ISSUE 46 • winter 2017 the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 THe CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE review By Rhiannon Johnson, Director of Drama

At the end of a busy Michaelmas debut, playing Michael Ubashvilli with term, the annual College real skill and dexterity. His innocent play took to the stage. This year’s portrayal of Grusha’s adopted son production was Bertolt Brecht’s epic highlighted the uncontrollable conflict tale of The Caucasian Chalk Circle. which surrounded him. With a cast of 30 and a backstage crew of 21, collaboration It is impossible to mention all the is at the heart of this piece. impressive performances; the ensemble scenes were energetic, Brecht’s play is a parable about captivating and a delight to behold. a peasant girl who steals a baby, It was a pleasure to watch a large but becomes a better mother than cast, ranging in age, working together its natural parents. Set in Georgia, to tell Brecht’s multifaceted tale. around the end of the Second World War, the play also explores the impact The ambitious directorial vision of Ms of conflict on a poor country. Kim Chandley, was fully embraced by cast and crew. The committed The audience was effortlessly guided Assistant Director, Amy Taylor (Rv), through the story by The Narrators, and the diligent Stage Manager, played superbly by Nara Aligulova Chloe Dignum (Rv), displayed their (Cr) and Ben Sumrie (C). outstanding organisational skills and creative flair throughout. The four Special mention should go to Maria talented musicians: Teddy Humphrey Wall (Cr), who played Grusha; her (Rn), Ben Abbott (C), Liam Head (F) heart-wrenching portrayal of a mother and Charlie McLean (H); composed being forced to prove her love for an original, yet authentic Georgian- her son, was felt throughout the style score, which added depth and audience. atmosphere to the production.

Even though the themes of the play Credit must also go to Mr Rob are often troubling and complex, Hammond, our multi-talented the production revelled in its lighter Technical Manager, whose vision, moments. Comic relief was delivered expertise and hard work created the in spades by Bea Rexstrew (R) and outstanding set and orchestrated the Bruno Dent (H); their playful and more challenging design elements. exaggerated relationship was a joy His crew skilfully executed the sound to watch. The shrill and tight-lipped and lighting design with aplomb. Governor’s Wife meanwhile, played by Abby Pollington (R), engulfed the Although Brecht wrote this play stage the moment she entered; a truly in 1944, the themes explored are charismatic performance. still relevant to today’s society. The company of The Caucasian Chalk One of the true qualities of Epsom Circle has created a challenging, and is its ability to foster a strong, thought provoking piece of theatre – supportive community among all just as Brecht would have wanted. its pupils – the annual College production plays an important part in In the words of Ms Kim Chandley, this, encouraging the talents of young ”In our own times of crisis we must people throughout all year groups. examine the parallels in our narrative to Chalk Circle; our country struggles Jack Hicks, who only joined the financially, socially, and politically to College in the Third Form this find a new path in 21st century”. September, made his Epsom College the link WINTER 2017

HRH The Duke A College on the rise Epsom’s record examination results, plus the continued quality and creativity of of Gloucester its teaching, have received national recognition this term, with award nominations, opens Lower high praise from educational experts and a notable leap up the league tables. ‘Best of the best’ The Sunday Times Independent School by The Week Schools League Table The Week’s Independent Schools Guide Rounding off what has been a strong term for the judges top independent schools across College, Epsom was ranked 70th in The Sunday In September, in the presence of Epsom’s a range of categories. In order to arrive Times Independent Secondary Schools league table. first full complement of Year 7 and at the UK’s leading senior schools, educational experts study league tables, 8 pupils, HRH The Duke of Gloucester peruse the data, and consult a wide range formally opened our Lower School. of teachers, parents and pupils.

