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The BarnardianMagazine of 2010 School

Welcome November 2009 Farewell The Chairman of Governors welcomes Snow and more snow wreak havoc Headmaster, Mrs Ewart and their family say Mr Stevens to Barnard Castle School. with the games’ programme! their final farewells at the Summer Ball.

Headmaster’s address 2 CCF – RAF 23 School prizes 4 Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 24 Some of those who make the school tick 5 Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 25 Senior Common Room 6 School trips 26 Pupil representative groups 8 Views of Barney from afar 27 Public Speaking & The Lectern Club 9 Department overviews 28 Chapel report 10 House reports 36 Charity committee 11 Barney run 44 Drama 12 Art 46 Junior festival of arts 13 Prep School 50 Beauty and the Beast 14 Sport 70 The musical year – a review 16 Summer ball 94 House singing 18 Old Barnardians 96 Activities programme 20 Upper Sixth leavers 97 CCF – Army 22

2009/10

Editor >> Mr David Ewart I Special thanks to >> Mark Fuller, Ian Lamming and assistants (photographic contributions) I Collation >> Julia Simpson I Technical support >> Oliver Chrisp and Ben Jeffrey I Prep School Editor >> Mr Nick Seddon (with thanks to contributors and photographers).

Design and Production >> yellow torpedo byrå Mr Charles Atha, with sons Jack and Tom, Dr Peter Warburton, Director of Sports at , Mr Davy makes a leaving presentation on behalf of Rebecca Davy, Head of School, says ‘Thank You’ Change of personnel opens the Fitness and Dance Centre congratulates the School on its successful year Barnard Castle School parents to Mr and Mrs Ewart on behalf of all Upper Sixth Leavers The Headmaster’s last major commitment is over!

