Twycross Times

SUMMER 2017 TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL TIMES TWYCROSS HOUSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Twycross House Sport Success 2016-2017 Both senior and junior school teams have enjoyed phenomenal success across a wide range of sports this year. The U20, U17 and U14 male and female Ultimate teams were National Indoor Champions in five out of the six categories and were runners up in the sixth. The U15 boys’ football team won the Nuneaton and District Cup and were runners up in the District League Division 1. The U14 and U16 boys’ basketball teams won the District Tournaments and the U16 team went on to claim the County title and finish in the last 32 of the national English Schools’ competition. The U13 boys’ table tennis team won the District Tournament and went on to represent North Warwickshire at the School Games Finals at Coventry University. The U13 girls’ tennis team were the top team in Leicestershire defeating the likes of Loughborough Grammar and Leicester Grammar whilst the U15 boys finished as runners up in Division 1. The U15, U13 and U12 netball teams all finished second only to the mighty Higham Lane in their District Netball Leagues, whilst the U11 team did even better, winning the District League and Cup and then the Warwickshire School Games title as well. Further junior success included the U11 girls and boys cross country teams winning the District Championship, the U11 girls winning the District Athletics and the U10 and U11 teams winning the overall title; the U9 girls winning the District cross country race; the U11 mixed hockey and mixed rounders teams winning the District Tournament and representing North Warwickshire at the School Games; the U11 girls rounders team winning the District Tournament; the U10 boys’ football team winning the district Cup; and the U11 swimming team finishing a very close second in the District Gala. In addition there are many individual pupils are excelling in their chosen sports and activities and gaining GB, Midlands, County and District honours. These representative honours vary widely from our many GB Ultimate players including Kate Gibson and Amy van Zyl who have been selected for the U24 Womens’ GB team to compete in Australia, to Midland basketballer Ethan Morrell who is also a County footballer, Ellen Oberheim who was winner of international dance competitions and Jai Parmar who is a top youth polo player. Congratulations to all and we look forward to an equally successful year in 2017-2018.

A level and GCSE success at Twycross House School Students, parents and staff at Twycross House School are celebrating exceptional results both at A level and GCSE, which are the culmination of great commitment and hard work over the last two years.

A Level Results At A level 31 students took a total of 96 A levels in 18 subjects. The pass rate was 100% 20% of the passes were A* grades 46% were at A* or A 73% at A*, A or B 90% grades A to C.

These excellent results have enabled them to make successful applications to universities around the country. Many of our students obtained all A*/A grades and deserve particular mention: Eleanor Christon has achieved a place at Birmingham to study biochemistry; Bronte Dufour will read international relations at St Andrews; Amman Malik medicine at Birmingham, George Pickens chemical engineering at Bath and Joseph Dugas chemistry at Durham. Tomas Moghadam has obtained a prestigious offer from Christ Church College, Oxford University to read Physics, Paige Thomas has a place to read mathematics at St Andrews, and Amy van Zyl will travel to Bath to read PPE. Isobel Sinclair was awarded A* in English Literature and Latin and an A in Greek; she is taking a working gap year and will apply for university entrance in 2018. We would also like to congratulate Euan Tebbutt, who attained five A* and one A grade, and has not only achieved a place at Jesus College, Cambridge to read Maths with Physics, but who also over the summer won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad in Indonesia, and a bronze medal at the International Olympiad in Informatics in Tehran. Headmaster Steve Assinder said: ‘We are immensely proud of these outstanding results, which are a credit to the students, their supportive parents and of course our teaching staff. These results are testament to the great industry and dedication of the young people we teach, and I am so pleased that the students have also continued to experience such broad and varied opportunities. Many of our Upper Sixth leavers have been at Twycross House since the age of four. It is with great pride and confidence that we send them off to their bright futures, and we look forward to celebrating their success at our Presentation Evening in November.’

GCSE Results At GCSE the 42 students are to be congratulated for their excellent set of results. 100% passed 5 or more A* - C: 9-4 grades each and including 9-4 in both English and Maths. 28% were at A*:9-8 63 % at A*:9-8 and A:7 93% at A*:9/8, A:7 and B:6/5

This means that the percentage of our students achieving these top grades maintains the excellent standard of previous years. Among the many excellent individual performances were Oliver West, with seven grades at A* and three 9s, and Olivia Milner, who achieved six grades at A*and two 9s, and one A grade and one 8. Headmaster Steve Assinder said, ‘We are all delighted to see the hard work of our students rewarded by these excellent results. They have received a high level of support throughout both from our able and committed teaching staff, and from their parents. We are very proud of all they have achieved. Congratulations to everybody and best wishes for further success at A-level.’

Real Ecology can only be taught outside! Lower Sixth students battled the elements, in North Wales, to complete their ecology research practicals. Day 1: Freshwater ecology Rivers are aquatic ecosystems in which there is an interaction between abiotic factors and biotic factors. The abiotic characteristics of rivers and streams change along their length and in turn distribution of living organisms can vary. Students were asked to sample three sites along a river to observe how the diversity of invertebrates varies with distance upstream of the source of the river. The sampling at each site used the kick-sample technique which allowed the students to measure the biotic components of the river e.g. invertebrate species. Day 2: Rocky shore ecology Shore communities are dependent upon two major Duke of Edinburgh Success factors; the tides and wave action. Tides expose the This year the Gold groups enjoyed organisms to large temperature variation and drying, better weather for their final expedition whilst the force of the waves may dislodge organisms in Snowdonia. The navigation from the rock. Students completed belt transects to however proved just as challenging! study the distribution of organisms and then studied Congratulations to the participants the heights of Patella Vulgati (limpets) on exposed for their teamwork, humour and and sheltered rock faces. The data collected allowed students determination which enabled them to to complete statistical analysis to determine if the results were successfully complete the challenge. significant or due to chance. Earlier in the term the Bronze groups all Day 3: Sand dune ecology successfully completed their expeditions and it is excellent to see that many have The process of change in a now enrolled to take part in the Silver plant community over time is expedition in September. called ecological succession. Succession occurs in sand dunes following the initial colonisation of an embryo dune. As species become established, they have an impact on the abiotic environment of the sand dune such that it becomes more favourable to other species. Over time, the species of plant will change until a climax community (stable) is reached in the grey dune. Students completed a transect to collect data on the distribution of species, enabling students to observe the process of succession and identify the pioneer species. The field trip was a great success with the students determined to not let the weather ruin their fun. Let’s hope for better weather next year! Mrs Lauder

Swallows Hill Summer School This year activities included bushcraft and den building, abseiling and climbing, watersports and low ropes.

