THE AYLESBURIAN

2018/2019 Tennis and Health & Fitness Centre

Halton UK - Tennis and Health & Fitness Centre @haltonuk Chestnut End, Halton, , HP22 5PD T: 01296 623453 E: [email protected] www.haltontennis.co.uk CONTENTS FOR

THE

Tennis and Health & Fitness Centre AYLESBURIAN The magazine of Aylesbury

Headmaster’s Welcome 4

A message from the Governors 8

Staff Leavers 10

Tribute to Ben Emburey 14

House Life 15

Sport 34

School Life 67

School Visits 81

A message from the PTA 101

School Development & Alumni Relations 102

Prize Winners 112

Design and Printed by Fresh Design & Print Solutions Ltd Editor Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2019. Individual articles Mr G Dallas are copyright © the author. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, Halton UK - Tennis and Health & Fitness Centre @haltonuk without the prior permission writing of the school, or as expressly Chestnut End, Halton, Aylesbury, HP22 5PD permitted by law, or under terms agreed with the appropriate T: 01296 623453 E: [email protected] www.haltontennis.co.uk reprographs rights organisations.

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 3 HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Welcome to the Aylesburian years each to the School and to “The school motto of ‘Respect and magazine for 2018-2019. Once education. Priceless opportunities to Aspire’ permeates all aspects of school again, this publication stands stand back and reflect upon what it life. All who work at the school have the as the definitive historical means to be an Aylesburian. To be highest aspirations for themselves and reference for the School and a part of this historic institution, with for the other members of the school so we hope that you enjoy it. over 400 years of tradition, but also community. Their pride in the school, All our thanks go to Mr Dallas to witness the success and future of support for each other and enjoyment each student as they leave us for the of their work, create an environment for once again editing this year’s publication. next stage of their life. It is why we in which all are encouraged to flourish teach, but more importantly, why we and develop.” I was hoping never to have to repeat teach here. the words of 2015 and 2018 when We also invited a full review of our expressing our deepest sense of loss In order to validate the culture and safeguarding procedures, in order for one of our Aylesburians. However, impact of the School, we invited to verify the work that we do in this we demonstrate our true character at reviews of our core work from area and identify where we can such challenging times, and to Year other senior school leaders and improve. After a rigorous process, 10 at the time, Phillips House, and headteachers, as well as expert we were hailed as adding value to most importantly, the Emburey family, consultants throughout the year. the whole school experience in all we thank you for your strength and The Challenge Partners Network, areas. A fine testament to the work, humility. To Ben, we say goodbye, of which we are a member and now time, commitment and care of the but not forgotten. He will always be host the Hub, came whole school but most notably the remembered, once an Aylesburian, to the school in November. With five safeguarding team and pastoral team. senior leaders from other schools always an Aylesburian. One quote exemplifies this level of and a lead reviewer, the team spent The academic year also provided care. When asked if the school kept three days immersing themselves opportunity for reflection, growth its promises, one student replied “it into the life of the school. and success across the School. went beyond that, they more than From the whole School photograph Their verdict was one of great pride keep their promises” and the report to thanking three members of staff for all involved and summed up by highlighted a culture where “Students for their selfless commitment of 25 the following quote from the report: feel happy and cared for”.

4 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 We further developed the the Watson and Brodie Trophies. A collaborative culture of the school fitting legacy for the departing Head of in January when we invited House, Mr Streat. headteachers from feeder primary In sport we were ranked by the schools to come and visit to discuss School Sport Magazine as one of the the challenges of their schools as top 10 Schools for sport nationally. well as having a tour from their ex- This is a sensational achievement, primary students. made possible by the staff and The connection between the supported by the parents. Success headteachers and some of their ex- in swimming, football, rugby, tennis students was a really proud moment and squash are all testament to the for all involved and cemented the extensive opportunities on offer to view that we are all very proud of We have increased the size and the students. our School. The comments returned quality of the changing facilities in the surrounded the range of opportunities swimming pool, and in the summer In Handball the Under 15 side are on offer at our School and the quality of 2019 refurbished the Mathematics national champions. The school was of learning that is evident. classrooms, upgraded the Drama very proud to see James Richardson representing English Schools’ FA After the examination results of studio, installed new boilers and Under 18s last season in football and 2018, the progress figures at GCSE improved the environment in Nathan McDonald, currently in Year and A Level put the School in an Geography and Languages. 11, has gone on to represent Great extremely positive position. At GCSE New recycling bins across the school Britain Under 18s in handball. the progress 8 score of 0.91 placed demonstrate our growing focus on us as the top performing boys’ school social responsibility and the future Finally, in July we invited ex- in , while the value generations. There is much to do, but Headmaster Keith Smith to School added score of 0.22 at A Level placed we are making outstanding progress, to celebrate his 90th birthday. With us the top performing school overall despite the constant challenges of many ex-staff, students, governors in Buckinghamshire for A Levels. Our educational funding. This is thanks and parents returning to share their whole-hearted congratulations to the to the amazing contributions of the memories and stories. At 90 years staff and students of the 2018 cohort. PTA, parents and alumni through the old, Keith spoke for half an hour, In 2019 we continued to face the Aylesburian Annual Fund. We thank without notes, thanking all those who changes to the curriculum with everyone for their contribution. had made the school such a success tougher, linear courses. This brings In further activities away from the during his time. many unknowns in the examination classroom, our Geology team A humble, respectful and honest process, requiring resilience, came runners up in the National recollection of what makes this a courage and excellence from all Competition. We had amazing wonderful place to learn. Respecting involved. Once again, the students success in Physics and Chemistry our traditions and history, but aspiring responded magnificently and rose to Olympiads, Computing and Maths to a bright and wonderful future the challenge with some outstanding competitions, Young Enterprise and outcomes. Engineering, and our educational The past year has once again seen visits reached as far as Argentina, Across the School we continue our students and staff excel and we Uruguay, Malawi and Borneo. to make improvements to the are rightly proud of all of them as environment and facilities. We The House competition remains the they exhibit the characteristics of our installed new gates around the vibrant heart beat of the School. With core values, to respect and aspire. 6th Form area to improve security, the array of competitions and events refurbished the IT rooms with new ensuring every student can participate We hope you enjoy this publication. hardware and furniture, improved in the life of the house. Once again CCTV across the site to ensure we Denson House have swept the board M Sturgeon are all safer. and are double double winners of Headmaster

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 5 Head Boy’s Reflections 2018 - 19

It’s a hazy Tuesday morning event? Yes. But to reflect on the assemblies and other school events, in August and I’m currently year properly and to bring out more contributing to my belief that it is the sat at my bedroom desk next broadly what it has meant to me enduringly dynamic and inspiring to a pile of dusty books I was to be part of the AGS community, atmosphere of the school that has revising from two months ago. robotically working through the year had the biggest impact on me. Now seems like a good opportunity isn’t going to cut it… This atmosphere is the product of to reflect on the year just gone, As Head Boy I’ve hugely enjoyed the amazing community of people even if doing justice to a year at being involved in a variety of aspects at AGS. The friendships I’ve AGS is something of a herculean of school life. Sammy Robertson, forged have made the last seven task- there have been simply too Finn Bell and I have focussed on years happier, funnier and more many sporting fixtures, concerts, reducing the school’s environmental interesting, as well as providing the clubs, trips, memories and stories impact and improving sustainability, best support base imaginable. From even to list in a few hundred words, and we hope that this will remain my immediate form-group friends let alone properly reflect on. Is that a central focus for students and to those in my A-Level classes (the a shameless cop out? A generic, the wider school community going consistently opinionated and at catch-all statement that spares forward. We have also taken a lot times utterly ridiculous French class, me having to recount event after from involvement in school councils, and the English class that never

6 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 should have gelled but somehow the same rings true across the year And so, as my eyes flick from did, despite the initial divide between group and in all subject areas- the the dusty textbooks to the glossy bookworms, the somewhat edgier consistently inspiring enthusiasm of University books lying freshly opened drama students, and those for whom AGS teachers and their work both in- on the floor, I am acutely aware of English was primarily taken to fill the and outside the classroom make the third A-level option box…), to those how much I owe to AGS. It has been school a truly formative, exciting and in my wider year group; each of a pleasure to serve as Head Boy, stimulating environment. you has contributed so much to my especially working alongside Finn Whilst in some ways AGS is like school experience, for which I am and Sammy, and I wish Denzel, so grateful. any school- simply a community Dylan and Ben every success for the of students and teachers- the I am also greatly indebted to all the year ahead. underlying attitude and character teachers who have taught me, and promoted are distinctive, ensuring to the staff who ensure the day-to- With gratitude to all those who day smooth running of the school. that this community not only have made the last seven years so functions but flourishes. Respect In particular, I will never forget the unforgettable. MFL and English teachers who permeates all levels and aspiration have sparked and developed my is constantly encouraged and Sam Carter – Lee 13 love of these subjects, and I know facilitated.

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 7 A message from the Governors

Once again, the Governors of In many other respects, though, We appreciate that there is a need Aylesbury Grammar School little has changed. The ethos of the to maintain the excellent standards are delighted to see the school in those days, as now, was that the school has developed over achievements of the AGS to strive for excellence, aiming to many years, to continue with an Community over the last year achieve your own personal best and approach and traditions that work. presented in the excellent help your fellow students to achieve At the same time, we appreciate that Aylesburian magazine, which theirs, whether in sports, music or a to continue to thrive AGS needs to seems to get better and better broad range of academic pursuits, all keep moving forward with a modern, year on year. within a supportive and encouraging bold strategy. This means developing environment. Perhaps that might new ways of learning fit for the 21st Last year, however, we noticed one be summarised as “Aspire” and century, absorbing and building serious omission – we didn’t get “Respect” – does that sound on the changes in the curriculum a mention. Naturally, we thought familiar? so that the school stays at the that this was a significant failing forefront of educational standards, that needed to be put right at the Old Aylesburians from that era extending the relationships that the earliest opportunity, so as outgoing coming back to the school will see school has both locally and more Chairman of Governors I was a few other familiar sights too – the widely, and ensuring (as our newly charged with putting together a main corridor, hall, tower block, short piece to raise the profile of the canteen, music room, swimming formed purpose puts it) that “the Governing Body just a little. pool and old gym to name but a few. school inspires and supports all our Those hunting the traditional wooden students to enable them to flourish First, a little personal history. I pavilion might be surprised throughout their lives”. have been a Governor of AGS for to see a magnificent sports hall in its over 15 years, starting as a Parent However, we see the Headmaster place these days, and those seeking Governor when my sons were in and staff striving to balance different the lower school physics and biology the lower school. For the six years needs and demands at a time when labs will be greatly impressed with up to January 2019, I was also funding for schools like ours is the new library and science block, proud to be Chairman of Governors, perhaps the lowest it has ever been, but otherwise it’s the same place. a position that brings status and with buildings that are struggling to worry in broadly equal measure. All of which brings me to my theme cope with the pressures of housing My involvement with AGS actually – what is the role of the Governing 1,300 students, and when the goes back a lot further, having spent Body? pace of regulatory, legislative and seven years from 1969 to 1976 in curricular change is phenomenal. At AGS, as at many other schools, Phillips House, all the way from the We believe that the insights and the Governors’ role is a strategic First Form to the Upper Sixth (as experience that Governors can one. We oversee an institution which Years 7 to 13 were known in those bring from our external careers are is working well, which achieves its days). If this seems like ancient invaluable to help us give support in history to many of today’s readers, goals and which needs relatively these areas. it was – for example, caps had to little intervention – although if we be worn, tutor group photos were in thought that a more direct approach Throughout the year, we set black and white, and the desks still was needed, we would seek to help objectives for the Headmaster had lids and inkwells. and advise wherever necessary. and appraise his performance, we

8 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 scrutinise and advise on financial and property matters, we review and challenge the academic performance, we oversee the community and development initiatives, and we aim to support all staff and students as best we can. We also discuss more strategic ideas for where the school should be in five or ten years time, including considering how best we might achieve these goals. The role, therefore, mixes the present and the future, maintaining the excellence while looking to be even better.

That’s the “what”. The “why” is quite simple – we like this place and want to do what we can to help it succeed. We want to be part of the AGS Community.

I wish the new Chairman of Governors, Richard Williams, all the best in the role, confident that his tenure will be a great success. I’m sure Richard, along with all the Governors, will welcome questions and comments from students, staff, parents and carers to help the Governing Body focus its work fully on helping to make AGS an even better place for all to respect and aspire.

Jim Collins (Phillips 1976) - former Chairman of Governors

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 9 STAFF LEAVERS

the satisfaction gained from sowing Aside from his significant contribution Rajesh Datta seeds with his students to start to to the Maths department Rajesh develop a similar passion. has found the time to get involved more broadly in school life, including Early on Rajesh recognised that accompanying French and German provision for our most able students trips, helping to raise money to was rather ad hoc amongst all age improve the squash facilities with groups. He was already involved at 24 hour squash marathons, and that stage with helping those capable assisting Dr Smith with writing the of applying to do Maths related school timetable. subjects at Oxbridge via the STEP

programme. But he felt that starting The Maths Department are going this in Year 12 was too late, so he to miss Rajesh in many ways as created the STEP-Lite programme he moves on to promotion in a to identify and develop students new school in Surrey. We will miss with potential in maths as early as his tenacious approach to all that possible. ‘Perhaps we could involve he does, from writing well thought three or four students’ in this STEP- Rajesh joined the Maths out and challenging A level tests Lite scheme,’ he thought. Department 8 years ago as a (though the boys don’t always Newly Qualified Teacher. He Today the STEP-LIte programme appreciate this at first!), organising had already done two terms is so popular amongst the boys the Maths Challenges, helping us of teacher training with us the in the school that there are now with our maths when we get stuck year before so we knew how about 60 taking part. The time (yes, this happens), always having energetic and enthusiastic commitment from Rajesh involved a story to tell, not to mention all he was, but what struck us in setting, marking and providing the excellent lessons he teaches very early on was how totally feedback has been immense but so and the commitment he shows to dedicated he is to getting appreciated by the boys involved the Department, the school, and the best out of every single who are realising their potential and ultimately to the boys. We wish him student. From then until now he enjoying their maths so much more well in his move to Surrey, and the has committed time and boundless as a result. From STEP-Lite also same school as Harriet Rowling, and energy to raising the achievement of came the Weekly Challenge which we hope they will come back to see all those he teaches, but particularly is accessible to all students in Year us now and then.. the most able boys in the school. His 7 - again organised by Rajesh for the energy and commitment stems from benefit of the boys in the school, who J M Smith a genuine love of his subject and enjoy taking part. C P Smith

10 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 eccentric students. His unique sense Andrew Streat of humour is welcome both in the Angelos Matzoros classroom and in the staffroom – his love of comedy leading him to run the Friday Comedy Club for the duration of his time here. He has inspired students to pursue their interest in both performance comedy - as well as comedy writing itself - at university and beyond.

He is a genuine, caring teacher. He is exceptionally thorough with his marking; in truth he writes too much. It is a mark of his thorough and supportive approach that he provides the most detailed feedback for all. He spends much of his free time helping individuals: no one is turned away, Angelos joined the Maths Andrew joined us in 2012 and whether staff or student. leaves us at the end of his Department three years ago seventh year as a teacher of Over the last seven years he has as a Newly Qualified Teacher. accompanied numerous trips, both English. During that time, he has During his time here he has built within the department as well as become something of a cult figure many good relationships with helping out others. He has organised amongst the students, inspiring students and produced some and led several A level excursions and enthusing countless individuals excellent class results. He has to see some of our set texts being to pursue their interests, initially been proactive in extending his own performed and to attend study days in his role as a knowledgeable, learning ready to teach less familiar and has made big contributions approachable and exceptionally areas in the new Maths and Further to department schemes of work, supportive member of the English Maths A-Levels. Department and latterly in his role resources and training. Always as Head of Denson House. a lively contributor to staff social Recently Angelos selected and events, he will be much missed from prepared the Intermediate Maths I’m very lucky to work in a department the school community as a whole. Team from Years 8 and 9 to that is dedicated, caring, professional compete in the UKMT Team Maths and hard-working and Andrew Andrew leaves us to join Colyton Competition. From initially 1700 encapsulates all of these qualities. Grammar School in Devon, relocating schools who took part in the Heats, Over the last seven years he has with his young family. I will miss him, they were one of only 80 or so teams become a popular and integral part of we as a department will miss him, our department and is seen as such and I’m certain those who have been who reached the National Final in by both students and staff. taught by him or been led by his London. A fine achievement for the enthusiasm for all things Denson will team. He is dedicated to his profession miss him. Students could do worse and to the subject. No doubt his Outside of the department he has than living by one of his mantras: love of obscure 19th century Welsh enjoyed involving himself in the wider ganbatte – ‘do your best.’ fantasy writers and all things gothic life of the school, accompanying endeared him to some of our more Mr A Skinner various trips including for RS, for

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 11 STAFF LEAVERS

English to the Globe Theatre, and Anyone who has been in one of with Year 8 to Woburn. Harriet’s lessons will know that she Hannah Brown has all of the above in spades. The Leaving to develop the next stage in Sixth Form in particular benefited his career, Angelos is taking a rare from her engaging ways of teaching opportunity of moving to a recently the idiosyncrasies of German established school, closer to home. grammar and it is her lessons that He will be missed by the Department have given boys confidence to but we wish him well in his next succeed in this challenging A-Level. venture - exciting opportunities in a new school in . Lower down in the school, Harriet worked to motivate boys by bringing J M Smith the language to life through song and C P Smith creativity and her success in doing so is evident in the positive attitude that pupils have when they begin Harriet Rowling their GCSE. Trips to the countries where the language is spoken is a key aspect of teaching MFL and Hannah Brown taught without Harriet’s contributions over Chemistry and Key Stage the years these could not have taken 3 Science at AGS for 4 ½ place. years. She started as a Newly Qualified Teacher and I am particularly grateful to her brought with her a sunny and therefore for her organisation of approachable disposition. the Year 8 trips to Cologne as well as for accompanying the German In addition to her teaching role, she Exchange to Stuttgart each year. was an active and well-liked Lee This is in addition to the visits to House form tutor. Normandy, Burgundy and Bourge- She organised and accompanied a en-Bresse when having a subject number of school trips. specialist on board is so valuable. She also ran a popular STEM club At a time when the numbers of pupils which brought in external experts Harriet joined AGS as an NQT learning German and French are and entered competitions. Hannah teaching German and French rapidly decreasing, it is experienced was a keen supporter of the Duke of in 2014 and will be sorely practitioners like Harriet who are Edinburgh Award, finding, checking missed as she leaves to take needed who can keep languages and encouraging groups of AGS up a teaching post in her native alive and make them relevant for students in all weathers. She leaves Surrey. young people today. We thank with our very best wishes in her Languages cannot be taught without Harriet for all her efforts with the future endeavours. a combination of passion and pupils at AGS and wish her all the Dr C Gardner enthusiasm for the subject as well best in her new post. Für die Zukunft as extensive knowledge of grammar, alles Gute – Bonne continuation. vocabulary, culture and history. Mr R Sloan

12 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 made them feel as though they were the transformations that have been Hazel Robinson not important. Hazel had an ability achieved in recent years with the to listen to the young people in her School Shop with creating a more care, to act in their best interests efficient and accessible system. and at times took part in the school’s Parents will also remember her mentoring programme. Hazel cheerful voice and helpful manner also took time out of her day when when answering the phone, taking necessary to give help and advice to messages about students who were parents who were sometimes very unwell, had medical appointments, concerned about their son’s health, were having immunisations, had both physical or emotional. Her forgotten their PE kits….. opinion and advice was trusted by Hazel left in November 2018 to a students and parents alike. Hazel set more senior administration role in a up and managed the very successful primary school nearer to her home. programme of counselling that the She went with our very best wishes school now provides and she was and thanks for her care, compassion also, for a long time, the Deputy and efficiency over many years, she Designated Safeguarding Lead – in is greatly missed. Hazel joined Aylesbury these roles she provided invaluable Grammar School in 2006 as our support and assistance to some of Mrs PA Venning, Deputy School Matron. Over 12 years our most vulnerable young people. Headteacher and Designated Hazel worked tirelessly to This was especially noted by one Safeguarding Lead support students, parents and parent when she heard Hazel was staff with all sorts of well being leaving commented ‘Whatever will and personal matters. we do without Mrs Robinson?’

What students will remember If, however, you thought that the of Hazel is that she spent many valuable pastoral role was all Hazel hours patching up cuts and grazes, did for the school, you would be ministering to students with coughs, very wrong. Hazel was also the colds and tummy aches as well as Deputy Office Manager and would supporting students with some very efficiently and cheerfully deputise serious illnesses and injuries. Hazel for colleagues on a number of often went well above and beyond occasions. Staff will remember that what might be expected and she she helped develop the way that worked well beyond her hours. She the school administrated school almost never took a break in the trips – on busy trip days this was day and she was still on site well truly a sight to behold with First after she should have been. She Aid kits, information booklets and supported students willingly and permission forms lined up on her with genuine care, and she never desk ready to go. She was pivotal in

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 13 Ben Emburey (2003 – 2018)

Ben Emburey tragically passed away on the 1st of December 2018 due to complications resulting from his long battle with leukaemia. This unexpected and sombre loss has massively affected Phillips 10 and the whole school community. Phillips 10 have struggled throughout this long period but have shown amazing acts of resilience and courage to support Ben and other struggling students. Piradis Sritharan and Sam Tucker swam a mile across The Alton water river raising £200 for the charity Bloodwise, a charity that supports blood cancer illnesses. Emmanuel the sporting opportunities provided at Grant, Abu Nahin and Basit Adeogun the school, for instance when he and shaved their heads in order to raise I won the A-team house rugby in around £1,500 for the same cause. year 7. I have endless fond memories Mr Gibbs heroically ran the London of Ben and I am forlorn that no Marathon in the impressive time of more shall be made, however, this 3 hours and 57 minutes raising a experience has taught me and massive total of £11,200. many others the true meaning of “carpe diem”.

It has been a very difficult year for anyone who was close to Ben, however, the support that the school has given to anyone unable to cope with the bitter situation is remarkable. Mr Gibbs, Mr Rooney, Dr Smith and Mr Sturgeon went to great lengths in comforting any distressed students Once an Aylesburian, always an and personally made the journey Aylesburian….. From personal memory Ben loved much more bearable for me drama, he was always in the drama Ed Cunningham - Phillips 10 knowing I could always ask for studio thinking of the next comical help or support. skit he could come up with to put a smile on others faces. He enjoyed all

14 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 HOUSE LIFE

crown for our House. Among our star Denson House Report players, there is the king himself, Marcus Connor, and it is strange to What to say about three years the year than in a Hitchcock thriller. It think he will not be back this autumn as Head of Denson House? started with the not-so-thrilling non- once more to defend Denson’s crown. Well, for the main part, there event of a perpetually, and ultimately It is worth giving special mention to is the essential review of the indefinitely, postponed House Cross- Marcus (more of whom later) who, House’s progress of the past Country, the result of a lack of reliable over the years, has been a superlative year. And, as ever, my fellow ‘country’ to cross: the top field was ambassador for this sport, not just passengers on the good ship Denson out of bounds. It is fair to say, not too for Denson, but for AGS generally; did not fail to dazzle, enchant and thrill many tears were shed in the Denson and not just for his own exceptionally me once more with their antics. The camp at this news; even I eventually high personal standard of playing, at problem with achieving success is that tired of my annual rite of cajoling national level, but also in coaching it can often keep shifting the bar of teenage boys to traipse around a and encouraging future generations. attainment ever higher. And so, where sodden field in the autumnal mizzle. Indeed, he has had a big part to play to go as a House which had achieved That said, it was a shame to lose an in creating the culture of squash the famed ‘double’ win of Brodie and event, even if not our strongest, so success in our House, for which I Watson cups in the previous year? I hope it makes its comeback this and others will forever be grateful. The first win of either of these cups year, if only so Denson and the other Even by our high standards in this for our House for well over a decade. Houses can prove their mettle! sport, this year was a blinder – we Where to go, knowing throughout scored nigh-on maximum points with As ever, the starting gun for Denson’s the year that those two trophies were our Year 7s, Juniors and Inters all Brodie campaign was well and sitting with the sky-blue ribbons of placing first – a huge well done to all truly fired with the advent of House involved in this as ever, not least our Denson’s colour tied to their handles Squash. For as many years as I can particularly hard-working and talented on the Boardroom shelves? Well, remember in my time at AGS, this brightest stars: Lewis Milner (12De); where to go, other than repeating this has been the jewel in the Brodie Ryan in 11De (Marcus’ brother); Silas pinnacle of success all over again. To my astonishment and delight, though not entirely surprise, this is exactly what the good denizens of Denson managed to do this year – the mythical ‘double’ double, winning both trophies for a second year in a row, a feat apparently hitherto not achieved by any House, certainly not since records began two decades ago.

The Brodie: This side of events proved ridiculously close, right up to the very close just days before the end of the year. There were more twists and turns throughout

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 15 HOUSE LIFE

relatively disappointing overall result, this year supplied some fabulously entertaining play, including our Inters group game against Hampden, which must rank as the most entertaining House Basketball game I have seen, with quick-fire countering and bursts of spontaneous three-pointers leaving the result hanging in the balance until the final whistle – thank you Ben Mulholland, Max Dolphin, Ollie Flecknell et al for the memories! The winning hoop from Max came a second before the buzzer. Well done to Ridley who ran away impressively Glover (9De), Thomas Whitehead As ever, though, there was some with this event this year. (8De), together with our triumvirate excellent input from across the year Our Brodie fortunes seemed a little of Year 7 new kids on the court: Alex groups. As through much of the year, gasping, if not definitively drowned, by Glover, George Jackson and Josh our Year 7s particularly impressed, the time of House Swimming in March David. The irony, of course, was that with a superlative overall first place – another 5th place overall, and our strongest section, our Seniors in their section for Rugby – particular another competition in which there well done to William Overland and his (including Marcus) came second was a hair’s breadth of a difference in B team bulldozers with their 1st place to Lee in their finals – not due to a points and positions in the mid-table. tie with Phillips. If any events were skill deficit, but because one of our Well done to our Seniors with a 2nd to sum up the close and changing veteran mainstays, Elliott Abdey, place especially, not least the mighty fortunes of this year’s Brodie was disqualified for going on to court Cam Brooker who obliterated the otherwise, it was both Basketball and without his goggles – classic Elliott! Individual Medley record by more than Tennis. Whilst we came a lowly 5th Aside from ‘Goggles-gate’, a stellar 6 seconds (60.63, as it now stands). in Basketball, just 1.5 point (out of performance once again. Also, to our quartet of Year 7s – the 24) more would have secured us a aptly named Tom Poole, Alex Glover, Sprinkled throughout the first two 2nd= finish, so close were the final Joe Endicott and Will Pringle – who terms otherwise were both House rankings. As always, I know our four ranked a well-earned 3rd in their year Rugby and Basketball – two events teams gave it their all, even if our group, showing further encouraging in which, diplomatically speaking, lads (as many a teenage boy) were progress for Denson’s future our fortunes had long fluctuated too down on their performances at Swimming prospects. in previous years: until last year’s times. A trio of 4th place finishes for astounding double trophy win for our 7s, Juniors and Inters was buoyed Come the summer, House Athletics both. This year, it is fair to say, a by a 3rd place from our Seniors, proved to be as entertaining a day favourable wind was not in our sails thanks to some spirited play by our as ever. The mix of talents and year so much, with final placings of 4th and various outgoing 13s and the likes of group abilities this year again meant 5th respectively, meaning our initial current deputy head boy of house, that a repeat of our 1st= from last Brodie lead from Squash did not last. Harvey Newland-Smith. And despite a year was perhaps loftily ambitious.

16 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 I personally was very pleased with huge thank you to those Densoners Watch this space Mr Southgate! our final 4th place; I had feared a who stepped up to help run our fete By this point in the year, the Brodie lower position as I watched the track stalls, in particular James Wilford was much too close to call – out of finals and the number of runners all (10De) and Akshajaan Suthakaran 36 points so far, there was only 3 wearing colours other than Denson. (8De), two admirably committed points between the top 4 houses. With It was the field events where many House members. While it is fair to say Denson on 3rd, and Tennis usually of our competitors succeeded, and we had slipped to a fairly low ranking being something of a mid-table result again, this event proved it is not in the overall Brodie, our progress for us traditionally, I wasn’t holding my always about coming first place, in Football has, over recent years, breath, and spurred the boys onto an but a collective effort in banking proved to be just the extra kick we overall 3rd place hold in the Brodie. points overall. Well done once need to bump ourselves back up This proved to be set back anyway again to our talented Year 12s who the rankings. This, by my reckoning, by a week’s delay, leaving the Brodie bagged a prized 1st place in their served to be our fourth successive result open until two days before the section – special mention to Jesse House Football trophy. The Juniors end of the year. But, true to events Onyas, new this year, who gained a event was preceded earlier in the this year, it proved ridiculously close 2nd and 1st in the 100m and 200m year by great work from both our in the end, with only 2 points (out of respectively, as well as to now Head Seniors and Inters, who each came 18) between five of the six Houses – a Boy of School, Denzel Asamoah, 2nd to a dominant Ridley, the Seniors hugely tight 1st= (with Lee), therefore together with Oli Twidale, Georges event coming down to a penalty somehow nudged our boys in blue Plummer and Bates, and Cam shoot-out. Well done to our outgoing over the finish line to Brodie victory Brooker once again. They capped it 13s especially, including captain – at the last gasp! Whilst our Inters off with a blistering relay run at the Jack Prendergast, a talented band battled valiantly to a hard-fought end of the day. Elsewhere, our Year of players. The Juniors event helped 6th place, it was our triumphant 9s once again delivered for us, too, cement Denson’s Football prowess: Juniors and Seniors who sealed this with a 2nd place thanks to the likes our 7s came a valiant 3rd – aggrieved memorable victory – another 2019 of Will Cliffe especially, Joe Barber, and unlucky not to make the 1st/2nd comeback thriller to put up there with Adam Bosompem, Boris Tasev, Harry finals after a bullish 4-0 start against a super-over World Cup final (fellow Wilson Jason Stephens and Dan Lee, only to be squeezed out by boys in sky blue) or Liverpool and Tearle, among others. This group are Phillips in their second group game Tottenham in the Champions League. a particularly talented lot and a great 2-1. Well done to captain Malachy Special credit to our Juniors, who boon to Denson’s Brodie fortunes Foley and his team for their great somehow bumped themselves from each year. Great work again from our work. And even more so to our 8s, led a 6th place last the previous year, to 7s, including captain Sean Dover, by Athavan Kalatharan, who came a gold-class 1st place this. Well done our Juniors and Inters – our Year 10s 2nd, and to our Year 9s once again, in therefore to captain Tobi ‘Federer’ for the latter essentially, but special a very close, hard-fought tournament Dairo, Thomas ‘Djokovic’ Whitehead, mention to two of our Year 11s, Ryan in their year group: congrats to Balaji ‘Nadal’ Kannan from our 8s, Connor and Sam Gilbert, who both captain Joe Timman and his men for and Will ‘Murray’ Pringle from our 7s came back especially. Well done guiding Denson to 1st place following – they all have a legitimate claim now gents. their 1-0 win over Lee in their final, to winning Denson the Brodie in 2019! Only the following day from Athletics including goal-scorers Harry Wilson, I am especially proud of our 8s here, came the PTA Fete day and Junior Joe Barber, and keeper Jason who had quietly gone about working House Football. Firstly, as ever, a Stephens, who kept a clean sheet. hard to get us great results throughout

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 17 HOUSE LIFE

the year, only to pull this blinder out it was inspired, with dazzling work grabbing turn by top-hatted singer like a Ben Stokes reverse-sweep six from across our year groups, notably Alex Stephens (11De). This latter at the final hour. The much-missed our 7s again (Ishaan Sehgal, Charlie was especially poignant as the boys Charlie Dunne had been their tutor Compton, Lukas Schroeder Martyn) dedicated it as a tribute to Charlie group prefect in Year 7, and his and 9s (Alex Ward, Will Cliffe, Tomas Dunne, our House Music mainstay characteristic modest, but wholly – Lukas’s brother) – some great work for many years, who tragically died committed nature runs through this overall, including models especially. last summer: a very moving moment group too. It was a fine finale indeed. The display work by our senior for me and others in the audience. Likewise, our Seniors 2nd place was captains – head boy Sam SK, Charlie Overall, Music was a very welcome down to spirited work in our second Levitt and a raft of eager Year 12s 4th place and secured our rapid mid- pair by deputy Harvey again, together was also huge fun, with large-scale table ascendancy these last years with Theo Glasspool from our 12s. chess pieces, Monopoly backdrops – full praise to Rakin, together with But in particular, to our superlative – and a giant 8-foot papier mache the likes of stellar trumpeter Ethan returning talents of Marcus Connor snake, which in true forward-planning Tran (13De), drummer Will Chapman and Elliott Abdey once more from our fashion had to be posted out the Art (10De), our key Year 9 line-up of 13s. Any Year 13 who comes back for room windows before being hoisted instrumentalists, Silas, Adam, Aaron a post-exam event, when they have above our display in the Main Hall. and James, together with some nothing left to prove, is already a star Well done to all the captains and other serious talent from our 7s with Ruben to my mind, wherever they rank. But helpers – a lot of work went into this, Munday and Luke Brimmicombe. Not without a doubt, if this pair of likely as ever. to mention our compere double-act, lads and supreme racketeers hadn’t Sam SK and Michael, and the as- House Music remains the jewel in returned this time, Denson would not ever mighty Denson choir! Our music the Watson crown, if for nothing else have won the Brodie again this year. prospects continue to look rosy. Well the sheer effort and input required. Well done men, classy to the last! done to Lee for their slick, entertaining Last year Denson memorably broke 1st place, and Joey Horrox and co for the ‘curse of last’ to reach the giddy The Watson: their Paterson prog-spectacular in 2nd heights of 3rd place, quite possibly If there was one of the two trophies too. A wonderful night once more. my abiding Denson memory ne plus to retain this year, it was this one. ultra; it was a phoenix-like legacy that I will be honest, last year’s House Denson have long been serious might be too much to bear on lesser Chess 4th position came as contenders in the arts and intellectual shoulders, but in our deputy head something of a blow to Denson, a side of matters – there are some boy of house, Rakin Gilani, we had a chequered (ahem) result, all but serious brains in this 11-score fold! passionate and experienced musician leaving the Watson out of our grasp But, as ever, Paterson remain the who eagerly grabbed the baton and (another super comeback was to House to beat on this side, and so it brought together three stonking follow, as it transpired, though!). proved once more this year. Denson pieces – the cool Japanese We have traditionally been serious Art, as ever, is a great start point – bebop bounce of opener ‘Tank!’; a contenders in this event – as it and Denson’s 2nd= was, I told the spiky, dynamic version of King Krule’s thankfully proved again this year. The boys, the best result for us in this ‘A Lizard State’, spearheaded by the 1st place trophy win was another event that I can remember, with cool charisma of Ben Harding (11De) collective effort: 2nd places to our Paterson once again supreme at the on vocals; and closed off by the epic Juniors and Inters. Well done Alex top. Our board-game themed display football-chant energy of ‘Chelsea Ward (9De) on Board 1, as well as was much mocked – but I thought Dagger’, with a career-making, stage- our Year 7s debutants, Josh and

