The Magazine for Rendcomb College, Juniors and Nursery
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Rendcombian The Magazine for Rendcomb College, Juniors and Nursery 2014 Rendcombian Magazine Editorial Team Mrs A Haas, Junior School Coordinator and Editor Miss J Longbourne, Senior School Coordinator and Editor Mrs A Brealy Mrs K Martin Mr R Martin Mr M Watson Photography Mr J and Mrs S Ash Mrs A Brealy Mr T Hickey Mrs J Thomason Senior School Pupil Team Ella Burton Form 1 Alicia Devin Form 1 Lucas Boyer Form 2 Philip Harrison-Josey Form 2 Ella Sims Form 2 Maria Tutton Form 2 Ross Canning Form 3 Becky Langley Form 3 Bob Tharme Form 3 Designed & Printed by Vario Press Limited Marish Wharf, St. Mary’s Road, Langley, Slough Tel: 01753 548 944 www.variouk.com Rendcomb College & Junior School Rendcomb, Nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 7HA Telephone: 01285 831 213 www. rendcombcollege.org.uk [email protected] Rendcomb College, Company Limited by Guarantee: 5891198 Charity Number: 1115884 Cover image: Eostra (see March Hare Festival, page 49) www.rendcomb.org.uk Contents Contents School Community Enrichment Founder’s Day Speeches 04 Duke of Edinburgh 96 Farewells to Teaching Staff 13 Shooting 96 Introductions to Teaching Staff 16 Form 1 Adventure Weekend 98 Non-Teaching Staff News 18 Riding Weekend 99 A Year in the Chapel 20 Special Events 100 Prefect Team 21 Features 22 Junior School Headmaster’s Review 106 04 Academic Departments Junior Staff News 106 English 24 Eco News 110 Science 27 Forest School 112 Geography 30 Nursery 114 History 32 Reception 116 Modern Languages 34 J1 118 Psychology 38 J2 120 Music 39 RCJPA 122 Drama 42 Music 123 Design Technology 48 J3 124 41 Art 49 J4 126 Photography 54 Art 128 International & EAL 56 J5 132 Academic Results 59 J6 136 Pupils in the Spotlight 60 Leavers and Prizes 139 The Wizard of Oz 140 Houses Drama Report 142 Godman House 64 Dance 144 Old Rectory 66 Sport 145 Stable House 68 Special Days 154 Lawn House 70 Park House 72 34 Boarding Community 74 Sport Rugby 76 Girls’ Hockey 79 Boys’ Hockey 81 Lacrosse 84 Cricket 87 Tennis 89 Representative Honours 91 118 Sports Events 92 01 Rendcombian - The Magazine for Rendcomb College, Juniors and Nursery Founder’s Day Founder’s Founder’s Day Speeches Community – School Mr M. Watson, Headmaster of Junior School and to be greeted each day by children such as these? I am not naïve enough to think our pupils do not enjoy being at home playing on their games, but generally they bounce into school, enthusiastic to be with their friends, ready to enjoy the opportunities and challenges provided both in and outside the classroom. Einstein said, “If people are good only because they fear punishment and hope for reward, we are a sorry lot indeed.” When I visit a local prep school, I am always struck by the fear that their pupils display when they see their Head or a member of staff walking down a corridor. That’s fortunately not Rendcomb. Of course, we aim to develop respect and we offer rewards, but these are to acknowledge not just achievement, but importantly effort and doing one’s best. I agree with John Hayes, ex-CEO (American Express), who said, “We tend to overvalue the things we can measure and undervalue the things we can’t.” Since Rendcomb’s foundation, the school has striven to treat pupils as individuals, to value the diversity of When you arrived today I hope that you saw Eostra, their talents even if they do not fit the accepted norm. our hare. This initiative was great to get involved in, The qualities of citizenship, friendship, loyalty and as it not only provided our children with a fun, artistic perseverance are difficult to measure, but undeniably challenge; but also it is supporting a very worthy local important; and these are qualities that I see every day environmental project. The hare has a long historical across our Rendcomb community. link with Cirencester, and it also has a special On Wednesday night Mrs Watson and I were relevance to Rendcomb, but more about that later. privileged to see the Lower School’s production of When I watch the news on TV, I often find it The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The entire depressing: a catalogue of disasters, problems and performance oozed class; and it was truly wonderful issues. Although we are all affected by national and to see such confidence, especially as one of the lead international events, I often ask myself – Do I live in the parts was so shy at age four when her favourite pastime real world? Is life portrayed in EastEnders the norm? was crying. This was Rendcomb at its best, and you The answer for me