Form 3 Alice in Wonderland To give Form 3 a little taster of what they could expect from Drama next year, we spent the last half term working on a mini-version of Alice in Wonderland. It was very much an experimental piece where the cast played everything from trees to mushrooms to a chest of drawers – and not once did they question my sanity! We had 8 different Alices and each girl performed with confidence and with the right level of curiosity for the young girl who finds herself in the mad world of Wonderland. The children were keen to showcase what they had been working on to their parents so on the last Wednesday of term, we all ventured outside to the shade of the horse chestnut tree on the field to put on the play. The sun was shining and it was an ideal setting for the play. Every child played a pivotal part in the performance and certainly made it evident that we have some very talented actors in this year group. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next year in our lessons! Miss E Clift

Plant Crazy Form 3 have been busy this term in Biology on their ‘Plants’ topic. We set up mini greenhouses so that we could watch the runner beans growing. Form 4X Charity Event Form 4x organised their own charity Courgette, pea and edible event in May. The pupils formed small nasturtium plants were groups and organised: a table tennis grown for all the children to take competition; table tennis rally; guess the home - and look after, hopefully! number of sweets in a jar; name the teddy; The annual ‘vegemal’ competition lottery; and a 1p and 2p challenge to go was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. all around Swallows. On the Thursday Amazing models of dolphins, owls and they held: a healthy and unhealthy cake tortoises were imaginatively created sale; sweet sale; pin the tail on the tiger; from assorted fruit and veg. The bounce the ball into the cup; move children (and perhaps the parents!) smarties between tubs using straws; pick certainly have some creative flair. up sweets with chopsticks; and throw the wet sponges at William and Theo. This was followed by the miniature Finally the remaining water was thrown garden competition. Once again a over them. Prizes were awarded to fantastic set of gardens in boxes, bowls Ben McLean, and pots were brought into school. Charlotte Brooks Both competitions were judged by our and Mila Ellis- two wonderful Science Technicians Edwards. Working Mrs L. Watson and Mrs L Cooper. as an excellent Once again they had a very difficult task, but the best four from team they raised each class were awarded small prizes. a total of £178.93 for the Swallows Not to be outdone by their younger colleagues, Form 5s were Charity ‘Back-Up’. given a post exam task. Using only potatoes, carrots, beans, sweet corn and peas and a few wooden sticks, they had to Mrs G Leney create an animal. They certainly let their imagination run riot! Mrs L Holland

French Trip to Maison Claire Fontaine 2017 Early on Sunday morning a bleary-eyed group of Senior 3 students and their teachers gathered in the school car park to start their French adventure. It was half -term and they had a long journey ahead of them – 15 hours in a hot and sticky coach! The coach pulled in finally at Maison Claire Fontaine in Burgundy that evening, just as dinner was served – spaghetti Bolognese – and although we were all very hungry we had to sort out dormitories and listen to the house rules and have our fire drill before we could tuck in! The first day was spent at the circus tent and doing archery. It was a really hot day under the big top. Laurent our circus leader took us through our warm up and soon had us shimmying up the ribbon and balancing on the trapeze. We also learned to use our body weight to balance each other in a miniature human pyramid! On Tuesday morning, we baked a cake called a Tartouillet, made from apples. It was a culinary competition to be judged by Mrs Knight and Miss Clift based on taste and presentation as well as being our dessert that evening. In the afternoon, we visited a beautiful chateau complete with moat and bridge, the home of Roger de Bussy-Rabutin, who had been exiled from Versailles by Louis XIV. After a short tour, we completed a maze game in the grounds of the chateau. It was so hot and a very long way to run while having to remember at least a couple of questions from the information we had been given on the tour, so both brains and stamina were required! On Wednesday, after a quick lesson on shopping vocab, we visited a medieval town called Noyers-sur-Seine to buy our lunch. It was an exercise in teamwork and bravery to try out our French on the stall holders. Once back at the centre we prepared and presented our feasts to the rest of the group before we tucked in! In the afternoon, we visited Vezeley Basillica – a stunning cathedral on the top of a hill. The views across the Burgundy landscape were breath- taking and well worth the climb (and the French questionnaire we had to complete on the way up). We had a bit of free time afterwards which was mostly spent queueing for ice-cream, kindly bought for us by Mr Assinder! Merci! Thursday seemed to go in a flash and after making mosaics in the morning and a quick trip to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for the journey back, we were suddenly having our last meal and final presentations. Along with many prize-winners for the activities and various competitions we had taken part in during the week there was an opportunity to try the local Burgundian specialitiy……you’ve guessed it, snails! Congratulations must go to Frank Burton and Mia Clark who were awarded the ambassadeur and ambassadrice of the week. A disco rounded off what had been a magnificent week and we said our fond farewells to the staff at Maison Claire Fontaine, grateful for a fabulous experience and one which I am sure will stay with us for a long time. Mrs V Knight

The Hike Geography Field Trip Report At the end of a long week of exams, At the end of the summer term the senior 4 Geographers Swallows Hill went on their annual hike took part in 3 days of field work activities. These field to let off steam! This year the energetic work experiences provide a fundamental part of the new pupils explored the terrain of Bradgate Geography course and it gave a chance for the Senior 4s to Park. take their geographical knowledge in to the real world. The groups travelled to Dovedale to measure river transects and study the landscape carved out by the river. They travelled to Leicester to undertake the ‘Clone Town’ survey and to evaluate the regeneration of Leicester city centre. The groups also got to know the local area around the school in Twycross much better with land use surveys, interviews with the residents and traffic counts on the A444. All their experiences will be invaluable come next summer’s new GCSE exams. M Beavan