18 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Ticking away throughout the year was House Quiz, another mainstay of high achievement for Denson. Here was another result – the third in a hat trick of Watson wins this year – which proved consistency is key. All four of our sections produced the goods, with every team reaching the top 3. The Seniors did not just rely on Fitz, and best of all were our 7s, who garnered an overall 1st place in their section, with a 1st and 2nd place for each of their teams. Well done to the tutor group prefects who have been routinely keeping our lads up to date and mentally sharp on a weekly basis, George; and in particular to Atharva and Music, it is great to see a House it paid off! I have greatly enjoyed Patalay (10De), who somewhat come together in a collective effort, running this event, and entirely reluctantly stepped up to Board 1 for and so it proved again here. Denzel contrary to rumour, did not spend our Inters as a relatively new addition cut his Head Boy credentials here House assemblies reeling off all the to Denson Chess, only to steer us for the House, charming and coaxing questions and answers in advance! to glory. Especially, though, this was an impressive number of pieces The Denson cohorts have thoroughly a fitting result for our Senior chess from our ranks; in particular, the earned their quiz-master stripes. champions, who eased themselves quality was there in our signs-related Thank you, too, to all those Seniors to a 1st place. We will certainly be submissions, together with a fantastic who have helped run the event. poorer without our 13s now especially array of styles and approaches. – captain Callum Evans, Adam Payne Standout pieces included Michael And finally (I was never going to and deputy head boy of house, Tom Adebiyi’s (11De) politically themed keep my last report brief anyway, to Aston – they didn’t even need their piece; two superb entries from Antoni be honest...), Public Speaking. This fellow star Richard Chappell this time! Kocan (10De); sublime poetry from is where I come in really. About six And, on Board 4, a star is born as well Edward Maher (11De); and darkly years ago when I was a Denson tutor, in our new Year 12, the impeccably hilarious medical instructions from my predecessor, Mr Hill, asked if I modest Razvan Moiseanu, who came Flynn Collins (13De), last year’s flag- would help organise and prepare our waving editor. All this was capped off from nowhere to make up our quartet public speakers; this was my initiation with a beautiful cover and detailed of Kasparovs. to the world of House competitions, design by our resident artist Sanjay and I have been really proud of the Last year’s House Writing was Jaikumar (12De). It was a fully boys’ efforts and achievements in this another memorable win for Denson: deserving winner. Once again, well event over the years – reflected in a for years, I felt our House had been done to all who submitted pieces and number of trophy wins. It is one which knocking on the door of greatness, got involved – every piece makes requires a lot of guts in standing in and our blue-themed magazine finally a difference and it is particularly front of a large audience, as well as did it. This was a feat to be repeated, pleasing to see new names make the rhetorical flair, craft and preparation. crucially, again this year. As with Art final cut each year. In that time, I have seen the standard

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 19 HOUSE LIFE

become ever tougher – in both On the competition side to all those Sturgeon, for entrusting me with the Seniors and Juniors – and witnessed who help run them – Mrs Venning role of Head of Denson originally! some truly memorable speeches for coordinating, Miss Chalk for from all Houses. This year, our topics processing the results (a complex Lastly, well done to the boys for alone ranged from veganism, organ affair!) and all the staff who help raising several hundreds of pounds donation, natural disasters and Notre run the events, especially the Art to our nominated charities – the RNLI Dame. It was wonderful to see our department, Mr Nathan (for Music), and the school Malawi initiative – Seniors’ line-up, with head boy of Miss Pushong (judging Writing), Mr both of which were also in memory house Sam Stembridge-King (13), Barrie for Football as ever, and Mr of Charlie Dunne. I have never failed McGill, who not only did Athletics and Tom Ward (12) and Michael Adebiyi to be moved and impressed by the much of Basketball this year, but also (11De), all participating for about the House’s generosity over the years. fourth time each. Antoni Kocan (10), Tennis – the stamina (and subsequent Likewise, I was very touched by the who had a blinder of a year (Music, tan) of the man! unveiling of Charlie’s memorial clock Writing) joined these ranks for the first On the House side, a huge well done in the 6th form area – a beautiful time, always a big step-up at whatever and thank you to the head boys of tribute to a wonderful young man. age. In the autumn they secured us house: Sam SK, Rakin and Tom a respectable 3rd= amid some tough Aston as outgoing this year – well I wish all the very best to my competition from winners Ridley done gents, you somehow did the successor, Mr Walker, who I know especially. Skip forward all the way to double again! And to their very worthy will give his all, continue to help the summer, and we had the power successors, Cam, Harvey and Ben, the House fulfil its potential and be trio of Dan Compton (9De), Isaac who, together with the mighty 12De that all-important friendly face in the Salle (8De) and Hrishik Subramani (now 13De) lead the next generation crowd. Best of luck, Mr W! (7De) in the Juniors, the side of the of Denson, and will do so with their event at which we have regularly customary style, steel and panache. What to say about three years as excelled. So it proved this year, as all Thank you, too, to all those who have Head of Denson House? That I could three delivered exceptional speeches served as tutor group prefects, a not have asked for more. It was a and were only just squeezed out this fundamental bedrock of the House time too brief, and yet so utterly full of time in a tightly fought tussle by an and our success. And last, but not incident and beautiful memories. ascendant Paterson to come 2nd, least, the unsung heroes of a House, placing us 2nd= overall with Ridley the tutors, a demanding and hugely Best of luck, gents, for the coming and putting Paterson up top. In worthy role. Thank you for all the year and your futures. As I move to deciding the Watson, this left Denson assemblies, humour, advice and Devon with my now wife, Victoria, and on a whopping 30 (out of 36) points, support to Mr Mansfield and Mr three children, Aurora, Saffron and even higher than last year, and yet still Webley – both newcomers to Denson Finn, there will be a part of me that just 2 points ahead of Paterson. Full who have made their mark already; is forever as sky-blue as the horizon credit to all involved – in the whole- to Mr Kemp and Mr Smith, very (on a clear day, anyway!). Well House events, and at the individual much the mainstays of the House; level, public speaking especially. to Mr Graham and Mr Goff, and a done gentlemen, thank you for three final farewell and thank you to Miss wonderful years! And, for one final What a year for Denson once again! Rowling – a superb group. time, Ganbatte Denson! And what a year to leave on. As ever, there is a raft of thank yous. And thank you, not least, to Mr Mr A Streat

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while Toby Insley (Ha12) arranged Hampden House Report and led the second of our pieces on the night. The contributions from In a year of mixed results in recent years. House Art is a huge Ali Kemp, Matt Bird, Ed Radcliffe, for Hampden House, it was collective effort and it was extremely Charles McIntosh, Shaun Bedwell, definitely one in which progress pleasing to see the hard work that George Garman, Theo Cooper was made and so many of the went into this, not just from the Senior Tutton, Corin Scott, Leo Pichler, Jude House made significant and and Junior House Captains, but from Kayakiran, Will Annat and Sam Clark memorable contributions. everyone who contributed pieces. The were significant in relation to the Mr McGill would like to thank every House was awarded 14 certificates of amount of time and effort these boys ‘Hampdenite’ who made a contribution excellence for contributions made by committed to practice and rehearsal. towards House events this year and students ranging from Years 7 to 12, Maybe next year we need to look looks forward to seeing even more which represented a good number. to spread this workload, and I look from you all next year. The Head boys The efforts of regular contributors forward to seeing more of the House of House, Matt Bird, Jude Cornish must be recognised, including; Callum look to contribute towards House and Alex Wall (Deputies) should be Meader, James O’ Keefe, Charlie Music in 2020. extremely proud of their amazing Gould, George Wiggs, Dhruva Menon, efforts throughout this year, during Zak Griffiths and Alastair Kemp. House Chess - 2nd which they dedicated huge amounts In an event in which we have regularly House Music - 6th of time and work to coordinate so finished 6th, a 2nd place finish was an much of what was achieved during The results and the points difference incredible achievement. Much credit 2018-19. between ourselves and the other must go the Juniors, who won their houses felt a little harsh on the night section thanks to Yuv Saxana and The Watson Trophy - 6th Place but on reflection it was fantastic to his team. Senior Public Speaking - 5th contribute towards what was an House Quiz - 6th As always, the Watson Trophy started amazing night, knowing that the boys In a competition that we have and finished with Public Speaking. had had fun, had clearly enjoyed The Seniors finished 5th in a very tight themselves and had tried their hardest previously done well in, this year competition, thanks to Joshua Horton, to be the best that they could be. The proved to be a lot less fruitful. With Theo Nze, David Dallas and Seb leadership and enthusiasm of Mike some work on team selection and Shah, which was replicated by the Grimwood (Ha13) was infectious, he when to ‘play your joker’, next year Juniors at the end of the year, where arranged and led two of our pieces, should be a lot more successful. Dominic Beattie, Will Annat and Thom Kirkpatrick-Brown represented the House so well.

House Art - 4th Despite some pretty significant challenges that had a detrimental effect on our efforts during the last few days of House Art, a 4th place finish and 3 points gained was an improvement on what had gone on

22 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 House Writing - 5th to our Seniors team, who literally with in the pool. All of these boys all The efforts to produce a House crushed all that were put in front of made their respective finals: Writing magazine are significant them. Jaiden Adigun, Alastair Kemp, Toby Evans, Sam Griffiths, Daksh and extremely time consuming. The Onyeke and Jude Cornish were Surana & Bo-een Wong (Year 7) Senior editing team, made up of Alex immense. There were another 7 lads Will Annat, Matt Readhead (Year Wall, Mike Grimwood, Alastair Kemp, in the squad who essentially rotated 8) Sourab Surana (Year 9) Gabe Aaron Sidhu and Matt Bird did an the one other playing position, all Gullidge (Year 10) Ted Gundry, excellent job of bringing everything of whom contributed fully in very James (Phil) Phillips (Year 11) Dylan together this year, as did Jude Cornish different ways. Evans (Year 12) The Yr 7, Juniors with the formatting of the magazine. House Rugby - Joint 1st and Inters Freestyle teams all The reality is that the editing team Our one trophy win of the year, won their finals!....This represents needs to be able to select from a richly deserved thanks to so many an incredible achievement by wide and diverse range of submitted impressive performances from each all involved, food for thought for pieces and we, compared to other year group. Highlights included a next year though, we lost by ½ a houses, were a little short when it 2nd place finish for the Year 8 ‘A’ point……and we didn’t make a single came to those this year. Having said team, who were led superbly by medley final! that, the overall competition was Elliot Godley. The Year 9s recorded a particularly close and it was extremely House Football - Joint 5th fantastic win, beating a much fancied pleasing to see Charlie Gould, Amaan Ridley team who definitely started as This event didn’t go as well as Hussain, Callum Meader, Gabriel Ort, favourites thanks to big contributions we would have liked, considering Leo Pichler and Harry Wyatt receive from the likes of Harry Wyatt, Tom the footballing talent we have in merits and distinctions for their work. Kirkpatrick-Brown, Luke Evans and the House. This was definitely the case with our Seniors Team, who The Brodie Trophy - 3rd Place Josh Yates. A 3rd place finish in their 7 a-side competition was another didn’t perform as well as they would House Squash - 6th great achievement from the Year have liked to finish 5th. The Year Although we finished 6th in House 10 lads, where the leadership and 7s however once again delivered, Squash, all was not doom and gloom playing contributions from Paddy finishing first thanks to the winning as there was a very strong showing McNulty and Jack Tominey must goal in the 1st/2nd place playoff from from the year 7s who finished 2nd be acknowledged. The Year 7s Olly Awujo. in their section, with Harry Dixon in brought the competition to a close House Athletics - 2nd particular impressing. We also have and they produced big points once An epic performance from the House to say huge ‘thank yous’ to the ‘old again, coming 2nd overall, where considering the number of times time campaigners’ James Glover, Christophe Titley and Anthony Walsh we have placed in the bottom two Jude Cornish and Josh Barry, all of impressed. whom competed in House Squash in Athletics in recent years. Another House Swimming (the event we for the last time and who have given huge win came from our talented thought we had won!!) - 2nd so much to the house over the past Year 7s, who were led superbly 7 years. New school records achieved by by Joseph Aloluwaloba. Solid 3rd Hampden House were the Junior place finishes from the year 8s and House Basketball - 4th Freestyle Relay and the Inters Inters helped the Hampden cause The Year 7s once again impressed Freestyle Relay. Once again massively and it was this consistency with a 3rd place finish in their Hampden House Swimmers proved that contributed to our high finish. section, but special thanks must go to be a major force to be reckoned But it was the work and effort that the

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 23 HOUSE LIFE

boys put in before the competition that impressed as much as the Lee House Report performances on the day as many of the boys gave up lunch times to The year started full of promise. would like to thank all the Lee House practise and refine team selection Cameron MacDonald, Charlie swimmers who competed, there were and team captains (such as Nicholas Scott and Jacob Waby were many notable performances! Chuong, Ha8) worked hard on team our Head Boys of House and Basketball is always a popular house selection. they set their stall out from competition, both our Inters and Year the very beginning. Leading by House Tennis - 3rd 8/9 teams finished in 2nd place in example, trying to motivate everyone their respective competitions, which An event that has been our Achilles and keen to try out new ideas. Our helped Lee finish in 3rd overall. heel over the years proved to be the charity World Cup Sweepstake, which one that moved us up the overall culminated in a penalty shoot-out in House football, remains the Achilles placings for the first time thanks to house assembly raised well in excess heel for Lee. We have high quality some impressive performances in of £100. Lee 11 with Ned Morris footballers and we should perform the younger years. In the Juniors orchestrating their Malawi collections, well however, despite our Year 9 team section we saw the talents of set the tone for what could be done finishing runners-up, we placed 5th Ethan Taank for the first time, who if you put your mind to it, including a overall as a house. The same was worked extremely well with Jonty music recital in extended registration the case in house athletics. Our Year Woodward. With Sam Hughes and in aid of charity. 9 team won their age group, only for Harvey Clay forming another good Lee to once again place 5th overall. In the Brodie Trophy, hard ground, in pairing, the Juniors finished 3rd. fact very hard ground with massive In the sporting arena, we showed we The Inters produced perhaps the cracks in it put paid to cross country. had talent as a house, but struggled surprise result of the competition with Later in the year we tried in vain to to put it together across all of the age a 1st place finish. Paddy McNulty hold the event again, however the groups in any one competition. We and Will Murphy were an excellent lack of rain meant the ground was still had far too many 3rd and 5th place partnership, Will in particular was not suitable to race on! finishes to do well in the Brodie trophy. inspired, while Jack Tominey and The last event house tennis showed House Squash in the first term saw Seb Shah came together to form an what Lee is capable of with a Joint 1st Lee finishing in 3rd place. Rugby also unconventional, yet still successful, finish, but it was just too little too late. second seed pairing. Despite new culminated in the Autumn term with Lee 10 winning their event, but overall So we had to resign ourselves to a blood in the form of Tom Ellis and across all age groups when all the Joint 5th place finish in the Brodie Marcus Waterhouse appearing for points for both A and B teams were Trophy. the Seniors, they finished 6th in a calculated, Lee could only place 5th. very competitive and tough section. In the Watson Trophy, we knew House swimming is always a very well what we needed to do and certainly Mr C McGill contested event and a competition worked hard to succeed. However, where Lee House has had a fair house music aside we always degree of success in recent years. seemed to come up somewhat Cameron MacDonald and his short of the competition. 5th place senior team placed 1st, however we in Art, showcased the talent of our struggled in the junior age groups, small band of artists headed by Tim eventually placing 3rd overall. I Wheeler (Lee 13). We certainly had

24 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 quality pieces of art on display, but MacDonald who did an outstanding possibly just not enough of them to job, really leading by example and Paterson House truly make the cut. House writing his two Deputies Charlie Scott and and public speaking were both Jacob Waby. Can I wish them and all Report disappointing, individuals worked the Lee 13 students every success really hard to try to guarantee for the future, both at university and Head Boy Perspective success, but next year we just need in their chosen career pathways? It to do better. 4th places in the house does not seem that long ago that I Leaving AGS has been a chess and quiz competitions were was teaching you all in year 7, how bittersweet experience for me. solid performances and we were so time flies! Having truly enjoyed every close to making the top 3 houses day of the last seven years, To the remainder of Lee House, have in both. particularly the last; I know how a good summer. We have a great deal much I will miss it. Becoming I asked Andrew Claassen next year’s of work to do in order to finish higher Head Boy of House for this year and Head Boy of Lee and a keen musician than 5th place in both the Brodie and being given the impossible task of to comment on our 1st place in Watson trophies next year. picking up after Michael, I was totally house music. Andrew, Joshua and Joseph and all unsure as to how the next year would “House Music started this year, much Lee students I leave you with that be. And while at times it has been like years prior, with over excitement thought and that challenge for the hard work, I can say without a doubt in September. With many songs 12 months ahead. I will finish with a it has been one of the most fulfilling being considered, Lee emerged quote from Winston Churchill, which is experiences of my life. I have been with Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing fairly appropriate for where Lee house constantly astonished by the talent and two hits from 1999, Smooth and currently finds itself. “Every day you you all show in everything you do, Dancing in the Moonlight. In the lead may make progress. Every step may and it is with great pride that we up to the night, rehearsals began and be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out can say Paterson House truly has having a trio of music captains led before you an ever-lengthening, ever- no ‘weak’ events. While the whole to some entertaining exchanges. On ascending, ever-improving path. You year has been so memorable a few the night, preparations varied from know you will never get to the end moments stand out for me. Seeing Tommy Williams’ laid back approach of the journey. But this, so far from everyone come together to support to Charlie Scott and Cam McDonald’s discouraging, only adds to the joy and the House during House athletics more anxious one. After some great glory of the climb.” showed the incredible team spirit, performances from Max Barrett, Chris that I believe defines Paterson. And, Neenan and Tommy Williams, along Mr P Dean while my distance running may have with many other great musicians and let us all down, I must thank you all the committed Lee house choir, we awaited the results. Our hard work and some pure talent led us to be rewarded with a victory to remember. House Music always proves to be one of Lee House’s most enjoyable and successful events and long may this continue!”

Can I take this final opportunity to thank our Head Boy of Lee, Cameron

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 25 HOUSE LIFE

provides for us and appreciate how great she is. Thank you, Miss Chalk, from the three James’, it’s been a real privilege.

Without a doubt you are all lucky to be members of the best House at AGS, and I hope you take pride in this for giving 100% and pushing to this year without all of your support. and continue to be so enthusiastic allow us to continue our winning Particular thanks must go to my two and talented, to make the most of streak. Next I will always remember deputies, James Kleppen and James your school years. I wish you all the House music night. Considering how Wrigley. You’ve been up for anything best in whatever you pursue and can ambitious and different our set was and often times shouldered the honestly say it’s been such a great from the standard formula, the result majority of the work; sometimes even pleasure to get to know you and was certainly impressive. At risk of at the expense of Wrigley’s sleep. to share in this experience. Thank sounding cliché, the enjoyment of Over the last year I am so proud of you all for being so willing to help being involved was worth far more how well we have got on and am so us out every step of the way and than any result and the memories glad we could work so well as a team, thank you for being by far the best will stay with me forever, as they will and it has been a pleasure to share in House group in the school, at times certainly remain with the audience this with you two. making our lives a walk in the park. (the choir was quite the spectacle). Next thanks must go to the tutors. Particularly thank you to Paterson And finally, I will remember this year Many of us don’t realise quite how 13. There isn’t a better, more distinct as a year I dressed up as a cowboy much they do for us, and I would like and friendly group of lads out there. more than any man should in an to thank every single one of you for You have made the last 7 years of my entire lifetime. All I can hope is that how much you support and look after life better than I could’ve hoped for this year has been as thoroughly every member of the House so well, and I will miss our form room antics enjoyable for all of you as it has been and all that you contribute to the life significantly. I wish you all the very for me. of the House. And of course, to Mr best in your post school lives and I certainly could not have managed Nathan, it’s been wonderful to have hope to see you all again down the you as our form tutor for the last four line. Best of luck to Olly S, Olly C, years. Thank you for your stories; and Dylan C, and all of Paterson 12. You most of all, for putting up with us. will be great as leaders of the House and I’m sure next year will be even Finally, the greatest thanks of all go to better for Paterson! Thank you! Miss Chalk. There is no other Head of House like her. The sheer amount James Manley – Paterson 13 she does for the House on a large The Brodie Trophy scale and to every individual is truly humbling and without her Paterson The first event in the year to report simply wouldn’t be the same. She has on is usually House Cross Country. made my life immeasurably easier However, due to bad weather and and more enjoyable and I will treasure poor ground conditions a decision the memories of helping her lead the was made to cancel the event this House. To all of you I hope you make year, which was a real shame as the most of the opportunities she this is normally a good event for us

26 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Paterson 8: George Whall, Billy Knibb, Richard Boima, Thomas Young Paterson 9: Riaghan Matheson, Nick Cay, Victor Poinaru Inters: Sam Kearney, Evan Byles, Ben Latham, Albie Whittemore Seniors: Olly Cay, Ben Lindars, Michael Amaeshike, Gianni Iannone Team of the event: Paterson 8 for winning their section with an impressive 18 point lead

The following day we completed the House Football competition at in Paterson House. As a result, the Freestyle, 2nd Place – Inters and the PTA Fete, and as a result of first event in the Brodie quest was Seniors freestyle Relay, pure determination and teamwork House Rugby where we gained a We then moved onto House Athletics, we finished in 2nd place in the fairly pleasing 3rd place overall finish. an event we have won for the last competition. Well done to Year 8 for This was then followed by a 2nd place three years. Preparations started finish in House Squash and a 6th an impressive performance, resulting with some motivational words from Place finish in House Basketball. Not in a 1st place section finish. The our new Head boy of House where the great start we were hoping for in points from House Football and everyone was encouraged to ‘Try your our pursuit to win the Brodie. Next, Athletics were added to the Brodie we had House Swimming and the best, don’t fear failure and above all, and we had jumped up into first place good news was we could not do any enjoy yourself ‘, and it would seem with only House Tennis left to play. worse than last year’s 6th place finish that Paterson House was listening. What a turnaround for us. in the competition, so we were very The day of House Athletics arrived We went in to House Tennis with pleased with a 4th place finish in the and #TeamPaterson assembled on some trepidation. There were three competition this year, with our year 8 the field all ready to run, throw and Houses at the top of the Brodie, with team winning their section. Well done jump to the best of their abilities. I am one point separating them all so we to Billy Knibb (Pa8) for setting a new delighted that the ‘Purple Army’ did knew the importance of every match school record in Junior Breaststroke, not disappoint – with Year 7, Inters point. Our teams had been training and to our Junior Medley Relay team and Seniors finishing in 2nd place, before the event, we called in some of for their new school record. and Year 8 winning their section, we our Year 13s from their post- A level had done it. HOUSE ATHLETICS There were a number of notable summer break and made sure we had WINNERS 2019. That’s a 4th year Paterson performances in the the best team playing that Paterson in a row in the top position. Finally, competition, including: Billy Knibb (Pa House had to offer. But it was not some good news in the Brodie. 8) – 1st place Junior Breaststroke and meant to be. With a 5th place finish Well done to our House Athletics Junior Backstroke, Sam Pyefinch (Pa in House Tennis, this meant we were Superstars of 2019, all of whom had 9) – 1st place Junior Individual Medley finishing the year in 2nd place in the exceptional finishes in their events: and Junior Butterfly, Tom Keane (Pa9) Brodie. Considering the start we had – 1st place Junior Freestyle, Nathaniel Paterson 7: Patrick Matthews, to the year, this was a tremendous Thomey – 2nd Place Year 7 Individual Reuben Bithell achievement.

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 27 HOUSE LIFE

The Watson Trophy event the last two years, we were Zarook (Pa 8), Max Ward (Pa 8), The Watson always starts off very eager to make it a ‘hat trick’. The George Whall (Pa 8), Thomas Young early in the academic calendar with Senior team led by Year 13 students (Pa 8), Nick Cay (Pa 9), Tommy Senior Public Speaking. We gathered James Manley, James Kleppen, Healy (Pa 9), Austin Balmer (Pa 11), our team of Huned Mamajiwala James Wrigley, Luke Hicks, Sam Olly Cay (Pa 12), Previn Chady (Pa (Pa10), Abdurrahman Aroworamimo Heasman, Billy Perry and Monty 12), Aidan Purchase (Pa 12), Simon (Pa11), Previn Chady (Pa12) and McQuade decided on ‘The Wild West’ Amaeshike (Pa 13), James Manley Joey Horrox (Pa13) and they finished as the theme for this year’s display. (Pa 13), James Wrigley (Pa 13), Miss in a pleasing Joint 3rd place. The After many discussions about how Chalk (HOH) to create the display, which included scores from this competition are Merits: Connor Bright (Pa7), Peter live horses and a wagon, the team added to the Junior section, which Clark (Pa 7), William Johnson (Pa decided to scale it back slightly and takes place in the summer term. 7), Ben Jones (Pa 7), Ben Oakes wanted to build a saloon to exhibit our The final event in the Watson was (Pa 7), Pragvansh Bhatt (Pa 8), Zac art entries. This was a very ambitious Junior Public Speaking. Our Junior Brown (Pa 8), Zain Hussain (Pa 8), task, but one they successfully team of Keane Liboon (Pa7), Sam Billy Knibb (Pa 8), Ikhlas Khan (Pa 8), managed to complete. The work Duodu (Pa8) and Nick Cay (Pa9) George Birch (Pa 9) x 2, Tom Hendley displayed included Lego, cakes, felt- worked hard to deliver confident and (Pa 9), George Hamer (Pa 9), Victor work and an interactive photo display. thoughtful speeches on the topics Poinaru (Pa 9), Sam Pyefinch (Pa 9), With over 150 entries submitted, we of wisdom, deceptive statistics and Samuel Mitev (Pa 10), Jay Raj (Pa were awarded 1st place for the third leadership. When the results were 10), Mattia Hughes (Pa 11), Aidan year in a row. Thanks must go to our announced we were delighted that Manley (Pa 11), Isaac Barbosa (Pa captains in all year groups for all their we had won Junior Public Speaking, 12), Previn Chady (Pa 12) x2, Luke hard work in organising the display with Keane and Nick winning their Hicks (Pa 13), James Wrigley (Pa 13) and presenting the work for the individual sections. We had not won competition. We were awarded with junior Public Speaking since 2012, Following this was House Music. a record-breaking number of awards so this was a huge achievement. Under the leadership of Joey Horrox – 56 in total. An incredible effort from However, the success did not stop (Pa13) and James Weller (Pa13), everyone. The launch assembly by we decided to do something different there. The points from the Senior our Head Boys dressed as cowboys this year. We are not afraid of taking and junior competitions were added clearly motivated everyone. risks and pushing the boundaries in together and it was announced Paterson House, so we got rid of the that we had won the Overall Public Double Distinction Awards: Nathan traditional House Music compère from Speaking competition, a trophy we Hancox (Pa7), Ben Curry (Pa 8) our programme and produced a set have not won in Paterson House Certificates of Excellence: Reuben the likes of which House Music had since 2011. Well done to our public Bithell (Pa 7), Edward Gibbs (Pa never seen – 20 minutes of non-stop speaking team. 7), Mav Goel (Pa 7), Matt Holcroft music with video projection. With Next, is historically the most (Pa 7), Keane Liboon (Pa 7), Rafik powerful vocals from Theo Parfitt successful event for us in Paterson Moussaoui (Pa 7), Hugh Podmore (Pa (Pa10) we opened with the Jackson House – House Art. It is an event that 7), Saravanan Vijay Kannian (Pa 7), 5s ‘Who’s Loving You?’ moving into I really enjoy as it is something that Henry Wallington (Pa 7), Nathaniel ’Under Stars’ – Brian Eno/’Dance with absolutely everyone can be involved Arulanandam (Pa 8), James Baldwin the Devil’ – Cozy Powell combination, in, and one that we can work on as (Pa 8), Jonny Buckthorpe (Pa 8), before switching to the more classical a collective House – this is when we Bertie Heyes (Pa 8), Ollie Main (Pa ‘Wistful Waltz’ by Glenda Austin are at our strongest. Having won the 8), Ryan Morrell (Pa 8), Aqeel Saleem featuring Jamie Fairhurst (Pa13) and

28 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Ronak Rodrigues (Pa13) performing events Paterson has not won at any James Wrigley (Deputy Head boys on the piano together. point in the last 10 years. I am sad of House) for all the hard work they to report that this was not our year have put into running Paterson House This then led into the final piece of the either. With a 5th and 3rd place finish over the last year. Their commitment set the Pink Floyd classic ‘Another in the events they continue to be the towards the House has meant they Brick in the Wall’, which included a only area we are yet to excel at in have been a real pleasure to work rather spirited performance by the Paterson House. Maybe next year we alongside. I would also like to wish Paterson House Vocal Ensemble. The can change this? the outgoing year 13s all the very best team had produced an innovative, of luck and success in the future. They ambitious and exciting programme So we finish the Watson in a pleasing have been an amazing year group to and we were delighted with a 2nd 2nd place overall. get to know and I will miss them all place finish overall on the evening. I would like to add a personal thank greatly as they leave us. Thank you The next event was House Writing. you to Mrs Sampson (Pa tutor), Dylan for all the memories and the laughs The theme was ‘Signs’ which provided Cleveland (Pa12), Aidan Purchase along the way. You will always be a an interesting stimulus for a variety (Pa12) and Previn Chady (Pa12) who member of the Paterson House family. of different interpretations. The have all worked so tirelessly in their I would also like to take this magazine editors, led by James support of our Watson progress this opportunity to acknowledge all of the Wrigley (Pa13) worked their way year. Their hard work in these events wonderful work done by the Paterson through over 150 entries from across certainly does not go un-noticed House tutors who have worked the year groups to produce an and we are grateful for the time they tirelessly with the students over the exceptional magazine that proudly give up to assist writing editors, last year providing them with an displayed the literary talent we coach public speakers and create art exceptional level of pastoral care and have in Paterson House. With an displays. support. On behalf of all in Paterson impressive score of 92/100 we were House – thank you. awarded 2nd place in the competition. And Finally ….. Congratulations to everyone who The House System at AGS offers so Yet again I am astounded by the submitted work, especially to Jonny much to students. I am delighted that determination and dedication shown Buckthorpe (Pa8), Dylan Cleveland in Paterson House we have been by all members of Paterson House. (Pa12), Marcus Davis (Pa13), able to promote a significant number We succeed together because we James Wrigley (Pa13), Abdurrahman of students to leadership positions work together. Every single person Aroworamimo (Pa11), Richard including Buddies, Junior Prefects, in the House is a vital and valuable Boima (Pa8), Jackson Maggs (Pa12) School Prefects and Senior Prefects member of our community and I am and James Manley (Pa13) who all to name a few of the opportunities incredibly proud of the achievements received commendations from the available. As a House, we have of each and every one of you this adjudicator for their submissions. also raised a total of £368 for our year. Further congratulations should go to House Charity this year ‘Retina UK’ “Individual commitment to a group James Manley (Pa13) for the superb, as well as £200 towards our school effort -- that is what makes a team hand drawn art work he provided Malawi collections and supported the work, a company work, a society on the cover and throughout the fundraising of the PTA through our work, a civilization work.” – Vince magazine, being awarded the coveted House stalls at the school fete. Lombardi ‘Best Cover’. I would like to offer a particular note Miss K Chalk House Quiz and House Chess also of thanks to James Manley (Head boy took place this year – the only two of House) and James Kleppen and

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 29 HOUSE LIFE

acquitted themselves excellently with Phillips House Report Nicholas Reid of Ph11 ensuring a 1st place for the Inters and the Ph7 team This year Phillips house faced As always, I wish to thank the again doing well in sport to come 2nd. the loss of another of our outgoing Head Boys of House, Isaac, This gave us our second Brodie win own. Ben Emburey tragically Tom and Michael who set an excellent of the year and there was justifiable succumbed at Christmas after example to others and gave me a lot optimism for our chances in this cup. complications during his long of support in running House activities. Football was spread over the whole battle with leukaemia. His We welcome Ben, Max and Adam year with the competition reaching its death touched everyone at AGS but who have already set the bar high nail biting conclusion on 22nd June especially his friends and staff who by ensuring the smooth running of at the PTA Fete. Ph7 achieved the knew him well. I was particularly Phillips House. I know they will be a highest position for us with a 2nd impressed with the fortitude shown by great asset in 2019-2020. place which could so easily have his closest friends in Ph10. At Ben’s Brodie Trophy been a win had it not been for several packed funeral the personal strength unlucky misses on goal. We settled and loyalty shown by those of his We started the year with a for joint 3rd in the overall football tutor group who bravely helped carry cancellation of cross-country due competition again with Ridley. Great Ben’s coffin was incredible. We will to ground conditions but the Brodie effort all round and let’s look forward not forget Ben and the happiness he rapidly began in earnest and during to more next year. As we approached brought in his all too brief time at AGS. the first term our squash teams played the last two events of the Brodie cup, We will be dedicating a House trophy hard but were unfortunately held to we were in the strongest position we in his name this year and I hope this 5th place. There was much more have been in for many years leading annual award, yet to be finalised, success to be had on the rugby field but with other Houses hot on our will ensure his memory lives on in with excellent team performances Phillips House. from Ph8 who came 1st and Ph10 heels. who came 2nd helping us to achieve Our 6th place in athletics was a Phillips characteristically fought an overall 1st place in the competition. shame and a real surprise. Despite hard this year in all competitions, Basketball has always been a some excellent individual efforts, we facing defeat with strength and great Phillips strength and although did not have the consistency to do victory with style. Overall, we fared confident of another win we did, on well. I was incredibly impressed with much better than last year with this occasion, have to settle for 2nd the determination of Teni in Ph9 who some impressive victories and place. Nevertheless, well done to excellent personal achievements. I ensured he passed the baton in the the players of Ph7 and 8 who came continue to be massively impressed 200m relay despite collapsing with an joint 1st in their year groups alongside with the commitment and tenacity injury. Nevertheless, good positions Ridley. Great potential here for the demonstrated by the boys of Phillips in earlier competitions meant that we future. in both competition and the wider life still had a chance for Brodie glory of AGS. We saw a large number of In the spring term, we have always and it was with this in mind that our appointments to the coveted positions anticipated with relish the challenge of tennis players did battle in the last of Junior Prefect, Prefect and Senior swimming with a proven track record competition of the year. It could not Prefect. These boys have given up of Phillips excellence in this sport. have been tenser with five Houses a lot of their time to support other We are lucky that so many of our separated by only 2 points. It could students, escort parents around swimmers also compete up to county have gone anywhere, and it did! the school and help out at parents’ level and beyond. This year while no Despite great effort, we were unable evenings, to name but a few. records were broken our swimmers to win and had to settle for 4th place.