This year, The Week rated Epsom as The occasion proved a landmark Lower School choir, and listened runner-up in the Best School for All- for the College, for the first time in in as pupils debated the impact of Rounders category - an award that reflects our history we have slightly more social media on young people’s the College’s strong and continued girls than boys across these year mental health and wellbeing. improvement of the last few years and groups: 51% girls and 49% boys. places Epsom firmly among “the UK’s The Duke also witnessed one leading senior schools”. In little over a year since welcoming of the College’s STEM lessons its first pupils, the Lower School – which introduce pupils to the has become a strong, vibrant interdisciplinary potential of community that enriches the life science, technology, engineering TES Independent School of the College. The Duke and maths – before visiting the Awards finalist experienced this first hand as he Art School. took part in lessons, chatted to Hot on the heels of the high praise from pupils and witnessed the broad The visit concluded with The Duke The Week, Epsom learnt that it had been range of opportunities enjoyed by – who is the eldest grandchild of shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious our pupils. King , and the senior male TES ( Educational Supplement) Each school is ranked on the outcomes of its 2017 descendant of – Independent School Awards 2018. A-level and GCSE examinations. Epsom’s climb The Duke observed: “Any time that unveiling the plaque, and being of 17 places from last year’s table, marks it out a building is developed it is a sign presented with gifts by two Year 8 The College is shortlisted for the Creativity as one of the UK’s strongest performing schools, of success and growth. This new pupils, Sophie Norman and Award for the Science, Technology, and reflects the continued rise in its academic Lower School building is a sure Arthur van Grondelle. Engineering and Maths (STEM) team’s High performance over recent years. sign of Epsom College’s continued Altitude Balloon Challenge initiative, and in success – it reflects the College’s Speaking at the event, Headmaster the category for the Best Use of Technology Headmaster Jay Piggot said, “The aim is to maintain outstanding reputation.” Jay Piggot said, “The Lower School in recognition of the effective and imaginative this strong momentum and to continue is having an enormous impact way in which the College has embedded the to close in upon the top 50 schools. During his visit to the £3million on the College: enquiries and internet and digital technology into all aspects Lower School building, His Royal registrations have trebled over the of school life. “Both as a current Epsom parent and Headmaster, Highness was accompanied by past year and we have received I’m excited by the development and positive Deputy Head (Academic), Mr Richard Alton, a list of dignitaries including the record numbers for the entrance said: “Using technology creatively and trajectory of this College over the last few years. Mayor of Epsom & , Cllr Liz tests in January. Most importantly efficiently is a crucial skill that all young For the first time in my tenure, we are being Frost; local MP Chris Grayling; of all, this building is helping to people must master. I am delighted that the mentioned in the same breath as top independent and the Chair of the Board of shape an educational experience innovation and hard work of our teachers and schools. The College’s current momentum lifts Governors, Dr Alastair Wells. for our pupils that is happy, pupils have been recognised with these award everyone in the school: teachers, support staff Guests took part in a Mandarin engaging and aspirational.” nominations.” and pupils, and encourages all of us to make this lesson, observed a rehearsal of the The winners of each category will be revealed community bigger, better and stronger for the benefit at an awards ceremony in in February. of everyone at Epsom.” the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 Creating a College community Throughout the year there are a Choral Competition Inter-House Cross Country number of occasions in which The College’s annual Choral Competition event Almost 700 runners competed in this year’s every member of the Epsom saw the 13 Houses present a unison song, an Inter-House Cross Country Championships, which unaccompanied part-song and a soloist, in front took place on . community unites, and these of an audience of enthusiastic parents and friends. This year’s race was blessed with clear blue skies Pupils and House staff chose and arranged their are always a highlight in the and sunshine, which encouraged a large crowd of own songs, rehearsed hard, and conducted the College calendar. The events of parents, staff and other members of the College evening’s performances. Competing wearing House community to cheer the runners on. Michaelmas Term are perhaps ties, coloured ribbons and buttonholes, plus an the most special as they bring array of entertaining props, each House performed One of the oldest sporting events in the College new pupils and families into the three songs. calendar, the Cross Country is always keenly College community of which we contested, with runners entering into the spirit The contest was adjudicated by Mrs Rachel of the competition and giving their best for their are so proud; forging friendships, Staunton, Associate of the Royal Academy of respective Houses. Music and co-founder of the London Youth Choir. uniting Houses, and creating The overall girls’ House winner was Rosebery, with lasting memories. This term saw In the Solo category, Harry Milne (P) was awarded Murrell in second place, and Raven in third place. The Trott Cup with Why God Why? by outstanding camaraderie and In the boys’ race Forest secured the win, closely Claude-Michel Schönberg. The Carson Cup followed by Propert in second place and Robinson team spirit on show at the Choral was awarded to Wilson who performed Abba’s in third. Competition and Inter-House Greatest Hits in the Part Song category, and The Cross Country events. Murray Young Cup was awarded to Rosebery for their Unison rendition of Posh Girls by Scouting for Girls. The worthy overall winner of the Choral Competition Trophy was Forest House. the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 Nurturing Independent Learners By Kate Hancock, Head of Sixth Form Core Curriculum, and EPQ coordinator