S2 History trip to the Black Country Museum – Industrial Revolution As an excited group of Senior 2 gathered outside of the museum we met our tour guide – Dave who was there to Electronics help us take a step back in time. As we strolled through the Museum’s village we were shown how to make metal in the Lower chain by a rather enthusiastic blacksmith and his tamed robin who flew bravely close to the flames. Then we were Sixth offered the opportunity to play with some old toys, a Electronics students skipping rope (thoroughly enjoyed by Mrs Dodd), a ring in the Lower Sixth and hook which you rolled (it’s harder than you think), have been working and a ball and cup! After we finished trying to master the toys we trailed on summer projects off to the old school house where we were separated into boys’ and girls’ lines, and had following the to stand up straight which was hard because it was cold! We then had a lesson with a completion of their not so strict teacher but he demonstrated very well how strict the teachers were back examinations. then by “hitting” Mr Assinder on the back with a Calum Baugh cane…but he missed and hit a metal frame. It was has made a very funny! radio receiver After the lesson was over we impatiently waited using a ferrite to have lunch with half of us wanting to try aerial, a radio the delicious, famous chips but being sadly chip and disappointed because we had to leave the line due standard circuit components. It can to running out of time! detect both long and medium wave stations. Dan Page and Sam Everson- When we had eaten our packed lunches we set Crane have built a shooting gallery in off down the mines. We were greeted with safety gear and which a light dependent resistor target to everyone’s dismay torches which only shone as much as a candle. We were guided responds to a laser. Rory Fulwell has through the maze of dark tunnels meeting a few mannequins on the way and a ground constructed an electronic keyboard shaking demonstration of the use of dynamite! As we left the mine with relieved faces based on an astable timer chip. we rushed to the chip shop and the old fair with many people taking a spin on a Victorian fairground ride – it was fast! Then with our heads spinning form the rides we finally sat C Baugh, Lower Sixth down on the canal boat. We were taught all about the canals with some pleasant videos that were projected on the tunnel walls. On our way back we got to have a look at some fossils and have a go at legging – pushing the boat along the tunnels with your legs. This was very enjoyable to watch, especially when the teachers had a go! As our day concluded we thanked our tour guides and teachers with tired faces and we trundled onto the coach for a relaxing ride back to school. Overall the trip was very enjoyable and we learnt a great deal about life in Victorian England. Everyone had a pleasant day. Mary – Anne Banks. Senior 2 Y

Euan Tebbutt – Poetry After entering a poem into the school’s poetry competition and International Informatics coming in second place, I thought I’d take my chances with a Olympiad 2017 wider scale competition, as I had nothing to lose! So I entered Euan attended the British Informatics a competition through Forward Poetry online, thinking nothing (Computing) Olympiad finalists’ would come of it. I thought not to mention it to anyone as I was competition at Trinity College, certain that my piece wouldn’t be selected, which meant I was Cambridge over Easter. rendered utterly speechless as I received a letter from Forward Poetry informing me that my original poem ‘Epitaph For A Dream’ As one of the winners, it is wonderful would be published in an anthology of poems called ‘Spring news that Euan has now been selected Awakening’ which comes out at the end of September this year. for the international competition, taking place in Tehran over the summer. Epitaph For A Dream And the way the flowers jolt in the breeze so lightly We wish him every success and look They attempt to hide themselves in the veil forward to hearing from Euan in The Spring has powers beyond recognition, so mighty September to let us know how he got on. The lace lined their Parisian cheeks like a sour cocktail Mrs J van Arkel Ex nihilo fit aliquid in the words of Nature Their stare, so piercing and intimate, yet vulnerable They arch over the empire, the lords of Ursa Major Such a charming parade by the Seine is insufferable The colours of the Earth, grey, dark, and matte The unhappy two drift idly to each other As the Son provides its lifeless beam in black Into arms like a daughter to a mother As the tranquility approaches the hostile garden Now is time for the parting of ways The chaos is given an overdue pardon As they try to escape their fateful gaze Many a story was shared But no longer can this joy be declared Winner – Duck Race Only as the elements pounce on us now Congratulations to the Form 4Y duck (decorated by Form 4Y We turn our heads, kneel and bow. pupils) which won the duck race down the Derwent in aid of Sight Support. Tom Bryan, Lower Sixth

Staff Farewells This year, we were sad to say goodbye contribution to Duke of her life. to a number of valued members of our of Edinburgh also was Finally, it is with great sadness teaching staff, some of whom had only greatly appreciated by that we say goodbye to our been with us a short time, while others all staff and students Head of English Mrs Murfin, had made a fantastic contribution to the involved. who joined us in 1985, and school over a number of years. We also would like has taught English throughout Dr Charlwood and Dr Pauncefort, who to extend our thanks that time, with the exception were with us on temporary contracts to to Miss Marshment, of maternity leave. It is a mark cover staff illness, and Miss Manson, who who has been a member of the English of her dedication to teaching that she covered Mrs Du Sautoy’s maternity leave, department since 2011, and in that time inspired so many pupils to study English will all be resuming their academic careers. has worked tirelessly with the students to at prestigious universities, including Although they were only with us for a help them progress. Her extra-curricular Oxbridge. Testament to the immense short time they each made a huge impact contribution to school like was also hugely impact she had on the young people she on the students they worked with and the important – in particular we would like to taught, was the steady stream of past school as a whole, and we are grateful to thank her for her work organising trips to pupils who arrived to wish her well when them for sharing their many and varied the Holocaust Centre, and this year inviting the news of her imminent retirement talents with us. We know they each have Holocaust Survivor Rudi Oppenheimer spread. We would like to thank her from bright futures ahead of them! in to school to give an incredibly moving the bottom of our hearts for all that she and informative talk to the students. Miss has given to the school, and the English Also we must say farewell to Mr Pickens, Marshment is changing career to work department will sorely miss her, but look who was with us on temporary contract at the Nationwide Building Society, and forward to building on all of her fantastic to cover Mrs Dunham’s maternity although she will be missed, we wish her work in the future. We wish her the best of leave. He taught physics, chemistry and every success in this exciting new chapter luck for a happy and fulfilling retirement. biology, and will be missed greatly. His

S1 Camp At 1pm on the Friday of exam week, the Senior 1s were queuing to get out of the school grounds and hop on the bus for a weekend of camping fun; this excitement and enthusiasm didn’t dwindle once throughout the course of the weekend despite their tiredness! A brief stop in Welshpool saw a visit to the best sweetshop in Wales but they had to work for it as Mr Assinder took them on a detour through the deer park of Powis Castle first! With pockets full, we headed off to the campsite to begin our packed weekend – oh, but there was another walk to get there. After all tents were successfully put up and the first meal was cooked without a hitch, they were taken on the infamous badger hunt. Clearly, however, it wasn’t meant to be and all we spotted were sheep! A restful night’s sleep was had by all leaving us all refreshed for a day at Lake Vyrnwy. Half of the day was spent with the RSPB, river dipping, learning about local wildlife and touring a local farm – most of the children even got to hold some lambs. The other half of the day was spent canoeing out on the lake itself – needless to say it got very competitive! Unfortunately, archery had to be abandoned in the morning due to the swarms of midges. An ice cream rounded off a great day. Back at camp and having cooked another delicious meal, everyone cosied up in their sleeping bags to watch Harry Potter. A few got too cosy and nearly got left outside to sleep! On Sunday, the Senior 1s went off to Red Ridge Outdoor Centre for the day to do kayaking, artificial caving, climbing, high ropes and the zip wire. They all had a great time and many overcame fears and tried things they never thought they’d do. Every single one of them should be proud of what they achieved. On our return to camp, competitive fire building began with some rather beautifully decorated fires – it was a shame these then had to be lit! After a BBQ cooked by staff (and no food poisoning…phew!), we all retreated up to the forest to enjoy the fires and some s’mores under a canopy of stars! The following morning, fitting tents back into bags took a lot longer than getting the tents up on the first day but eventually we started back on the road to Twycross with a short picnic stop in Shrewsbury for the distribution of some well-deserved awards. Well done to Tom Adey and Charlotte Hicks for receiving ‘Best Boy and Girl Camper’ for always getting stuck in and generally being superstars! This was a difficult decision for all members of staff as all of the children had been fantastic all weekend. There was no moaning, their energy was an asset to the trip and challenges were overcome with courage and determination. Yes, we all returned tired but it was definitely a satisfied tired! Thank you again to all staff who helped to make this such a successful trip. Until next year! Miss E Clift