30 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 This led to the unexpected victory of our musicians blew everyone away Denson in the Brodie cup with Phillips with their skill and creativity. Dan placed 4th. This roller coaster of the enthusiastically led our groups this Brodie is now over for another year year although we were only able to and well done to all our sportsmen for secure 3rd place, which highlights the their commitment and tenacity. amazing level of skill from all Houses. Well done to all who took part and Watson Trophy thank you for a highly enjoyable In the Watson trophy, we fared better evening of musical entertainment. overall. This year, Phillips public speaking was exceptional and I was The quiz has become a significant extremely pleased with wins from part of the Watson and is Hamza in Ph10 and Aaron in Ph7. keenly fought. Despite excellent Max in Ph12 came 2nd but his speech performances from Ph7 and Ph8 A was commended as best presented teams who won their year groups, we and most passionately delivered. We had to settle for 4th. However, great gained an overall 4th but I maintain results throughout the year did place that public speaking requires the most us a highly respectable 3rd in the courage of all the events. Watson and we are in a good position

Art and writing demand mass to capitalise next year. and Max. Also, for Chris in Ph11 and Ed in Ph13 who won in spring. We participation as well as quality of House Life submissions. This year we had a very are well served by enthusiastic Junior This year the PTA Fete was incredibly good level of support in both these Prefects, Prefects and Senior Prefects well supported by Phillips and my creative competitions thanks to both who all successfully carry out their personal thanks go to Shoheb for the efforts of participants and the work duties. put in by 6th Form editorial teams. leading all day supported by Ben, Ben and Aman did fantastically to Dhruv, Dan Reuben, Sam and the We say goodbye to our outgoing motivate the boys and in art we came others who came by to help on our Head boys, Isaac, Tom and Michael. 2nd with a 4th in writing which marked books/DVD, guess the sweets in the They have done a fantastic job a good improvement on last year. jar and welly wanging stalls. As a leading the ship and we welcome Max and George submitted absolutely result of their efforts, we again raised Ben, Max and Adam who have excellent pieces to the space themed the most money of any House to win already taken the lead in so much this art display and I thoroughly enjoyed the coveted ‘Good Citizenship’ trophy. term. I would also like to thank our all the Phillips submissions in both art Well done and thank you for all tutors who work so hard on the boys’ and writing. your help. behalf and particularly, Ms Fabre who Chess attracts some excellent I would like to finish by thanking was an excellent tutor to Ph9 who was players, many of whom enjoy the everyone in Phillips for their efforts highly respected by her tutees. Good weekly chess club and also compete and support this year whether it was luck to you Ms Fabre in your new job. in inter school matches. 3rd places in competitions, raising money for in each year group placed us oddly My best wishes and thanks to all our charity, ‘Hector’s House’ or taking 5th overall but the competition was member of Phillips and the very best both fiercely fought and conducted assemblies. Massive congratulations of luck in 2019-20. in a gentlemanly spirit. Music is the to the summer term House credit highlight of the Watson and as usual, winners; Hugo, Rayhan, Torin, Ashwin Mr M Goodchild

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 31 HOUSE LIFE

the interpretation of the judge or the Ridley House Report adjudicator and this is never an easy job, with such a high standard and And so ends another and another 5th place finishes, little to choose between the Houses. incredibly busy year of House although all our teams played well Sometimes their judgements go competitions and activities, and could consider these results very your way and sometimes they don’t. with the final event of the unlucky. Despite the considerable efforts of year (House Tennis) being Will Irons and a team of captains we Ridley produced a very solid overall completed 2 days from the end came last in House Art, whereas we showing in House Athletics finishing of term. Ridley have finished the were one place better in the Music. 3rd. Special mention should be year in a similar overall position to Drawing the lot to perform first made of our Inters who won their 12 months ago, so we still await the probably did not help our musicians. competition. Congratulations to Dom resurgence of this sleeping giant. Grimshaw who once again doubled Chess, often an area of strength In 2017-2018 Ridley finished last in up and won both the 1500 metres was this year an area of weakness the Brodie Trophy. I am pleased to and 800 metres events. A special as we came last. These results report significant improvements in mention should also go to Anthony really left us too much to do in the our sporting fortunes as this year Unugboke in Ridley 7 who took part Watson, despite our best efforts. Our we finished joint last! Had results in in and won 4 events on the day. House Magazine was placed third the House Tennis gone our way we and we came Joint 2nd in the Public might have realistically climbed as The final event of the year, House Speaking after our Senior team high as 4th but those Houses around Tennis produced a mid-table finish of Joe Harrington, Dylan-Holmes us in the Brodie table unfortunately but our Senior team of Dan Dean, Cowan, Dylan Sellors and Shaurya also did well. Dylan Sellors, James Atkinson and Singh had won their competition. Dom Boyd were victorious whilst the Ridley also came 2nd overall in the We certainly delivered some Year 7 pair of Ewan Gatt and Nat Quiz, with one of our Senior teams poor performances in this year’s Massa won all their matches. Some winning their competition. This mixed competition, finishing last in both the strong performances from Ridley bag of results placed us in 4th place Rugby and the Swimming, despite 7 this year certainly bode well for overall in the Watson Trophy. the best efforts of two of AGS’s best the future. Without doubt the great swimmers in the form of Tom Selby Of course there is so much more success of the year (and our only and Ish Rahim. Even in the events to House life than just the Brodie trophy on the board outside the Staff where we performed moderately and Watson trophies. This year Room) came in the Bastketball, there were stand-out performances, we have chosen to raise money where our Inters, combined Year 8 for example although we finished for CALM, the Campaign Against and Year 9 team and the Year 7s joint 3rd in Squash, our Senior team Living Miserably, a mental health were all victorious. were victorious. We achieved the charity. Many members of Ridley same overall position in Football Our recent pattern of performing also volunteered at the AGS Fete in but after victory in the Seniors and better in the Watson Trophy was order to raise vital money to plough Inters, surely we were destined repeated once again, but a couple back into the school. A highlight of for overall victory. Sadly the Junior of low finishes meant that we were the Ridley Calendar is of course the competitions on the AGS Fete Day never really in contention. Many of Ridley House Panto, which this year were a disaster with a 5th, 6th and the Watson events come down to was Peter Pan. OK – we may not

32 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 have won any trophies this year, but I would like to finish by thanking what other House can offer such an everyone who has contributed along array of acting and comedic talent? the way to House life, competitions This year we have been led by a or their tutor group this year. You superb House team of Head Boy Joe have also been supported by a Harrington and Deputies Ted Clarke fantastic team of committed and caring Ridley tutors. We now look and Tej Morjaria. Their successors, forward (in the near future I hope) to Ben Harty, Haroon Raqib and Tom the return of a golden era for Ridley. Selby have a tough act to follow, but I know they can do it. Mr J Barrie

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would give us the foundation to build Minty and Joe Chapman for lengthy 1ST XV Rugby upon. That said, competition for spells was a major blow and didn’t places in the pack was fierce with help our continuity. Thankfully the the youngsters of Tom Giles, Tom Played 13, Won 10, Lost 3. young pairing of Alex Butler and Kit Lane, Archie Davies, Ben Mulholland Fairhurst on the wings was working The 2018 season will be remembered and Will Lindars all pushing hard to well and this was one less issue to as both a highly successful and make the starting line-up. In those worry about. At scrumhalf, it was enjoyable season. If I’m honest, I first few weeks as coach I was called clear that Tom Nuttall would be a wasn’t sure what to expect when we upon to make some brave decisions. handful for any opposition. Having started pre-season at the end of the Decisions that would make or break grown in stature and intellect over the summer term and early September. this team. Not being one to shy away summer, he was starting to show his After suffering many defeats last year, from a tough decision, I made the class and dominate the space around appropriate calls which shook up and a large exodus of Year 13 rugby the breakdown. When he scored a pre-conceived selection ideas. For stalwarts, would the young looking hat-trick of tries against Royal Latin example, following poor punctuality new recruits be able to fare any in the Natwest Vase, we knew we and discipline at Bedford Modern, better? Were we in for another year of had unearthed a real talent. The only Adil was dropped from the starting tough times? element missing from his game was Number 8 role and relegated to the the ability to box kick. This would In the off-season I was pro-active bench. Young Welsh Exile Ben prove an area for development over in the transfer market and was Mulholland took over the responsibility the next few months but by the end of fortunately able to sign one quality at the base of the scrum and Adil was the season, he had become the all- player, who could anchor the left to scrap his way back into the round package of a quality nine. scrummage and boost our options team as a 2nd row. in our front row. Will Irons came in Over the course of the season, from Radley and made an immediate The construction of an effective we would go on and win 10 of our impact. Not only would he prove solid backline would be a much harder task 13 games. Notable scalps were in the set-piece, but his ball carrying to solve and this didn’t happen quickly. Northampton School for Boys, ability was a revelation. His tireless In the early weeks, we experimented with both Ollie Speake and Dylan City of London Freemans School, work ethic and courage was a huge Taylor at fly half, and through midfield Wellingborough and Kings Grantham addition to the team’s quality. the combinations of Harvey Mack, from Staffordshire. Our successful run The pack didn’t take long to take George Bates and Shea Minty. to the last 16 in the Natwest Vase was shape and the solid and mature (in However, every time I thought we had grabbing attention nationally and it terms of school years) front five of found the correct balance, injuries was nice to be selected at one of the Will Irons, Sammy Robertson, Ore would strike and we would be forced Top 5 Teams of the weekend after our Oyinloye, Adil Munir and Tom Aston to start again. The loss of both Shea win against NSB.

34 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 The team slowly evolved and learnt to play a style of rugby suited to their strengths. The pack continued to grow and became a dominant force. We started to play a more narrow style and reduced the number of turnovers/ errors given away, making us a very difficult team to beat. Training at one senior squad rather than separate 1st and 2nd XV squads meant significant competition for places was keeping players honest and hard working. Jake Graham was the perfect running a rugby specific sixth form immense and the tackling of Tom example of how good performance course delivered by the Northampton Giles, Archie Davies and Harvey Mack in the 2nd XV was rewarded with a Saints coaches. With 5 was incredible. As time ran out on us, starting spot in the 1st XV over the hours a week of rugby built into Samuel Whitbread kicked two late last few weeks of the season. Jake their timetables, and the recruitment penalties to take the game 20-7. They will go down as the find of the season factor this must bring, we knew we have since beaten Newcastle School would be up against it. To add to our and his skills as a traditional openside for Boys in the quarter final 45-5 to woes, through illness and injury, we flanker will be invaluable next year. make the semi-finals at Allianz Park. had 6 starting players unavailable. The two games which stand out as As I watched the teams warm up, I But nothing should take away real highlights this season were two worried for my team as they seemed from what has been an incredibly games where we were depleted, with intimidated and distracted by their successful season. From a results our depth and resilience challenged enormous opposition. However, I perspective and a development to the full. To take the win against should never have doubted them. For perspective, the team has excelled Merchant Taylors, on their turf, was the next 70 minutes, they played with and achieved standards they should exceptional. With hardly any bench, more courage and resilience than any be very proud of. I would like to thank players playing out of position, we other team I have ever coached. At never took a backward step and 14-7 down with 15 minutes to play, the Year 13s in particular for their 7 ground out a win which was to take incredibly we were getting on top years of hard work and commitment their undefeated record from them. and I knew that with one more score, to AGS Rugby. You leave behind The second incredible performance we could win in the event of a draw, a positive and long lasting legacy. was against Samuel Whitbread as the away team. The ball carrying Thank you so much. Academy in the last 16 of the Natwest of Will Irons, Sammy Robertson, Vase. This is a school which is now Ben Mulholland and Adil Munir was Mr G Ramsbottom

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done for much of the season led by came in at No10 to lead the back 2nd XV Rugby example. Cameron Birchall, Andrew line and Isaac MacDonald once Claassen and the whole front row again had a good game on the wing, Can I initially thank all the as they have done all season gave Isaac’s strong running has resulted players who played for the AGS a good account of themselves in the in tries this season. In a tight match 2nd XV over the course of this 13-3 win. AGS hung on up the hill, to record an season. As captain, Alex Wong excellent and well deserved 17-15 We went to Merchant Taylor’s with a always led by example, demanding win. The 2nd XV also had two mid- depleted side with illness and injury the best from all of his players. The week matches against Dr Challoner’s not helping. The best that can be said season often saw the side contesting and , where the is we fought and played well for the well and even dominating on occasion AGS 2nd XV took on a mixture of the first 20 minutes of the second half, in the forwards. The Merchant Taylor’s oppositions 1st XV and 16U players. before the flood gates once again game aside, AGS were certainly These were extremely tight games opened which resulted in a 0-63 competitive in all of their matches. with the AGS pack dominating for defeat; tough to take, but they were a large parts of both matches, only to The season started with our first quality side from 1 to 15. end up losing narrowly in fixtures we match v Bedford Modern falling victim We played well away at Magdalen should undoubtedly have won! of the hot dry summer, with the game College and once again our pack being cancelled due to hard ground I would like to wish the Year 13 held their own. The backs, Tom Miles, and only the 1st XV game being players who have played their last Tom Crossfield, Jacob Waby, Felix played. Our first match therefore was game at AGS every success at Maldonado, Luke Burgin, Tod Tewson against a well-orchestrated Reading university, or in the world of work. and Jaden Chima all played well in Blue Coat side. We went behind to a difficult conditions; the game was very Mr P Dean couple of early tries and were opened close and came down to a few crucial up by their backs on a number of decisions. AGS ended up on the occasions. Our pack battled well and wrong end of a 10-17 score line, but it we managed to score twice in the 12- was a good match and overall rugby 31 defeat. was the winner on the day. A number of very good players made Our final Saturday match was against the transition quickly from 2nd XV a competitive Watford Grammar side, to 1st XV rugby; Tom Giles, Jake who had a good back line and wanted Graham and Alex Wall being obvious to move the ball wide to attack. examples. Once again the AGS pack showed it A tough match away at City of London strength, the front row of Alex Wall, Freeman’s School followed on a Alex Wong and Charlie McIntosh small, muddy pitch in pouring rain have been a force all season. Adam AGS put up a great fight, there was no Goillon, Andrew Claassen, Ethan room for subtle back play and it really White and George Plummer had was a war of attrition. The pack once big games and as he has done all again played well, Ethan White had season Ed Birch battled away at the a great game at No 8 and as he has breakdown. Jasper Smith (Year 11)

36 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Gilbo, the forwards showed that they performances I have ever seen. In U16 Rugby were not going to let the backs take order to do this justice I am going to the glory for their hard work. One use the words of our very own Chris This year Mr Warner and I week later and it was time to play Bond. have found ourselves in a very the City of London School. Now four ‘Some of us rightly pointed out that fortunate position. Every coach weeks in to the season, the team had the opponents looked massive and dreams of having strength in depth, been working hard on their defence it was only when during the first ruck whether to push the ‘starters’ or to and were looking to improve on the Gus stated ‘I’m not ready for this!’ bolster during injuries. While points we had conceded in our first did we realise how big they actually have their finishers we are no two opening games. Two weeks on were but despite this, AGS put up different. Over the course of the year from our game against Reading, we a huge fight against the beasts and we have had a number of difficult were set to play City of London at even though walking into halftime games, some we have come out of home. A tough fought game it was the score line was 7 AGS (thanks to on top and some we have just fallen once again, the turn of the forwards Jack Pinder) – 31 Merchant Taylor’s, short. A strong start to the season to put the early points on the board the boys had their heads up because against Bedford Modern School saw through none other than Phil. Phil we knew we had played with passion us make a statement for the year. would go on to another try later in the and commitment. With a great performance from Toby game as we came out 18-0 winners. Cook with two tries and an assist, he After a brief chat from Mr Walker and Coming off three wins on the bounce looked all the part a captain. Steve, we swapped ends and setup the boys went in to our fourth game to receive the kick off. After some Following our 27-21 victory at home against Merchant Taylor’s confident fabulous play from everyone we had to Bedford Modern we travelled away but hesitant. Also coming into the slid over the line for only the second to Reading Blue Coat. A 17-12 victory game with a three game winning time this match but for a glorious try against Reading further strengthened streak, Merchant Taylor’s started by Alex Stephens. Score: 12 AGS the start to our year. This game saw strong and it wasn’t long before AGS – 31 Merchant Taylor’s. And this a team effort lead by the pack. With a found themselves down. Set the was only the beginning. Great play rumbling try from Spen and a try from stage for one of the greatest AGS after great play, a penalty against Merchant Taylor’s and a cheeky ‘Respect and Aspire’ featuring Freddie Perkin only for Pinder to grab his second and back up the pitch went AGS after this thrilling try, then another with Peter Sansome in the corner and then another by James Phillips supporting on the wing to slide over the line. Both tries slotted by Rainbow who had an excellent day of kicking. The tides had turned and our hearts and heads were in the right place. 29-31 and as the opposition was tiring, we still had

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U15 Rugby

Numbers in Year 10 had once again dropped and the decision to only field an ‘A’ Team was certainly the correct one. Starting at home, with a full strength squad against Bedford Modern (which was one of the heavier defeats of the previous season) confidence levels were high that we could make a positive start to the season. With plenty left in the tank (thanks to changing room. Undoubtedly my 5 Tries for an unstoppable Sam Steve’s warm ups) and the moments highlight of the year, was the moment Kearney, 3 for Matthew Sparke and that followed were glorious to behold Josh Alexander led the team in a a host of other try scorers, the Under and will remembered for centuries to group huddle and they realised they 15s were up and running in style with come. were able to take down any monster a crushing 79-12 victory. Merchant Taylor’s kicked off, Bond they played regardless of who they Another strong and dominant and gave to Jasper who put were missing. With this mind-set they performance followed against a his boot to it and sent their fullback played Royal Latin and thrashed tenacious Akeley Wood, with a turning, the pressure from AGS was them 36-7. slightly flattering score-line of 43-5 too much for him and he returned given Akeley’s attacking threat and the kick. But to Toby Cook. It was Coming back from half term, the physicality. Matthew Sparke was once hard to tell which direction he would boys were prepared to continue their again the standout player, constantly go but three players later and with unbeaten run 6 and 0. Unfortunately threatening in attack and making the ball on the try line we were this wasn’t to be and we lost our last important tackles in defence, whilst in the lead for the first time in the two games to Northampton School match. 36 to the mighty U16s – 31 Ashre Moses scored 2 excellent tries for Boys and Magdalen College. to Merchant Taylor’s. There was a from wing. Despite the way our season ended, slight misunderstanding but the final Moving on to the first away match of there is no other thing to say than whistle blew and the whole of the the season at Reading Bluecoats, AGS squad had been a part of a this has been another excellent year with a depleted squad and suffering a comeback so legendary, it puts the for a tremendously talented team. hip injury to captain Patrick McNulty in New England Patriots to shame.’ The boys should be incredibly proud the first half, the team succumbed to of what they have achieved and Mr As a coach there are many times their first loss of the season by 27-24. Warner and I wish them the best of where you get to be proud of your Having been 17-5 down at half time, team, but this truly was another level. luck next year. the boys showed great resilience and Having lost a number of players to character to fight back and nearly Mr T Walker the first team, the boys had started win the game in the final play of the the year with an elephant in the match.

38 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 The 1st round of the Natwest Cup for the rest of the season. This was half was needed, but unfortunately followed against long term local rivals followed by a closely fought 17-10 it was Stowe who started strongly, Dr Challoner’s. Once again, a number win against Royal Latin, giving the breaking through our defensive line, of injuries to key players could have team a positive end to the first half of like a hot knife through butter. The proved costly, but with a determined the season. boys showed courage, but never and positive attitude, the boys made it really threatened the try line in the Returning after the half term break, through to the next round with a solid second half and Stowe ran out 50-15 a string of difficult games lay ahead. 19-12 win. winners. First off was the visit of Northampton A run of 6 games in just 19 days was Boys. Arriving with what seemed Two games remained, firstly against always going to be demanding and like an army of players and an Watford Grammar, where two very with a mounting injury list, the team enormous booming speaker, waking evenly matched teams fought travelled to City of London Freemans everyone within a mile of . doggedly, again with a number of for one of the toughest games of AGS found it difficult to penetrate handling errors or missed tackles the season. A 35-7 defeat was not the Northampton defence and proving costly. A 26-12 loss seemed a fair reflection of the game, with also to defend against a powerful a flattering score-line for Watford and Alfie McIntosh, Max Wheaton, Ed Northampton back line, final score on another day the result could easily Cunningham and Will Greenfield all 41-7. have gone the other way. stepping up and playing in unfamiliar Following on from the toughest defeat positions without complaint. The And so to the final outing of the of the season, a trip to Magdalen biggest loss from the game was our season at Home to Lord Williams’s College was perhaps not the game consistent and talented number 9 Will and looking for a first win since mid- needed at that juncture in the season. Chapman who suffered a concussion October. A strong and positive start A number of good opportunities to which would keep him out for the next saw AGS first on the scoresheet after be at least a try or two up in the early few matches. a well worked move was finished off stages were missed and once again by Jack Tominey. 3 more tries were At this point in the season the team the team were on the wrong end of a scored in the first half, 2 of which by needed a pick me up result and a tight 17-7 defeat. Sadly, that was the man of the match Max Dolphin. A final 58-14 victory versus Sir Henry Floyd last we would see of Sam Kearney, as score of 29-10 was a deserved and provided just the tonic. A powerful he also suffered a concussion whilst pleasing end to the season. performance with 10 tries, 9 of which on club duty, which put him out for the were scored by the forwards pack, rest of the season. In all, the Under 15s had 6 wins from including 3 tries for man of the match 13 matches (3 more than in year 9) Next up was the visit of Stowe for Anuka Kumarapeli at Hooker and a and a win percentage just under 50% the 3rd round of the Natwest cup, brace of tries each for Harry Jones was a great improvement. There are as we had received a bye in round and Max Dolphin. lots of positives for this team to take two. Similarly to Northampton, Stowe forward into Year 11 and hopefully The final two games before half term seemed to have a sub for every the improvements will continue to saw a tight 17-5 loss to Merchant position on the field and nearly all of be seen. Taylors with a number of scoring their players were in excess of six opportunities created through some feet tall. This didn’t stop the boys Mr J Webley strong ball carrying from Evan Byles, producing a magnificent performance Dan Partridge and Finley Spencer, to lead a shocked Stowe 15-14 at which became a common theme half-time. A strong start to the second

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was the first time that it went behind strength. All three had periods out due U14 Rugby in a match all season, and you could to injury and a special mention has see that it took a little while for the to go to Luke Evans, who suffered a Season summary: played 9 team to adapt…..but it was fantastic serious injury against Dr. Challoner’s. games, scored 348 points, to see them react in the way that they Seb Butler, Charlie Gould, Dan conceded 70 points with a did. The cancelled game against Lord Compton and George Birch stood points difference of 278, and Williams’s was a real disappointment, in for these guys at various points maybe more significantly won as it was looking to be a fitting end throughout the year and always did a all 9 games, making it a season to the season and hopefully they will great job. to remember for many different get the chance to go head to head The second row was made up of reasons. next year, and a cup tie against RGS our ‘Little and Large’ combination…. would be most welcome. The 50-0 win at the start of the Ben Chanter and Harry Wyatt, both season against Bedford Modern Thankfully, the opportunity to play of which had excellent seasons. Ben showed that we had the potential RGS in the County Cup Final did is as honest a rugby player as you to have a very good season after come, a few months after our rugby will ever meet and gives everything moving to 15 a-side rugby. But it season ended. Despite this, and after in each game and Harry made an was the next game against a good a couple of team training sessions, extremely welcome return after his Reading Blue Coat team, which we we were ready to play RGS (already break from rugby last year. Jason won 31-0 over at their place, when it into their second term of rugby) on Stephens has been another who has became clearer as to what this team the 4G pitch at Aylesbury RFC. Not stepped in brilliantly for these two could become. The truth is though surprisingly, against an extremely when called upon. this team will only really find out how good team, the AGS boys stepped Forming a new back row, Oscar good it is next year when it competes up to the challenge to record a Wellbelove, Morgan Billings and in the NatWest Schools Cup. There remarkable 14-10 win to become Josh Armstrong have been simply County Champions. It was an were some games this season in outstanding this year…..perhaps best incredibly dogged defensive display which this team destroyed opponents illustrated by the fact that the parents without having to get out of second by the team, during which moments of the students from Reading Blue gear, such as the wins against City of attacking brilliance from Josh Coat were genuinely scared and in of London (65-5), Magdalen (55-12) Armstrong, Morgan Billings and Will awe of them. Both Tom Kirkpatrick- and Watford (49-0). The wins against Cliffe allowed us to break down our Brown and Torin Pearson have been Merchant Taylors (24-7), Northampton opponents, together with the kicking excellent cover players, playing with School for Boys (52-32) and Dr skills of George Birch (who had an great passion and determination Challoner’s (22-14) were much more outstanding game). Our season was when selected. significant as they showcased both finally over, in a manner that felt much the strengths and the areas that need more satisfying. Then there’s our backs who, when given the chance, tore apart opposing to be developed if this team wants to So let me introduce you to the squad: defences. Archie Dodds as scrum get even better. The reality is though Starting with a pack that was able to half became our Commander in and this is not a statement born out overpower all that stood in front of Chief, ordering around his troops of arrogance, this team needs to be them, our starting front row was made with a sense of confidence and clear tested much, much more than it was up of Dan Davies, Dan Sudbery enjoyment that was a joy to watch. this season. and Luke Evans……three lads Alex Brown and George Birch have The game against Dr. Challoner’s who played with great courage and very different qualities as rugby

40 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 players but were both impressive attacking revelation with a step that Wellbelove who showed he could number 10s, while Leo Walsh was left opponents for dead. dictate play in the No.10 shirt and a very exciting attacking 12, as was brilliantly execute his place kicking. Can this team get better, yes….. Finn McGuire. Charlie Shephard much better and it will need to do so The score at the final whistle was 21 played at both full back and at outside to be a real threat next year. They can – 55 AGS. centre, where he produced some be over confident, but on the whole excellent attacking moments…… With our short season drawing to they have been a pleasure to work Merchant Taylor’s in particular an unexpected close due to another with, showing a level of commitment hated him! cancelled fixture the squad seemed to training and matches that never determined during the week to put Then there are our speed machines, failed to impress and I can’t thank on a good performance against our wingers and full back. Never them enough for their efforts. I must Watford Grammar and bring together before have I been in charge of a also thank Mr Thorn who, in addition the focus points of our training team with so many quality options in to helping out with the B team squad, during the season. The team did these positions. Adam Bosempem is has done so much to support this an unassuming looking young man group of players - thank you! themselves proud with some strong attacking rugby and defending right who has rockets in his heels (just ask Mr C McGill the Northampton defence), Sam Tung down to the last minute of play. Theo brings with him a frightening level U14 Rugby (B Team) Bockmuehl gave a man-of-the-match of intensity when he is in the mood, The B team’s returning game against performance from scrum half and when available Will Cliffe was strong, Magdalen College was an emphatic Charlie Gould stole the show by doing powerful, quick and direct, and in one with a dominant display in the exactly what he’d been told not to most other year groups Harry Holmes forwards and some attacking prowess all season and executed a perfect would be a starting winger. Then demonstrated in the backs. Stand interception in the last few minutes there is Harry Wilson who, when out performances came from Harry which he scored. The game finished he was moved to full back, was an Hughes on the wing and George with an impressive scoreline of 34 - 0 to AGS.

The squad showed excellent commitment throughout the season which helped create an enjoyable training environment and also allowed many talented players to break into and play in the A team, which is no small achievement in such a talented year group. The squad should be extremely proud of their efforts. I hope all of you enjoyed the season and return to AGS rugby next year.

Mr J Thorn

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of the season off to a good start, but Our grit, determination, team spirit U13 Rugby many of us also had friends on the and love for rugby helped us gain other side, making this local derby momentum as the season progressed This year started off with a bit of the ultimate bragging rights match! and there is no reason why we can’t pre-season training on the field After 50 minutes of hard work, we aspire to even more victories and and in the gym. came out victorious 8 tries to 6. This successes next year if we keep on match really gave the team the boost working hard and building on these After a few weeks of blood, sweat and of confidence that we needed and strengths. To finish, I would just like tears… well, mainly sweat, you will we went in with optimism to our next to thank Mr Rooney and Mr Channer be glad to hear, came our first match match against Royal Latin. for coaching us this year, Mr Manley against Bedford Modern. Having for helping us in the gym and, last suffered a heavy defeat against them The hard work had really payed off but not least, all of my year 8 team- in year 7, we knew that they were as we ended the match with another mates with whom I had great pleasure going to be a tough opponent. Being win: 10 tries to 2. Next on our fixtures playing our first match, the atmosphere in list were our Amersham rivals. Last the bus was extremely upbeat with year’s match against Dr Challoner’s Eliott Godley – Hampden 8 music in the background and tactics had seen us lose by a heavy margin. being discussed between players. But after the inspirational last few Unfortunately, the score didn’t quite matches, we saw a sliver of hope. go our way. With parents cheering us on from the sidelines and the encouragement Nonetheless, we still came out of the of our team-mates, we managed to match with a number of positives. The cling onto a 2-2 draw. Although this following weeks saw us work doubly wasn’t the win we were hoping for, hard on particular areas that the team we recognised that this was a huge felt we were lacking in. As the season improvement on last year’s match and moved on, we got mixed results with that, as such, we should see the result a couple of heavy defeats and a few as a win. tight matches, which could have gone either way. After our streak of successes, and a few more tight games, the season After a refreshing 1-week holiday, we came straight back in with a match came to an end. Looking back over against a local school, Sir Henry the season, even though the scores Floyd. The stakes were high! Not only didn’t always reflect it, we definitely did we want to get the second half improved from the previous year.

42 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 ball from our 22. Their huge winger This team has achieved greatness U12 Rugby had chased this and Ewan was the and to go with it: respected each other only man back. He did a dummy and and their opposition, and aspired to be I think this will be a year to sidestepped….the winger lay on the as successful as possible throughout floor I think possibly wanting to go the entire season, and I’m sure it will remember for Year 7 rugby. home. Ewan then sidestepped and continue to do so for the rest of our Every single one of the players dummied his way all the way through time here at AGS. has fully committed themselves their team except the last man. He and put 100% effort into every Nat Massa - Ridley 7 made a chip and left the last man for single game. As a team we have dead… “I think that was a good way worked phenomenally and each U12 Rugby (B Team) to start the match.” were his words as player has developed leadership skills he jogged back with a smile of cheek The Under 12 Bs have had a and different skills from the game. on his face. successful first season in which we Every player has excelled hugely in won 5, lost 3 and drew 1. their position. This season, the backs have been beautiful and have done our team At the beginning of term we came With a 50% win record, many games wonders. Will Pringle ‘Cheeky little together with a variety of abilities and have been celebrated hugely and boy’. Matt Holcroft ‘Mastermind’. Ollie the whole team should be extremely experience to form an inexperienced Costello ‘You can’t catch me’. Nat proud of themselves. Will Pringle’s team. After just 2 training sessions, Massa ‘Definitely deserves a mention’ box kicking was fantastic and Matt we launched into our first game. It Sean Dover ‘The sidestep king’. Toby Holcroft’s leadership skills from was close, a 15-10 loss to Bedford set plays could be compared to Evans ‘Could learn a thing or two Modern, with tries from Isaac Tung perfection. from him’. Ewan Gatt ‘Go on kick it….I and Ben Oakes, but lots of potential Dare You!’ was evident. I can’t even begin to say how hard the forwards of the team The subs have made the team 100 After a friendly with Reading, we have worked. Week in week out times better than it was. They are played our first away game, a win at they have performed and won the what made our team a proper team. City Of London Freemen’s. Trailing game by themselves. Matthias They all deserved to be in this team 15-10 at half time we did not waver in Bockmuehl…’Arms of steel’. Sacha and each one of them performed our resolve and came back with tries Page ‘Buffalo with a ball’. Christophe their hardest. from Sam B, Irfan, James D and Sam Titley ‘You want it? Come get it. Billy G to clinch a hard fought 25-35 win. We cannot forget to mention Mr Dodds ‘99.9999% chance of getting Mansfield, Mr Priestley and Mr Gibbs. In our next game we lost to Akeley thumped’. Ben Giles ‘Could play any They have electrified this team so it Wood, who were a very strong position if he wanted’. can perform to the best of its ability. opposition, scoring only 2 tries to A special mention has to go to: Freddie Crafts, Isaac Tung, Abdullah Hanidu, Ben Giles, Matty Holmes and Anthony Unugboke. All these boys had never played rugby officially before in their lives and still have worked their hardest to get to the A team. I think our best try has to come from Ewan Gatt. I believe this was the match against the Royal Latin. The opposing team had made a clearing kick. Ewan tracked back to get the

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their 12! We came back strongly Ratcliffe both scored a brace. Hazeley with a 30-20 win against Magdalen 1st XI Football cancelled on the day of the game, College, increasingly depending on so we were awarded the points. Our Noah Y and Ali S for great tackles, Season Stats: most convincing win of the season and Anthony and Tom W for creating saw local rivals Sir Henry Floyd solid rucks. This win and a very Played: 18 beaten 5-0 with goals from Elton Atat, competitive 20-15 victory against James Atkinson, Michael and Simon Tring on an amazing autumn morning Won: 12 brought us together as a stronger Amaeshike and Taf Manjengwa. Lost: 6 team as we learnt how we worked Our final group game was away at and cooperated. Goals For: 60 Denbigh School, played in a howling gale with the wind running straight Our sense of victory was shattered Goals Against: 31 down the pitch. Playing with the when Dr Challoner’s hit us hard in the first 10 minutes of our next game. A Goal Difference: +29 elements, we led 3-0 at half-time. stern word from Mr Priestley saw no 25 minutes later the match was 3-3 Top Scorers: more tries conceded in the first half. after some poor defensive mistakes We were grateful for Dan’s skill at Elton Atat (18) allowed the hosts back into the game. driving and Anthony U’s great speed Michael Amaeshike (10) However we were creating plenty Simon Amaeshike (9) when they put points on the board of chances and always looked like Earl Atat (8) with a breakaway consolation try. scoring. Two late goals from substitute Jamieson Hunt (6) We ended the season successfully Michael Amaeshike won the game for with two wins. Wind and rain didn’t Autumn Term 2018: us, meaning that we topped our group stop us in a close 15-5 win against and we will now face a home Quarter This season’s 1st XI squad is Sir Henry Floyd. Our defence Final against Royal Latin the first undoubtedly one of the most talented only allowed them a single try and week back after Christmas. Anthony’s long legs once again and enigmatic I have worked with, helped us score assisted with Sam and we have played some superb In our other cup competition, The B’s great kicking. creative football starting at the back ESFA National Cup, we travelled and then spreading to all areas of the to Lord Williams’s . Towards Our final match against Watford saw pitch. However at present something tries from Anthony W, Tom W and half-time, we were 1-0 up, playing Nathan H in another closely contested is not quite clicking and this is borne superbly and looking well set. game where our experience and out by our results, which have been However, we conceded a goal just training brought us together with inconsistent and we are contriving to before half-time and in the second a satisfying 15-10 victory to round lose games that we really should be half we were twice hit on the counter- off our season including a great winning. We have also had several attack. This was a game we really performance from scrum half Will cancelled fixtures, so we have not should have won. Crook. Over the course of the season played as much as I would like. we grew together as a team, showing Four times this season we have lots of potential for future seasons. In addition to the quality of the football conceded 3 goals away from home, Finally, I would like to thank Mr we are playing the main positive has which means that we then have to Priestley, who has been our amazing been our form in the County Cup. score 4 goals to win! We have only coach through this victorious season. We began with a decisive 4-1 victory managed to do this once. We have an Reuben Bithell – Paterson 7 away at Walton High School, where excellent defensive unit, but lapses the 3G pitch suited our passing in concentration are costing us and football. Michael Amaeshike and Ben the midfield unit also needs to offer

44 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 time, we were struggling, but the team never gave up and goals from Michael Amaeshike (2) and Jamieson Hunt saw us over the line in a deserved 4-2 win. Subsequent wins over and Bedford Modern meant that we would contest the County Cup Final against Dr Challoner’s (again) at the impressive home of Slough Town, in good form.

