The Phoenix

THE MAGAZINE OF PRIOR PARK COLLEGE 2013-14 Heads of School 2013-14 – Sophie Ward, George Hunter, Jae Woo Kim, Jenny Dinwoodie, Joss Bennett, Harriet Gallegos Contents 04 Foreword The 05 Staff List 06 Reaching Out 08 Farewells 11 New Staff & New Arrivals 12 Speech Day 14 Prize Winners Phoenix 15 U6 Achievements & Appointments 16 Known Leavers’ Destinations THE MAGAZINE OF PRIOR PARK COLLEGE 2013-14 17 Prior Celebrates A Level Results 18 Class of 2014 Acknowledgements 20 Religious Life 22 Pioneers and Pilgrims Editor: Joanna Kearney 24 A Double Cause in Romania Graphic Design: Lindsey Orr 27 Academic Life Cover photo: Stephen Shepherd 30 F3 Salters’ Chemistry Festival General photography: Stephen Shepherd, Carole Laverick, 31 Royal Society Partnership Grant Simon Howe, Sean Dorey and 32 Dance Showcase Sixth Form photographers, Joanna 34 Lourdes Kearney, Lindsey Orr, Sarah Warren 36 Opportunities Abound Art and DT photography: David Wood, Kim Underwood, Kate 39 Model United Nations Bond, Dan Moore, Lindsey Orr 40 Debating 42 All the Colours of the World 44 Operation Wallacea Prior Park College Educational Trust 46 Ralph Allen Memorial Lecture Series 48 Charities Week President: His Eminence Cardinal 49 The Development Office C Murphy-O’Connor STL, PhL 50 Artwork 54 Art Dept Films Patrons: The Rt Rev D R Lang, Bishop 56 Design & Technology of Clifton BA, 60 Bugsy Malone Baines Musical Miss J Bisgood CBE 62 Boarding Life Mr C J B Davy CB 64 Skern Lodge Mr D R Hayes 66 The White Devil Sister J Livesey CJ, MA 68 Ghosts Mr F J F Lyons KSG 70 Women at War Sir Cameron Mackintosh 72 Crazy For You The Rt Hon the Lord Patten 74 Noye’s Fludde of Barnes CH, PC 76 Midsomer Norton Charity Concert The Rev Monsignor Canon RJ 77 The 2014 Grand Leavers’ Concert Twomey VF 78 Band Night 79 House Music Governors: Commodore C B York FCMI, Royal Navy, 80 Choral Society Concert (Chair of Governors) 81 Big Band Party On Mr A Bury MBA, BSc (Hons) 82 Masterclass Series Mr S Eliot MA (Cantab) 84 Worcester Cathedral Mrs N Freeman BA (Hons), MA, PGCE 85 Mid-Somerset Festival Successes Mr A M H King 86 Age Shall Not Weary Them Mrs A Lloyd MA(Ed), CertEd, LGSM 88 Saturday Active Mr D F Lyons BA, CTA (Fellow) 89 Library News Father W McLoughlin PhL, BD, MTh, OSM 90 Duke of Edinburgh Mr P S J O’Donogue MA, FCA 92 Combined Cadet Force Mrs N Pearson BA (Hons), PGCE 94 Bormio Ski Trip Rear Admiral N J Raby OBE, MSC 96 New York Mrs M Rae MSc PH, Dip Ed, FFPH, FRIPH 98 Equestrian Highlights Ms A Shepherd MBE, BA Hons 99 Sports Day Mr J Shinkwin MA (Oxon), PGCE 102 Rugby Mr P Vaughan-Fowler BA Hons 104 Girls’ Hockey Mr J Webster BA, BArch, MCD, RIBA, MRTPI 106 Netball 108 Boys’ Hockey Clerk to the Governors: Mr A McNiff LLB, FCA 110 Cricket 112 Girls’ Tennis 113 Boys’ Tennis Printed on FSC certified paper, using 114 Golf at Prior Park fully sustainable, vegetable oil-based 115 Fisher Road Relay inks, power from 100% renewable resources and waterless printing technology. Print production systems registered to ISO 14001, ISO 9001, EMAS standards and over 97% of waste is recycled.

THE PHOENIX 3 tages thatDavidtages hadinhisdisadvantage… research points to the following advan- that David beatGoliath.Somerecent However, we should not be so surprised Tottenham Hotspur afterall! remained ever since.Idosupport My fascination with the underdog has one whichfirst fired myimagination. and somany more stories anditwas the fits in well with Noah, Adamand Eve they becomefamiliarwiththeBible.It first stories toldto young children as wining ‘against all theodds’,isoneof This extraordinary taleoftheunderdog forehead, andkilledhim. on the only exposed part ofhisbody, his sling shot inhistory, David hitthegiant However, withthemost famoussingle with sticks?!’ ‘Am I a dog that you should come to me the valley, causingGoliathtolaugh: David randown shepherd’s into staff), With just hisslingand5stones (andhis boy, David, from emerged thecrowd. No onemoved… untilayoung shepherd come down tome.’ sword: ‘Choose you amanand let him body armour, helmet, javelin, spearand stood 6ft9inchestall.He stood infull came down intothevalley. Goliath Goliath, thePhilistine’s greatest warrior, to make thefirst move. To break this, the valley instalemate, neitherprepared The two armies pitched on either side of travelled overseas from ancientCrete. battle- hardened, Philistines whohad ling Israelikingdom,met themighty, enced troops ofSaul’s Empire, thefledg- the outnumbered and inexperiBC - ing Crusaders. Here inthe11thcentury Muslim chieftains, repelled theadvanc- and here Saladin,thegreatest ofall bean warriors foughtthetribesofSyria have beenfought here. Here the Macca- over many centuriesnumerous battles movements from southtonorthand strategic importanceasitcontrols all heart ofancientPalestine. Itisofgreat The Shephelah Valley runs through the ForewordMr JamesMurphy-O’Connor FOREWORD

Lord looksontheHeart. on theoutward appearance butthe the heightofhisstature. Mortals look Do not lookonhisappearance oron Park whichinvite themtomake a clothe themselves inthevalues ofPrior word ofGod.We hopethattheywill Above all,David dressed himselfinthe about –armingthemtomake animpact. what theireducationhere hasbeenall to make a difference to society; that is ingenuity, resourcefulness andadesire self-belief,resilience, with courage, of ours. We from hopethattheygo here their homesandthiswonderful school modern day ‘Davids’ through –forged them thethoughtthattheyare the what liesahead.At SpeechDay, Ioffered and ‘great odds’ andtheenormityof they willfeelthatare facinggiants as theyheadonintolife.Like David wish themallourheartfeltbest wishes of Prior Parksecurity and challenge we Sixth. Astheyleave theirhomesandthe Recently, we said goodbye toourUpper in God’s name.’ spear and javelin but I come before you ‘You comeagainst mewithsword and David hadonesignificantadvantage; had asling;5. Above allofthesehowever, towards him with sticks when heonly sight. Thisiswhy heseesDavid coming a pituitary illness that alsoaffected his medics thinkthathissizewas causedby army; 4.Goliathwas not well! Some tribes tothemightyImperialRoman armies asdiverse as the ancient Irish rate. Thisiswhy theyare recorded in any army. were Slingers deadly accu- wereslingers themost skilledunitof sling. Historians now thinkthatthe 3. David’s weapon of choice was the speed, agilityandmanoeuvrability; towards Goliathandusedhissize, alone andbecameisolated;2.David ran heavily ladeninfantryman.He came 1. Goliathexpected tofightanother 1 Samuel

success andgrowth. ers fortheircontributiontothisongoing students inour care. We thanktheleav heartwithovertion isalsoingood 1100 add toourfacilities. ThePriorFounda- Learning andadesire toupgradeand innovative approach toTeaching and – oneofstrong, Christian Values, an have aclearVision forthenext five years September with over 590students. We roll will start at its biggest ever in the way tobeingcompleted. Theschool heart.TheSportsHalliswellgood on The class of 2014 leave the school in and Drama,amongst many other areas. excellence andcommitmenttoMusic bly intheiracademicwork, sporting experience andcontribution,most nota- others. Theyhave bytheir beenforged distinction and by offering service to students to aspire to. They have led with sporting brilliancefortheyounger tual curiosity, performingflairand have set very highstandards of intellec- positive andcontributory one. They The classof2014 hasbeenahappy, really canmake allthedifference. later, invoking hisname.Oneperson dom –andhere we are, over 3000years field ledtothecreation ofanew king- ety. David’s actiononanancientbattle- their future families, friendsandtosoci- instruments ofservicetoothers andto difference inacaring,positive way; tobe - Staff List LIST STAFF

Headmaster Mr J Murphy-O’Connor MA (Oxon) Ms L Justine (Besançon) French Assistant Deputy Headmaster Mr D G Clarke BSc Mrs E Knechtli BSc, MSc (Bristol) Science, Head of IT Academic Deputy Head Mr T J Simons BSc, BA Mr M Knights (Royal Marines) Rugby Coach, Roche Housemaster Assistant Head Teaching & Learning Mrs S C Forshaw BSc Mr D Langley BA (Manchester) Director of Drama Assistant Head Co-Curricular Ms L K Blake BA Mr D Lee BA (London) Philosophy Director of Communications Mrs J Kearney BA Mrs A Mallon MA (Edinburgh) Modern Languages, Fielding Chaplain Rev’d Father Malcolm Smeaton BSc Housemistress Foundation Business Director Mr A McNiffLLB, FCA Mr T Maxwell BA (London) Head of Theology Miss V McConaghie BA (Durham) Geography Common Room Dr K McGowran BA, MA, PhD (Hull) Head of English Mrs M Mudie BSc (Bradford) Biology, Science, ITT Co-ordinator Mr M Blaikley MA (Oxon) Mathematics, Assistant Exams Officer Mrs E Parker BSc (Glasgow) Mathematics Ms L Blake BA (Swansea) Assistant Head Co-Curriculum, Mrs K Parker BA (Wales) Design & Technology Geography Mrs S Peacock BA (Hull) Drama Mrs K Bond BA (Loughborough) Design & Technology Miss T Penfold BA (Loughborough) Head of Design & Technology Mr M Bond BSc (Bath & Royal Marines) Physical Education & Sport Mr J Penrose BA (Bath) French, Spanish Mr J Bonney BA (Wolverhampton) Head of Rugby Mrs C Pepler BA (Reading) French Mr S Burt BSc (Reading) Head of Geography Mrs H Prynne MA (Oxon) Classics Mrs C Byron BSc (Cardiff) Mathematics, English Housemistress Mrs L Redman BA (Loughborough) Physical Education, Girls Games, Tennis Mr S Capon BEd (Exeter) Director of Physical Education & Sport, Dr K Rix MChem, MRes, PhD (London) Chemistry, Science President of Common Room Dr C Roberts BA, PhD (Bangor, Bath) German Mr K Chard BSc (Leeds) Head of Chemistry Mr R Robertson MA, ARCO (Cambridge) Director of Music Mr D Clarke BSc (Bradford) Deputy Headmaster, History Mr D Sackett BA (Bath) Music, Music Technology Mr E Clements BA, MSc (Staffs, London) Head of Economics & Business Studies Mrs C Saunders-Prouse BA, MA (Bath) English, Baines Housemistress Mrs L Collison BSc (Bath) Head of History Mr B Scott BA (Roehampton) Art, Photography Miss A Colquhoun MA (Oxford) Theology Mr V Shannon BSc (London) Physics, Burton Housemaster Mrs W Cornish BEd, AMBDA (Bristol) Head of Learning Development Miss H Sheehy BA (UEA) History Programme Mr T Simons BSc, BA (Birmingham) Academic Deputy Head, Ms H Cox BA Dip, RSA (Birmingham) Learning Development Programme, Mathematics Geography Mrs L Smith BA, MA (Lancaster) Librarian Miss C Cummins MA (Oxon) Head of Sixth Form (Academic), Dr G Smith BSc, PhD (Leeds & OU) Chemistry, Clifford Housemaster Theology, Oxbridge Co-Ordinator Mrs A Spelman BA, BSc (Birmingham) English Miss A Davidson BSc, MSc (Bath) Physical Education & Girls’ Games, Mr P Stroud BA, MSc (UCL, Surrey) Head of English as an Additional Learning Development Programme Language Miss L Dawson BA (Sheffield) History Mrs K Trott BSc (Bristol) Biology, Games Mrs J Devine BMus, MMus (Leeds, RNCM) Music, St Mary’s Housemistress Dr R Trott BSc, PhD (Newcastle, Reading) Head of Science, Head of Biology, Mr S Dorey BSc (Bath) Physics, O/C Royal Navy Section CCF O/C Army Section CCF Ms C Duque Medina BA, MA (Spain) Language Assistant, Spanish Ms N Thomas BA (Exeter) Learning Development Programme Mrs J Eatwell BSc (Bath) Economics & Business Studies Mrs P Vowles BA (Leeds, Canterbury) Modern Languages Mrs J Farrant MA (Cambridge) Head of Modern Languages Mrs E West BA, MA (Bath) Art, DT, LDP Mr M Fisher MA (Oxon) Classics Miss M Whatmough BA (Nottingham) French, Russian Mrs C Ford BA, Dip CG (Hull & Reading) Head of Careers, Arundell Housemistress Miss C Williams BSc (Surrey) Head of Girls’ Games, Sports Studies Mrs S Forshaw BSc (Brunel) Assistant Head Student Development, Mr D Wood BA (Rhodes) Head of Art Chemistry, Biology Miss L Young BSc (Cardiff) Mathematics, Head of Sixth Form Mrs R Fox BA, MPhil (Birmingham) Dance (Pastoral) Mr R Francis BA (Bath) Mathematics Dr M French MSci, PhD (Bristol) Head of Physics Medical Centre Mr J Fry BA (Bristol) Business Studies, PSHCE Co-ordinator, Allen Housemaster Dr Imogen Batterham MBBS, School Medical Officer Mrs E Garside BA (Exeter) English MRCGP, DRCOG Mrs C Giles BA, MA (Bath) English as an Additional Language Mrs Frances Whittington RGN Resident Medical Sister Mrs H Goodman BA (Newcastle) Theology Ms Susan Josiah RGN Medical Sister Mr A Haines BA (Wales) ICT Manager, Music Mr A Hall BEd (Exeter) Head of Hockey, Physical Education Miss F Haynes BSc (Swansea) Biology, Head of Junior Science Mrs S Hearn MA (Oxon) Head of Classics Ms A Heighway MA (Roehampton) Dance, Drama Miss C Hughes BA, MA (Exeter) English Mrs J Jones BSc (Belfast) Head of Mathematics

THE PHOENIX 5 REACHING OUT REACHING

6 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Reaching Out OUT REACHING

REACHING OUT facilities of all our schools, my main help, possibly from grandparents. We goal will be the creation of a serious all know of schools which have been bursary fund, partly from surplus closing in the recent economic cycle. We must reach Mr Michael King income and partly through fundraising, Our alumni are our first and natural to help us widen the access to the future parents – I sense that many will out into the The new Chair of Governors, Michael Foundation’s schools. We must reach need substantial help if they wish their King, describes one of his hopes for the out into the wider community and children to enjoy what they experi- wider Prior Foundation in the coming years. welcome people into our community enced at our schools. community who would not otherwise know us. What is the purpose of the schools Third – charity or not? Debate on and welcome within The Prior Foundation? Prepa- There are convincing reasons why we whether independent schools are ration for life? Certainly not for exam must do this. First, our values: As a genuinely charitable has not gone away people into our grades or particular universities, Catholic foundation we want to ensure – many people have their own defini- though these are necessary milestones our offer is available to as many who tion of charity and often private schools community for entry into certain careers. I believe would benefit as possible, whether or are not included unless they are osten- that we want school leavers to be not parents can pay full fees – a theme sibly free. The Labour Party is consult- who would not rounded people with values rather than returned to by Camilla Batmangehidjh ing on the charity sector and doubtless otherwise dogma, and a desire to use their talents when she challenged all of us, particu- the definition of charity will be revisit- in whatever way to make the world a larly the pupils, to think of children ed, irrespective of whether they want to know us. better place. Leavers this year were who live in homes where there is little have a go at independent education. greatly inspired by Camilla Batmange- encouragement to work, nowhere to hidjh of Kids Company who asked sleep and even danger from their own Our three schools will develop to them to do just that. parents. respond to the constant changes in education and in the needs of society We will happily be opening the Sports Second, self-preservation: Many friends and this will require careful planning Centre in the coming academic year of mine who may have educated their and funding, but our core Christian and there are movements in the Arts own children in independent schools values will remain at the heart of the provision and eventually the Sixth do not have in their own families’ Prior Foundation. Form, following the Space Audit. offspring who will necessarily be able However, although there are undoubt- to fund the next generation through edly improvements to be made in the independent schools without serious

THE PHOENIX 7 STAFF FAREWELLS STAFF Farewells COMMODORE CHRIS YORK MR STEVE CAPON Steve and it is no surprise that his next Commodore Chris York post is as a Housemaster. He gained Michael King Denis Clarke huge experience in this realm when at Prior, augmenting his Head of Year The incoming Chair of Governors, Mr Steve Capon is a consummate school- experience from the Ridings School Michael King, farewells the outgoing master and he demonstrated this with roles in Baines House, Roche Chair, Commodore Chris York RN. throughout eleven fruitful years at House and Allen House (where he Prior Park College in a range of roles. became Assistant Housemaster). He Quiet, gentle and self-effacing are all He offered calm experience, a meas- enjoyed the company of the students adjectives one could attach to Chris’s ured approach to every situation, plus and took a keen interest in them and name, but he has a backbone of steel commitment and unstinting industry their families, helping to create a sense and he has been a tower of strength in as Director of Sport, Head of Physical of community and care. His innate the development of the Foundation Education, Assistant Housemaster and kindness was evident to the pupils, who after the departure of Sister Jane Livesey. classroom Teacher. His ability to give also appreciated his sense of order and His naval training and experience as simple and direct answers to apparent- quiet control of all situations. He was a Captain of the Naval Base at Rosyth ly complex problems illustrated his massively reassuring presence to both Mr Steve Capon and Commodore, Naval Ship Accept- honesty and dependability, but also his pupils and his colleagues, with a readi- ance in Bath, then his work as CEO for shrewd insight and grasp of both situa- ness to listen and capacity to offer wise the Apostleship of the Sea doubtless tions and human dynamics. Steve was a advice. He gave a stability and sense of prepared him well for the job. I know great unifying force in the school, perspective that proved great strengths he works very hard for his local Dean- listening carefully to pupils and staff, to any House team. ery. He also chaired the committee and always acting to secure their which approved the name of the Navy’s welfare and progress. His humility, Steve’s zest for life was clear in all that latest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen quiet good sense and gentle humour he did and even saw him competing in Elizabeth – not perhaps the hardest job underpin a deep professionalism the charity singing competition Staff in he has undertaken! instilled at St Luke’s, Exeter and devel- Your Eyes and featuring in the Choral oped through a dedicated career at Society Concert – an event Steve cites Not long after taking over from Jane four schools. as a highlight of his time at Prior, but Livesey, we did have a little local diffi- which also illustrates the willingness to culty in the Foundation’s administra- A gifted sportsman, notably in rugby take opportunities and to engage with tion and I was personally impressed by and cricket, Steve exuded a love of all new experiences that he conveyed to Mr Jan Bonney Chris’s quiet resolve to deal with the sports and a wish to give opportunities the pupils. His excellent rugby referee- problem as quickly as possible and, as a to all, reforming the PE curriculum to ing was brought to a halt by the cumu- consequence, to put in place some augment the range of sports experi- lative impact of ankle injuries, but his necessary changes in the Foundation’s enced by pupils. Steve wanted every fairness as an official was noted by all leadership team. child to achieve what they could, giving and typified his wider approach. His chances for those who could excel and final forays on to the cricket field at As the Headmaster alluded to at this those who could find a level to enjoy. Prior in June 2014 saw rich tributes for year’s Prize Giving, Chris has been He was also committed to co-educa- his contribution, not least in the rapid much given to acronyms. Indeed, he tional parity, working very hard in the acceptance of all invitations to play in can take credit for the following: Department to ensure that all boys and the SJ Capon XI versus the Prior Park Involvement in enhancing TPF (The girls were attracted to a dimension of Alumni, and a reminder of his prowess Prior Foundation); Creating the PLT sport, with the Annual Sports Dinner as a player and a leader. (Prior Leadership Team); Appointing reflecting his view that sport should Head at TPS (that’s Andrew Harvey); mark the contribution of all Upper We wish Steve, Louise and Evan all Appointing the FBD (Foundation Sixth in a co-educational setting cele- good fortune as they go to launch a Mr Eamonn Clements Business Director). brating all levels of ability. He worked boarding house in a new school in hard to expand PE staffing and to weld Malaysia, knowing that Steve has all As if it wasn’t enough to have paid an the team into a harmonious group the qualities to be a fine Housemaster enormous sum to Prior in school fees that served the pupils at Prior Park and that he has amassed a huge fund of for his children, his contributions on College and also offered outreach experience yet remains receptive to the Governing Board, including insist- opportunities to local schools. In new insights. ing on the need for laying out strategies addition, he contributed to the long and policies for the Foundation and for planning process for the sports centre MR JAN BONNEY our schools, are endless and he will be and is delighted to see it come to frui- long remembered here with affection. tion, albeit as he heads overseas for Steve Capon I thank his wife Sue so much for lend- a further challenge. ing him to us and I thank Chris for all Jan Bonney has only been here a year, he has done. Pastoral work was a major concern for but I would like to thank him for his all

