The RichianMagazine July 2019 CONTENTS AND WELCOME NEWS July 2019: Contents From The Headmaster Downing Street Visit For News Welcome to the July 2019 issue of Year 13 Economists Downing Street Visit 3 The Richian. As we celebrate the end Careers Fayre Sponsors 3 of another productive, challenging Year 13 Economists made a surprise visit to Downing Street 500 Reasons Charity 4 and creative year, I do hope this after participating in the ‘Minister for a Day Challenge’ at latest edition of the magazine gives Admiralty House in Westminster back in February. IEA Budget Challenge Final 4 you a flavour of School life over the D of E Bronze Practice Expedition 4 last few months. I am exceptionally The Spending Challenge was an amazing experience in Sugar-free Challenge For Year 9 5 grateful to Sara Vielvoye for editing which we gained an insight into the civil servant occupation. Economists Reach National Finals 6 the magazine and for ‘chivvying’ The challenge itself involved two teams formulating a Year 7 Celebrate Paddington 6 along its contributors. government budget for the UK comprised of four main parts; didn’t resign from their post was able to vote for their Student Shortlisted For Essay Prize 6 healthcare, defence, education and justice. The aim was for favoured budget. Year 11 and Year 13 students have, at the each ministry to increase their budget as much as possible, due Cheltenham Festival Acting Gold 7 time of writing, just completed a busy to increased spending pressures, without cutting too many As a result of tense negotiations, my Ministry (Defence) and Drama Department Trip To London 7 GCSE and A Level exam schedule. They have worked extremely hard over services that were previously provided. I resigned in protest of the proposed, forced cutting of the Goodbye To MFL Assistants 7 the last few months – and years – and we wish them all the very best of luck nuclear deterrent programme. After all disagreements had been Politics And History USA Trip 8 with the results. My thanks go out to all the staff at Rich’s who have once On the other hand, two students from our school had the put aside, we were treated to a surprise visit to 10 Downing World Book Day 2019 10 again so effectively and diligently prepared our students for this challenge. alternative role of being Chancellor, meaning their aim Street with a guided tour of the building. Overall, the day was an D&T Coursework 12 was to reduce spending as much as possible. Throughout outstanding success, giving every student a new perspective on Although, of course, academic achievement is core to the School’s ethos, the challenge, each Ministry engaged in negotiations with this prestigious career. Snowdonia Field Trip 14 I am always struck at this time of year by how much of the life of the School their team’s Chancellor to form a budget. At the end of the James Goatley 13H Year 11 Battlesports 16 does not revolve around the exam timetables. Our Economists are out negotiations, a budget was formed and each competitor that Year 10 German Exchange 18 competing in high-profile national competitions, our STEM Ambassadors Remembering Mr Stocks 20 continue to inspire primary school pupils in dynamic science assemblies, Alumni News 21 and our sports teams’ dedication and hard work continue to enhance Rich’s Kirby & Knott Financial Planning Sponsor 2019/20 Careers Fayre reputation both locally and nationally. In particular, congratulations must go to the Under 14 Rugby Team, who were victorious in the EDF Energy Cup Sir Thomas Rich’s is delighted to announce that Kirby This sponsorship opportunity is even more special as both Alex Features Final at Kingsholm recently. The creative life of the School also continues & Knott Financial Planning will be lead sponsors for and Rich are alumni of Sir Thomas Rich’s, having attended the Photography 22 to thrive, as I write rehearsals are well underway for what promises to be the 2019/2020 Careers Fayre. The Fayre forms a key School between 1994 and 2001. Rich explains: “It has been great Art 24 another excellent Summer Concert, and I would also highly recommend part of the School’s support for students, enabling to have an opportunity to get back to the School and while Focus On: Politics 26 reading the superb House Writing Competition winning pieces on page 30 them to engage with local and national employers there have been many physical changes, the culture and feel Writing 30 of this issue; I continue to be impressed by the maturity and vision of our and universities. of the School remain. Sir Thomas Rich’s gave both of us a great young writers. Well done to all involved. start for our future and we hope that by supporting the students The Careers Fayre – planned for next January – will see and the Careers Fayre we can give something