From All Quarters 2018
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From All Quarters 2018 News and information about Old Marians from all corners of the World Foreword by Richard Langton, Headmaster It gives me great pleasure to write in this publication for the first time as the 37th Headmaster of QMGS. Since my appointment as a curriculum Deputy Head in 2011, I have become hugely involved in School life and am honoured to be leading such a historic institution. I have met many alumni over the past 7 years and have always been struck with the sense of pride that Marians have in their connection with the School. From Farchynys, to Wreath Laying and the CCF, I am committed to maintaining the traditions of the School within a changing educational landscape. The Mercian multi-academy trust (MAT) represents a wealth of new opportunities for the School and we have seen this in action this year, with a greater range of subjects being offered in the sixth form than ever before. The School continues to be in good health with regards to exam performance, with a Progress 8 score of +0.69 putting us in the upper heights of national league tables. Applications for Year 7 and Year 12 places are at record numbers and there are a huge amount of extra- curricular activities taking place in School. If you get a chance, have a look at the School website: click on the music tab to see photos of the collaborative projects with QMHS or on the Project Horizon icon to view the latest news from the near-space initiatives. The latest QM Observer newsletter gives a flavour of the last term and, with almost 10,000 tweets since 2012, the School’s twitter account also provides a remarkable record of School life. If you look hard enough, you may even find a photo of the new headmaster with Ross Morrison-McGill, a national education figure, who visited the School in February as part of our mental health initiatives. I am committed to the health and prosperity of the School going forward and I hope to write to you in the near future about some exciting opportunities. Thank you for your continued interest in the School. I look forward to hearing from and meeting many more Marians. June 2018 1 Editor’s Introduction On 1st January 2018 a new era began at Queen Mary’s with the appointment of Richard Langton as Headmaster as Tim Swain moves on to his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Mercian Trust. Richard joined QM as Deputy Head in 2011 from Lawrence Sheriff School, a boys’ grammar School in Rugby where he was Head of Geography and a Head of Year. In the last 12 months he has held the post of Head of School at QM enabling Tim to concentrate on the launch of the multi academy trust. Richard has already taken a close interest in the activities of QMC, regularly attending the meetings of the Management Committee; his “hands on” style has been greatly appreciated. His enthusiastic support for Farchynys and the extracurricular life of the School has been greatly valued by the officers of the Club. In a time of change, the School needs the support of its alumni as much as ever. Gill Columbine, our Alumni Officer, continues to expand our links with Old Marians of all generations. Many recent leavers have supported the Careers Convention this year which has been a considerable help to the current Sixth Form (now numbering 361 in a School of 1011 pupils). We are also keen to expand the activities of the Club to ensure that we meet the needs of all generations. New ideas are very welcome. If you have not been in touch recently, we would like to hear from you - and your contemporaries. With best wishes Tim Lawrence [email protected] June 2018 2 3 Tim Swain (QM1974-81) (Staff 1987-2017) As you will know, Tim Swain has resigned as Headmaster – and as President of QMC; he was succeeded on 1st January 2018 by Richard Langton. Not since 1955 and the departure of A.N.Hamilton has a Head relinquished his position to move on to another role in education. The creation of the Mercian Trust is a landmark in the history of the School, the Foundation and indeed the Town. Although we are not saying farewell to Tim – and he will continue to have a major role in the governance of the School – it seems right at this stage to pay tribute, in this publication, to his remarkable service to Queen Mary’s Grammar School and to record his career to date. Tim joined the School as a “Fustie” in 1974 and had a highly successful academic career at School. In the Sixth Form he took French, English and German (then identified in the Green Book by the politically incorrect letter “J”!). He spent time in 6HB under the exacting regime of Kenneth Warburton, where hard work and attention to detail was expected and valued. Outside the classroom Tim was involved in music and drama and, of course, was a Senior Prefect. Encouraged by John Anderson, Tim went on to study at St John’s College, Oxford reading Modern Languages, and developing a longstanding love of France. He returned to Walsall and to the Staff of QM in 1987: he was appointed Year Master of the First Year in 1989 and two years later became Head of Modern Languages. On Stuart Holtam’s appointment to the Headship, Tim succeeded Bob (Killer) Fletcher as Head of Sixth Form. In his time, the Sixth Form Common Room moved to the Sutton Road houses which marked a new era for senior pupils. During these years, Tim established a reputation as a formidable and innovative classroom teacher, for his energetic involvement in foreign exchanges, Farchynys visits and extra-curricular activities. His performances in Assembly soon became legendary, not least his cooking demonstrations on stage – which would never pass modern fire regulations! He served as Chairman of the Common Room, took an enthusiastic role in staff social activities – and tries, to this day, to beat Jon Rockett at Squash. Tim became Second Master in 1997, serving as Stuart Holtam’s sole deputy and right hand man until 2008, through the transition to Grant Maintained 4 status. He played a pivotal role in the School’s acquisition of Language College and then Business & Enterprise Status. In 2008, Tim succeeded Stuart as the 36th Headmaster of QMGS. The last ten years have seen some remarkable achievements and changes. Academic standards have been maintained. Innovation in teaching and learning has been fostered. The School – and especially the Sixth Form - has grown in size. The fabric of the School has improved dramatically with the creation of the Humanities Wing, The Collier Centre and the Multi-Purpose Play Area – with extensions to the Science Block currently in progress. The House System has been revived and modernised with considerable success. Tim has given wholehearted support to the extracurricular life of the School, to Games, to the CCF and especially to Farchynys. The acquisition of the Barn, the Cottage and the increased land in the Farchynys Estate have created great opportunities for future generations of Marians. He has also been a driving force in the School’s move to Academy Status and the subsequent creation of the Mercian Trust. Tim has provided inspiring leadership to the School during these years; furthermore, he has continued the work of his predecessors in encouraging the activities of the QMA and the QMC. TJS has always endeavoured to combine respect for the traditions and history of the School with an innovative outlook and a forward looking approach. His great concern and care for pupils and colleagues – and all members of the QM community has always been evident. He has been supported unstintingly in his dedication to QM by his wife, Christiane – and their children, Oliver, Jacob and Marianne – all Marians! The Club thanks Tim warmly for his work on our behalf and wishes him well in his new role. 5 My Day at the Palace By Walter Balmford MBE (QM1937-46) During the last week of November 2017, I received a letter from the Cabinet Office notifying me that the Prime Minister was proposing to put my name forward to the Queen who would be graciously pleased that I be appointed a Member of the most Excellent Order of the British Empire. I can honestly say that I was genuinely surprised but also highly delighted. I reflected on the fact I was being recognised for all my years of hard work—I was very proud. Although the letter clearly stated that I was being informed in “strict confidence” I felt sure it would be in order to share my joy with my immediate family, which I did. In the middle of January 2018 I received another letter. This one from the Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood, notifying me of the date of the investiture which would be held on 17 February 2018. The great day arrived, and with members of my family around me I left the Charterhouse (where Walter lives) to head for Buckingham Palace. When we arrived at the designated gate, our taxi was directed to the inner courtyard where we drove right up to the colonnaded entrance. I was offered the use of a lift to ascent to the main state rooms, but I did not want to miss out on climbing the grand staircase. AT the top I was ushered into an ante-room and my family were guided to the ballroom.