Emma Marshall Emma has graduated this year from Lincoln University with a First class honours degree in Art Conservation and Restoration. She was also project leader for the faculty’s end of year exhibition – giving a speech to an invited audience on behalf of the department. In July she will be undertaking a project for the Duchess of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, renovating the gildings.

Alumni visit We are always pleased to see former pupils and to hear their news. Pictured here, left to right: Orienteering Tom Dwyer – left school in 2013 and graduated Sophie and Harry Sanganee have been with BSc in Real Estate from the University of competing in fixtures in the North West Reading. He is now working as a land buyer Leicestershire primary orienteering for a PLC housebuilder. Last year he climbed league. They were delighted to finish Kilimanjaro and raised money for Young in 1st place (in Harry’s case) and 3rd Minds, a children’s mental health charity place (in Sophie’s) at the end of the Danielle Newey – left school in 2013 and competition. graduated from University of Exeter with a BA Over the Easter Holidays they also in Modern Languages. In her third year abroad took on the challenge of climbing Ben she spent 8 months teaching French students Nevis. Despite the weather turning wet and also studied Chinese in Beijing for 1 month. Her Chinese studies will take her back to and cloudy, they managed to make it Beijing where she has an internship at the British Embassy. to the snow-capped summit. Having Katie Boam – left school in 2013 and graduated with a BA in history from the University decided to raise money for The Epilepsy of Warwick. She has completed her PGCE with QTS and is now teaching Year 4 in a local Society, they managed to raise £500 in primary school sponsorship. Congratulations on their excellent achievements. Summer Concert In May, a selection of our talented musicians gathered together in Underwood for a short informal recital. This involved performances from students across the school as both soloists and in groups. The orchestra kicked off the evening with a variety of pieces followed by our soloists including ‘This is a Voice’ Workshop singers, flautists, cellists and On Sunday 2nd July, Francis Mayes, pianists. ‘Ensemble’ closed the event with a taster from this year’s Isobel Morgan, Miles Gibson, Polly school musical and the modern and upbeat ‘Shut up and Dance’. Bill & Georgia Wilkinson took part in Although a short evening, it was certainly sweet and showcased the ‘This is a Voice’ workshop held at that not only are Twycross students brilliant sportsmen and Burton-upon-Trent organised by VocAL women, they are also fantastic musicians as well. Intuition and run by singing practitioners Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes Miss E Clift and Mrs Z Griffiths both of whom have coached singers on ‘The Voice’ and in the West End. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about how the voice works and to try out some vocal exercises. They even had the opportunity to watch four students be taken through a masterclass with Jeremy and Gillyanne which will prove invaluable for their own singing development. Miss E Clift

U15 District Cup Triumph For the first time in over twenty years of entering the competition, the Twycross U15 football team won the prestigious and ancient District Cup in the most dramatic and thrilling final ever held according to the District Association’s chairman who has witnessed them all since the early 70s. The run to the final had been a relatively easy one with a couple of byes and the usually difficult obstacle of Nicholas Chamberlaine School overcome with a 7-2 victory. Having enjoyed a testing second half of the season the U15s were now on a roll but had a long wait including the Easter holidays until the day of the final played on the huge 4G pitch at Bedworth United on a stiflingly hot afternoon. Their opponents Higham Lane had romped to the District League title winning all their matches in the Higham Lane defence and steered the ball home to give comfortably including an 8-2 home thrashing of the Twycross side Twycross an unexpected lead. The team held on heroically until and were supremely confident going into the final as clearly one with six minutes of the match to go a drilled Higham cross from of the best teams in the County. A large host of their parents and the right was sliced into his own net by one of Twycross’ superb what looked like the rest of their Year 10 pupils had also come central defenders. along to witness their completion of a double success and lend Earlier in the season the team might have crumpled at this point vociferous support to the overwhelming favourites. but they dug deep and in fact had the best chance to score the Like David fighting Goliath the Twycross winner just before the final whistle but Ewan Clamp couldn’t team needed an effective game plan and force the loose ball home following a well worked corner. A final I am ashamed to say that they took a leaf score of 2-2 meant extra time and Twycross needing to draw on out of Leicester City’s book and played huge reserves of stamina and mental strength and water, to keep with two players up wide looking to hit competitive. The first period of extra time passed goalless but Higham Lane on the counter attack. early in the second period a delightful chip that just crept under The rest of the midfield and the defence the bar saw Jacob Youles complete his hat-trick and give the team would need to remain compact, work something to hold on to. very hard and defend the edge of their Twycross retained the lead until the final minute of extra time when area. After twenty five minutes, with the they somewhat carelessly conceded a corner. With the excellent score remaining goalless and Higham Toby Nicholas off with cramp and the replacement left back slow Lane’s finishing somewhat wayward, to react, a perfect cross came in and was headed firmly past the the plan seemed to be working but Twycross keeper to give Higham Lane a last second equalizer with then the Twycross defence did not react no time left for the restart and the match now going to penalties. quickly enough to a loose ball following This scenario had not even been contemplated before the game a corner and the ball was poked home but five players were ready to step up to the plate and take on the to give Higham a deserved lead. The favourites had onerous responsibility of the spot kick. been dominating possession and passing the ball fluently and the energetic Twycross midfield who had been chasing the ball down Twycross won the toss and opted to take the first penalty kick like hyperactive spaniels were beginning to wilt in the heat as half which the ever confident and excellent Ewan Bryan rammed time approached. home. Higham Lane’s turn and their spot kick clipped the bar and went over. 1-0 Twycross. Next up was keeper Desmond Cheung Lady Luck then made one of a number of welcome appearances on who dispatched a perfect penalty into the corner and went on to Twycross’ behalf and a horrendous mix up between the goalkeeper save the next Higham Lane spot kick. 2-0 Twycross. Twycross’ and a defender allowed Jacob Youles, who ran his legs off to exert third spot kick was not struck well enough and wasvsaved whilst any sort of pressure he could on the Higham Lane defence, to nip Higham scored. 2-1 Twycross. The next penalties were both in and guide home the equalizer. 1-1 at half time was a remarkable saved leaving captain Rufus Hart with the opportunity of scoring achievement in itself given the strength of the opposition but with Twycross’ fifth penalty to win the cup. Keeping his nerve incredibly a number of players dead on their feet and the opponents able to well despite the antics of the Higham Lane keeper who did his refresh their team from a squad of six substitutes the prospects for unsporting best to put him off, Rufus struck the ball hard and the second half looked grim. true and although the keeper got a hand to it he couldn’t prevent However, the character of the Twycross team now began to the ball nestling in the back of the net to give Twycross a historic emerge as well as their fitness level and they continued to frustrate victory. A momentous and emotional achievement that led to the their opponents with some stalwart defending restricting them to Twycross coach being close to tears for the first time (in a sporting long range efforts that failed to trouble the excellent Desmond context) in thirty three years! Cheung in goal whilst always looking threatening on the break. C Perry Midway through the half Jacob Youles again caused uncertainty