back.” Sports News The consistent quality of our pastoral care is also a great source of pride to representatives from a range of companies and industries Rugby EDF Energy U14 Cup Final Win 36 me. Rich’s teachers have just completed visits to over 90 primary schools covering an expansive array of career options, designed to Kirby & Knott Financial Planning will also be supporting Rich’s Netball Season Success 41 to meet and welcome every Year 6 pupil who will be joining us in Year 7 allow students to understand the options available to them students throughout the year with some practical career- Basketball/Football Tour 42 in September. This is a major logistical exercise with the vast majority of whilst giving them time to ask questions to experts in planning sessions. Football Season Round Up 44 our teachers taking part, and sets the high standards of care that new various professions. Vicki Lynn, Development Director pupils can expect from the School. The pressures on young people have Cover photography never been greater and I am particularly pleased that we have been Directors Alex and Rich (pictured below right with Rich’s Rich’s U14 EDF Energy Cup Final winning asked to participate as an ‘early adopter’ school in Gloucestershire’s Head of Careers Jenny Manning and Headmaster Matthew team © Martin Bennett/Gloucester Rugby Mental Health Trailblazer initiative, being run by NHS Gloucestershire Morgan) have both had successful careers in large Clinical Commissioning Group with the ²gether NHS Foundation Trust, corporate organisations, and now run their own Printing Gloucestershire County Council and Teens in Crisis (TiC). This work company offering financial advice to individuals Alpha Colour Printers, Gloucester means that over time, pupils in the School will have access to additional and businesses. Their wealth of experience can counsellors working alongside NHS staff. really help make a difference to our students. I am also pleased to report that this year has seen some significant work Alex says: “We are really excited to be supporting undertaken in to improving School facilities. A major refurbishment of the School and the students in a crucial part of @strsglos the swimming pool has recently completed, and planning permission has their education. Having been lucky in finding just been granted for work to start on a new building to be located by the a profession that we both genuinely enjoy and www.facebook.com/ tennis courts, which will house much needed additional classrooms, IT get a great deal of pleasure from, we feel that a SirThomasRichsSchool and office space. This work is due to complete by Easter 2020, and I look career should be built around doing what you forward to updating you on progress in the next issue of The Richian, out love. Therefore, we are passionate about ensuring www strschool.co.uk in the winter. In the mean time you can keep up to date with School life students are well equipped for the working world online, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter. and understand all avenues that they can explore.” Matthew Morgan, Headmaster www _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ www.strschool.co.uk 2 The Richian July 2019 www.strschool.co.uk 3 The Richian July 2019 NEWS NEWS TV Actor’s 500 Reasons Charity Benefits Gloucester Secondary Schools TV actor Joe Sims – known for his appearance in the ITV drama series Broadchurch and a host of other well-known UK series – visited representatives from the G15 Partnership secondary schools at St Peter’s High School back in March, to talk about his 500 Reasons charity. (G15 represents all the secondary schools in the Gloucester area.) Joe explained that he set up the charity by asking 500 of his friends to set up a weekly standing order of £1. He then gives £500 a week to deserving causes, which are nominated by the 500 people involved. Joe revealed his 500 Reasons idea on The Two Shot Podcast back in 2017, which you can listen to here: https://twoshotpod.podbean.com/e/tsp014-joe-sims. Year 11 student Alex Owusu is pictured left accepting a cheque for £500 for the G15 schools from Joe. IEA Budget Challenge National Final On Thursday 7th March 2019, a team of four Sir Thomas Rich’s Students – Theo Imeson, Fin Gregory, Henry Mercer and Owen Harrison – attended the IEA Budget Challenge Final in London. The IEA, a British free-market oriented think tank, ran a national competition in which Sugar-Free Challenge For Year 9! teams wrote a fiscal policy recommendation for the government outlining a proposal for government spending and taxation in 2019. Twelve teams reached the final and Last term’s challenge for Year 9 was to make a cake or put a focus on a wide range of topics, such as the UK’s problem with productivity, dessert without sugar.