Epsom first offered the Extended Project Dr Emma Thompson, of Southampton University, necessary skills to complete their projects. It is Qualification, or EPQ, in 2008 and it began with comments that ”there is an increasing body of clear that candidates had been well supported a cohort of just four. Since then, participation has evidence to suggest that students who do an throughout the process and it was a pleasure to increased considerably and we currently have EPQ before coming to university perform better read the supporting evidence. The administration over 60 students signed up. I took over running than those who have not. A higher proportion and organisation of the projects was excellent. the programme in 2015 and the EPQ is now a key of EPQ students achieve first class and upper Congratulations to all concerned on the delivery of offering of the recently formed Sixth Form Core second class degrees compared to their non-EPQ an excellent EPQ programme.” 1 What’s an EPQ? Curriculum. counterparts”. It is a qualification equivalent to half an I am naturally delighted by this recognition for A-level, where students are given the Typically, students opt to produce a dissertation Recent Epsom leavers were also quick to praise the excellent work put in by the EPQ team, and opportunity to acquire the skills necessary style report, although the more creative may how the skills they acquired have supported them more so to hear of the wonderful platform it has to manage and carry out an independent choose to satisfy a design brief and create an on their degree courses. Harriet Teasdale (2015) provided our former pupils for a life of learning artefact. All students submit evidence of their stated that “The EPQ was the first chance to beyond the College. research project. project development and formally present to a practice academic research and extended writing. non-specialist audience. I am in my third year of studying Medicine and writing a 6,000-word research project. I can safely 2 What are the benefits? At Epsom, we strongly encourage pupils to say that the EPQ has helped me a lot. I learnt It is great further study preparation. We engage with something they are passionate about how to reference, search for papers from reliable and consequently, we have had an interesting sources and prepare for one-to-one meetings with cover topics such as citing and referencing, variety of projects. tutors. These skills have proven evermore useful academic writing and project management, and I’m very glad I did an EPQ.” and students choose and develop their own Recent top-scoring dissertations include: ‘Should interests and ideas into a research question, medical cannabis be legalised in the UK to treat Hannah Taylor (2015) reflected that she had taken study or artefact project. multiple sclerosis and epilepsy?’; ‘Should all no essay subjects since GCSEs. Consequently a criminals be prosecuted equally regardless of thesis might have seemed daunting but, because Universities recognise and respect the the cause of their criminality?’; ‘To what extent of the EPQ, she is unfazed by the prospect. She higher-level skills it requires and students is badger culling an effective and ethically sound feels prepared as the process taught her how to can reference their findings in their personal method of controlling the spread of bovine TB?’; reference, write analytically and research. statements and in discussion at interviews. and ‘To what extent can Christopher Columbus still be regarded as a ‘positive pioneer’ in early Student results have been excellent, in June 2017 global expansion?’ 100% of EPQs awarded grades A*-B; of which 46% were A*. 3 How can it help my Recent artefacts include ‘Behind the Mask’, University application? a short story on capital punishment from the These figures are likely to increase for the recent Increasingly, the EPQ may form part of a perspective of the executioner; a blueprint for October 2017 entries, to 59% of EPQs attaining a carbon-neutral house; a pop art influenced A*, and 91% getting either an A or A*. university offer, and several of our current painting; and a musical on the personification Upper Sixth students are already holding of death. The programme has also received positive offers that refer to the EPQ. Finlay Savill, for feedback from the moderating team at AQA example, holds an offer of AAB from Leeds The EPQ is certainly not an easy option, as it who commented that “It was a pleasure to mark to read Politics but, if he attains an A or A* in requires a significant level of independence and the work presented by Epsom. They should his EPQ, the offer is reduced to ABB. Jacky self-motivation, but students frequently reap the be congratulated on the thoroughness of their Lai holds a similar offer from Birmingham to benefits long after their projects are completed. supervision and approval process. Candidates read Law. clearly benefitted from a rigorously taught skills programme, which enabled them to develop the the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 our new centre for excellence Epsom announces its largest ever fundraising campaign for The Mermaid, It is with great excitement that Epsom announces its ambitious plans for a new £8.4million centre to transform the educational experience of its an ambitious £8.4m centre set to transform prospects for students. pupils, with particular focus on the Sixth Form. The plans come in response to a period of significant growth for the College, which has seen a 28% increase in pupil numbers since 2004. Today, Epsom teaches 890 bright, talented and enthusiastic girls and boys, and its academic star is in the ascendancy – with record exam results, a leap in all league tables, and continued strong performance inside and outside the classroom.