Senior Sports Presentation 2017 The final Thursday of the summer term saw the annual Junior and Senior Sports Presentation ceremonies take place in the school sports hall. We were delighted to welcome former pupil Mr Andrew Morrell, the school’s first professional footballer and current Tamworth FC manager, to present the awards. Many individual pupils are dispelling the myth still perpetuated in some quarters that Twycross is purely a school of academic excellence by excelling in their chosen sports and activities and gaining GB, Midlands, County and District honours. These representative honours vary widely from our many GB Ultimate players including Kate Gibson and Amy van Zyl who have been selected at the tender age of eighteen for the U24 Womens’ GB team to compete in Perth, Australia, to Midlands basketballers such as Ethan Morrell who is also a County footballer, to County hockey, table tennis, badminton, tennis players and athletes, through to winners of international dance competitions such as Ellen Oberheim and top youth polo players like Jai Parmar. And many more besides! Both senior and junior school teams have enjoyed phenomenal success across a wide range of sports this year. The U20, U17 and U14 male and female Ultimate teams were National Indoor Champions in five out of the six categories and were runners up in the sixth. The U15 boys’ football team won the Nuneaton and Disrtict Cup for the first time in Twycross House School history and were runners up in the District League Division 1. The U14 and U16 boys’ basketball teams won the District Tournaments and the U16 team went on to claim the County title and finish in the last 32 of the national English Schools’ competition. The U13 boys’ table tennis team won the District Tournament and went on to represent North Warwickshire at the School Games Finals at Coventry University. The U13 girls’ tennis team were the top team in Leicestershire defeating the likes of Loughborough Grammar and Leicester Grammar on their way to the Division 1 title whilst the U15 boys finished as runners up in Division 1. The U15, U13 and U12 netball teams all finished second only to the mighty Higham Lane in their District Netball Leagues, whilst the U11 team did even better, winning the District League and Cup and then the Warwickshire School Games title as well. Further junior success included the U11 girls and boys cross country teams winning the District Championship, the U11 girls winning the District Athletics and the U10 and U11 teams winning the overall title; the U9 girls winning the District cross country race; the U11 mixed hockey and mixed rounders teams winning the District Tournament and representing North Warwickshire at the School Games; the U11 girls rounders team winning the District Tournament; the U10 boys’ football team winning the district Cup; and the U11 swimming team finishing a very close second in the District Gala. Phew!

Many thanks must go to all of the enthusiastic and talented pupils, the dedicated and hard-working staff and to the supportive and committed parents who have made such a terrific sporting year possible. The ceremonies saw the following trophies, cups and awards given out: Most Valuable Basketball Player - Ethan Morrell Most Improved Rounders Player - Abigail Stacey Most Improved Basketball Player - Luke Barrowclough Most Promising Junior Rounders Player - Isabella Cockrell Most Valuable Female Ultimate Player - Kate Gibson Table Tennis Player of the Year - Michael McHale Most Valuable Male Ultimate Player - Ethan Morrell Most Improved Table Tennis Player - Marshall Clarke Most Improved Female Ultimate Player - Hannah Jarvis The Morrell Cricket Shield (Cricketer of the Year) - Nathan Wright Most Improved Male Ultimate Player - Sebastian Hart Most Improved Cricketer - Frank Burton Netball player of the Year - Niamh Rooney Most Promising Junior Cricketer - Jacob McMahon Most Improved Netball Player - Lucy Dighton Victrix Ludorum - Jessica Barker Most Promising Junior Netball Player - Olivia Cox Victor Ludorum - Jacob Youles Female Footballer of the Year - Jessica Barker Female Senior Cross Country Winner - Emma Youles Male Footballer of the Year (The Goode Trophy) - Desmond Cheung Male Senior Cross Country Winner - Tim Cotterill Most Improved Female Footballer - Lucy Jarvis Most Promising Female Junior Athlete - Alex Wylie Most Improved Male Footballer - Connor Wright Most Promising Junior Footballer - Alex Fitzgerald Most Promising Male Junior Athlete - Will Simmons Female Badminton Player of the Year - Anna Carlyle Most Improved Swimmer - Rupert Tavinor-Hodge Male Badminton Player of the Year - Lawrence Cockrell Female Junior Games Player of the Year - Alex Wylie Female Most Improved Badminton Player - Olivia Dipple Male Junior Games Player of the Year - Sam Cooper Male Most Improved Badminton Player - Yash Somaiya Most Improved Senior Sportswoman - Zoe Calder Hockey Player of the Year - Alex Wylie Outstanding Contribution to School Sport - Luisa Leyland Most Improved Hockey Player - Keeva Morrell Ben Cosgrove Trophy - Cameron Lewis Most Promising Junior Hockey Player - Steven McHale Junior Team of the Year - U11 Netball Volleyball Players of the Year - Amelia Fellows / Amelia Blunt Senior Team of the Year - U15 Football Most Improved Volleyball Player - Alicia Guintoli Best Year Supporting School Sport - S2 Rounders Player of the Year - Emma Slater Hornbuckle Plate - Max Dighton