Challenge and our cross country runners have done well recorded our best ever GCSE results and joint best A £ 1,000 in two hours. The Charity Committee has, by Headmaster’s Address too, led by Josh Gibson who has won the Barnard Run level results. The GCSE ‘good pass’ rate of 94%, with conservative estimates, raised approximately £6,000 in each of the last four years, breaking long held record 50% of all grades being A* and A saw large numbers of this year. times. We say farewell to Miss Cuneo who leaves after girls scream with delight in August; the boys remained Our School Monitors, four Deputy Heads of School two years as lacrosse coach and one year as Assistant as cool as ever. A-level results saw 69% of all grades at and Head of School Becky Davy have been excellent Housemistress of Longfield. We wish her happiness either A or B and this meant results’ day was very ambassadors; the high quality of School life is linked back home in the USA and hope she maintains has a special as the overwhelming majority secured first closely to the lead they have given, and this has been strong interest in the school. choice university places. Last year’s Head of School particularly so with this year’s Head of School: thank The provision of sporting opportunities will be and his four deputies between them scored 12 A you Becky Davy. We also recognise the very positive Headmaster’s Speech Day Report enhanced further in September with the availability of grades and 5 B grades; impressive! The 2009 influence and impact Mr Marlow has on all aspects of the dance and fitness centre. On behalf of our pupils destinations of all Upper Sixth leavers’ list is published school life; without doubt, it is his influence on senior and staff, I express our thanks to all those involved with in your programme and the School takes great delight leadership, values and attitudes which is so important rney provides this ambitious scheme; Barnard Castle School pupils, in this. in setting standards. I am very grateful for this excellent Ba m s of all shapes, ages and sizes, are very fortunate and Three key members of our Science staff leave us work. In addition, elected pupil representatives take asses ie of the School Year of opportunit they know it. There are now no excuses for staff of all today; Mr Charlesworth retired in 2008 but returned at their responsibilities seriously and set a very good lead. ages, shapes and sizes either! our request to teach Chemistry and we have been Medical, domestic and maintenance staff also play an extremely fortunate to retain his services; his total important part and we do not underestimate this. We are service is 29 years. In this time he has not only taught judged by our actions as far as Ofsted and ISI are Chairman of Governors, there is Extra-curricular activities ensure we provide balanced thrived under his direction and leadership. Large Chemistry and Physics, but has also run rugby and concerned and equally importantly by the character of considerable excitement in the education and plenty of exciting recreational numbers of RAF cadets owe him a great debt as they teams most successfully, organised Duke of young men and women we turn out. All members of staff audience; our nine weeks long opportunities. The design show this week have undertaken air experience flying, obtaining flying or Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions, run a cycling activity and share a corporate responsibility for our young people summer holiday is nearly upon demonstrated the very high standard of art and gliding scholarships and certificates, and enjoying joined a large number of school trips. Mrs both as tutors and teachers of personal, social and us! My colleagues are restless technology produced by boys and girls taught by Mrs summer camps. Mr Monument has run the BTEC in Charlesworth, a member of the learning support staff, health education. Pupils learn about assessing risk and and our pupils are keen to be Cuthbertson, Miss Welsh, Mr Beaty and Mr Oakley, and Public Services for senior cadets with considerable is also retiring and we thank them both for their years the importance of taking health and safety seriously. The off. Arrangements are being our technician Mr Gulliver and also in the Prep School, success. Young people follow both the Silver and Gold of dedicated service and wish them good health and spiritual life of the School is led strongly by the Chaplain finalised for those on CCF camp, where Mrs Brown’s teaching is excellent. Duke of Edinburgh's Awards and it gives me particular happiness in retirement. whose three point sermons are witty, interesting, those off to play rugby and hockey in South Africa, those Music continues to thrive with over 140 boys and girls pleasure to present their Awards at end of term Nailing Dr Robson leaves to take up a Teacher Fellowship with instructive and spiritual; the Bishop of Durham at flying to Cyprus to play cricket and those who will walk receiving music tuition. We will shortly be entertained by Up. Mr Connor has successfully run Young Enterprise the Royal Society of Chemistry at Durham University. We Confirmation and First Communion service recognised from Coast to Coast. Mr Donnelly’s wind band; the standard of music for Business Studies’ students and this has seen them have been exceptionally lucky to have her as our Head and identified the strong lead given by the Rev. Before I start, I am delighted to extend a very warm produced by ensembles, bands and orchestra is of a hone their business acumen and, in due course we will of Chemistry for four years; she is an outstanding I am proud of the achievements of this year’s Upper welcome to Dr Warburton our Distinguished Guest from very high standard. Particularly impressive have been have young people ready to face Lord Sugar. We have teacher and Head of Department. In addition, she has Sixth; we all wish you every success in the next stage Durham University and the world of elite sport, the both the standard of music in the Prep School under Mr another 20 Community Sports Leader Award winners The quality of care provided by Heads of Houses is of contributed significantly to the higher education of your lives. You take with you the benefits of a Barnard Mayor of Barnard Castle, Mr Cooke who is accompanied Atherton's baton, and the excellent sounds of the too. Mr Everall ran a highly entertaining Six Form ‘life a very high standard and our pupils are strongly programme and to the coaching of netball, and she has Castle School education, positive and happy memories by Miss Abrahams, Governors and our guests, to Director of Music’s musicians; the Chapel choir has skills’ day, teaching our boys and girls how to sow and supported by caring tutors. The work of the Health and been presented with a prestigious ‘Netball Teacher of your time here and, I hope, a wish to promote further include our many parents. sung Choral Evensong in York Minster and Durham iron, Mr Fairbairn showed them how to put out a fire, Mr Safety Committee, the writing and implementation of Award’. As an Assistant Housemistress of Marwood, the good name and reputation of the School. Such School started in September with 745 boys and girls; Cathedral to considerable acclaim. Gulliver taught them about child protection and risk assessments and the planning of activities, she has brought the same high standards to this role. loyalty and affection characterise the memories and a full school has meant we are able to balance and Drama, under Miss Baldwin's direction has flourished. safeguarding, Mr Lewis taught first-aid and Mr Beaty competitions and events are undertaken efficiently. Mrs We thank her most warmly for all she has done for perspectives of those who return; this is why I am so better our budget, spending carefully, wisely and The School play, ‘Our Day Out’ as well as the musical, showed them how to change a car’s wheel. Please note Ellison, Senior Mistress plays the important lead co- the school. pleased the Old Barnardian Club has re-engaged so sensibly for we are mean, lean and keen with available ‘Beauty and the Beast’ were both excellent and the no stereotypical type-casting at Barnard Castle School! ordinating pastoral roles and we thank her. Mrs Gorman Dr Dawson makes academic study look easy; he positively and why the work of Miss Jones, our Old finance. We have paid our bills promptly and operated seamless ease with which production occurs is highly We also have many quieter interests for young people, has been an excellent Housemistress of Marwood for completed his PhD and graduate teacher programme, Barnardian Secretary is of critical importance. To those efficiently. We have not discussed downsizing, impressive. It was a delight to attend both productions to include Scrabble, chess and model railway society; the last seven years; she has led the House to many giving qualified teacher status, at the same time as returning, I hope you have a very happy family holiday redundancies and extending debt irresponsibly. At the successes and the girls think very highly of her. As teaching a full timetable of Physics. I have observed and feel ready for hard work and purposeful activity in same time, we have improved the quality of our pupils reflect on their time in Marwood, they will many lessons and I know he is a first class September. To those who will receive prizes, accommodation and facilities, to include the remember their House involvement with great affection. communicator and is held in high esteem by those he congratulations. I am proud of all these young people Macfarlane building, the Atkinson Hall in the Prep I am delighted Mrs Armstrong has accepted the post of teaches. In addition, his work as a resident boarding and, in reflective moments, I think of them as my School, the extension to the music department, and School started in September with 745 boys and girls; a full school Housemistress. House tutor has been very greatly appreciated and children; well, perhaps? I am sure they are horrified by completion of the fitness and dance centre on time, to has meant we are able to balance and better our budget, spending The role of Head of House is far from easy and it valued; he will be remembered for his good humour, such a suggestion and I dare not think what their be opened shortly by Mr Charles Atha. I recognise the involves long hours, patience, dedication, commitment sound advice and hard work. mothers might say! impressive work of the Bursar and the Governors’ carefully, wisely and sensibly for we are mean, lean and keen with and good humour, and we are fortunate to have such During the year, I have presented large numbers of The School, I consider, fulfils its aims very House and Finance Committee here. We are very available finance. talent! Particularly impressive to my mind is the work of Headmaster’s Certificates for good assessments and successfully; new, young, dynamic and energetic fortunate to be in this strong financial position, indeed boarding House staff in the Pepper, Beaty and Allman for obtaining large numbers of merits and distinctions; leadership will, I am sure, see Barney prosper further one our new Government undoubtedly wished it had “ teams. Boarding boys and girls have a mass of evening this is one of the pleasures of my work. I pay tribute to and thrive in the years to come. When the next inherited from Mr Alistair Darling. and weekend opportunities available to them and, in the work of Mrs Richardson as Co-ordinator of Gifted inspection report is written, I hope the School will have Our ability to recruit and retain pupils recognises the with Governors and to hear parents and guests’ very these are pursued with as much enthusiasm as our the last few weeks, have been barbecuing, paint-balling, and Talented, to Mr Everall as Assistant Director of improved further so Barnard Castle will be judged to high regard with which parental consumers view our favourable and highly complimentary comments. Our other activities. visiting the seaside and camping out in the school Studies and to our excellent Director of Studies, Rev be a very happy and extremely purposeful school in service and the end product of a Barnard Castle School pupils love the opportunity to perform. The Festival of The sports’ programme is the envy of other schools grounds; I am impressed they and my colleagues, and Ridley who is responsible for the School’s academic which excellent academic standards are achieved. education. Our publicity, marketing and public relations the Arts saw younger pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 act, and reflects very positively upon the work undertaken by read, display their art and pottery and make music. Miss Cover and Mr Pepper, and their colleagues.” Girls’ their mad dogs, have such energy reserves! programme. The work undertaken and the assistance I have no doubts Mr Alan Stevens, our new Headmaster, are run very efficiently by Mr Seddon in the Prep School Another aspect of care is the provision made for those given, once again this year, are very highly valued. I am will be excellent. and Mr Marlow and Miss Jones in the Senior School, with What talent we have coming through the School! Mrs teams have continued to produce many successes; the who find learning a challenge. Mrs Nicholson makes a delighted Mr Johnson, Head of Modern Languages, has considerable assistance from our excellent secretarial Gorman's junior play, ‘Johnny and the Dead’, saw talent- most significant was the U14 netball team which significant contribution to the success of our overseas’ returned today following medical repair work; Mrs staff, to include Mrs Wade who retired recently as School a-plenty and lots of fun. The junior and senior public reached the National Finals as a result of their excellent pupils. Mrs Ewart retires after 12 years of distinguished Dickinson who has covered his teaching has been Secretary. Our website is one of the best and this, with speaking competitions were highly enjoyable occasions; coaching by Miss Broadbent and Dr Robson, they were service and 22 years association. As Head of Learning incredibly successful and we thank her profusely for the other marketing information, last year’s excellent it is good to hear young people articulate clearly placed 13th nationally. Rugby teams continue to Support, she has built the school's reputation for caring hours she has spent preparing and teaching lessons. Barnardian Magazine edited by Mr James Harrison, and and knowledgeably their opinions when the Lectern prosper with large numbers representing school teams, provision, high standards of teaching and learning, and She has been a charming colleague too. the regular submission of articles to the press about Club meets. County teams, and most impressively North-East highly effective support for those with specific learning Learning to do the right thing, becoming socially Barney’s business, mean we keep our noise level high in Barney provides masses of opportunities for young of England teams with some being identified by scouts difficulties and those who receive specialist help. This aware, learning how to listen to others and how to the north-east and beyond. We have successfully people to demonstrate leadership. The Combined for club teams. The 1st XV reached the last 16 of role has expanded significantly as education services behave are important components of our pupils’ recruited pupils from across the UK, Europe and the East Cadet Force, with 160 cadets, thrives; we congratulate the Daily Mail Cup; once again this is an outstanding have implemented the recommendations of specialist education. I am impressed by the response of the sixth and are proud of our diverse range of cultures, languages Major Caroline Hall, our new commanding officer, her achievement given the extent of the national education advisory groups and exam boards. Many form to leadership skills’ training, the operation of the and peoples. One of the most enjoyable recent evenings officers and the SSI on their excellent work. The competition, to include sixth form colleges and sports’ pupils, to include those at university and beyond, have peer support programme and pupil representation on involved being taught how to use chopsticks by our Hong Combined Cadet Force was inspected recently and Col academies. Squash has been consistently successful; good reason to be very grateful to Mrs Ewart and her counter-bullying, equal opportunities and School Kong Chinese boys and girls at their Moon Dinner. One of Denney spoke very warmly about his day here. Miss this year has been no exception under the captaincy of colleagues. Council committees. Maggie’s Charity Concert, last the most annoying occasions was being beaten by the McDonald leaves us after two years, having taken an Robert Harrison, consistently ranked in the top 30 in Promoting the School’s academic life is our week, was electrifying as I witnessed boys and girls Germans at ten-pin bowling; the humiliation was too English post in Bedfordshire; her work has also the country in his age group, and the coaching of Mr fundamental responsibility; it involves every pupil and raising money through their own initiative and much, forcing me to retire early from our game. Perhaps included involvement with the CCF and we thank her for Gedye. The team reached the last 16 in the National every member of staff. Heads of departments and enterprise for a charity of their choice; the evening had this is what the national team should have done in its big her contribution. Dr Child stands down as senior officer Schools Competition. Our track and field event athletes teachers were highly successful last year and we a wow factor for everyone in the audience. They raised match on Sunday afternoon last week. of the RAF section; over the last 20 years the RAF has won almost every age group in the recent 7 Schools’

2 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 3 School Prizes Some of those who make the school tick…

SCHOOL PRIZES Blaxland Prize for Art Katherine Dinning-Cooke Sword of Honour Daniel Thompson Mothersill Westwick Prizes for Achievement Alasdair Anderson Governors’ Prize for English Governors’ Prize for Adityo Khastgir Language Laura Moss Theatre Studies Gemma Cole Jack Roberts Barker Prize for English Literature Jane Larcombe Taylor Award for Drama Sadie Cuthbert Southern Prizes for Chapel Reading Matthew Mellish Adlard Prize for Mathematics William Trewby Governors’ Prize for Drama Nick Gaven Daniel Thompson Parkinson Prize for Further Governors’ Prize for Music James Corkish Southern Prize for Chapel Mathematics Jonathan Lau Director of Music’s Prizes Hamish Byers Chorister Sophie St Leger- Sowerby Prize for Biology Owen Waldin Anson Chan Honeybone Robinson Prize for Chemistry Matthew Harrison Juliane Frere Chaplain’s Prizes Jack Atha Wiseman Prize for Physics William Trewby William Hau Tom Atha Walton Prizes for Practical Science Harriet Keighley Jonathan Lau Jake Covins Jonathan Lau Josh Hooker Robert Harrison Jonathan Sayer Director of Music’s Prizes Samuel Leung Matthew Watson Crosby Prize for Pre-Medical Studies Owen Waldin Sarah Phillips Rotary Club Prizes Sarah Farr Munro Prize for French Rebecca Davy Jonathan Sayer Matthew Mellish Governors’ Prize for German Matthew Harrison Wynna Wong Hristo Mihaylov Governors’ Prize for Spanish Rebecca Davy Johnson Prize for Piano James Corkish Maisie Steer- Shields Prize for Classics Matthew Robinson Corkish Prize for Musical Richards Farrar Prize for Ancient History Charlotte Brown Endeavour George Warren Headmaster’s Prize for a Day Girl Sarah Phillips Scott Prize for Geography Charlotte Brown Governors’ Prize for Sports Studies Jack Neville Headmaster’s Prize for a Day Boy Jack Neville Jackson Prize for Field Study Alistair Brown Barker Prizes for Sport Perry Alexander Headmaster’s Prize for a Mowitt Prize for History Matthew Robinson Chris Bark Boarding Girl Juliane Frere Governors’ Prize for Politics Felix Pearson Robert Harrison Headmaster’s Prize for a Prest Prize for Religious Studies Laura Moss John Huck Boarding Boy Hamish Byers Rowlandson Prize for Economics Toby Spark Harriet Keighley Thompson-Richardson Prize Hamish Byers Vincent Prize for Business Studies Perry Alexander Oscar Moore The Old Barnardians’ Club Mellanby Prize for Technology Josh Gibson Hughes Prize for Service Stelian Nenkov Centenary Cup Rebecca Davy Horwath, Clark, Whitewell Prize Contingent Commandant’s Prize Jake Covins for I.C.T. Robert Hall

