Wrekin News September 2015 from the Headmaster

WREKIN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2015 FROM THE HEADMASTER

At the start of a new school year it is interesting to look back and see how much Wrekinians achieved in the last few months of the previous year. Successes abound, from examination results and gaining university places or places on chosen career paths to the myriad of other events participated in. However, in a school time never stands still and we are already celebrating successes of this year and looking ahead with great anticipation to what will come next. The netball squad has already been victorious in the first tournament of the season, coming away with the winner’s trophy from King’s School, Worcester. The First XV has also opened its account on the rugby field with a convincing win over KES, Birmingham. There is always a buzz at the start of each academic year but this one seems to have started even more positively than ever. We have 113 new pupils in the school this term, over a quarter of the school, and they seem to be settling well into our Wrekin ways. The singing in Chapel is already impressive after only one congregational practice but Mr Platford and I feel there is a bit more volume to come, especially as we move towards the House Singing season. On Sunday we started the term with our traditional beginning of year service, made extra special by the unveiling of new bosses in Chapel depicting the Houses of Clarkson, Roslyn and Lancaster to particularly commemorate the 40th anniversary of the school admitting girls. The Chapel Choir looked immaculate in its new blue gowns and the pupils’ singing lived up to their appearance. The cost of the bosses and gowns has largely been covered by donations, through the Foundation, by individuals, the Friends of Wrekin and the Old Wrekinian Association. We are exceedingly thankful to them but we would like to raise more money to cover the total cost and so any donations, to the Foundation direct or on its Just Giving website, would be greatly appreciated. Raising money for the Foundation to help support certain pupils in the school and for projects, such as the Business School, is an on-going process and we are always grateful for any support. Plans for the Business School are progressing well and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who is able to support that project by the donation of goods or services. On a personal note, you will probably have heard that this season will be my last as Headmaster of this wonderful school. It has been a great honour to have the opportunity to lead Wrekin for the last couple of years of my long, but most enjoyable, association with the place and a round 40 years seems to be the right number to retire on. When I arrived in 1976, for what I thought would be a couple of years, I never dreamt I would still be here! I am sure that during the year there will be numerous opportunities for me to thank everyone for their support and encouragement and, no doubt, my going will be commented upon ‘at my last Carol Service’, ‘my last concert’, etc. My spies tell me that even the House Singing may be themed around some aspect of my life. (N.B. The theme of the House Singing is always a closely guarded secret until the date when the Houses are allowed to start their preparations. It is probably everyone’s favourite event of the year. If you haven’t been before we issue tickets and relay the event to both the Theatre and Chapel and invite parents to watch it there as there is no room in the Memorial Hall.) The term is underway and, frighteningly; preparations in some quarters seem to be starting already for Christmas. By then I expect to be reporting another great term of participation and success for Wrekin and its pupils. My words to Wrekinians, as usual, are to try everything on offer – unless you try you will never know what you can achieve. Do your best, no one can ask for more. Smile, be happy and enjoy your time in this lovely school.

VALUE m) ce Syste Performan ADDED PS (A-level to AL llows schools stem that a y add is a sy e value the asure of th get a me rformance A level pe to a pupil's be what might ompared to ng their c em followi ected of th ance at exp ic perform academ erage previous a pupil's av ALPS takes rades CSE. the g - 2014 G d predicts 2012 SE score an GC xpected to hould be e a pupil s n A level their chose achieve in subjects. r T score S three-yea The ALP es A level ter compar thermome at one s of pupils erformance r schools p ose in othe hool with th nd sc een 2012 a nally betw ition on natio ollege's pos . Wrekin C our 2014 shows that rmometer this the d with e performe pupils hav , compared consistently ALL ACADEMIC excellence GCSE vious ir own pre with the core places ces. The s performan LPS ge in the A rekin Colle pared W racket com tstanding' b and 'Ou ls nationally other schoo with cademic s that the a at show our pupils ance from n perform higher tha onsistently A level is c ability Following last year’s excellent exam results, Wrekin pupils continue oss the full expected, acr r pupils. range of ou is in n College to achieve at GCSE and A Level. Over a third of pupils gained at least ALPS Wreki Based on nationally. the top 5%