8 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE STAFF FAREWELLS STAFF efforts and hard work. Jan came from a has not been fully verified, a Mexican I’m delighted to say that it is not so professional rugby background with wrestler. much ‘goodbye’ as ‘au revoir’, as Jim Mr James Graham-Brown Saracens and, before that, London will be writing another new Irish. This was clearly evident from the From my research, I discovered that play, this time a melodrama, especially start and I really enjoyed working with Eamonn has worked in some of the for the students of this school in the him in the rugby season where he had most unstable hotspots around the next academic year. Possibly this vale an effortless manner with all ages and world - Sri Lanka, Columbia, Mexico, could have been two words long – abilities, combined with a real, Argentina, Kenya and Luton. It is cheers mate! in-depth knowledge of the game. perhaps no coincidence that these places have enjoyed a period of great MS ANNA HEIGHWAY In the PE Department, Jan used his economic and political stability whilst wide sporting knowledge to inspire Eamonn was in residence. Coinci- David Langley pupils in many sports, including dence? I’m not so sure! basketball and tennis, where he led the Anna Heighway joined Prior Park in very successful boys’ teams through Eamonn is in fact known as the bullet September 2013 as maternity cover for the Summer Term. man (el hombre bala)! Not because of the Head of Dance, Rhian Fox. Anna his physical resemblance to a bullet, immediately impressed with her Ms Anna Heighway In other areas of the school, Jan was a nor because of his love for South Amer- professionalism and her dedication to valued tutor in Burton House and a ican dance music, but because, like a her subject, a dedication that saw her lively member of the Common Room. bullet, he has travelled great distances offer many additional classes and We wish him all the best for the future. to be deeply embedded in the life of rehearsals as various practical exams Prior and has definitely left a mark. loomed. The Dance Showcase in MR EAMONN CLEMENTS March demonstrated just how gener- We offer Eamonn our sincere thanks ous she had been with both her time Jon Fry for everything he has done for the and talent. college and the students, and we hope Quiet, to the point, economical with his that he, Elsa, Franklin and Wilfred will She has been a lively and engaging words and very nice when you get to be really happy in their new venture. member of the department and has know him, Eamonn is something of an also worked as a tutor within Baines enigma, but having worked with him MR JAMES GRAHAM-BROWN House, where she has been a hit with closely for six years I would like to pupils and staff. We would like to thank reveal something of the man behind the David Langley Anna for her application and hard work Miss Christine Hughes mask. In every way Eamonn has been this year and wish her all the very best an unsung superhero of Prior Park James Graham-Brown joined Prior in for the future. College – a rugby referee, a cricket 2010 to introduce the LAMDA script- umpire, a boarding house tutor, a ed monologue and duologue awards. MISS CHRISTINE HUGHES teacher of economics and business After three successful years, he offered studies, a head of department, a social to take over from Mrs Sarah Peacock Katharine McGowran network guru, an examiner, a publican, when she announced she would be a father, husband and, in the students taking maternity leave. I was personal- Chris joined the English department eyes, a Prior legend. In many ways the ly delighted and surprised. Delighted two years ago and has contributed in epitome of an independent school because I have known Jim for fifteen lots of different ways to the school: for teacher, Eamonn is multi-skilled and years and the idea of this charming and example, running creative writing totally committed to the students, gifted man becoming a more full time classes as well as board games club for while he goes about his business with- part of the department was wonderful; the activities programme. Sadly, the out any fuss or noise. but surprised as these were meant to be latter activity proved quite a bit more happy retirement years for Jim. But popular than the former – obviously Miss Tula Penfold Eamonn is undoubtedly a man of you see, that’s the thing about the crea- our students would rather become hidden depths and the still waters run tive types. They always want to be expert at Monopoly than write the next very deep. When Eamonn says some- creating. And so it was that within a great English novel – but perhaps that’s thing you know it is going to be worth year of working full-time within the for the best given the current economic saying. department, Jim wrote and directed climate. Anyway, both were expertly two plays, produced three more, and run by Chris. Before arriving at Prior, Eamonn had assisted in the delivery of a full dramat- been a head of department in three ic curriculum. On top of all this, he Her dry sense of humour and brilliant South American countries, Head of helped with audition pieces, was a subject knowledge have made her Sixth Form in Sri Lanka, an overseas Baines House tutor and was a warm popular with students: she is a great volunteer in Africa, an entrepreneur, a and much valued part of the Prior teacher. We will miss her in the English radio DJ, and apparently, although this community. department, partly for that great sense

THE PHOENIX 9 STAFF FAREWELLS STAFF Farewells and returned to the staff initially as a DR KATHRYN RIX Hannah’s expertise in American Histo- Dr Kathryn Rix part-time teacher of Design Technolo- ry has been invaluable to the Upper 6 in gy, rising to become Head of IT and Marian Mudie particular and has pushed them to then Head of the DT Department, work at undergraduate level. playing a very full and effective role as a Dr Kathryn Rix joined us from the hardworking and committed teacher. A École Active Bilingue Jeannine Hannah has also made a lasting graduate of Loughborough University, Manuel, Paris, in September and has impression in her role as Resident she returned to the area to teach in made a huge impact on the Science Tutor in St Mary’s House. She has Bristol before being recruited to join an Department over the year. Her teach- worked incredibly hard to provide the expanding DT Department. ing in Junior Science and Chemistry very best pastoral care for the girls and has inspired all the students to strive they adore her as a result. Her particular expertise was in resist- for the very best outcomes possible. ant materials, supported by a strong Kathryn has challenged her students Hannah has been an exceptional interest in information technology, and but also built in support so that colleague in the History Department she helped students craft a range of students feel comfortable with every and she will be sorely missed. We wish interesting projects at both GCSE, AS step in their learning. Her subject her the best of luck in her new role as Miss Hannah Sheehy and A2 Levels. Her style was very knowledge has inspired intellectual teacher of History and Politics at St direct and enthusiastic, challenging curiosity from the students so that they Teresa’s School, Surrey. pupils to take a new view of a project have extended their knowledge and and to seek new perspectives rather skills beyond the syllabus. than settling for safe options. She coor- dinated IT teaching in the lower school Kathryn has been instrumental in gain- for a time then, having worked well ing a grant from the Royal Society of with two experienced heads of DT, Chemistry, which you can read about took on the role of Head of DT herself further in this magazine. Milestones for two years, before deciding that she needed a less time-consuming role and Kathryn is a plain speaker with a sharp for Alan Hall wanted to explore other paths away wit, a spade is most definitely called a from Prior Park. spade, and her acute observations and withering looks will be remembered of humour, and her kind and under- Tula was an effective member of staff, affectionately by colleagues. standing attitude to things: not mind- notably as a Tutor or in outward bound ing, for example, that I removed her education. She was a stalwart Tutor in Kathryn has also been a valuable tutor desk (without asking) to use as part of Fielding House (her House when a in Fielding House. Over the course of the stage set for Great Gatsby about pupil!) for many years and offered the the year she developed a really warm three months after she’d started here; girls clarity and care. Meanwhile, she relationship with her tutor group and her only comment being, a few days moved from netball coaching to she will undoubtedly be remembered later when I sheepishly returned it, that commit herself to a role in the CCF RN with great affection by them. The she thought it had been a bit wooden. section and then assumed a leading students have flourished under her role in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, care and have been well supported in She leaves here for the calmer spiritual coordinating expeditions that gave every aspect of school life. environs of Bristol Cathedral, where opportunities to many pupils and she’s going to work as an Education ensuring that all were well-trained to Kathryn leaves us to follow a new path Officer; she will also continue to do meet the challenges of British terrain. in industry and we wish her every It was a year of milestones for PE some part-time teaching and tutoring, She also played a thoughtful role in success. In her short time at Prior, Teacher and Head of Boys’ Games, Mr and may even go back to University to coordinating staff events and generat- Kathryn has earned the respect and Alan Hall as he celebrated his 60th pursue a higher degree and become ing a sense of welcome for all staff, friendship of many people and she will birthday and 38 years as a staff member even more knowledgeable. I’ve enjoyed whilst her ability to ensure an orderly be fondly remembered. at Prior Park. In that time Mr Hall has working with her, and I know every- lunch queue was legendary! served as Housemaster, Head of Boys’ body in the department has too. We MISS HANNAH SHEEHY Games, PE Teacher and Hockey Coach will miss her, and wish her all the best At all times Tula showed an enthusi- extraordinaire. for the future. asm and determination to do the best Lindsay Dawson that was possible. She was friendly and During the course of the year, Mr Hall MISS TULA PENFOLD supportive of pupils and colleagues, Hannah has only been part of the announced that he would retire from offering opportunities and seeking to History Department for a year but she teaching at the end of the year, but will Denis Clarke foster involvement. We wish her well in has made a significant impact. She has continue to coach hockey. her new enterprise. taught with amazing energy and enthu- Tula Penfold was a pupil at Prior Park siasm and is well loved by the pupils.

10 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Welcome

To New Staff AND ARRIVALS NEW STAFF RHODRI ANDERSON BMedSci (Birmingham) RHYS GWILLIAM BA (Cardiff) – DIRECTOR Ceilidh Mapes will offer maternity – CHEMISTRY OF SPORT cover from October for Sarah Hearn in the Classics Department. Ceilidh is a Rhodri Anderson joins the Chemistry Rhys Gwilliam comes to prior from young, Cambridge Classicist who Department. Rhodri ‘s last position Dean Close as Director of Sport. Rhys moves to us from Virginia, USA. She was at Clayesmore and he is particu- is a Welsh Hockey International. offers both Latin and Greek. larly interested in Outdoor Education. While at Dean Close, he helped 15 teams through to the Nationals in VICTORIA BRANDWOOD MusB Hons KATE ASHBY BSc, MA (Bristol) – PHYSICS hockey. He has been Head Coach of (Manchester) – MUSIC 1st XV Rugby, Hockey (boys and girls) Kate Ashby joins the Physics Depart- and Cricket. This is Victoria Brandwood’s first ment. Kate comes to us from Abbey- teaching appointment, having graduat- wood School, Bristol. She will be an MARIA HUNTLEY BA (Bath) – ENGLISH ed with a degree in Music from the addition to the department because University of Manchester. numbers taking the subject have Maria Huntley comes from Abbey- increased, especially at A Level. wood School in Bristol to join our English Department. DOMINIC DEVINE BSc (Edinburgh) – Congratulations HISTORY PAUL HULL – HEAD OF RUGBY

Dominic Devine will teach History as a Paul Hull joins us from Dean Close as result of increasing numbers. Dominic Head of Rugby. Paul is an England worked here two years ago and will be Rugby International and he has known to many. He is, of course, coached the England Saxons and London married to Jo Devine, Housemistress Irish. He is a RFU Level 5 coach. of St Mary’s. SAMANTHA LANE BSc (Bath) – HEAD ROBERT FALKNER BSc (Nottingham) – OF ECONOMICS & BUSINESS STUDIES HEAD OF DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Samantha Lane moves from Tormead Robert Falkner has been appointed School, Guildford where she was Head Head of Design Technology. Robert‘s of Economics and Business Studies to most recent position was Head of take on the equivalent role here at Department at St Augustine’s, Trow- Prior Park. History teacher, Ms Lindsay Dawson, bridge. He is a Product Design and was married to Matt Bryant on Thurs- Resistant Materials expert. He has CEILIDH MAPES BA, MEd (Cambridge day 7 August 2014. We offer them both represented England in rugby at three & Virginia) – CLASSICS our congratulations. different levels including U20. New Arrivals Fred William Fox Elise Caitlin Francis Wilfred Errol Lee-Clements

THE PHOENIX 11 SPEECH DAY SPEECH

12 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE SPEECH DAY SPEECH Speech Day 2014 SPEECH DAY 2014 The Headmaster’s speech extolled the underdog (see Foreword), before offer- This year’s Speech Day was another ing congratulations and thanks to staff suitably celebratory occasion. The day and students, and the extraordinary began in the Chapel with staff, leavers array of achievements, both in the and their families attending Mass. classroom and out, that set apart the Monsignor Vincent Harvey from the 2013-14 academic year. Prizes were Portsmouth Diocese was the celebrant, presented by Deputy Headmaster Mr with Father Malcolm Smeaton and Denis Clarke, Academic Deputy Head Father Bill McLoughlin OSM con-cele- Mr Tom Simons, Director of Sport Mr brating. In his homily, Monsignor Steve Capon and Director of Drama Harvey encouraged the leavers to use Mr David Langley. their talents and make a place for themselves in the world – and to Guest Speaker, Ms Camila Batman- remember to hold fast to their faith and ghelidjh’s reputation for powerful thereby rely on God as their guide and speaking and vibrant dress was fully saviour. The Senior Chapel Choir led realised. She spoke of her privileged the singing, with the congregation rais- upbringing in Iran, where even as a ing the volume for the hymns Jerusa- child she questioned the divide lem and Shine Jesus Shine. between rich and poor. This constant questioning and thirst for justice led After refreshments in the gym, the her to found Kids’ Company which Prize Giving was opened in the cares for vulnerable children and Marquee by outgoing Chair of Gover- young people in London. Ms Batman- nors, Commodore Chris York. ghelidjh challenged the Prior commu- Commodore York’s years of devoted nity to help bridge the divide between service to Prior Park College were privilege and poverty in England, and acknowledge by the Headmaster, and to do their part to support those help- flowers were presented by the incom- less children and youth who have ing Heads of School to the Commo- devastating hurdles to overcome in dore and Mrs York. their lives.

THE PHOENIX 13 PRIZE WINNERS 14

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Upper SixthSubjectPrizes The DamianTimms Tennis Award The Tetrahedron Cup The DebatingTrophy The Peter McClure Prize The Fane-Gladwin Cup The ESBVM Award The Best RecruitTrophy forCCF for theCCF The James Guest Memorial Cup The Bisgood Platter The PriorPark CupforGirls’Hockey The Harrop Cup The MaddenCup The Patrick Tobin CupforGirls’Sport The Mostyn ThomasCupforBoys’ Sport The 35mmPhotography Award The Sketch BookAwards in MusicalTheatre The Wells Salver forPerformance Contribution totheTheatre The O’Donovan CupforOutstanding Stuart CupforBrass Rotary Club(Bath)forProgress inMusic for Outstanding ContributiontoMusic Prior Park AssociationCup for Progress inMusic Rotary Club(Alkmaar)Cup The Norah HodgesPrizeforMusic Williamson CupforStringPerformance The ConcertoCup The Pat McMahon Cup The MaryBurnhamAward Rose Bowl forGirls The SPFSalver forBoys The Brother MillerPrize The ALevel Prize Prize Winners Theology Theatre Studies Spanish Physics Photography Philosophy PE andSportStudies Music Technology Music Further Mathematics Mathematics Learning Development Latin History German Geography PrizeFrench English asanAdditionalLanguage English Economics Design Technology -Textiles Design Technology -Product Design Classical Civilisation Chemistry Business Studies Biology Art Winners 2014

Harriet Freeman Aman Agarwal Dearling Adam Allen House CynthiaSenior: Zhang Junior: AlfonsoVillalva Patsie Christie Chloe Christie Harriet Garner Army –GraceHunter Section Navy –Sam Quick Section WardSophie MattickBenjamin Harriet Gallegos James Roper Luke Tapsfield Mollie Roberts Luke Tapsfield Phoebe Baker ParsonsMaria Dolan,Imogen Harriet Garner Hector McCormick James Sackett Rebello George James Roper Georgia Entwisle Eden Carroll Elisabeth Daniels Rosie McNiff Crystal Pang Harriet Gillingham Lonneke Kertzman James Roper Alexander Butt, LiamDelaney Abigail Sargeant Lauren Boyer, Protheroe Sophie Harriet Garner Maisie Carter Mollie Roberts Anya Matthews Hector McCormick Joe Parker Robin Francis Oliver Liu Harriet Garner Peter Dorey Lilian Ager Lauren Bailey Matthew Mortimer Hunter George Malik Godunov Harriet Gallegos Maria Torres-Massouras Agnes Lau Jennifer Dinwoodie Hunter George TangBernice Nicholas Park Joseph Murphy-O’Connor Toby Heaton Esther Haskins Tessa Coombe Anna Haskins

Alex Tometzki Charlotte Robinson Academic Achievement Upper Fifth ‘CarpeDiem’Cup For Outstanding Rebecca Unsworth-White Samuel Jones Rose James Liam Delaney Headmaster’s Lower SixthAcademic Prizes Florence Robertson Charlie Mullin Angharad Harris Jack Beeching Headmaster’s Lower Three Academic Prizes Delilah Rose Leo McCurdie Eleanor Carney Jack Bather Headmaster’s Form Three Academic Prizes Edmund Mortimer Rhiannon Harris Grace Fry Henry Carr Headmaster’s Form Four Academic Prizes Rosalie Wright Zara Neill Jonathan Mallet Caroline Ingram Headmaster’s Lower Fifth Academic Prizes William Kieser Georgia Fulton Saskia Chapman Christopher Bunting Headmaster’s UpperFifth Academic Prizes Martin Lui Verity Hunt Eleanor Gallegos Joss Bennett Headmaster’s UpperSixthAcademic Prizes WardSophie Jae Woo Kim Hunter George Harriet Gallegos Jennifer Dinwoodie Joss Bennett Headmaster’s Awards –Prior Park AlumniMedals

U6 Achievements & Appointments 2013-14 U6 ACHIEVEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS & APPOINTMENTS U6 ACHIEVEMENTS

Heads of School Prior Park Association Awards for Travel

Joss Bennett Jennifer Dinwoodie Jennifer Dinwoodie

Deputy Heads of School U6 Music Examination Successes

Harriet Gallegos George Hunter Jennie Dinwoodie Alto Saxophone 8 Distinction Sophie Ward Jae Woo Kim Peter Dorey Clarinet 8 Merit Rosie McNiff Viola 8 Distinction Rosie McNiff Piano 7 Distinction Heads of House Eleanor Gallegos Alto Saxophone 8 Distinction Oliver Liu Guitar 8 Distinction Allen William Cole Oliver Liu Singing 8 Merit Arundell Harriet Gillingham Matthew Mortimer Piano 7 Pass Baines Harriet Garner Chloe Root Singing 8 Distinction Joseph Parker Burton Billy Mackean Clifford Joseph Knight GENERAL SERVICE COLOURS English Anna Haskins Fielding Elizabeth Willis Mr James Murphy-O’Connor Roche Eden Carroll St Mary’s Patsie Christie General Service Colours have been awarded at Prior Park for over a decade now. They are awarded to members of the Upper Sixth who have been exemplary role models and contributors to the school over many years. Sports Captains The successful recipients need to be outward looking, confident and capable. They Boys’ Rugby Huw Parks need to have made an important contribution to the community of the College, Girls’ Hockey Eleanor Gallegos even if it is in a quiet and reserved way. They need to be enthusiastic, friendly, posi- Harriet Gallegos tive and presentable. In short, they need to have made a difference. Boys’ Hockey Luke Tapsfield Netball Mollie Roberts I think that the traits listed above apply to the successful recipients of the General Girls’ Tennis Harriet Freeman Service Colours this year. The recipients are: Boys’ Tennis Harley Waterman Liam Delaney Chloe Christie Peter Dorey Cricket Luke Tapsfield Eleanor Gallegos Verity Hunt Lonneke Kertzman Agnes Lau Anya Matthews Abbi Mornement Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Huw Parks James Roper James Sackett James Smith (2013 Leaver)

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award

Alexander Berresford Megan Buxton (2013 Leaver) Liam Delaney (L6) Cordelia Roberts (L6) Holly Simpson (L6)

THE PHOENIX 15 Aman Agarwal Dartmouth College USA Lilian Ager Cambridge Human, Social and Political Sciences Lauren Bailey Westminster Business Information Systems Joss Bennett Manchester Social Anthropology Alexander Bouchaud Applying 2015 Holly Bullard Bangor Marine Biology/Oceanography Eden Carroll Applying 2015 Maisie Carter Applying 2015 Lucy Chapman St Georges Biomedical Science Chloe Christie Cardiff Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) Patsie Christie Birmingham Geography Alexander Clark Birmingham Classical Literature & Civilisation Edward Clifford Applying 2015 William Cole Reading Politics

KNOWN LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS LEAVERS’ KNOWN David Coltan Reading Biological Sciences Tessa Coombe Durham Anthropology Angelica d’Aloja Royal Holloway Economics Oliver Deane Employment Bechle Business Account Manager Adam Dearling Bath Natural Sciences Jenny Dinwoodie Applying 2015 Peter Dorey Applying 2015 Andrada Dumitrascu Manchester Life Sciences with a Foundation year Molly Fleet Exeter English & French Robin Francis Newcastle Chinese Studies and Business Management Harriet Freeman Newcastle Medicine Eleanor Gallegos Birmingham Natural Sciences Harriet Gallegos Applying 2015 Harriet Garner Cambridge Theology Harriet Gillingham Royal Holloway Economics

Known Leavers’ Leavers’ Known 2014Destinations Malik Godunov Surrey Business Economics Nicholas Gracie SOAS History of Art/Archaelogy Georgy Gurtskaya Surrey Business Management Christian Hart Swansea Geography Anna Haskins Exeter Flexible honours with UK work experience Esther Haskins Bath Business Administration Tobias Heaton Imperial College Medicine Lucia Heseltine University of South Wales Television & Film Set Design Harry Hetherington Swansea Physics including Foundation Year Verity Hunt St Georges Medicine George Hunter Oxford History Ehinomen-Sarah Inegbedion Manchester Medicine Lonneke Kertzman St Andrews Arabic, French & German Jae Woo Kim Plymouth Medicine Joseph Knight Cardiff Met Sport Management Agnes Lau Bath Biomedical Sciences Oliver Liu Applying 2015 Martin Lui Imperial College Chemistry Billy Mackean Cardiff Ancient History Anya Matthews York Physics Benjamin Mattick Exeter Law Hector McCormick Gap year Rosie McNiff Southampton Music Abigail Mornement Exeter Biological Sciences Thomas Morrison Applying 2015 Matthew Mortimer Edinburgh Classics Joseph Murphy-O’Connor Warwick History Larissa Obolensky Cambridge Education with English and Drama Crystal Pang Exeter Accounting & Finance Nicholas Park Manchester Computer Science with Foundation Year Joe Parker Edinburgh Philosophy Huw Parks Cardiff Biochemistry Sophie Pidala Gap year

At the time of going to press these are the destinations of leavers which we know. Many Many know. we which the destinations of leavers these are press the time of going to At their because time, often the first for or applying post A Level re-applying are students publish their destinations in be able to hope to We than expected. better even were results Phoenix. year's next Emily Redpath Applying 2015 Mollie Roberts Newcastle Psychology Chloe Root Applying 2015 James Roper Applying 2015 James Sackett Bridge Farm Primary School Teaching Assistant apprenticeship City of Bristol College Bernice Tang Birmingham City Fashion Design Luke Tapsfield Applying 2015 Theo Teja Swansea Economics Louis Thompson Sussex Anthropology Masha Thorpe Applying 2015 Lucy Timms Cardiff Religious Studies/Spanish Vasily Titov UCL History Maria Torres-Massouras Pearson College Business Management with Global Industries Sophie Ward Plymouth History Harley Waterman Gap year Elizabeth Willis Leeds Chemistry Lydia Winthorpe Manchester Metropolitan Fine Art Paddy Zhang Leicester Maths with Economics

16 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Prior Celebrates

A Level Results A LEVEL RESULTS PRIOR CELEBRATES

PRIOR CELEBRATES A LEVEL RESULTS

Staff and students celebrated another Further Maths, German, Geography, Achievements were recognised across acknowledge the vital importance of year of brilliant A Level results, achiev- History, Latin, Music, Spanish and the entire year group, with students good academic results. These students ing a 100% pass rate, with 78% of the Theology. who joined at Sixth Form level, as well now head on into the world with our top A*-B grades, and one in every two as our EAL and LDP students, also sincere gratitude and very best wishes.” entries achieving grade A or better. Prior Park celebrates the abilities and producing strong results. achievements of each individual Once again, the majority of students student, recognising the hard work put Headmaster, James Murphy-O’Connor, achieved entry to their first choice in by each to meet their own expecta- was delighted with the results, university. tions and targets. commenting: “I am overjoyed for our students. These results have come No less than fifteen departments cele- 30% of Prior Park’s 2014 cohort gained about as a result of hard work combined brated impressive results, with 50% of straight A to A* grades, and all candi- with brilliant teaching and incredibly grades being an A or above – Art, Biol- dates who had received Oxbridge offers strong pastoral support. Whilst as a ogy, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, earned the grades required to take up school we emphasise and celebrate all Dance, English, French, Maths and their place. aspects of education, we nonetheless