Academic Honours Award Ties School Monitors Gold Headmaster’s Certificates have been awarded to: Head of School Rebecca Davy Headmaster’s Gold Certificates were presented in Charlotte Brown Rebecca Davy Nailing Up, at the end of each term for those who Harriet Keighley Adityo Khastigir Deputies Hamish Byers achieved 50 merits or distinctions in the term. The Jonathan Lau Stelian Nenkov Harriet Keighley following pupils obtained the Certificates and £10 Jack Neville Matthew Robinson Matthew Robinson from the Headmaster’s own pocket: William Trewby Owen Waldin Owen Waldin Head of House Kerin Borer (x 2!), Lizzie Knight, Daniel Milne, Catrin Bowes Harriet Keighley Robertson, Alex Stirk, Thea Thompson, Eve Wilby Positions of Responsibility Dale Jake Covins Chapel Choir Durham Jack Neville Head of Chapel Choir Sophie St Leger- Longfield Ashley Matthews House Academic Competitions Honeybone Marwood Rebecca Davy The Chairman of Governors Trophies are awarded to Deputies Hamish Byers Northumberland Hamish Byers the Houses with the highest average pupil effort Anson Chan Tees Perry Alexander assessments during the term. They were awarded as Jonathan Lau York Daniel Thompson follows: Wynna Wong Autumn term School Monitors Jonathan Lau Years 7 - 9 Bowes House Organ Scholar James Corkish Katie Mothersill Years 10 - 13 Marwood House Will Trewby Spring term Sport Charlotte Brown Years 7 - 9 Marwood House Captain of Rugby Tom Bramwell Matthew Mellish Years 10 - 13 Bowes House Captain of Girls’ Hockey Harriet Keighley Stelian Nenkov Summer term Captain of Boys’ Hockey Jack Atha Sarah Phillips Years 7 -9 Marwood House Captain of Netball Sophie Thompson Sophie St Leger-Honeybone Years 10 - 13 Bowes House Captain of Squash Robert Harrison Toby Spark Captain of Swimming Dan Miller Juliane Frere Captain of Cricket Ben Wilson Nicholas Gaven The Work Cups Captain of Girls’ Athletics Helen Simpson Sarah Farr Captain of Boys’ Athletics James Ingram John Huck The Houses winning the term’s competition receive Captain of Charlotte Brown Maisie Steer-Richards £50 for House funds. The results are derived from Captain of Golf Cameron Jones Jonathan Sayer the average number of merits or distinctions Captain of Football Andrew Jordan William Hau obtained in the term by and each pupil. Captain of Girls’ Tennis Jane Larcombe Matthew Watson Autumn term Captain of Boys’ Tennis Owen Waldin Jack Atha Years 7 - 9 Marwood House Captain of Lacrosse Katie Mothersill Tom Atha Years 10 - 13 Bowes House Sadie Cuthbert Spring term CCF Matthew Harrison Years 7 - 9 Bowes House Senior Cadet in CCF RSM Daniel Thompson Robert Harrison Years 10 - 13 Bowes House CSM Jake Covins Jane Larcombe Summer term Hannah Lyons Years 7 - 9 Bowes House Hristo Mihaylov Years 10 - 13 Tees House Laura Moss