om kincollege.c one grade A at A level and over 50% of the A Level grades were A* – B. www.wre college.com ns@wrekin E: admissio 2 265600 3BH T: 0195 pshire TF1 ngton, Shro llege, Welli Amongst the school’s top achievers were Matthew Boyce, who achieved Wrekin Co four A* grades in mathematics, further mathematics, chemistry and physics and is now reading Computer Science at Cambridge and Nopparada Mingchinda who gained A* in psychology, A in geography and two “It has been particularly gratifying B grades in politics and economics as well as an A* EPQ despite arriving in the UK two years ago with this year to see so many of our pupils limited English. making progress and achieving well The GCSE results were also pleasing. In many subjects the school follows International GCSE across a range of challenging and courses, which provide a greater challenge than the standard GCSE curriculum and better prepares demanding subjects.” pupils for the transition to A level. Top performers include Emma Arundell, Alfie Furness, Harry North value confirms that we support pupils to achieve the very best grades and Jake Thorpe all of whom gained 10 grades at A* or A with Emma according to their academic ability”. leading the way with 9 A* grades. Given the non-selective nature of the school, the overall statistics are far less important than individual achievements. For example Cheryl Li gained 5 A* grades and Saniya Top 5% nationally for academic added value Sultangaliyeva 7 A grades whilst working in English, their second language. Wrekin College, one of the few non–selective independent schools in the West Midlands was officially listed on ALPS – A level Performance A more telling statistic is that most pupils gained a place at their System as ‘outstanding’. The system allows schools to get a measure first or second choice university, a tribute to their hard work and of how they add to an individual pupils’ academic performance determination – and the excellent advice they receive from the Head at A level compared with what they achieved at GCSE. The results of Sixth Form, Tom Southall. scoring shows that the academic performance from our pupils at A The Headmaster, Dr Haydn Griffiths said, “It has been particularly level is consistently higher than expected, across the full ability range gratifying this year to see so many of our pupils making progress of our pupils and places us in the top 5% of schools nationally. This and achieving well across a range of challenging and demanding continued drive on teaching and learning, ensuring our pupils achieve subjects, while balancing significant sporting, musical or other the best they possibly can, is testament to the continued, significant commitments. At Wrekin we have a wide academic embrace and our support of our staff. Wrekin is truly a school where every child can sustained position at the top of the league tables for academic added flourish.

3 “We want to influence and impact people, business and the local community.”

A NEW CHAPTER FOR WREKIN COLLEGE

The new Wrekin College Business School prepare and build brilliant careers. We hope theatre chair or a company could sponsor the will be the biggest single investment in the relationships and networks forged in our naming rights for the boardroom. We would Wrekin’s history. Since 1880 Wrekin has led Business School will be life changing for our also welcome gifts-in-kind: a factory visit or the way with its added-value approach to pupils. We want to influence and impact attendance at a Wrekin business breakfast education. In response to the demands of people, business and the local community. meeting. higher education and future employers the For information about sponsorship please combination of a dedicated Business School contact the project leader, Edward Davies and our innovative Sixth Form programme Our vision, their future, be a part ([email protected]) and to offer will help differentiate our pupils in the of it… How you can help… careers support please contact the Head workplace. of Business School, Andy Hurd (ahurd@ There are many ways parents and the wider Through a combination of academic wrekincollege.com) or Head of Careers Dr community can support the Business School, subjects, connections with a wide variety Kirsty Cusack (kcusack@wrekincollege. from financial investment to providing work of local businesses and an inspiring array com). placement opportunities and careers lectures. of guest speakers, the Business School will For example a family could sponsor a lecture create inspirational learning opportunities to

4 THE WREKIN COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Wrekin College Foundation was established in 2004 to support the school in its development plans and to provide funds for bursaries and scholarships. Its longer term aim is to continue to build the endowment for bursaries through legacies, bequests and donations. We are proud of the traditions which have evolved over the past 135 years and aim to ensure that not only the traditions of excellence imparted by Sir John Bayley in 1880 are sustained but that there can also be a place at Wrekin for future Wrekinians regardless of their means or background.