Rather than rest on its laurels, the College is taking ambitious steps to secure its position among the UK’s elite independent schools. “Among this positive growth and strong sense of community, the College lacks one essential space: a co-educational space for pupils to come together, particularly in the Sixth Form,” says Headmaster, Jay Piggot.

Our vision What’s in a name? Fundraising

Epsom’s vision is to provide much-needed The building’s name – The Mermaid – is To bring this ambitious project to life space for academic and cultural enrichment, inspired by an audacious and enterprising requires the biggest fundraising campaign with seminar rooms, discussion pods and group of pupils from Epsom’s past. undertaken since the College was founded a large study area. The space also features In 1922, the reading of plays had been in 1855. The Education Trust has raised in a screening room and a lecture theatre that prohibited by the College as it was seen as the region of £2.5million in generous pledges can accommodate up to 190 students. a distraction from the rigour of academic from Old Epsomians, parents and friends of pursuit. Undeterred and undaunted, a group the school as part of the campaign’s ‘quiet Located at the heart of the campus, and of bright young things formed The Mermaid phase,’ largely through the naming of some spread over 2,000sqm, the new building will Society to indulge their passion for the life of the Centre’s various rooms and facilities. equip students with the skills to succeed in of the mind and their love of literature and The College will contribute a further the 21st Century. The new facility, and the the arts. £2.4million, and a fundraising campaign additional support it provides, will foster will raise the remaining sum via a series of a seamless transition into undergraduate This society was named after The Mermaid fun events, celebrations and challenges to life. Central to this aim is a state-of-the- Tavern in Cheapside, where notable literary engage the whole Epsom community. art careers centre, supported by interview figures Ben Jonson, John Donne, William practice rooms. Shakespeare, John Fletcher and Francis Headmaster, Jay Piggot, said: “This Beaumont are reported to have met on the imaginative new building will play a key role The Mermaid will also provide students with first Friday of each month to discuss the in enabling us to become the pre-eminent a much-needed co-educational space for ways of the world, away from the cares of co-educational day and boarding school in social interaction, relaxation and culture. the world. London and the South East. It will house Epsom’s programme of arts, culture, debates and performances. The café A society formed independently by pupils “It will complement the school’s other will double as a gallery space, celebrating to quench their thirst for knowledge; these buildings, enhance the collegiate students’ art and photography. individuals displayed bravery and initiative to environment, underpin the school’s break convention in pursuit of academic and philosophy, strengthen our community and cultural enrichment outside the classroom. foster individuals who will go on to make a To find out more about the plans for These qualities, held by the original difference in society. The Mermaid, or to help support the Mermaid Society, will find expression in the campaign, please contact Education transformative power of our exciting new “I’m excited by the development and Trust Director, Karen Doyle, at: building. positive trajectory of this College over [email protected] the last few years. For the first time in my or on 01372 821290. tenure, we are being mentioned in the same breath as top independent schools. We now wish to reinforce this success and growth by fashioning a school fit to meet the Pupils learn as much outside the classroom as inside it, and as challenges of future generations.” much“ from each other as from adults. Truly great schools need to provide safe and imaginative spaces for this to happen. ” the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 beyond the classroom During the year Epsom pupils embark on a host of academic trips, sporting tours and charity projects, spanning the globe. Here is a snapshot of some of the recent trips which have taken place, bringing classroom study to life.