4 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 5 Senior Common Room

gave willingly of her time to the CCF, supporting MGL, Dr Steven Dawson was pupils know what she has done, the parents know what SK and CEH on many a weekend. On the pastoral side honoured to serve on the she has done and she knows: quite an adequate of School life, she served Longfield for a year, before Physics department front audience. We wish her a happy retirement. transferring to Marwood and in both roles she strived to line with Mr McHarry, During Mr Howard Charlesworth’s time with us, things support her colleagues and tutees at all times. Perhaps sharing the teaching of have changed considerably; this has included the the prestigious Physics introduction of girls, the removal of the winter timetable, Pre-U course to the the refurbishment of large areas of the School, and the current Lower Sixth. building of the Languages’ Block, Art and Technology Astronomy is a passion; Centre, and Macfarlane block. There was only one full Dr Dawson he managed to combine responsibilities in time female teacher when he arrived in 1981. the Department whilst completing his PhD in Mexico. He is a Trustee of the Maldives Care Society Trust which, amongst other activities, actively promotes mentoring between the UK and the Maldives. In addition to taking squash teams away for fixtures, he has contributed much to the success of our school The Senior Common Room is a vibrant and busy place. community. He will be missed by both boys and fellow manner: her commitment to these pupils was wholly, In September, we welcomed the following new members tutors in Northumberland House where he has made a but quietly zealous and sincerely felt: she did not just teachers: Mr Jim Brettell as Head of ; Miss Caroline most considerable contribution to School life, and the do the right thing by them; she was personally Hall to teach Biology and to be Contingent Commander Physics department. He leaves us for the sunny south committed to seeing them all get on. Over the years she Mr Oliver Marlow joined Barnard Castle in 2005 from of the Combined Cadet Force; Miss Amy Jackson to coast, to teach Physics at St Bede’s School, East built up a strong team in Learning Support which she Christ’s Hospital School. His excellent work as Deputy teach Geography; Mrs Lucie Nicholson as ‘English as a Sussex. We wish him the very best for the future. led and guided to cover the ground increasingly Head has been much admired by colleagues and pupils. Second Language’ teacher; Miss Caroline Snaith to Dr Jacquie Robson gained her BSc in Chemistry in 1998 comprehensively. No stone was left unturned as she He leaves for Eastbourne College at the end of the teach Religious Studies and junior Classics; Mr Steven Dayna will chiefly be remembered for a more personal from Durham and followed this by writing her PhD in sought to find ways of helping each struggling individual Autumn Term and we wish him and his family every Tomlinson to teach Modern Languages; Mrs Amanda characteristic, namely that she was always so openly Chemistry from the same university. She qualified as a find genuine self-belief in and find ways to make happiness on the south coast. Young to be a part time teacher of Computing. In the cheery and friendly, always happy to wear her heart teacher in 2002 whilst holding the post of Assistant progress and to achieve success in important public Mr David Ewart is an old boy of Rossall School and a Prep School, Mr Carl Rycroft took on the reigns of Head on her sleeve, always sincere and never sarcastic Head of Chemistry at The Royal Grammar School, exams. One instance of this was evident with regard to graduate of Hatfield College, Durham where he also of the Prep School. They have all contributed or cynical. Newcastle. She joined us as Head of Chemistry in In 1982, he joined Dale as an Assistant Housemaster access arrangements for school exams, GCSEs and A completed a PGCE. Prior to his time at BCS, he taught significantly to School life. She leaves us to take up a new life in Milton Keynes September 2006. and worked with Mr Alan Farrar. His contributions to the levels: there are so many more entitlements nowadays in two comprehensive schools, in Newcastle and Births seemed to be the order of the year with no less and to pursue her career in rural Bedfordshire: the The department has undergone significant changes sporting life of the School, particularly rugby and that Val has secured for our learners and each year Hertfordshire. He was appointed an Assistant Master at than four new additions to the Senior Common Room’s prospects are exciting and full of potential, and we wish under her leadership: a complete revamp of the KS3 cricket, the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and seems to have seen one new feature or another: pupils Trent College in 1978 and a resident Housemaster from extended family. Congratulations to the Killeens who her every success professionally and personally. syllabus; new resources to bring to life the new activity cycling have all been highly valued by the School who have been unaccountably written off elsewhere 1980. He had been in charge of their Silver and Gold were blessed with twins, and further congratulations to Miss Marcy Cuneo joined the School as member of the domestic GCSE syllabus; the launch of iGCSE and appreciated by pupils. He attempted to retire two have thrived under her guidance. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the School’s Mr Neil Toyne and also to Mrs Laura Turner. English Lacrosse Programme, to assist the games’ Chemistry; the long overdue commissioning of years ago but has now finally decided that, having worn Outside the Learning Support department, Val swimming team, coaching U15 rugby and hockey teams Mr Paul Johnson, distinguished teacher of Modern department and to coach lacrosse to all of the schools’ interactive whiteboards in all three labs and the out 3 Housemasters and 3 Headmasters, it is time contributed in many ways. Her yearly nurturing of the as well as being immersed in a host of outdoor and Languages, took time off due to ill health in the latter teams. A graduate of the Catholic University of America, introduction of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to retire. Year 7 English set paid dividends and our pass rates in indoor activities. part of the academic year; at the time of writing, he is where she read Elementary Education, she took on to name but a few. A keen ‘keep-fit’ fan, Howard has taken up biking and English would be less positive if her help had not been He took up his post as Second Master at Barnard recovering well and we look forward to welcoming him Outside the classroom, Jacquie initiated and ran the organised annually the cycle ride to Tan Hill where staff at hand. She was always been a great support within Castle in 1988 where he has since served with back in September. During his absence, Mrs Melanie popular ‘Chemistry of Art’ activity and has also been a raise a glass to the memory of two former young the department and a sensitive and critical sounding distinction. He completed the Durham MA and the Open Dickinson joined the staff, most competently taking dedicated tutor in both Tees House and more recently colleagues. In addition to helping with Duke of board whenever such help was sought. I know that University DMS in his own time whilst fulfilling all his over the running of his classes. She has proved to be as Assistant Housemistress in Marwood House. She Edinburgh’s Award expeditions for over 20 years, as well Martin and Judith Pepper are highly grateful for all she responsibilities. He was appointed Headmaster in April an excellent replacement. has also played a major role in the development of as joining Mr Waddington on his summer walking trips, did in Longfield House and her tutoring is going to be 2004 and has worked diligently to promote the good Mrs Amanda Gorman stood down as Housemistress netball, a sport she is extremely passionate about. he loves to ski and in recent years has become the sorely missed. It would take too long to list the myriad name of the School and to develop our pupils into finely of Marwood after seven years of impressive service. During her four years with us Jacquie has coached all School’s PGL ‘resort-rep’ for the Courchevel trip. He is ways she involved herself as Headmaster’s wife in tuned men and women ready to enter the real world. She will join Longfield as a tutor. Mrs Alison Armstrong age groups and was involved in setting up an elite also a very fine photographer and keeps meticulous school life, but suffice it to say, she attended all events David has always been passionate about making sure will run Marwood with Mr Alderson and Miss netball squad. She was involved with the U14 team that albums to record all his former teams. with enthusiasm and loyalty. that each and every boy and girl who leaves this School Shorthouse as her deputies. reached the National School Netball finals where BCS He has opened the bowling for the staff cricket team, It is fair to say that Val’s complete commitment to her goes on to achieve at the highest level and takes a The end of year sees us lose a number of excellent finished 13th in the whole country. Recently she was top scored in staff/school basketball matches, been learners was perhaps only matched by bashful modesty great pride in the destination of the upper sixth leavers’ members of staff, some to other schools and others to nominated for and won the Netball Teacher Award MCR treasurer for ten years and holds the respect of all and her desire to stay out of the limelight, and so in list. The School’s academic results have prospered well earned retirement. presented by England Netball. She continues to play at his colleagues. A colleague recently quipped, “If you summary: BCS owes Val a great deal; she underpinned under his guidance and have, in recent years, been the Mrs Laoni Butler has taught Year 1 in the Prep School a high level herself in the Netball Premier League and want to know what a first class teacher and Assistant and gave real substance to our mission statements best the School has ever achieved. He has enjoyed for 2 years. A very good teacher, she has proved to be also in the National Super League. Housemaster is supposed to do, then ask Howard what about our caring ethos; potentially these could just be teaching Geography and, more recently Maths, kind, caring and patient. She has helped her class to Jacquie leaves us to take up a one-year post as he did, and that will do it!” the ‘right’ words, saying the ‘right’ thing in a glossy considering teaching to be an important part of raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Dogs' Teacher Fellow with the Royal Society of Chemistry Howard leaves us for a well earned retirement with brochure, but she drove this crucially important part of his work. Trust. She has guided her classes well and has been before she plans to return to the classroom. We wish Mrs Mary Charlesworth, who also leaves us after school life forward and made highly tangible, sensitive David has always been a loyal supporter of School an asset to the school. work in the Prep School, in her second year here, her well in her new venture and hope to see her back at teaching in the Learning Support Department for six and effective our provision for all those with Special sport as well, and he has been proud to attend Mrs Holly Steele joined us two years ago as an NQT. A teaching Maths whilst continuing to coach Lacrosse. BCS in her new role promoting Chemistry. years. Here, she has made a most important Needs. Parents knew that their sons and daughters Twickenham on three separate occasions for the final of graduate of St Andrews University, and holding a She has worked very successfully in the School Mrs Sheilagh Wade has been a loyal servant of the contribution to many young boys and girls’ learning in were in good, caring, proactive hands and I would argue the Daily Mail Cup, along with countless other sporting PGCE, she quickly became a contributing fully to all aspects of school life and School for 24 years, as School Secretary. Known for her their formative years in the School. We wish them both that there is little more important than that in the successes to include Bath Cup winners (swimming) and valued Year 4 teacher, undertaking boarding house working alongside the Peppers as Assistant calm, kind and helpful personality, she has been the a long and happy retirement together. business that we are in. As More says to Rich, the this year’s U15 Netball National Finals, to name but a Housemistress this year. We wish her all the best for 'voice' at the other end of the ‘phone for thousands of responsibilities and being Head of Drake House. She few. He has also played a leading role in running the her future career. parents calling the School via the General Office. She introduced Yoga and ran a popular Modern Languages’ Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award here. Mrs Laura Rhodes left Barnard Castle on maternity has made a huge impression on teaching and non- Club, both activities proving very popular with the His roles as Chairman of the Deerbolt HMYOI leave at the end of the summer term 2009. She had teaching staff alike, and she will be sorely missed by children. Holly married Fraser in April 2010 and will take Independent Monitoring Board, Member of the Durham been a very important part of the growing success of everyone who has got to know her during this time. up her position as a Year 2 teacher at Quatar Dales and High Duke of Edinburgh’s Expedition the RS and Classics Departments. As a resident Meticulous in her efficiency, she has kept both Mr International School. We will miss Holly as an excellent Panel, ISI Inspector, Secretary of the regional Royal member of staff and, more recently the resident Marlow and Mr Ewart on straight and narrow paths teacher and colleague. Geographical Society, Governor of Windlestone School Assistant Housemistress of Longfield House, she made during their years as Deputy Head. She retires and will Miss Dayna McDonald joined the English and Theatre and Member of the East Middlesbrough Learning Trust an important contribution to the pastoral life of the spend more time with her husband, Tony and her grand- Studies departments in September 2008. As the first Board have all kept him busy outside the School. School. In addition, her contribution to the games; daughter, Ellie. We wish her and her family happy full time non-science tenant of L12, she very quickly The School will be a different place without his friendly programme for girls was greatly appreciated. In March holidays in their caravan, and hope she will call in to transformed a former Physics lab into a colourful guidance, support and leadership; pupils and staff will 2010, she decided not to return to her post at Barnard see us from time to time. English classroom. miss him greatly. He leaves us for a well deserved Castle. She and husband, Mark now live in the Mrs Valerie Ewart joined Barnard Castle in 1988, since Dayna contributed much during her 2 years with us. retirement and we wish him a long and happy life Newcastle area; Mark works at the university. Laura will when she has worked tirelessly and self-effacingly on Her organisation of the poetry reading day was beyond Barnard Castle. successful and she accompanied L6th language sets to return to teaching when her daughter, Annabelle is behalf of all those pupils with learning difficulties. This LDM Sheffield University. She ran a cookery club and she older. We wish them all happiness and success. she did in so much more than simply a professional Chairman of Senior Common Room.

