with Mr Frost and Mr Lamb. They were not only fantastic opportunities for learning but also helped form the strong friendships I have with many of my classmates today.

How did your experience at the School prepare you for your career? My time at Blue Coat was invaluable in preparing me for life after school. The academic ethos of the School was brilliant in preparing me for university, and arguably the ‘soft skills’ I learned have been equally as important for my career. Taking part in Debate Club has given me confidence presenting, and studying a broad range of subjects in such a diverse school has been excellent for my networking skills.

What has been your path since leaving? After finishing sixth form I went on to study Law at the University of Manchester. Practising law had always been an ambition of mine; however, after completing a couple of corporate law internships I quickly realised the legal profession was not for me!

Upon graduating I moved to London and secured a communications traineeship at the BBC. My eighteen Digital Garage months as a trainee were (to borrow a phrase from my favourite PR guru) absolutely fabulous. I got to work in a variety of publicity teams across television and radio, as well as the public affairs team and the corporate press office. Having no experience in communications or media, it really was a baptism of fire, working on everything from the press launch of Strictly Come Dancing, to handling journalists at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, managing a screening of a Professor Green documentary in the House of Commons and networking with MPs at the Doctor Who Christmas screening with Peter Capaldi.

What do you do now? Today I’m still living in London and work as an Assistant Publicist for the BBC’s digital department. The team look after the external communications for everything from BBC iPlayer to the BBC’s developments in virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The role is incredibly versatile and I recently worked on announcing to press how music fans can watch the BBC’s live coverage of Glastonbury.

And the What would be your advice to students today? Balance, especially during exam season. It can be very easy to get swept up into a studying bubble in the lead-up to exams but it is really important not to neglect other hobbies and interests. Take advantage of the brilliant clubs and societies, both inside and outside of Blue Coat, and for older students volunteering or a Saturday job is not only brilliant for enhancing your CV but also provides productive respite from textbooks.

SEE MORE AT: www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk/where-are-they-now?

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 17 OUR TIME AS HEAD GIRL & BOY

OUR TIME AS Head Girl & Boy

Sorcha Keenan Matthew Cooper “My time at Blue Coat has truly been the most rewarding, As 2016/17 Head Boy, Matthew Cooper prepares to enjoyable and memorable experience of my life so far. embark on his Economics degree at the University of I have learned so much, met so many amazing people Bath; here Matthew shares his Blue Coat highlights. and have memories that I will cherish forever. “I can’t believe that my seven years at Blue Coat are over, During my time at Blue Coat, I was lucky enough to make but the fantastic time I’ve had will undoubtedly remain amazing friends, friendships I know will last a lifetime. I with me. I leave my school years behind not only with an am so proud to be a member of the Class of 2017 and education, but with friends and memories that will last a I cannot wait to see all of our continued successes and lifetime. I couldn’t reflect upon my time at Blue Coat achievements. without mentioning the teachers. Their extensive knowledge of their subjects is superb and their I was also delighted to be chosen as Head Girl and I enthusiasm never fails to inspire us as students to learn. thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Matthew and the The positive and vibrant atmosphere cultivated by the Senior Prefect Team to help with the smooth running of teachers encourages pupils to achieve their potential and the School. One of my favourite things about being Head gives them the confidence to succeed, both academically Girl was running School Council and in particular working and in their many extra-curricular pursuits. closely with KS4 to amplify the student voice. It has been an honour to serve as Head Boy this year and The opportunities that Blue Coat has provided have been a pleasure to work alongside Sorcha as Head Girl and the invaluable. In particular, being able to travel to numerous rest of the Senior Prefect Team. It has been a joy to give countries such as China, Spain, France, Germany and Italy something back to the School which has offered me so have allowed me to embrace different cultures and even much, and I can wholeheartedly say that I have enjoyed inspired me to continue to study Modern Languages and the challenge of the role. I am excited about the next Classics at Oxford University. I am incredibly grateful that chapter and what life holds for me as an ‘Old Blue’ and due to the Old Blues network these opportunities will would like to wish the Class of 2017 the very best of luck continue to be provided and I look forward to becoming in all their future endeavours. Although we have now left more involved in this community.” school, it is reassuring to know that we are officially ‘Old Blues’ and our connection with Blue Coat remains.”

18 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Nikoletta Michael, Class of 2011 Studied: French and Spanish at the University of Montpellier Now lives in: London

How would you describe your time at The Blue Coat School? . I have great memories of the two years I spent at the Blue Coat sixth form. I met so many people with whom I am still in touch today. I got on very well with my teachers and they were so supportive. I remember enjoying my classes and also being involved in extra-curricular activities. The community at Blue Coat felt very close-knit!