Why you should help

We believe that Wrekin College has laid the foundation for the growth of many individuals over the years, and continues to do so. The Foundation needs support to be able to continue to do this in an ever more complicated and ever more expensive world. We need support to be able to offer the very best start to as many pupils as possible, especially those who are unable, due to their circumstances, to benefit from the foundation of a Wrekin College education. There are a number of ways you as individuals and companies can help: through regular giving, one-off gifts, legacies, gifts of shares or company donations. If you would like to help the school in any way the Headmaster or the Foundation Manager, Serena Kyle, would be delighted to talk to you. (Headmaster: 01952 265602 [email protected], Foundation: 01952 265609 [email protected])

FOUNDATION FUN DAY

Parents of both schools, friends, pupils, ex-pupils, prospective parents and pupils, staff, neighbours and all their families came and joined in the first Foundation Fun Day. There were BBQs and picnics on the lawns. The bouncy castle, bungee run, tournament joust, rolling log and sumo wrestling went down really well and many, including the Headmaster, joined in with face-painting. The Hook-a-duck and the Crossbar football challenge were great fun. Afternoon cricket – two T20 cricket matches between the Old Wrekinian Association and the School – was played in warm sunshine with a victorious Wrekin College beating the OWAs. The Proms in the Park style concert was glorious with The Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) Brass Band, supported by Wrekin College jazz and soul bands playing into the evening with a host of ‘Last Night of the Proms’ favourites. The weather was beautiful and all funds raised go to support the Severn Hospice and the Wrekin College Foundation endowment fund. Thank you to all who made this year’s Fun Day fantastic!

5 SPORTS DAY

With the sun glinting on the silverware, Wrekin Soul playing in the background, parents relaxing with picnics and Pimms, the pupils competed fiercely on the sports fields for House points and coveted trophies. This year Lancaster House joined the senior houses; the first whole school sports day for many years. Competitive track and field events combined to give parents and pupils an exciting afternoon with new school records set by Georgie Perris-Redding (senior girls 60m sprint), Natasha Coleman (shot-put) and Will Lee (steeplechase).

Victrix Ludorum:

Lancaster: Runner up – Maia Lloyd, Winner – Evie Smailes Junior Girls: Runner up – Eshe Bernard, Winner – Klara Albrink Senior Girls: Runner up – Bindy Udale, Winner – Georgie Perris Redding

Victor Ludorum:

Lancaster: Runner up – Nick Street, Winner – Will Brock Junior Boys: Runner up – James Davies, Winner – Henry Owen Senior Boys: Runner up – George Smailes, Winner – Leo Read The final boys’ totals in the House competition were Tudor with 467 points, second Bayley with 422 points and third York with 400 points making this the closest boys competition in recent history. In the girls’ competition Roslyn proved too strong for Clarkson scoring 607.5 points to 455.5 points. In the Lancaster Quarter competition, Clun won the relays but could not topple Davenport as overall winners.

“With the sun glinting on the silverware, Wrekin Soul playing in the background, parents relaxing with picnics and Pimms, the pupils competed fiercely on the sports fields for House points and coveted trophies.”

6 SPORTS DAY

Victrix Ludorum:

Victor Ludorum:

7 CHAPEL BOSSES

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of girls attending Wrekin College, a new set of Chapel bosses were “We are indebted to our commissioned for Roslyn, Clarkson and Lancaster, the school’s newest Houses. The final designs were sponsors, whose donations a collaboration of ideas and drawings by pupils and Houseparents both current and past. We are indebted to have made this project possible our sponsors, whose donations have made this project possible and to the talented work of the skilled staff and to the talented work of at Vianna Plaster Mouldings Limited who created the new bosses. the skilled staff at Vianna We were delighted to welcome back a number of Old Plaster Mouldings Limited who ‘Wrekiniennes’ for the commemorative Chapel service and celebration lunch. created the new bosses.”

SPEECH DAY

For Speech Day we were blessed with beautiful weather and fascinating speeches. Keynote speaker, Mr Richard North, kept us enthralled with stories of his innovative products and Mr Campion, Chair of the Governors, extended a warm welcome to parents, staff, governors, pupils, families and friends. It was a chance to congratulate this year’s prize winners and to hear pupils’ recollections of their time here at Wrekin College. We said goodbye to those Upper Sixth Form pupils who are moving out to the wider world and with the launch of the new Business School it was a time to look forward to an exciting future for Wrekin College.

“For Speech Day we were blessed with beautiful weather and fascinating speeches.”

8 HEADS OF SCHOOL

The new Heads of School are Natasha Coleman (Roslyn) and Jack Henderson (York). Deputy Head of School is Bryn Windsor. The following pupils are Heads of Houses: Mark Nicholls (Bayley), Imogen Nijs (Clarkson), Harriet Smailes (Hadden Hall), Jared Guest, William Jones and William Lee (Lancaster Boys’), Molly Benger, Charlotte Gibbs and Jemma Parton (Lancaster Girls’), Rebecca Hillyard (Roslyn), Micheal Gaughan (Tudor) and William Pearson (York). Ethan Brownlee-Jones, Oliver Chapman, Pippa Eley, Harry Perkins and Jake Walker are School Prefects. Congratulations to all of them.