THE PHOENIX 17 CLASS OF 2014 CLASS Class of 2014

CLASS OF 2014 Chapel Choir defending our title as money for the Philippines Appeal. exchange student in Nantes, Berlin and Mid-Somerset Festival champions, Highlights included watching the Malaga, a hockey player in Jersey or a and the final culmination of all our Roche boys sacrifice their masculinity volunteer in Romania. Again we must Jenny Dinwoodie and Joss Bennett musical efforts in the Grand Leavers’ to have their legs waxed, Mr Blaikely thank all the staff for making these (Heads of School) Concert, with so much more in chairing a stimulating University Chal- incredible trips possible, they have between. Thanks must go to Mr lenge, the Burton and St Mary’s Upper provided some unforgettable memo- As the cricket and tennis whites reap- Robertson for his unbounded enthusi- Sixth selling themselves as ‘Slaves for a ries and an education that reaches well pear and the Speech Day tent starts to asm and devotion to music at the Day’ and the Clifford House Car Wash. beyond the classroom. take shape, a period of reflection begins school, without whom none of this Of course, no Lent Term could be on the year we leave behind. But for the would have been possible. complete without the Fisher Road Life in the Sixth Form has been as Upper Sixth these final few weeks also Relay, which saw Harry Palmer taking energetic as always with an inspiring bring a realisation that this really is it – The Drama Department has been to the track for the first time and and enlightening General Studies and the end of our career at Prior – and equally as busy with a huge number of smashing the school record with a assembly programme as well as a so our reflection carries with it a deep- performances. From the harrowing hugely impressive run. whole host of social events, from the er sense of affection for what has been production of Ibsen’s Ghosts starring eight plate challenge of Jimmy Spices an outstanding final year at this beauti- Harriet Garner, Billy Mackean and It has been a very special year for sport Restaurant, or the flirtatious speed ful school. Maisie Carter, or the bleak and corrupt with success across all the sports and dating social in the Michaelmas Term, world of Webster’s White Devil star- teams. The Girls’ 1st Hockey Team to the fiercely fought Fancy Dress Despite the academic pressures of ring Hector McCormick, to the come- completed their third unbeaten season competition and dazzling Gatsby Prom A Levels and UCAS, it’s safe to say that dy gold of this year’s senior musical whilst the Boys’ 1st Rugby snatched a in the Lent Term. Miss Cummins and as a year group we have thrown with a cast led by Eden Carroll who victory from their rivals King Edwards, Ms Young certainly have filled our ourselves into every aspect of Prior life. drove us Crazy For You - the new and and the unstoppable tennis duo of Sixth Form years with fun and laugh- Music has been at the heart of this, with (slightly) more comfy theatre seats Harley Waterman and Aman Argarwal ter, and for that we are all so grateful. the tradition that is House Music kick- have been put to good use. We were graced the astro in the Summer Term. ing it all off. We had some extraordi- also lucky enough to witness the This year’s Sports Dinner was the Prior has given us all so much more nary solos and hilarious house songs A Level Dance and Drama Showcases, perfect celebration of what has been an than we could possibly have imagined. provided by all the houses; Fielding with some mesmerising choreography unforgettable sporting journey for We can speak on behalf of our whole took us back to the 60’s and Roche and frankly terrifying devised pieces to those of us involved, with a moving talk year when we say that we have made provided a ‘boisterous’ rendition of an demonstrate the enormous creative from Paralymic Swimming Champion many lifelong friends, and that Prior ABBA classic, but it was Mrs Byron talent and hard work put into these Stephanie Muller to motivate us will always remain at the heart of who and her English House girls who once subjects this year. further. we are. As we enjoy the most wonderful again stole the show and emerged final week of celebrations with our victorious. Other musical highlights Thanks to Lonneke Kertzman and her Life at Prior certainly hasn’t been parents, without whom none of this this year have included the perfor- charities team, 2013-14 also saw the confined to within the walls itself, and would ever have happened, we remem- mance in the Chapel of Noye’s Fludde revival of Charities Week, which this year we have had the opportunity ber the joy of not only our final year, but to mark Britten’s 100th Anniversary, returned in full force to raise a stagger- to represent Prior all around the world, all those before it, and wish everyone the Choral Society rendition of ing £1,460 for the various House Char- whether that be as a volunteer in who has been a part of our time here a Haydn’s Nelson Mass, the Senior ities on top of a day dedicated to raising Lourdes, a tourist in New York City, an loving thank you and farewell.

18 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Life at Prior certainly hasn’t been confined to within the walls itself, and this year we have had the opportunity to represent Prior all around the world, whether that be as a volunteer in Lourdes, a tourist in New York City, an exchange student in Nantes, Berlin and Malaga,

a hockey player in Jersey or a volunteer in Romania. OF 2014 CLASS

THE PHOENIX 19 By having a simple menu for lunch, the school community has been able to raise money for Cafod which directly benefits a number of projects that the charity supports in many different countries. RELIGIOUS LIFE

20 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Religious

Life RELIGIOUS LIFE

RELIGIOUS LIFE close with the Advent Carol Service, Fr Malcolm celebrated Mass with each another special moment in our year. year group. The L5 retreat took place in With an atmospheric, candlelit chapel, February at the Bernardine Cistercian Mr Tom Maxwell and a rich variety of carols, we listened convent in Stroud, where the sisters are to some of our talented soloists, such as always very welcoming. As it was 11 Some of the special moments in the James Roper, singing Three Kings by February, the feast day of Our Lady of religious life of Prior Park are to be Peter Cornelius. It is not surprising Lourdes, the group reflected on themes found during the whole school Masses, that each year many of our past of service, healing, prayer, pilgrimage which we celebrate at the start of each students and their families return to and the nature of faith. The final week term. The opening school Mass of the attend the evening service. of term saw our annual Reconciliation year, with the whole community gath- services for the whole school, one for ered, welcomed new and returning We also marked the two Cafod family each year group, providing an impor- students and staff. This year Miss fast days, this year on 4 October, the tant opportunity for reflection and Cummins explained different parts of feast day of St Francis of Assisi, with confession. We finished the Lent Term the Mass, beginning with the Liturgy of the second one during Lent. By having with a service mindful of the events of the Word and how God can speak to us a simple menu for lunch, the school Holy Week. today through the readings we hear community has been able to raise during Mass. In the Lent Term, the money for Cafod which directly bene- Our Sunday Masses continued focus was on the Liturgy of the Eucha- fits a number of projects that the chari- throughout the year, with Fr Malcolm rist and how Jesus becomes present in ty supports in many different coun- celebrating some significant Feast days our midst through the consecration of tries. In October we also had a Holy in the Summer Term, such as Pente- bread and wine. Hour in the chapel, which included a cost, where the students decorated the moving talk from a Spanish business- pillars in the chapel with red tissue In the Michaelmas Term we had our man who had changed his life after a paper as a reminder of the tongues of annual L3 retreat at the Marist convent visit to the Marian shrine of Medju- fire, and Corpus Christi which included in Nympsfield, Gloucestershire, during gorje in Bosnia. There was also a Mass the annual Blessed Sacrament proces- which we considered the approaching at All Hallows on 14 November for the sion and blessing of Bath from the season of Advent, making Christingles Beatified Martyrs of the Clifton Mansion steps. The whole school had a and singing the Twelve days of Christ- Diocese, presided over by Cardinal short liturgy on the last Thursday of mas (more or less tunefully!) to explore Cormac Murphy-O’Connor who then term involving exposition of the Bless- the theme of preparation for Christ’s confirmed our candidates in the even- ed Sacrament and offering of prayers of nativity. Some of our U5 students also ing in the chapel at Prior Park. thanksgiving for the school year and came on retreat where we discussed blessings for the future, particularly for various aspects of faith and doubt, and We have had house Masses in the our leavers. challenges that young people face Michaelmas Term, the one for Baines today in living out the gospel. The in commemoration of St Andrew, their Michaelmas Term was brought to a patron. Then in the Lent Term,

THE PHOENIX 21 Pioneers

PIONEERS AND PILGRIMS and Pilgrims

PIONEERS AND PILGRIMS pourri of lamb, chicken, hummus, place where Jesus revealed himself as a once again leading the way with her salads and pitta bread. new messiah, with a message of love, vast theological knowledge and her forgiveness and peace – “Blessed are ability to unravel the theory and reveal Mrs Joanna Kearney Slowly adjusting to the heat and the the peacemakers, for they shall be called the personal implications, we walked bright sunlight, our second day was Sons of God” – appeared to us as an the Way of the Cross, down the Via The opportunity to spend five days in spent in Cana in Galilee where Jesus oasis of beauty in the desert. With lush Dolorosa. While we retraced the steps the Holy Land, following in the changed the water to wine, and then on gardens, water fountains and an overall of Jesus wherever we went as pilgrims, footsteps of Jesus, was one that was to Nazareth and Mount Tabor, the sense of serenity, we each found a quiet it was perhaps here, where Jesus seized upon by four members of staff sight of the transfiguration. place in which to reflect and take in the carried his cross and went to his death, and nine students in what was the first significance of what happened there in that we felt the full impact of our Prior Park trip of its kind. Proud to be Day 3 and we set sail on the Sea of Gali- Jesus’ ministry. Before boarding our pilgrimage. The journey finished at the pioneers as well as pilgrims, we set off lee in a huge wooden vessel complete minibus, we were moved to get the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which very early on the Monday after Speech with an engine noise appropriate to its guitar and flute out and sing, very enshrines the place where Jesus died Day and landed in a sweltering Tel size. In such a beautiful, tranquil appropriately, Be Still for the Presence and the tomb where he was buried Aviv. We were aware of the increased setting, our tour leader extraordinaire, of the Lord. before he rose from the dead – a faith- tension between Israelis and Ms Charlotte Cummins, read the mood enhancing and truly humbling experi- Palestinians that had flared in the of the pilgrims and asked for the engine Day 3 set the rhythm for the whole ence. We went on to follow the Psalm week before our departure, but to be switched off. In the silence that pilgrimage as we went on to visit one Sunday route from the Mount of Olives following British Foreign Office enveloped us, we envisaged the tran- amazing site after another, including to the Garden of Gethsemane. advice, we set forth none-the-less, full quillity of the lake being whipped the town of Capernaum and the Dead of anticipation and expectation. up into a frenzied storm and the Sea, where we floated on our backs, Of course, the beauty of Jerusalem and disciples fearing for their lives, while tried to avoid getting the exceedingly its significance to Muslim, Jew and Heading by air-conditioned minibus Jesus calmed the storm and walked on salty water in our eyes and caked Christian alike are blighted by the two hours north to Tiberias, on the the water. ourselves in the famously soothing mud. palpable tension that sees security banks of the Sea of Galilee, we booked clearance required to visit many sites, into our hotel and devoured our first From the lake, we headed to the moun- Day 4 and we headed to the jewel in the including the Wailing (or Western) Middle Eastern meal – a delicious pot tain – Mount Beatitudes. This special crown – Jerusalem. With Ms Cummins Wall. Once through security, the three

22 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE The events of history may well make us despair, but learning from them must surely bring hope. PIONEERS AND PILGRIMS

boys within our group headed to the which houses the traditional manger of dedication to making the pilgrimage male-only side of the wall, picking up Jesus birth was a particular highlight, the wonderful experience it was, were skullcaps (kippah) on their way as a and we were lucky enough to celebrate so much appreciated by us all. mark of respect. After praying at the Mass right next to the manger. wall, we were reunited as a group and Images, left to right: Exploring Jerusa- walked away, quietly mindful of our One of our last visits was to an orphan- lem, St Helen Coptic Church in Jerusa- fortune in having been at this most holy age in Bethlehem, run by the Sisters of lem, visiting an orphanage in Bethle- of sites for the Jewish people. St Vincent de Paul. The plight of these hem, sailing on the Sea of Galilee. vulnerable Palestinian children who, This mood of quiet mindfulness while so well cared for in the orphan- continued as we approached the Holo- age, face such uncertain futures, caust Memorial Museum. We knew touched each of us. However, for one that what awaited us inside would glorious hour we managed to forget exhaust our emotional reserves, and such sadness, and play and laugh with yet we also knew the visit to be an the children. It was fitting to bring the essential one. The events of history guitar out again as we prepared to fare- may well make us despair, but learning well them, and Shine Jesus Shine, along from them must surely bring hope. It with an up-tempo version of Peace is was in this spirit that we moved silently Flowing Like a River, perhaps best from exhibit to exhibit, and prayed for expressed what was in our hearts. the souls of the millions of victims. On our day of departure we enjoyed By now very comfortably accommo- more singing, more laughter and more dated in Manger Square Hotel in the tears – all adding up to a truly memora- Palestinian town of Bethlehem, we ble trip. We owe our deepest thanks to spent much of Day 5 enjoying Jesus’ Ms Cummins, whose passion for the first home. The Church of the Nativity region and its people, and whose

THE PHOENIX 23 A Double Cause

A DOUBLE CAUSE IN ROMANIA A DOUBLE CAUSE in Romania

Our memories are unforgettable, our willingness to help others is infinitely expanded and our minds have broadened from this unique trip.

24 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE A DOUBLE CAUSE IN ROMANIA A DOUBLE CAUSE

A DOUBLE CAUSE IN ROMANIA the community project. The plot of land, which this project will be situated Lucy Bather & Aaliyah Bates (U5) on, will contain crops, an animal shel- ter and a house for an administrative Prior Park College’s support of the family to reside in. charity, People Against Poverty, was further strengthened this year as two A huge credit is due to the charity - trips to Romania were undertaken – People against Poverty - as well as Mrs one in October 2013 and one in July Mudie, Ms Young, John Williams, our 2014. The charity aims to provide project leader, and all those who medical treatment and improve the supported us in raising the money; you living conditions of people in the most are the reason we were able to experi- deprived areas of the world. ence this life-changing opportunity. We will be eternally grateful to have The group who travelled in October had the chance to witness the hard and were led by Mrs Marian Mudie, struggle against poverty, to have been built a house for a family in need which given the power to improve even one was the highest spec building produced life and to be able to show true appre- yet by a Prior group and was, incredi- ciation of what is ours. Our memories bly, built in record time. are unforgettable, our willingness to help others is infinitely expanded and Ms Laura Young led the July group our minds have broadened from this who helped to build a micro farm for a unique trip. village community. The group helped to fundraise the money for People against Poverty, to contribute towards

THE PHOENIX 25 ACADEMIC LIFE ACADEMIC

26 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE ACADEMIC LIFE ACADEMIC Academic

ACADEMICLife LIFE take cover in the reactionary approach when a bold and enlightened adminis- and the less than inspiring battle cry, ‘If tration in Whitehall will hand educa- it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’. Those of you tion over to those who understand it and Mr Tom Simons who know me, will not be surprised that can make ‘long term’ statesmen like I welcome change, but not for change’s decisions for the good of our young Surely the most fundamental purpose of sake. The ‘modular’ system of examina- people, rather than ‘short term’ deci- any school is to challenge our pupils tions has in my view done little to sions born out of political expediency. intellectually and inspire them to advance the education of young people Or course, I do not question the honour- become successful learners. We prepare in the last decade, and the return to line- able intentions of the politicians but, our pupils for a life of learning and self- ar testing with synoptic assessments can as we know, the road to hell is paved understanding and therefore it is essen- only enhance pupils’ abilities to syner- with good intentions! As governments tial that we place equal importance gise their knowledge and recognise with change, left gives way to right, and so the upon examined and non-examined greater clarity the links in their educa- pendulum swings. I am mindful to think disciplines. This ambition remains at tional experience. There is a clear need of Sir Thomas More’s plea to his soon to the very heart of our mission, and to re-evaluate our approach to educa- be son-in-law Will Roper in A Man for long may it remain as the winds of tion at a national level. In an ever more all Seasons; “Now, listen, Will. Two change gather force in the educational global society, it is our duty as educators years ago you were a passionate church- establishment. to be open to positive changes that man. Now you’re a passionate Lutheran. support the education of young people We must just pray that when your head’s There is certainly a school of thought to become confident and well-rounded finished turning, your face is to the front that suggests that efforts to stretch and citizens. What we must question, again.’ And so it will be I hope with challenge our brightest and most gifted however, is the need for radical change education. We must hope that when the pupils are being hampered by political carried out in such haste, where winds of change abate we have a system interference in the examination system. profound decisions are seemingly being worthy of the talents and aspirations of Undoubtedly the lack of any real clarity made on the basis of dogma, rather than our young people. from the exam boards as regards chang- proper evidence. Only by taking suffi- es does not inspire confidence that there cient time to evaluate and consult on Against the backdrop of impending is a steady hand at the tiller in the fundamental changes will we ensure change at the national level, Prior Park Department for Education. Our pupils, that the curriculum that results is fit for has continued to make changes of its like every pupil in the country, deserve purpose. Sadly I sense that in the zeal to own to the Core and Co-curriculum. In an examination system which is fair and up the ante on assessment criteria, we Form Four this year we introduced an transparent, with the requirements may well be in danger of sacrificing the element of choice, allowing pupils, even carefully explained and changes core purpose of education. Out will go at this early stage to play to their planned and communicated well in creativity, challenge, character building, strengths, whilst continuing to enjoy a advance. Not too much ask you might adventure, musical appreciation and broad curriculum in preparation for think, but as we look forward to the next performance, and spirituality, in favour GCSE and A Level. From September round of changes, the examination of more easily measured tests of the optional subjects will now include system still remains the play thing of a knowledge. subjects as diverse as Philosophy and political elite. Sports Leadership. These will enhance Education, like the health service has the more tradition options such as Latin This is not to suggest that we should be always been something of a political and Classics as well as Art, Drama, luddite and there is always a tendency to football. One can only dream of the day Music and Design Technology.

THE PHOENIX 27 ACADEMIC LIFE ACADEMIC

As we look back on the At A Level, we have introduced Psychol- celebrating the success and achieve- ogy, to complement the wide range of ments of our pupils over the course of past year, and at the subjects already available to pupils at the year, and it has been a year of consid- this level. Mrs Spelman, will be heading erable academic success. many achievements of up the Psychology team supported by the boys and girls of the Mrs Bird. Summer 2013 saw another record performance for Prior Park A Level College, we can only be At all levels the school curriculum candidates, with 1 in every 2 passes remains under review with further being at A grade or better. Almost a inspired by the changes and enhancements in the pipe- quarter of candidates at Prior Park line for September 2015 in preparation secured at least 3 A2 passes at top opportunities that lie for the new GCSE and A Level courses. grades A or A* and of these 4 students In this respect our independence is of gained 4 or more passes at the top ahead. particular importance, and allows us to A* grade. Top performers for 2013 design courses that are bespoke and included Sophie Protheroe, Abigail support our pupils’ needs more individ- Sargeant and Lauren Boyer who ually. As always, views of parents between them secured no less than 15 remains a key ingredient to the Prior passes at AS and A2 levels of which 10 Park experience and we are always passes were at the highest A* grade. For seeking to ensure that communication their efforts they were awarded the with parents is both precise and clear. It A Level Prize for 2013. has been this ambition that has driven recent enhancements to the school wide It is worth reflecting that success at reporting and academic monitoring A Level is hard won, and headline statis- systems. From September 2014 we will tics rarely give a true flavour of the be upgrading our reporting system via industry and dedication of the pupils as Schoolbase Online. Reports will now they have studied and prepared over the contain more detail in the form of course. We ask our pupils to seek to grades that may be tracked. These will understand and take responsibility for complement the formal written feed- their own learning process and we teach back to parents as well as support the them to aspire to be the best they can be, annual parent-teacher meetings that to strive for understanding and improve- remain an important cornerstone of the ment. And nowhere can this philosophy partnership between the school and be seen better than in the Sixth Form. parents. Further details of the new As teachers and educators, it is hard to reporting and tracking system will be adequately convey our pride and admi- published in the autumn. ration for these young people who have come so far, and for whom an examina- On Speech Day, we had the privilege of tion result seems a hardly adequate

28 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE ACADEMIC LIFE ACADEMIC

reward for the challenge that is A Level highlight some of the opportunities and and Sixth Form education. Perhaps the achievements over the year and these most fitting reward is that their qualities can be read on our website, at this link - are recognized beyond the walls of www.priorparkcollege.com/college- school and home. It is no surprise, or news.asp?id=1861. accident, that the vast majority of our leavers gain places at their first choice As well as encouraging our pupils to universities, and indeed become gradu- take responsibility for their learning we ates of the country’s top universities. also ask for the support of our parents. A great deal of importance is placed upon At GCSE, 2013 was again one of our the professional development of our strongest years for results with over 4 in teachers and they are engaged in discus- every 5 passes at B grade or better, and sion on educational issues and develop- over 50% of all passes being at the high- ments in teaching and learning. This est A or A* level. There were many synergy lies at the heart of the Prior superb performances at the top with 13 Park Learning Community, which we of our candidates gaining 5 or more A* believe ensures a unique collaboration grades. Particular congratulations went between all parties involved in the to Liam Delany and Alexander Butt learning process. who both secure 11 passes all at A*. They were honoured for their success on These are exciting if not turbulent times Speech Day with the Bother Miller for education, but as we look back on the Prize for GCSE. past year, and at the many achievements of the boys and girls of the College, we Every year, the Headmaster and I can only be inspired by the opportuni- conduct a formal review of all the ties that lie ahead. academic departments, and this is always a positive experience. At this meeting the Head of Department will review the year in passing, and also take a moment to look forward. I am unceas- ingly amazed by the wealth of talent that is highlighted and the keen sense of duty and care of the teaching staff in promot- ing their subjects and supporting the talents of the pupils.

I have selected just a few examples to

THE PHOENIX 29 F3 Salters’

F3 SALTERS’ CHEMISTRY FESTIVAL CHEMISTRY F3 SALTERS’ Chemistry Festival

F3 SALTERS’ CHEMISTRY FESTIVAL

Dr Kathryn Rix

In May 2014, four Year 8 chemistry enthusiasts accompanied Dr Rix to the University of Bath in order to take part in the annual Salters’ Festival of Chemistry. Delilah Rose, Maisie Honey, Sam Snow and Tom Pugh were competing against various teams at this prestigious schools’ science event. The team got stuck into each of the challenges they were set, including a forensic science experiment.

Everyone was delighted when our College team were awarded first place, with our friends from the Prep School finishing in second position. This event really helped to bring science to life for these students and both teams did a fantastic job of representing the Foundation.

30 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Royal Society

Partnership Grant GRANT PARTNERSHIP SOCIETY ROYAL

ROYAL SOCIETY PARTNERSHIP GRANT

Dr Kathryn Rix

The ’plastic age’ has revolutionised our conditions. The prestigious award lives to the extent that it would be diffi- provided £2,148 to purchase state-of- cult to imagine a world without them. the-art equipment to facilitate this However, their manufacture is not project. The students will gain skills in sustainable, consuming 8% of the polymer chemistry, chemical analysis world’s petrochemical reserves annu- methods and scientific communica- ally. Additionally, plastics have a signif- tion, as well as developing an apprecia- icant environmental impact as most tion of the work of researchers in this are non-degradable, generating exces- area to stimulate their interest in the sive waste. These concerns have chal- chemical sciences and sustainability. lenged chemists to develop renewable plastics from sustainable resources. Dr Buchard has expertise in sustaina- ble polymer chemistry and will work This year the College was awarded a closely with the students by visiting the Royal Society Partnership Grant to school, assisting in the lab, providing carry out an exciting scientific research demonstrations and arranging visits to project with Dr Buchard, from the the University research facilities. Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath. The project The project began in the Lent Term involves Lower 3 pupils and Year 6 and will continue in the Michaelmas pupils from The Paragon synthesising Term, with the opportunity for addi- renewable polymers and studying their tional Lower 3 and Form 3 students to degradation under different aqueous get involved.