6 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 7 Public speaking

Pupils Representative Groups

return; carbonara should be available more often, each ha more jacket potatoes with a greater range of fillings d a Senior Public ho The Lectern (for example, coronation chicken, tuna, coleslaw and t t prawns) should be available. Tea: meatballs, op ‘chicken in a box’, thick chips, paninis, chicken ic to burgers, chicken wings, and pizza (particularly d Dominos pizza) should be on the menu more often; Speaking eb Club a wider range of fruits should be available, to include at e… This was a very active and successful year for the grapes and dates; toffee yoghurt should be served Lectern Club. Interest and enthusiasm was at an all as a dessert option. time high and the guest lists were quickly filled. The House representatives were asked to report the Competition committee (Becky Davy, Jane Larcombe, Sarah Phillips, Minutes of Meetings to Houses. The Headmaster, who attended Meetings, would also inform the This year saw a necessary and welcome expansion of Dan Thompson and Hamish Byers) worked extremely School of the outcomes. events as the now 8 senior Houses in the School put on hard to produce our three events over the year. Junior The theme of the first Lectern Club of the year was their thinking caps to provide a varied and stimulating evening of oratory and discussion. Our adjudicator this ‘Ye Merry Olde England’ and the Committee decided The Equal Opportunities Forum year, Prof Gerald Blake, Chairman of Barnard Castle that they would extend special invitations to our Meetings Rotary Club and alumnus of Durham University, made it international students. In attendance were pupils The School Council Housemasters and House Parents the opportunity to clear afterwards just how impressed he was by the range Inter-House from Germany, Spain, Bulgaria and Russia. Our ensure this facility was not abused. Stelian Nenkov was voted Chairman. of topics and by the skills and teamwork on display. speakers delivered some excellent speeches that Fourteen members of School were popularly elected to The ‘Safer Internet Day’ and the role of CEOP had been Access for disabled people into the Classics and The first presentation by Bowes House challenged the reflected their interpretation of the theme. As always the Council and Becky Davy, as Head of School, chairs explained to all pupils in the School. These were both Religious Studies Departments’ classrooms was audience to consider the ethics of euthanasia by asking the kitchens provided a superb meal and everyone meetings. Any topics can be raised. The following commended. considered to be a problem. At a School Council “Whose life is it anyway?” Durham then brought us Public made an effort to dress for the occasion. The suggestions have been made: Committee members suggested up to 100 pupils had Meeting 18 months ago, concern was expressed about bang up to date with an ethical issue from the cyber evaluators decided on the dynamic duo of Matthew Internet facilities on mobile phones; these could be congestion on the S block stairs. The Governors had world where illegal down-loading of music and films has Visiting schools’ coaches should park outside the Mellish and Josh Gibson as the winners of the vehicles for Internet abuse. Mobile phone cameras had commissioned the architect to devise improvements. become a major issue. Maintaining the self-analytical school grounds to reduce traffic congestion at mini speeches and Matthew Robinson as the main caused problems when they were first brought into The Governors had selected their preference. Disabled heat, York House looked at sport and the extent to 5.00pm: DONE speech winner. School. Education minimised this problem. access, for those with physical disabilities, would be which rules are being justifiably broken as the race for Speaking Recycling boxes should be put in House areas; ‘Angels and Demons’ was the theme of the second Committee members know that social networking incorporated when the changes go ahead; at present success and riches hots up. requests for finance to redecorate day Houses and On Thursday 4th March 2010, the Inters battled it out to Lectern event of the year. Again the committee had to sites (Facebook and Bebo, for example) could be used those with physical disabilities use the back door of It was something of an intellectual relief when improve storage for bags were made: PHASE 1 win the Inter-House Speaking competition. The format turn people away as speakers and evaluators carelessly by pupils and, once messages had been S17 for relatively easy access to the building. Marwood took the dais to raise the topic of ghosts – that STARTED comprised of teams of four from each House; each had scrambled to get on the guest list. Heads of Houses sent, the content was the author's responsibility. Improving ease of entry into the School’s Gifted and said, the light relief was relative as the speech sought Water Fountains need to be checked daily and a a hot topic to debate. Timings were a little shorter than and Deputy Heads of School were the special guests Authors should not claim he or she ‘did not know’, or Talented group was considered. Mrs Richardson already quite sincerely and seriously to make us realise that request was made for hot chocolate at break during in previous years to accommodate the York-North split, this time. Speeches were of high quality and varying 'did not realise’, or say that 'nobody had told them’. invites heads of departments to nominate new science might not account for everything. North had the the winter months. BOTH DONE both teams now competing separately. in topic but in the end the winner of the short speech Ignorance was not considered an excuse! members from each academic year at the start of each audience straight back in the real world, albeit one Mixed common rooms were suggested. These are There were obvious nerves and jitters within the was Sophie St Leger-Honeybone and the winner of the Committee members consider they are the ‘eyes and perhaps of nightmarish significance and a very firm case not popular with girls! year. One member of the group recommended the teams, not helped by the large audience which had main speech was Matthew Robinson. ears’ of the School as far as bearing down on cyber- was made for us as a nation to be given a much clearer Skype and WiFi were requested in boarding House regional Gifted and Talented Conferences. The 2009 gathered in Big School. The Headmaster positioned The final event of the year fell around Valentine’s bullying is concerned. account of our military presence in Afghanistan. areas but the Headmaster is sceptical as Barnardian Magazine entry, which details Gifted and himself centrally to cast his eye over the speakers Day and the committee decided on a theme of ‘All’s Dale looked at the voting system presently available to unrestricted use of the internet can lead to Talented initiatives, was considered to be an impressive but the competitors kept their nerve and spoke with Fair in Love and War’. Once again the popularity of the the UK electorate and eloquently found convincing fault significant social and abuse problems. list of School initiatives. verve and passion. Topics included arranged marriages, Club was evident in the final numbers given to the The Food Committee with it, while penultimately Longfield metaphorically threw Sports’ skins should be sold in School: DONE. the war in Afghanistan and celebrity couples adopting kitchen caterers, who put on yet another superb open the doors to our boarding community in order to It was hoped that ‘Good Morning BCS’ could be Prior to meetings, 32 nominated House representatives overseas. spread. The Committee did the evaluating this time The Games and Games Activities dispel the still lingering myths about boarding life. The final restarted as a School newspaper; Mr McHarry was were available at lunch to receive comments, advice, The standard was high and it was clear that topics had and after much deliberation decided on Marc team saw us back in ethical territory and we were asked to not keen on this! recipes and suggestions about School food. Committee been well prepared and practised. The competition was Liebermeister as the short speech winner and Donna Day Houses: William Manners congratulated the consider the value of ‘truth’ and the mileage that might judged by Emeritus Professor Gerald Blake, now of Opray as the main speech winner. More frequent lowering of the rising bollard for entry 18 members of School, Miss Cover (Head of Games and Catering Manager on the excellent day Houses’ reasonably be got from any lie which as Seamus Heaney Barnard Castle Rotary Club bur formerly of the It has been a pleasure overseeing the Lectern Club to the eastern section of the campus was Games Activities) and Mr Pepper (Director of Sport) Christmas lunches; there were unanimous once remarked helps to “grease the social machinery.” Geography Department at Durham and former Principal this year. The enthusiasm and commitment of the requested. This would defeat the purpose of the attend meetings; Matthew Mellish was unanimously congratulations. Prof Blake spoke warmly about each team, before of Collingwood College; he was clearly impressed with Committee made the Club a huge success and the barrier! elected as chairperson. The following requests were made: awarding the trophy to North House. Congratulations to the high standard and rightfully praised all the super nights they organised have sparked the interest A second soccer pitch was recommended: DONE. Committee members did not identify any Health and Hamish Byers, Jack Rigby and Cameron Jones. If you get competitors. In the end Tees House speakers were of the Lower Sixth, many of whom have already asked Members expressed delight about the Dance and Hot soup daily, to include broth, a return of the pasta Safety and/or Risk concerns from pupils about either the chance, do make the effort to come along- it really is crowned victors for their excellently researched topic on to be part of next year’s Committee. I wish this year’s Fitness Centre, first suggested in 2006! DONE! bar, sandwiches and mini-pork pies to be available changing rooms or games’ sessions. one of those occasions that shows BCS at its best. ‘The Bail-out of the Banks’. Committee all the best for the future. on the salad bar, and thick chips rather than thin The range of sports available in the Spring Term is AMW MLW EEB Counter-Bullying Committees chips on Fridays. impressive given the difficulty with weather, and Paninis and meatballs would be very popular new pressure on indoor sports’ accommodation. The 14 pupils sit on the counter-bullying committee and options; more jacket potatoes, a wider range of position will improve substantially when the new dance James Ingram was voted Chairman. fillings for lunch, a wider range of salad vegetables and fitness centre is opened. There was a suggestion The national anti-bullying week had gone well in and a wider choice of fruit would be welcomed at that more football could be played; Miss Cover and Mr School; Dean Wheeler and James Ingram had spoken to lunch. Pepper will consider this but, at present, the range of Year groups about the problems of bullying in some The choice of two cooked puddings each day was facilities, coaches and inter-school fixtures would not schools. requested; suggestions: jam rolly-polly, jam tart, make this easy. The Committee confirmed the effectiveness of sticky toffee pudding, ice cream, cheesecake, There was a suggestion to survey pupils’ preferences education sessions in Assemblies as a way of raising cornflake pie, Swiss roll, doughnuts, crackers and for sports; at present, this is done verbally. It was the profile of counter-bullying actions. cheese. considered to be a good idea. The Committee agreed to survey the School Vegetarian recipes should be passed to the catering A significant number of pupils would be keen to play population about possible areas and times when manager. Food should not be taken out of the Dining basketball. Miss Cover and Mr Pepper said this would be bullying might occur. This was done and the only Hall as this often led to waste and mess. a possibility, either after activities each day (after 5.10pm) identified area and time was on the School buses, at Boarding Houses: Jack Atha thanked and and at weekends; we will look for a coach as there is no- the end of the day; senior pupils and bus monitors had congratulated the Catering Manager on the excellent one on the staff who has appropriate qualifications. been appointed and their authority will be emphasised Boarders’ Christmas Dinner; everyone agreed. The Committee members are enthusiastic about Summer to all travellers. following requests were made: Breakfast: muesli Term games with its better weather. 9 pupils sit on the Counter-Cyber Bullying Committee and bran flakes should be available; eggs should be Committee members agreed the quality of games’ and Rob Hall was elected Chairman. available every morning to include continental opportunities is high and the coaching is of a very Committee members were pleased Skype facilities for breakfast mornings, and hash browns should be high standard for all pupils, irrespective of ability boarders’ use had been put into House offices giving served more often. Lunch: the pasta bar should and standard.