9 CRICKET ROUND UP 2015

The summer term saw the First XI play over 20 fixtures. Despite a The squad has continued to evolve and it has been refreshing to disappointing start with an eight-wicket defeat to the Royal Grammar see some of the younger players settle in well and make valued School, Worcester in the Chesterton Cup the team exceeded pre- contributions. Special mention must be made of Dillon Pennington season expectations. Nonplussed by their shaky start the boys and Connor Dudley who were both selected to make their debuts for improved quickly for the first round of the National T20 competition the Worcestershire County Cricket Club Academy side. beating both Denstone College and Bablake School. The team reached The Second XI has also enjoyed a successful season winning four of its the regional final losing to a strong Malvern College side, having six matches including an emphatic victory against the Old Wrekinian beaten Bromsgrove School and Monmouth Boys’ School along the Association. The team has some talented cricketers with younger way. This was a fantastic achievement for a young team that placed promising players coming through – all augurs well for Wrekin cricket. them in the top 16 schools nationally. Elsewhere the teams had a varied season in terms of results. The In the remaining fixtures the team performed well, with strong Under 15s performed well in the Shropshire County Cup, reaching contributions from every member of the squad. The season the semi-final stages. There is a huge amount of potential and under culminated with an outstanding performance: victory over the MCC the watchful experienced eye of Steve Aston the boys have flourished, by six wickets having bowled them out for 106 runs.

10 CRICKET ROUND UP 2015

with two members representing the First X1. The Under 14 A and B teams should be congratulated for their commitment and positive attitude. The boys’ skills have developed significantly throughout the season and it has been encouraging to see a number of international pupils involved in competitive cricket. It has been another successful season for the Lancaster cricket teams. The Under 12s were narrowly beaten by Bridgnorth Endowed School in the Shropshire County Cup final and the Under 13 team worked hard to reach the Shropshire County Cup semi final stage. Combined the boys have played 18 fixtures this season winning a high percentage whilst being competitive in the remainder. A number of Lancaster boys have represented Shropshire County Cricket or one of the four district teams.

11 BEAMING WITH PRIDE

Following her double medal success at her Commonwealth Games debut last year Georgina Hockenhull has once again been on the world stage, this time as part of Team GB at the inaugural European Games in Baku. Over 40 countries took part in the gymnastics section and the GB women’s gymnastics team finished 8th overall, a fantastic achievement. With an amazing, new routine Sixth Form pupil, Georgie, qualified in the top six for the beam final.

BALA

The Second Form pupils marked the end of their time in Lancaster House with the annual camping trip to Bala Lake. They enjoyed activities such as sailing, canoeing, hill walking and kayaking. The boys and girls learned a lot about camp-craft and even had to cook their own evening meals. There were several team-building activities to help the pupils prepare for future activities in the school such as Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The Welsh weather was kind (for once) and despite having to set up camp in the rain, the sun shone for two whole days!

Georgie was also named runner-up at the 2015 Sporting Wales Rising Star Awards, which recognise individuals whose ability and dedication in their chosen field of sport has identified them as being potential stars of the future. BBC Sport Wales has also tipped Georgie as one to watch for selection as part of Team GB’s medal bid in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Fingers crossed!

12 THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARDS

This has been another really great year for the Duke of Edinburgh Award here at Wrekin. As ever it began with the Fourth Form going out to Llangollen to practise their walking and camping skills and this time they were fortunate with the weather. 19 Gold candidates took on the rigours of Dartmoor and they too had good weather and got to grips with the ‘letterboxing’ project well, a kind of treasure hunt and the precursor to the very popular activity of Geocaching. Many have now finished their Gold and they will be paying a visit to the Palace very soon! The Easter term was an active one with the new Silver entry and all of the Bronze candidates doing consolidation training, both in the classroom and out on the Shropshire hills. We experienced all kinds of weather including snow but they coped well and improved their walking and navigation skills greatly. 36 boys and 23 girls successfully completed their bronze expeditions in good weather. 25 Silver candidates were equally successful, on what was a very long route across Shropshire surveying the state of public rights of way. One thing that is particularly pleasing is to see how many of our pupils leave Wrekin with all three DofE Awards completed. We are at a stage now where this is true for over one third of the school, a statistic that is hard to match; something that the school should be justifiably proud of. Wrekin has one of the best completion rates in the region if not the country as a whole. The start of the Christmas term sees the whole process start again. New candidates will be taking their first tentative (no pun intended) steps on the hills as well as a very strong group of 25 Gold candidates ready to take on Dartmoor. I cannot wait to get started! Anthony Francis-Jones [Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager]