How did your experience at the School prepare you for your career? The teaching I received at The Blue Coat, and particularly the fact that I was surrounded by so many talented and intelligent students, really encouraged me to pursue the path I did. Being in such an environment motivated me to work hard and do well, just like we all did at Blue Coat. Most of all, I think it endowed me with much more confidence and allowed me to fully realise what I was good at and what exactly I wanted to do.

What has been your path since leaving? Once I finished my A Levels I chose a rather unconventional path and went to study French and Spanish at the University of Montpellier, as I really wanted to immerse myself in an environment that would force me to speak French at all times. I left three years later with a Diploma in French and Spanish Literature and Translation Studies. This was by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Upon returning to the UK, I went on to receive my BA in French and Spanish from the University of Liverpool. During this time, I completed two internships at the European Commission in Brussels where I attended conferences at the European Council and Parliament, and collaborated with EU interpreters and translators. These internships exposed me to the workings of political institutions and I decided I would like to combine my expertise in languages with politics.

In September 2016 I began my MSc in European Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. During my time at the LSE I also completed an internship at the House of Lords as a researcher for Lord Mike Storey MP (Liberal Democrats’ Spokesperson on Education, Families and Young People). During my internship I had the opportunity to contribute to the drafting of speeches and reports on policy areas including education, women’s rights and health. This experience has been to date one of the most enriching experiences I have had, as it provided me with a deeper understanding of the workings of the UK Parliament, after being mostly exposed to the European organisations of Brussels.

What do you do now? I have just finished writing my MSc dissertation on the integration of immigrant communities in the UK, which required me to undertake a lot of field research. I am currently looking for employment, and in December I will officially graduate from LSE.

What would be your advice to students today? Aside from academic success, I would advise students to secure a number of internships. My internships really helped me to see what it’s truly like in the working world and allowed me to acquire the necessary skills that I could not have done in the classroom!

SEE MORE AT: www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk/where-are they-now?

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 19 THE Squirrel Archive

De Prafectis: 1957

History is Made: 1957 An Ode to Paul Gascoigne: 1996

20 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 FIRST DATES

FIRST Dates

Chess Club: 1966/67 Paul Hughes Class of 2008 With Channel 4’s hit show First Dates returning to our screens for its ninth series, Old Blue Paul Hughes, from the Class of 2008, reveals what it’s really like to go on a blind date: in front of millions of people.

“How do people find love these days? Meet somebody on a night out? Have a friend set you up with somebody? Aimlessly swipe right on dating apps, looking for ‘the one’? I decided to go down the less conventional route: television.

The application form for First Dates was simple: ‘Describe yourself in 150 words’. I got all the important information in there: a maths teacher from Liverpool, unlucky in love so far, and a penchant for organisation and Rubik’s Cubes. Send.

After an interview in Manchester in front of the camera: Weight Training Club: 1976 (“Dress to impress, be yourself, and BRING YOUR RUBIK’S CUBE!”) and half an hour of my likes, dislikes, what I’m looking for, any funny stories I wouldn’t mind sharing with millions of people, I was selected to have my gruelling ‘pre-date’ interview. This was in a studio in London (in the chair in front of the heart screen: two hours of questioning, thinking I’d finished one question and being egged on to say more (this is when you start to say the silly stuff they use on the programme). The next day, I got a call: I had a date. Two weeks later I’m entering the First Dates restaurant. It was surreal! I had no idea who would walk through the door. My date Sophie finally arrived, and I was so relieved we hit it off straight away! We had to conduct some post-date interviews, both saying we enjoyed the date and would like to see each other again, followed by some off-camera drinks to celebrate surviving the show!

Staff Idiosyncrasies: 1956 Although nothing long-term happened, First Dates was a thoroughly enjoyable experience!”

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 21 FORGET WHERE’S WALLY!

FORGET The sky’s Where’s Wally! the limit!