With 15 minutes of the final gone a pivotal moment arrived. A red card for one of Dr Challoner’s most influential players for a tackle on Taf Manjengwa. It was now up to AGS to make the most of our numerical more protection. At the other end of We then lost our first game of the advantage. To be fair we were playing the pitch we are missing chances at calendar year 5-2 away at a strong well against 11 men and it is not easy crucial times of the game – usually in Reading Bluecoat, but this was the to break down a team playing with spells when we are dominant. At no turning point. We switched from a 2 banks of 4 and looking to counter- time this year have we faced a team traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, deploying attack. It was a tight, edgy game who I have genuinely felt were better James Atkinson as a CDM to offer of few chances, although I felt that than us. more cover for the back four. We built we always looked the most likely to up momentum by playing week-in- score. The decisive moment arrived To finish on two positives: Firstly, we week-out and the team began to gel mid-way through the second half are undefeated in the County Cup and in all areas of the pitch. This allowed when Jamieson Hunt played in Elton I firmly believe that we have the talent the side to finish off the season Atat to finish clinically in the bottom to win this competition again this year. with a superb run of 8 straight wins, left corner. Buckinghamshire has a We face an important Quarter Final including victory in the County Cup. very strong Under 18 competition, so straight after Christmas. Secondly, to win the trophy two years running congratulations to James Richardson Our first key test of the New Year was against arguably our biggest rivals who has progressed to the final 20 in a home County Cup Quarter Final was a tremendous achievement. the selection process for the England against Royal Latin. Although the Rather than let the season fizzle out, Under 18 Schoolboys squad. visitors briefly levelled at 1-1, 2 goals we kept up our standards in the last apiece from Earl and Elton Atat saw two matches of the campaign in which Spring Term 2019: us comfortably through by 5 goals to we defeated Chesham Grammar and In my 1st XI report penned at 1. Our County Cup Semi Final was Sir William Borlase in the Hawkinsport Christmas I noted ‘something is not a different matter. We scored first in Trophy to secure runners-up spot in quite clicking and this is borne out a tight match against Teikyo through this round-robin competition. by our results, which have been Simon Amaeshike, but then made the inconsistent and we are contriving cardinal sin of switching off at a set Elton Atat scored an impressive 18 to lose games that we really should piece with just a minute remaining. goals in his first season in the 1st XI be winning’. When Teikyo took the lead in extra and he was ably supported by Michael

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Amaeshike (10), Simon Amaeshike a defensive rock this year and an (9), Earl Atat (8) and Jamieson Hunt 2nd XI Football excellent organiser of things on and (6). It is the attacking players who off the pitch. usually grab the headlines, but special The classic commentator’s When your top goal scorer is Charlie mention should be made of 2 players cliche of ‘it’s a game of two Collie, you know you’ve had a dodgy from Year 13, who made significant halves’ perfectly sums up the season. A player whose passes contributions in other areas of the season for the AGS 2nd team. are as likely to find Mr Davey stood After failing to record a win in the pitch. Leo Gualchierotti has been a on the touchline as they are to find first half of the season, the team’s a teammate. He is a player with a rock in the heart of defence, whilst Taf performances and results picked touch of class and finesse however, Manjengwa’s ability to retain and use up post Christmas and they ended and quite possibly one of the best the ball in midfield has been a great the year having played 10 games, strikers of a dead ball witnessed by asset. winning 4 of them, losing the other 6. Mr Davey is his 6 years running the 2nd XI. Finally I must also congratulate James Underwhelming stats I’m sure you Richardson on his selection for the will agree, but who’s to blame? Is Elliot Abdey, Jack Prendergast and England Under 18 Schoolboys team. it Mr Davey, the man who picks the Max Swift, how did they get in the team? Mr Barrie, the director of team I hear you ask. Well when There are many thousands of players football, who organises the fixtures? you’re short on players, desperate representing their school or college in Can we blame the players, and if we times call for desperate measures, this age group, so to be one of the 18 can, was it the Year 13’s fault or the and we got desperate. Over time, best players in full-time education in Year 12’s? It’s a hard one but a policy however all three of them became the country is a fantastic achievement. that has always served Mr Davey stalwarts of the side adding tenacity It was a great moment to see James well during his time as Ridley 13’s and steel to our midfield and defence represent England against Wales at tutor is, if in doubt, blame and were a major reason behind our Seyi Afonja. Slough Town several weeks ago. upturn in fortune this year. Michael Owen once said that ‘when Tom ‘sicknote’ Carter made a few Part of our success this season has they don’t score, they hardly ever appearances this year for the 2nd hinged on having a stable team. win’ and that, alongside our inability XI and he’s turned into a player This is because many of the players to keep the ball and clean sheets, who used to only go missing in have committed themselves to was the problem. Seyi has always the big games to one who goes playing for the school, despite the been a bit Sergio Garcia, great from missing in all games. An all round late returns to Milton Keynes or other tee to green but when it comes to gifted sportsman, Tom has been far-flung corners of the County after putting the ball in hole from 6 yards a real asset to AGS sports teams away, it has an equal chance of throughout his time here and we a Wednesday afternoon game. All ending up in the bunker. In truth have been lucky to have a footballer the players should be proud of what however, Seyi has been an excellent of his quality represent the 2nd team. they have achieved this season and servant to the 2nd team, a player with especially in the Spring Term. I have excellent dedication, commitment, as It’s too early to tell if the Year 12 very much enjoyed coaching the team well as skill and ability. players, Tom Roca, Ben Harty, Dom Boyd, Ollie Cay, Jack Burns, Jay and I would like to wish the departing Papa Ansah, what can you say about Maheswaran and Ben Bishop can Year 13 players good luck. Keep a player like Pap? Is he quick? No. Is shoulder too much of the blame for playing! To our Year 12s, I think that he skilful? Not intentionally. Can he results this season. They have battled we have the nucleus of another strong pass the ball to a teammate stood 5 and bled for the cause this year and team next year. yards away, sometimes. What Pap if they can show the same ability, can do however, is lead a team. attitude and commitment that they Mr J Barrie Always positive, always smiling and have shown this season, next year always enjoying the sport. He’s been could be a vintage 2nd team year.

46 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 As a whole, and on behalf of Mr place this year; a 4-2 victory over the record, we had 10 different goal Barrie and Mr Walker, Mr Davey Haberdashers’ just before Christmas scorers this year, AJ Elliott-Gratton would like to thank all those who preceded a frustrating 4-3 defeat to leading the way with 5. Ted Gundry have represented AGS football at all an average and rude Abingdon side. and Beau Clifford claimed 4 apiece. levels, on top of being great fun to The friendlies were rounded off with a The group have been an absolute watch, manage and referee you have comfortable 4-1 victory over Bedford pleasure to work with over the last two shown excellent character throughout Modern. These prepared us well for years. I would like to put on record the year and have been a credit to the defence of our District title. that (at the time of writing) they have the school. The continued poor organisation been the most enjoyable group I have of several local schools meant that Mr G Davey had in my 10 years here. They were we were in a group of only three – fully on board with a style change ourselves and last year’s beaten based around enjoying the games finalists, The John Colet alongside more, and had a positive, supportive Cottesloe. A comfortable 2-0 victory attitude to each other and all games. over Cottesloe set up an early clash U16 Football This was epitomised with their attitude between the best two sides in the on the tour to Italy. District. Truthfully, The Colet possess The Year 11 football squad several players of significant and Kai Bailey should get a mention for signed off their three years superior quality; however (as with his outrageous strike in the ‘battle of together with a successful last year’s final) the team work, work Pescantina’ – a truly memorable effort defence of their District League ethic, attitude and persistence of all on his ‘weaker’ foot from 25 yards. title. However, the season hadn’t players in the AGS side meant we Archie Davies, Louis Moss, Sam started off in such a positive fashion. took advantage of some errors to Woods, Sam Gibbs, Ben Chapman, A limp National Cup first round exit at claim a surprise 3-1 victory having Tom Kemp, Ryan Connor, Ted the hands of a poor Grange side was fallen behind to an early goal after a Gundry, Tobi Dairo, Alex Butler, Kai an uninspiring way to start the year. 15 minute onslaught on our goal. Bailey, AJ, Beau Clifford, Ned Morris, That 2-0 defeat was followed closely Due to the nature of the organisation Cam White – you all play football the by a narrow 3-2 defeat to a better of the semi-finals, this had effectively right way, with the right attitude. John Hampden side in the County been our final. Buckingham were Finally, Albie Whittemore has been a Cup. Goals from Beau Clifford and Ted dismantled 5-1 in the semi-final, superb captain. Leading by example Gundry were not enough to extend the and (who progressed with performances and attitude, stay in the local competition, despite a by default – The Colet failing to organisation, attitude and enjoyment. late flurry of chances. The attitude was arrange a suitable date for their semi) A pleasure to have worked with better in that game, but gave us a long comfortably and perhaps somewhat them all. wait until just before Christmas for our underwhelmingly beaten 3-1 in next match. the final. Good luck in the future to all of you. Only three friendly matches took The group deserved their victory. For Mr A Skinner

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scraped out our group on goal next season. For the time being our U15 Football difference and now The Floyd in the attention now switches to ensuring semi-final stage. Although a tricky an enjoyable and successful football This season has been a fixture to navigate, the side should tour to Italy in the Easter break. be confident in their abilities. They ‘topsy-turvy’ affair, full of On the more recreational side of have a cohesive defence which ups and downs, big wins and things, Mr Davey would like to have now played a lot of games disappointing losses. Our extend his thanks to all boys who together. Nathan McDonald is an National Cup run only lasted for have represented the Year 10 intimidating presence in goal and 2 games, although in fairness we football team this year in weekend has shown an ability to pull off some were pitted against two very strong fixtures. We have played some very spectacular saves. Our fullbacks teams in Van Dyke School, who we strong sides and despite being on Julian and Dylan have demonstrated managed to overcome on penalties the end of some heavy defeats, you defensive solidity and are one of our 4-3 after the game had ended 4-4 have all shown excellent character, most impactful attacking weapons after extra time, and Lea Manor who resilience and determination this when they get forward and overlap. convincingly beat us 4-1. year. Our centre backs Ollie Flecknell, The team fared better in the County Jake Field and Sam Hurley Cook Mr G Davey Cup competition making it to the have looked assured and displayed quarterfinal stage having beaten exceptional steel and composure St Michaels 6-3 and Chesham throughout the year. Grammar 2-1 before being cruelly Our midfield trio, regardless of who knocked out on penalties against starts, always seem to have a great U14 Football Ousedale School. The manner of the blend of guile, guts and finesse. Dan defeat was particularly hard to take Oluwale-Babs, Jude Guest-Brainch, as the team were superb throughout It seems like an age ago Max Cornish and Harish Romesh the game but could only battle to that pre-season started on have created a very combative and a 1-1 score line. On the day, the a cold, wet Tuesday night in creative midfield. They are able to two sides were evenly matched but bully, run or play their opposition off December. After a long 2 years certainly a team that we would feel the pitch. since the beginning of year confident about beating if given the 7, the wait was finally over!! chance again. Complementing them, Isaac Ayilara, The football season had arrived at Sanjit Mallya, and Matt Sparke have last. Forty of us were raring to go The District Cup now becomes provided a potent creative attacking on a cold December night ready to our only chance of silverware this force in the wide areas and have give everything to get into the team. year. Having convincingly bested been the source of many goals this Everyone was excited and were keen Mandeville and Akeley Wood, year. to go by the first game. a disappointing draw against Cottesloe and loss against John Up front, Timi Ashoalu has On the face of it the season was Colet have meant that AGS have demonstrated devastating strength mixed, with some big wins but and skill and is a constant goal many losses as well but it has been threat both from careful build up play excellent to see the progress of all and on the counter attack. the boys and the team as a whole and there is definitely cause for Overall, this is a team of real quality optimism going forward. and should be targeting at least a District Cup final this year and We started the season with an a stronger showing in the County away tie at Reading Bluecoat, and and National Cup competitions disappointingly recorded a 3-0 loss.

48 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 This was a much tighter game than That weekend we followed these has been tightly contested mostly the score may suggest but with soft two wins up with a 1-1 draw away between Alex Brown and Ben Perkin, goals conceded very early on and to Bedford Modern, in a game who have both proved to be strong late in the game it felt like a missed largely controlled by storm Gareth, shot stoppers. The right back slot opportunity. The following game Harry Wilson scoring again. Our has been a battle between Shivam couldn’t be more different as we ran final Saturday game was against a Sharma and Nick Cay, both solid out 7-0 winners against St Columbas, strong Dr Challoner’s side, and in a defenders who are really starting to including four for Harry Wilson. good performance against a quality develop going forward. side while missing a number of key Due to the cancellation of two district players, we came away with a 1-1 At the heart of our defence George cup games prior to half term, we draw, Sam Tung scoring for AGS. Hamer and our captain Calum returned to a very busy schedule, Four days later, we played what Brooke, who have been extremely playing six games in eleven days. turned out to be our final game of the strong, both in the air and on the This started with back-to-back district season, at home to county semi- ground, and have developed a cup games on consecutive days. Our finalists Cottesloe in the district cup. dependable partnership. Left back first opponents would be a strong has also been an area of strong John Colet side. We took a very early Both teams went into the game knowing they had to win to ensure competition, with this slot mainly lead, Harry Wilson scoring twenty qualification, though Cottesloe were being occupied by Tony Alocious. seconds in, before a quick equaliser. the favourites to progress, having Central midfield has mainly been The game remained 1-1 for most of narrowly beaten John Colet. In a occupied by Tom Foley and Callum the rest of the game with AGS doing tough first half we went 1-0 down in Kiteley, who have often had to play the most defending. a cross where the ball flew across against an opposition three, but have However, as we finally started to get to every player in our own box and rarely been overrun. John MacGregor forward, we conceded a long-range was struck into the top corner. The and Joe Barber have been good goal with two minutes to go, and the second half resulted in a much- options on the wing, scoring a lot of final result being a 2-1 loss, despite improved performance with AGS goals whilst also willing to track back. a strong display defensively. The day having more of the play. Callum Up front Teni Oluranti-Ahmed after we took on Mandeville, with an Kiteley’s free kick appeared to go in and top scorer Harry Wilson have entirely different squad, which proved but in fact had gone around the back formed a strong partnership, with to be a much easier game, we had a of the goal and became caught in comfortable 4-1 win. the net, while Teni Oluranti-Ahmed Teni’s strength and Harry’s pace, narrowly hit the bar. In the end, and towards the end of the season Two days later, we took on an despite playing some excellent started to link up very well. Outside Abingdon side away from home football, we simply could not find a of these, the likes of Olly Hunt, Aaron and safe to say this was our worst way through, with the game finishing MacWhirter, Ben Warner, Sam Tung performance of the season, losing 1-0 to Cottesloe. and James Whitehead have regularly 7-0. However, we did not let this stepped up when called upon. Despite recording a draw and a loss affect us for long as we played a Special credit must be given to Harry in our final two games these were Thomas Fremantle side just two our two best performances of the Wilson and Sam Tung, considering days after and came out with a 7-0 season against two sides competing neither is regularly playing club win of our own, the highlight of the for honours at county level, and we football, and also to the four year 8s goals being Callum Kiteley scoring proved we could match them, despite who have been invited to train with direct from a corner. Three days later, this being our first year of football. the squad. we would score seven again in a 7-2 victory over Akeley Wood, with Across the team there have been Calum Brooke – Lee 9 doubles for John MacGregor and strong performances throughout Tony Alocious – Hampden 9 Harry Wilson. the season. The number one spot Callum Kiteley – Phillips 9

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1) but they chased our total with 4 if you lose 2 you do not get 1st XI Cricket overs to go. to face the remaining balls so we scored 8 off 4 balls. MCS reached Next up was Berkhamsted in 7 runs off the first 4 Alwis deliveries As usual training started back the annual T20 game. The less and were gifted the win with a wide in January and it was really said about this game the better on the 5th ball of the over. Despite encouraging to see so many though. We were not at the races the outcome this was probably the players from Year 10 all the at all and gave a very disappointing Mr Webley most enjoyable game of cricket I way up to Year 13. performance and got beaten heavily. and I were impressed with the have seen for a while and a real We reached 79 off our 20 overs commitment made from the large showcase of schoolboy cricket. (Danyaal Khalid top scored on 34) majority of players each week and and they reached the total off just A rare home game at the AGS this includes the Friday morning net 9 overs with the loss of 2 wickets Oval was next and Lord Williams’s sessions in which the players often (Milan Laljani and Ahmad Iqbal). were the opposition. We batted led their own coaching. A special first and scored 106 all out after Magladen College School were mention here for Milan Laljani who 17 overs (Dom Boyd 27, Bhavan the next opponents for a mixed was ever present at all training Jeyanathan 23 and Kai Bailey 22 sessions but was also a coach senior side and I’m not sure that were the highlights). We then and role model for the boys who there are many better places to restricted the opposition to 77 all out committed to improving their batting play cricket. The sun was shining, off their 20 overs and won the game and bowling on Friday mornings. people were punting on the river by 29 runs. Wickets were shared that surrounds the ground, the Each year exams and poor weather out; Ahmad Iqbal 2, Dom Boyd 2, pitch looked fantastic and you know always have an impact on both team Kai Bailey 1, Max Ramsey 1, Ben you are going to get a great tea. selection and fixtures played and Harty 1 and Andrew Claassen 1). Reflective of the drama of the recent this year was no different. I will say world cup final, this was a similar Next up was the Reading Blue however that I was able to select a experience for the spectators. MCS Coat T20 tournament and the team pretty consistent squad and this did batted first and managed 151-7 off played some really high level, mean that team camaraderie was their 25 overs (Dinath Alwis with competitive cricket all day and fully high as despite the age differences 2 and 1 each for Ahmad deserved to take home the trophy. all the players got on well and this Iqbal, Bhavan Jeyanathan, Dom This is the first time AGS have won had a positive influence on team Boyd, Danyaal Khalid and Ben this particular competition. performance. Harty). In reply we were always First game vs John Hampden. We started the campaign away a long way off the target but kept Opposition batted first and scored against RGS in plugging away and eventually 132-5 (Dom, Tom and Bhavan with early May and felt we gave a turned it on in the last few overs 1 wicket each and 2 run outs). We good account of ourselves on a to tie the game. Milan Laljani with then reached the total in 17 overs for very poor wicket, reaching 148-3 a fantastic 66 from 53 balls and the loss of 3 wickets and won by 4 in our 30 overs. Danyaal Khalid Bhavan Jeyanathan scored 35. wickets. Top scorers were Milan 36 scored a superb 60 and “Super over” was the shout from off 20, Tom 34 off 34 and Danyaal was supported well by captain the crowd and they got what they 28 off 32). Tom Carter who scored 27. The wanted. 1 additional over each to RGS batsmen had other thoughts settle the game. Unfortunately it Second game vs Dr Challoner’s. however and took the poor pitch out wasn’t that super for AGS: 1st ball We batted first and scored a of the equation by attacking from the – Danyaal out, 2nd ball - Bhavan 4 massive 207 for the loss of just 1 start. We took 5 wickets (Tom Carter runs, 3rd ball - Bhavan 4 runs, 4th wicket (Danyaal 82 off 61, Milan 60 2, Ahmad Iqbal 2 and Dinath Alwis ball – Bhavan out. In a super over off 39 and Marcus 45 off 20). We

50 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 then followed that up by bowling our game earlier in the season was Challoner’s out for 83 and won by 1st XI Cricket rained off, and also set up what we 124 runs (Bhavan and Tom with 2 expected to be competitive games wickets each and 1 each for Milan, – T20 Festival against John Hampden and Reading Ahmad, Sachin, Vibhav and Kai). Blue Coat. An early start on the 24th June Final game vs Reading Blue Coat. saw the AGS 1st XI leave from Our first game was against John We bowled the opposition out for Aylesbury at 7 am, on their Hampden who were expected to be 122 in 18 overs. Tom got 4 wickets, way to the Reading Blue Coat the weakest of the opposition in our 2 each for Milan and Bhavan and 1 T20 festival. In previous years the group showed us that we couldn’t for Ahmad. We then reached their 1st XI had not had much success underestimate anyone in this format. total in 15 overs and the top scorers at the tournament, however, today AGS lost the toss and were asked to were Milan 53 off 36, Danyaal 31 off bowl first. John Hampden got off to a 29 and Marcus 23 off 17. anticipation was high as we knew we had a strong team and were yet good start with one of their openers The final game of the 2019 season to perform at our best this season. scoring 58, however good bowling was Bedford Modern away. We performances from Dom Boyd, Tom batted first and posted a huge 187-4 When the team arrived we were Carter and Bhavan Jeyanathan who off 20 overs. Marcus Connor scored introduced to the new format where all took a wicket each and good an entertaining 66 off 48 balls and there would be no final, and instead, fielding from the team including two was supported by Danyaal Khalid 2 groups consisting of 3 teams run-outs, meant that we were able 36 off 27 balls and Tom Carter each. The team which finished on to restrict John Hampden to 132-5 who scored 24 off 13 balls. BMS the most points out of the 2 groups off their 20 overs, a score that was started really well with one of their would be crowned the winners, and thought to be below par. openers scoring a very quick 64 off if the inevitable were to happen The AGS innings got off to a slow 32 balls but we kept taking wickets where two teams finished on the start after the early loss of wickets and eventually they came up 3 runs maximum amount of points they of Usman Khan and Marcus Connor, short for the loss of 8 wickets. The could by winning all of their games, best bowling figures came from leaving AGS 29-2 after 5 overs. the tournament would be decided Sachin Patel and Kai Bailey who Good batting from Tom Carter and on who had taken the most wickets both took 2 wickets each. Danyaal Khalid steadied the ship throughout the day. and took AGS to 75 off 12 overs A big thank you to the 5 Year 13 We were then informed of who before the loss of Danyaal which players who have contributed so was in our group; John Hampden, meant the game was now in the much to AGS cricket over the last Dr. Challoner’s and the hosts balance. However, in the end, Tom 7 years, especially Tom Carter who has captained superbly this themselves, Reading Blue Coat. and Milan were able to bring it home season. Equally, it was great to see Giving us the chance to defeat for AGS getting the 132 runs with 3 3 Year 10 boys get into the team age-old rivals Dr. Challoner’s, after overs to spare and Tom scoring the on merit and perform well. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this group of players this year and look forward to some more competitive cricket, positive team spirit and top individual performances next summer.

Mr R Rooney

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winning runs with a reverse sweep captain Tom Carter won the toss and for 6. Good batting performances elected to bowl first. Two wickets in from Danyaal (28), Tom (34) and the first over from Milan meant AGS Milan (36) meant spirits were high were off to a flyer and proceeded going into the Dr. Challoner’s game to take all 10 wickets they required with the AGS boys knowing they still after strong bowling performances had more to give. from Tom Carter (4 wickets), Bhavan (2 wickets), AGS won the toss against Dr. Milan (2 wickets) and Ahmad Iqbal Challoner’s and elected to bat first, (1 wicket) restricting Reading Blue however since it had been a very the game was being played on the Coats to just 122. long day he may be forgiven. The 1st XI pitch and we knew that as top individual performers from the long as we got off to a good start AGS began their batting innings, day were Milan Laljani who scored we could score a big total. And get and an opening partnership of 88 150 runs, Danyaal Khalid who off to a good start we did with Milan from Milan and Danyaal meant scored 141 runs, Marcus Connor and Danyaal taking AGS to 112 for AGS were always in control of the who scored 78 runs, Tom Carter no loss after 12 overs before Milan game before Danyaal got out for 31 was caught on the boundary for 60. and a few overs later Milan for 53, who took 7 wickets and Bhavan This brought Marcus Connor to the meaning it was up to Marcus Connor Jeyanathan who took 5 wickets. crease and allowed him to continue and Usman Khan to win us the The trophy is a testament to how the onslaught as AGS finished game. Which they did comfortably well the team played and the extra on 207-1 after their 20 overs with after 15 overs with Marcus finishing effort and training put in by the team, Danyaal finishing on 80 and Marcus on 23 and Usman on 5. and Mr. Rooney and Mr. Webley on 45 including four 6s in his This meant AGS had done all they who kindly gave up their Friday innings. could, and the fate of whether or mornings before school and Monday Knowing they had done the hard not the trophy would be joining evenings after school to allow us to work the boys now just had to finish us on our long journey home to do so. the job, Dr. Challoner’s struggled Aylesbury rested on John Hampden, throughout their innings after an the team who we defeated in the I wish the team all the best next early wicket in the 3rd over from first game. If John Hampden were year and have full faith that they will Milan and very good bowling from able to not lose all of their wickets be able to retain the trophy. As one the whole team meant they would against Reading School, AGS of the many benefits of having a only be able to amass 83 all out would be crowned champions. The 1st XI consisting of so many Yr10s, after 14 overs. The other wickets boys nervously watched the last 5 Yr11s and Yr 12s being that many came from Bhavan Jeyanathan (2), overs play out cheering on John of the pieces are still in place for Tom Carter (2), Ahmed Iqbal (1), Hampden, and despite losing the them to be able to do it again in Sachin Patel (1), Vibhav Pandey (1) game John Hampden only lost 7 years to come. and Kai Bailey (1). wickets meaning AGS were declared the winners of the tournament. A further thank you to Mr. Rooney Going into the final game against and Mr. Webley for giving up their the hosts, AGS knew that they must A lackluster trophy lift and time and supporting both 1st and win and take all 10 wickets to give celebration from captain Tom Carter 2nd XIs throughout the year. themselves a chance of winning did not do justice to how well the the tournament. With this in mind, team played throughout the day Milan Laljani – Ridley 13

52 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 was Rana Ali who lost the toss and couple of missed opportunities in the 2nd XI Cricket once again AGS were sent in to field field allowed the opening partnership first. Berkhamsted started quickly reach 147 and only one other wicket AGS 2nd XI had a short, but and with the first wicket taken by followed that. Bedford ended their very enjoyable and entertaining Claassen with the score at 31 off 4 20 overs on 174/1 which at one season. With only three overs, we could already see that a point looked as though it could be fixtures played due to two large score could well be posted. closer to 200. The only wicket of cancellations, it was a shame This assumption was correct and the innings going to an elated Kavi that the boys didn’t have with opener Graham (a former 1st Morjaria. The AGS reply started further opportunities to XI Berko player) scoring 102 not positively with Ben Ratcliffe striking secure an elusive victory in out in 57 balls and sharing a 135 the ball cleanly before being trapped the season. run partnership for the 2nd wicket LBW by a ball nipping back in to the with Gibb, Berkhamsted finished on stumps. Captain Jeremy Kiely was The first game of the season was a huge 207 for 3 in their 20 overs. the stand out performer with the bat at home against RGS on 1st May. The AGS reply started well with the scoring a swift 20, including 2 big Losing the toss and being put into score at 73 before the loss of the first sixes, but it was to be short lived. the field, AGS started with positive wicket. From there onwards, a steady There were good contributions from intent. RGS started strongly with tumble of wickets followed with no Alfie Carberry and Andrew Claassen the ‘freddie flintoff’ like Holland, batsmen bar the openers, reaching who both reached double figures who biffed his way to 85 off just 52 double figures. The highlights of the and found the boundary with solid balls. Chances were missed to end innings were Sam Gilbert’s powerful strikes. Ultimately a lack of a decent his and others’ innings earlier and a batting to top score with 31 and a partnership proved costly and AGS solid total of 188 for 8 seemed like a number of, at times, comical run ended on 110 for 8. few too many. AGS started brightly outs! The final total of 5 run outs in There were many pleasing in reply and at 58-1 in the 10th over the innings, of which 4 involved Kavi contributions and an excellent team we certainly felt in with a chance. Morjaria, suggests some work is spirit shown throughout the season. Ben Ratcliffe top scored with 22 and needed on our decision making skills. I hope all of the players involved a number of other players made it AGS ended on 136 all out, which enjoyed the season. Well done to double figures to contribute to was helped greatly by the 70 extras chaps! the chase. Unfortunately, it wasn’t conceded by Berkhamsted which Mr J Webley enough. AGS finished on 130 all out included 54 wides! in 21.3 overs. Standout performers On to our third and final game of the with the ball were Andrew Claassen season away to Bedford Modern. with an impressive 4-24 and Rana Ali Losing the toss for the third time also impressed with a tight spell of meant that we would once again 2-7. Captain Ben Harty skippered the be in the field on what looked like game well and also picked up another fantastic batting pitch and a 2 catches. particularly short boundary for senior Our second match of the season level cricket. The opening spells of saw us visit the pristine surroundings Max Ramsey and Ben Harty kept the of Berkhamsted School with its score to a respectable 29 for 0 after manicured outfield and perfect 6 overs, but following this promising batting track. Captain for this game start the wheels began to fall off. A

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Sparke had hat-trick opportunities, to play a group winner in the quarter U15 Cricket ending on 3-6 and 2-9 respectively. finals. They batted first and posted a respectable score of 50. The openers, We then played RGS at home on 14th Bhavan and Danyaal, chased the The Year 10s started their May. Our bowling performance was runs comfortably with 1 over to spare. season on 3rd May with a strong all round, with everyone getting Afterwards, we played the semi-finals: difficult but important match an opportunity to bowl; Matt Manley where we failed to chase their score against a very strong Wheatley and Dinath Alwis took 2 wickets each, and unfortunately were knocked out. Park School in the national and Shonit Sharma took two catches. It was an enjoyable day out where cup. Wheatley Park won the toss We won by 6 wickets, chasing down the squad of 8 fully enjoyed the and elected to bowl first in the 30 over their score of 103 with Danyaal getting experience. match. The U15s start wasn’t ideal: 40 and Bhavan 24 respectively. losing 3 wickets for 42 runs in the first Finally, we played our last match On the 23rd May we lost by 63 runs 10 overs, but Bhavan Jeyanathan against John Hampden. We had against Magdalen College School. and Dinath Alwis consolidated with a rotated the batting order completely to Matthew Sparke top scored with 49, wonderful 98 run partnership. AGS give more players some opportunities but we weren’t consistent enough as ended on a defendable 149 for 5 to bat. The top scorers were Bhavan a team with our bowling or fielding. with Bhavan top scoring with 71 and with 29, who came in at 7, and Dinath ending on 34. Sadly though We then played the county cup semi- Jonathan Gopal (who had opened for Wheatley Park won by 6 wickets. final against Dr. Challoner’s on 14th the first time) with 20. There was an The notable fielding performances June. We batted first and posted 90 all-round good bowling performance were Danyaal Khalid’s 2 for 14 and for 9 with Danyaal top scoring with 47. from the team, with Shonit Sharma Bhavan’s 2 catches including an It never looked like enough though picking up 3-12. We had especially overhead skier. We had performed and the opposition chased it down enjoyed their interesting last over, well but the Wheatley Park batsman albeit with just 2 wickets to spare. It where all 9 fielders had stood in the had all contributed decent scores was a good effort from both teams slip cordon; Danyaal had bowled with allowing them to chase the runs with overall. his left (weaker) hand and Bhavan 1 over spare. We were disappointed Next, the team played an exciting (who was not the keeper) took a with the loss but had a slight format at Berkhamsted School on stumping. disadvantage as our most important 28th June in the 6 a-side tournament. match of the season was our first In conclusion, it was an enjoyable As the name suggests each team had match so we weren’t as clinical as we ending to a good season from a 6 players with 5 overs per innings. would have liked to have been. strong Year 10 side with a bright There were 4 groups of 3 schools future. Highlights of the season with Next, we played Bedford Modern and the top two teams would qualify the bat were Bhavan’s 203 runs, School away on 11th May. We won by for the Knockout stages. We won our and Danyaal’s 154 runs. Everyone 26 runs on a difficult pitch. Bhavan top first game against a strong Merchant contributed with the ball, with Videet scored with 46 and Matthew Sparke Taylors side but lost our second game Vadalia taking 7 wickets this season. snatched a quick 18 including a huge against Watford Grammar. As a result Shonit, Dinath and Bhavan had the six. Both Max Wheaton and Matthew we qualified from the group but had most fielding dismissals with 5 each, and Truman Alvalle did an excellent job as wicket keeper throughout the season. A special thanks to Mr Webley for coaching the Under 15s throughout the season.