Iceland Italy

Upper Sixth Geography students to purple - everyone was moved Sixth Form Classics and Religious Adam, the Last Judgment, St Peter’s embarked on a six-day adventure to by nature’s phenomenal display. Studies students spent five days Baldachin, and St Peter’s Chair. Iceland. The packed schedule saw Students also visited the glacier in Rome exploring a wide range of Students also peeled back hundreds CERN Isle of Wight the students head straight from the lagoon of Jökulsárlón, went on a Christian and Roman sites, with of years of Roman history at The airport to the lava caves where they 4km hike to Svartifoss, or the black the main aim of developing an Colosseum, before embarking on crawled, scrambled and climbed waterfall, and to Svínafellsjökull , appreciation of the interconnected a walking tour of the city centre, Sixth Form Physics students visited world’s largest and most expensive The College’s youngest pupils morning starts and late night quizzes around some fascinating landforms. a glacier outlet. After a few days nature of Christian and Roman culture. including: the Arch of Constantine, the CERN in Geneva over half-term, to experiment, scientists collide particles enjoyed an adventurous and around the camp fire. They abseiled, focusing on the ice, attention shifted Arch of Titus, the Circus Maximus, the see how the theory they have been together in an attempt to recreate the exhilarating three days at Little tackled the high-ropes course, On the second day they learnt all The group were taken on a breath- to fire with a trip to the Eyjafjallajökull Palatine, Aventine, and Capitoline hills, studying in the classroom is being conditions as they were just millionths Canada on the Isle of Wight. tunnelled, climbed, crawled, jumped, about geothermal power at the taking tour of the Vatican Museums Visitor Centre to learn how a local Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Bocca della put into practical application. of a second after the Big Bang Set in 48 acres of woodland on the ran and sang. Hellisheidi Power Station, followed around the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s farm adapted during the 2010 Verità, Trajan’s Column, and Altare banks of Wootton Creek, and with by a stop at Seljalandsfoss, a eruption. Basilica, the Gallery of Maps, the The trip included a visit to the Students were then given a tour of the The pupils overcame fears and learnt della Patria. log cabin style accommodation, Little dramatic waterfall, and a final stop Gallery of Tapestries, the Hall of Microcosm and the Universe of SM18 superconducting magnet new skills along the way. It was a Canada has many similarities with the at Reynishverfi where they were in The final stop before the airport Animals, the Octagonal Court, At the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Particles exhibitions that detail the facility, to demonstrate the magnitude fantastic opportunity to bond as was one of Iceland’s most popular country from which it draws its name. awe of the dramatic waves, black Raphael’s Rooms, and the Borgia students were treated to a guided work of CERN and the development of the experiment, and to see a a group and share an experience attractions. The Blue Lagoon is a basaltic beaches and magnificent Apartment, soaking in Berninis, tour of 1,700 years and 12 metres of in our understanding of particle mockup section of the LHC. Staying two nights in the creek-side that they will be able to remember spacious bathing pool set in a moody basaltic columns. Michelangelos, and Raphaels pagan and Christian burial practices physics. log cabins, the Third Form pupils throughout their time at the College. landscape of mossy lava. Averaging a interspersed with the Belvedere that clearly illuminated the complex As well as observing first-hand the had an action-packed trip with early The highlight of the trip was a strong temperature of 30-40C, its silica-rich Apollo, the Belvedere Torso, Laocoön, relationship between Rome and Students were then treated to a research carried out at CERN, the display from the Aurora Borealis. geothermal seawater was just what the School of Athens, the Creation of Christianity across the ages. talk from one of CERN’s research three-day trip provided students with Dancing, crowning and illuminating was needed after a busy five days professors about how the Large the chance to take in the wonderful the sky in colours ranging from green of exploring. Hadron Collider (LHC) works sights and scenery of Geneva, visiting and the way research is carried out. the Jet d’Eau, the Old Quarter and a Using the LHC, which is the boat tour of Lake Geneva. the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 house profiles