13 ARMED MAN

Wrekin College Choirs and Orchestra, The Old Hall School Chapel Lighting was designed and installed by Daniel Street of Street Lighting Choir and Jackfield Elcock Reisen Band conducted by Wrekin’s supported by his production electrician Laurence Russell. We are Director of Music, Simon Platford MBE, had an audience of over grateful to Sparks Theatrical Hire who donated the lighting. 500 in raptures with their powerful and moving performance of The 2016 Combined Choirs Concert will be a St George’s Day ‘The Armed Man, A Mass for Peace’ by the Welsh composer Karl spectacular on April 23rd – put the date in your diary now! If you Jenkins. The event which took place on Saturday 25th April 2015 would like to join in the fun please contact Simon Platford by in a transformed Sports Hall, brought the audience to their feet in email ([email protected]) or come to a choir rehearsal, simultaneous applause. Wednesday evenings 7pm in the Centenary Theatre – you can be Emily Dixon, Head Chorister, sang the Kyrie. Georgina Cox, Jack assured of a warm welcome! Henderson, Georgina Lax, Lucinda Lowe and Gideon Turner were all soloists in Movement 8 ‘Angry Flames’.

SOLLA SOLLEW

The Centenary Theatre was packed to the gunnels as the A2 Theatre Studies group performed their practical assessment. It was a hugely entertaining adaptation of a Dr Seuss story ‘I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew’, which contained elements of commedia dell’ arte (a theatrical genre quite similar to pantomime). The show placed huge vocal and physical demands on the cast. Amongst other things, they had to switch accents at the drop of a hat, ride a tandem, do one-handed cartwheels, sing and dance. Timing and teamwork was crucial in this piece to pull-off the jokes and the ensemble vignettes. The sheer energy and sense of enjoyment generated by the cast was a delight to watch. Needless to say, this was reflected in the marks they received from the moderator and the thunderous applause from the audience.

14 MATHS, MATHS… OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN

Well done to the award winners from the Intermediate Maths WITH THE NEW Challenge – particularly Third Former Aidan Roberjot who was awarded a Gold certificate and was ‘best in school’. He also qualified The last remaining old-style chemistry lab with the wooden benches for the next round putting him in the top 1% nationally for his age. and lecture dais, seen here in a photograph from the 1920s, has been Over 200,000 pupils from across the country sat the challenge with 6% refurbished in a thoroughly 2015 style – what will it look like in 100 receiving Gold awards, the next 13% receiving Silver and the next 21% years from now we wonder? Bronze. This means that any pupil receiving a certificate is in the top 40% in the country. The challenge is designed for and entered by only the best mathematicians from each participating school. Therefore, anyone who receives a certificate, whether bronze, silver or gold, has done incredibly well.

SALTERS CHEMISTRY SUCCESS

Against stiff competition from Handsworth Grammar School and King Edwards VI Camphill, a group of four Second Form girls came “The challenge is designed for first in the Salters’ Chemistry event at Birmingham University. Wrekin College came third in 2013 – this year’s result is a great illustration and entered by only the best of how the school is going from strength-to-strength in science. Congratulations to Georgia Thompson, Kate Grimsdale, Philippa mathematicians from each Maddocks and Vani Mahajan. participating school.” …AND MORE MATHS

The Cranage Hall at The Old Hall School was the setting for the inaugural Wrekin College Year 4 Maths Challenge. The room was packed with over 100 young mathematicians from 29 schools. The children spent two hours completing maths puzzles ably marked by Year 6 and Year 7 pupils from The Old Hall and Wrekin College. The top prizes were awarded to Highclare St. Paul’s School and Prestfelde School, with runners-up Crudgington Primary School and Packwood Haugh School. The Year 6 Maths Challenge will take place on Friday 6th November 2015 and the Year 5 Challenge on Friday 4th March. Please visit www. dcbeagle.com to register your school team.