Earlier this year we kicked off a new campaign to track down our missing Old Blues. Over the past three years Paul Winfield, Class of 1996 almost 2,000 Old Blues have joined our international With 3.4 million passengers passing through its departure alumni network by sharing their contact details with the gates to date this year, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is Development Office. In the days following our campaign one of the UK’s fastest growing airports and an interna- launch our database increased by over 10%! However, our tional gateway to the Liverpool City Region. campaign is not over; we believe there are a further 7,000 Old Blues out there! Our aim is to reconnect with as many As JLA’s Air Service Development Director it is Old Blue of our Old Blues as possible, so that we can keep them Paul Winfield’s, (Class of 1996), responsibility to oversee a updated on School news, share our community newslet- number of the airport’s crucial components, from budget ters and alumni magazines, and invite them to events such management and financial forecasting to meeting with as reunions and our Blues in Business networking events. airline representatives and stakeholders. As well as ensuring that passengers have regular access to popular So if you are in touch with your former classmates please destinations including Belfast and Alicante, behind the encourage them to get in touch via our ‘keep in touch’ scenes Paul is involved in detailed negotiations to contact form, which can be found at www.bluecoatschool- attract new tour operators and airlines, and to secure new liverpool.org.uk/old-blues/keep-touch. We would love to routes, which are crucial to preserving passenger growth. hear from them, in particular our old boarders! Thirty-two new routes in three years and five new airlines flying into Liverpool can be attributed to Paul’s expertise If you would like to be reunited with old friends, contact and talent, and are looked upon as his greatest the Development Office at achievements. 2030, and the addition of a global hub [email protected]. connection and long-haul services. For Paul, his team, as well as the 6,500 people who work for the airport, it’s all To view our campaign film please visit:www.bluecoat - about welcoming the world to Liverpool! schoolliverpool.org.uk/hunt-missing-old-blues

We were saddened to hear the news that Old Blue Simon Cubells from the Class of 1990 REMEMBERING passed away in December 2016 after a long battle with cancer.Simon was Head of School OUR OLD BLUES and was described in the Squirrel Prefect Files as ‘Mr Popular‘. He was also a keen sportsman and musician and delivered a memorable performance as Prince Charming in the school panto Cinderella. It was heart-warming to receive so many messages from Simon’s school friends, here is a small selection of those messages.

“A brilliant brain, a kind heart, and always the warmest smile. And liked, in one sphere or another, by pretty much everyone.” Chris, Old Blue, Class of 1990 “Whenever someone passes away we hear things like how they were well liked, witty and a wonderful person and so on. In Simon’s case it was all true. No exaggeration or embellishment is needed. A genuinely top bloke and gentleman of the first order.” Tamsil, Old Blue, Class of 1991 “Simon was a very good friend to many of us in the Blue Coat. He was a popular character and an excellent choice to be Head Boy. Apart from being extremely intelligent he was also a very good sportsman. Simon had a wide range of friends from different backgrounds and with very different personalities. It is a credit to him that he had the character and likeability to mix in any circle.” Carlos, Old Blue, Class of 1990

22 | THE ANNUAL REVIEW FOR OLD BLUES OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL 2016/17 REMEMBERING OUR EVENTS

OLD BLUES The Blue Coat community said goodbye to former Old Blues’ Festive Blue Coat woodwork teacher Mr Harry Marsden Drinks Reception who died in December 2016, aged 87.Harry joined Thursday 7th December 2017 the School in 1968 and The Blue Coat School during his 23 year Board Room, 7.00 p.m. Blue Coat career he became a well-known and The sky’s popular figure. Outside of the classroom Harry ran the School Archery Club and could regularly the limit! be found carrying out Class of 2017 Drinks a spot of DIY. Tuesday 9th January 2018 The Blue Coat School Board Room, 8.00 p.m. At the start of 2017 it was announced that Old Blue Stan Livingston from the Class 1957 had passed away. Stan, an extremely dedicated and active member of the Liverpool Blue Coat Old Blues Blues in Business London Association Committee, was a former President Thursday 22nd February 2018 of the Association and Champagne Charlies, The Arches, served as Treasurer for many years. A lively and popular 17 Villiers Street, 5.30 p.m. member of the Association, Stan always had a cheerful smile and a willingness to help anybody. Stan’s passion for music led to the creation of his mobile disco. Renowned locally, seventy-five year old Stan could be found most Friday and Saturday nights at various parties. His kind generosity and youthful spirit will be greatly missed. Old Blues

Oxbridge Event

Spring 2018 - further details to be released soon!

Stay connected! Detlef Prichard, or Preech as he was known to his friends, attended Blue Coat during the 1960s. A larger than life /bluecoatschoololdblues character Detlef was well known throughout the School, and during his final year at Blue Coat he was appointed Head Boy of the Boarders. A dedicated sportsman Detlef @LiverpoolBCS held the prestigious title Victor Ludorum for a number of years. He will be remembered fondly by his close friends www.linkedin.com/groups/8153535 and former classmates.

www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk | 23 THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL Development Office, The Blue Coat School, Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 9EE Tel: 0151 733 1407 ext 207 Email: [email protected] www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk

We are grateful to Investec for sponsoring our 2016/17 edition. ‘non sibi sed omnibus’ ‘not for oneself but for all’

/bluecoatschoololdblues

@LiverpoolBCS

www.linkedin.com/groups/8153535