Bhavan Jeyanathan - 10

54 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 needing 12 with 5 wickets remaining thanks to Dan Sudbury’s bowling U14 Cricket off the last over. But we just couldn’t figures of 1 for 15 and getting there 4 do it and lost by 4 runs. wickets down and ending the season Unfortunately this season was on a high. After this crushing defeat we quickly a short one due to various bounced back and prepared to play I would like to thank Mr Digby and cancellations due to rain. This RGS. For the first time in the season Mr Ramsbottom for coaching and meant we only played 5 games we were batting first. However it helping us this season. in total. Our first game was against was a similar story to our previous Sir Henry Floyd Grammar. Right from It has been a very unlucky season games. We were only on 30 after ten the start we bowled well, restricting with things often not going our way, overs and it was only down to Will, them to under a hundred runs. We but despite these circumstances we who scored 33 and Ben Perkin 31 then knocked off this total for only have always stuck at it and given that we managed to get to 118 in 20 one wicket down with a great innings our all. overs. We knew it was going to be from James Whitehead. difficult defending the small total and Archie Dodds – Lee 9 The second game was in the County when their opening batsman started Cup so it was a must win for our smacking it about it would have team against a strong Dr Challoner’s been easy just to lose faith however U14 Cricket side. They batted first and got off to a we never gave up and when Archie flier with both openers reaching fifty. finally managed to get their opener – B Team However we restricted them well at out (who had scored 70 of their 88 the end of the innings making sure runs in 10 overs) we put our foot The season kicked off with a only one other batsman made it into back on the gas and stopped their challenging game away at RGS double figures. With a score on the batsmen from scoring. With brilliant and we were batting first. After board of 175 it was going to be a wicket keeping from Zac to cut out a shaky start which included the loss difficult ask. The chase didn’t start the extras and bowling from Ed of two wickets the combined efforts well though. Three down for 13 runs Stubbs, James and Will meant that in of Josh Davidson and Brian saw us meant we had a lot of making up to the last 5 they needed 20 and in the reach a total of 55. It was less than do and unfortunately despite cameos final over they needed 7 runs to win. what we hoped for, but we still gave it from Jack Callaghan and Archie our all. Despite decent bowling from Ben Kearney’s first ball was pulled Dodds we only made it to 107 all out. Shivam and Shreeharsh, our total away for 4. Now needing 3 from 5 it was chased down fairly quickly. Our next game against Bedford seemed like a simple task but Ben Modern saw us in a similar situation proceeded to bowl 4 brilliant dot As a team, we had lots to work as the Dr. Challoner’s game. Chasing balls. Three from the last ball. Ben on and after some good training a score of 154 in 20 overs, which came running into bowl it but the sessions, we were ready to face would have been higher if it were not batsman somehow managed to hit Magdalen. Once again we had for a brilliant wicket maiden from Will it inches over Ed’s head and the ball a shaky start but a great innings Cliff to finish their innings. Again we ran away for 4 meaning we lost by from Torin (23 from 28 balls), lost an early wicket but this time we just 1 run. accompanied by Aidan (17), and managed to come back thanks to cameos from Ed and Shivam saw In the final game of the season a brilliant partnership between Ben us reach 71 runs. Our bowling was against a not very strong Chesham Kearney who scored 40 and Archie magnificent with wickets from most Grammar side we put in a solid Dodds who scored 49. We ended up of our bowlers, but 4 wickets and a performance. Restricting them to 99

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run out from Josh Davidson took the the season; John Hampden needed game out of Magdalen’s hands. It U13 Cricket 7 to win with 3 wickets left, but we The U13 A team began the was a well-deserved and satisfying managed to emerge victorious by season with ambitions to win. 5 runs. regain the form of last year, Unfortunately, the weather was not whilst improving our squad as Our last 2 matches were in the on our side against Berkhamsted a whole to ensure everyone County Cup, and a strong all-round and the game was called off due to in the team contributed as team performance in our semi- a waterlogged pitch. Our final game much as possible. Our first final earned us a place in the final. With 7 bowlers taking wickets, Dr of the season was at home and we match, against Berkhamsted, started Challoner’s were all out for just 72 played Akeley Wood. We wanted to brilliantly, with Hussan Zubair taking in front of a cheering AGS lunchtime end the season on a high. After being 3 early wickets to leave them at 4-4. crowd. Despite losing early wickets, put into the field first, our bowlers Despite releasing the pressure built we chased their total down for the responded in stunning fashion with somewhat, we chased down their 118 to win the match with ease; loss of only 3 batters. So, on to the great spells from DJ, Josh, Ishaan, Sam Codrington and Ali Humzah, final at RGS, where we lost in the Nate and Cal. Akeley Wood put up who made 40, displayed a mature same match last year. We gave a total of 90 runs and we knew it opening partnership which took us ourselves a strong chance at the would be a challenging total to try to to within touching distance of the innings break, restricting RGS to chase down. Josh Armstrong rose to opposition’s total. just 105. However, after a top order the occasion and scored a blistering collapse, we left ourselves too 42 off just 27 balls, even denting the Our second game was a convincing much to do and lost by 5 runs. Sam minibus with a six! It was the start we win against Bedford Modern; after Codrington carried his bat for 40 needed and composed innings from bowling them out for just 45 (Uwais not out and was ably supported by Zac Fish, Josh Davidson and DJ Mukhtar taking 3-3), we coasted Pragvansh Bhatt, but only 3 batters sealed the win, with Irfan finishing it home with 7 overs and 9 wickets to made double figures and it made off for good measure. spare. Despite these two promising for a frustrating end to a promising victories, we knew far stronger season. Overall, the cricket season was challenges awaited us, and were Over the course of the season, the a very successful one. Under the proved right as Magdalen College metronomic line and length of Uwais, captaincy of Irfan Usman, our team inflicted our first defeat of the the pace of Hussan, the line and rose to every challenge and gave it season. Although an impressive 5 length of Ali and the spin of Alex, our all. We would like to thank Mr. wickets haul for Alex Davis ensured was supported by the depth of our Ramsbottom and Mr. Digby for all the that their target was within our bowling attack, which included the training sessions and matches, and reach, sustained bowling pressure likes of Harry Woodus, Aryaman look forward to improving next year. told and we tumbled to 69 all out. Allam and Aryan Sharma, ensured Whilst trialling a mixed batting Archie Dodds – Lee 9 we had no target beyond one run per order, which we did throughout the ball in any of our matches. Combined season in friendlies, we knew that with our top 3 batters of Ali, Ollie and the occasional collapse would occur, Sam - who also kept wicket superbly as it did in our next game against - these elements came together to John Hampden. However, a spirited bring us some convincing wins and bowling performance, rounded some close games. off by 2 wickets in 3 balls for Ollie Blundell to win the match, provided Unfortunately, bad weather denied us with the most exhilarating win of us from fulfilling our schedule, but

56 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 the season gave us some great against a wonderful team full of games whilst giving us a big target U12 Cricket county players Dr Challoner’s This season we had a for next year: the County Cup. We Grammar School. would like to thank Mr McGill for his brilliant time while winning commitment to training and matches lots of games and lots of Our second game of the season was this year, while we look forward to memorable moments thanks a friendly against Sir Henry Floyd next year with a strong squad. to our coaches helping and Grammar School. We won the toss encouraging us. and chose to bowl. We restricted B TEAM them to just 74 - 6 in their 20 overs, For our first game we were up The B team’s season was with George and Dan getting two unfortunately also affected by this against a weak Chesham Grammar wickets each. We chased them down School in the county cup first round summer’s wet weather, meaning in just 12.2 overs, Ewan getting 37, which was the first match for most of they only played a small number carrying the bat, Shay out for 7 and us so quite a few nerves went into of games. With squad rotation the Luke not out on 12. priority, in order to give as many that game. We unfortunately lost the students as possible the chance toss and batted but had a great first Next we faced Bedford Modern in to play competitive cricket for the partnership of 101 between Billy and another friendly. Where we did a school, progress and development George. Billy out for 62 and George nice bit of work with the bat getting was the major team focus. This 35. We then had a late collapse 157 with Billy Dodds top scoring with meant that the team lost three out thankfully held together with Ewan’s 81 and George Jackson chipping in of the four games that they played, unbeaten 32 off 27 which took us to with 23. With the bowling Akhil took 2 although they did record a good win 157 for 7 after our 20 overs. for 12 runs and took a catch. over Bedford Modern School. It was great to see a number of players Luckily we kept Chesham to just 116 The rest of our season went mostly move between the ‘A’ and ‘B’ team for 6 off their 20 overs which was a the same way apart from losing to squads, such as Owen Mansfield, great result for our first game. Then Reading Blue Coat and Magdalen Balaji Kannan, Aaron D’Souza and we found our draw was unfortunately College. Reading scored 160 and Harry Cuddy, as well as a few guys make their debut for the school this year, such as Samuel Olliffe and Arshad Ahmed. With further work next year, it would be great to see a few more of the squad looking to challenge for A team places next season.

Alex Davis – Denson 8

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thanks to Matt our supposed number Hampden Grammar school In the Reading Blue Coat squad. Will 11 we looked on track until a middle county cup final after beating Dr Pringle and Mathias Bockmeuhl both order collapse left us 140 after our Challoner’s and comfortably beating got respectable scores, after a top overs. Against Magdalen our batting Chesham. Billy lost the toss and the order collapse. After the Reading fell apart and we managed 80 which opposition chose to bat first on a game we were up and raring for they chased down without much fuss. bouncy wicket which was annoying Magdalen. In a game where we for us because our original game bowled first and restricted them to Our County cup semi-final against plan revolved around batting first but under 100 with amazing bowling and DCGS was a very interesting affair. we took it in our stride. fielding performances from Umar We bowled first and had a very good Iqbal, Sam Griffiths , Freddy Crafts start limiting the openers to just 9 Matt Holcroft and Oli Reading and Ben Jones. Chasing the target between them off 54 deliveries with opened the bowling and limited Tom Poole and Mathias opened Matt and George taking the wickets. JHGS to only 13 runs off the first with Luke coming in at 3 to secure a Then Dan took a key wicket of a 4 overs and Oli took a key wicket, victory. Tom got 26 not out, Luke 17 batsmen who could have taken the getting out their best batsmen. Then not out and Mathias with 11. We went game away. After that another good Ben F came into the attack and into our final game of the season batsman came in and scored an despite taking no wickets he limited against the John Colet batting first impressive 38 off 25 but thanks to the runs and kept the better batsman setting a score in the 120s for them 1 wicket from Ben Fish,1 from Oli, off strike. Then George came on and to chase down with Ben Fish getting 2 from Dan and 2 from George we took an amazing 4 wickets in 4 overs, 49 in the thick of it. Our bowling limited them to only 102 runs. with a beautiful ball which knocked performance restricted them 99 and out John Hampden’s confidence and The batting was an interesting affair a great season came to an end. one of their best batsmen. After Ben, too. Billy scored a fairly slow 14 off Billy started to bowl and he took 2 We would like to thank Mr Gibbs for 20 balls but Akhil came to the rescue wickets: both caught and bowled. coaching our A team and helping us and scored 33 off 39 and Oli carried Then Oli came into the attack for one to the national league draw. And to us over the line with an unbeaten 12 last over and took a 2 wicket maiden Mr Priestley for helping coach the Bs scoring 2 fours to win us the game to end the innings, nearly getting a to a great season, playing 4 games pushing us through to the final! hat-trick. Ewan took 2 astonishing and losing just 1. This year we were facing John ones, Billy taking 3 and Freddie Billy Dodds – Lee 7 taking a catch under pressure to get George Jackson – Denson 7 their best batsmen out.

Our batting innings was a much less dramatic affair when we knocked off JHGS’s total of 51 in only 6 overs with George unluckily getting out for 1 while Billy got 28 not out and Ewan getting 22 not out. Overall it was our best performance in the field and a solid performance with the bat.

The B team only had a short season but made the most of it with 3 wins in 4 games only losing to a top class

58 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 one of the hardest competitions to to another fast start, some fantastic U15 Handball progress through, but the combination team play and aggressive defence of the existing year 10 squad we recorded a big 14-3 win in our Firstly, let’s provide a bit of members, new year 9 players and second group game, confirming context to the season. At the a few tweaks in playing positions that we were definitely one of four start of the year, a total of worked extremely well and we won schools potentially challenging for 1700 schools entered England this tournament relatively comfortably. a semi-final place. Our next game, Handball’s National Schools’ This gave us the time to prepare against Purbeck School from Dorset, competition. In order to progress for the South-East Regional finals, was perhaps the most significant in the U15 Boys’ competition, the AGS but a tight 2-1 win in our first game game of the tournament. Purbeck team would have to qualify through was a nervy affair and showed that clearly saw themselves as being the District Tournament, win the we had a lot of work to do. As with a major contender for the title, as County Competition and then win the every challenge that this squad indicated by their newly acquired and South-East Regional Tournament in faced though, they bounced back sponsored squad shirts and a very order to qualify for the National Finals. superbly, winning the remainder of large and vocal playing squad, and To become National Champions, their group games 11-0, 8-0, 5-3 our match with them proved to be the AGS team would therefore have and 6-2. The 5-3 win against a very our biggest challenge. The fact that to overcome a total of 30 teams aggressive Herne Bay team was we won this 11-7 says everything over 4 different tournaments. To do significant, as our opponents tried to about how well the AGS side was this would be a great achievement, physically and mentally unsettle us, playing and by beating Purbeck we to do this and remain undefeated so to overcome this and then beat managed to see off a possible semi- throughout the season would be an them very comfortably in a 5-0 win in final or final opponent. This is not a incredible achievement, and this the competition final was extremely statement born out of arrogance, but is exactly what the AGS U15 team pleasing, and showed the squad the truth is that the Semi-finals (a achieved through no small amount that they were capable of doing very 12-4 win) and the Final (an 11-3 win) of hard work, commitment to training well at the National Finals, if they were quite comfortable and straight and skill. For some, this was the performed near their best. forward. Thanks to this team’s ability culmination of three years of trying to meet their own expectations, An early start and some shocking and getting so close, so winning they confirmed their status as the musical choices led by Nathan with such style was just rewards best boys’ handball team in the McDonald were not enough to for their efforts. Over the course of whole competition, and the whole of dampen the spirits and we arrived the regional and national finals, the England. at the Derby Arena with understated team scored an impressive 94 goals, confidence and excitement for what This achievement was thanks to conceding just 25, recording 11 wins was to come during a very long day. many different factors. The team out of 11 games played. It wasn’t just The National Finals are always a developed great attacking shape, a about the boys who were selected journey into the unknown and the very good understanding of how to to play for the school, each week a early games gave everyone the create space and then exploit it, as minimum of 20 boys turned up for chance to see what each team had typified by Harry Jones, Sam Hurley- training irrespective of selection and to offer. A 9-1 win in our first game Cook and Sam Kearney. We had this mentality contributed significantly marked us out a team to watch and great options out in wide positions and to this most successful year. it became very clear that despite were very fortunate to have both Joe In the past, the County this first win, we were in the harder Barber and then Nathan McDonald Championships have proved to be of the two qualifying groups. Thanks as two excellent left handed players,

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playing on the right wing. Defensively part of the original group of players we were fantastically aggressive, who regularly attended training and Basketball protecting Aaryaman Poondy in played for the school in the U13 goal, who showed great agility and National Finals. He clearly enjoyed In the first year, post Mr calmness throughout. Max Dolphin in the game and would no doubt have McCarthy we always knew particular helped to provide this solid continued to train and play handball the transition would be tough. defensive base. We were not reliant with his friends. That his year group With a new coach on board in on the same players though to see became so successful would have Coach Chris Bart-Williams, AGS set us through matches, games involved made Ben extremely happy and their out a new course to success. 35 all 12 squad players who understood achievements are a fitting tribute to students signed up to the Basketball their roles and responsibilities and someone that we all miss and think of Academy and trained religiously from Dan Patridge, Evan Byles, Oscar with fond memories. September to October and from the start it was clear Coach Chris was Wellbelove, Ollie Flecknell and Ashre Mr McGill would like to thank every impressed with the talent we have in Moses were all excellent squad student who has been involved in the school. members. The fact that 7 of this Handball at AGS for their time and squad have been selected for regional efforts in what has been an incredible The U12 team consisting of Luke representation and Nathan McDonald year, as well as acknowledge the Murphy, Hugo Pearson, Noah has played for Team GB at U17 level huge contributions of both Adam Yaneralski, Ben Ahuja, Luca in the European Championships is a Woodage and Tom Aston, who have Forchine, Ethan Taank, Abdulla fitting reward for these boys’ efforts, provided three years of support and Hanidu, Irfan Ameen, Piers Morgan, and great recognition for what they help, without which running teams and Keane Liboon, played 2 games have achieved this year. would have been so much more in their group, and although battled challenging. hard they lost both. This group of Back when this group started playing players have the potential to improve handball in year 8, Ben Emburey was Mr C McGill and as long as they stick with it and with hard work and dedication they could be successful. They have been extremely dedicated to training and practice and this a real credit to them.

The U14 team consisted of Year 8 & 9 students they had a very good season. Tyno Martire-Charlet, Alex Brown, Torin Pearson and Joe Barber have spearheaded the team to some excellent wins most notably against Kingswood academy and Queensbridge school in the National Cup. But ultimately losing to NSB in the group stage meant that they didn’t progress on in that competition. The team was ably assisted by Ryan Fuller, Tom Kirkpatrick-Brown, Will

60 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 progressed the most and shown great determination to improve. He anticipates that with a further commitment to practice they can continue to do well in the U18 side next year.

The U18 Team, which included Harvey Newland-Smith, Jaiden Adigun, Onyeka Ewuzie, Henry Bambrick, Sam Heasman, and Albert Anane, had an up and down year. With a small squad and a limited number of students who regularly Smith, Anis Manuchehri-Ramirez, winning streak, culminating with an attended senior academy practice, Krishan Mistry and Shane Lagyop. amazing last second win over St the team needed reinforcements Special mention needs to go to Tyno, Columba’s College 60-59. The team from Year 11 to ensure that they were Torin, Alex and Joe who have all captained by Jeremy Thurairajah competitive. The national cup group regularly played up in the U16 team progressed through to the last 16 games got off to a good start with a throughout this year, well done to of the national cup where they were 56-45 win over another AGS team them all. Also a big thank you to Tom to meet 3 times national champions in Alcester Grammar. A tough loss and Tyno who have done the table St Bonadventure’s, from Newham, followed to NSB along with another officiating job for home games. East London. Tayo, Ollie Carolin, loss this time to Charwood school, Oscar Cole and Babatunde Johnson 89-49. The team did finish on a high The U16 Squad started the season all put in impressive performances, beating Dr Challoner’s 57-49 to end with a loss against Shrewsbury but the opposition was too strong the season well. Mr Gibbs would like School, the 2½ hour bus journey and and the team went down by over to thank the Year 13s for their years the fact that it was their first fixture 80pts. Coach Chris comments that of service to the school in basketball probably contributed to the 57-31 the team has improved tremendously and hope they continue to play in the defeat. This performance obviously throughout the season, in particular, future. sparked a determination to improve Zyad Anwar, Alex Stephens, Timi because the team went on a 4 game Ashola and Tobi Dairo who have Mr N Gibbs

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Athletics

This year AGS athletics has gone from strength to strength and we have seen an increase in the number of students involved, whether it is attending athletics club or competing for the school in the county and regional events.

AGS entered the 2019 Track & Field cup full of confidence and looking to progress from the county round and reach the regional finals. The Junior and Inter teams travelled to Nuneaton where they would both achieving 30 points. Overall the team Stantonbury and were looking for have a chance to earn a place in the added an impressive 49 points to strong performances. The Junior national finals. their previous round’s total, taking team made up of predominately Year it to 356 points. The Inters team At the regional B finals both teams 8 students scored well in all events also impressed, led by Matt Sparke improved their team totals and all in particular, Billy Knibb, Daniel athletes should be pleased with with 41points and Sam Kearney Mawdsley, Ethan Perry and George their performances. In the Junior with 37points. Raighan Matthewson Whall who all won their events. The team Billy again led the way with an again performed well in the Javelin team won the county round with 307 impressive 42 points, other notable throwing nearly 40m to gain the points which placed them 4th overall. contributions came from Anthony team 19 points, at the same time The Inters team, which consists of Unugboke and Ethan Perry both Will Cliffe ran his 100m in 12.0s to Year 9 and Year 10 students, did with 31 points and Dom Loughran add 23 points to the team’s total. equally as well in Stantonbury. Basit Adeogun and Matt Sparke put in excellent performances in the 100m and 300m respectively. The team placed 3rd in the event with 356 points and 4th in the county. These two performances enabled the school to qualify for the regional B final in

62 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 The Inters ended on 412 points another final by 0.08 of a second. which was enough to win the regional Swimming Overall to be ranked 10th and 11th in B final. Although both teams won the country is a great achievement, their respective B finals, their points Junior Team (Year 8) - well done. The Inters, on the other tally wasn’t enough to reach the Hugo Pearson, Billy Knibb, hand, could only manage 16th in national finals. Matt Readhead, Will Annat each event and no final this year.

After a very successful House AGS attended the annual regional Inter Team (Year 9 & 10) - athletics event, we sent 4 teams to champs for the 4th year in a row Sam Pyefinch, Carmelo Almadin, Jack Edwards, District Athletics. Traditionally we the team were hoping to repeat the Murray Wakefield do very well here and this year was success of previous years. no different. The year 7 team led by The Junior team finished 3rd fastest Senior Team (Year 11 & 12) - Anthony Unugboke came 4th overall, in the medley relay and won the Cam Brooker, James the year 8, 9 and 10 teams all freestyle relay and the inter team Chennells, Tom Selby, performed fantastically well and won which included Sam Pyefinch, Ish Rahim & Ted Gundry their respective age groups. All these Carmelo Almadin, and Murray AGS attended the annual regional great performances meant that AGS Wakefield won the freestyle relay and champs for the 4th year in a row retained the Overall boys’ trophy. came second in the medley. These the team were hoping to repeat the results along with the results in the success of previous years. A huge well done to all athletes this other age groups helped AGS win The Inter team won the Freestyle year, next year we will come back the overall regional champs for the relay and came 2nd in the Medley even better. second year running. Relay, the senior team came runners Mr N Gibbs Both the Junior & inter teams up in both relays. These results along qualified for the nationals and were with the results in the other age ranked, as follows for the juniors: groups helped AGS win the overall 17th and 15th fastest in freestyle regional champs for the second year and medley relay respectively and in running. the inters 8th and 15th respectively The inter team qualified for the the boys were confident of a top 10 nationals and were ranked 8th and finish at the nationals. In November, 15th fastest in freestyle and medley at the Aquatic Centre at the Olympic relay respectively, the senior team Park, and the teams arrived full of qualified 12th fastest in both relays, confidence. and the boys were confident of a First up was the Junior medley relay top 10 finish at the nationals. In and the team finish 10th fastest; November, at the Aquatic Centre at they had qualified for the national the Olympic Park, the team arrived final! The end of the morning session full of confidence, but unfortunately, saw the final for the medley relay on the day the inter team didn’t where unfortunately the team was reach either final and finished 16th in disqualified for an early changeover. both events. Reaching the national Next up was the freestyle relay and finals is still a massive achievement hopes were high of a repeat of the and they should be proud of their success. The heats were tough and performance. The senior team the team missed out on making finished 15 fastest in the medley

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relay heats, so all hopes were on the freestyle relay. The boys swam well and qualified 6th fastest and happy they made the final. In the final, the target was a top 3 finish, which unfortunately they narrowly missed out on finishing a very impressive 6th fastest. This is a young team and we hope they can do even better next year.

Mr N Gibbs that took place last October. The Carmelo, Will and Me, came away school entered a team for both the with a fantastic bronze medal from medley and freestyle relays in all the national finals in the medley ESSA Swimming three age groups: juniors inters and relay, and were denied a silver in seniors. Overall in that competition, the freestyle relay because of an AGS came first, and every single unfortunate disqualification. This year was my third year relay that we had entered managed competing as part of the strong Looking into the future of swimming to place in the top 30 in the country AGS swim team, but it was my at AGS, as of next year we will first in the Inters age category, to qualify for the finals in November. have an opportunity to compete which consists of year 9 and The finals were held in the London in a local swimming league at 10 swimmers. This year, that Aquatic Centre - a magnificent pool , as well as the team consisted of 4 swimmers: that hosted the swimming and diving usual ESSA competition. This is Murray Wakefield, Carmelo Almadin at the 2012 Olympics. Although, we a very exciting prospect and I for and myself from Year 9, and Jack are still waiting on funding for a 50m one am really looking forward to it, Edwards from Year 10. Also from this pool of our own here at AGS! The because it allows more swimmers section, the Junior team consisted Inters did a decent performance this than just 4 from each age group to of: George Pearson, Matthew year, finishing 16th in both relays compete for the school and we can Readhead, Billy Knibb, and Will on a national stage. The Juniors really showcase our depth of strong Annat, all from Year 8. came 11th in the freestyle relay and swimmers. As always I would like to thank Mr Gibbs on behalf of the There was only one competition in 10th in the medley relay, meaning whole swim team for taking and the school swimming calendar this they qualified for a final which is a supporting us in competitions this year, which was the ESSA Schools great achievement. This year was year and I look forward to what the National Relay Championships. The not quite as spectacular as our future holds for AGS swimming. competition has 2 rounds: the first is performance last year however. The the regional competition in Watford junior team from last year of Murray, Sam Pyefinch – Paterson 9

64 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 However, the boys came through the KS4 age group (Ryan Connor, Squash with a 3/2 victory, with wins from Callum Egan, Ollie Carolan, Sam Woodage, Gupta and Ryan Connor. Woods & Joe Maggs) and A & B This year’s National Schools AGS had made the semi-final teams in KS3 age group (Ollie Peck, and were looking forward to our competition finished with the Tom Whitehead, Silas Glover, Alex match against squash academy AGS Senior team achieving 4th Glover, Harry Cuddy, DJ Mentiply, and favourites Wycliffe College, Aaron MacWhirter, Freddie Payne, place overall. Gloucestershire. Wycliffe boasts Ellison Socrates, Joel Jennings) The U19 squad of Marcus Connor, many of the top junior players in the along with a B team in KS5. All of Lewis Milner, Dan Choudhury, Harshit country, and indeed the world, so these teams also progressed through Gupta, Ryan Connor, Ed Mathews this was going to be tough. This was the regional stage of the competition & National Schools debutant Tom proven to be the case and our dream and eventually eliminated by our Woodage have had an excellent of a National title had faded but the nemesis Wycliffe in the later groups. effort put in by all the boys and the season and can be considered to be Our KS5 B squad of Tom Woodage, great team spirit and sportsmanship one of most successful AGS teams Ed Mathews, James Glover, Kavi in recent times. They topped their shown throughout has been Morjaria, Jude Cornish, Dylan regional group with 100% record, unquestionable and commendable. Holmes Cowan progressed from progressing to group stage 2 where Unfortunately for us, and the other regional group, but no further. they overcame John Hampden 3-2 6 schools in the finals, the talented and Bedford School 5-0 and so juniors Wycliffe are able to draught in Our quest for national glory continues qualifying for National Finals with are in a different class but despite the but AGS Squash can be proud their unbeaten record intact. So we loss to them, and the disappointment, of many other achievements and headed off to The Park Squash Club we should not lose sight of the great successes this year. in Nottingham as one of the top 8 achievements we have had this The Bucks Junior League Division 1 schools in the country. season. The support parents have title has been won again and our 2nd given has also been overwhelming They were drawn to play Peter team won Division 2. as always and thanks to them for Symonds School without Lewis their commitment to the cause. Ryan Connor, Elliott Abdey & Harshit Milner through injury which posed Gupta also represented AGS in the a serious threat to our hopes AGS also entered teams in the Surrey Open Schools at Epsom of reaching another semi-final. National Schools competition in College and were unlucky, finishing runners up in the tournament with competition from some impressive independent schools. This has again been a very successful season and every student who has played can be proud of their efforts.

If any students are wanting to emulate this amazing effort in future get yourself down to the courts at lunchtime and after school where coaching and help is readily available.

Mr D Withey

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Badminton

For the first time in many years, AGS entered the Aylesbury District Badminton League, with a view to preparing for the National Schools Championships in March. Teams were entered at U13 and U15 level and they were up against schools such as Sir Henry Floyd and Royal Latin.

The U15 squad comprised of Sanjit consisting of Sam Tung, Daniel the semi-finals. Mallya, Shaurya Singh, Shonit Wang, Aryaman Allam and Ayran Overall this was a significant Sharma (all in Year 10), and Sam Anandpara played well to get through improvement on last year and Tung and Daniel Wang in Year 9. a tough group which included The boys should be proud of their There were regular matches from Weber independent badminton achievements. November through to February school. But unfortunately, they giving plenty of opportunity for squad were knocked out in the QF by a Mr Gibbs would like to thank the 40+ rotation and seed selection. The strong Royal Latin team. The KS4 boys who have attended badminton U15s won all but one of their district team consisted of Sanjit Mallya, club over the past term and the Shaurya Singh, Shonit Sharma and league games and impressively, numerous helpers along the way. It last minute call up, Ryan Connor most matches by 7 games to 0. has been pleasing to see so many also made it through their group promising young players enjoying The U13 squad was equally only losing to the eventual winners and developing in the sport of successful and included players in Royal Latin. They beat John Colet Badminton. both Year 8 and Year 7. Aryaman and DCGS B-team in the groups but Allam, Ayran Anandpara and Daniel eventually lost to John Hampden in Mr N Gibbs George lead the team and were a central part of the success of the team. In Year 7, Harry Dixon, Patrick Matthews and Ben McCrory, all played in district league matches and contributed well to the team and the future is certainly bright with this group.

In March AGS attended the County finals which were the qualifier for the national schools Badmintion competition. The KS3 team

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AGS. She has spent 25 fantastic Staff Research years teaching pupils about literature, Team life and learning, still fascinated and amazed by the teenage mind. A book that has changed the As teachers, the decisions we way she thinks about the human make in the classroom about brain is Joshua Foer’s account of what to teach and how to do it competitive memorisation at the are necessarily a response to 2005 US Memory Championship policy makers and professional – ‘Moonwalking with Einstein: the politicians, often with an Art and Science of Remembering Everything’. ideological agenda. However, significant advances in neuroscience and greater mobilisation of education Dr Adrian Twissell is head of Engineering, Design and Technology. evidence has enabled classroom His specialisms include electronics teachers to develop a stronger voice. and micro-control. Adrian’s research At AGS, the Research Team takes interests embrace teaching and evidence informed practice and learning pedagogies that utilise trials it in our unique context to find visualisation strategies and their the best ways to help young people application in the development of learn. Ultimately, this will ensure abstract conceptual knowledge. His better outcomes for all pupils. doctoral research explored the use Meet the team and find out about of, and interplay between, multiple the action research projects we have representations as strategies for learning about electronics within conducted this year. Full copies of applied skills contexts. Adrian’s the findings are available from the research has been influenced school. by the synchronous/sequential Louise Pollard completed a BA in cognitive processing theories of Politics and an MA in History and Pavio (Mental Representations: A Politics at York University before Dual Coding Approach, 1986) and teaching History and Politics at AGS. Simon and Larkin (Why a Diagram While teaching she completed a is (Sometimes) Worth Ten Thousand further MSc in Learning and Teaching Words, 1987). at Oxford University. This year Neil Gibbs is currently Head of she has carried out a small action Key Stage 3 PE at AGS and a self- research project examining how confessed technology nerd. Neil’s well-being programmes can lower passion is in the development and stress levels in Year 11. The book refinement of the curriculum and she has been inspired by is ‘Teen his department and he is constantly Yoga For Yoga Therapists: A Guide looking for ways to enrich and enthuse Vanessa Beckley is Research Lead to Development, Mental Health and the students in P.E. He has been and Associate Assistant Head at Working with Common Teen Issues’. selected by the International Boys’

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students’ ability and confidence in problem solving. Katrina is commencing an MA in Education at UCL IoE in September 2019. A recent fascinating read: What if everything you knew about education was wrong? by David Didau.

School Coalition to conduct an Action Research project on Student Agency: Having been inspired by Geoff Boy Voice and Choice this year and Barton’s ‘Don’t Call it Literacy’, he has just returned from a Conference has spent the last year exploring the in Montreal. He believes his action possible benefits of a whole-school research project will enable him to approach to literacy alongside Jodie Draper. develop an exciting change to the Physical Education landscape.

Liz Smith completed a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham before beginning her teaching career at AGS. She is the Head of KS3 Science at Aylesbury Grammar School and passionate about developing her students to reach their full potential and to become effective learners. She has taken the opportunity to carry out action research into how students can be best supported in their examination Jodie Draper is a member of the preparation to ensure they hit their English department at AGS. Having target. A book she has found both trained to teach in Australia after enlightening and instrumental in a career in editorial, Jodie brings Katrina Blunt is a Teacher of changing her approach to teaching is welcome outside perspective to the Mathematics at AGS who joined the ‘Teaching Backwards’ by Andy Griffith school. She has been particularly profession after more than a decade and Mark Burns. influenced by Alex Quigley, having in industry. Her previous career Andrew Skinner is just coming to attended a talk of his earlier this year incorporated extensive use of data the end of his 10th Year at AGS and and read ‘Closing the Vocabulary and research in product development is the current Head of English. He Gap’. Jodie has worked with Andrew and consumer behaviour. Latest is keen to explore and understand Skinner on researching the benefits educational research investigated the attainment gap seen nationally of a whole school approach to the use of Direct Instruction to aid in English between boys and girls. literacy.

68 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 on how boys learn. Off the back of And what about Boy Voice and Staff Research this, the IBSC topic, Boy Voice and Choice? Team - NDG Choice, spoke to me because of the It’s about empowerment. Giving way P.E. is sometimes taught. P.E. students a sense of control over what Interviews can be very instructional, and having they’re learning and the ability to the opportunity to try a different way choose how they are accessing parts of teaching with strong foundations of their curriculum. An Interview with Neil Gibbs, grounded in research excited me Head of Key Stage 3 P.E. and Can you give me an example? Action Researcher for the as KS3 leader, together with the Well, from my point of view, I’m International Boys’ Schools chance to implement change in the looking at project based learning. Coalition. department. I want to examine to what extent Interviewer – Mrs V Beckley, Second, I’m thirteen years into my applying a project to a P.E. topic Research Lead. career and comfortable with the would give students room to make classroom part of it. This opportunity the decisions about how they access Neil Gibbs is Head of Key Stage 3 appealed to me to further my the learning. P.E. at Aylesbury Grammar School professional development, and I am where he has taught for twelve years. What does that look like in at a time in my career where it felt In June he attended the International practice? right to do that. In terms of my own Boys’ Schools Coalition Annual Framing a unit within a real-life development, I am excited to be Conference at Selwyn House School project with tangible outcomes. able to lead on an area that is very in Montreal after being selected to For example, a primary school important in education. conduct a piece of Action Research has approached us about how to into Student Agency: Boy Voice Talk to me a little bit about the develop badminton within their and Choice. He believes his action Action Research Topic school. Students could potentially research project will enable him The topic is Student Agency: Boy produce posters, videos, resource to develop an exciting change to Voice and Choice. The first thing cards aimed at introducing the the Physical Education landscape. that came to mind is how noisy a PE game to Y5 students. Through this, Funded by the IBSC – the leading they will in small groups undertake lesson is in terms of engagement voice worldwide in the best education different roles within the unit, and enthusiasm, but then how practices for boys – Neil will be an have the responsibility to produce little that voice is heard in terms of active part of this global organisation written material as well as video boys being in charge of their own over a period of twenty four months, demonstrations to produce their learning. I’ve always grappled with in order to better the outcomes for product. the idea of giving boys more choice. AGS boys and beyond. Essentially in our environment we Let’s talk about the value of this to What drove you to apply for a have a lot of boys who enjoy P.E., boys’ education at AGS place on the IBSC Action but I wanted to focus on increasing Boyology – or the study of male Research Project? student motivation in those more adolescence – positions boys as There were a few strands really. passive within the lesson and see the main theme, keeping them at Last year I was involved in our Staff if increasing the choice and giving the centre of what we are doing and Learning Forum – a group of like- more ownership over their learning making sure the research is really minded teachers working together on would increase their intrinsic focusing on the learning of boys a cross-curricular project – focusing motivation. and what we’re teaching them to

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do. I see the title as an opportunity How did you spend your time in schools, state schools, secondary to improve my classroom teaching, Montreal? schools, elementary schools - but we whereas others read it as something The days were long – seven all had boys as our focus. pastoral. The broad topic means o’clock in the morning until six at Most memorable moment? teachers can look at what interested night – broken up into workshops Well, the topic is on Student Agency them and the needs of their school. or speakers or time with the team, and to start with they gave us all followed by a number of evening AGS students are able to take P.E. super-hero masks. From the very events. The Senior Research team into the wider context of the world beginning the Research Leads delivered very good information allowing students who potentially encouraged us to get into the topic, regarding what to expect from are less confident practically but breaking it down into what was an action research programme - who have strengths in other areas really meant by Student Agency. the deadlines and challenges to such as video editing and written We started to realise we were overcome - using the best examples communication to add significant giving students a voice, a choice from the past and showing videos of value to a team based project. and ownership over their learning, previous action research projects. empowering them to make choices – And what have you learnt from the Much time was also spent in our like a super hero would do! experience? research team of ten – Team What do you consider to be the For me, it’s about the whole feeling Trish – comprising Australians, of self-worth and adequacy – the fact New Zealanders, an American and highlight of the Conference? that my research project was chosen a Canadian. This was genuine Team Trish from the 2018-2019 over 70 other applicants gave my international collaboration – and I cycle of researchers (Gold Coast, career significant validation through felt massively privileged to be talking Australia) returned to talk to us achieving something on merit. I’ve to other teachers from right across about their projects last year, giving done all sorts of great things over my the world. We were a diverse range great insight into the pitfalls and the career but this was the first actual of schools on the Research Team – challenges ahead, reinforcing all of tangible thing that I’ve earnt. Hearing from a big boys’ state school in New what the senior researchers were I had been selected was like rocket- Zealand to Eton, Harrow, Aylesbury saying about meeting deadlines and boosters! Grammar School and Dr Challoner’s the process steps. Allowing us to from GB. We represented different see a finished project and hearing Tell me about the Conference itself contexts – prep schools, independent the impact it has had in their schools I am not naturally outgoing, but it was hard not to talk to people – everyone was so incredibly friendly and nervously excited about the whole experience. Having time to talk through our action research proposals and get into the nitty-gritty of the project, bounce ideas off each other in a comfortable and engaging environment and knowing that my ideas were on a par with everyone else was incredible.