WHITE HOUSE ROBINSON Number of girls: 47. House colours: Yellow and navy. Number of boys: 70. Number of nationalities: 17. House colours: Green and white. Did you know: White House is made up of three of the School’s original terrace houses: House Did you know: Former Robinsonian, golfer David Boote, was the only player 4, 5 and 6. House 6 is known as ‘Hogwarts’ because of the griffins on the exterior walls, and the large stone chimneys. to win his singles match for the European team in the recent Walker Cup. Notable former pupils: Presenter, broadcaster and journalist . Housemistress head of house Housemaster head of house Name: Faith Smith. Name: Jess Haughey. Roles at Epsom: Housemistress, Favourite subject: Maths. Name: Paul Gillespie. Name: Hugh Smiley. Maths teacher, Netball and Chosen sport: Netball Roles at Epsom: Previous Favourite subject: Politics. Rounders coach. and Hockey. Head of Department Chosen sport: Football. Favourite part of being a Housemistress: Music/co-curricular: Playing the piano. (Economics and Business), Music/co-curricular: Living with 47 Sixth Formers – there’s never a Favourite House event: Choral Competition. football, running and tennis coach. dull moment, they make me laugh so much. Debating and Model United Nations. What makes White House great: The close Favourite part of being a Housemaster: Funniest White House moment: Last year my Favourite House event: House soirée. relationship that the two year groups are able to Interaction with all of the different personalities current Upper Sixth pranked the whole school form, as it is just a Sixth Form House. The girls we have in the House. What makes Robinson great: The into believing we were getting a micro pig as a are all extremely caring and always look out for strong sense of community and the ability House mascot. Proudest Robinson moment: Finally marching each other, especially when people are tired and to act as one man. Proudest White House moment: So many, under pressure. out as team Robinson at this year’s Choral Competition, once the boys had tied 70 ties into Describe a Robinson House boy in it’s hard to choose. When the Upper Sixth led Describe a White House girl in three words: bow ties in just 20 minutes, after I gave them three words: Intelligent, friendly and Chapel so beautifully; when Hannah Prideaux Motivated, energetic and compassionate. performed her heartfelt solo at the Choral no chance of achieving this. I regularly receive passionate. What will you take from your time in White Competition; when Hannah Webb was the comments from staff about what a nice set of What will you take from your time in lead in Cabaret; when we won the Derbyshire House: I have grown into a much more confident young men we have in the House – Robinson House: Greater confidence debating competition. person, surrounded by friends who I know are there to support me. As Head of House I I absolutely agree! due to Robinson’s very supportive and Describe a White House girl in three words: have had to consider others’ needs, as well as Favourite House event of the year: Our House welcoming atmosphere. They all epitomise our House values: kindness, learning what it takes to be a leader - an amazing soirée integrity and loyalty. is a great evening and I think the sense Plans for the future: opportunity for me as a person. of community really comes across at this event. What makes White House special: There is a I hope to get into Cambridge University Plans for the future: I plan to study Psychology I really enjoyed the Upper Sixth cooking dinner to study Human Social and Political very supportive environment in White House, at university. During my degree I aim to go abroad the girls are very loyal and proud of each other’s for myself, Matron and the Sixth Form tutors Science, after which I will move into a for a year to develop my French. After university recently - fantastic food and conversation. achievements. In the two years that they are I would like to go travelling and discover different career in politics. here, they all strive to make an impact on the parts of the world. I am also considering a Describe a Robinson House boy in three School, academically, on the sports field, and in Masters in Occupational Psychology, which is words: They’re all different! music and drama. the career I plan to pursue when I complete my studies.