15 THE PITCH STAMINA AND SPEED

Wrekin College saw success for the third consecutive year at The Pitch Following her silver medal suc- – an entrepreneurial business competition organised by the University cess in the Midlands 3km Open of Wolverhampton for schools across the West Midlands. Two teams Water Championships, talented of Fourth Formers mentored by Dr Cusack, Head of Careers, and Mr swimmer Holly Townson was Hurd, Head of the Business School, emerged as category winners in the selected for the age group 2015 final judging. Competing against each other in the final, Team Wrekin ASA National Swimming Cham- 2 emerged triumphant as the overall winners of The Pitch 2015. pionships in the Under 15 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle. Holly, Team Wrekin 1: Elliot Evlyn-Bufton, Orla McCormack, Henry Owen, one of only six swimmers from Henry Phillips and Holly Townson was tasked with planning a strategy the West Midlands who quali- to increase the footfall at the Genting (formerly LG) Arena by 2017. fied, trains with Wrekin College Their pitch to ten judges from the NEC and the university centred Swimming Club. After a round on the slogan ‘Genting Arena: Events for a New Era’ was deemed the of competitive heats she qual- winning campaign in their category. ified for all three national final races finishing 8th in the Under 15 100m freestyle, 9th in the 400m freestyle and 10th in the 50m freestyle.

JUMPING ‘THE JOKER’

Representing Wrekin College CCF at National Show Jumping Championships, Fourth Former, LCpl Archie Rees, riding Rookwood Captain, took on members of the Household Cavalry, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Police Force, as well as dependants of forces personnel and came first in both classes. The second class was particularly exciting as it was an accumulator where you get 1 point for successfully jumping the first fence, two points for the second and so on. At the end you can safely jump the last fence or take a gamble and go for the more difficult “Competing against ‘joker’. In the spirit of the event almost everyone went for the joker, but each other in the final, it was Archie who successfully made it and in the fastest time. Team Wrekin 2 emerged triumphant as the overall winners of The Pitch 2015.”

Team Wrekin 2: Tom Brennan, Henry Davies, Tait Furnival, Joseph Lee and Freya Rooke-Moore was asked to propose a way of encouraging more applicants for engineering degrees at the University of Wolverhampton, particularly applications from young women. Not only did the team win The Pitch in this category, but was judged the winning team out of 29 other schools. A fabulous achievement. During the two days the teams learned about marketing, team building and thinking ‘outside the box’. The pupils tackled their briefs with flair, energy and enthusiasm and had the opportunity to grill real business executives from the NEC about their businesses over dinner. In all, a thoroughly informative and inspiring experience for the budding entrepreneurs.

16 HOUSE MAKE-OVERS BOARDERS’ ALTERNATIVE

Boarding has never been so good. Bayley and Tudor SPORTS DAY have both had make-overs this year with new bedrooms, bathrooms and some ensuite facilities What a lovely Boarders’ Alternative Sports Day we for our Sixth Form boarders… don’t worry girls, it had here at Wrekin College, the sun shone, the fun will be Hadden’s turn next. races were fiercely competitive, (especially the tug of war). Mr Crone was in charge of the BBQ and even Monty, Mrs Ritchie-Morgan’s dog, joined in the fun!

OW DEGREE SUCCESS

Congratulations to Old Wrekinians, Freyja Clarke (R.04-11) who gained a BA (Hons) Architecture first-class from the University of Bath and Tim Sunerton (B. 04-11), who has gained a BA (Hons) CCF Fine Art first-class from the University of Reading. Nathan Billingham qualified as a doctor from the University of Norwich. A busy year for CCF. The Third Form Army contingent enjoyed night exercises at Nesscliffe and field days at Swynnerton, taking part in a variety of tasks and team-building exercises: movement in the field, camouflage, first aid observation, a section attack, catching and cooking rabbits, weapons training, shel- ter building and orienteering to name a few. The RAF contingent took to the skies in gliders over the Long Mynd and Grob tutor planes over RAF Cosford. Older cadets LCpls Henry Kimberley and Dan Jackson took part in week-long national leadership courses at Nesscliffe and Frimley respectively. Fourth Form pupil, Joseph Lee, went through a rigorous selection process to be awarded a coveted place on the 2016 Army Cadets’ KWA Zulu expedition to Natal. Joe will undergo further pre-expedition training in October and March before the main event next summer.

17 ART EXHIBITION

It was a busy evening for the Art Department at the annual exhibition of GCSE and A level work. With an array of such different and skilled pieces on show there really was art for everyone.