is simple – No, I do not live and work fully deserved on Wednesday a standing ovation. I in the real world, for mine is a very special and unique would have willingly led it, but after two and half hours place; it’s called Rendcomb. How could anyone not feel on a Dulverton chair with knees that don’t work and a privileged and blessed to work in such an environment stomach that doesn’t shrink, I just couldn’t get up! 04 www.rendcomb.org.uk Founder’s Day Founder’s Schools are about people. Of course facilities During holiday periods, I often meet new families, and and resources matter, but ethos and atmosphere while they can see rooms and facilities, they cannot Community – outweigh these. As an Independent Schools Inspector, experience our unique atmosphere. I thank everyone I frequently get the opportunity to visit schools which who contributes to making Rendcomb so special – claim to be close-knit and caring. While this may be the pupils, parents and, of course, all of my colleagues, School case, and naturally I am biased, Rendcomb has a spirit, teaching and non-teaching. a family/community feel and bond which is truly Traditionally, staff leaving the Junior School, unique. If we needed confirmation, both the parent which is rare, are acknowledged in our Final Assembly, and pupil bodies gave it massively in the very positive rather than here. Today I am going to break with pre-inspection questionnaires returned to ISI last term. tradition, for an exceptional teacher and friend leaves The Reporting Inspector (lead Inspector) was amazed us this term after 13 years’ truly outstanding service. by the responses, as she had never come across a set Having been appointed in March 2003, one of my first so high. Having spent four days here, she understood; tasks was to make an internal appointment of the for she, too, was impressed by our pupils, our teachers, school’s first Deputy Head. Although not the most our school. experienced, a young and impressive Anne Haas stood The report highlighted the many great strengths out. This brings me back to the hare. I was intrigued by that our school has, and I was particularly pleased Anne’s surname, so naturally looked it up to find that it that our Early Years (Nursery/Reception) department said ‘green bumpy skin’! I soon realised this was the was recognised as being excellent (outstanding in a definition of an avocado haas. Researching further, it maintained school) in every aspect. Last week our came to light that in Afrikaans, Dutch and German, Early Years was further recognised by the re-award ‘Haas’ means ‘hare’. So Mrs Hare, apart from marrying of the Bristol Standard, the top kite mark in this area my wonderful wife, Lynne, appointing you has proved of education. My colleagues who work with these age to be the best decision of my life. Anne has been groups should be rightfully proud of their instrumental during her 13 years at Rendcomb, 11 as achievements, but particularly as this means our Deputy Head, in developing and shaping the Junior pupils get the very best start and introduction to their School into the high-quality school that exists today. educational journey. Many Senior School students and their families, As usual, the children in the Junior School as well as those currently in the Junior School, owe deservedly grab the limelight, for once again they Anne a huge debt of gratitude, for she has enabled so have performed so brilliantly across so many fields many to enjoy learning and to flourish as individuals. and disciplines. I shall soon pass to this term’s Heads Such commitment has had consequences, for Anne of School, so that Carmen and Rory can provide an has gone from a young and sane woman to a overview of the Junior School year and some of their somewhat mad, fully fledged Junior School teacher. special memories. Since the news of Anne’s appointment as Junior Head Our pupils are lucky to be part of this school, at The King’s School, Gloucester, many have asked which they generally realise, so they are always keen how I will cope, and Mark Naylor even suggested I might to undertake charitable work to support those less now have to work! Well, it’s time to come clean – For fortunate. As a result, a considerable amount of the last 11 years Anne has been undergoing training charitable work is regularly undertaken; during the and she is now ready to be dropped behind enemy lines past year alone, £2,800 has been raised supporting in Gloucester! Anne, good luck and thank you; please international, national and local causes. But it’s not come up to accept this small token of our thanks. just about raising money and having fun in the process.