70 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 was very inspiring. Some were having great impact locally, in their Art – Photography classrooms; some had a whole- school impact, and some had spread Club to reach other districts. The real take-away was that because it was Miss Rolfe graduated from research conducted by teachers in a Sir John Cass College of Art real setting, it was very easy to see with a BA Hons (first class) in how straightforward it would be to Photography in 2018. She has also has studied Art, Design and transfer the findings to other settings. Media as well as being a commercial For me, that gave me the insight and fine art photographer focusing into what I want from my project – on live music & promotional work. that someone could come along The Art department wish to extend fun seeing the outside world reflected and implement my project into their their appreciation to the PTA for inside upside down! We saw people teaching. their generous funding which get into their cars and drive past This time with the research group has supported the photography the school. During this session, it was incredibly useful. By the end of workshops this year. taught us about the basic principles the week, I’d come out with a working of photography, and how an image is Students have been enthusiastic, title and have started developing my produced. well prepared and have enjoyed proposal. the experience of learning a new The next week was an exciting one. After being given the opportunity to So what next? medium. bring in small items to photograph In terms of the action research, it is My peers and I, looking to take and develop, we were lucky enough to complete and submit my proposal GCSE Art were given the wonderful to be able to produce photograms in and to begin reading for my literature opportunity to take part in a the dark room. We used a process review. The implementation of my photography club run by Miss Rolfe. involving a chemical developer, project gets underway in November. The notice was sent out but due to chemical stopper and fixative. We I will primarily be focusing on Y8 PE the huge popularity of the workshops learned how images were developed classes to do this. clubs were held on Thursday and when printers did not exist and you Friday lunchtimes in the Art block. had to print using negatives. We did In addition, I want to bring back We had the opportunity to try things all this in the dark with a red safe from Canada the message about that we wouldn’t have otherwise light and got some amazing results, research – the benefits – and to been able to do, such as making developing images of keyrings, keys, inspire and encourage other teachers a camera obscurer out of a room, headphones and other such items to get involved. As a school, I creating photograms in our very that we felt represented us. feel we are right where we should own dark room and taking photos in belong – amongst other Boys’ a studio environment, editing them Over the next few weeks, schools, developing a positive school during the workshop. we experimented with studio environment with the boys at the photography using lighting kits to heart of what we do. We began the first week by making do product photography, doing our very own camera obscurer, Photoshop tutorials, using a scanner And, of course next year I’m looking where we learned how to produce as a camera and learning how to use forward to presenting my findings an upside down and flipped images a flash gun. at the IBSC Conference 2020 in using a camera lens over a small Barcelona! hole in a dark room. We had great Logan Walmsley – Lee 9

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House Art 2019

House Art is one of the largest participation House events on the competition calendar and is extremely popular here at AGS. The arts open minds, broaden horizons and help children to learn. They also make a huge contribution to the economy

I have been involved in many of the house events through this year and the one I personally found exciting was House art. This year, Paterson house’s theme was the Wild West. After about five or six days we had The art works submitted varied from got to know our scores in House art. bizarre photoshop edits to exquisite It was nerve racking and terrifying as Cabaret Night models. Most of the photoshops were this was the first house event that I not even based on the Wild West had taken part in. The scores were theme and so some didn’t make it to revealed. Paterson had come 1st Cabaret is always a highlight the final exhibition. place. I felt so ecstatic and jubilant as of the school calendar, and this we had won our first event. This gave year was no exception as on I, however constructed a cardboard us a head start for Watson trophy. Friday 3rd May music filled the gun, a case for it and a drawing of From that moment on Paterson was halls of Aylesbury Grammar a cowboy. You were only allowed confident for every house event. We School all the way from 7.00pm to make a maximum of 3 entries in were ready for anything. until midnight. After some early the event. Most students contributed ‘muzak’ from Nathan Walemba and a lot towards House Art. Hundreds Saravanan Vijay Kannian – friends, the evening formally began of various artworks were handed Paterson 7 with a wonderful set from Mr Dallas in by the students in Paterson house. Only incredible and exquisite and the Junior Jazz Band, before artworks were used in our art exhibit. other groups such as Jazz Improv. Fortunately, all 3 of my artworks were group and Funktion Band X graced used in the art exhibit and the same the stage. had happened to some of my friends. Then came the food - the two course Some of our rivals arrived with worthy meal was enjoyed by all and of matches. Hampden’s theme was course the bar remained flowing silhouette and most importantly, all night. A highlight of the evening Denson’s theme was Board games. was seeing the vast array of acts Yes, board games. Even if Denson formed independently by students had found it quite interesting the whole and from Matt Bird’s acoustic cover of Paterson and the others found it of Wonderwall to the modern jazz of very mundane and incredibly dull. ‘Alfa Mist’ it is always fantastic to see

72 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 and Hampden finished the evening House Music on a high note with Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Another year and House Music was upon us once more. In the end, Lee’s performance of the Through weeks of labouring Dancing in the Moonlight, Sultans of effort, the school’s diverse Swing and Smooth brought them to community of musicians first place. However, as a member of prepared a truly awesome night Phillips, we were clearly robbed of the talent AGS has on offer. of performances. Motivated victory, finishing an agonising three This continued on the second stage purely by the desire to compete points behind first place and thus in ‘MU2’ as students as young as and conquer (and perhaps some third. Strangely, my friends from Lee Year 7 demonstrated that there forceful persuasion from the House disagree: I wonder why? Officially, is a bright future for musicians at Captains), everybody’s sights were the Heads of House must deny the school. Away from the music, fixed on Friday 8th February. any connection to corruption and Tej Morjaria’s magic show and the bribery; though I am sure that any sketches of the comedy club made This year, we were lucky enough “investments” will pay off next year. sure those who needed a break from to be visited by Old Aylesburian the music were always entertained. Chris Price, Head of Music for BBC Grumbling disappointment aside, Another congratulations goes to Lee Radio 1 and 1Xtra, as adjudicator. the event was truly sensational, house who triumphantly performed There was a wide variety of pieces, with a particularly excellent line-up their winning house music set in an incredible depth of talent and of musical masterpieces. It was a style, along with a showcase of an overwhelming feeling of pride in great opportunity to demonstrate the the outstanding pieces from other the much-rehearsed pieces. All the musical talent here at the school and houses. From 10 until 12, the dance houses performed incredibly, with was much enjoyed by spectators and floor was full as the sounds of AGS mere points separating each of the participants alike. With plans already jazz band and funktion band provided houses. Paterson received 20/20 for being made for next year’s event, I the perfect finale to a great evening. wish everybody participating the best their performance of Another Brick of luck and hope that next year’s Many thanks again to Mr Nathan in the Wall, while Ridley performed competition is just as brilliant as and Mr Dallas for organising such a a very sophisticated Talking Bata. memorable evening and we cannot the last. Denson’s rendition of Chelsea wait for Cabaret Night 2020! Dagger provided a burst of energy Charles Edwards – Phillips 9 Dylan Holmes-Cowan – Ridley 12

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On 14th November the team challenge of building the team again Chess Club comprising Callum, Richard, Oscar, with 5 players leaving AGS after their Jonathan, Adam and Jack took on A-Levels but there are already a The AGS chess club on Friday several schools in the Regional number of keen and able members of qualifier held at Reading Blue Coat the club who want to get involved so lunchtimes in Hi3 provides School. They played well in all things are looking very promising. a friendly and informal three matches and earned a well- environment for players of deserved place in the knock out The Spring term was dominated any age and ability to enjoy stage which pitched them against by the highly enjoyable Chess matches with their friends reading School, last year’s national Challenge competition with 30 boys and hone their skills. This year champions. In a tough match which competing for prizes and a place we have been full to capacity with went the full distance, lasting from in the Mega Final held at High Wycombe. Yuv Saxena, the winner over 40 boys regularly attending. 4:30 to 7:30pm they sadly lost 5 ½ of the AGS stage went on achieve Several of them have used chess - ½ . However, Jack did fantastically success at the Mega Final and as I as their DofE skill and I am very to hold his opponent to a draw in a match where our players faced some write will be competing in the even pleased to have been able to sign of the best players in the country. more challenging Giga Final. Good off a significant number of chess After the games were over, I was luck Yuv and well done! players. As always the autumn term extremely pleased to be told by I look forward to another great year has seen our chess team compete the Reading teacher that our boys of chess club and encourage anyone in the National Schools Chess were by no means a walkover and interested in chess to come along. Championship where players have played incredibly skilfully. Well done You will be more than welcome. been up against some of the best in to the team for their sterling efforts. the country. This coming term we now face the Mr M Goodchild

74 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 difficulty levels, and similarly the in the Mathematics Department of Junior Maths Intermediate Olympiad is split Oxford University. The competition Challenge into 3 difficulty levels - Cayley, was broken down into multiple parts Hamilton and Maclaurin. Also, for the including: a Group Round in which Intermediate Challenge, to get into we all come together to answer This year AGS has had many the Olympiad, you need to be in the mathematical problems, a Shuttle students enter the Junior Maths top 1500. Round in which we break into two Challenge. The challenge is created by the UK Mathematics I appeared for both the Junior Maths teams of two, each team relying on Trust and is held nationwide. Challenge and the Intermediate the other’s previous answer to solve It is open to anyone who is in Year 8 Maths Challenge this year. I the next problem, a Crossnumber or below. It is the UK’s most popular qualified for both the Junior as well which is a mathematical equivalent maths competition with over 300,000 as Intermediate Olympiads, and of a crossword, where Dom and I students taking part each year. It is am happy to say that I reached the handled the Across while George quite difficult despite being multiple top 50 in both Olympiads. I hope I and Morgan tackled the Down, and continue to do well in future as well. choice, and lasts an hour. finally the Relay, which is similar to the Shuttle Round, but doesn’t need The top 40% of students are given All of these challenges stretch the previous answer to solve the next certificates which are bronze, pupils far out of their normal maths silver and gold in the ratio 3:2:1 curriculums. This is what makes them and involves a LOT of running! much more exciting than a regular respectively. From all the students We only dropped a few marks overall term test. I hope the enthusiasm taking part from across the country, on silly mistakes and so we all knew amongst my fellow students remains the top 1200 qualify for the Junior we had won. After dusting ourselves Maths Olympiad, and the next high in the years to come. down from the relay round we went 8000 qualify for the Junior Maths Yuv Saxena – Hampden 8 to the college’s lecture theatre, Kangaroo. The Maths Kangaroo featuring INFINITE WHITEBOARDS! is similar to the Maths Challenge, Here, we received our scores and since it is also multiple choice and celebrated our victory with our lasts an hour, but the questions Maths – Team require more thinking. The Olympiad prizes, which were fiddle toys and an is different however, and requires Maths Challenge invitation to the National Finals! full explanations, which is why we This was held in the Royal are given 2 hours for the Olympiad For the TMC this year, our team Horticultural Hall in London. The instead. consisted of Morgan Billings National Finals is similar to the Similarly, there is another set of Ri9, Dom Lai Ha9, George Regional but has more competitors challenges called the Intermediate Mansfield Pa8 and I, and once and an extra round, a poster Maths Challenge, the Intermediate our team was fully assembled challenge in which we create a Maths Kangaroo, and the we were extremely optimistic of poster about a set topic, this time Intermediate Maths Olympiad. This our chances to win. Euclid and his amazing works and is open to anyone from Year 11 or a Circus Round to replace the The competition comprises of 2 parts, below. The challenges are similar group round which was mostly the the Regional Final, and the National to the Junior ones but much harder. same but with movement every five However, there are some differences. Final, both of which we did very minutes. Our poster went relatively The Intermediate Kangaroo is split well in. In the Regionals, after using well since we had already prepared into Grey and Pink as two different several forms of travel, we arrived

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for most of it, and we were confident we would get an acceptable score. Economics & Our circus round was also pretty Politics Society good, in which we only lost 9 marks out of 48. We started messing up in our Shuttle Round, losing ¼ of Economics and Politics available marks in one go owing to Society (EPS) is Aylesbury some very annoying fractions. We Grammar School’s student- pulled it back in the Crossnumber led organisation whose aim is to enrich and cultivate getting almost full marks. The Relay the interest of students Round followed, which wasn’t a kick in the social sciences in the teeth points wise but still hurt through various activities, my left leg a bit. discussions and special Later we gathered to get our scores events. Established in 2018-19, back. We were slightly disappointed EPS also provides the networking In addition, several podcasts/group discussions were formed to tackle but honestly not too shocked platform for current students and various topics, one of which was when our poster didn’t make top 3 alumnae specialising in these ‘What is the UK Productivity Puzzle and therefore wasn’t announced. disciplines. and is there a way to solve it?’ Similarly with the overall competition The organisation that helps hone the but this time we got our rank of 39th Aylesburian free-thinkers through To cap the year, EPS invited one out of the 88 teams on the day. This various activities like presentations of the most notable Aylesburians in received mixed reactions with Mr. and lectures. For its inaugural year, it the field of Economics and Political Matzoros remembering that it was has offered two crash courses: ‘The Science, Professor Sir Tim Besley quite a feat to have been where we Game Theory,’ delivered by Harvey CBE FBA (Phillips ‘79) to conduct were in the first place, and the rest of Newland-Smith (Denson 12) and a lecture on the “Economics and the team wishing we had done better. ‘The Theory of the Firms’ by Andrew Politics, His Journey and their (Since I am very good at all aspects Claassen (Lee 12). EPS also staged Importance in an Ever-Changing a debate on ‘Whether the economy Time.’ Sir Tim Besley, a three time of mathematics, including probability, takes priority over the Environment’. George Webb Medley Awardee for I had accurately predicted our rank, and so didn’t really know how to react.) We might have been able to do better, but we did outdo ourselves and did quite well.

Thank you to Mr. Matzoros for arranging the means of transport, helping us find a time and place to practise, and for the generous donation of the caramel frappuccinos!!!

Yuv Saxena - Hampden 8

76 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 his academic performances and they enjoy. The reception to ‘Kill consultant to the World Bank and the Warhammer Team’ was mixed, but the club has European Bank for Reconstruction embraced the changes and on 2nd and Development, tackled the role April, having won their local qualifier, Warhammer club continues of economists in everyday society. I took the team north to Nottingham to thrive at AGS with a solid He gave his views on ‘Why are some to engage in the National semi-finals. cadre of players attending country’s rich and others poor?’, As always, we enjoyed the excellent our sessions after school on ‘How does a market economy facilities and were awed by both the work?’ and ‘What is the role of Monday in G3. The atmosphere huge gaming room and of course the government?’. He identified 5 is highly informal with boys either shops and exhibitions. ‘Bugman’s’ markers or as he called it, ‘X factors’ engaging in Warhammer 40K battle bar provided a good base and a very that affects a countries’ Economic or happily chatting to friends while comfortable café environment for rest success or struggles. painting their models. Alex has and recuperation between matches. ably stepped up to take the role of A very inspired evening which was leader and organised the team’s The team fought hard and skilfully attended by students, academics, participation in this year’s National in all their battles and in true AGS the public and alumnae. The event Warhammer League run by Games Warhammer style, were invariably proved to be a huge success with the Workshop. society garnering all-around praise courteous to their opponents. Despite and donations that will go toward This year the format of the total commitment, we were unable future events. competition has changed and the to get into the top 20, which would theme was ‘Kill Team’, a new version have ensured progress to the finals The future is indeed promising for the of the game where opponents field so had to settle for a great day out society as it looks forward to opening one army of units, each acting and lessons learnt for next year. its membership not just to the new independently in a skirmish style Well done to Alex, Oliver, Edward Year 10 and above students of AGS battle rather than the traditional and Aaron for your efforts and I but also to the look forward to more of the same in Social Sciences Students. armies made up of several units. The rationale is to make the game more September. With the support of the AGS’ accessible and dare I say it, cheaper. Mr M Goodchild Development Department, Mrs. Cox On a weekly basis though, the and Mrs. Taylor; The Economics and players usually use whatever format Politics staff and our Head of Year 12 Ms. Treherne, EPS will commence activities straight after the summer break. The society will continue to coordinate activities and invite speakers and other resources to further inspire the students engaged in the field. And it will continue to link the past, present and future AGS and AHS students of Economics and Politics.

Oscar Almadin – Phillips 12

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coaches, Patrick. All of the groups Year 8 did very well, (Wonder Wiener was a Year 10 Enterprise Day crowd favourite) and everyone was Enterprise disappointed to hear that the results Activity On Thursday 13th June 2019 would be announced the next day all the Year 8 students filed in assembly. From the 7th of June to the into the lecture theatre to Overall, Enterprise day was a very 11th of June 2019 Aylesbury begin the Enterprise Day. We good experience for everyone, and Grammar School hosted sat (mostly) in our groups and had everyone even the teachers enterprise days for year 10 to choose a group leader. Then we enjoyed it. students across three school were given our first of many daunting days. On Friday June 7th we were instructions. We had to think of Thank you to Miss Chalk and Mrs excused from our period 5 lesson and name a mascot that would suit Wilson for organising the event and to attend the first enterprise day Ryman (The High Street stationery The Inspirational Learning Group session.. Here we met our groups company.) This proved achievable to visitors who coordinated the sessions all but 1 or 2 groups. The next task for the first time, which we had been throughout the day. was to develop your mascot more assigned in registration on the days and then see if it fitted with Ryman Sam Wright – Phillips 8 preceding, and we were given a brief and its customers. After that we were let out for a refreshing break and given some more tasks to stew over.

After break we had to work on not one, not two, but SIX tasks for our respective character at the same time. Creating a storyboard for your character, making an advert, making a poster, three new items that will be launched, how to advertise and what social media platforms you would use. And even after 2 hours some of us had to spend half our lunch finishing everything off.

After lunch the eight best teams chosen by the leaders of the Ryman challenge who had been prowling around would present the mascot and all the tasks to see which group was the best. Each of the eight groups was judged by Mrs Wilson, Miss Chalk and one of the visiting

78 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 on our aims and objectives across the display board, both of which finished the prototype, made out of the next few days. We had the task would need to be completed for the an empty glue stick tube with butter of forming a business idea and following morning. One of the first inserted in it. He also had produced recreate the necessary work required things we did was to formulate a a video of him demonstrating it and to put a business idea into motion. name for our product, we decided had brought his i-pad in to display For this we had to create a costing on “spreadsticks”. We also decided on our display board. Our display sheet, a presentation board and a that we could use 3D printers to board was finished and submitted presentation, preferably assisted by print the spreadsticks, one of which in the morning and we also then a powerpoint, to present to a third I owned which I could in real life worked on our powerpoint before of the year on the final day and, provide for my group. We then began break. In the afternoon we were potentially, if we were chosen to, researching using the IT rooms and split into groups of three and went to different business-skill - related present to two distinguished guests our computers while one member of activities, including creating models and all year 10 on the final day. our group wrote the costing sheet. in groups and deciding on prices Then we worked on the design of the On the first meeting, my group and and products manufactured to see display board and Jack and I printed I decided on the product we were who could make the most profit, images off and did extra research to going to work on, a new product and we did our presentation. Our be considered for the display board which had a mechanism similar presentation went smoothly for the while two other members printed off to that of a glue-stick, however most part, and we were confident articles of text for the board. containing butter that could be easily with how we performed in the final spread onto toast without the need On the second morning our group meeting in the lecture theatre. Our for a knife. We began working on submitted our business plan and group was the first group revealed to our project on Monday, working finished our display board. Kai be chosen to present to all the year, to complete the costing sheet and Wilkinson, the project manager had and the two distinguished guests,

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Mr Amor and Mr Hardern, who then headed down for dinner at are both AGS governors with vast Young Enterprise 7.30, despite getting lost within amounts of business experience. - Base National the hotel we managed to reach Our presentation went well with the the room where dinner was being guests being particularly crediting for Finals served, where we all ate food and our working prototype, and we could participated in the game stalls in which Reiss Chaudhry won 2/3 enjoy the rest of the presentations. After school on the 24th stalls which included a prize. It took At the end of the third day the June, we (Reiss Chaudhry, us a good 10 minutes to find the awards were given out for each Eswar Ambati, Anish Kumar lifts and we nearly walked out of an category, including best business and Mustafa Jarral) all emergency exit however we made it plan and best presentation board. travelled with Miss Chalk up upstairs to our rooms. The next day Our group won the award for the best to Birmingham for the BASE we all woke up ready and prepared presentation - £10 gift cards, where I National Finals in which only 48 for the task ahead with confidence was chosen to collect the prizes and out of 5000 teams got through and determination. Eswar Ambati represent the group. At the end of to. To get through to the national and Anish Kumar both went down for the ceremony we were also awarded finals we had to present as a team, a business plan that we had chosen breakfast while Reiss Chaudhry and the prize for best business prospect for a business owner to invest in. Mustafa Jarral remained asleep in overall, a £20 gift card each where We had to consider all possible bed. Then as a team we all headed the whole group went to collect the factors ranging from financial to down to the room where our task prizes and had photos taken with an ethical one. The car journey to would be presented to us. We were our display board. Overall, it was a Birmingham was spent sleeping, given the task of choosing an eco- very enjoyable three days where we however it ended up being a quick friendly business plan for an owner in developed lots of skills and learned journey taking roughly an hour which we only had 2 hours to decide. about the work needed to start a and a half. When we got there we With Reiss Chaudhry as the team business prospect and how to do it entered into the Hilton lobby where captain he led the team and decided successfully. I am extremely thankful we saw all the other competitors that the best approach would be to to the staff including Miss Chalk for arriving and as we waited for our split the tasks up and feedback at organising the event and am happy it room keys and Mustafa, Reiss and the end. We all worked tirelessly. It will continue for the next year. Anish all surveyed the competition was nearing the end of our time and and strategised picking out the weak we had to rush a little bit due to our James Wilford D10 teams who were easy targets. We over analysis and immense work then went up to our rooms and had ethic. However we managed to put free time for 2 hours. During that together a PowerPoint and a script time our fellow economics teacher and we headed into our respective Mr Davey arrived to support us and room to present. We were the 5th was shocked to hear that there team to present so the anticipation was no room service as well! We built up however when it was our

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turn we all presented clearly and to volunteer. As this was a talk on our presentation went well. After Biology – microscopy, Marty proceeded to the presentation we all sat down Year 13 visit to move a cotton bud about the inside at a table and ate lunch where the of Pranav’s cheek to collect cells competition presented us with food. Warwick University for a microscope slide that was After that we had a talk from an presented to us. He then stained the economist and then it was onto the The Biology trip to Warwick cells so that we could see Pranav’s prizes. Despite not being the winning University presented a great DNA (see photo). team of the competition, we were opportunity to support our A all proud of how far we had come! level studies with additional, We were then given a talk by Mark Reiss Chaudhry did manage to win interesting and topical lectures. Lynas, who was an anti-GMO activist a very prestigious personal award It would be beneficial to engage our but then changed his mind after that was only awarded to one person brains, and think about components reading more into the topic, and in the competition which everyone of the subject that aren’t necessarily was very proud of him for. Not to even decided to participate on an in the exam specification. Perhaps mention that it was the first award interview on the show ‘Hard Talk’ on announced at that final. All the other one of the lectures we were to hear BBC explaining as to why he decided members were so happy that we would inspire us into a career path to change his opinion so drastically were anticipating a photo with the that we didn’t know was possible despite once being a leading figure prestigious chartered accountants before… in anti-GMO activity. This talk, in for Reiss’ fantastic achievement, we The first lecture was given by Marty particular, showed us a different side guess the basketball training finally Jopson, who has appeared on ‘the of Biology. He talked about the link paid off. Overall the competition was One Show’, and has a fabulous between science and political issues a very good experience for all of moustache. This talk on microscopy that is extremely relevant today, us and gave us many skills to take such as the large issue of science into the future and work on such required audience participation, as time management, analysis, and so Pranav was very excited denialism. organisation and many economic and accountancy skills. We then headed back to the car where we all slept and eventually arrived back at AGS at around 6 PM. We would also like to thank Miss Chalk for her continued support throughout this competition.

The Team:

Reiss Chaudhry – Hampden 12 – Team Captain

Eswar Ambati – Hampden 12

Mustafa Jarral – Phillips 12

Anish Kumar – Phillps 12

Eswar Ambati & Reiss Chaudhry – Hampden 12

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After a short break, anthropologist provoking lecture on the effects of Suzanne Harvey spoke to us about the body at different altitudes and French - Year 8 her experiences working as part of how some of his research at Everest visit to Burgandy the Gashaka Biodiversity project in base camp is helping people in Nigeria. In particular, she spoke of intensive care units. It is incredible to On Friday 24th of May at primates use of tools for food, the think that studying science brought 4.00am, a buzz of excitement way that chimpanzees make their him to Everest base camp and it swarmed the area as over forty own beds up in the trees, and the shows us that there are so many Aylesbury Grammar School socialising that they take part in, possibilities for careers related to students boarded the bus and furthermore their studies into Biology. with enthusiasm, ready for primate speech. Overall the day was fascinating and the adventurous voyage to Following this, there was a short talk will have left many people excited Avallon (France) to begin. With focused on ensuring that we know about the possibility of a future in the reassuring rev of the bus engine how to properly interpret and answer science or just more intrigued about and the anticipation of high-spirited this subject that they are studying exam questions. It may have been children the journey was underway, for A-level. Thank you to the Biology useful for some, but we had already but as soon as we took off, it was teachers for allowing us to have spoken about these techniques a only a few hours later until we this experience. lot for GCSEs and so it was just realised that we were nearing the clarification for many. Olly Cay – Paterson 12 Channel Tunnel, getting ready to Raouf Droueche – Lee 12 travel to Calais. The penultimate lecture was given by Tim Underwood, who is a surgeon In the train, we watched as people for the treatment of oesophageal passed by, waiting for the moment cancer. This talk was probably the when we finally arrived in France, most relevant for our generation, as our understanding of cancer is improving. This is an understanding that hopefully some of us will help contribute to. Tim showed us how genomics is allowing early detection of oesophageal cancer, something which he is working towards in order to increase the chances of survival for those undertaking cancer treatment. Furthermore he gave us an insight into his experiences as a surgeon, such as how he recovered from a patient’s passing away as a direct result of surgery.

Finally, television science presenter Greg Foot gave us a very thought-

82 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 and sure enough we did, starting off tasted our dream treats we took Afterwards, we were sent to Chablis with a 6-hour long arduous journey to a quick visit to Vézélay by bus. Market with the task of coming back Avallon, which we knew we all had to During our tour around Vézélay, we home with enough food to decorate the bear. After a bunch of dreams full of were given an intriguing quiz which tables with. There we saw lots thrill and anticipation, we had arrived boosted our morale and really got us of sellers trying to sell people honey, at our destination knowing that the hooked into finding out interesting meats, seafood, bread and other burden of boredom was finally off facts about Vézélay, including where foods. our shoulders. the artefact of Mary Magdalene lay In the end, there were many in the Basilica. An interesting fact During the course of the late different, innovative ideas that that I managed to pick up was about afternoon we were welcomed by people used to lay out their food. the shells (scallops) that were on We all enjoyed eating what we had enthusiastic members of Maisons most of the roads in Vézélay. This bought and were content with our Claire Fontaine who guided us to was related to the pilgrims who work. We ended the day playing our dormitories and later filled up ventured along these roads and ate pétanque. Pétanque is a sport where our ravenous bellies with a luscious food from there to eat as it was very people have to throw metal boules to meal and quenched our thirst. On a certain point, easily accessible and cheap to use an even better note we were later which is determined by throwing a which we had learnt partly from our released out into an allocated playing smaller ball. field for free time which consumed French lesson in the morning. Now, Soon the fourth day came, the bursts of energy stored up from settling back into the coach we drove last day we spent in Maison Claire the lengthy journey. Soon came off back to our place of residence Fontaine. After we woke up and bedtime and exhausted as we were and finally got to consume our had breakfast we spent the first we nevertheless discussed different wonderfully-made tarts. part of the day practising our drama topics ready to tackle the next day We finished off the day with a game performances. We chose what we with a head-start. of bingo, where I unfortunately was would do our plays on but they had to be related to what we did on the trip. The second day arose with faces left unlucky with only four boxes This lead to some wonderful plays of fatigue here and there however, crossed out in the end but I didn’t where we watched chefs making fine smiles appeared on people faces really care anyway, especially after cuisine, a reiteration of the game when we were served with a fitting such a breath-taking dessert. Then pétanque and more. breakfast which was a great start and there, it was time to doze off as to our day. Next, we attended our we went to bed thinking about what We were ready to go kayaking. A lot first French lesson, where we noted we will do for the next day. of us had never been kayaking before and had difficulty staying in the middle down information regarding Vézélay On the next day we woke up ready of the river. There were times when and the Chablis Market in Avallon, to go to see the amazing streets of the kayak would get stuck on a rock two places that we were going to visit the Chablis Market. Before we did and it was hard to move out but that on the next day. though we were shown to the Circus. did not stop us from having a great As soon as our lesson had come We started off doing stretches before deal of fun. to a close we were off to become we did the circus tricks. We learnt It got us to manoeuvre a boat and tart chefs, making an apple tart that how to walk on a tightrope, do tricks learn more about the physics behind it would have amazed a customer of on a trapeze and even spin a plate all. It showed us some great views of any kind. However, just before we on a stick! the river including the massive bridge

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there. It was something people rarely early again at 4:30am and packed get to do but for me, it was better than our belongings onto the bus. We took French - Year 12 any other boat ride that I have ever the Channel Tunnel to England from Exchange to Bourg been on and was much better than Calais and arrived at Aylesbury. watching it on TV. en Bresse I thank all those who came with us We also had dinner that day, but it on the trip. I thank the teachers for was not like the other days. On this making sure nobody got lost. I thank On a bright Wednesday day, we ate the finest cuisine in a the Maison Claire Fontaine people morning in April a group of more luxurious room than before. We for supplying us with food and drink, AGS and AHS students set off were in a restaurant! For our starter and I thank the Motts team for driving on this year’s French exchange we had some syrup. We all tried the us there and back. The trip was a to Bourg-en-Bresse. All of us mint flavoured syrup first and there wonderful experience and we would were excited to see our exchange definitely go again. were mixed views on it. Most people partners again, after having hosted enjoyed the strawberry and lemon Tymon Mante – Denson 8 them for a week in December and to flavoured syrup. Afterwards, we ate meet their friends and families. After from a large buffet. There was a large Teniola Owodunni – Hampden 8 flying to Lyon and taking the coach choice of foods to choose from and to Bourg-en-Bresse we went home the foods were very nice. I enjoyed the jambon cru the most. There was with our partners. On the first night a large piece of meat that we ate everyone was slightly apprehensive, as well. having to adjust to speaking French so quickly, but the families’ hospitality For dessert, we were served a made this sudden change much chocolate mousse. At the end of easier, and we were all made to feel the meal, there was a giving out of comfortable and welcome. prizes. The prizes for the ambassador award were given to Rudran Sankar, On the first day we received a Maximillian Ward and Tymon Mante. welcome from the Mayor at the After our long trip to France, it was town hall, before completing a mini time for us to go home. We woke up ‘treasure hunt’ around the town which also gave us a comparison of Bourg to Aylesbury. We then had some free time to explore the town. In the afternoon we visited the Monastery of Brou, a flamboyant Gothic religious complex built in the 16th century for Margaret of Austria. The intricate decorations which have remained largely untouched for centuries were of interest to us all.

On the second day, we spent the morning in lessons with our exchanges. It was very interesting

84 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 to see how lessons are delivered in We had a guided tour which included trip where we saw some of Lyon’s France - including Philosophy and looking round the old church and landmarks and most important French Literature - but watching seeing all of the old buildings which buildings. English being taught as a foreign had been inhabited by farmers On Wednesday, our last day, we language was something very and craftsmen. During some free had breakfast at school with the different, and we were happy to time afterwards, we walked around other exchanges, before going out be the ‘experts’ and help our new the walls of the whole town, which to Bourg’s market. We had free friends during the lesson. In the surprisingly didn’t take very long! time to look round at everything afternoon, we went to a patisserie After lunch there was a calligraphy they had to offer - lots of fresh fruits workshop where we had a go at workshop, where we learned how to and vegetables, and lots of stands making Genoise and Crème Anglaise write like professional scribes would selling clothes - before heading back (helped by pastry chefs). When have in the past. After heading back to school for lunch. We then said finished, we each tried a small piece to school, we all took part in a dance goodbye to our exchange partners, of our sponge and were pleasantly lesson where we learned traditional and we were all sad to be leaving. surprised by our efforts! Later, we French dances (with varying degrees had a fun evening bowling with our of success). All in all, everyone had a brilliant trip exchanges and all ate steak-frites. and gained lots of new experiences. We spent Tuesday in Lyon - some On behalf of everyone who went At the weekend there were no school of us went to the museum of the on the exchange, I would like to activities and we spent time with the Lumières brothers (the pioneers thank Mr Crapper and Mr Jones for exchange families. Many headed to of cinema) which showed some of organising and accompanying us. Lyon to go shopping, watch football, the earliest films created and the visit the zoo, or go to a cinema. James Brock – Denson 12 equipment used to make them. Some of us were lucky enough Another group visited the Cinema to head up to the mountains and and Miniature Museum, which had go skiing or snowshoeing with the lots of miniature sculptures from families! everyday life and movies. We then On Monday we headed off to the had free time to get lunch and small medieval town of Pérouges. look round the city, before a boat

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Jugendherberge (Youth Hostel) and German - Year 8 after a quick unpacking time, we set visit to Cologne off to the centre of Cologne for an authentic German dinner. We had beef soup (or tomato soup) and a On the 7th to the 9th of June, 40 choice between Bratwurst and Salad, year 8s from Denson, Hampden with apple strudel to finish. Then we and Lee embarked on a trip to returned to the Youth Hostel and went the city Cologne in Germany. to the shop before going to bed.