THE PHOENIX 31 DANCE SHOWCASE 32

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Dance Showcase commitment. commitment. Heighway forherexpertise and cal prowess, andtoDanceteacherAnna piece, toIestyn Griffithsforhistechni- many dancers performing inanother’s professional works. tothe Thanksgo ingly inaseries of group piecesbasedon GCSE students performedoutstand- shone inacaptivating duet, and the focus andprecision, theASstudents presented professional repertoire with choreographic pieces. TheA2dancers ofengagingandoriginal wide range students thattheaudienceenjoyed a talents andsheerhard work ofthe Dance students. It was testament to the creativity andstyle ofPriorPark’s this year’s showcase celebratedthe and A2 Level Dance students involved, With thefullcomplementofGCSE, AS Mrs RhianFox REVIEW DANCE SHOWCASE DANCE

THE PHOENIX 33 LOURDES Lourdes

34 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE LOURDES

Lucy Boulton (L6) and Sarah-Jane Halley (L6) share memories of their Lourdes experience with Theology teacher, Mrs Amy Colquhoun

LOURDES

Lucy Boulton (L6) humbling experience, with all the If you have never been to Lourdes, it’s people so interesting and unbelievably difficult to appreciate what a special grateful for everything we did for them. place it is. The difference in the atmos- Many people needed help all the time; phere between the busy day and the we were all thrown out of our comfort quiet night was astounding and we zone and asked to do everything from were able to spend equal amounts of serving breakfast to showering and time socialising and working. bathing disabled pilgrims.

The first half of the week was spent Kirsty (Rae) and I took the opportuni- hotel rolling, where we were assigned ty to be bathed in the springs. After to pilgrims and helped them to get queuing for over two hours we were around the town and visit the domain. allowed in and were hustled into small This was an amazing opportunity to rooms. The process was slow but meet and get to know some truly completely worth the wait. inspiring people – a few pilgrims had even been involved in the second world Overall the seven of us from Prior had war and to hear these stories first hand an unforgettable week and hope to was incredible. return next year!

On changeover day we were moved to the accuiel (hospital). This was a very

THE PHOENIX 35 Opportunities The MFL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND OPPORTUNITIES Abound Department Abroad

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND – THE MFL tapas and the rich culture which this went paintballing; lay on the beach; and DEPARTMENT ABROAD fantastic and very Spanish city provid- ate some of the best food going. We also ed so readily. went to the Gibralfaro Castle, explored the Picasso Museum and the Contem- MALAGA Most days we went to lessons at the porary Museum of Political Art – all school, but we were also given special- these activities played a part in what Lulu Durham, Tom Biggar, Lucy Boulton, ised classes in Picasso’s art, short films was a superb exchange week. Ollie Gerrish, Max Granger, Laurenz (yay, Spanish Film Club!), and a gener- Lammer, Beatrice Hutchison, Anna ic introduction to the history and NANTES Curran (L6 & U6) culture of Spain. The students study in both English and Spanish and were all Holly Simpson (L6) In February 2014, the Lower Sixth and very welcoming, and the teachers were Upper Sixth Spanish students went on extremely helpful. In April 2014 we travelled to Nantes an unforgettable exchange to our part- where our lovely families were very ner school, St George’s, in Malaga. We Our experiences throughout the trip excited to meet us and we were quickly were quickly enchanted by the charm- were immensely positive - we watched whisked away to our various homes ing way of life that our malagueño Malaga CF play some entertaining and presented with copious amounts of friends were living, and we really got football at the Estadio Rosaleda; food including several cheeses and stuck in to the easy-going lifestyle, the explored Malaga; visited the shops; pâtés for Tom Biggar!

36 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND OPPORTUNITIES

The next day we visited our work bought (and eaten!) each day. placements which were all scattered around the city with a very diverse The skills that we learned in Nantes range of environments – from a chil- were not purely linguistic. As with any dren’s primary school to a crêperie, and work experience placement, we also from hotels to clothes shops. The wide learned key skills of the work place; range of placements meant that each such as customer service, team work, day we each had different yet equally working under pressure and, overall, entertaining stories to tell about what independence! had happened, whilst also learning a huge range of different skills. BOURG ST MAURICE

Albeit working hard each day, we were Max Lowrie & Ed Mortimer (L5) all given sufficient time to explore the beautiful city of Nantes, with its incred- This year, Years 9 and 10 took part in ible history and buildings built in “la the French exchange with a school belle époque” (the beautiful era). One from Bourg St Maurice. When we thing that we all certainly remember is arrived, we visited the ski hire shop and the wonderful ice creams that were hired our skis and after that we went to

THE PHOENIX 37 OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND OPPORTUNITIES

the school. Once introduced to our with us in Bath. It was great to see One of the highlights of the trip had to French exchange partners, we went them again and many of us will stay in be the Tropical Island Resort. The back to their houses and spent the touch forever. waterslides, the crazy golf, the restau- night with them and their families. rants – there’s something brilliant for BERLIN everyone. The next day we arrived back in the school where we met up with our Matthew Wainwright (L5) & Finlay Overall, it was also interesting to see English friends; we had a lot of news to Dove (F4) the similarities between the English share! That morning we went skiing and German cultures, of which there with Prior and four moniteurs (instruc- Our trip to Berlin was packed with were many. tors). We divided up into four groups of exciting opportunities from which we shared abilities and had a real blast! We were able to absorb the rich and diverse All our exchange families were very skied in Les Arcs and had a yummy culture of Germany’s capital. We learnt friendly, welcoming and kind. The picnic lunch provided by the French a lot about Germany’s troubled past, German Exchange was great fun, a school. through the many museums and galler- brilliant experience and a good way to ies that are situated in the city. A few of improve language skills. For the next two days we were in the our favourite attractions were; the hands of our exchanges. Some people Reichstag, the TV Tower (the tallest went bowling, some went shooting, but free standing structure in Europe) and we all went skiing! Some of the families the Bundestag. We used the efficient took us out to a posh restaurant. public transport to travel around the city to visit the museums, as well as to The remainder of the trip was divided see Berlin’s street art and the interest- between skiing , picnics, toboggan runs ing landscape and architecture of the (amazing fun!), bowling and language city itself. Our group was given many classes. We eventually waved goodbye opportunities to improve our language with many tears and set off on our long skills by talking to our exchange part- journey home, only to welcome thirty- ners and their families and attending seven French students in June to stay the nearby school.

38 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Model United Nations Model United Nations (known as MUN) provides students with an exciting opportunity to learn about the challenges facing the world today. Participants must then seek to reflect accurately the view of their assigned country in a series of debates on international issues. MODEL UNITED NATIONS

MODEL UNITED NATIONS shakers’ like me tried to get their reso- There are generally three ways to gain all: the true aim of any conference is to lutions through to deal with the prob- allies: back-scratching, strong-arming improve the skills of those taking part lem. This is ostensibly the prime reason and ‘persuasion’. The back-scratch is in it, be it more imagination in crafting George Hunter (U6) for MUN, to encourage complete the bread and butter of MUN (I’ll sign solutions to problems, improved strangers to take on the role of a yours if you’ll sign mine), but only goes oratorical skills, critical analysis of Our students attended another fasci- nation’s delegate in the UN and then so far as there is a limit on the number formally worded documents or simply nating MUN summit this year, giving work together to secure global peace, of other resolutions you can sign. Coer- a step forward in such mysterious them an opportunity to present and free trade or a bigger slice of the cake cion is also a useful tool if you are an sounding concepts as ‘people skills’. debate on international issues, as they for their own country. To a large extent, important country like the USA, but Needless to say, there is a huge amount represent the view of their assigned this aim has been accomplished in can seem nigh on impossible if you’re of entertainment to be had in taking nation. every conference I’ve attended, even representing a country like Chad, as I part in an MUN conference, if only to though individuals may be more fixat- did, which makes the whole alliance- watch yet another North Korean rant The scenario* was: ‘Oil rigs, gas fields, ed on the glory of simply passing a building much more challenging and or the evolution of the Russo-Chadian airports, logging camps, nuclear power resolution whilst others make a enjoyable. At that point it becomes moon colonisation program. stations: all have been attacked and concerted effort for such prestigious necessary to make a good speech or disabled by a well known organisation. awards as ‘Best Looking Delegate’. two attacking another person’s resolu- All that remains is to thank everyone Countries are grinding to a halt and the tion to make others ‘respect’ (read this who enabled me to take part in such peoples of the world are swiftly For those serious about getting their as ‘fear’) you and so listen to what you incredible events over the past two descending into panic. To make ideas to the table, it really isn’t enough have to say about your own ideas. years, and I’m sure I speak for everyone matters worse this organisation and its to have a solution that works since Finally, there are the murkier and less who attended a conference: Mrs Colli- fellow conspirators, the Canadians, some delegates, including me, precise arts of ‘persuasion’: I would say son, Ms Dawson and Ms Sheehy have have assassinated Barack Obama, perversely take greater pleasure in this involves school friendships, work- all been inspirational and informative François Hollande, Vladimir Putin, Xi sinking another delegate’s resolution able resolutions and other methods I about MUN, and extremely generous Jinping and a posh British fellow, to than actually passing one of their own. won’t go into - suffice to say, Sino-Japa- with their time taking Prior Park dele- slow down the global response.’ To combat such spoilsports, it becomes nese relations were a little too warm gates all around the South-West. necessary to build alliances, if only to after one conference. Thank you. And so began another MUN crisis co-submit your resolution and make it brief, followed by frenzy in the hall as seem less flimsy. Once involved in it, MUN isn’t really *All scenarios are fictional and do not reflect the sarcastically named ‘movers and about the issue you are discussing at the actual views of organisations or countries.

THE PHOENIX 39 Debating

DEBATING 2014 DEBATING 2014

DEBATING 2014

Mr Kent Chard

I have to take my hat off to every meaning. I and my fellow judges, Dr House for the way debating has been student who participated in this year’s McGowran and Mrs Eatwell, really valued and nurtured over several years. competition. It takes courage and real enjoy coming up with each Motion. nerve to stand up, argue and defend a Watching the reaction of the teams at In 2014 we decided to introduce a new motion in front of both your peers and the coin toss, when they discover which award to students who have made an staff. The tiered, cauldron like Round side of the argument they have to make, outstanding contribution to the Room makes a great stage for the event is also good fun… especially when it competition over a number of years. and, once again, we had some fittingly goes against their natural instincts. We have dubbed these awards The theatrical performances from our Wilmotts, after our former colleague students. This year’s final came down to a battle Dr Rob Wilmott, who was an energetic between two fantastic teams with very and enthusiastic coordinator of our The 2014 contest has been one of the different styles - the fearlessly idiosyn- school debating during his time here. It very best, with all the Houses putting cratic Clifford House; Joe Parker, Liam was my great pleasure to see Wilmott forward strong teams. Judging was Delaney and Alex Tometzki, compet- Medals presented to Matthew rarely easy as all Houses, whilst having ing against Allen House; George Hunt- Mortimer, Lily Ager, George Hunter very contrasting styles, made intelli- er, Joseph Murphy-O’Connor and and Joseph Murphy-O’Connor. gent, well constructed and often subtle James Smith. The formidable Allen arguments. We had some terrific House team just came out on top in a contests, such as Roche vs Clifford in a closely fought debate about whether debate about Scottish Independence our study of history unhelpfully preju- and a superb semi-final between the dices our attitudes of today. This gives outstanding Fielding team vs Allen, Allen House an incredible record of who were arguing about whether four victories in the last five competi- human existence or the universe has tions, and it’s a real testament to the

40 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE DEBATING 2014 DEBATING

THE PHOENIX 41 All the Colours

ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD ALL THE COLOURS of the World

Highlights from our International Community

ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD opportunities that come your way when starting a new school in a new I think it has been life country. A MEXICAN WAVE AT PRIOR changing. It’s been a How did you feel when you first José Pablo Payro, Enrique Saavedra, arrived at Prior Park? Enrique: I different experience, Alfonso Villalva Heredia, Iker Yrigoyen didn’t know anyone when I first got a different culture, a de Luisa (F4 & L5) here but I’m not the kind of person who gets nervous about that sort of thing. different setting in which We have been delighted to welcome José: I was pretty excited because it’s a four Mexican students into our completely new experience. I was look- I have developed many community this year and it has been ing forward to what I was going to be fascinating to see how they have doing whilst I was here, like meeting skills. contributed to school life and new friends and all the other things embraced their new culture. We are that go hand in hand with being in a sorry to be saying goodbye to Enrique new country. and Iker as they return to continue their studies in Mexico, but we are So what lessons have you learned that delighted that José and Alfonso have you are going to take home with you? chosen to stay. Iker: Obviously the English is the biggest part of what I’ve improved on. I Between them, the boys have offered have made many friends whilst I’ve some very interesting insights into how been here, friends for life. I’m very keen to make the most of the new to carry on rugby when I go back to

42 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD ALL THE COLOURS

Mexico because it’s not a big thing back Chinese community teaching the rest there at the moment and it’s one of my of us the meaning behind Chinese New favourite parts of life at Prior. Alfonso: Year and its importance, and even If I could describe Prior in one word it giving a demonstration of Tai Chi. would be “welcoming”. I can take this lesson back to Mexico with me - how to The day’s food was similarly themed, be as welcoming to foreigners as Prior with Chinese snacks on sale at break has been to me. I think it has been life time, and the Catering Department changing. It’s been a different experi- offering our students a Chinese- ence, a different culture, a different themed lunch. setting in which I have developed many skills. Probably the biggest highlight of the day was an incredible Lion Dance, put If you could offer some advice to an on by a Chinese Dance Troupe from international student who is joining Bristol University. It was a true specta- Prior, what would it be? Alfonso: I cle and everyone was transfixed by the would say; Do not expect anything, just amazing costumes and acrobatic go with whatever is happening because moves. you’re expectations might not be the reality. Iker: I would recommend not STUDENTS UPSTANDING AT being nervous because everyone here is INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VOICE so welcoming. COMPETITION

What is a memory of Prior that you Three of our international students will treasure? Iker: Going on the bus represented Prior at November’s with the rugby team on our way to a International Student Voice match against Wellington. The cama- competition. This is an annual raderie was something that I had never competition, which comprises experienced before, being so close with entrants from five local independent a team. Alfonso: I think my favourite schools. experience was playing rugby up on Monument Field when it started rain- Prior was represented in the Junior ing. In Mexico, if it starts raining then competition by José Pablo Payro, who you immediately all go back indoors. kicked off the competition’s proceed- Here, it started raining and we carried ings with a controversial but hugely on playing and everyone got really compelling defence of footballers’ high muddy and it was great fun. Enrique: I salaries. This speech earned José a don’t have a particular favourite thoroughly deserved second place in memory but I’ve really enjoyed board- the Junior Competition. ing. This is because I have been constantly surrounded by people, Our senior orators on the night were always had loads to do, and there are all Chloe Chan, who discussed what life kinds of sports facilities available. was like in Hong Kong before it became José: I would agree with Enrique. I a British colony, and Cynthia Zhang. think there are going to be lasting Cynthia did brilliantly to win the memories that are going to be made Senior Competition with a fascinating and kept, especially during boarding examination of the differences between time. You are in close contact with your studying Dance in the UK compared friends all the time and so you make with China. Her cross-cultural topic situations which you can enjoy and can clearly resonated with the internation- look back on in the future. al audience, and everybody was charmed by her performance, which CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS even incorporated a few dance moves!

The College celebrated the Year of the Horse in style, with various events taking place throughout the day. Morning Assembly marked this special event with members of our

THE PHOENIX 43 OPERATION WALLACEA – CUBA SCIENCE EXPEDITION – CUBA SCIENCE WALLACEA OPERATION

Operation Wallacea Cuba Science Expedition

OPERATION WALLACEA After a physically and mentally chal- students got to rub shoulders with CUBA SCIENCE EXPEDITION lenging day in this water wonderland , a experts in their field from Cuban, two-hour voyage back to harbour gave Canadian and American Universities. time to relax, share experiences and, Dr Rob Trott for some, to shower in the frequent The programme comprised a series of afternoon thunderstorms. lectures and plenty of fieldwork. This The elegant Coco-Club catamaran set included traditional seine net fishing sail from the harbour on the Isla du la Back at the Colony Hotel, supper over sea grass beds, followed by fish Juventud across the crystal clear introduced our students to the delights dissections to assess species diversity, Caribbean Sea towards the Punta of Caribbean cuisine – from fried age structure and diet. We enjoyed Frances Marine National Park. On banana to black bean rice, followed by voyages into extensive mangrove board, eighteen blurry-eyed (it was a succulent fruits such as mango and swamps to monitor manatees using long journey to Cuba) but expectant water melon. After supper, students Side Scan Sonar. On a two-night fifteen to eighteen year old Prior then engaged in a series of Caribbean voyage on the motor vessel the Felipe students took in the beauty of the sea- Reef ecology lectures, which gave clear Poey, students learnt about shark scape that was waiting to give away its meaning to the work they carried out in tagging, surveying coral reef using magical secrets. the day. stereo underwater video techniques, and computer analysis to determine The uninitiated, (to the underwater Despite the reservations of a few about fish diversity and age structure. In the world) alongside their experienced their ability to cope with the demands evening students slept above deck, on PADI dive instructors, were dropped of scuba diving, by the end of a very the Felipe Poey, to be entertained by off in the shallow bath-warm water, rewarding and challenging week all amazing lightning storms or by the lined with golden sands, to start their students were PADI qualified, with peaceful tranquillity of a clear night training. Those of us that were quali- many looking more at home in the glistening with far-off stars. fied to dive were plunged into deeper water than on land. water to get our first glimpse of a thriv- On de-gas days, as nitrogen in the ing fringing reef and the menacing The second week of the expedition blood was given time to escape from darkness of the associated drop-off. brought the science phase, where our the body, by day students relaxed by

44 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE OPERATION WALLACEA – CUBA SCIENCE EXPEDITION – CUBA SCIENCE WALLACEA OPERATION

After a physically and mentally challenging day in this water wonderland , a two-hour voyage back to harbour gave time to relax, share experiences and for some, to shower in the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

the pool, while during the warm even- resurrection with the help of UNESCO ing were taken offshore on the Coco- money to bring iconic buildings back to Club to experience the delights of salsa their former glory. dancing and limbo. Without exception the expedition Our final farewell to Cuba ended in surpassed all our expectations: we Havana. This was like walking back in learnt and experienced so many new time – many of our students had their things, revelled in the friendships made photographs taken next to the classic with our instructors, teachers, fellow American cars that dominated the school parties and, last but certainly Cuban avenues and boulevards. not least, our Cuban hosts. It was a very different world from our own and During our tour we learnt about the an experience that will last in our turbulent history of the country, start- memories for a very long time to come. ing with the early days of Spanish and British rule through to the glory days of the 1950’s when Cuba became the playground for wealthy Americans and a Mafia stronghold.

Monuments were visited that celebrat- ed independence and paid tribute to the people that fought for Cuban inde- pendence, including Jose Marti, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. We witnessed the widespread dereliction in the city due to the energy crisis that lead to the ‘Special Period’, and the start of Cuba’s

THE PHOENIX 45 RALPH ALLEN MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES RALPH ALLEN MEMORIAL LECTURE

Ralph Allen speakers - Sophie Andrews and Brian Keenan.

46 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE RALPH ALLEN MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES RALPH ALLEN MEMORIAL LECTURE Ralph Allen Memorial Lecture Series As the Ralph Allen Memorial Lecture Series continues into its fourth year, we have been delighted to welcome and be inspired by hostage survivor, Brian Keenan, and former Chair of The Samaritans, Sophie Andrews.

RALPH ALLEN MEMORIAL that this appalling experience haunts She is clearly a woman of remarkable LECTURE SERIES him still. Since his release he has strength and she was able to describe returned to the written word and he a childhood which was nearly ruined entertained us with extracts from his by abuse and manipulation. Her Mr James Murphy-O’Connor many books. Usually, and perhaps not story of survival and redemption was surprisingly, he writes about his visits truly inspiring and humbling and her We have been most fortunate to to the great, wide, open spaces of the current work clearly has a huge impact have hosted two such distinguished world. He has been to Alaska as well on modern society. It was important to guests for this year’s Headmaster’s as the Steppe lands of the East. As a hear her story and I suspect that she Lecture Series. The Series is open to philosopher and thinker, Brian shared will be back in the future to continue all students, parents and staff. I am his desire to make sense of the human the relationship that was thankfully increasingly convinced that it is vitally condition and it was a privilege to have forged that night. important to be able to sit down and him here at Prior Park. Brian lives in to listen to others, especially as they the same village in Mayo as me so I Next year’s speakers include Jack reflect on the experiences of their lives. look forward to seeing more of him Sutcliffe, a former student of mine, It seems that, otherwise, we are always over the years to come! who is the youngest person to ‘on the go’ and increasingly controlled have climbed Everest, Dr Richard by the electronic age. Sophie Andrews joined us in the Lent Buckley, the historian responsible for term. Many of you will know her as the discovering the remains of Richard III Brian Keenan CBE joined us in the Chair of The Samaritans. Sophie owes in a car park in Leicester, and Colin Michaelmas Term and spoke about her life to The Samaritans because Parry, who lost his young son to an IRA his life growing up in sectarian-divided they managed to talk her through her bomb. We are also hoping to welcome Belfast. He also gave us an insight into lowest point as a suicidal teenager Johnny Johnson, the last remaining the war-ravaged Middle East where he and she feels a debt of gratitude to ‘Dambuster’. served as a journalist in The Lebanon. them. Sophie explained her story to He alluded to his four years as a hostage the audience and it was disturbing as ‘my holidays’ and it was clear to see and fascinating in equal measure.

THE PHOENIX 47 Charities’

CHARITIES’ WEEK Week CHARITIES’ WEEK Tuesday was equally exciting, with students having the opportunity to pay to ‘Sponge the Teacher’ – a popular Mrs Melanie Ball activity. The afternoon saw a fun-filled, inter-house version of ‘University Each year students at Prior Park Challenge’, where teams competed in College rise to the challenge of doing intellectual battle against their peers to their bit to serve others and make a try and reach the final, where they difference to charities locally, nation- faced a tough team of teachers. Several ally and internationally. What’s more, keen Clifford boys also decked them- they certainly have fun along the way! selves out in some rather eye-catching gear to offer their car washing services Each of our nine Houses chooses a to parents. charity, and this year support was given to a wide range including Second Sight, Arundell and Roche Houses were in who are working to eradicate cataract charge of the fun on Wednesday, start- blindness in India, Friends of The Chil- ing with Headmaster Mr Murphy- dren of Orissa, providing education to O’Connor and Head of Baines House some of the most vulnerable children, Mrs Saunders -Prouse being spon- Asthma UK, Peggy Dodd Centre in sored to wear inflatable sumo outfits Bath supporting those with memory for the day, providing everyone with loss, Motor Neurone Disease Associa- great entertainment. At lunchtime, the tion, and Macmillan Cancer Support. portico was jam-packed with rugby enthusiasts, as staff and students Of course there are also times when a queued up to undertake a rugby chal- disaster requires an immediate chari- lenge to kick a ball from the portico. table response. In November 2013 Baines House also got into the Charity Typhoon Haiyan devastated large Week spirit, organising a fantastic fash- swathes of the Philippines and Prior ion show, with a student from each responded. We raised over £3,300 house modelling an outfit made solely through leg waxing, a 24 hour static from recyclable materials. Great imag- cycle, cake sale, raffle and a map of ination went into each of the creations coins designed to educate and inform and the whole show was superb fun. about the scale of the disaster. Finally, the ‘Baines House Bake-Off’ saw students entering their cakes to be Students are also keen to practise what judged. They were subsequently sold they preach and help in a more practi- on to hungry customers! cal way by volunteering regularly for Bath’s soup run, building houses in Thursday, the final day of Charities’ Romania, and undertaking conserva- Week, had English and Allen at the tion research in Cuba through Opera- helm. ‘Pie a Student’ took place over tion Wallacea. lunch - the poor student volunteers could barely see for whipped cream, it Each year our fundraising culminates was hugely entertaining and raised a in Charities’ Week and in March Prior great deal. Allen House boys also took Park College was buzzing. Each House part in a sponsored leg wax at break came up with innovative ways to raise time. One student even volunteered to money for their chosen charities. shave off all his hair for the cause.