Twitter: @EpsomC_White Twitter: @Robinson1855 the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017 dance at epsom college Increasing in popularity, When I entered the College as a Middle school plays offer great opportunities for Fourth pupil, way back in 1998, there our dancers throughout the College to and with ambitious plans were no dance options available. So display their work. for future growth, dance now, as Head of Dance, I am thrilled to has never been stronger see the rate at which dance continues to In addition, one-to-one lessons can be grow and increase in popularity. timetabled for those pupils who want to at Epsom. begin or continue taking their RAD or As we have taken on more dance ISTD Grades. Several of the College’s by Head of Dance, Jenni Hay teachers, we have been able to provide current students gained outstanding more opportunities for our students. It is results in their 2017 summer term wonderful to think that pupils now have exams and we are aiming high again for dance lessons incorporated into their the 2018 summer exams. timetables. Two former Epsom students – LynSze Today, the College has Royal Academy Ng (Wh) and Ying Fam (W) achieved of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society Distinctions in their RAD Advanced of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) teachers 2 exams - the highest Grade before making ballet, tap, modern and moving on to professional status. contemporary dance lessons available to pupils on a weekly basis. Life for young people today can be stressful and highly pressurised. All Lower School pupils are able to In this context, dance provides a sample dance as part of their extra marvellous release – it is an outlet for curriculum carousel; while the termly emotional expression, stress reduction extravaganzas, house soirées and and creativity.

I look forward to continuing our expansion of dance at Epsom as there are still many exciting opportunities for growth – dance competitions, a boys dance group, Duke of Edinburgh affiliations, and many more. the link winter 2017 the link winter 2017