We left the coach park at 7.15am We woke up the next day to eat our and began the hour or so drive to breakfast and then go back over to Heathrow Airport. We went through the city to visit the Lindt chocolate security and passport control and museum and get lunch. We then after a brief stop to get lunch from the went on a ‘Panorama River Cruise’ airport (and after changing the gates and enjoyed some AMAZING views about 100 times) we finally boarded from the middle of the River Rhine. the plane and began the hour flight After half of us completed the to Dusseldorf - Germany. When we challenging but fun ‘Stadtquiz’ where landed we went through passport we were tasked to answer a total of strikes, spares and...sigh...gutter- control and baggage reclaim, only to 10 questions about the city. After, the balls. Then we returned to the Youth realise the coach hadn’t yet arrived. other half scaled the Kolner Dom. 533 Hostel and went to bed ready for To pass the time we all played Clash steps! Afterwards we returned to the the next day! Royale in German. Wir haben Clash youth hostel and had dinner before Royale auf Deutsch gespielt. Then setting off to go bowling. We took a We woke up early on the Sunday, had we got on the coach and drove to the tram and whilst there scored many breakfast and packed up. We got the

86 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 My group went on the River Quest last and after waiting for 45 minutes, German - Year 10 got onto the brilliant ride with a lift, & 12 exchange to whirlpool and massive drops, we all Stuttgart got DRENCHED, hence the sign that said Sie werde sehr naß (you will get soaked). We left at 2.15pm and This year, Aylesbury Grammar went to the airport to have dinner. We School and Aylesbury High School took part in a joint then got ready for the 15 minute flight excursion with the students back (not really, the time change just from NGL (Neues Gymnasium makes it seem like that). After landing Feuerbach) and Solitude we drove back to school and went Gymnasium in Stuttgart, home. Germany. We all had our worries beforehand - what if our German The weekend was brilliant - with late wasn’t good enough? What if we lost nights and plenty of chewits! I would something? What if we got lost? (which like to thank all of the teachers who Theo did multiple times). Well, ladies took us on this journey of a lifetime and gentlemen, we’re proud to say we (Herr Sloan, Herr Crapper, Herr Datta all made it back in one piece and with coach and went to Phantasialand. und Frau Rowling). glowing reviews, I might add, although perhaps missing a euro or two. We spent the day on some amazing Oliver Thompson & Humzah Awais rides including: (log flume), – Hampden 8 We started the first day early, around , Black Mamba and Colorado 6 o’clock; the gravelly sound of suitcases dragged across the school Adventure (rollercoasters), River playground set the scene for a long Quest (water ride) and many more. day to come. However, there was surprisingly little kerfuffle. Everybody had their passports and their heads screwed on tight and we made it onto the plane with about an hour to spare. It only really hit us that we were in Germany when all the emergency exits were replaced with Notausgang, all the car smoke with cigarette smoke and all the broken vending machines with ones that actually worked! Although, back to exits, unfortunately in Germany, there were very few - or at least very few free - having once got stuck in a Lidl which had a pay-to- leave policy. An Aldi too. And after the better part of the day had sunk across the channel, we got on the coaches

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piece of Germany home with them. All in all, it was short but sweet.

Theo Nze & Amaan Hussain – Hampden 12

German - Year 13 to meet our exchanges. The first students to be picked up were headed visit to Berlin to Solitude Gymnasium; but there was no solitude about it! Having arrived, The Year 13 Berlin trip with the they were immediately welcomed with German department in October open arms, half-familiar faces and the Our evening activities allowed us to was a fantastic opportunity German tongue. As for us NGL folk, gain a completely different insight for AGS and AHS students we arrived about an hour later than into life in Berlin. Our first night took to experience the culture expected to a slightly less energised us to the roof terrace and dome of and diversity the city has to crowd. the Reichstag, which gives one of offer over a four-day period. the best views of Berlin at night. On In the age of the internet, I thought Throughout the trip we were led by our second night we met up with you could find out everything the staff both on foot and across some expatriates living in Berlin who all manners of public transport on about a place from its Wikipedia gave us an insight into living in the a tour to every landmark during - but as it turns out, nothing beats city. During our final night we visited which students gave presentations actually going to the place itself. a cinema to see a fantastic German about various sites such as the For most of the days, we were comedy film “Der Vorname” which Reichstagsgebäude, a Soviet War whisked around multiple German was greatly enjoyed by students and memorial, Bebel Platz, as well as attractions and artifacts, such as teachers alike. the 2000 year old Baerenhoehle passing through the Brandenburg Not a moment was wasted as we Caves, Hundertwasserhaus (which gate, which had more to offer in front spent many hours each day on our we study for our A-Levels) and the of it that we had expected! feet travelling between sites and Fernsehturm. Our personal favourites The trip was also an eye-opening landmarks both on foot and dozens were visiting the town of Tuebingen, look into the controversial history of of trains, trams and buses, as well one of the most beautiful, most Germany, as we visited sites such as as making the most of our free time, colourful cities we’ve ever seen (Theo the Holocaust memorial, the Jewish which was a vital period away from ended up holding up the group with museum, the GDR museum and the the teachers! all the pictures he was taking,) and east side gallery, a lasting section of Overall, on behalf of the entire group, Europa-Park, the largest amusement the Berlin wall which is now famous I would say that the trip was a huge park in Germany and second largest for its politically themed artwork. success and will be greatly helpful in Europe. The whole trip was a bit The international influences in Berlin during exams. I would like to extend larger than life and there is too much were also prominent during the trip the greatest thanks to Mr Sloan and to say that we could possibly fit within as we visited Soviet war memorials Ms Sheppard of AHS for organising this summary - which was quite and the Turkish market district, as the trip and putting up with us over a reminiscent of the trip as a whole. well as experiencing a celebration fantastic four days. Ultimately, everybody left a piece of of international cuisine at the themselves in Germany and took a Hackescher Markt. Matt McGrath – Lee 13

88 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Brighton served Graham Greene well through the rock’s core. Whilst most English - Year 13 as the setting for his infamous crime of us bought sticks with our names visit to Brighton novel: the dark criminal underbelly or football clubs in them, Ted, the lying just beneath the surface of a culturally sophisticated man that he is, Mike Grimwood knew before flashy tourist town providing him with ran straight for the profanity section. he had been in Brighton three the perfect canvas to explore the I’ve been advised not to repeat the hours that something was nature of crime and religion in the message he ended up selecting, wrong. He knew they would be context of an inter-war consumerist though Mr Skinner had to hide a upon him, he just didn’t know society. Mrs Sampson’s tour certainly smile as Ted proudly sucked the when. With the biting November gave us a taste of Brighton’s dual rock, the word he had chosen boldly wind having blown all holiday crowds nature. We started at the Grand emblazoned on the end protruding from the normally bustling parade Hotel, its name perfectly fitting its from his mouth. anybody could tell Mike, with his half appearance and a reminder of the After a visit to a pub that was bitten stick of rock, did not belong. antiquated, wealthy face of the city as supposedly frequented in the past There they were, stalking him from symbolised by ‘The Cosmopolitan’, not only by Graham Greene, but also down the road. The stuttering engine, before weaving our way through the Jack the Ripper, we made our way to the jammed door, the sausage roll claustrophobic twittens, past dodgy the legendary Brighton Palace Pier. crumbs. A knot of legs clambering out looking clubs and pubs that the As we leant on the railings, the green and heading straight for Mike. wannabe gangster Pinkie thought sea snarling beneath us, looking out would be the best option to impress No, not Pinkie’s mob in their 1925 into the misty abyss, the wind blowing his eventual wife on their first date. Morris Minor but a dozen Aylesburian through our hair, could there have English Literature students in the PTA As we walked down King’s Road, been a better place to enjoy lunch? funded minivan, belated by traffic and parallel to the sea, we all had our Naturally, we all headed straight for fuelled on service station sausage eyes set on our next stop. Brighton’s the arcade. rolls, come to see the infamous city “oldest rock shop” was adorned with Thirteen portions of fish and chips, where Graham Greene’s classic crime a surprising amount of neon and ten pounds lost on the 2p falls, novel Brighton Rock is set. colourful plastic signs considering four games of air hockey, and one its self-proclaimed antiquity. Though Having absorbed Mike, who had revealed future later and lunch was looking at the owner the shop’s title travelled to Brighton the day before over, Dom still hyperventilating seemed a bit more believable, as he to visit his cousins, we were whisked following his run in with a flock hurried out to shout at us before we through Mrs Sampson’s tour of of about fifty seagulls. In a world had even entered, boasting a temper Brighton with military efficiency, our where an old man turning over that could only be justified if it was tour guide determined that we should litter on a beach adopts vast indeed “Brighton’s oldest rock shop”, squeeze every second out of the meaning, representing the incessant and he had been forced to stand few hours we had in the city. Having pointlessness of life, we wondered behind the counter ever since its risen “Brighton early” and being kept about the symbolism behind James first opening. awake on the minibus by the melodic Storey running along the beach to tones of Death Grips clearly audible Unperturbed, we marvelled at the catch us up, clutching about thirty through Dom East’s headphones, we walls stocked full with the local sugary donuts in his hands having been left started to fall behind Mrs Sampson’s treat, a vast array of flavours available behind to collect everyone else’s marching pace. each with a different message that ran orders.

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Back on the minibus, we knew our Resilience) and we knew Mr Singh day in Brighton was almost at an Geography - would be very proud. end. None of us felt comfortable as Year 7 visit to After that, our supervisors walked a group of thirteen English Literature us to Southend’s town centre and students from Buckinghamshire, with Southend-on-Sea told us to do some more work from “Grammar School” all too obviously the worksheet. We then did as we printed on the side of the van, as we On Wednesday 22nd May, the were told and went in and took some drove through the dodgiest housing Year 7s (who are soon to be more surveys. When we got back, estate we could find, hoping to get Year 8) went on a Geography everyone was quite excited as it an idea of the living conditions of visit to Southend-on-Sea which was lunchtime where we were told Pinkie and Rose in Paradise Piece helped us explore our two prior to eat our lunch and after that, make and Nelson Place. There was one projects: tourism and coasts. a drawing of the coastline. Lots of final stop as we drove out of Brighton This visit also helped us to people were really good at that. Me, on the ascending road and out onto complete our latest formal not so much. the cliffs. With the noise of the wind geography assessment. blocking any attempts at conversation, After that, it was most people’s Now, let’s get to what we did on the we were each forced into silence favourite part of the trip: ice-cream day. The journey there was 2½ hours as we contemplated the setting of time! My group sat by the beach and long and some faces were engaged Pinkie’s death. We took turns peering ate the ice-cream that we purchased. in electronic games, some shouted over the cliff edge, at the formidable It was quite delicious but all too across the coach trying to talk to their rocks below being swallowed then soon it was time to get back on the friend who they couldn’t sit next to spat out again by the restless sea. coach and head home. I can’t tell and some stared through the window Suddenly, Greene’s words came to you anything about the journey back; life: “It was as if he’d been withdrawn and listened to music trying not to get mostly because I was asleep. But in suddenly by a hand out of any carried away in the chaos…….I was my dreams, I was saying to my best existence - past or present, whipped one of those people. friend how good this trip was and I would be willing to go on the away into zero - nothing.” We were all too excited when we trip again. All too soon we were heading home. got there. Our teachers gave us Thank you to Mrs Sampson for our worksheets to complete which Abijith Vinod – Phillips 7 organising such an enjoyable trip and certainly calmed everyone down leading us on a tour of everything a little and we settled in to work we needed to see, and thank you to mode. We went to a few sites and Mr Skinner for driving us there and asked some local residents of accompanying us. As we drove out of Southend and some tourists to fill out Brighton, we saw a boy sitting astride questionnaires. one of the many snail sculptures that Some people declined this lovely litter Brighton. His feet were dangling offer but this didn’t stop us and, ever over a sign that clearly read “DO NOT more determined, we finally got CLIMB ON THE SNAILS”. The spirit the data we needed. By doing this, of Pinkie lives on. we demonstrated 2 important parts Joe Harrington – Ridley 13 of the AGS Learner (Courage and

90 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 an injured person. After about 10 Science - Year 9 Year 7 minutes of relentless practising we visit to the Science Residential were almost perfect at moving people on the stretcher well at least I thought Museum we were. Our camp leader then The annual year 7 residential announced that we would have a race was very eventful this year. We have all heard of the to see who can safely carry a student From the cold harsh nights to iconic Science Museum in the fastest. I then volunteered myself the unsuccessful rescue of our South Kensington, but you to be stretchered to the finish line. I teachers, this residential was have never had a chance to was then laid flat on the floor ready one I certainly will remember. experience it in the eyes of an to be put in the recovery position and AGS student. Let’s start with building a campfire. then stretchered off. Instead I was dragged onto the stretcher and then I personally have been to a dozen We were split into groups of 15 (half my team sprinted to the finish line. other trips to the museum privately of our class) and then shown how and on school trips but have never to make a campfire. We started by We didn’t make it that far until I fell out really understood the real-life collecting dry twigs, about 5cm long. of the stretcher and had a face full of applications or the real science behind This was already a difficult job as it mud. It wasn’t just my face covered the attractions in the way my teachers had rained heavily the night before in mud everywhere was covered in taught me. Sure, in primary school, so we had to scavenge everywhere mud, literally everywhere. Our team it was all fun and games playing before we could start the campfire. amazingly came last in that race I still around with the different stalls, but I We then gradually built up our don’t really know how. have always got out of there without campfire. Then we had to light it. Finally, we were taken down by one knowing what I had really seen. What As we waited for our group leader of the camp leaders to this clearing helped with this was also the fact that Jacob Senior to light the fire we found in the woods. We suddenly heard one, we were free to explore and look ourselves bored and so we decided to someone calling out for help. We then at what we wanted to know without help Jacob by doing a fire dance. This all ran to where the noise was coming any restrictions. particular move consisted of shaking from. There seemed to have been a your hands side to side over and over Secondly, we also had school huge accident involving the teachers again. I’m still not sure whether or not exclusive productions to learn about (thankfully fake of course) and we other subjects in a light spoken it actually worked but eventually the saw two of our teachers on the floor manner. All things that surprisingly fire was lit. bleeding. Mr Britton and Mr Suder- Chatterjee. weren’t in my other school trips. All in We then had to practise First aid. This all, I found my AGS Science Museum included using a stretcher to move I think we were supposed to go and trip somewhat unique compared to everything else, though you should probably bring ear plugs when the Tesla machine is on!

Sujatro Dubey – Denson 9

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Skiing 2018

In the past AGS ski trips have primarily been to Utah in the US but this year was the first time for a while that the school returned to Canada.

We started with an 8 hour flight from London to Montreal Airport flying with Air Canada. With Mr Ramsbottom’s expertise of getting through passport control and baggage claim in record time we set off on our coaches to put them in the recovery position groups…..and we still had homework central Montreal Travelodge. and then carry then on the stretcher to complete at the weekend! but we seemed to be as useless as After a buffet we went out to see Overall I think the residential went we were in the other task. After a Montreal and some of its famous pretty well. Apart from the bad couple of minutes bribing our teachers landmarks. We walked to a weather it was actually quite fun and not to give us any more homework picturesque ice skating place with a we learnt lots from it. We would like to otherwise we would refuse to rescue huge ferris wheel. The next day we thank Miss Hill for organising the trip went outlet shopping in Montreal, them we attempted to lift them up and and all the other teachers who gave which was a highlight for many. This get them into safety. We didn’t seem up their time to help out with the Year was followed by a long journey to to have enough people to carry the 7 Residential. our ski resort - Mont Sainte-Anne, teachers so instead of lifting them we Quebec. kind of half dragged them. At the end Jacob Childs & William Crook – of all that we achieved a 2/10 which Phillips 7 There were a range of skiing abilities was the worst result of all the other in the group of roughly 90 year 9s 11s

92 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 and 12s. Some people had never put ‘Everest’. In this ride four people on skis before and some were highly were put in a log-flume-esque ride, competent and had been skiing one behind the other. We were then for years. The groups ranged from pushed over the edge and we quickly beginners to experts and everyone gained speed while losing height. was put in a group to be challenged The drop was near vertical and it was or supported. The instructors were quite exhilarating. opportunity comes your way. A huge very good and quickly adjusted the groups after seeing everyone’s ability. Overall, the ski trip 2019 was an thank you to Mr Ramsbottom and all They all helped everyone to improve absolutely incredible experience. It the other staff who accompanied us drastically and boost the confidence was so much fun to ski with friends on this trip of a lifetime. of everyone while still challenging and learn while doing so. We highly them. recommend going on this trip if the Sam Pyefinch – Paterson 9 Another highlight was the night time skiing, where we went out in the dark and skied for 2 hours on the freshly groomed pistes. This was one of three exciting evening activities that we were given the opportunity to take part in. Another of these was a trip to the local ice hockey rink to watch the local team play a game. Unfortunately the local team, remparts de québec, lost on a penalty shoot-out, but it was a very close game and very enjoyable to watch.

On our last night in Quebec, we went to a huge ice park. For most of us, this was a new experience and we had never been anywhere like it. There were more than 50 rides and they were all made out of ice. Our personal favourite was the ride called

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cost of £15. Then we found the five with the onward flights to Lilongwe Malawi Exchange wheelchairs that had been donated and Blantyre in Malawi. Spirits were You Really Had To Be for to St Luke’s hospital further dampened when we got a apparently did not comply with text from Malawi that our trusted There…. certain flight regulations and required main bus driver Aaron, who has been special checking in at a distant and a stalwart of the last five trips, (a hitherto unknown area in the bowels human satnav who also knows how I think four years ago when of Terminal 4. Nevertheless we took to deal with officious Malawian police reviewing this trip I wrote all this in our stride but these issues looking for a bribe) had broken his something like ‘When 5000 all paled into insignificance when it ankle and would not be able to drive miles from home you have to became apparent that there was a us when (if) we arrived. be able to rely on one another’. problem with our plane. True, and never more so than on this Kenya Air must have ‘bounced’ a trip. Same staff; ‘the dream team’: The official explanation was that ‘a large number of other passengers off Mr Corby, myself, Miss Hill and Mr problem with the air conditioning’ the next flight because about 11.00 Carson. We needed to be able to rely but whether this was the real am we were informed we were able on each other. reason was another matter. It to fly. Great news! We spent the was a very depressing sight to afternoon playing football in a field You couldn’t make it up. You really see the aircraft towed away like a next to the airport and then finally we had to be there. The cyclone that wounded behemoth. After tentative were ready to roll. hit Malawi just before we travelled suggestions from Kenya Air that we We made it to Kenya (many of us naturally worried us all. Then there split the party into separate groups including me didn’t sleep at all on was the threat of a dam in the town (which we felt wasn’t a great idea) the flight) and then to Malawi’s of Zomba, bursting and flooding and fly via Johannesburg and/or capital Lilongwe. ‘In country’ at last the area thus preventing us from Addis Ababa instead of Nairobi we but actually that wasn’t where we travelling to our initial destination at eventually, after several hours not needed to end up; our final stage Malosa School. Having carefully risk knowing what was going on and was Blantyre a few hundred miles assessed these events before we alternating between a series of south. Easy? No. We had to fill out left the UK and deciding we were still ‘should we stay or should we go?’ the immigration forms in Lilongwe ‘good to go’ we were faced with our scenarios, resigned ourselves to not which was fair enough (and pay $75 coach breaking down right outside flying at all. This was unprecedented. in cash. Each) but to our amazement the school just as we were leaving for Never, in five visits to Malawi, had I despite the fact that we would be the airport! Another had to be called ever experienced anything like this. travelling to Blantyre on the same and all the cases loaded onto the We had to spend the night in a hotel plane that had just landed us, all our new one - and we were all carrying and instead of seeing the sun rise luggage was taken off and we were an extra case full of ‘goodies’ for the over the African savannah the next marched out of the terminal and schools in Malawi. Not a good start. day as per our itinerary, we saw it rise promptly back in again at a door a over the Holiday Inn at Heathrow; an At Heathrow check in, one of the mere 20 metres to the right of where altogether less picturesque and awe- pupils’ names was apparently we had just been forced to exit. We inspiring sight. incorrect in terms of matching then had to go through Malawian the booking information which Over a slightly melancholy breakfast immigration and security all over necessitated some administrative we began to wonder if we would again. What? Why? Experience delay. Another’s suitcase burst open be able to fly at all since it wasn’t has taught me not to argue with spilling clothes all over the place and just getting to Kenya that was the immigration officials under any had to be specially bound up at a issue; there was the connection circumstances and the boys were

94 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 just told to accept it and to comply “Sir, my net has holes in it” several The ‘welcome’ dinner on our first without comment. Mercifully the flight came to me saying. “So has mine” I night at Malosa saw the lads quickly to Blantyre only took 40 minutes and said. “That’s why we told you to bring making friends with the Malawian on arrival we were simply waved tape to plug the holes. I’ve plenty to pupils. Questions about lifestyle through customs in an extremely spare - here use it. Fill every single and culture abounded. It was also bored manner. We had finally arrived tiny gap”. I made sure all the holes great to meet up with so many of my in the part of Malawi we wanted to in every pupil’s net in the block Malawian friends again. Exhausted reach. Well sort of…..there was still were plugged. The situation was as we all were, it was an enjoyable the three hour bus drive to Malosa. sorted - but the reality of being in sub evening. I couldn’t help noticing that by this Saharan Africa had begun to sink in. point a large number of pupils had The church service the next day ‘what on earth have I signed up to?’ The toilets and showers in our was very moving. The boys certainly expressions on their faces. To be fair, block had, unsurprisingly, not been thought so even if they were not mine probably suggested the same. upgraded since our last visit in 2017 particularly religious. The Malosa (or most likely ever at all since the choir had gospel singing down to a We finally got to Chilema (our block was first built) - there were no very fine art. Malosa’s Head Teacher accommodation) which is about a seats on the toilets, no tops on the Father Nasoro led the service. kilometre from Malosa School and as cisterns, limited access to toilet paper ever it came as a bit of a shock to the (luckily the pupils had heeded our lads – certainly in the dormitory block advice to ‘bring their own’) and there I was responsible for. I had warned were no working locks on any of the them of the smell that we were likely doors; they swung open much of the to face and how it was unlikely that time unless we jammed them with what had assaulted my nose last a pair of shoes or a towel. Actually time would be any better two years there was one toilet that looked like later. Bad as it was inside the block it might lock but unfortunately the in 2017, this time it hit us even before pupil who tried it out on the first day we entered. What was it? Perhaps managed to lock himself in and could it would be best not to speculate. As not get out. We were lucky to find a before, we just had to get used to it. caretaker to help (and that took half Then we were off on our project an hour) but despite trying a huge Then there was the threat of work in the villages; viewing what number of keys he couldn’t find malaria. The seriousness of having the funds raised had bought and any way to unlock it and rescue the a mosquito net that properly covered distributing material such as books, situation. In the end the door had to them at night was suddenly apparent toys and sports equipment. Nothing to the boys. I think until the point be broken down by another Malawian could have prepared the lads for the they actually saw them hanging from with a spade. After that we resorted reception they got when they visited the ceiling above their beds some to putting signs made from scraps of the pre-schools and the primary of them thought we had…..well not paper on the toilet and shower doors schools; the African children well exactly been trying to ‘scare’ them, saying ‘in use’. This actually worked I was going to say ‘welcomed us but that we had been exaggerating well and we all respected these enthusiastically’ but a truer phrase matters. “Can malaria actually kill signs. In our block we did however would be ‘went crazy’. You really you sir?” I was asked. “Yes. Why do have hot water! This was the first had to be there. They were so happy you think we have been banging on time in three visits this had been the and so appreciative for what we had about it for months?” I replied. “Go case. We were indeed blessed; the done it is difficult to put what we and get your net sorted right away”. other blocks only had cold. experienced into words. They have

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so little that our donations meant games played at several locations The food during our time at Chilema such a lot and it was clear that they was a 3 -1 loss; which they were was unvarying (as it has been for the would make a huge difference. good naturedly reminded of last ten years). Breakfast was tea, throughout the rest of the trip by a bread, jam, eggs… and not much The full list of what we helped deliver certain member of staff. else. Lunch, whether at Chilema or to 20 different institutions was Malosa was rice, chips, chicken, beef documented by Mr Corby in a letter – which according to some sources to parents some months ago but it is might actually have been goat but as worth restating part of it. a veggie I didn’t attempted to verify AGS students helped provide 300 this - and a mysterious yet delicious school chairs for Malosa School green vegetable. Despite six visits I who were also given computers to have never discovered exactly what furnish the staff room and a second it is; the answer varies according IT room. At two primary schools we who you speak to but I think it’s most were able to see the classroom block probably some sort of spinach. The visits to the villages and seeing improvements that had been made how a sizable number of Africans Mind you, compared to the average and at two others the lads were able have to live was a real eye opener for Malawian we were lucky; Malosa to see the classroom blocks they the pupils. Many were visibly moved had fundraised for actually being students basically have to eat Sima by what they saw. The part of that constructed. They were also able to at every meal. This is the staple diet first week that most clearly sticks in have a go at bricklaying with varying of Malawi and is a type of maize my mind was when the Head Teacher levels of success! porridge which, in my experience, of one village primary school said to is highly indigestible to the western Other institutions benefitted as me ”we have six hundred and thirty stomach. In the spirit of the visit most well; Chilema Ecumenical College pupils and until now we have had lads tried it but I didn’t see anyone received water coolers while at St no proper toilet block. Thank you ever going back for a second helping. Luke’s Hospital we were able to hand for getting one built for us”. (The This isn’t surprising. If your idea of a over laptops for the administrative one they had was essentially a pit good meal is to eat what looks like staff as well as a significant volume of surrounded by sticks and it had been very thick wallpaper paste which medical supplies. We were also able destroyed by the heavy rains). How has no flavour at all and then want to donate 30 new mattresses as well does one respond to that? Of course to enjoy the sensation of having as the wheelchairs that had caused a doing something like this is what the half a brick in your stomach for the problem at Heathrow. Malawi exchange is all about and next three hours while despairingly The lads were successful in installing when I passed that information to the sucking indigestion tablets vainly ten sets of netball posts and hoops lads they started to realise the value hoping to alleviate the discomfort at a number of primary schools. of what they had been contributing …..then tuck in. Otherwise it is Rather embarrassingly, they were towards for the last two years. best avoided. significantly less successful at beating the various girls’ primary school netball teams. If they politely ‘held back’, the African girls didn’t reciprocate. They were fast, agile and very determined. By the time our boys realised the girls ‘meant business’ it was too late. If I recall correctly the overall result of the

96 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 All of this first week was all summed name was (I’m not joking) ‘Danger’ Chifundo, who knew all about the up pertinently by one of the lads and I fervently hoped naming him in strength and temperament of these who put it in a phrase I will never that way was not some prophetic act beasts, wisely decided to take us forget “Sir; this isn’t like the French on the part of his parents. Of course no nearer. exchange is it?” I have never been he knew what he was doing and he on the French exchange but I felt that pointed out the matriarch and her I could honestly answer “no”! You ‘advisors/deputies’ at once and the really had to be there…. sight of the baby elephants being encouraged along by the others is not one to forget. The lads were respectful and took pictures sensibly. Back in the UK they had been warned; there was little doubt what We were less successful in our could have happened if they had decided to make a noise and annoy search for lions. Apparently nine the animals. of them had been introduced into the park shortly after our last visit in 2017. However they prefer the That intense first week is invariably more open ground where they can the part of the trip that makes the clearly see and hunt their prey rather most impression on the lads; the than the area packed with trees and second week is our chance to relax. bushes around our camp. Therefore Our next destination was Mvuu Camp to try to find them we would have in the middle of Liwonde national to travel about 35 km across the Park. As soon as we boarded the bumpy and dusty ‘up and down’ boats to take us upriver you could tracks of the park. Getting up at sense a change. Things were more 5.00 am with a somewhat heavy relaxed - although the sun was even Game drives and boat safaris once heart I always felt that it was an act hotter than at Chilema. The boat we were in the park were, obviously, of supreme optimism to think we trip took well over two hours but this a highlight. For the first time ever might just happen to stumble across didn’t matter. Soon after setting off in Malawi we saw buffalo - one of even one of them in a park totalling we saw hippos close up and for those Africa’s ‘Big Five’ game animals (the five hundred and forty eight square who had not seen a hippo before this others being lion, leopard, rhino, kilometres. So it proved. For our was impressive. Even more so were and elephant). This was genuinely efforts we were rewarded with the the elephants that were by the river’s exciting although the two we came sight of one, single, solitary lion’s edge. I have said before that seeing across looked a good deal less paw print in the dust by the roadside elephants in the wild is very different enthusiastic to see us than we (why only one? Did it hop along in to seeing them in a zoo – indeed it were to see them. The male clearly colossal leaps on one leg?) and a prompts the question as to whether gestured to our jeep with his head in half-eaten waterbuck which the lions such magnificent animals should be a ‘get off my territory now!’ manner. in captivity at all. To state the obvious, His partner, insofar as I was able to had killed a few days previously (we up close they really are huge. Some read the expression of a Malawian smelled it long before we saw it) but visitors to the park never get to see female buffalo, looked even less that was it. Returning to the camp elephants – you have to get lucky welcoming. Having glared at us and muttering darkly about ‘wishing - but within half an hour our guide menacingly for a while she took a I could have had a lie in’ I eventually spotted ‘the heart of a herd’ and drew vicious bite at some foliage as if to got to breakfast about 8.45. Perhaps the boat up adjacent to them. His indicate ‘and you’re next’. Our guide, next time…..

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miraculously found when hard cash really) hot. The suffocating humid was produced, and then an urgent heat hit us as soon as we got out of phone call to the manager of Club the buses and sweat was pouring Mak had him emptying his desk and from us all within minutes. The filing cabinets to find another three scenery was beautiful but most of the which had long ago been stashed time all I could think of was (and this away and forgotten - and so the isn’t product placement) ‘where can I decision was made to proceed with get my next cold Coca-Cola?’ the game. Several days at Mvuu gave way to the visit to Club Makokola (usually Then (according to Mr Carson) “a just abbreviated to Club Mak) random man appeared from behind a on the southern shore of Lake tree and offered to sell us 12 balls for Malawi. A luxury resort that, if I am 2000 Kwatcha” (about £1.80). This honest, made some pupils feel was gratefully accepted. Reports vary slightly uneasy about the opulent as to what happened throughout the surroundings after what they had game in terms of exactly who won seen previously in the villages which hole and who was responsible and schools and also because the for the loss of how many balls. You ‘ordinary people’ of Malawi are not didn’t want to go into the rough for Then it was home time. The even allowed past the entry gate. fear of snakes and scorpions - and departure times themselves were Most of us resolved to buy as many water hazards have been known to not fantastic but at least the planes souvenirs as possible from the have crocodiles in them. It was a were air worthy and on schedule. stalls outside the resort and it was very hot day indeed and I remember We started with a 1.00 am flight to good to see some old friends who I (having had a peaceful morning by had purchased wood carvings from the pool reading a book) looking Kenya. Actually this wasn’t the start before. up about 1.30pm and seeing a as this necessitated a very long day column of stragglers apparently in and evening. We all ended up playing There is a nine hole golf course various degrees of exhaustion and cards and/or watching a televised at Cub Mak. Sounds fun? Well, disorientation returning from the fray Manchester United game in a hotel two years ago having nearly been looking something akin to a gaggle of lobby (very dull to an MK Dons decapitated by the shots of some soldiers participating in Napoleon’s supporter like me) late into the night. Year 10s who claimed to be ’regular retreat from Moscow. Appearances Having made it to Kenya there was players’, I decided to forgo the can be deceptive and they were then the onward flight from Nairobi delights of it this time round. Like actually all in good spirits having after a wait of several more hours. so much on this trip the game did enjoyed the morning - in particular Heathrow was downright cold after not proceed as expected and what Mr Corby’s golf coaching “skills” the temperatures we had endured follows was relayed to me by several (again, apparently, you had to be and of course it started drizzling just different people. To start with, the there) - and they subsequently players were confronted with a as we got out of the terminal! The managed to cool down over a decent sign on the gate saying ‘Course lads were now acclimatised to the lunch in the shade. Closed’. This turned out not to be heat of Africa (and rightly proud of true although the reason for the sign This visit we went to Cape Maclear it) and had forgotten what English quickly became apparent. There for a day which is also on Lake weather is like in April. Our coach was only one golf ball available for Malawi and is somewhere where seemed to have been impounded in players to hire which was clearly we have never been before. I have the holding area of the airport and a distinct disadvantage for the 14 been to Africa many times (and other took ages (and several increasingly pupils Mr Corby and Mr Carson had ‘warm’ parts of the world) but this ‘firm’ phone calls from Mr Corby) to brought along. Another two were place was really, really (no I mean arrive which put all of us in a fractious

98 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 mood but it showed up at last. I never sleep on a plane and by the time I Outlook Expedition to Borneo actually got home I calculated I had been awake for a total of something On Monday 15th July, the from the nearest settlement and like 41 hours. moment we’d been waiting for submerged in the untouched wonders arrived. 18 months of hard work of the rainforest. Our stay included and fundraising came down to river cruises spotting unique species this… a 3-week expedition in such as pygmy elephants, monkeys the heart of tropical Borneo. and eagles, as well as a cookery Most great trips start with an overnight lesson and nighttime walks to fully stay at school, and this was no experience the full extent of the weird exception. With that, and almost and wonderful within the jungle. 24 hours of traveling ahead, there At our second jungle camp, this was plenty of time for everyone to time in the mountain foothills, we get to know the group as we were experienced a more hands-on a tight-knit team of 8 students and exposure to the tribal lifestyle of some 3 members of staff. For many of us, of Boreno’s remaining forest-dwellers this was our first time in Asia and for One final point sticks in my mind. with bamboo carving, trap building some, out of Europe. So our itinerary During the long wait at Nairobi on the and using a blowpipe before spending left no stone unturned when it came way home one lad said to me ‘Sir, a night under the stars, or rather the to fully embracing the local culture are there any other teachers who echoing drums of tropical rain. and experiences. want to come on this trip?’ I replied We soon headed west, back across that although I didn’t know for sure Our adventures began in Sepilok, the the island to one of Borneo’s main there probably were. But I added that heart of the island’s eastern rainforest cities, Kota Kinabalu. In the day, we not everyone might be so keen to do district. Home to the world-famous spent time with a marine conservation it when the realities of the trip and Orangutan sanctuary, we spent a day charity for our ‘project’ phase, the heavy responsibilities we carried in and amongst the wildlife, learning including coral and fish surveys were spelled out (“just think of what the valuable lessons of conservation and beach clean-ups, as well as we’ve been through”). He paused and protection of some of the most lessons in the more recreational for a moment and then said ‘I like all significant, yet endangered rainforest side of snorkelling and free-diving. my teachers at school but now after on the planet. the last two weeks I can’t imagine Whilst in the night-time we were able coming here with anyone other Taking a proper escape from western to experience the malaysian street than you four’. That was a massive influence, we headed next for a jungle markets full of seafood and local compliment and lifted my spirits as I camp on the Kinabatang river, miles cuisine. reflected that we had several more hours to wait before we departed. Naturally most credit must go to Mr Corby for doing the vast bulk of the work over two years, but under him the dream team had delivered again. You really had to be there….