18 19 CONCERTS

The Wrekin musicians pack in a tremendous amount of practice and performing over a school year from intimate soireés and extravagant Christmas concerts to al fresco jazz on Sports Day. Their performances never fail to engage the audience and the Summer Concert was no exception. A varied programme, designed to showcase musical groups and vocals, throughout the year groups, held the listeners’ attention despite the sweltering heat. An entertaining rendition of The Ugly Duckling (arr. Cooper) from the double reed group was followed by polished vocals from the Lancaster choir whose showstopper rendition of May the Rose Rise to Meet You (L’Estrange) accompanied by talented First Form flautist, Emily Burton, had the audience in raptures. The Chapel Choir under the direction of Simon Platford has reached new heights and aptly concluded the Summer concert with the Gloria (Stopford). This term, in the first of our Soireés at Six, the senior music scholars have entertained us. Please join us for our next soireé on 12th November when the school ensembles will be playing in Chapel.

NEW STAFF

This term we welcomed a number of new appointments who will contribute strongly to school life. Helen Ingoldby joined the Support for Learning Department, Rory Freckleton and Diane Van Dongen joined the Chemistry Department and will also be tutors in Lancaster Girls’. Jonathan Mather joins us from Worksop College as Head of Boys’ Games, teacher of PE and Tudor House tutor. We also welcomed Sergio Dugay Lopez into the MFL department and a new hockey coach, Adam Lamb. Congratulations to Amy Gardner who moves from Roslyn House to become Assistant houseparent in Lancaster Boys’. PREFECTS’ CHAPEL SPEECHES

The prefects’ weekly Chapel talks have become a new tradition at Wrekin. Words of wisdom this term have included Charley Rumsey’s talk on the importance of positive mental attitudes James Clarke’s take on ‘expectation’ and Georgie Perris-Redding’s view on respecting each other’s differences. SCOTLAND CALL – UP

In her first Scotland call–up Third Form pupil, Lorna Mac- kenzie, playing for the Under 16 girls’, scored a goal and helped the team beat Wales 2-1. Con- gratulations Lorna!

20 FJ IN CHINA RENTOKIL

Whist on holiday in China this summer, Physics teacher Anthony Francis-Jones visited the Jiutian School in Beijing to talk to teachers and pupils about life at Wrekin College and studying science at A Level. The talk quickly turned into a science lecture on the Big Bang and the evidence for it.

This year Wrekin College became Rentokil’s oldest customer world- “The relationship wide. Rentokil was originally commissioned in the 1920s to has endured help prevent the spread of wood- because, much THE SCHOOL PLAY – worm and the contract has rolled on since then growing with needs like Wrekin, SAVE THE DATE of the school. The relationship has endured because, much like Rentokil has been Wrekin, Rentokil has been able Rehearsals have started in earnest for this term’s to adapt, change and excel whilst able to adapt, production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s maintaining bespoke, local cus- Dream, directed by Dr Alex Witton. Talented Sixth tomer service. change and excel.” Form drama students Jack Henderson, Jake Thorpe and Tom Pluse will be taking the lead roles. There is no doubt that this will be another Wrekin box office sell-out so save the date now, 9th, 10th or 11th December 7pm Centenary Theatre and book your SOPHIE WALKS FOR CHARITY ticket online www.ticketsource.co.uk/wrekinarts after half term. Second Former Sophie Acton just keeps on walking for charity. She started the 136 mile Wye Valley Walk at Easter and finished it over the summer to raise funds for the charity Breast Cancer Campaign, a charity which funds world-class breast cancer research and is close to Sophie’s heart. Sophie, who is now 12 says, ‘When I was 10 my mum had breast cancer – it was really hard for the whole family. My mum and I are really close and I am so happy she recovered from it and is well now. Two of the things my mum loves are walking in the country and wild swimming. I love doing these things with her; that is why I am walking 136 miles with her. I expect we will do some wild swimming on the way. We will be doing this in the Easter and summer holidays. Please sponsor me on this walk to help other children like me to help their mum survive breast cancer, I would really appreciate it.’

21 SCIENCE CHALLENGE

Wrekin welcomed eleven Year 5 teams to this year’s Science Challenge. The children listened to three science lectures, complete with gory intestines and plethora of chemical wizardry, took part in a quick fire science quiz and, for the final challenge, designed a car powered by elastic bands. Teams were marked on the quiz, car design, distance travelled and team work. In a very close competition, the trophy was awarded to the team from Captain Webb Primary School, closely followed by The Ryleys School.