Monday saw St Mary’s and Burton in The atmosphere throughout the week charge of fundraising, the two Houses was electric, with students and staff joined forces to offer the ‘Slave for a throwing themselves into each activity, Day’ service. In addition, buskers lined creating a fantastic sense of communi- the drive to provide musical entertain- ty as they strove to raise as much as ment to parents as they arrived to possible for their charitable causes. collect their children, Chinese snacks were sold during break time, and the At the end of the academic year Prior ‘Josh-o-gram’ took place, which saw Park College raised nearly £10,000 for one of our U5 Burton students being all of these worthy causes. We look raffled off to serenade a chosen target. forward to equal success next year.

48 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE The Development

Office OFFICE THE DEVELOPMENT

THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Mrs Melanie Ball spring of 2015. Thanks to some clever time here. greatest and most personal gift of all. technology by way of a time-lapse We continue to focus our efforts on This has been a humbling moment and Now entering our third year it has camera, you don’t have to miss any of enhancing the beautiful Our Lady of I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories been a busy time for the Development the progress. Take a look at the Prior the Snows Chapel at Prior Park. The and tales of old, as well as being able to Office. We are delighted to have Park College YouTube channel for project, to improve sound, lighting share stories about the Prior of today. I been successful in receiving a regular updates www.youtube.com/ and general aesthetics, will cost over thank them one and all. significant grant from The Country watch?v=J42lElI-CWY £100,000 and fundraising is well under Houses Foundation representing way. The Chapel is a focal point for the Away from College we have also approximately 50% of the overall cost We have continued to focus our whole school, held dear by many, and been busy – The Paragon, our junior of the restoration of the magnificent attention on raising funds for we are confident of achieving the funds school, has secured £30,000 towards portico steps at the rear of the bursarial support for those students needed to complete this project. If you the building of a new music school. Mansion. These steps command fine deserving of a Prior education who would like more detailed plans or are in Work commenced during the summer views down the valley to the formal would otherwise not have the chance a position to help then please contact holidays. gardens beyond, which are now owned to access one. We also recognise the me in the Development Office. by the National Trust and include the changing circumstances of our current So, as development moves forward, I world renowned Palladian Bridge. students and their families and the We have continued to strengthen look forward to another busy twelve We have introduced a series of tours moral obligation we have to support relationships with the wider Prior months ahead and all that might bring. this year to widen access to Prior for them through their studies. It is with community overseas. Two further For further information on our work the benefit of the community – all are the greatest of thanks that I recognise visits have been made to Gibraltar and ways that you can help please welcome to join on a future date. those donors who have supported us in the last twelve months, including contact me on the details below. and continue to do so in both these one with Old Boy Cardinal Cormac The construction of our brand new areas. Excitingly, this September sees Murphy-O’Connor last October. We Melanie Ball, Director of Development state-of-the-art Sports Centre began a milestone for Prior. With thanks to look forward to welcoming the next Email: [email protected] in earnest in February 2014, with the a local charitable trust, we welcome generation of Gibraltarians to Prior www.thepriorfoundation.com/ turf being cut by Prior ambassador three students into the Sixth Form, this September. development Lewis Moody MBE. Thanks to the fine each the recipient of a 100% bursary weather, work has continued almost for their academic fees. We welcome This year, I have also had the privilege uninterrupted and the project looks them into our community and hope of visiting our special supporters, set to be completed on time in the that they make the very most of their those that have pledged a legacy, the

THE PHOENIX 49 ARTWORK Artwork 01 02 03

04 05

06 07

50 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE 01. Angelica d’Aljo (U6) 08. Phoebe Baker (L6) 02. Harriet Lord (L6) 09. Angelica d’Aljo (U6) 03. Constantine Corney (U5) 10. Edmond Haines (U5) 04. Vsevolod Yurchenko (L6) 11. Callum Eaton (L6) 05. Seb Parker (U5) 12. Hugo Hagger (U5) 06. Alex Couling (U5) 13. Lucia-Rose Durham (L6) 07. Anna Haskins (U6) 14. Chloe Chan (U5) 15. Anna Haskins (U6) 16. Hector McCormick (U6) ARTWORK

08 09 10

11 12

13

14 15 16

THE PHOENIX 51 ARTWORK Artwork 01

02 03

04 05

06 01. Izzy Forester-Bennet (L6) 07. Anna Haskins (U6) 02. Helena Fothergil (L6) 08. Phoebe Baker (L6) 03. Ollie Taylor (U5) 09. Anna Haskins (U6) 04. Howie Philips (U5) 10. Charlie Sturgess (U5) 05. Harriet Gillingham (U6) 11. Howie Philips (U5) 06. Charlie Sturgess (U5) 12. Theo Rhodes (U5)

Artwork ARTWORK 07 08 09

10

11 12 Art Dept

ART DEPT FILMS ART Films Puppet Show Lydia Winthorpe (U6)

Bedtime for Princess Teuta Martinovic (L6)

Cross Over Hector McCormick (U6)

Aluminium Flower Millie Fender (U5)

Wall Decoration Lydia Winthorpe (U6)

54 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Scan the QR Codes, or follow the link to our YouTube Channel to watch these film pieces – www.youtube.com - Priorparkcollege ART DEPT FILMS ART

Train Creation Millie Fender (U5)

Creation Lydia Winthorpe (U6)

Sins of the Father Hector McCormick (U6)

Metamorphosis Abigail Sergeant (U6)

THE PHOENIX 55 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Design & Technology

01 02 03

04 05

04 06 07 08

56 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

01. Constantine Corney (U5) 09 10 02. Jessie Roper (U5) 03. Valeriya Stobetskaya (U5) 04. Amy Young (U5) 05. Mansion Hall Exhibition 06. Ryan Tribe (U5) 07. Jemima South (U5) 08. William Braithwaite (U5) 09. Mansion Hall Exhibition 10. James Huntingdon (U5) 11. Cordelia Roberts (U5) 12. Tim Constable-Maxwell (U5) 13. Lucinda Tucker (U5) 14. Harry Threlfall (U5)

11

12 13

14

THE PHOENIX 57

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Design & Technology

01 02

03 03

04 05 06

58 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE 01. Poppy Luck (U5) 07. Natalie Acheson (U5) 02. Seb Parker (U5) 08. Edward Sampson (U5) 03. Theo Rhodes (U5) 09. Edmund Hames (U5) 04. Hyung Mo Chun (U5) 10. Jessie Roper (U5) 05. Lily Womesly (U5) 11. Cordelia Roberts (U5) 06. Megan Ryder (U5) 12. Imogen Moore (U5) DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

07 06 08

09

10 11 12

THE PHOENIX 59 BUGSY MALONE BAINES MUSICAL MALONE BUGSY

From the moment that the lights dimmed and the small band of nine played the overture, the audience could tell that this was to be a fantastic show.

60 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE BUGSY MALONE BAINES MUSICAL MALONE BUGSY

Bugsy Malone

BUGSY MALONE BAINES MUSICAL The auditions took place at the end of However, those who most need to be the Lent Term, leaving the Easter holi- thanked are the tech team led by Iestyn days for line learning before the start of Griffiths, and the stage hands, the front Katie Mallet (F3) the gruelling four weeks of rehearsals of house team, Mr Robertson for the (even on Saturdays!). Despite all of the brilliant musical direction, and our In the last week of the school year, after-school and lunchtime rehearsal wonderful housemistress Mrs Saun- students from Baines House could be sessions limbs flying whilst learning ders-Prouse for putting on and direct- seen hurrying from their house to the the Bad Guys dance or being ticked off ing the show! theatre, clad in their stylish 1920’s for not learning our lines, we said “sure, costumes, excited to be on stage for Boss” and got on with it. I really enjoyed taking part in Bugsy their production of Bugsy Malone. Malone. It was a fantastic experience From the moment that the lights (of the stage) for everyone involved, Set in 1929 prohibition-era New York, dimmed and the small band of nine and I hope everyone who came to see the play tells the story of Bugsy Malone played the overture, the audience could the show enjoyed it as much as I did! (aka Thomas Pollock) as he tries to tell that this was to be a fantastic show. impress the new girl in town, Blousey The (‘Salmon’) Tallulah girls looked Brown (played by Poppy Askham). great, and Fat Sam’s gang was hilarious Bugsy helps out the top gang leader Fat with their slightly-too-big pinstriped Sam (Cameron Wight) to keep the suits. The L3 ‘Down and Outs’ sang ‘Speakeasy’ from being taken over by their song brilliantly, and ‘Babyface’ Fat Sam’s rival, Dandy Dan (Hamish (Archie Dutton) was “The star of Prior Page) and his gang, in the hope that he Park College”. Toby Wilson’s heartfelt can earn enough money to buy tickets solo as Fizzy will still be stuck in my for him to take Blousey to Hollywood. head ‘Tomorrow’, and who could forget To do this, Fat Sam needs to obtain the the fantastic Bugsy and Blousey, who latest, most deadly weapon, the sang and acted so well. Splurge Gun.

THE PHOENIX 61 BOARDING LIFE BOARDING Boarding Life

62 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE BOARDING LIFE BOARDING

THE PHOENIX 63 L3 SKERN LODGE

L3 L3 SKERN LODGE Skern Lodge L3 SKERN LODGE bacon, breakfast cereals, fruit and yoghurts. These were always delicious and we were never short! For lunch we Hannah Lowrie (L3) had a choice of sandwiches, which ranged from coronation chicken to good old In the weeks leading up to Skern Lodge I ham and cheese. For supper we were don’t think there was one member of offered a cooked vegetarian and meat Lower 3 who wasn’t excited about the option, with pudding and it was always trip. For some of us it was our first resi- delicious. dential trip, but for others it was the second or third; nobody quite knew In this unique environment we really got what to expect. We had a few meetings to know each others’ personalities a lot to discuss any questions we had but better. There was something for every- the activities remained a secret until one there whether you liked heights, we arrived. water or both! The teamwork and skills we learnt whilst we were there will surely In one of the meetings at school we were never be forgotten throughout our time told to write down the name of one at Prior and beyond. Speaking for every- person who we would like in our room. one it was a hugely enjoyable trip that Room sizes varied from three to six helped us achieve so many new things people sharing a room. We didn’t spend and bring us together as a year group. much time in our rooms – we were so busy with all the activities that all we did in our rooms was sleep and wash!

We were separated into six groups for the activities. The activities were rafting, abseiling, climbing, high ropes, tunnel- ling, surfing, rib riding, assault course, crabbing, Skern Lodge Pool Olympics, camping and a disco. There were three activities a day, morning, afternoon and evening, with breaks for lunch and before and after the evening activity. As you can tell we were always massively tired out at the end of the day and fell asleep the minute our heads hit the pillow! Some of my personal favourite activities were surfing and abseiling, which previously terrified me but I conquered my fear at Skern.

Each morning we had a full cooked breakfast including sausage, eggs and

THE PHOENIX 65 THE WHITE DEVIL The White Devil

This is not an easy play, you can’t hang up your brain with your coat and hat when you come into a play like this... Would a group of student performers be able to translate this text into an accessible and relevant piece of theatre?

REVIEW

Mr Dave Langley

Before going any further, I feel I must moments within the text were of a truly problems but, in this production, the promote the outstanding performanc- make a confession. The White Devil, by professional standard. decision to make Marcello Marcella es offered by this young cast. Forebod- the Jacobean playwright John and give the part to the extremely ing flats painted with what appeared to Webster, is most definitely on my top In some ways it feels a little redundant talented Georgie Fellows was a be anonymous figures in various states five list of greatest ever plays. There- to run through the cast list pointing out wonderfully liberating move. It added a of mourning added an almost haunted fore, as I sat down to enjoy this produc- the strengths of each performer as this really interesting dimension to the sense to the surroundings. Great design tion, which took place in January in the was a wonderfully supportive and relationship between Marcella and her serves a text without ever dominating it Julian Slade Theatre, I was already in a focused ensemble, but it is also very brother Flamineo. I mentioned earlier and this design was brilliantly judged pretty positive state of mind. There was important to recognise the achieve- performers who were trying out the (with David Wood, once again, show- also a certain amount of trepidation ments of the young men and women Julian Slade Theatre for the first time ing great theatrical judgement and expressed by others before the first who provided such a superb evening of - Matthew Mortimer was one such who touch.) To paraphrase T S Eliot, in night. This is not an easy play, you can’t theatre. impressed me greatly with his depic- offering to us the skull beneath the hang up your brain with your coat and tion of Francisco, the Duke of Flor- skin, Webster plays with the notions of hat when you come into a play like this. Hector McCormick as Flamineo was ence. His clear and concise characteri- light and dark, appearance and reality, The language is sophisticated and outstanding. The danger with this sation always looked for the naturalistic and I felt that the lighting for this show sharp, the humour dark and jagged, the character is that he can too easily be in the performance rather than playing was beautifully conceived. Iestyn Grif- almost Machiavellian directness of so played as a caricature, but Hector up to the audience, making this a most fiths never fails to impress but this time many of the central figures deeply resisted the temptation and instead the impressive debut. Emily Redpath I felt he really elevated the production disturbing yet horribly contemporary. scheming and manipulative central impressed as the loyal Zanche. Will to another level through his subtle use Above all, it is a complex and mature figure was also a figure of pain and pity. Cole and Spike Clarkson were very of lighting, shade and shadow to ensure piece of theatre. Would a group of Jenny Dinwoodie’s Vittoria was strong as the murdered Camillo and the audience was never entirely certain student performers be able to translate precisely drawn and executed, with a the conspiring Lodovico, as was Piers as to the morality of any of the this text into an accessible and relevant great sense of dramatic impact. George Butler as Giovanni. Aaliyah Bates has a characters. piece of theatre? Oh ye of little faith! Hunter had the difficult part of Brachi- very strong stage presence and this was From the very opening moments, our ano, both hero and villain, but he held well used in her performance of Gaspa- attention was taken as the various plots his own on stage with many more expe- ro. Harry Smith, Billy Mackean, Joss and counter plots spun their silken rienced actors around him. This Bennett, Finn Bennett, Larissa barbed threads around us. Dr Kathar- production was notable for the number Obolensky and Maria Dolan played the ine McGowran has already shown this of relatively inexperienced performers supporting characters with intelli- school her considerable directorial who had decided they wanted to have a gence and skill. A special mention must talent, having last year directed a stel- go at this acting thing, and I for one was be given to Larissa Obolensky, who lar cast in a stage adaptation of The hugely impressed by both their focus also conceived and directed the ‘dumb’ Great Gatsby. Well, this was another and their talent. Maisie Carter and show - an intrinsic part of the structure step beyond. I found the stillness in her Verity Hunt, as Isabella and Cornelia, of the play. A truly original concept direction, the moments where she gave a moral centre to this most amoral from an original thinker. allowed the stage picture to tell the of plays. The evil Monticelso, a corrupt story, quite superb. Silence is a danger- and corrupting figure, was played with The simple yet elegantly effective set ous weapon when poorly used, but the great flair and a slight twinkle in his eye design was a single raised platform tension created in the production by by Joe Parker. Changing the gender of towards the back of the stage, providing the stillness and silence at key a character is always fraught with the starkness required to carry and

66 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE THE WHITE DEVIL

THE PHOENIX 67 The production featured an impressive and very experienced cast who had obviously formed into an extremely supportive ensemble. GHOSTS

68 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Ghosts GHOSTS

REVIEW

Dr Katharine McGowran

Dave Langley’s production of Ghosts judged by the play’s versatile and continued the Ibsen ‘season’ at Prior knowledgeable director. Park College, following on from a very successful A Doll’s House three years Hector McCormick (Jacob Engstrand) ago. The production featured an had created a very convincing voice impressive and very experienced cast and repertoire of gestures, which he who had obviously formed into an used to brilliant effect. The dynamic extremely supportive ensemble. The between him and his stage daughter, late addition of Spike Clarkson, who Regine (the wonderful Maisie Carter) heroically stepped in as Pastor was expertly sustained: the fault lines Manders with only weeks to go to in their relationship always visible opening night, was clearly something under the surface. Spike Clarkson was all had taken in their stride; and there able to suggest the emotional indiffer- was a palpable sense of a group work- ence of Pastor Manders, which made ing together to deliver an extremely the scenes between him and the powerful and moving version of a anguished Mrs Alving (Harriet fantastic play. Garner), as he sacrifices everything to maintain respectability, all the more The use of the John Wood Chapel was powerful. Harriet Garner gave an just one of a number of factors which amazing performance: her ability to made this such a special evening. With convey the complexity of Mrs Alving’s a few well-judged additions, including character, and the crumbling of her a stunning painting conceived (and hard-won social identity as secrets are brilliantly executed) to look like an revealed, was truly impressive. Billy aged Billy Mackean (Osvald), it felt as Mackean was, as always, superb: this if we were within the confines of the role as Osvald, perhaps more than any bourgeois home of Mrs Alving. The other I have seen him play, showcased portrait loomed over proceedings, his subtlety as a performer. But this reminding us of the consequences of was a production with so many great the past and the question of inherit- scenes: some particularly stayed with ance. The intimacy of the setting me. Regina’s final conversation with enabled the cast to work in a very natu- Mrs Alving and Osvald was stunning, ralistic way, bringing all the nuances of with Maisie Carter showing an under- expression and gesture out in their standing of the character and her performances. We were all voyeurs for choices which belied her years. The the night, suffering the extremefinal scene between Osvald and Mrs tensions of a house at breaking point: Alving, which was much more expres- the relationship between parents and sionist in tone, was just breath-taking: children; servants and masters; ‘saints’ it suggested the ways in which Ibsen’s and ‘sinners’ was constantly being play reaches towards modernity (both challenged and negotiated. The diffi- socially and artistically); when the cult subject matter with the play was lights went up there were more than a enhanced by the supreme respectabili- few tearstained faces. ty of the drawing-room setting, the contrast between the visual signifiers This is a play which raises more ques- of orthodox middle class life and the tions than it answers, and this produc- shocking secrets which emerge form- tion left these echoing round the John ing the crucial tension at the heart of Wood Chapel. the play. This all made for some incred- ibly powerful scenes, beautifully

THE PHOENIX 69 WOMEN AT WAR AT WOMEN Women at War

REVIEW

Mr James Murphy-O’Connor

In this year, the centenary of the begin- ning of The Great War, it was fitting to host a play about the awful experiences of 1914-1918.

However, this was a production with a difference for two reasons. Firstly, the play was actually written by James Graham-Brown, a member of our own Drama Department. He based the play on recollections of stories passed on to him by his grandmother about her experiences in the War. Secondly, and as a result, it was a play which offered a different perspective – the experience of those whose voice is often missing from the mighty tomes of history writ- ten about the War: the voice of women who were also affected. With echoes of Vera Brittain, the experiences of wives, mothers and girlfriends were heard and given equal measure. Indeed, James Graham-Brown’s play also took up the challenge of those women, many of whom were in the Suffragette Move- ment, who were opposed to the War. Whether they opposed it or supported it, women from all classes and standing were affected.

The cast, which included Teuta Marti- novic, Aysha Taylor and Isabelle McKenty amongst many other girls, was superb. They all conveyed the hopes and desires of the women involved – as well as the inevitable heartbreak and insecurity. Whilst the majority of the cast was female, it was very well supported by three boys, who played the varying experiences of soldiers on the Western Front. They were Abe Unwin, Ollie Small and Charlie Sturgess – all of whom impressed in their roles.

There will be many opportunities to commemorate The Great War over the next four years, as we record the vari- ous anniversaries of key battles and dates. However, Women at War struck me as a bold and innovative attempt to approach some familiar themes from a different perspective - for this, I thank the director and the cast for a thor- oughly convincing, informative and 70 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE thought-provoking evening in the Julian Slade Theatre. WOMEN AT WAR AT WOMEN

THE PHOENIX 71 CRAZY FOR YOU YOU CRAZY FOR

Crazy For You

CRAZY FOR YOU dreams. Eventually everybody is brought close harmony sound. It was a wonder- A highlight of the show was the scene together to live happily ever after. ful moment when the sleazy, villainous when Zangler meets Bobby (who is hotel owner Lank Hawkins was impersonating Zangler), both of whom Mrs Liz Parker The song and dance numbers through- seduced by the self-important city girl, are drunk and both of whom think they out the show were fabulous – the first Irene Roth, and both Alex Butt and are looking in a mirror as they make When Colette Byron and Dave Sackett appearance of the gorgeous Follies Maria Torres were utterly convincing exactly the same gestures. An enor- announced that this year’s musical was Girls in their amazing costumes as two opposites destined to be togeth- mous amount of work must have gone to be Crazy for You, I must admit that coming down the stairs onto the stage er! Kitty Cameron was superb as into that one particular scene alone, the majority of staff and possibly none for the opening number, Can’t be Both- Bobby’s domineering mother and but the outcome was terrific. of the students had ever heard of it. ered Now, was fabulous. Slap that Bass eventually she also found love with They both insisted that it was hilarious, and I Got Rhythm were both brilliant Polly’s father Everett, played in the The audience were delighted by the that it had great songs and that they numbers, and the way they built from a most incredibly natural way by Pete chorus of cowboys, who were fabulous- had a fabulous cast. They were abso- simple rhythm or a simple tune into a Dorey. The arrival in Deadrock of a ly funny and their fight scene was abso- lutely right! The audience was grinning full blown joyous celebration of dance very English couple, The Fodors, lutely classic. Throughout the show the from ear to ear from start to finish. was fantastic. The choreography was played by George Clayton and Maisie Follies entertained us with their danc- hugely effective and Colette’s ability to Moon, was quite a surprise but it added ing, singing and oh-so-many costume The music and lyrics were written in enthuse the cast, many of whom would yet another funny and highly entertain- changes, and they were brilliantly led the 1930’s by George and Ira Gersh- never have believed they could dance, ing dimension, as well as another great by Ellie Knights. Ellie played the part win, and in 1992 the musical was was clear for all to see. chorus number, Stiff Upper Lip. of Tess the choreographer, who was constructed around the songs. also the disinterested object of Contrived yes, but it works! There were many fabulous roles in Alex Tometzki made his stage debut as Zangler’s affection (of course they end Crazy for You and some standout Bela Zangler, the Hungarian impresa- up together in the end!) and Chloe I won’t waste too much space telling performances from an incredible cast. rio who, in the first act, is cold, dry and Root played Patsie, the often confused, you the plot, about a New York banker, The three cowboys, played by Josh extremely funny, and in the second act rather dim and extremely funny lead Bobby Child, who only wants to sing Greacen, James Roper and Alistair is drunk, hungover and absolutely dancer. and dance and who finds himself in Addley, each had their own character hilarious. His performance was Deadrock, Nevada with the girl, Polly and the boys had great comic timing tremendous and I hope that we will see Of course, no musical can be without Baker, as well as the theatre of his and the ability to produce a fabulous more of him in the future. its leading man and leading lady and I

72 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE CRAZY FOR YOU YOU CRAZY FOR

would like to pay special tribute to two and did not seem at all phased by the of the most stunning performances I fact that he was on stage pretty much have ever seen. all of the time, had numerous songs and was morphing from Bobby to Zangler The casting of Harriet Garner as Polly and back again at a rate of knots! This Baker, I suspect, was inevitable. Her was a truly astonishing performance. performance was stunning and so professional. She completely made the The orchestra, under the excellent part her own and brought to it a gentle, direction of Dave Sackett, were superb yet feisty, personality with an utterly as always. It never ceases to amaze me believable relationship with anyone that our musicians can produce such a who was on stage with her. And her professional sound. singing, well that’s another thing alto- gether. Harriet has her own unique Colette Byron and Dave Sackett are a style and a truly beautiful voice and formidable team and with the every number she sang was sensational outstanding cast they were working but it was her emotional interpretation with, Crazy For You was an absolute of Someone to Watch Over Me that triumph. everyone was talking about long after the show had finished.