Kirkpatrick Cup Plate Success Ten local Under 9 primary school football teams contested this year’s Kirkpatrick Challenge Cup and produced a feast of football in front of large crowds of enthusiastic spectators. Twycross A team performed well in their group matches, defeating Sir John More and Sheepy Magna, losing to eventual winners St Joseph’s, but just missing out on the semi-finals of the Cup competition due to a goalless draw with Warton. The team dropped into the Plate competition and eased through to the final against last year’s cup winners Congerstone. The match ended without either team able to break the deadlock Outdoor Nationals – Ultimate Report and so went to an ice hockey style sudden death ‘dribble from Twycross sent 6 teams, across two divisions to the National the half way line to score’ shoot out. Congerstone failed with School Outdoor Ultimate Championships in Birmingham. their first attempt but Joshua McMahon, who had played for the The U14 teams played incredibly well and after the initial pool play opposition in last year’s tournament, calmly took his chance with all 3 teams made it to the quarter finals. The 3rd team improved a sublime and audacious chip over the goalkeeper to claim the throughout the day with players such as Imogen Pound and Plate trophy for the A team. Mary-Anne Banks producing some great plays supported by the The Twycross B team put great effort and endeavour into their likes of Jessica Barker and Keeva Morrell. Their team finished 6th. four group matches, managing scoreless draws with Dixie A and The second team once again played incredibly well to move up B teams but losing by one goal to Congerstone and Crescent to 3rd seeds going in to the quarter finals. Strong play by Emma School from Rugby. The defence was solid and the midfield Slater and Zoe Calder was supported with great created chances but a failure to stick the ball in the back of grabs from Luisa Leyland. Abigail the net cost them in the end. Nevertheless, they enjoyed the Stacey and Yash Somaiya battled experience and learnt a great deal from it that will stand them in hard on defence and the team good stead in the future. eventually finished 8th. The first team battled their way to the semi- C Perry finals but just fell short losing 7-6 in overtime. They finished 3rd with dominant performances from all the players especially Nathan Sports Day and Issac Dugas. The U17 division was hotly contested and Twycross teams produced some amazing ultimate to finish 10th, 5th and 2nd. The third team were unlucky early on, but won 4 of their last games to finish in the top ten with Ethan Shepherd a constant threat and Olivia Milner providing reliable handling. The 2nd team only lost to the two eventual finalists. Comprised mainly of S4s the team have worked really hard in training to improve on their indoor result. With Jack Pickering and Seb Hart solid with the disc in hand, Ewan Clamp, Ewan Bryan and new recruit Jacob Youles caught most of the points. The 1st team lost in the final last year and unfortunately history repeated itself despite the best efforts of team captain Nathan Harris and the constant running of Billy Roberts and Tom Leyland. All the teams played outstandingly well and continue to impress me with their commitment, attitude and positivity. Well done all of those that went. M Beavan

Rounders Report Cricket 2017 This year the Form 3 have played their This season has seen a tremendous first competitive rounders fixtures. upgrade of the cricket facilities at the After only two lessons and one school with the purchase of the village practice we travelled to Derby to play cricket ground and so for the first time Old Vicarage School. Winning the in the school’s history home matches toss, we elected to field and for a first have been played on our own properly fixture were well drilled and managed prepared grass wicket for which the to field well and also got quite a few teams and coaching staff are very players out on second post thanks to grateful. There has been a mixed bag of Isabella White. The batting was very results for the teams with nine wins and impressive with Daisy and Sophie six losses and the heavens always seem Whitehall and Sophie Ashford hitting the ball well to score full rounders. It was to have chosen to open on afternoons a long journey for a short amount of playing time but the girls all loved the experience. when matches are arranged putting paid to a number of fixtures. Our second Form 3 fixtures were home games verses Lichfield Cathedral School. Almost every girl in Form 3 participated in an A or B team squad. The B team game was a The U9s have some talented young fantastic match seeing Twycross House win 10.5 to 1, as was the A team game, as they players and won both of their A and won 9 to 3.5. The girls were all enthusiastic and worked hard in the field, getting all of B team matches with victories over the opposition’s batters out. Ockbrook and Lichfield. Oliver Salt in particular looks a great prospect for the On the last Tuesday of the term future. The U11 team also has some very we once again hosted the mini promising players and came out on top girls’ tournament at Twycross. Four in matches against Priory, Lichfield and teams entered and our A team won OVS. Stand-out players were captain the overall competition with some Sam Cooper and ‘Most Promising Junior outstanding fielding and batting on Player’ award winner Jacob McMahon display, leading to the girls easily plus bowlers Steven McHale and Lewis winning all three of their games. Duffield. Skipper Isabella Cockrell bowled superbly, Alex Wylie was a whizz An inexperienced U13 team lost both dashing between first and second of their games but have made good post and Ingrid Davies and Olivia progress during the season whilst the Cox were very quick on the pickup U14 team, under the captaincy of as backstops. In one game Olivia and ‘Cricketer of the Year’ Nathan Wright, Alex got eight players out on first won matches against Dixie and Lichfield. post. The B team lost out to the A team, beat Stockingford and narrowly missed out There were good bowling performances against Weddington loosing 3.5 to 4, putting them into third position overall. Well done from Nathan Wright, Chris Lumb and to both squads for their commitment and enthusiasm for this sport; you have a great Daniel Whitehall whilst Frank Burton future ahead of you and should do amazingly well. won the ‘Most Improved Cricketer’ award for his progress as wicket keeper Once again the weather intervened with the NPSSA mixed team tournament, which and for his stubborn performances with was scheduled to be played on one of the wettest Tuesdays in the summer term. Only the bat. a couple of teams could make the reserve date so we got a bye into the Level 2 event versus schools from Bedworth and North Warwickshire without even bowling a ball. The strongest performance for the U15s With some last minute team practices, thanks to Mrs Williams the squad won all their this season came from Vishan Khiroya, games at this event and qualified for the Level 3 School Games at Warwick University on and it is certain that the improved playing the last day of the term representing Northern Warwickshire. facilities, the enthusiasm of the younger players and the development of the The team played six games in total, winning two, drawing one and narrowly losing three coaching set up can only help to further by 2 to 2.5, 2 to 1.5 and 2 to 4.5. Overall the mixed team finished in tenth position, raise the level of cricket at Twycross which out of all the schools in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire is exceptionally good. House School next summer. Isabella Cockrell captained the side very well scoring some excellent C Perry rounders and bowling accurately. Olivia Cox, Molly Palmer-Thomas, Ellie Mills, Isabel Whitehall and Zara Martin all played well and fielded tightly. The boys James Callaghan, Finlay Thompson-Lowe, Alex Fitzgerald, Dylan Reece and Henry Alves supported the girls scoring some impressive rounders and catching well in the field. A great way to end the term! Mrs J Thomas