ATHLETICS

The 2015 athletics season has been very busy for all age groups. Over 90 pupils have regularly trained and represented the school in various team and championship events during the summer term. In the championship events, Wrekin pupils have won a total of 73 medals, an outstanding effort. Eight pupils were chosen to represent Shropshire in the Mason Trophy, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham: Lucy Asson (100m, 200m and relay), Henry Owen (200m and relay), Klara Albrink (Long Jump), James Davis (Long Jump), Elysse Lloyd (High Jump) Georgie Benbow (1500m), Phoebe Smith (800m) and Bethany Hartland-Griffiths (Triple Jump).

“In the championship events, Wrekin pupils won a total of 73 medals, an outstanding effort.”

The climax of the season is the English Schools’ AA Championships and this year Wrekin had four pupils selected: Leo Read (100m), Georgie Perris- Redding (100m), Lucy Asson (100m) and Klara Albrink (Long Jump). As a Group C county based on population, competition for the 25 places is always high. Wrekin had the most representation of any school. Lower Sixth Form pupil Leo Read was elected Captain of the Shropshire Boys’ team.

22 MOVING UP!

Having spent two years in Lan- caster House with their own reward system and space, the Second Form pupils are burst- ing with energy and ready to move into their senior houses. They bring with them a wealth of talent, sporting, musical and academic and a huge amount of enthusiasm.

PRIMARY SCHOOL EVENTS

Wrekin College runs many events, sporting musical and academic for Friday 6th November – Year 6 Maths Challenge children of all ages. The wide range of activities should appeal to girls Friday 27th November – Orchestra Day and boys of all abilities and talents, and they are a great way to get to know Wrekin. Workshops for individual schools are also available, Friday 4th March – Year 5 Maths Challenge including leadership afternoons, specialist departmental events and Thursday 10th March – Singing Day general lectures. Sunday 20th March – Spring Sports’ Tournament Netball and Rugby Particularly popular are our musical workshops; a bespoke day for young musicians followed by a soirée accompanied by Wrekin College Friday 22nd April – Year 4 Maths Challenge instrumentalists and afternoon tea in the Headmaster’s house. Saturday 15th May – Wrekin College Aquathlon If you would like your child’s school to take part in our feeder school Sunday 12th June – Junior Cricket Festival events or you would like to arrange a specific event for your pupils Thursday 23rd June – Year 5 Science Challenge please contact Andy Nicoll by telephone 01952 265604 or email [email protected] . We would be delighted to hear from you. Sunday 25th June – Schools’ Athletics Challenge

23 JOINING FORTHCOMING WREKIN COLLEGE EVENTS

Children usually join Wrekin College in the First or Third Form, when Friday 2nd October most of them are 11 or 13 and at Sixth Form. The best way to get a true The Old Hall School Open Day flavour of Wrekin’s special atmosphere is to visit us, this will enable 9.30am – 3.30pm you to meet the Headmaster, tour the school and most important Saturday 3rd October of all meet the pupils. We would be delighted to welcome you to the The Old Hall School Open Morning school at any time. 10am – 12.30pm Thursday 15th October Examination dates for entry September 2016 House Singing Competition (parents and pupils only) 11+ Entrance – Tuesday 10th November 2015 Wednesday 18th November 11+ Music Scholarship – Wednesday 18th November 2015 Debut Recitalists’ Concert 11+ Art or Design Scholarship – Thursday 19th November 2015 Thursday 26th November 11+ Sports Scholarship – Friday 20th November 2015 House Drama Competition 11+ Academic Scholarship (invitation only) – Saturday 28th 9th, 10th and 11th December November 2015 The School Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 13+ Entrance – Tuesday 10th November 2015 14th December 13+ Art or Design Scholarship – Thursday 12th November 2015 Christmas Concert – 7.30pm 13+ Sports Scholarship – Friday 13th November 2015 Friday 22nd January 13+ Academic Scholarship – Monday 23rd November 2015 The Old Hall School Reception Open Evening 13+ Music Scholarship – Wednesday 25th November 2015 Saturday 23rd January The Old Hall School Reception Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 19th March Art or Design Scholarship – Thursday 12th November 2015 Wrekin College Open Morning Sports Scholarship – Friday 13th November 2015 Soirées at Six throughout the year Entrance and Academic Scholarship interviews – Week commencing Seats for most events can be booked Monday 16th November 2015 online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Music Scholarship – Wednesday 25th November 2015 wrekinarts For all entrance enquiries and further information please contact Please visit the website for further the Admissions Office by telephone 01952 265603 or email details on all Wrekin College and [email protected]. Old Hall School events