From the minute Eden Carroll walked on stage as Bobby Child it was impos- sible not to love him. His dashing good looks, his incredible voice and his abil- ity to tap dance were a totally winning combination. Eden gave an incredibly professional and polished performance

THE PHOENIX 73 NOYE’S FLUDDE NOYE’S

74 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE NOYE’S FLUDDE NOYE’S Noye’s Fludde

REVIEW not least because of his wonderful The way the storm built was very excit- voice. He managed to convey Noye’s ing and the fear expressed by all on utter devotion to God but also his deep board was tangible with the rendition Dr Katharine McGowran fear about what God was asking of him. of Eternal Father, Strong to Save sung Although we didn’t catch the merest very much from the heart. Benjamin Britten wrote the opera glimpse of him, or hear a note from his Noye’s Fludde in 1957 and he based it wonderful singing voice, James As the storm subsided after forty days on an early Fifteenth Century mystery Roper’s spoken voice of God was Noye sent out two ravens and then two play from the Chester Mystery Cycle. perfect and extremely powerful. doves, which were beautifully danced Britten loved writing music for chil- by Sam Quick, Harry Smith, Lulu dren and he wrote Noye’s Fludde Once Noye had agreed to build the ark Tucker and Molly Fleet and superbly primarily for amateurs and for children he called upon his family to help him. It choreographed by Anna Heighway. to perform. He requested that it would was lovely to see so many younger always be performed in a church or a pupils playing the parts of his sons and Once back on dry land, we hear God large hall, never a theatre, so our beau- their wives. The ark literally seemed to promise to never send a flood again as tiful Prior Park Chapel was the perfect be built on the altar in front of our very he paints a rainbow in the sky. This was place. It was also a very happy coinci- eyes and then the animals came down the visual highlight for me, absolutely dence that the performance dates coin- the aisle two by two, which was a brilliant! cided with the 100th anniversary of moment I had been looking forward to Britten’s birth, the 22 November 1913. particularly. The Paragon children The opera ended as it began, with the were superb and the animal masks they congregation joining in with The Of course we all know the story of had made were brilliant! Spacious Firmament as the cast left the Noah’s Ark and it has been told and altar and Noye received his final retold throughout the centuries, but in One fly in the ointment for Noye was blessing. Noye’s Fludde the real emotion of the Mrs Noye, a very difficult woman who situation Noye (Noah) found himself really didn’t want to go along with For those of us who were lucky enough in is revealed. Noye’s plans. Instead, she preferred to to see it, Dave Sackett’s spectacular drink and mock Noye with her friends, production of Noye’s Fludde will be Dave Sackett had the desire to produce The Gossips, and my goodness did they forever etched in our memory. this opera for a long time and, when it appear to gossip! Maria Torres was finally came to fruition, his superb fantastic as Mrs Noye and she brought vision, his technical expertise and his such strength to a character that wasn’t ability to get so much out of the young particularly likeable! performers gave way to an extraordi- nary musical experience. Throughout the opera the orchestra- tion evoked exactly what was happen- One of the many great things about ing in the story, the rain, the storm, Noye’s Fludde is the participation of which was incredibly powerful, and the the congregation, which made us all calm, which came as a great relief! The feel very much a part of the story - the variety of instruments played, includ- opera opened with us all singing Lord ing hand bells which I had never seen Jesus Think On Me as Noye entered. played before, was amazing and a testa- Eden Carroll’s portrayal of the central ment to the calibre of our musicians. character was really quite beautiful,

THE PHOENIX 75 Midsomer Norton

MIDSOMER NORTON CHARITY CONCERT CHARITY CONCERT NORTON MIDSOMER Charity Concert

All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to Christian Aid and everyone was delighted to discover that no less than £600 had been raised on the night.

MIDSOMER NORTON CHARITY CONCERT

Mr Roland Robertson from the Schola Cantorum, an elite group drawn from the Senior Chapel In May over sixty students took part in Choir. The Brass Ensemble closed the a concert at Midsomer Norton Meth- first half with some fabulous perfor- odist Church, raising funds for Chris- mances, of which the Abba Medley was tian Aid. With soloists and groups particularly popular. ranging from Year 7 to Year 13, the repertoire on the night was varied and The second half of the concert hugely impressive. comprised impressive trombone, organ and vocal solos, as well as a rousing The concert kicked off with a toe- tune by the hugely popular Sax Quar- tapping performance from the school’s tet. Finally, this very popular evening fifty-strong Concert Band, who played was brought to a close by Big Band, a range of favourites such as Copaca- preparing for their imminent Bath bana, all the way to Sabre Dance by Festival appearance, who were joined Khatchaturian. Next was the turn of by Upper Sixth Cambridge Choral the Wind Quartet, one of many Prior Scholar, Harriet Garner, to give a ensembles who had achieved success wonderful rendition of Adele’s Skyfall. recently in the Mid-Somerset Music All proceeds from ticket sales went Festival. Chamber Strings then directly to Christian Aid and everyone performed two movements from was delighted to discover that no less Elgar’s Serenade, followed by a couple than £600 had been raised on the of mesmerising Renaissance madrigals night.

76 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Midsomer Norton The 2014 Grand

Charity Concert Leavers’ Concert CONCERT GRAND LEAVERS’ THE 2014

THE 2014 GRAND LEAVERS’ CONCERT Korsakov Trombone Concerto conclud- ed the first half.

Mr Roland Robertson A special time in itself, the interval found parents, friends, and leavers past As the final hectic week of the summer and future comparing notes on the drew to a close, the annual feast of the music and musical plans for the future, Grand Leavers’ Concert arrived. over a glass of the Caterer’s new summer Anxious glances at the skies proved punch or a glass of Prosecco. unjustified; a calm, beautiful July even- ing saw another memorable landmark Ollie Liu’s electric guitar launched the in the College’s musical life – and 2014 second half in spectacular style with full brought a bumper harvest of soloistic orchestral backing for Lotus Feet by talent. Steve Vai, expertly orchestrated by Jess Norton. Rosie McNiff’s rich viola rose Many of this year’s solos were accompa- impressively above the full orchestra in nied once again by the Prior Park Phil- Bruch’s Romance and James Roper’s harmonic, a professional orchestra For Behold – The People that Walked in expertly assembled and led by our own Darkness from Messiah, had all his fine, violin teacher Jamie Hughes. Harriet authoritative presence. Eden Carroll, Garner made a luminous start with the the final soloist, gave us a rare moment Rhapsody from Finzi’s Dies Natalis, and of Shostakovich in a sublime and serene Maria Torres gave a memorable Song to mood with his slow movement from the the Moon by Dvorak. The College’s Second Piano Concerto. magnificent Fazioli grand piano, care- fully transported to the Chapel, then The final number, Billy Joel’s The Long- accompanied some soloists: Schumann est Time, sung a cappella by a chorus of was beautifully performed by clarinet- 2014 leavers that included Verity Hunt tist Peter Dorey (Fantasy Piece No3) and Tom Morrison, showed just what and soprano Chloe Root (Widmung) musical strength and depth there was in and Fauré by Harriet Gallegos (Fanta- this year’s Upper Sixth. As always, the sie). Wonderfully contrasting wood- excellence of the ‘Grand Leavers’ was wind duos came from the flutes of Patsie tinged with a sense of valediction; but in Christie and Harriet Gallegos (Quantz), the gathering darkness of the side-aisles and the alto saxes of Eleanor Gallegos were Grand Leavers of the future, and Jenny Dinwoodie (Rodney Bennett inspired by the present, planning great and Khatchaturian). James Sackett’s things for the future. resounding performance of the Rimsky

THE PHOENIX 77

BAND NIGHT 2013 Band Night 2013

78 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

HOUSE MUSIC House Music House

HOUSE MUSIC

This year’s House Music was, once again, a keenly fought competition. With performances ranging from some spine- tingling classical pieces, right to the other end of the scale with a heartfelt rendition of Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus) by Burton House and Tribute (Tena- cious D) by Allen House, there was something to keep everyone entertained and spirits soaring.

The winners were: Solo – Lizzie Daniels (violin) Group – Burton House (Gambling Man) House Song – Roche House (Does Your Mother Know) Overall Cup – English House CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT

May traditionally brings the great Prior Park Choral Society Concert, and this year the programme was particularly exciting and innovative, combining three memorable works: two estab- lished classics (one choral and one orchestral), and one brand new, from a Prior Park College composer.

The concert began with the College Orchestra under David Sackett in the first movement of Schubert’s Unfinished

CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT CHORAL SOCIETY Symphony. This stirring piece never fails to impress audiences and the Prior performance was specially memorable for the warmth and conviction of the string playing (including the famous cello second subject) and the unanimity and excellent tuning of the very exposed woodwind sections.

There followed the world premiere of the full orchestral version of The Moon- lit Ocean, for solo piano with orchestra, composed and performed by Alexander Butt (L6). This piece started life as an AS piano composition, in which form it also carried off this year’s Senior Composition Prize at the Mid-Somer- set Festival; the composer then adapted and orchestrated it for this concert. With impressionist echoes of Debussy and Rachmaninoff, it was clear to the delighted audience why it had so impressed the judges.

The eighty voices of Choral Society then joined the professional orchestra to present the major choral work of the evening: Haydn’s Nelson Mass. From the very first stormy bars of this work, the expert timpani of George Rebello (L5) and Finlay Dove (F4) were instantly in evidence, alongside the committed and stirring energy of the chorus.

This Mass demanded all the expertise of our own Prior Park chorus and solo-

Choral Society Concert Choral Society ists, the imposing Chris Sheldrake (bass), authoritative Prior singing teacher Paul Badley (tenor), and mellif- luous countertenor Stephen Harvey. But the star role of this Mass has to be the immensely difficult soprano solo, for which we were all delighted to welcome back Emily Bradley, a former Prior student, now a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy. Emily’s performance was in every way equal to the formidable demands of Haydn’s writing, a balance of power, agility and beautiful sound.

Once again, the Choral Society put together a musical and emotional expe- rience that was so much more than the sum of its parts; so it is that Prior Park’s young performers continue to be inspired, both in face-to-face encoun- ters with the great and demanding works of our heritage, as well as in creat- ing new works for audiences of the future.

80 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE BIG BAND PARTY ON BIG BAND PARTY

With thanks to the Bath Chronicle for the use of the image above. Big Band Party On

BIG BAND PARTY ON

Mr David Sackett

After many years of fine service, the Big On a glorious Friday evening in mid- Band bade farewell to three lead play- May, the band took to the stand amidst a ers; Eleanor Gallegos (First Alto), large crowd of expectant music lovers. Jenny Dinwoodie (First Tenor) and What followed was a great opportunity James Sackett (First Trombone) leave not only to show off the talents of the Big after many years in the band. But a Band, but a chance for us to play our group of young talented jazz musicians favourite pieces, including American are waiting in the wings, so the future Patrol, Hawaii Five-0, Skyfall (featuring looks rosy for Prior Park’s Big Band. guest singer Harriet Garner) and, of course, The Incredibles. The Band has played several gigs throughout the year, with highlights So, as the sun set on Soul Bossa Nova including the annual Jazz in the Gym and the band left the stage, another and a return to the Sixth Form Prom. eventful year ended. And with next But the pinnacle of the year came with year’s new line up and 2015 marking the the Band playing on the bandstand in 21st birthday of the Prior Park Big Band, Parade Gardens as part of the opening I feel a party coming on... of the Bath International Music Festival.

THE PHOENIX 81 Masterclass

MASTERCLASS SERIES MASTERCLASS Series MASTERCLASS SERIES

Mr Roland Robertson

The Prior Park Masterclass Series already, was one of those who attended continued this year with two highly the day. Spike is looking forward to contrasting and fascinating sessions working with Ben Parry again in the covering both singers and NYC’s landmark performance of the instrumentalists. Britten War Requiem at the Royal Albert Hall in November. BEN PARRY STIMMUNG MASTERCLASS SASHA CALIN AUDITION MASTERCLASS On 4 February, we welcomed back Ben Parry, Musical Director of the National On 11 February, we welcomed Sasha Youth Choir of Great Britain, to lead a Calin, principal oboe of the Salzburg study day on Stockhausen’s notorious Mozarteum, to Prior Park. The authen- vocal piece Stimmung. (Ben had been tic performance group Bath Baroque to the College two years earlier to adju- collaborated with Prior Park to stage a dicate the House Music Competition.) free, high-level, one-day workshop on This was an opportunity for students audition training for musicians. Sasha and teachers to learn more from Ben has twenty years experience of audi- (as a singer who has performed the tions for conservatoires and orches- piece himself) about the work, as well tras, and she brought her own work- as to include some enjoyable practical shop material to help young musicians sessions on extended vocal techniques achieve their potential when audition- and composition ideas. As Stimmung ing. The techniques involved are used is an A Level set work, the day also by professional musicians auditioning attracted students and teachers from for leading orchestras. outside Prior Park. The training involved both mental One of the visiting teachers summed it practice (psychological and physical up in an email to Roland Robertson preparation, and how to cope with following the event: nerves) and musical preparation for an audition – risk-taking versus safety, ‘...a huge thank you for such a great day and identifying what’s being asked for. yesterday. Ben Parry’s study day on Stimmung was most illuminating, and A dozen Prior musicians, from Form 4 very enjoyable indeed. We all learned a up to Upper 6, prepared and performed lot, and the boys were really fired up by audition pieces, and though Sasha it all. I am sure this is going to make a works at the highest level amongst big difference to how they view this Europe’s top professionals, she A Level topic – I hope it will inspire managed to put all our musicians total- some very insightful essays. Thanks ly at their ease. With charm and kind- so much for inviting us and for your ness she gave all our students real great hospitality throughout the day, insights and confidence-building strat- which was very much appreciated. Do egies to help them deal with the chal- please thank Ben too for a really excel- lenges that face every performing lent day – it was so good to meet him musician, from Prior Park Lower 3 and to share his great enthusiasm right up to the Salzburg Mozarteum. for the music. He really is a fabulous communicator and teacher – what a great guy!’

Upper 5 tenor Spike Clarkson, a member of the National Youth Choir

82 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Series SERIES MASTERCLASS

THE PHOENIX 83 WORCESTER CATHEDRAL WORCESTER

Worcester Cathedral WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

Mr Roland Robertson

In June, the forty-five strong Prior Benjamin Britten whilst still a teenag- was kind enough to tell the choir that Park Senior Chapel Choir were privi- er. Before the service the choir had a among their many visiting choirs, ours leged to sing Choral Evensong in the short tour of the cathedral, including was ‘out of the top drawer’, the Cathe- magnificent and historic setting of its original monastic buildings and the dral Organist was also delighted to Worcester Cathedral. memorials to famous local Catholic, attend the service. Edward Elgar. This trip follows on from our UK choir performances in St Paul’s Cathedral, For the performance of Britten’s piece, Gloucester and Salisbury as well as our a semichorus of senior soloists stood to Masses in Westminster Cathedral. sing between the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur (first husband of They took some of the greatest church Catharine of Aragon), who both lie music to sing, ranging from Responses buried in the Quire at Worcester. by William Byrd (d.1623) to three twentieth Century masterpieces, the The midsummer evening sun blazed Evening Canticles for King’s College, into the nave, illuminating the choir as Cambridge by Herbert Howells, and they processed out after the service. the Hymn to the Virgin composed by Afterwards, the Precentor of Worcester

84 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE MID-SOMERSET FESTIVAL SUCCESSES

Prior Park College was strongly rep- resented at this year’s Mid-Somerset Festival, winning many classes and being recognised by judges for their highly technical playing .

Prior Park was a dominant presence in the Chamber Music category Chamber Music Yr 13 and Under - won by Prior Park Saxophone Quartet

Instrumental Ensemble Yr 11 and SUCCESSES FESTIVAL MID-SOMERSET Under - won for the fifth year running by Prior Park African Drums who for the first time included Paragon African Drummers too Chamber Music Yr 11 and Under - Wind Quintet came second Instrumental Ensemble Yr 13 and Under - won by Brass Ensemble

Our Senior Chapel Choir continues to lead the way in this category Choirs Sacred Music - won by the Senior Chapel Choir Prior musicians dominated the new festival composition classes Piano Composition - won by Alex Butt and awarded Outstanding Instrumental Composition - won by Joshua Greacen

We enjoyed a continued strong presence in solo singing from Folk and Popular to Classical, ages 12 to 19 Oratorio 16-19 Yrs - won by Alistair Addley Art Song 16-17 Yrs - Alistair Addley came second Show Song 16-17 Yrs - Alistair Addley came third Song from Operetta Musical or Film 15 Yrs - won by Max Gall Jazz and Pop Songs - Joshua Greacen came second Unaccompanied Folk Song - won by Angharad Harris Art Song 12 Yrs - Angharad Harris came third Madrigal Class - Schola Cantorum came second Choirs 14 Yrs and Under - Junior Choir came third Concerto for String Instruments - Lizzie Daniels awarded third place and graded Outstanding Concerto for Brass, Woodwind and Recorder - won by Finlay Dove and awarded Outstanding. Finlay was then asked to compete in the Concerto Final Cello Advanced Repertoire - Sebrina Lambert-Rose awarded Distinction

THE PHOENIX 85 Age Shall

AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM WEARY SHALL NOT AGE Not Weary Them

AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM who died on 2 April 1918, the Great Museum which provided the opportu- This was the busiest I have ever attend- Uncle to Elizabeth Rigby. It is always a nity for students to develop a chronol- ed and was incredibly moving. Prior to special moment to find a relative, and ogy of the First World War, and the the ceremony, a band of bagpipes Mrs Lindsay Bryant for me, it is the smaller cemeteries experience of Ypres in particular. From played whilst a choir and orchestra often tucked behind a housing estate or here we made a brief stop at Potizje could be heard as the wreaths were You would be forgiven for thinking that deep in the countryside, so unobtrusive Chateau Wood Cemetery to visit a laid. Four of our students took part in after seven years of the Battlefields to be almost forgotten, that really reso- relative of James Willson before the service and, with so many having trip, I had seen and done it all. It is true nate. The pupils were similarly struck proceeding to the Sanctuary Wood found their own relations during the that the trip now follows a well-estab- and I was really impressed by their Museum. This site is known for its trip, it was truly very special. lished itinerary but the quest to find, focus during that evening’s History system of tunnels, which, though and pay our respects to, the relatives of lesson. Indeed they were so interested perhaps not the most authentic of the The next day we travelled to the the pupils ensures that every trip is that the all-important daily quiz was tour, gave the students an excellent Somme, stopping at the Notre Dame de different and offers the opportunity to only won following a rather difficult idea of the shape and layout of trench- Lorrette Cemetery en route. This is the visit lesser known, smaller cemeteries. tie break question – how to spell es. We continued our tour at the Pass- largest French Military Cemetery in This year’s group was particularly Passchendaele! chendaele Museum which was a the world and holds 20,000 graves of lucky to be able to visit Ypres and the personal highlight for me due to its identified soldiers from the First World Somme during the Centenary, a detail We spent the next day exploring the recent renovation and the addition of a War, with a further 20,000 soldiers that seemed to make our tour all the Ypres Salient. Beginning at the Menin superb outdoor trench experience. commemorated in mass graves. It was more poignant and was certainly very Gate we were fortunate to find the rela- here that many of the students were special for me. tions of several pupils, including Lance Visits to the largest Commonwealth finally able to comprehend the Corporal Edwards, who is related to Cemetery in the world at Tyne Cot and numbers they had heard about at each Our journey began on a rather soggy Jonathan Mallet and died on 31 July a German Cemetery at Langemark in site, and the scale of loss began to hit Sunday morning in July but the sense 1917. With 54 000 names on the Menin the afternoon brought a sense of the home. From here we went on to the of excitement was tangible. After Gate memorial, it can be easy to lose scale of loss to the students. The Newfoundland Memorial Park. The several hours of travel the students sight of the individual and as such the contrast between the space and light at Park preserves the section of the were given their first sense of what the ability for the students to make a tangi- Tyne Cot and the sombre mass graves Somme around which the Newfound- trip would be all about with a stop at ble link made the visit even more at Langemark also encouraged ques- landers fought and allowed the Wulvergham -Lindhoek Road Military poignant. tions about the winners and losers of students to walk in their footsteps. Our Cemetery on the outskirts of Ypres. war. Our final stop of the day was the fantastic guide expertly narrated the Here we found Private J Blagbrough, We went on to the In Flanders Field Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. events of the first day of the Battle of

86 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM WEARY SHALL NOT AGE

the Somme as they unfolded; guiding tour in the underground tunnels in us through the support trenches and which 20,000 troops sheltered prior to over the top into no man’s land. Being the Battle of Arras. The display of arte- Our visit to the Somme ended at able to see the landscape as it was and, facts, original artwork on the walls and in particular, the size and volume of the use of video all created a real sense the enormous Thiepval Memorial. shell holes, made this visit a highlight of atmosphere and allowed the pupils for the pupils, sparking their imagina- to get an altogether different experi- It really is impossible to convey tion. Having gained a sense of chronol- ence of the day to day experience of the size of this 140 foot structure ogy of 1 July we went on to explore war. From here we made a final stop at other areas of the front line, including Vimy Ridge before beginning our jour- which commemorates over 72,000 the very spot where the infamous Shef- ney home. field and Accrington Pals began and so soldiers missing from the Somme quickly ended their fight, as well as So, whilst I have visited Ypres and the exploring the trenches from which the Somme many times before I remain as between 1915 and 1918. 36th Ulster division fought valiantly in enthused and moved as ever by the their attempt to take Thiepval. Our Battlefields trip. Seeing each site visit to the Somme ended at the enor- through the fresh eyes of the L5 mous Thiepval Memorial. It really is brought new details to my attention impossible to convey the size of this and the reactions of my colleagues 140 foot structure which commemo- Miss Hannah Sheehy and Dr Graham rates over 72,000 soldiers missing Smith reminded me of the raw emotion from the Somme between 1915 and that I felt on my first trip. 1918. It is situated in a beautiful spot and provided a chance for some quiet With the Centenary now underway, it reflection after a busy day. seems more important than ever that we all, history students or not, make Our final day came all too quickly and this pilgrimage and remember the was spent in Arras where a major offen- sacrifice of those who gave their lives sive began on 9 April 1917. Our first for us. visit was Wellington Quarry, a guided

THE PHOENIX 87 SATURDAY ACTIVE SATURDAY

Saturday Active

SATURDAY ACTIVE courses that we continue to offer, such as Leith Cookery. Why not come and join us? Ms Louise Blake TENNIS LEADERS Saturday Active is now established in its fifth year, with an expanding list of courses available for all ages, most of Mrs Lori Redman which are free of charge. This year we added a Guitar Group, Slo-Mo Video A number of College students have Club and Combined Cadet Force for made a valuable contribution to our Form 4, which has been very popular. A Saturday Active Tennis Programme, number of Form 4 students have even inspiring the young boys and girls who headed off to Cornwall for the annual come up to the College from The Para- CCF Summer Camp! Numbers have gon Junior School on Saturday morn- continued to increase with the Paragon ings. This year our tennis programme pupils enjoying Tennis, Swimming, offered students the opportunity to take Archery and African Drumming! the LTA Tennis Leaders Award which is the first step onto the coaching ladder Additions for next year’s programme and has been taken by several F4 and L5 include a Spanish Dance class, a new students. This course will be on offer Street Dance class with a teacher who again next year for students in F4 and was actually in the filmStreetDance 3D, L5 and we will also be offering the LTA Kayaking, Computer Programming Level 1 Coaching Award for students to with Python, as well as the popular progress on to in the Sixth Form. LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY

Library News BOOK WEEK AND AUTHOR EVENTS THE CENTURION BOOK AWARD & THE CARNEGIE AWARD

Ms Lucy Smith Ms Lucy Smith

To celebrate World Book Day 2014, Tibetan children value books enor- Once again, keen readers from Lower 3 controversial Bunker Diary by Kevin Prior Park students donated their mously, and Dr Rix who visited at East- to Form 4 took part in the Bath schools Brooks was chosen, which proved to be favourite children’s books to local Bath er recalled a touching instance of one Centurion Book Award this year. We an all-round favourite within the charity, EarthChild. Based in India, child kissing the book that they were read from a broad selection, including group. To celebrate their fantastic EarthChild supports over 17,000 given. We hoped that our donations Dodger by Terry Pratchett, Soldier Dog achievement and dedication to broad- Tibetan refugee children by providing would make a big difference, but it was by Sam Angus, Dead Romantic by CJ ening their reading horizons, the Carn- them with an education and a safe envi- humbling to realise the full extent of it. Skuse, Gods and Warriors by Michelle egie group were treated to a live stream ronment to learn about their Tibetan Paver and Gangsta Granny by David of the awards ceremony in the Library heritage. They offer sanctuary to chil- To further celebrate World Book Day, Walliams. It was a tough call but David complete with popcorn and crisps. We dren who spend days making an often teachers and support staff also proudly Walliams was a clear winner with our were also very lucky to attend an illus- treacherous journey from Tibet to wore badges showing their favourite readers as well as the other participat- tration workshop with Ms West and India in the hope of finding an educa- books. With a chocolate bunny up for ing reading groups. The award ceremo- Laura Little, a lecturer in publishing tion and a better life. grabs, students spent an engaging ny is scheduled for September 2014, from Bath Spa University in the Art afternoon guessing their teachers’ and we will be keeping our fingers department. Students from all years participated, favourite reads and creating a buzz crossed that Mr Walliams himself and together we raised a total of 385 with their enthusiasm for reading. makes an appearance! books: a fantastic result for a very Competition was fierce, but Libby worthy cause. To further support the Willis, in Upper Sixth Fielding, was 2014 also saw our reading group take charity, three teachers from Prior Park crowned the lucky winner, matching all on the challenging Carnegie Book flew out to India over the Easter holi- teachers with their favourite novels, Award, which features titles voted for days to provide teaching support in one poems and plays. by a panel of Librarians and endorsed of the refugee schools, and fortuitously by CILIP (the Chartered Institute of they were present when the children Library and Information Profession- received our donated books. The als). Out of eight great titles, the

THE PHOENIX 89 CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL HISTORY CHALKE VALLEY

90 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Edinburgh Duke of DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS DUKE OF EDINBURGH

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS Edinburgh. Ms Blake is delighted to The Moor was in a fairly benign mood develops so many life skills. Wild see that the majority of the Bronze this year with little rain and only occa- camping on Dartmoor is a truly unusu- students have completed the Skills, sional strong winds. All participants al experience and one which I am Ms Louise Blake Volunteering and Physical Recreation acquitted themselves admirably and unlikely ever to forget! I really enjoyed sections of the Award and will soon completed their planned routes with the expedition and am very proud This year, forty-four students have receive their certificates and badges. great aplomb. The staff were really of what we achieved. Many thanks to undertaken the Bronze Award and The Gold group, led by Mr Dorey, visit- impressed with the mature attitude Mr Dorey, Miss McConaghie, Miss nineteen students the Gold. The eight ed the Brecon Beacons for their prac- with which they approached the chal- Haynes and Mr and Mrs Devine for all Bronze groups, ably assisted by staff tise expedition and Dartmoor for their lenges presented to them over the week their help preparing us for the expedi- and Upper Sixth students, visited the assessed. and the excellent teamwork they tion and supervising our time on the Marlborough Downs for their expedi- displayed. Congratulations to the Moor.” Holly Simpson. tions, researching the wonders of THE GOLD AWARD EXPEDITION students and many thanks to the staff Avebury and Barbury Castle, and who helped to run this year’s battling cows, chickens and hay fever expedition. along the way! We were lucky with the Mr Sean Dorey weather even if it was rather hot at “Our Duke of Edinburgh expedition times. All groups returned in one piece The day after Speech Day, sixteen was an unforgettable experience. To be with some heartfelt presentations and intrepid members of Lower Sixth set totally responsible for ourselves whilst wonderful videos to convey what they off for Dartmoor to attempt their Gold working in a team is something which had all enjoyed about Duke of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. truly builds your confidence and

THE PHOENIX 91 COMBINED CADET FORCE CADET COMBINED Combined Cadet Force

COMBINED CADET FORCE seeing many cadets attend courses across the country; HSE First Aid Courses, Royal Yacht Association Major Jenkins power boating, yacht sailing, compe- tent crew for cadets and both junior Commodore G Little, OBE, ADC, and senior leadership courses at HMS Commanding Officer of HMNDCollingwood. We await news of flying Devonport arrived on Thursday 1 May experience at Royal Naval Air Station 2014. He was greeted by the college (RNAS) Yeovilton and BSAC Ocean Chair of Governors, Headmaster and Diver opportunities. Contingent Commander for our Bien- nial Inspection. Post welcoming and This year 2Lt Bond made significant pleasantries 2Lt Bond presented the changes to the delivery of the army guard of honour and contingent staff section program, incorporating more for inspection – all cadets received activities suggested by cadets whilst acclamation for their standard of still completing the wider syllabus. appearance and confidence. These included more shooting at the Easter Camp, incorporating a mixture The inspecting officer retreated for a of live firing, blank firing exercises and formal luncheon, accompanied by adventurous activities. There is also an representatives from both Army and additional opportunity to attend a Navy Cadet sponsor Headquarters. central summer camp - this year, cadets Shortly after the Inspecting Officer, attended a challenging seven day camp accompanied by the Headmaster, was at RAF St Mawgan. given the opportunity to view a select number of activities hosted by contin- The contingent continues to make gent staff and cadets. The standard of other challenging pursuits available such delivery and presentation was excep- as, but not limited to, parachuting, tional, the depth of knowledge and paragliding and coastal traversing. enthusiasm from all was clearly evident. As a contingent our ability to deliver a On completion of the inspection wide spectrum of activities continues. college cadets received high acclaim We welcome 2Lt Garside to the Army for performance and a notable Section. Her previous experience as an commendation for continued selfless Officer Cadet at a University Officers commitment from our contingent staff. Training Corps in Exeter serves us well. 2Lt Haynes has completed a First Throughout the year some of the Aid Instructors course to enable the cadets received notable funding contingent to deliver National Govern- support from the Army Cadet Force ing Body recognised courses to cadets. Association supporting cadets on Congratulations also to SLt Saunders college adventures to both Romania Prouse whom completed Initial Officer and Cuba. We will continue to apply for Training at Portsmouth, whilst SLt such assistance on request to help our McConaghie continues to pursue sail- cadets achieve such dreams. China is a ing qualifications. likely destination next year. Semper Fidelis. Under the guidance of Lt Dorey our naval section has continued to flourish

92 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Post welcoming and pleasantries 2Lt Bond presented the guard of honour and contingent staff for inspection – all cadets received acclamation for their standard of appearance and confidence. COMBINED CADET FORCE CADET COMBINED

THE PHOENIX 93 BORMIO SKI TRIP

94 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Bormio

Ski Trip BORMIO SKI TRIP

BORMIO SKI TRIP

Mr Steve Capon

On 14 December 2013 thirty-eight students and four staff members left for the annual ski trip, this time to the beautiful resort of Bormio in Italy. Bormio is an ancient spa town with a mediaeval centre and it has played host to World Cup downhill and slalom runs. We stayed in the superb Hotel Nevada, situated adjacent to the main gondola out of town. The group enjoyed fabulous conditions, blue skies and sunshine and excellently maintained slopes. All students thor- oughly enjoyed the excellent instruc- tion from the Anzi Ski School and made great progress on the slopes. In the evenings, a varied entertainment programme included a treasure hunt, a quiz, ice skating, a disco and the customary “Prior’s Got Talent” show. This year’s winners were Lower 5 students James Dorey and Will Maxwell, singing a medley of songs from the past thirty years!

THE PHOENIX 95 NEW YORK New York

allowing us to look back at the sunset received and giving us all an experience NEW YORK through the Manhattan skyline. Next, of alternative worship. We had to leave we took the subway uptown; everyone promptly to attend Mass downtown at was amazed by the sensory overload St Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Mr Rob Francis that is Times Square. The evening was Our lunch was held at the BB King’s spent enjoying the gymnastic expertise Restaurant, where we were treated to a Everyone met at 6.00am on Thursday of Pippin the Musical. performance from the Harlem Gospel 12 December, a bit bleary eyed from a Choir. Many students joined them on very busy term at College, yet excited Saturday 14 December. Huge snow- stage (including some students who about the prospect of what was to flakes were falling as the group walked were “volunteered”) but all of them come. through the sculptures that framed the were great sports. Our second visit to High Line walk. We warmed up in the the Lincoln Centre was the absolute Friday 13 December. We filled our bohemian setting of the Chelsea highlight for many (including the bellies with pancakes, bacon, syrup, markets, where the Oreo Cookie was boys!) as we went to see the ballet. We eggs, hash browns and coffee from the first invented. Our stay was all too brief saw George Balanchine’s production of local Metro Diner. We then made our as we headed to the Lincoln Centre for The Nutcracker, accompanied by way downtown to the Financial District the afternoon performance of Verdi’s Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable and the 9/11 Tribute Centre, where we short, comic opera Falstaff. score. heard stories of the families affected by the terrorist attacks of 2001. As dusk Sunday 15 December. The day started Monday 16 December. We arrived at descended, we visited the Statue of with an early morning gospel service at Grand Central Terminal early so as to Liberty. The timing of our ride on the the Bethel Assembly, providing us with eat our breakfast in this remarkable Staten Island Ferry was fortuitous, one of the warmest welcomes we building - the Whispering Wall was a

96 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE We walked through a snow-covered Central Park in bright sunshine, on to our final activity which was ice skating. I think everyone took a moment to appreciate the special setting we were in. NEW YORK

source of great excitement for many of Wednesday 18 December. Our final the students. We then made our way to day in New York - we walked through a the bank of the East River to visit one snow-covered Central Park in bright of the United Nations buildings, where sunshine, on to our final activity which pupils engaged with global politics and was ice skating. I think everyone took a saw artefacts from events such as the moment to appreciate the special nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. The setting we were in. afternoon provided the option to shop or to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the evening we made our way to Brooklyn, where we watched the NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets, play in the Barclays Centre. Fifteen of our pupils were even invited to make the ‘high- five’ line, greeting the players as they entered the court.

Tuesday 17 December. This was an options day, with marketing talks avail- able to half of our group at the Yankees Stadium, whilst the other half complet- ed art visits to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD).

THE PHOENIX 97 EQUESTRIAN HIGHLIGHTS EQUESTRIAN

Equestrian Highlights

NUNNEY HORSE TRIALS EQUESTRIAN REPORT because of school or other sport that I considered for the England team for am involved in, Mum will ride Cavvy Pony Club and MGA which is why I for me. I have had the opportunity to have to practise every day. I have three Zara Neill (L5) and her trusty steed Georgie Howes (L5) share my GoPro head cam video with games ponies – Dusty is a white pony I Owen competed in the Eventing all my peers in English House to show have recently outgrown and is now ONu18 event, comprising Dressage, This year, my horse Cavvy and I have them what it really feels like to jump up for sale; another is called Bunny Show Jumping and Cross Country at done a great deal of equestrian activity, around a cross country course and the who is extremely fast and a bit quirky. the prestigious Nunney Horse Trials in not only the competitions but training view on top of the horse. Mrs Byron I am spending lots of time building Frome in June. Zara found herself and preparation for the competitions. thinks that I am mad as it looks her confidence to stop her bolting competing against international riders, Luckily I have had international event very scary! at sudden noises. The third one is such was the calibre of the competition rider Nick Guntlett training us. Some- called Falan who is quite fast and has on the day. Nevertheless, she came times the other members of the team EQUESTRIAN REPORT been in the Horse of the Year Show away as the champion of her class, come to my house and train as well. many times. having achieved a score of 29 in the Cavvy has really improved in all Dressage, and a Double Clear in the aspects of eventing – the dressage, Harry Willis (F3) Show Jumping and Cross Country, showjumping and the Cross Country. with a 0.4 time penalty. These results We are making a good team and have All of my spare time is spent cleaning, averaged out to a final score of 29.4, now got 60 British Eventing founda- riding and preparing my horses. I have making Zara the champion in a class of tion points and three regional qualifi- mounted games competitions most almost forty competitors. cations for the grass roots at Badmin- weekends all over the UK when I am ton Horse Trials in 2014. either riding for my Pony Club (Wylye Zara and Owen are no strangers to Valley), or riding for my County. I was success since they began training Finding time for horses around school recently asked to ride in the World together three years. They have put in and homework can be quite tough, but Individuals where I was against 34 of some phenomenal performances over I enjoy it so it’s all worth it. I am very the top mounted games riders (Y14’s) the last year alone, including finishing lucky to have a family and a mum who in the world and I was riding for the 18th in the British National Pony Trials. rides as well, so when I can’t ride South of England. I am hoping to be

98 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

Sports DAY

Long Jumper – Ben Carter (F4) SPORTS DAY SPORTS Sports Day

100 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE SPORTS DAY SPORTS

THE PHOENIX 101 Rugby

RUGBY 2013

RUGBY spirit. All of the teams have had some great performances, although a special mention must go to the Super Cs, with Mr Jan Bonney great victories against All Hallow’s and Monkton Prep. Rugby at the College has gone through a number of changes this year; there U14 have been some lows but also some great highs. It has been fantastic that 14A Played 12 Won 10 Drawn 1 Lost 1 throughout the school there are a 14B Played 9 Won 4 Lost 5 number of players within the Repre- sentative Pathway from U13 to U18, The U14s have been the most success- linked with the County, South West ful year group at the College this Division and Bath Academy. season, with some outstanding perfor- mances and some very powerful play- This season we have played 106 ers. Each week the team seems to be fixtures, involving over 220 students. improving and gelling as a unit, which will pay dividends for the college in the BAINES future. The A Team has lost only one game this season – huge congratula- U13A Played 9 Won 5 Lost 4 tions go to them for this achievement. U13B Played 10 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 7 U13C Played 6 Won 2 Lost 4 U15 U13D Played 2 Won 1 Lost 1 15A Played 9 Won 3 Lost 6 Baines have had a fantastic season and 15B Played 8 Won 2 Lost 6 shown great potential for the future. The teams have played an expansive This year’s L5 group had a difficult year style and shown a determined defen- as U14s. They have proved that, sive quality, which has typified their through hard work and a good team

102 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Colours

battled and played some great rugby, At Seniorlevel, themighty2ndXVhas 2nd XVPlayed 10Won 5Lost 5 1st XVPlayed 12Won 4Lost 8 SENIORS Downside andMonkton. outstanding victories against Colston’s, performances, includingsome still toputinsomegreat managed of thesekey individuals, theU16shave rugby. Even with thelossofanumber players have stepped upto1st XV which meantthatanumberofthese The U16sare astrong year group, 16B Played 7Won 3Lost 4 16A Played 11Won 5Drawn 1Lost 5 U16 earlier intheseason. and wins, especially against Kingswood reflected insomegreat performances have ledbyexample, andthiswas some very talentedindividuals who made. Within thissquadthere are ethic, teamimprovements huge canbe Zak Smith James Roper Matthew Mortimer Ashley Griffin Ollie Deane Tom Dabell Tom Bradshaw Half Full Huw Parks Kieran Kelly helped outwithrugby thisseason. es, referees andstaff whohave Thank you toalltheplayers, coach- Downside, Monkton and KES. finishing strongly withwins over great victoryover Colston’s, also The boys started theseasonwitha crowd andsuperbsupport. advert fortheCollege withabig fantastic occasion andagreat powerful Sherborne side.Thiswas a Rec againthisyear against avery nate enoughtobeableplay atthe potential. The College was fortu- showing that they have masses of work hard and improve each week, to themthattheyhave continuedto very strong opposition. Itisacredit and hadatoughyear playing some This year’s 1st XVwere ayoung side Downside, Monkton andKES. which were winsagainst Colston’s, performances, the highlights of squads. Theyhave putinsomegreat between the 1st and 2nd Team with lots ofmovement ofplayers coming through topushforplaces. number ofhighly talented players being available fornext year, anda bright, withthemajorityofplayers I have nodoubt thatthefuture isvery involved. and afantastic experience forallthose nament proved agreat advert forrugby Cranleigh School.Asalways, thetour which consisted ofMarlborough and difficult day with very tough opposition, The National Schools’Sevens proved a proved real highlightstotheseason. draw against MillfieldattheSouth West the Quarter Finals of Colston’s and a School (previous season’s winners) in Excellent results against Bromsgrove for youngerplayers. also allowed anumberofopportunities consistency onthefieldaproblem, but Injuries andunavailability made tournaments withmixed results. The National Schools’Sevens Wycliffe, Colston’s, South West and After Christmas, theSenior7’s entered RUGBY 7’S - THE PHOENIX 103

RUGBY GIRLS’ HOCKEY

Girls’ Hockey 2013

GIRLS’ HOCKEY made, much enjoyment has been had as well as seeing the ongoing skill of the season having scored 11. They and there is exciting potential to development and optimistically deserve praise for their improvement, explore in the future. Thank you to the dynamic style of attacking hockey. their camaraderie, their never-say-die Ms Cathy Williams girls as well as Mrs Forshaw, Miss attitude, but most of all for their sheer Davidson, Mrs Redman and Mr Hall. The 14A’s have had their fair share of endeavour and desire to do anything We have had the privilege of enjoying highs and lows this season with 4 wins for their team-mates. much of the best girls’ hockey ever seen Mrs Redman’s 13A’s had a much more and 3 losses, 12 goals scored and 11 at Prior this term. The 1st’s have successful season than in recent years conceded. They have had good, even Mrs Trott’s U15A’s are an enthusiastic performed at an unprecedented stand- – and the most bling in their team and challenging games and have gone band of intelligent athletes who can ard throughout the season and have photo! The shield and gold medals from strength to strength. They started play some great, fast paced and creative enjoyed excellent improvement, from our tournament at the start of the the season with a win against KES and, hockey. They won 5 of their 8 matches results, achievements and genuine season as well as their Avon County despite some tough training sessions and did well in 1 of their 2 tournaments. praise from all who have seen them silver medals. and matches, have responded well and However, a few poor decisions cost play and train. It has been our most made masses of progress. Their high- them dearly and a higher level of focus successful year ever in the National JUNIORS light was the West of England tourna- and concentration will stand them in Schools’ Tournaments, with the U16 ment, where they qualified through good stead with the senior squads next squad reaching the semi-finals of the The delightfully enthusiastic 14B their pool to the quarter-finals but lost year. Nine of the L5’s were part of the Avon County Tournament and the squad brightened Mrs Redman’s and a close game to the eventual winners U16 squad at the West of England U13, U14 & U18 squads all qualifying my Monday afternoons and Wednes- Millfield who go on to Nationals. They Finals and, although they played better through Avon and on to the West of day mornings throughout the term have played some dynamic and skilful and better throughout the day, didn’t England Regional Tournament – a with their crazy Ribena berry enthusi- hockey and what has impressed Miss quite qualify for the Regionals. fantastic treble and no mean feat for a asm, energy and positivity not to Davidson most is their overwhelming school of our size. mention thirst for skill development amount of enthusiasm and desire to SENIORS and rapid improvement every session. improve. BAINES Competition for places was heart- 58 of our U5 and Sixth Form girls have breakingly tough but the squad were Mr Blaikely’s U15B’s kept a clean sheet played for the senior teams this year Baines had over 30 fixtures this term incredibly supportive of each other. Mr in eight glorious games and were unde- and, although this is a smaller squad and every girl has played in at least 4 Sackett particularly enjoyed their 3-0 feated until one fateful Saturday when than in recent years, their enthusiasm, matches. Enormous progress has been wins at Queen’s Taunton and over KES they conceded their first and only goal loyalty and ambition have been

104 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Colours quicker school players, showed that ladies, andthenagaintoyounger, stronger, older, wiserandfitter club tion. Theirpre-season lossesto a teamhasdeveloped outofallrecogni - tactical awareness andplaying style as been really impressive aswell. Their nical progress made as individuals has being welcomed andvalued. Thetech- with girls from all three year groups they have chivvied eachother along cold, wet orexhausted theyhave been, tivity andcamaraderie. No matter how up withagrowing sense of energy, posi- fun! Theytrained,played andwarmed loads ofprogress andhadmassesof acteristics this season–theymade The 2nd’s had two main defining char heavy losses. all in matches, despite some their giving improve anddevelop theirgameand play, always lookingfornew ways to fitness, conditioning,skillsand game- the girlshave worked hard ontheir through some tough games. However, and umpired the3rd and4th squad Miss Davidson have trained, coached inspiring. MrBurt,MrsRedmanand Half Charlotte Robinson Connie Redman(re-awarded) Gabriella Chapman Katie Braithwaite - Mollie Roberts Eliza Matthews Lucia Heseltine Esther Haskins Anna Haskins Harriet (re-awarded) Gallegos (re-awarded)Eleanor Gallegos Harriet Freeman Jenny Dinwoodie Full We reached thequarter-finals ofthe team). 6-0 victory over a strong Kingswood deserves recognition (particularly the clean sweep oftheBathschools September andearly Octoberanda ment andthe Avon Cupwere won in for the 1st XI!The Sherborne Tourna- What anoutstanding seasonthiswas very gratifying2-1 win. strong, skilful and pacey Sherborne to a dral 5-0andatoughbattle witha attacking hockey tobeatWell’s Cathe- lot! The season ended with some great making andcommunicationmatter a skills, positionaldiscipline,decision loss atBryanston showed usthatcore ton ended1all,before adisappointing excellent game against Queen’s Taun- tol GrammarSchoolandColstons. An a winning streak over Dauntsey’s, Bris- ing patternsWe emerged. thenenjoyed skilldevelopmentsome good and play Dean CloseandKingswood sides, and was followed bydraws with strong ment. However a3-0winover KES there was alot ofroom forimprove- - XI Team withcoach AlanHall. Photo above: Thehighlysuccessful 1st achieve astheyhave. skills andconfidencetoperform care continued togive thegirlsall wisdom, experience, knowledge and Finally, we thankMrHallwhose girls’ intensity, paceandskilllevel. ing sessionsandhelpeddevelop the sions; theL6boys whojoinedthetrain- expertise toumpire onseveral occa- generously offered theirtimeand we went; MrBurtandFry who were sosupportive andvocal wherever We are gratefultotheparents who out whichimpressed allwhosaw them. maintained anattacking style through- these were tight matches but the girls ons atU18andU16respectively) – Taunton year’s (last nationalchampi- We beatDeanCloseandQueen’s but thatwas not tobe. day, mightwell have muchfurther, gone West Championship and, on another THE PHOENIX 105