U13 Rounders and U12 and 13 Netball This year has been a fantastic season for U13 Rounders. As a team they have been committed to every practice and every fixture. They have encouraged one another to be the best they can be and it certainly shows in their results. They played Old Vicarage School winning both innings 14 to 3.5 and 8.5 to 2. They then played an away fixture at Dixie again winning both innings 9.5 to 2.5 and 3.5 to 1.5. Lastly, they faced Arnold Lodge which saw them finish their Rounders season unbeaten, by again, winning both innings 11.5 to 5 and 8 to 2. They should be very proud of the dedication and team spirit they have demonstrated this year. Well done! This year’s Netball League results have been confirmed and I am extremely pleased to confirm that both our U13 and U12 teams came runners up in their leagues. Congratulations, another Twycross U11s’ Hockey Report successful netball season! The Twycross U11s’ mixed hockey team have had a tremendous Miss S Robinson season which culminated in them winning the Sainsbury’s Level 3 School Games tournament on behalf of North Warwickshire on the last day of Summer Term. To qualify for the finals, which were held at Warwick University, Junior Athletics Report they had already been victorious in the Nuneaton Schools’ Sports Once again the NPSSA Athletics event fell in exam week. So, Association Tournament and the North Warwickshire Schools’ firstly a big thank you to all the parents for allowing their children Tournament, winning both tournaments without really being to have a mid week rest from revision. For the first time in four tested. years we fielded a full team of boys and girls for each age group. And what teams they were! The School Games Finals were a different story altogether. They played against the best teams from all over Warwickshire, Due to the large Coventry and Solihull and were tested to their limit. number of schools entering the The side finished runners-up in their group. Their only loss in majority of events the league stages of the tournament was against Coventry had two heats East, a team who were beating everyone before them. Finishing which were timed second in their league meant that they qualified for the semi- so on the day we final knockout match against the winners from the second group, did not know the South Solihull. overall positions The team looked to be coasting to the final after taking a 2-0 for any of the lead with only minutes to play. Goals from Stephen McHale and sprints. Both Charles Blood looked to have taken them through. However, girls’ teams were South Solihull had different ideas and came back strongly to outstanding with equalise on the final whistle. some amazing results. Laura There followed a tense penalty shoot-out, but excellent defending Critchlow came from Ingrid Davies and captain Sam Cooper saved the day and second in the the team went through to the final. 80 metres and Olivia Cox first. In the 150m The final was against Coventry East, the only undefeated team Isabella Kluger and Evan Gilman were both second. It was a very in the tournament and the side who had already beaten our fast 600m on a really hot day with Alex Wylie running a fantastic side. It didn’t look to be going too well in this match either as race and moving into first place with only metres to go. William Coventry took a 2-0 lead into half time. The character of the Simmons was also in the top three in third position. In the throws Twycross team really came through in the second half following Sophie Ashford and Jacob McMahon picked up second place and a couple of subtle team changes. The final whistle went with the Isabella Cockrell third. Long jump saw Lauren Garland in second scoreline on 3-3 following a tremendous comeback and show of place and Alex Fitzgerald and Fiona Hart in third place. Special determination from everyone in the team and excellent support mention must go to Lauren and Sophie competing against girls from parents and the Twycross Rounders team on the sideline. who were all a year older. The final race of the day was the relay and after a quick discussion of how important a good baton Once again there was a penalty shoot out to decide the winner! exchange is the team of James Callaghan, Olivia Cox, William Once again the Twycross attackers stepped up and scored and Simmons, Laura Critchlow and Alex Fitzgerald crossed the line in once again the defenders repelled the skillful opposition. This first position in their heat and also won overall first position due time, victory meant that we were Tournament winners! to the excellent time they achieved. Team: Charles Blood, Sam Cooper (captain), Ingrid Davies, Lucy Overall positions saw both Form 4 and 5 girls pick up the trophy Jarvis, Jacob McMahon, Stephen McHale, Ella Morris, William for first place, Form 4 boys were third and Form 5 sixth. When all Simmons, Bea Pound, Alex Wylie. the scores were added up we narrowly missed out on first place M Thomas and were second overall out of eleven schools.

Fond farewells It was with great sadness the Hollies said farewell to Mrs Margret Brownlow and Mrs Linda Marriott on the last day of term. Both ladies had been teaching assistants for various age groups, jointly they had been at the Hollies for over thirty years. Mrs Marriott joined as nanny to Mr and Mrs Assinder’s youngest child and moved into school as he began nursery school. Perhaps now he’s a married man with his Yoga own young family she feels she’s free to We all thoroughly enjoyed our workshops with local children’s yoga move on? Both ladies have been loved specialist, Fiona Hallas. We learned many yoga positions and some by many Hollies children over the years, fabulous relaxation techniques. they have wiped away tears, bathed scraped knees, given reassurance, always We shall be welcoming Fiona back in September treated the children as if they were their when she will be teaching yoga on Thursday mornings. own. Mrs Brownlow is looking forward to spending more time on her dressmaking and craft skills and joining her husband walking their dog. Mrs Marriott is looking forward to continuing what she loves as she is to become a grandmother in the Autumn. Staff and children wish both ladies every happiness in their new roles; we hope they will come and see us, dogs and babies are always welcome!

Nuneaton Swimming Gala Musical Instruments Earlier in the summer Isabel Greenall was delighted and a bit term Twycross House amazed when her parents very kindly took part in the annual came into school to introduce all of Nuneaton school the children to their amazing musical swimming gala. instruments. All of the children were able to produce interesting sounds and the Overall Twycross came older children were glad not to have missed out on second out of 8 schools contributing to a musical performance of the theme from Frozen. which is a fantastic We would like to thank Mr and Mrs Greenall for coming in to visit result. Huge thanks to the young children Arthur Davies, Ruben and then coming Mills, Victoria Hudson back to do it all and Kara Mitchell who all again for the older represented the Hollies in classes. both individual and team races. They all performed exceptionally well. R Cooper

First Years

Orton Wood What an amazing adventure we had when Captain Teachum came to school. He took us to Orton Wood where we found some ‘campfires’ which had been made by his crew and even some holes where cannon balls had landed! To make our quest even more exciting we followed the clues left by the pirates and found Ducklings their treasure. Mrs Morton brought in some ducklings and chicks that one of her hens had hatched. The children were fascinated by these small creatures and interested to learn the difference between them. Thank you Isabella and Charlie for sharing your pets with us.