8 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 9 Chapel Report Charity Committee

has been the Christian foundation personified during We had raised a lot of money for Haiti – £1300 to be his time here. And alongside him, but entirely herself, precise. The map of that country in Central Hall, put there is Val – the gentle persuader, the builder of together in hours by Art students, was now covered in confidence, the provider of Christmas parties to staff paper slips signed by people in school who wanted to children and the one who put 25% extra-timers into the place their money where their hearts were touched. And mainstream and never forgot them. Together they now the man from Rotary came into Chapel with his brought the kingdom of God a little bit closer for so Shelter Box, needing 3 sixth formers to lift it. What a many. brilliant concept. Everything for up to 10 people to I look round the Chapel at the memorials of venerable survive just about any disaster – from tent to tools to old boys and staff but they are not as eloquent as lives water cleansing. A deal with major airlines and border lived. Remodelled boarding houses, Physics and ICT agencies for the boxes to be waved through red tape and labs and that long-awaited dance studio are all very put on the next flight. Here was the assurance that our well, but it’s in the humdrum, under the rain and the sun money translated directly into action. that we all share, that true legacies are made. In the A few months later there were different speakers – whimsical daily remembrance of a man who was called this time from the Samaritans, explaining “Lord” primarily because he was a servant, we are that the £3,700 raised by the Barnard Run would keep invited to see the Headmaster’s pew as the lowest seat their switchboard open 24/7 for many weeks for the as well as the highest. 35,000 calls they take every year from the lonely and The service ends with “The Grace”. I march down the the desperate. aisle. The staff exit the Chapel, following the The Charity committee, that loose affiliation of Headmaster who walks with his wife and our blessing enthusiastic volunteers, has done wonders again this into a bright day, leaving his seat for another good man year. There was the cake decorating and auction, the to fill. Easter egg hunt, the sale of Christmas goods, the mass turn out for Gladiator and the regular non-uniform days. Gemma Cole did the Playtex moonwalk for breast cancer, some of our forces children got behind the donation to SSAFA. Nick Crowe has devised a miniature Peer Support Programme world cup in the last fortnight of term to send money to A few sixth formers get there early, after registration, to inappropriate. Like the hymn boards, which mysteriously our Kenyan Project Swallow. Donna Opray, Harriet I am grateful to the Darlington Samaritans for training stand guard. Although no monitor is specifically feature number 666, courtesy of some late night prank, Knowles, Hannah Robertson and James Ingram, with many more members of the Sixth Form to become Peer allocated to the door, the same faces generally appear. I tend to check the facts beforehand. I wonder many others, are masterminding the concert for Supporters; we now have some fifty sixth formers The junior boy boarders in particular like to “mosh” in sometimes if the Chapel should really be open from Maggie’s Place – a wonderful centre for patients, making a difference. They offer confidential support to the porch in the hope of getting in first to see how many 7am to 9pm – but the principle seems important. I undergoing treatment for cancer, where they can find a all pupils in the school, making an impact both during of them can cram into one pew and avoid sitting on the often catch Preppie musicians playing James Bond a la listening ear, shared experiences, a serene environment the school day and in the boarding community. aisle benches where they get toed by those behind. Matthew Atherton on the organ at lunchtime. The peer and endless coffee. This year, thanks to the hard work of Oliver Crisp, we Inevitably one of them will kick the microphone lead supporters have a couple of comfy chairs at the back of These and many other efforts are sparkling jewels in have been able to offer an internet resource allowing protruding from the floor to the centralised lectern. The Chapel, when needed. As House singing approaches, a caring school. The donations listed below represent pupils the opportunity to send a confidential e-mail to sixth formers take it in their stride. Familiar stuff. rehearsals spill into the Chapel, and in the sunlit days only the money which has come through the committee, a Peer Supporter. Feedback from both the Peer of summer it’s a tranquil place to sit and reflect. but I know that at least 3 staff have done various Supporters and pupils within the school has been We start with a hymn. We still insist on a wide physical feats for charity sponsorship and there are excellent and I would like to thank the Peer Supporters repertoire, otherwise it’d be “Jerusalem” and “I vow to endless accounts of young people showing that they for their hard work this year. thee” all the time. Sometimes I accede to requests. Chapel Highlights care. I am privileged to have had a hand in promoting I look forward to considering new initiatives for the Near the anniversary of Tony Parkinson’s death, Martin and encouraging just a few of them. Peer Support next term. Ince will ask for “To be a pilgrim” which on Tony’s lips 3 weekend Retreats to Keswick for confirmation SJR AJA always became “To be a penguin”. candidates and those already confirmed. The monitor reads the Bible. I pick the readings The usual Seasonal Services of Harvest Festival, because lectionaries don’t cater well for different year Remembrance, 3 Senior Carol Services, 2 Prep groups attending 3 out of 4 days with a House meeting School Carol services and the Pre-Prep nativity. The on Wednesdays. The trick is a reading able to stand annual confirmation service (21 candidates) alone but support a theme through a week. Not that the followed by a huge lunch – the service conducted by monitor always knows this. Overcome by the fear that a Tom Wright, Lord Bishop of Durham, in his final year “helpful mate” has changed the page, or in the Diocese. underestimating how difficult it is to read to 300 critics, Wonderful choral evensongs in York Minster and they often make a mess of St Paul but deal alright with Durham Cathedral and huge credit to Mark Gradually the rest arrive as the organ plays – some the gospels. The clever ones, with an agnostic bent, Mawhinney, Matthew Atherton and the whole Chapel girls deliberately leaving it late because it’s “cooler” to inflect “This is the Word of the Lord” with a question Choir for the fantastic quality of music all year. Donations this year: sit in the ante-Chapel and warmer in winter because of mark. They stand on a foot stool inscribed with “In The introduction of Festal Eucharists on Advent the blow heater near the door. A litter of books is left on Principio Verbum” at the lectern which goes right back Sunday and the first Sunday back at school after Haiti Appeal £1,300 the Chapel corridor windowsills a bit like the shoes to the Chapel opening in 1912 - a testimony to the non- Easter. Incense, bells and full ceremony. The Barnard Run Charity outside a mosque. Longfield girls, in the summer, trust denominational Protestantism which founded the The first Prep School Evensong with the ever (The Samaritans) £3,700 them to the concrete plinths outside the linen rooms, at school. History under their feet. stronger Prep School Choir under Matthew St Cuthbert’s Hospice £600 the mercy of sudden squalls and the drizzle that comes I read a poem or tell a story. It’s a kind of “Thought for Atherton’s direction. SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force) £700 from nowhere even in June, but then lessons start at the day” and better, I would like to think, than the Radio Excellent House Services from Durham, Tees and Playtex Moonwalk £800 9.10am and none of them fancy walking further than 4 version, but feed-back is rare and the seniors still Longfield Christian Aid £900 they need. miss the “funny things” that I do on Wednesdays with A moving Lenten Liturgy in February Barnardo’s £100 The historic Houses sit at the front, Durham facing the Prep school. A fascinating One World Week sermon by Dr Nigel Project Swallow £150 North at the altar end, Tees and York further back, the Looking on from the back, always there, unless he’s Oakley Maggie’s Place £ 1,019 (and more to come) girls’ Houses occupying the choir stalls and back rows, running the simultaneous assembly, is the Headmaster. The week in week out, Tuesday lunch-time Salvation Army (Harvest donation) £150 Dale split between the gallery and downstairs. A few I sometimes think he could have been Chaplain as well communions open to anyone any time. Parkinson’s £150 House staff keep the peace in the house pews but the as Deputy Head then Head. Champion of the “A-team” In the light of new relaxed regulations, far more TOTAL £9,569 majority slip into the L shape right and left of the Head Geographers, the straightener of ties at Chapel enquiries about weddings in the school Chapel and and Deputy Head benches. entrance, the orderer of the lunch queue, passionate five ceremonies this year including Claire Ewart. It’s 50p for a birthday announcement – proceeds to about the Samaritans since student days, the turner of The launch of Christmas cards and consciousness charity - and £1 if they want some laughable nickname. blind eyes to childish antics but the fearsome opponent raising for the Chapel centenary window in 2012 Sometimes I’m not sure whether it may be rude or of bullies and the champion of the weak, David Ewart SJR