GIRLS’ HOCKEY NETBALL 106

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

Colours done Baines! absolute delight to work with. Well learn andimprove. Theyhave beenan enthusiasm andenergyand,a desire to teams there has beenabundleof progressed. allfive Across oftheBaines have really improved astheterm Clifton Prep while theC’s, D’s andE’s Hallows. TheU13Bshadawinagainst wins against CliftonPrep andAll mances intheKEStournamentand U13A’ shadreally encouragingperfor nation against stiff opposition. The endeavour, commitmentanddetermi- playing theycannot befaultedfortheir and rain.However, whentheydidget having fixtures cancelledduetowind that any oftheother teams, were hitby The mightyBainesunfortunately, more BAINES themselves andthecollege. made andIthinktheyare acredit to term andtheprogress thathasbeen enthusiasm thegirlshave shown this winds. Ihave beenbowled over bythe rain, oftencombinedwithstrong instead thiswas replaced bytorrential ence thesame amountoffrost bite,but the kinderweather we didn’t experi- Thankfullywhopping 126goals! with grand total of85matches, andscored a different teamswhohave played a This termPriorPark have had15 Miss AnnaDavidson NETBALL Netball ed versatility andcommitment, tothe developed theirskills, anddemonstrat- evidence that they have continually The have shown, inalltheirgames, toughest fixtures theynever gave up. enthusiasm andfocus. Even inthe superb teamalways working hard, with Mrs Forshaw U14A’s have beena JUNIOR Half Connie Redman(re-awarded) Eliza Matthews Ellie Knights Georgie Howes Esther Haskins Gabriella Chapman - Mrs Saunders-Prouse and Miss SENIOR done totheU15’s. ing tobequiteaformidableforce! Well they have now asagroup, gelled prov a collectionofdifferent individuals, Havinging KESby10goals! started as tough oppositions–thisincludesbeat- very strong performances against and as a team, culminating in some lent progress intheirindividual skills season where they have shown excel- Bshave hadaspectacular ‘killer’ Mr Penrose and MrsGarside’s U15 andDauntseys.BGS most impressive winswere against especially in the circle. good Their play andare withpaceandaccuracy movement and linking as a team. They steady pacewiththekey beingtheir squad. Improvement has been at a positive seasonwithastable teninthe Mrs Trott’s U15A’s have hadavery the collegethisterm. impressive toseethemrepresenting first timein January, soit was very this squadonly played netball forthe Bond andmyself. Someofthegirlsin and were ajoy towork withforMr matches against KES and Bryanston The mightyU14C’s played afew touch fab andadelighttowork with. match –MrsHearn says been they’ve other andfully committed toevery have beenhugelysupportive ofeach against KESandKingswood!). They really hard (especially in their wins despite some grim weather, and fought changes, they have kept smiling, The have beenflexible regarding team Mrs Hearn’s U14Bs have been great. Downside, Monkton andDauntseys. most emphatic wins were against in avariety ofdifferent positions. Their team, shown by many of them playing Full Charlotte Robinson Mollie Roberts(re-awarded) Harriet Freeman (re-awarded) - battle ofskilltowatch! 33-30, andthiswas animpressive (who went ontoNational Finals) narrowly defeatedby KESthisyear a 23-22against RHS. Theywere sey’s and somecloservictory’s suchas wins –includinga27-12 against Daunt- ing season.Theyhadmany impressive went ontohave apositive andreward- through toregional finalsthis year, but The squadnarrowly missedgoing level, whenputunderpressure. of theirgrit,determination andskill work withthem.I’m particularly proud and Ifeelreally privileged tobeable you couldwish tohave onyour team ted, determined andtalentedplayers say these are some of the most commit- Icanhonestlyand tosportingeneral. fun loving approach totheirNetball The First Team have aprofessional yet such as22-24 against BGS. ston, whilst thelosseshave beenclose, highlight being36-3against Bryan- wins have been comfortable with the and losing5. Itissignificant thatthe Having played 12 matches, winning 7 the team. variety ofpositions, toperform well for have shown a great understanding of a on courtforeachother. Allofthegirls full of fun and have worked really hard Mrs Redman’s 2nd’s squad has been winning combination. fromracy the shooters, they have a the centre courtandincredible accu- aggression indefence,athleticism in KES, Bryanston andRoyal High.With games having impressive winsover successful season winning 8 of their 10 Mrs Byrons 3rds have hadavery ment andenthusiasm. fixtures buthave foughtwithcommit- the season.Theyhave hadsometouch improvementssome huge throughout Dawsons fabulous4thshave made NETBALL

One win, to be mentioned, is the annu- al battle when the girls whooped the boys 19-3 in just 24 minutes of play which was really quite impressive!

I’d really like to thank Mollie Roberts and Harriet Freeman for being superb captains this year. They are outstand- ing role models on the court, but also off the court. The have maintained a superb balance of being professional yet fun. Really well done to all the 1st team squad this season.

Thank you for the hard work and dedi- cation of all staff who have helped with Netball this term, especially for all the times where you have gone above and beyond what is expected.

THE PHOENIX 107 BOYS’ HOCKEY BOYS’ Boys’ Hockey Boys’

CRICKET JUNIOR of our size to reach the last eight in the West, and the players and Mr Fry F4 was a very successful year group. should be very proud of their Mr Alan Hall The U14B XI won 6 of its 9 matches, achievements. beating Queen’s Taunton 7-0 and Clift- BAINES on College 9-0. The U15 teams, though not as success- ful in terms of results, played with great In terms of results the U13 Teams had The U14A squad played 10 full match- spirit and, at times, with a great deal of mixed seasons. We fielded C, D, E and es, winning 8 and losing just 2; in the quality. I selected two L5 boys for the F Teams to allow everyone, who want- process they scored 30 goals and 1st XI and this had an impact on the ed the chance to represent the College. conceded just 7. Notable wins were year group teams. I am so pleased to The U13A squad played well to finish achieved over Queen’s Taunton and report that, after a shaky start, both third in the Avon Cup, but overall there Monkton (both 4-1) and KES (7-0). A and B XIs developed in terms of is some way to go. character and style of play and good The squad also achieved second place results followed. The boys in F3 and L3 were enthusias- in the Avon Cup. From there, they won tic and keen to learn, and a good deal of through the Prelims to reach the West Wins for the B XI over Clifton by 7-0 technical progress did happen. Howev- Finals, where they narrowly missed out and Queen’s Taunton by 8-2 were er, the groups tended to lack a degree by losing by a single goal to both of the impressive, and the A team achieved a of concentration and a competitive eventual finalists Dean Close and 50% win record. spirit. They need to be aware that Sherborne. whoever said winning is not important The U16 squad does not play regularly probably lost! It is a major achievement for a school together, but we entered a group in the

108 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Half Full

William Braithwaite Tom Bradshaw James Burwell Alex Lord Tom Dabell Callum Smith Siddant Gurung (re-awarded) Luke Tapsfield (re-awarded) Kieran Kelly Olly Williamson Colours Will Lawton Harry Parson Milo Young BOYS’ HOCKEY BOYS’

Avon Cup. Our team won the tourna- Bristol Grammar 3-1 were just three of ment; then qualified through the the highlights of the season. Regional Prelims to the last eight of the West. Here, Mr Bond and his players And so to the 1st XI – what a great missed out on reaching the last four by season they have had! Second at both just one goal – such slim margins! the Avon Cup and the Beechen Cliff 7s; third in the Bristol and Bath Schools The 3rds and 4ths played 10 matches League; the team played 11 matches, between them, winning 4 and drawing winning 7, drawing 3 and losing just 1. 2. They did well against generally older They scored 47 goals and conceded oppositions. There is a lot of potential just 9. Statistics, however, only tell part here and playing at a greater intensity of the story when you consider the next year will help the players’ youth of the team – five U16s; seven L6 development. and Luke Tapsfield! And it is Luke who should be given much of the credit SENIOR (along with Mr Knights’ motivational talks) for this year’s success. Luke’s After a shaky start, the 2nd XI won calm, assured play and his outstanding their last 7 matches in a row and played leadership skills were there for all to some outstanding hockey. I am sure see. The 7-0 victory at Clifton College that they would have given several 1st will live long in the memory, but there Teams a close match! Victories over were too many highlights to list them Wells by 9-0, Kingswood 5-4 and all here!

THE PHOENIX 109 CRICKET

Cricket CRICKET BAINES U14

The Baines sides have performed Mr Francis and Mr Clements took the Mr Malcolm Bond pleasingly with all four of the teams lead with the U14s this year and they winning at least one of their fixtures. proved to be a good year group who I’ve always been a strong believer in the Special mention must go to Will South produced strong wins over Beechen phrase “some you win some you learn”. as the leading run scorer and wicket Cliff and KES to name but a few. And this phrase has never been more taker Will has been fantastically true than this cricket season. As a supported by Tom Smith, Henry Edmond Mortimer, Luc Teobold, school we have played 41 matches with Gibbons, Greg Harden and Joe Healey. Justin Avenall and Dylan Bunn have 26 of those fixtures ending in a win, tie For me, the highlight of the season was put in fantastic performances through- or draw. Therefore, we have produced a the win against Queen Elizabeth out the year and I look forward to very pleasing 63% no loss result in our Hospital School on a windy Wednes- seeing them all perform next season fixtures this year. I would like to thank day afternoon, when we did a smash when they will all be in contention for all the students and staff who have and grab commando raid on them and the first team. helped achieve this. won by 30 runs. Well played there boys!

110 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE Half Full

Nicolas Lees Matthew Mortimer Ben Mattick Luke Tapsfield (re-awarded) Colours CRICKET

U15

As a year group the U15s have been the most successful squads, winning over half their matches and always by strong margins. The highlight for me was seeing the 15A Team beat a well- coached Clayesmore side by 9 wickets. The strength of the L5 year group was made clear to me by the end of the season as we have had five of the boys represent the First XI – Alex Carru- thers, James Burwell, Joe Haws, Max Gall and Oliver Dempsey-Parr. I’m sure this year group will continue to produce boys who will represent the school at First XI and I’m excited about the coming years. With the coaching and advice the boys have had on hand from Mr Knights and Mr Shannon, it’s no surprise that this has been a great year group. Monkton Coombe, Kingswood again I can truly say, some we have lost and and Wycliffe College. On every occa- some we have won. However, most 2ND XI sion we pushed them close but still importantly we have all learnt and, couldn’t quite produce a win. Next therefore, it has been very worthwhile. The 2nd XI was coached and support- came King Edward School and on a ed by Dr Smith and Mr Bonny who sunny, Saturday afternoon the game I would like to take this opportunity to have both enjoyed working with this was always going to be close. With the thank Mr Capon for all the support and group of students. James Sackett and final few overs approaching fast, all coaching he has given to both the Alex Clarke have led this team with three results were looking possible. students and staff at Prior Park over the enthusiasm and a smile on their faces. I The boys were all sitting on the bound- past eleven years. would like to thank them for this and ary refusing to move as their supersti- hope that they and their team mates tious tendencies started kicking in. I continue to enjoy cricket for many can tell you, it was tense; it was tenser years to come. Well done boys. than an irate grammar teacher. But then in a moment of brilliance James FIRST XI Burwell cut their opening bowler for a boundary and we had our first win. As I said at the beginning “some you win some you learn”. The season start- The team had learnt to win and they ed off on a rainy Easter Sunday after- were not about to forget. The wins noon away to Hinton Charterhouse. started to roll in with victories against We battled hard but couldn’t quite get Wells Cathedral and the 40 Club, along over the line and secure a win. Then with a strong performance against the came Kingswood, Beechen Cliff,MCC. So as the season draws to a close

THE PHOENIX 111 GIRLS’ TENNIS 112 Team. They should be mightily proud! the A Team and67%winratefortheB afantasticmanaged 75%winratefor guidance of Miss Williams, the girls their game.Under theenthusiastic lessons helpedthemtorapidly develop girls showed duringtrainingandin The hard work anddetermination the blossomed thisyear! However, itisthe tennisthathastruly a real senseof funandenthusiasm. ers incompetitive schoolmatcheswith the Collegeinboth tennisandround- Every girlinBaineshasrepresented U13 GIRLS College over thelast three years. support intakingtennisforward atthe to Mr Capon for his special thanks go support tennisthisyear. Inparticular, Scollo, whohave given theirtimeto staff andcoachesco-ordinated bySara matches. Thanks to all thePriorPark This term saw the girls play in over 54 desire topityourself against thebest! whether forfunorthatcompetitive competition andrecreational tennis, throughout theyear through training, There have beenmore opportunities individual lessonsandSaturday Active. season squad training, private group, than ever have beeninvolved inpre- years fortennisatPrior. More students this was oneofthebest seasonsand Despite thevariability oftheweather, Mrs Lori Redman GIRLS’ TENNIS Tennis Girls’

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

Howes forherreliable captaincy. been very to Georgie close. Thanks go such asthattoDauntsey’s at4-5, have King’s Bruton.Meanwhile, thelosses, margin, suchasthe8-1 victoryagainst team’s winshave beenbyasignificant have liked to, itisnotable thatthe won asmany matchesastheywould matches. Whilst they may not have through both singles and doubles players tocompete atahigherlevel opportunityforthe lenging andagood year. Theleagueproved tobevery chal- AEGON LeagueCompetition this matches andtheLTA National Schools The girlscompeted inboth friendly concepts incompetitive matches. tactics andtobeunafraidapply new learn new technicalskills, games massively intermsoftheirabilityto sportswomen andhave matured were incredibly hard working young training, lessonsandmatches. They of working withtheU15’s thisseasonin Miss Williams andIhadthe pleasure U15 GIRLS took Dauntsey’s tothelast set. and competitively fought match which to Dauntsey’s inanincredibly close best tenniswas played intheir4-5loss School. Significantly, someof the U14s’ being an 8-1 win over King’s Bruton matches, thehighlightoftheir season U14A andBTeams won 50%oftheir all training,lessonsandmatches. The totally committed andenthusiastic in impressed bytheU14 girlswhowere Miss Davidson was continually U14 GIRLS

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rate –areflection ofthehard work put best formany years with a67%win Prior Park’s 1st teamresults were the against CliftonCollege. final match–a very convincing win a 1st Team appearanceinthefirst’s sure and modesty. Both girls also made captained the2nd’s withgreat compo- example inthe 2ndTeam. Lucia tine andJenny Dinwoodie, ledby U6 sportingrole models, Hestle Lucia - Team players. Two ofourwonderful Pitchford-Pecchia were consistent 2nd Robinson, Amy Young andJenni tennis. ElizaMatthews, Charlotte the impactthattheyhadonseniorgirls’ The U5girlsshouldbevery proud of Court’ duringsomeofourmatches! American Doubles‘Queens ofthe and ConnieRedmanwere thisseason’s driving rainandhail.Holly Simpson warts, enjoying theircoachingthrough were theLentTerm’s hard court stal- Georgia Fullton and Emma Lyons the weather andwherever thematches. tude towards participating,whatever ted to tennis with a very positive atti - The 3rd and 4th Teams were commit- workload ofpublicexams. when theywere underthe stress and time of again, immense period during a tennis this summer which was, once senior girlsfortheircommitmentto An enormouswell donetoallofthe SENIOR Half Hannah Rokkas Gabriella Chapman Full Park College. absolute credit tothemselves andPrior spend timewiththrough tennisandan Our SeniorGirlswere allapleasure to and reliable 1st Team Captain. Harriet was a wonderfully organised women throughout thetermand most dynamic and athletic of sports- the tenniscourt.Theywere both the of sportintoasolid,funpartnershipon transferred astrong friendshipoutside Harriet Freeman and Mollie Roberts some fantastic sportingmoments. to watch andprovided spectatorswith tion oncourthave beenmost enjoyable with their matter of fact communica- ception volley, choiceofshot, along icant force. Theirtimingoftheinter Esther andAnnaHaskinswere asignif- again next year. forward toworking withboth students effortlessly into1st Team tennis. Ilook ella showed great maturity to step even beating a few. HannahandGabri- 1st pairplayers work very hard and partnership, makingmany opposition a strongGabriella Chapmanforged In the 1st Team, Hannah Rokkas and players tohigherperformancelevels. commitment inthesquadhaspushed training sessions. Theeffort and in byallofourseniorgirlsthroughout Anna Haskins Esther Haskins Mollie Roberts Harriet Freeman - U14 &U15BOYS the boys’ next year. looking forward to working with all of team onafew occasions. Iamreally and, healsoplayed upinourU14 Boys’ 70% ofhisown matchesthissummer leadership onthe court. Toby won over Gerrish forhisexcellent captaincyand Particular mentionmust toToby go 8-1 victory against Kingswood School. light ofthetermwas astrong ‘A’ team matches were very closeandthehigh- have hopedfor, many oftheU13’s in asmany wins asIknow theymay Whilst theirendeavour didnot result league matches. played inboth friendly andAEGON enthusiastic bunchandover 20boys The U13Squadwere awonderfully training sessiongrew onaweekly basis. ted. TheirnumbersattheMonday Our U13Boys were incredibly commit- U13 BOYS especially thatofourseniorstudents. play amongtheboys hashitanew high, and understandingedge of competitive year. Thetechnicalandtacticalknowl - Tennis training session superbly this summer term Monday activity Boys’ coaching teamhave onceagainledthe Tennis Director, Academy andhis Barry Scollo, the Bath University competitive tennismatchesthisyear. The boys played inafantastic 37 Mrs Lori Redman BOYS’ TENNIS Tennis Boys’ demonstrated great composure and shoot outsets inwhichourplayers and camedown toincredibly tense Several matcheswere extremely close was anabsolutepleasure towatch. real flare andacompetitive zealwhich matches thePriorboys played with School Competition. Inallofthe entered into the AEGON National This year the U14/15 Boys were were incredibly close. significant marginandtheirlosses es. For theU14’s, theirwinswere bya - theyplayed 6, won 4andlost 2match- The U14 Boys were equally successful King’s Brutonschools. were achieved against Kingswood and only lost 3matches!Excellent wins The U15Aboys played 9, won 6and they refined astheseasonprogressed. performed with skill and power which example onthecourtandallofboys possible! Oliver Dempsey-Parr ledby up and got the ball back by any means ers intosubmission!Theynever gave which confused many opposition play with their 70’s fashion head bands unconventional style oftennis, along with their unique, fascinating and Cosmo Woods certainly entertained us In theU15Boys’ team,MiloYoung and attitude tothegame. and matches, with their and positive coach andsupportthem,intraining young menwhocanentertainall committed, determined and talented squads are madeupofthemost thank fortheircommitment.These Penrose, both ofwhomIwould like to by MrBonneyandsupported The U14 and U15 Boys were managed

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imagine. Theboys played asateam, brutally efficienttennis youcould and played themost elegant and They were tremendous role models Harley Waterman andLiamDelaney. icant praisemust toAmanArgawal, go team debutsthisterm.However, signif- and DylanBunnwhomadetheirfirst Special mention must be made of Jack that you watch. at the quality of athleticism and skill spectators canjust sitbackandmarvel at aschoollevel, staff, coachesand energy, andgreat humour. Itisrare that senior boys played withstyle, flair, boasting several academy players. The incredibly strong Monkton team of theirmatches, thenemesisbeingan Both the1sts and2ndswon allbutone enjoyed ahugelyimpressive season. Senior Boys’ Tennis teams. Theboys his passionate commitmentto the I would like to thank Mr Blaikley for SENIOR same competition next year! year older, wiserandstronger inthe Reeman andHenry Carr, whowillbea Jack Bunn,Finlay Eaton,Tomos made upofU14 boys, DylanBunn, It isworth noting thatthissquadwas league, against Gordano School. this year duetotheironly loss inthe did not through go asAvon Champions as winners. Ultimately though,Prior strength ofcharactertocome through Half Robin Francis Aran Sarkony Full Liam Delaney Harley Waterman Aman Agarwal THE PHOENIX continued enjoyment from tennis. our leavers awonderful future and and we would like towishhimandallof Ivy LeagueUniversity ofDartmouth atthe a tennisscholarshipintheUSA ontotake shape.Amangoes up in good but the boys leave tennis at Prior Park Ed, Laurenz, Ollie,Charlie,Jae Wo - those leaving - Aman, Harley, Robin, We willmissthe calibre andqualityof VI’s arunfortheirmoney! second VIwould have given most first seen atPriorPark College.Thisyear’s two sixes was as strong as we have ever and the depth of qualitythroughout the 113

BOYS’ TENNIS GOLF AT PRIOR PARK GOLF AT

Golf at Prior Park

GOLF AT PRIOR PARK 01

Ms Louise Blake

This year we have seen the introduc- tion of golf to the wider sporting programme. A small group of students train after school on a Thursday at Bath Golf Club and during 2013-14 we entered a team into the Somerset Schools Golf Championship at Farringdon Golf Club. We were delighted when our three youngest players won the team event, beating Millfield. In 2014-15 we have teams entered into the Independent 02 Schools’ Golf Association (ISGA) at Buckinghamshire and we are in a knockout competition with Magdalen College School in the next few months.

For the first year the Prior Park Alumni (PPA) Golf Day in August enjoyed competing against four of our current golfers, with Toby Gerrish playing off 12 handicap and gaining second place in the medal competition.

The future is set fair for golf with Olly Williamson also playing off 12 and Tom Smith playing off 13! Now we need 01. The Schools’ Golf Championship (left to right): Tom Smith (F3), George some girls to join the team! Cromack (F4), Toby Gerrish (F3). 02. Cup Presentation at Bath Golf Club (left to right): Tom Smith (F3), Oliver Gerrish (L6), Toby Gerrish (F3). 114 PRIOR PARK COLLEGE FISHER ROAD RELAY FISHER ROAD

Fisher Road Relay

FISHER ROAD RELAY

Mr Tom Maxwell

The final day of the Lent Term once honours, although it was Tessa again saw the eagerly anticipated Fish- Coombe in Fielding who achieved the er Road Relay. This annual race around fastest individual time of 4:23. the school drive in teams of four is one of the key moments in Prior Park’s The boys’ teams also put a great deal of inter-house competitions. effort into the race, exemplified by Harry Palmer (Lower Sixth Burton) This year brought some very competi- who set a new school record of 3:23, a tive running from all areas of the tremendous achievement. Close to this school. In Baines House, the students came Conlan Macdonald with a finish- swept along the road with enthusiasm. ing time of 3:25, and other notable Rice won the House race as well as performances from Ryan Tribe and coming away with one of the fastest Max Granger, finishing in 3:33, Alex team times within the whole school. Lord in 3:35, and Liam Delaney, Callum Smith and Kieran Kelly in 3:37. The girls’ inter-house teams were Despite the effort from the boys across joined for the first time this year by all four houses, there has to be a winner, Arundell, who ran with St Mary’s. which in 2014 was Allen House. Their invincible Upper Sixth team of Chloe Christie, Jenny Dinwoodie and Congratulations to all the competitors Harriet and Eleanor Gallegos was, and thanks to all the vocal spectators once again, the fastest girls’ team, and who made it such an enjoyable end to the combined House took the overall the term.

THE PHOENIX 115 Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Tel: +44 (0)1225 835 353 Email: [email protected] www.thepriorfoundation.com

13-18 Boarding 11-18 Day HMC Established Co-educational Catholic Senior School Senior school to The Paragon School, Bath and Prior Park Preparatory School, Cricklade, Wiltshire.