First Years

Annual Visit To The Zoo The annual visit to the zoo was enjoyable and all of the children behaved impeccably – a real credit to the school. We were able to see many different animals and the weather was kind. The highlight of the visit was persuading Mrs Marriott to pose behind the gorilla mask – what a star!

Ramadam and Eid Mrs Patel very kindly came into school to help us to learn about Ramadam and Eid. She brought some traditional costumes for us to wear for Eid. It was interesting to find out about fasting, and other people’s celebrations. Thank you Mrs Patel and Bahauddin.

Healthy Picnic Food is important to all of us but we learned about what makes a healthy meal. Thinking about this we made healthy sandwiches and had an indoor picnic – we can change what we eat but we can’t make the w e a t h e r behave!

Second Years

Plants As part of our plant topic we made up some poems to help our plants grow. There was a runner bean called Paul. Who dreamed of growing straight and tall. By Henry Jeans Runner beans grow green and long. We help with a happy song. Gladstone Pottery By Rose Redfern. Museum, Stoke Runner bean, runner bean, grow strong and tall. Runner bean, you will please us all. on Trent Our topic ‘Materials’ By Sebastian Murfin provided us with the Sunshine, water, soil and chatter. Make my bean grown big and opportunity to find out fatter. about how clay is used to make pottery. By Alex Colcough The children were very We had fun popping broad beans out of their pods. The record interested in the history was 7 in one pod! of pottery making and enjoyed experiencing the ‘hands-on’ tour around the museum. One of the activities was designing and painting a plate in the style of Clarice Cliff. It was lovely to see the children so engrossed and well behaved throughout the day.

Our Beautiful School As part of our topic ‘Around our School’ everyone in class 2O chose their favourite part of the school to write about. Move over Mr Assinder! The children are ready and willing to conduct the school tours from now on, as Mrs James can testify!

Third Years

Floral Art

Homework Projects We did lots of interesting projects for homework in Year 3. We designed: • a coat of arms for history • a seed packet for science • a ‘Save The Rainforest’ T-Shirt for geography

Tamworth Castle As part of our history topic, we visited Tamworth Castle. We learned a lot about life in a Medieval Castle.

Third Years

Science During the second part of the Summer Term we’ve spent our science lessons investigating ‘Living things and their habitats’. We found different micro habitats in the school grounds and hunted for mini-beasts. To encourage more mini-beasts into the school garden we built our own mini-beast hotels and placed them in various different secret places around the garden. As part of this topic we visited Twycross woods, where we searched for more mini-beasts, used our identification keys and found evidence of food chains.

Sports Day Sports Day was another great success this year. The children took part with determination and enthusiasm and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

Fourth Years Art and Music awards Homework Projects The Music We did lots of interesting projects for award was homework in Year 3. given jointly this year to Martha We designed: Bettley and Kara • a coat of arms for history Mitchell. • a seed packet for science The Art award was given to • a ‘Save The Rainforest’ T-Shirt for Alessandra Beck. geography

4th year visit to St John’s Museum The 4th year children and staff enjoyed their visit to St John’s Museum, Warwick, which supported their topic on The Victorians. During the day they had a hands-on taster of Charlotte the laundry maid’s chores and a lesson in the school room overlooked by the School Inspector and the Vicar’s wife, among others! A super day, made even more special by the children who looked fantastic in their Victorian costumes.

Fourth Years

End of year summer concert lt’s My Life 2017 was a particularly vintage year for musical talent! Sixteen soloists with chorus singing ten wonderful songs. They included themes that unpick the diversity, wonder, creativity and uniqueness in all of us. We heard many inspiring quotations from famous people such as Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, Christopher Columbus and even an appearance from Peter Pan himself. Not forgetting Tinkerbell too! As teachers we know that their future depends on what we do in the present. Judging from the incredible performance this year, we know the Hollies is getting it right! Well done to all the children in the 4th year and to quote a saying from the concert; ‘What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happened yet.’

4th Year Shadow Puppets Linking to our Science topic about light and shadows, the 4th years have been busy writing plays based on Traditional Tales. In groups, the children made their own shadow puppets and had great fun performing the plays to each other.

Thessaloniki 2017 A group of students studying Classical Civilization and Ancient Greek headed off to Stansted Airport on the first Monday of the summer holidays. Having weathered the torrential rain on arrival at the airport, they eagerly set about the task of gathering lunch once inside the terminal. A few hours later, we stepped off the plane into the warmth of the Northern Greek air. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we headed off the next day to the main attraction of Vergina, the UNESCO world heritage site of the Royal Tombs. With its dazzling array of gold set amidst the darkness, and the sight of the painted tomb facades looming out, the underground museum left more than a few students lost for words. Later that day the punishing heat at Pella (the birthplace of Alexander the Great) encouraged us to seek sanctuary in the outstanding new museum with its stunning mosaics. Amphipolis is a city of many dimensions, and few of those who hiked to the off-road exercise area could imagine runnning or wrestling at the end of their walk! The leafy site of Dion, memorable for its mosaics and the city’s watery remains, soon gave way to the heights of Olympus. The crisp, cooler mountain air prompted numerous photo opportunities, as Senior 4, 5 and the sixth form realised that they would probably never again stand on the mountain with the same company. The final night’s walk to the city walls left many breathless and exhausted, but the particularly hardcore early morning coffee crew met on the final day for a ghostly breakfast in Aristotelous square. They gained an extra member on the way back to the hotel for their second breakfast, and a further canine companion joined us later in the day on our seafront walk. W e saw a range of state-of-the-art museums, Thessaloniki’s archaeological museum in particular was a stand-out teaching space with information panels and neatly organised artefacts which helped bring alive the day to day life of the ancient Greeks. But despite the grandeur and golden crowns, it was the human aspect which impressed and gave us an idea of an archaeologist’s work. We saw a child buried whose adult teeth were still visible behind her milk teeth and an adult female with her plaited hair still intact. They were a hardy group, and easily kept pace with the early starts and hill climbs without (too much) grumbling. Certain members of the group needed regular iron intake, and their fondness for grilled meat delighted local restaurant owners! Others managed to restrain themselves to more modest dinners but still dined well. In the spirit of digesting all we saw, we managed to cover an immense amount of historical ground in the four days we were there, and hopefully the students returned home knowing that Ancient Greece did not start and end with Classical Athens. Dr S Assinder