10 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 11 and the te amw D r a m a D r a m a ork did n’t stop there… Senior Play Junior In November 2009, 22 students from Years 10, 11, Lower and Upper Sixth took to the stage to perform Willy Russell’s ‘Our Day Out’. The play follows the school trip of a Liverpool school’s progress class to the zoo, Conway Festival of Castle, the beach and the fairground and provides many laughs along the way. There were some great performances from our acting veterans, including Hannah Robertson as the the Arts downtrodden Carol and Jevany Thompson and Laura Holmes as the flirtatious Linda and Karen, but the real What more could one want at the end of a tiring, busy surprise was the amount of fresh faces that took part: term than an evening of happy, relaxing entertainment Nick Gaven had a fantastic cameo role as the bus from a really talented group of young performers? A full driver; Matthew Robinson played a very grumpy Mr audience was treated to a diverse programme which Briggs and Sadie Cuthbert was outstanding as Mrs Kay. highlighted clearly just how confident and promising our In fact, all of the cast, new and experienced, worked younger pupils are. hard together to produce a true ensemble piece. The evening commenced with the junior orchestra And the team work didn’t stop there: Charlotte under the direction of Mr Donnelly, performing a Dickinson headed a brand new backstage crew (mainly selection of lively numbers. This was interspersed with made up of Year 7 students who have been christened 2 quite remarkable piano solos by Juliet O’Brien and ‘The Tiny Team’ by Mr Fairbairn) who all helped to get Seb Marlow, and some poetry crisply recited by Martha Barney’s drama for 2009-2010 off to a great start Clarkson whose word play and imagery were very EB striking. (Congratulations here go also to Mrs Beaty for creating the opportunity in her creative writing club for such originality to flourish.) After the interval, the audience returned to find a much changed Big School: the stage had been set for the Junior production of Terry Pratchett’s “Johnny and the Dead”. This is a demanding play: seemingly straightforward in content at the start – a group of young people, led by the conscientious Johnny (who finds he can communicate with the dead), seeks to stop the destruction of a graveyard at the hands of uncaring commercialised modernity – the play moves into some more metaphysical terrain with weighty ponderings upon the nature of the after-life. Lightening the load, we are given some clear characterisations: the dead are a selection of recognisable types (suffragette, communist, suicide victim etc!), as are Johnny’s friends, but, that said, they are by no means easy to play; and Johnny himself is a quite conflicted young man with a lot to consider and a lot to say. All of which brings me round to the key issue which is that this young cast did a very impressive job and they all deserve the fullest praise. It is an ensemble piece and most of the scenes called for ensemble acting that was secure and mature – the dead were individualised (full marks to the costume and make-up crew in this regard), but also cohesive – sadly, they became as quickly addicted to Aussie soaps as many of the living - and one gained a real sense of their changing perspective and ambitions; but it would be unjust not to pick out a couple of remarkable individual performances: Sam Everall did a brilliant job as Johnny, as did Dan Gilligan as Alderman Bowler. Congratulations to Mrs Gorman for bringing all this together at a stage of the school year when we are besieged with so many other demands and to all those others who contributed. So, this was a highly successful evening and one that confirms that the music and drama departments have the strongest of foundations to build upon in the years ahead.

a lot to cons ide r a nd a lo t to say…

12 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 13 ts on 2 studen stage and B e auty and the Beast 4 11 st uden ts ba ckstage… Musical 42 students on stage and 11 students backstage all helped to make this year’s musical, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, a sell-out success. Becky Davy and Matthew Robinson were the leads and both gave strong performances, particularly musical regular Becky who had more to do than any other cast member in her last performance at Barnard Castle School. They were ably supported by the enchanted objects of the castle: Nick Gaven as Lumiere, Maisie Steer- Richards as Mrs Potts, Dale Keogh as Cogsworth, James Preston-Pacey as Chip (our youngest cast member as a year 7), Laura Holmes as Babette and Sophie St-Leger Honeybone who regularly stole the show with her dramatic performance as diva wardrobe, Madame de la Grande Bouche; they not only gave excellent performances, but they coped brilliantly with their demanding, restrictive and huge costumes! The townsfolk were lead by many new comers who all rose to the challenge of performing in their first musical including: Andrew Jordan as the villain Gaston; Charlie Hammond as his sidekick Lefou; Freddie McBain as the asylum owner Monsieur D’arque; Alex Allison as Belle’s father Maurice and more of our musical regulars, Hannah Robertson, Jevany Thompson and Martha Moore, as the Silly Girls. All of the vast supporting cast worked hard to learn lines, songs and dance routines and many also had to learn how to get on and off stage in costumes that made them three times their normal size! As always, the backstage and technical crew were instrumental in helping to make sure that everything was alright on the night. Arts Ties were awarded to: Becky Davy, Nicholas Gaven, Matthew Robinson, Maisie Steer-Richards. EB