Natalie Sciver leads Callum Holland selected England to World Cup win for ISFA Old Epsomian Natalie Sciver lived up to her billing Lower Sixth Callum Holland (Rn) has been selected as one of cricket’s most explosive hitters, as she led for Schools Football Association U18 Sports round-up England to World Cup victory in the summer. National Representative Squad. Co-curricular sport plays a huge part in the life of all pupils at Epsom, and we are understandably proud of their efforts this term. Netball Academy A sterling start for the 1st V selections Squash team Lower Fourth pupil Delphine Ayitey-Hammond The college 1st V squash team has enjoyed a fantastic excellent results for the girls’ hockey teams (WA) was selected for the Surrey Satellite start to the season, going unbeaten against school sides Academy, attended by the top 40 girls in the through the whole of the Michaelmas Term. In friendly county. Lower Sixth Ellie Cooke (R) is also The girls’ hockey teams have put The Lower School teams have fixtures, the team of Joshua Costain (C) (captain), Ben representing the county in the Surrey County on a really good show so far this played some very competitive Harris (Rn), Toby Jane (G), Cornelius Lee (G) and Natalie Academy, successfully gaining one of only 20 Chak (Wh) defeated Whitgift and St Paul’s 5-0, as well season playing in 105 matches Hockey this season. The U12A sought-after places. as beating strong Eton and Harrow sides 3-2. They and winning or drawing two thirds team had a brilliant start to their also swept aside their opponents in the National Cup of them. The 1st XI have made College hockey careers, and are fixtures to come top of their group: they beat Trinity, good progress over the year, with so far unbeaten, including two 1st XI victorious at King’s Canterbury and Reed’s 5-0, without a single player particularly strong results in the tournament wins at Cranleigh and dropping a game, and a full-strength Whitgift side 3-2. latter part of term, culminating in a Latymer Upper School. The U13A St Peter’s Festival The College team also secured a comfortably victory over second place finish at the Sutton team have demonstrated some The 1st XI secured comfortable victories over Tonbridge in a doubles fixture held at the RAC. Valance tournament. great development, fighting hard Repton and the hosts St Peter’s, by eight and in some close matches, with some seven wickets, respectively. The final match saw The 4th XI are enjoying an excellent narrow defeats. a nail-biting victory over Warwick School by five Golfers win two major Old season, remaining unbeaten, runs. Ed Hughes (C) made an undefeated century Boys’ tournaments with six wins and one draw. and 80 in the first two matches, and captain Liam Head (F) took 6/29 in the final game. The OE Golf Society has enjoyed an outstanding The highlights were the 7-0 win run of success, winning both of the major ’ over King Edward’s Witley, and tournaments, the Halford Hewitt and the Grafton Morrish, an impressive 5-0 victory over GB selections for CCRS a feat achieved previously by just three other independent Sevenoaks School. schools. tour to South Africa Two Epsom students, Michael Larcombe (H) and Sarah Gould (Rv), have been selected to represent Two County Champions at the U19 GB team on the Cadet Rifle Shooting tour impressive teamwork on the rugby pitch to South Africa in the spring. Surrey Squash Championships Ben Harris (Rn) overcame tough competition and played It has been another highly Cranleigh and Dulwich College. excellent squash to win the boys’ under-17 competition. competitive term of rugby, with The U15s were able to advance U12 Netball teams make Fellow player Natalie Chak (Wh) also impressed, arguably one of the toughest in the NatWest Cup with a win securing the girls’ under-17 champion title. fixture cards the College has against John Fisher, and a fine winning start faced for a number of years. victory over Eton. The U12s have shown considerable early promise, In the Lower School, the U12s quickly bonding in their teams and demonstrating A pleasing term for College The U16s have won many have rapidly improved as a team, great determination. Notable wins against games through playing some Golfers securing good wins against RGS Thomas’s Clapham and Tormead, and a very fine attacking rugby. Notable Guildford, Hurstpierpoint College narrow defeat against Priorsfield, have been their College golfers have had a successful term, with wins against Dulwich, St Paul’s, some pleasing results against strong competition. In and . The highlights. and a narrow defeat against an the first round HMC Foursomes v Reigate Grammar U13s are still unbeaten over their unbeaten Wellington side, have School the team won 3-0, before a narrow defeat of two years of rugby, with some been the highlights. County selection for 2-1 v Reed,s Golfing Academy in the second round. particularly impressive wins this Darragh Monaghan (P) won the Smarden Bell trophy term against RGS Guildford and In the senior sides, the 1st XV Jaami Qureshi at Royal Ashdown Forest with a gross level par. Cranleigh Prep. have had some good wins against Having been nominated by the College to attend In the National HMC Singles tournament Darragh St Pauls, Eton and RGS Guildford, the Surrey Schools U14 representative trials, and Monaghan and Canice Screen (Wh) played well with The U14s have come together scores of 80 and 82, respectively. Both now set their with some very close losses to following a tough selection process, Jaami Qureshi well as a team with great wins sights on US tournaments to further their credentials Dulwich College and Harrow. (P) impressed the coaches to make it into the against Eton, Brighton College, 2017/18 Surrey Schools Football Squad. in order to get offers from US universities. Epsom College, College Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4JQ General enquiries: T: 01372 821000 Admission enquiries: T: 01372 821234 E: [email protected] w w w . e p s o m c o l l e g e . o r g . u k

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