Mr A Grant

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Our penultimate stage was arguably end as we were met at the summit by parts of our expedition, as well as our most challenging of the the sun rise of the peaks of involve ourselves in the purest sense expedition, scaling all 4,095 metres Mount Kinabalu. of local culture and community. of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tallest The rest of our day consisted of Our final day was spent undertaking mountain. Our first day was dedicated carb-loading and our descent. The a tedious search of the markets for to our ascent until we reached our strain on our knees made us question abstract, and ultimately, pointless overnight lodging sat at over 3,000m whether the commitment to the souvenirs, but in the end it gave us above sea level. The plateau in front challenge was worth it, but looking time to reflect on a true exposure of of the hostel offered spectacular back, we can only say it was. views of a region with between 5,000 what once-in-a-lifetime really means, and 6,000 species of plants and over Our journey came to a close in Kudat, something that wouldn’t have been 300 species of birds, as well as a home to the most northern tip in possible without the guidance and spectacular sunset to signal an early Borneo and an otherwise untouched support of both Mr Jones and night, due to our almost inhumane place of paradise. Too far for most Miss Hill. tourists to venture, our time was 1.30am start time the next day. Zach Roberts & Alfie Purvis - However, as we later discovered, the spent helping the local community Hampden 12 numbing of sleep deprivation and with repairs to the village pig-stys and tired limbs was all worth while in the an afternoon entertaining the children of a local school with a mixture of games, sand sculptures and piggy- backs. We were left with no doubt that this was one of the most rewarding

100 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 PTA

of the drama studio, new sound and our target. A Message from lighting equipment, redecoration and For the 2019/20 year the following upgraded facilities. The PTA will events have been confirmed: Laser the PTA be contributing over £20,000 to this Quest, Arts & Craft Show, Curry & project and when you include various Quiz Evening, Barn Dance, Summer At the end of another academic other smaller requests we have Fete, Christmas & Summer Raffles. year, I would like to remind you supported, it brings us to a total of If you would like to join the PTA or about the PTA here at AGS and £35,266 that the PTA have donated just find out more about how we the role we play. Fund raising to the school this year. This is an help the school please email: is our primary aim but we are also amazing achievement and I would [email protected] an important part of the school life, like to say thank you to everyone bringing parents together, helping to who has contributed and made this I’ve only been part of the PTA since make new friends and being part of possible. last November but since 2004 the our son’s school lives. PTA has raised over £329,000 and The work doesn’t stop however, we funded a wide variety of projects for This year is likely to be a record are already looking towards next the benefit of all of our children so I breaking year for the PTA. Thanks year, We are planning to support the would like to thank all of those people to the hard work of our members we refurbishment of one of the computer involved from the core PTA team, applied for and won over £11,000 science rooms which is expected to event leaders to people who help out worth of grants from Aviva which has cost around £25,000. We have our completely funded the new recycling work cut out as we will not have the at all of our events, thank you for your bins throughout the school and the Aviva grant again this year, but I’m contribution. new Rugby scrum machine. We will sure with the support of the PTA team Mr P Tucker – PTA Chair also be supporting the refurbishment and you, the parents we will reach

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School Development to see our students benefiting from Improvement Fund (CIF) from the this upgrade on a daily basis. Government. Works took place over It has once again been a the summer 2018 to improve the busy year in terms of School spread of the electricity load across Development and it gives us our two incoming supplies as well as great pleasure to share our upgrading the control boards. progress. One of the School’s main sources of philanthropic income, Further works during the summer other than specific large-scale capital and early autumn involved the campaigns such as the refurbishment This year our focus for our repair of the windows in the main of Science and Squash, is The Aylesburian Annual Fund has been School building which was funded Aylesburian Annual Fund created on raising funds for the refurbishment by another successful CIF bid in the and managed by the Development of our Maths classrooms and we autumn term, essential and urgent Office. This Fund offers an opportunity are delighted to report that the work was completed to replace for our community to support both money is now in place. It has been the windows in geography, history, current and future generations of another successful year for this English, the Foundation Hall and students at AGS. Through regular Fund, although we would always Dining Hall. giving, our community helps to like to encourage more participation Future Plans realise projects that urgently need our if families are able to help. This Going forward, we have been attention and, which will benefit every refurbishment project will take place working on both the budget for student at AGS. in the summer holiday 2019 to be 2019/20 and our priorities for ready for the new term in September. During August 2018 we refurbished the ongoing development of our two IT rooms in the computer Thank you to everyone who the School’s premises. In April, we building. The refurbishment of the contributes to this essential fund. applied for significant funds via the rooms was funded by our important It continues to have a huge impact Conditions Improvement Fund for the Aylesburian Annual Fund and and provides additional funds to replacement Heating and Roofs. The the support of our exceptionally keep our School site up to date and Conditions Improvement Fund, which hardworking PTA. fit for purpose. More challenging all Academy Schools are allowed to apply for, is an opportunity for us to Money raised by the PTA funded for us than some other Schools as bid for money allocated for projects all the replacement of the hardware we have been on this site for over a which have a Health & Safety or within the IT rooms and our sincere century and many of our facilities are Capacity issue. Unfortunately, we thanks to everyone involved in the deteriorating. We remain one of the were unsuccessful on this occasion PTA. This includes all the parents, twenty lowest funded schools in and so it has meant we have had to Old Aylesburians and friends of the the country. re-prioritise work. School who have attended PTA Less obvious, but equally as events across the year. We really Our planned projects and funding important, we have almost completed are very lucky indeed to have such a streams for urgent work this summer the process of upgrading our dedicated team of parents who work 2019 are: electricity supply to ensure greater tirelessly on behalf of the School. resilience to the School. This is a 1. Heating and Boilers - One of Our IT rooms were an absolute major project funded from the result our biggest identified risks is that priority and so it has been wonderful of a successful bid to the Condition we have been heating the School

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using one main boiler in both the if we are successful, we will then Facebook to reach was many of our Main and Science plant rooms. It work on plans for an internal Old Aylesburians as possible and is clear we cannot go into another refurbishment during summer we are delighted to report that many winter without back-up boilers and 2020. We look forward to reporting OAs now actively engage with us so we have allocated £70,000 on our progress in next year’s - proactively offering their time and to install back-up boilers in both Aylesburian Magazine! expertise. plant rooms during the summer 3. Drama Studio Refurbishment At Senior Prize Giving in September break. This project will now be – Our active and successful OA Chris Price (Phillips ’91) returned funded using the additional money PTA have, over the past as guest of honour. Chris has an allocated this year, as announced few years, organised numerous amazing CV and impressed our by Mr Hammond. At the time, this events and initiatives to students, staff and guests on so was to be used for ‘extras’, but it raise funds for a number of many levels. Head of Music for was then established that funds important projects. Most recently, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Chris is must be spent on capital projects. another example of an OA who has they have helped with the made huge impact in a powerful and 2. Art/DT - The roof of the Wynne refurbishment and equipment of influential industry. Jones building leaks and has IT1 & IT2, and the resurfacing of been causing major issues for the tennis courts. As Head of Music for BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Chris is the creative and some time. It is now in a state of This year our PTA have raised editorial lead for the world’s most disrepair and needs our urgent an astonishing £42,000 which is influential playlists, playing a key role attention. We are delighted to an amazing amount of money. in ensuring the BBC delivers the right share that the John Mason Raven They were keen to support an arts music content on the right platforms Trust has recently donated a total based projects and so the PTA for young audiences. He began his of £300,000 to the School and we funds will refurbish the Drama career in the music industry, working are now in a position to progress Studio, including a new lighting in marketing and distribution roles with the refurbishment of this area and sound system. Again. this for Sony and Warner Music before of the School, including the roof refurbishment will take place transitioning into radio. of the Wynne Jones. Importantly, during the summer holidays. this refurbishment recognises the 4. Maths Classrooms – funded by As Music Producer for BBC Radio 1 Trustees’ desire to spend their The Aylesburian Annual Fund. from 2000 to 2006, he programmed donation on a major project and music and booked events such as We continue to thank everyone, enables us to recognise the Trust’s Radio 1’s Big Weekend. At Radio the parental community, Old support. This area of the School 1 he developed the careers of Aylesburians, former staff and trusts has not been touched since it UK talent such as Keane, Snow who have supported the School this originally opened in 1998 and is no Patrol and The Streets, as well as year and in the past. international artists like The Killers, longer fit for purpose. The first part Rihanna and Scissor Sisters. of the project is the roof and so Alumni Relations and Events this will be completed this summer. We now have 1280 registered In 2006 Chris joined MTV as Director We will be kicking off fundraising Old Aylesburians on our new of Music, devising strategy for the for the internal refurbishment community database and over network’s nine UK channels. At of this area via our Aylesburian 2300 connections on Linkedin. We MTV he and his team gave artists Annual Fund in September and actively communicate via Twitter and such as Adele, Biffy Clyro, Calvin

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Harris, Florence + The Machine Chris tweeted “Such an honour to Brooker, former head of German and Mumford & Sons their first TV help celebrate the school’s highest here at AGS tweeted “Always a joy exposure. achievers. Congratulations to all the to be back at the truly exceptional Later, as Head of Music for streaming prize winners, and thank you AGS for school which is AGS. And what a service Last.fm, Chris was credited the opportunity. Bit of a lump in the delight to meet again Chris Price who throat receiving my Old Aylesburian with introducing editorial to the was in my first formidably clever platform, launching video content hub tie ...” Yr 13 German class at AGS 28 yrs ‘Last.fm Originals’ and offering bands ago. He has done us proud, as do so including Bastille and Kodaline their Wonderful to see some former staff first ever sessions. back at the event too, and Jackie many of our students!”

Prior to re-joining the BBC in 2016, Chris threw his energies into his music strategy consultancy New Slang Media, working with radio and streaming clients such as BT, Vevo, MixRadio, Ministry of Sound Radio and many others.

Through his writing and speaking Chris has forged a reputation as an industry-leading expert on the intersection of streaming and radio playlists. A lifelong music-maker himself, Chris is a trustee of the Our annual Senior Public Speaking Competition was held in October with National Foundation for Youth Music, OA Will Silsby (Denson) returning to adjudicate. investing in music-making projects for children and young people in On Saturday 13 October we held a Decade Reunion for those that left AGS challenging circumstances. He between 1981-1990. is also a Trustee of CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), a male suicide prevention charity.

Chris spoke honestly and openly about his memories of his time at School and how the experience, friendships and the teaching influenced his future education and career. Turning a passion into a profession, friendship, humanitarianism, philanthropy, men’s mental health and being a man in 2018 were amongst his key messages.

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In early December we hosted an Throughout this year OAs have engaging and a story of humility in informal joint event with Aylesbury generously given up their time the face of challenge. Mr Warner, High School. Visitors from a number and returned to talk to our aspiring Catering Manager, created a of decades were represented. medics as part of our Medical delicious three course Indian meal Friends, old and new, enjoyed Society. Chris Pringle (Lee ’18) with all the trimmings, our Year 12 reminiscing about their school days visited AGS in January having sportsmen served the tables, and whilst enjoying a few drinks with completed his first term studying the PTA for provided the bar. A background music from one of our Medicine at Imperial College London. true AGS community effort and a talented musicians. Many took a trip Chris offered lots of sensible advice great opportunity to catch up with down memory lane with a tour of about his first term including an OAs, former staff and friends of the the School remarking on the many overview of his varied timetable, School. The evening also provided changes, but also commenting how the integration between traditional an opportunity to thank all the sports the School still very much ‘felt’ the learning and problem-based staff for their selfless contribution to same. learning (PBL), involvement with sport at the School. clinical exposure and the lectures he is enjoying from leading clinical professionals.

The Medical Society goes from strength to strength and for a second year we held a Medical School Interview Practice Session afternoon In February we hosted House which took place on 22 November. Music and we were delighted to We were grateful to have tremendous welcome back Chris Price (Phillips support from OAs and parents who ‘91) as our guest adjudicator. Huge so generously gave up their time to congratulations to Paul Dean and help our current students prepare Lee House on their victory. Really In May we welcomed back Professor for interviews for their university well deserved. Sir Tim Besley CBE FBA (Phillips places – our thanks to everyone who On Saturday 30 March we hosted ‘79) as our first guest speaker for our supported this worthwhile event. our Celebration of Sport Dinner, a new Politics and Economics Society. thoroughly enjoyable evening with Tim is an academic economist who is over 120 OAs, current sportsmen, School Professor of Economics and former staff and friends of AGS Political Science and Sir W. Arthur joining us in the Foundation Hall. Lewis Professor of Development Our guest speaker was Mr Graham Economics at the London School Poll, ex-professional football referee of Economics. He is also a two- and father of OA Harry Poll (Phillips year fellow at All Souls College, ’18). His speech was humorous, Oxford and since 2015, has been

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a commissioner on the National Our Inspirational Speakers Research Fellow at Onward & Senior Infrastructure Commission. Tim Programme for our Sixth Form Consultant at WPI Economics, and Matt Lever (Paterson ‘10) Senior delivered a talk on Economics and students has continued to flourish this year – another great initiative Policy Adviser at 10 Downing Street Politics and its importance in an ever- supported by our engaged Old took time to share their expertise just changing economic and geopolitical before the Easter break. Their talk Aylesburian Community. Scott climate. It was a fascinating and was hugely engaging and topical, Davies (Phillips ‘04) gave an honest enjoyable evening and our thanks to speaking about the opportunities and powerful talk on gambling for working in government, the Tim and our Economics and Politics addiction and its impact - a difficult positives and negatives and gave Society who organised this fantastic story, but a very important one. Guy advice for anyone wanting to work event for students, parents and staff. Miscampbell (Phillips ‘09), Senior in government. Matt and Guy also took time to share their personal journeys and answered the many questions that were posed.

Our annual OA Cricket Match and afternoon tea was held on Wednesday 26 June. This year, rather than OAs playing against our current first team, the two teams, namely AGS Legends and AGS Superstars, were made up of both current students and Old Aylesburians.

AGS Superstars won the toss & had a bat. They finished on 139-6 off 25 overs. Laljani 50* (retired), Sim 47, Burden 10*. AGS legends bowling highlight: Iqbal 3 for 9 off3, Carter 2 for 16 off 4, Woodward 1 for 16 off 3.

AGS Legends comfortably chased down the target in 19 overs to claim victory this year. Mr Webley 41*, Hutt 34, Evans 24*. Superstars bowling highlight was Boyd who took 2 for 1 off 2 including the wickets of Hutt & Carter. Burden 1-17-3, Faulkner 1-10-3, Pandey 1-18-3.

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At 4pm a delicious afternoon On 1 July we welcomed back around made his international screen debut tea provided by Steve Warner 35 OAs who returned to inspire the in the supernatural thriller series and his team was served in the current year 12 students. A whole ‘The Innocents’ on Netflix, and can Headmaster’s Quad before the host of OAs who left between 2010 currently be heard on Radio 4 as the cricketers returned to their match. and 2018 returned to share their mischievous Ruairi in ‘The Archers’. We would very much like to thank experiences post A Levels, whether Junior Prizegiving was a wonderful everyone for coming back to take they followed the university path, event in the School calendar with part in the fixture. It was a fantastic apprenticeships, started a career or fabulous speeches from the students match played in excellent conditions took a gap year. This afternoon was and some big, important messages and in a great spirit. part of our continued enrichment from Arthur – to embrace the breadth AGS Superstars programme for our current Sixth of opportunity available at our School Form students and we were and to use and enjoy the support, delighted to see some many OAs space and time to find out what you return to share their experiences to are good at. Thank you Arthur. support this important and worthwhile initiative for our students. Thank you to all our Old Aylesburians who returned and shared their stories and advice. Back row- left to right: Josh Thompson, Usman Khan (Yr13), Mikey Burden, Tom Faulkner, Vibhav Pandey (Yr13), Dom Boyd (Yr12), Sam Gilbert (Yr11) Chairman of Governors, Richard Front row – left to right: Williams and Arthur Hughes Jack Thorn, Hamish Sim, Milan Laljani (Yr13), Kavi Mojaria (Yr12), Junior Public Speaking on Tuesday Ryan Connor (Yr11) 9 July was adjudicated by OA Sam At Junior Prize Giving on 3 July Dickson (Paterson ’11). Sam joined AGS Legends we welcomed OA Arthur Hughes AGS in September 2004 and was (Paterson ’10) as our Guest Speaker. head boy of School in his final Arthur left AGS in 2010, and moved year. After A Levels Sam went to to Cardiff to begin his actor training Cambridge to study history before at the Royal Welsh College of moving to Paris where he studied for Music & Drama. Upon graduating a Masters in politics and economics. in 2013 Arthur moved to London He spent two years working for the and joined the BBC Radio Drama Foreign Office representing the UK in Company, providing many of the international organisations in Geneva Back row- left to right: voices for various Radio 4 plays and and Paris. Since returning to London Max Hutt, Ali Bee, Liam Evans, Billy productions. Since then, Arthur has in 2017 Sam has worked as a Senior Jackson, Mr Webley, Will Woodward worked at theatres across London Policy Adviser at the Treasury. Front row – left to right: and the UK, including the National In this role, he runs high priority Oli Sutcliffe, Tom Carter (Yr13), Ben Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, projects, such as coordinating the Ratcliffe (Yr12), Max Ramsey (Yr12), Regents Park Open Air Theatre and 2018 Budget and preparing border Kai Bailey (Yr11), Ahmad Iqbal Sheffield Crucible. In 2018, Arthur arrangements in case of a No Deal

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Brexit. Congratulations to Paterson Firstly, from our Commemorative costs, Inevitably, the capital outlay House who were the overall winners Book (1958-1998) written by the exceeded the estimates, but, nothing this year. late Professor William Mead and daunted, the list was soon extended secondly, words from an extract from in order to double the provisions the 1993 Aylesburian publication in the audio-active room and – written by Ian Roe (Headmaster unsuccessfully – to equip a room for 1992 - 1998). pottery and sculpture. There a section in our book, that Although K.D Smith found a relatively talks about KDs arrival at the School strong Foundation, the finances in 1967. It’s aptly entitled ‘A Time of available from the County Council Fulfilment’. were seriously inadequate. His first “Keith Smith took over from Lionel task was to persuade the Education On Friday 12 July we welcomed Tidmarsh at a strategic time the Officers that extra money should be former Headmaster KD Smith and spring term in 1967. He came from a made available for equipment and his family back to school to celebrate deputy headship at Theale Grammar books for the new Nuffield Science his 90th Birthday. Former colleagues, School in Berkshire. He was the first courses in Physics, chemistry and students, governors and parents head not to occupy the headmaster’s biology that had been introduced also returned to pay their respects house. The Foundation Governors throughout the school. Within a week and celebrate with Keith. KD was were of the opinion that it was not of appointment, he also persuaded Headmaster here at Aylesbury a suitable residence but, that with the Chief Education Officer, Roy Grammar School from 1967 - 1992. limited alterations, it could provide Harding, to provide a minor works It’s difficult to condense in just a satisfactory accommodation for project to create four housemaster few words the impact KD had on sixth form teaching. In fact, the new rooms. This was the first necessary our School and indeed education Headmaster entered the school at step in changing the bias of pastoral generally over the years, but perhaps what was relatively speaking not an care in the school from a form master the best way to do this is to take inauspicious time financially for the system to one based on the house some words written by colleagues school Foundation. Cash funds had organisation. and friends who knew him well. been accumulating and the Chairman of Governors (27/11/1967) proposed Beyond the school, KD was that a number of worthwhile projects responsible for the establishment might be supported. It did not take of Aylesbury Youth Action, of which K.D. Smith long to produce a list, he was to remain chairman into his together with estimated costs. retirement. Principal among the items were squash courts (four were completed In 1992, Keith Smith retired, in 1968 with a common spectators’ leaving the school at the height of gallery), a standard indoor rifle its achievements, His talents and range (completed in 1969), funds for energy were immediately sought by the school library, a minibus and a a number of national institutions. grant for the sixth form house. The For his contributions to the school, County Council agreed to cover the the town, the county and indeed the costs of maintaining and running the nation at large, he was awarded the minibus, plus licensing and insurance OBE in 1993”

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We pick up now, with Ian Roe’s of local politicians was beginning to an incredible memory. editorial piece in the 1993 waver he provided the leadership This year’s OA 5-a-side football Aylesburian Magazine celebrating that was needed for all those willing tournament, in a new Saturday KD’s time at the School to fight the cause. slot on Saturday 13th July, was the “We were all delighted to hear the However, it is AGS itself which owes biggest ever. The twelve competing news of Keith Smith’s OBE in the the greatest debt of gratitude to teams included 2 staff sides, a team New Year’s Honours List. This Keith. He fought for high standards from the departing Year 13s and 9 was just recognition for a lifetime whilst at the same time encouraging other sides spanning 20 years of of service not only to Aylesbury the most modern approaches to AGS footballers. Grammar School but to Education in teaching. He stood strongly and Split into 2 groups of 6, each team general. Keith became a personality firmly for his own beliefs and yet played 5 group matches, with the of some standing at national level showed his caring side in his help for all his work for the Secondary for individual pupils, his support top 2 qualifying for the semi finals. Heads Association, for the C.C.P.R for community service and his Despite the differences in age and and the Sports Council. He encouragement to us all to develop in some cases fitness levels, all the holds passionate views about the our social conscience. On account teams were competitive and won at importance of sport in the physical of all this work Keith was elected least 1 game. In the first semi final and personal development of young a member of the Headmasters’ last year’s leavers, captained by people and has fought vigorously for Conference – a distinction given to Leo Blackman defeated the OAs of an increase of resources to schools. very few Heads of state schools. 2013-2014 captained by Toby Vinter He has taken a leading part on the 4-1 after some superb finishing. The SHA International Committee and I am sure that the world of Education other semi final saw Luke Starr’s has made visits to China, German, will still benefit from Keith’s work team, resplendent in a range of Denmark, America and Holland. He and interest. He was too involved to retro Coventry City shirts beat the has always been keen to bring back want to switch off completely. He will OAs from 2015-2016 (captained new ideas to this country and to help be able to enjoy longer visits to the by Liam King) 4-0. By the time of pupils in poorer nations where he Lakes to run up Helvelyn and walk the final, legs were clearly tiring on could see there was a need. I can round his beloved Buttermere. He a hot afternoon and two evenly- remember seeing the floor of his will be pleased to have more time matched teams drew 0-0 before Leo study covered with books that he to devote to his family. We all thank Blackman’s team scored a ‘golden had bought in a sale out of proceeds him for his lifetime of service and goal’ in extra time to claim the trophy. of a special charity collection and wish him every happiness and good which he was planning to send to health in the future.” We also conducted tours of the Chinese students whom he had seen School and guests enjoyed Pizza It was a wonderful occasion for a struggling to study English Literature and Drinks in the Headmaster’s very special man and it was our with the most meagre ration of books. Quad. Great music was delivered pleasure to host such an event by Mr Nathan and our talent AGS to celebrate KD’s 90th Birthday. On a County level Keith was a musicians including OA Mark It is understood, when KD was stalwart in representing teachers’ Herdman (Phillips ’15) who returned views on the Educatoin Committee Headmaster at the School, the staff to play on drums. and being the County Convener used to take bets at Speech Day as for Secondary Heads. He was at to how long his speech would be that Many thanks to all the OAs who the forefront of the battle to retain year. At 90 years old he still managed came back to support a really Grammar Schools through the to speak for some 30 minutes without competitive tournament and 1970s, and at a time when the will a script at his Afternoon Tea! He has enjoyable afternoon. It was great

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to see so many OAs back playing University Course football at AGS. Aston University Pharmacy Remembering Charlie Dunne Bangor University Electronic Engineering (Denson ’18) University of Bath Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering On Wednesday 17 July we were University of Birmingham Geography honoured to welcome back to Birmingham City University Criminology, Policing and Investigation School the Dunne family and Charlie’s friends and staff to unveil Bournemouth University Biological Sciences, Computing the memorial clock in honour of University of Bradford Clinical Sciences University of Brighton Sport and Exercise Science, Nursing (Mental Health) University of Bristol German and Spanish, Medicine (2), Aerospace Engineering, Economics and Finance and Economics University of the West of Computer Science England, Bristol Brunel University, London Computer Science with Professional Practice, Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Professional Development, Aerospace Engineering with Professional Development University of Buckingham Business Economics University of Cambridge Natural Sciences (3), Modern and Medieval Languages, Economics and Mathematics Cardiff University Journalism, Communications and Politics, German and Italian, Medicine, English Language and Linguistics and Biological OA Charlie Dunne. Thank you to Sciences everyone for your kindness and City, University of London Mathematics and Finance grace. Charlie will never be forgotten. Coventry University Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Mrs A Cox & Mrs N Taylor De Montfort University Economics and Finance Class of 2018 Alumni University of Dundee Law (Eng/NI) with Oil and Gas Law

Our class of 2018 went on to Durham University Modern Languages and Cultures, Engineering, Philosophy, Politics and study at 50 different institutions Economics, Mathematics (2) embarking on 140 different courses, some took a gap year whilst others University of East Anglia International Relations and Modern History, Mathematics took apprenticeship positions or commenced full time employment. University of Exeter Modern Languages (2), Economics, Business Economics with International Study, Archaeology with Forensic Science, Business, Business Economics University of Gloucestershire Sports Journalism

University of Huddersfield Computer Science with Games Programming

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University Course Imperial College London Medicine (2), Computing King 's College London War Studies and History, Computer Science Lancaster University Natural Sciences, Politics, Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology University of Leeds Politics, French, Economics and Finance University of Leicester Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine University of Liverpool Music Loughborough University Automotive Engineering, International Relations, Economics, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, User Centred Design, History, Automotive Engineering, Sports Technology, Aeronautical Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science London School of Economics Finance, Economics, Accounting and Finance, Mathematics with Economics Manchester Metropolitan Chemical Engineering, Accounting and Finance University The University of Manchester History and Sociology, Chemistry, Physics with Theoretical Physics, Medicine Newcastle University Biomedical Sciences University of Nottingham Medicine (2), Architectural Environment Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering including an Industrial year, Pharmacy, Mechanical Engineering, English and French Nottingham Trent University Economics, Business Management and Marketing, Furniture and Product Design University of Oxford Physics University of Plymouth Architecture, Biomedical Science University of Portsmouth Sport and Exercise Science, International Relations and Politics Queen Mary, University of London Medicine, Mathematics with Actuarial Science with Professional Placement, History Ravensbourne University London Music and Sound Design Royal Holloway, London of London Music University of Salford Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year University of Sheffield Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry University of Southampton Medicine (2), Aeronautics and Astronautics, Geography, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chemistry University of St Andrews Social Anthropology, English University of Surrey Aerospace Engineering University of Sussex Biosciences with a Foundation Year, Mathematics, Business, Management and Economics Swansea University Accounting and Finance, Psychology, Economics and Business, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics and Sport Science, Ancient History University College London Medicine University of Warwick Mathematics and Physics, Management University of York Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2), Environment, Economics and Ecology, Natural Sciences, History of Art

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 111 PRIZE WINNERS

Junior Prize Giving 2019

Year 7 - Harding Subject Prizes Art: Joshua Hilbocus Geography: Anthony Unugboke Classical Studies: Dominic Beattie Religious Studies: Anthony Unugboke Computer Science: George Jackson German: Tom Poole Design Technology: James Quinn History: Dhruv Kale Mathematics: James Quinn Science: Dhruv Kale Drama: Levi Mobisa Music: Winfred Gotah English: William Johnson PE: Nathan Hancox French: Malachy Foley Spanish: Henry Wallington

Head of Year 7 Award for Achievement James Davies, Joseph Fernando, William Johnson, Oliver Reading

Year 8 - Harding Subject Prizes Art: Johan Jose History: Jamie Baker Computer Science: Tymon Mante Geography: Fionn Clancy Latin: Tymon Mante German: Fionn Clancy Design Technology: Craig Pereira Mathematics: George Mansfield Drama: Flynn Timberlake Spanish: George Mansfield English: Isaac Salle PE: Billy Knibb Music: Isaac Salle Religious Studies: Yuv Saxena French: Jamie Baker Science: Alexander Davis

Head of Year 8 Award for Achievement Robin Craven, Callum Meader, Tommy Meader, Max Ward

Year 9 - Harding Subject Prizes Art: Logan Walmsley Geography: Charles Edwards Drama: Logan Walmsley History: Charles Edwards Biology: Toby Webster Latin: Aadhav Sakthivel German: Toby Webster Mathematics: Morgan Billings Chemistry: Aarya Poondy Spanish: Morgan Billings Computer Science: Callum Kiteley Music: Aidan Murrell Design Technology: Liam Purchase PE: Josh Armstrong English: Daniel Compton Physics: Tony Alocious French: Aaron MacWhirter Religious Studies: Ethan Sithamparapillai

Head of Year 9 Award for Achievement The Harry Hewitt Memorial Shield Nick Cay, Eric Chen, Ewan Dixon, Jason Stephens Aaron MacWhirter

The Glenn Turnell Cup The Ben Pickard Trophy for Excellence Harry Wilson Dilraj Shergill

The Old Aylesburians’ Association The Mike Griffin Cup Community Prize Matteo Bellini Tom Steel

112 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 Senior Prize Giving 2019

Year 10 - Harding Subject Prizes Ancient History: Imran Salawu German: Josh Mobsby Art: Leo Pichler English: Bill Duling Biology: Shantanu Kale French: Bill Duling Geography: Shantanu Kale Geology: Jai Horwood Business: Lukas Jenkins History: Ashwin Aggarwal Chemistry: Zayd Alam Music: Ashwin Aggarwal Computing: Tharrshann Logarajah Latin: Marcus Birch Design Technology: David Gasinski Mathematics: Bhavan Jeyanathan Drama: Aymaan Sheikh PE: Harry Jones Spanish: Aymaan Sheikh Physics: Muhammad Moeen Economics: Josh Mobsby Religious Studies: Fahd Al-Kheralla

Head of Year 10 Award for Achievement Tom Hounsell, Michael Joshua, Harry Maltby, Imran Salawu

Year 11 - Harding Subject Prizes Ancient History: Sam George English: Ben Harding Art: Ben Latham French: Tishe Coker Biology: Reece Wilcock German: Edward Maher Geography: Reece Wilcock Latin: Edward Maher Business: Freddie Osborne-Fardon Geology: James Davies Chemistry: Tobi Dairo History: Aidan Manley Physics: Tobi Dairo Mathematics: Karan Elangovan Computing: Miles Lewis Music: Corin Scott Design Technology: Sam Packer PE: Ish Rahim Drama: Ben Mitchell Spanish: Hasan Sheikh Economics: Major Shokar

Head of Year 11 Award for Achievement Mesbah Ahmed, Ollie McKenna, Ned Morris, Reece Wilcock

The Richard Bennett Prize Ish Rahim

The Old Aylesburians’ Association Community Prize George Atwell

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 113 PRIZE WINNERS

Year 12 - Harding Subject Prizes Biology: Razvan Moiseanu Further Mathematics: Dylan Cleveland Business: Thomas Woodage Physics: Dylan Cleveland PE: Thomas Woodage Geography: Fitz Steger-Lewis Chemistry: Joshua Greig German: James Brock Computing: Devon Connor History: Adam Page Design Technology: Archie Winstone-Partridge Latin: Max Barrett Drama: Ben Parkinson Mathematics: Aman Sadiq Economics: Harvey Newland-Smith Music: Tom Proctor English Lang. & Literature: Theo Nze Politics: Freddie Johnson French: Theo Nze Psychology: Dylan Evans English Literature: Dylan Holmes-Cowan Spanish: Max Ramsey EPQ: Zach Roberts

Head of Year 12 Award for Achievement Previn Chady, Tom Giles, Boyzie Morse, Josh Wilson

The Keith Smith Prize Andrew Claassen

The Stephen Shipperly Prize for Enterprise and Innovation Dylan Cleveland, Jordan Cobley, Tom Ellis, George Plummer, Aidan Purchase, Calum West

The Beattie Cup for Musicianship Dylan Holmes-Cowan

The Harvard Book Prize Shoheb Hassan

Year 13 - Harding Subject Prizes Ancient History: Callum Evans Design Technology: Matthew Tattam Art: William Irons Drama: Ben Simon

Donated Subject Prizes Glover Prize for The Arts Isaac MacDonald Dame Kathleen Raven Prize for Biology Dominic Histed James Bowe Prize for Business Mitchell Walker Raven Prize for Chemistry Michael Roach Fleet Prize for Computing Daniel Norris Chiltern Hundreds Prize for EPQ Thomas Aston Webb Prize for Economics Vibhav Pandey Deeming Prize for English Joe Harrington MacLeod Prize for English Language and Literature Aaron Sidhu Furley Prize for French Sam Carter Brooker Prize for German Sam Carter Belger Prize for Further Mathematics Fred Phillips Lloyd-Jones Prize for Geography Matthew Jones Owen Prize for History James Weller John Hunt Prize for Spanish James Weller Brown Prize for Mathematical Physics Tom Lewis Miscampbell Prize for Mathematics Dan Penaliggon Professor Mead Prize for Music Joey Horrox Mackrill Prize for PE James Glover Furneaux Prize for Physics Tommy Williams Jones Prize for Politics Charlie Collie Helliwell Prize for Science James Kleppen 114 The Aylesburian 2018/2019 The Alec Lowndes Knight Award for Endeavour Milan Laljani

The Old Aylesburians’ Association Community Prize Josh Horton

Awards for Commitment to Enterprise Alexander Ayerst, Sam Harding, Ryan Willis

The Disraeli Prize for Debating Finn Bell, Cameron MacDonald

The P J Larkham Prize for Theatre Joe Harrington

The John Prodger Cup for Sporting Achievement James Richardson

The Thomson Cup for Sportsmanship Thomas Aston

The Charlie Dunne ‘Aylesburian’ Award for Participation and Contribution to House and School Life Isaac MacDonald

Denson Prizes for Excellent A Level Results Krishna Chintamreddy Matthew Jones James Kleppen Alex Piddington Callum Evans Aran Kavan James Manley Jack South Joseph Hounsell Alastair Kemp Vibhav Pandey Nathan Walemba Zain Ishtiaq

Foundation Governors’ Prizes For Outstanding A Level Results Thomas Aston Joe Harrington Isaac MacDonald Aaron Sidhu Alex Bailey Thomas Hinson Jack Nuttall Raihaan Usman Henry Bambrick Dominic Histed Adam Payne Vishal Varadraj Finn Bell Josh Horton Dan Penaliggon Mitchell Walker Matt Bird William Irons Fred Phillips James Weller Sam Carter Jakeesan Kirubatharan Nirosan Pragash Timothy Wheeler Richard Chappell Tom Lewis Michael Roach Tommy Williams Flynn Collins Cameron MacDonald Stefan Sepamalai

Paterson Prizes Deputy Head Boys: Finn Bell, Sam Robertson Head Boy: Sam Carter

Aylesbury Grammar School would like to thank The William Harding’s Charity for their generous support in funding the Harding Prizes

The Aylesburian 2018/2019 115 Ideas for Print Print - Design Websites - Social Signage - Merchandise

Get Social With Us tel 01296 489998 email [email protected] www.freshdps.co.uk 2 Townsend Piece, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8BQ Ideas for Print Print - Design Websites - Social Signage - Merchandise

Get Social With Us or tel 01296 489998 email [email protected] www.freshdps.co.uk 2 Townsend Piece, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8BQ The Aylesburian 2018/2019 117 www.ags.bucks.sch.uk Respect & Aspire