All of the vast supporting cast worked hard to learn lines, songs and dance “routines and many also had to learn how to get on and off stage in costumes that made them three times their normal size! ” 14 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 15 performed a mandolin concerto by Vivaldi. I am grateful night of jazz that any venue or festival in the country M u s i c Choral Society to Mrs Snowdon and Mrs Webb for all their help and would have appreciated. The whole evening was in aid encouragement with the orchestra this year. I was also of St Cuthbert’s Hospice and raised a fantastic sum of productive yea In 2009-10 the School Choral Society gave two major pleased that Edward Deytrikh and Lucy Parkinson were £823.12. A r w concerts. The first of these was in December in the Big ith m d… able to spare the time from their studies to play for both Special thanks to: Jonathan Sayer, Josh Hooker, uch achieve School and was a performance of Haydn’s Creation with major choral society concerts this year. We say farewell James Corkish, Sarah Phillips and Edward Deytrikh for chorus and orchestra. The soloists were Rebecca Lowe, to a number of players who are leaving the orchestra their loyal service to the jazz ensemble and we wish Jon Grave and Peter Coulson and the orchestra was led this year, namely James Lee, Hamish Byers, Sarah them every success in the future. by Martin Bainbridge. Creation is one of the major works Phillips, Edward Deytrikh and Sebastian Marlow and we MD The musical year – a review of the choral repertoire and the choral society coped wish them well for the future. well with the demanding choruses in the work. Earlier in AMM the autumn term, the choral society also took part in a Junior Orchestra and Junior year we said farewell to Mr Jon Snowdon who had Remembrance-tide concert in the school chapel which Music Overview taught brass at Barnard Castle for many years and he Chapel Organ Recitals included a performance of S S Wesley’s large-scale Wind Band Festival of the Arts will be greatly missed. As the year draws to a close, we anthem Ascribe unto the Lord. All the school’s major ensembles have had a productive also said farewell to Mr James Palser as he relocates After a successful series of spring and summer 2009 The second main concert was in the A dear friend of mine once said “A wind band has it all. On 29th June 26 young musicians took to the stage for year and much has been achieved. We have also been to London to pursue his career and we thank him for the concerts in Chapel to celebrate the refurbishment of the in late May. The concert began with a selection of Orchestral woodwind, a punchy brass section, limitless the annual Junior Festival of Arts. The standard was very fortunate to have had the use of a Steinway concert huge amount of work he has done in developing organ, we were honoured to conclude the series last operatic choruses including numbers from Carmen and percussion and, perhaps best of all, a full family of extremely high and the enthusiastic audience heard a grand piano in Big School in early October and to host a percussion at the school. October with a concert by Professor Dr. Ian Tracey, Organist Idomeneo. Richard Gratwick then gave an inspirational saxophones”. What more could you want? great variety of ensembles and soloists. number of recitals and masterclasses using such an AMM of Liverpool Cathedral and the City of Liverpool. This was a performance of Mozart’s violin concerto in G. The major This year the BCS wind band had a busy diverse The evening was split into two halves with the Junior extremely fine instrument. Just before the October half fantastic recital and Prof. Tracey’s exquisite playing was choral work was Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass, scored for program starting with the Durham Christmas Shopping Orchestra performing in the first section. The first piece term a group of pupils travelled to London to a Royal inspirational to all who heard him. Prof. Tracey described large orchestra including harp and very rich in Extravaganza which was held at the Darlington football was a lively arrangement of “Yellow Bird” swiftly Opera House production of Ravel’s L’heure espagnole Chapel Choir our instrument as a versatile, first-class instrument. orchestral colour. The solo sections which were sung by stadium. As is often the case when giving concerts, the followed by the ever popular “Theme from Batman”. and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and I am grateful to Mr & The organ continues to be well played and much loved Rebecca Lowe, Paul Smith and Peter Coulson are performers are short of rehearsal time so it was a There are a great deal of talented young musicians in Mrs Beaty for their help with that trip. by the 5 pupils who learn to play it. It has been a great reflective in contrast to the more robust movements fantastic effort by the musicians to get an hour of music the orchestra and the next item feature one of them. In January, in preparation for the Independent pleasure this year to have our pupils playing the organ for performed by the chorus. The orchestra was again most together. Juliet O’Brien put down her violin and sat down at the Schools’ cathedral concert, we hosted a massed Chapel Services. I am delighted that James Corkish, ably led by Martin Bainbridge. Our annual Gala Concert came next. Almost all of the piano and played Prelude by Casanovas. rehearsal which Will Todd was able to take both in George Warren, Sebastian Marlow and Juliet O’Brien have The next choral society season begins in September musicians at the School took part with excellent After readings from a selection of pieces from Mrs Chapel and Big School. Coming in the middle of school been keen and willing to play for weekday morning Chapel with concerts planned for the School Chapel and performances by the senior orchestra, jazz saxophone Beaty’s creative writing club by Martha Clarkson, there examinations, I was most grateful to Mr Fairbairn and Services and to help me with some Sunday Services. This Durham Cathedral. As ever, new members are always ensemble, chamber choir, string quartet and of course was another piano solo, this time by our lead trumpet his team for accommodating so many musicians so is a huge achievement and I am proud of them. welcome. the wind band. As always, the wind band’s contribution player Seb Marlow, who perform Chopin’s “Raindrop efficiently. Will Todd returned to the school in March for We welcomed back to the School Andrew Cantrill Mark Mawhinney, Director of Music to the evening was worth waiting for and what better Prelude”. Two more numbers by the orchestra, “Lord of the Music Festival and Winners’ Concert which was a (former organ pupil from 1987) who gave a recital this choice for their opening performance than a new the Dance” and “The Theme from Wallace and Gromit” highly enjoyable evening with James Corkish winning April in association with the Darlington & Durham arrangement of Latin Gold. The Lord of the Dance was were a fitting end to our part of what is an extremely the cup for Musician of the Year. Organists’ and Choirmasters’ Association. Andrew was Senior Orchestra next, followed by Michael Jackson’s Bad and another important concert. We had two visiting organists performing in Chapel a pupil just after the organ was rebuilt in 1986 and he new arrangement of the theme tune from the Pirates of MD during the academic year. Ian Tracey travelled from The Senior Orchestra’s main work in the first half of the the Caribbean. To finish a rousing rendition of the Brass Liverpool Cathedral and gave a superbly entertaining year was to prepare for the Independent Schools’ charity Band number Barnard Castle. The standard of playing recital at the beginning of October and then in April The choir has had a very strong lead this year from concert in Durham Cathedral in February. There was a on the night was extremely high and produced a Andrew Cantrill from Croydon Parish Church and an old Sophie St Leger-Honeybone as Head of Chapel Choir and huge amount of music to cover including Crown Imperial thoroughly enjoyable concert. Practical Music boy of the school gave a recital organised by the local she has been ably supported by a very committed group (Coronation March) by William Walton, the Capriol Suite Our final appearance of the school year was at speech organists association. Later in the summer term, it was of Upper Sixth pupils. At the Senior Choristers dinner at day. We were there to provide a musical interlude for Examination Results excellent to enjoy an impressive musical evening the end of June we bid farewell to a very large group of what would be Mr Ewart’s final public engagement as organised by the pupils themselves raising funds for the leavers. Anson Chan has been in the choir since Year 4 Headmaster. It was an honour to perform at this event Highlights of recent success include: cancer charity ‘Maggies’. and together with Sophie has clocked up a tremendous and we all wish Mr and Mrs Ewart all the best for the Arjen Jongschaap Jazz Sax Dip LCM On Speech day, as well as a record number of Director number of hours of singing and rehearsing. From the future and thank them for their support over the years. Josh Bentham Jazz Sax Dip LCM of Music prizes reflecting our extremely strong upper altos we are going to miss Wynna Wong and Sarah A special thanks to the following musicians for their Katie Welsh Jazz Sax Dip LCM sixth, there was a new prize for musical endeavour Phillips, while the sopranos will miss the expertise of support over the years. J. Corkish, J. Hooker, J. Sayer Daniel Miller Jazz Sax Grade VIII with presented to the school by Mr & Mrs Corkish, and won Juliane Frere and Rebecca Davy who have both and S. Phillips. We hope they have a successful time at distinction for the first time this year by George Warren. performed solos at the carol services. The bass section University and we wish them all well for the future. Daniel Miller Jazz Piano Grade VIII with merit will look very depleted next year as we see Jonathan said how much he had enjoyed his return visit and that MD Oriana Bezzina Jazz Sax Grade VIII with merit Lau, Hamish Byers, Sam Leung and Will Hau depart. the organ had been somewhat tamed since his days! James Corkish Singing Grade VII with merit Originally a bass but recently a tenor we also say More organic concerts are planned for 2010-11 and Lucy Parkinson Violin Grade VII goodbye to James Corkish, this year’s organ scholar. to kick these off, I am embarking on, with George Jazz Ensemble Edward Deytrikh Violin Grade VII by Peter Warlock and an arrangement of Mussorgsky’s It has been an especially busy year with our annual Warren (year 8), an “Organathon” where we are going to Stephen Chan Piano Grade VII Night on a Bare Mountain. Some members of the concert at Newbiggin Chapel in the autumn, the try and play 100 hours of concerts in various churches The Jazz ensemble looked more like a traditional big Sebastian Marlow Piano Grade VI with orchestra also played in the Concert Band pieces and Christmas concert in the Bowes Museum and the carol from July – Christmas to raise money for local churches band this year with the introduction of 3 trumpets to go distinction accompanied the second choral part of the concert. We services and visits to York Minster in November and and charities. We start in Chapel on the 10th July 2010 alongside the 12 saxophonists and rhythm section Christian Prior Singing Grade VI with merit were fortunate to be able to have two rehearsals at Durham Cathedral in May. The choir also provided a and hope to give another concert in Chapel in either already in the band. George Warren Piano Grade VI with merit Polam Hall School with players from all ten schools as large number of singers for the joint Independent October or November. For more information see Our long awaited opening concert was the Daniel Priestley Jazz Sax Grade VI well as a full day’s rehearsal on the day of the concert. Schools concert in Durham Cathedral in February. In www.majorandminor.co.uk reintroduction of the very popular Valentine’s Jazz Vincent Lau Oboe Grade VI The conductor for the Cathedral Concert was Will Todd, addition to the movements from Karl Jenkins’ ‘The MSA Evening, a night devoted entirely to jazz, featuring a James Robertson Electronic Grade VI with originally from Durham, but now working and composing Armed Man’ the massed choirs from ten different professional jazz quartet, the school jazz ensemble and Keyboard distinction in Surrey. The concert was a great success, performed in schools also sang Will Todd’s ‘The House of the Lord’ soloists. The whole evening was spread over three Edward Deytrikh Clarinet Grade V with front of a full cathedral and carefully staged-managed and Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’. The concert in aid of Chamber Choir rooms, with soloists in the Nicholson and Emberton distinction by Simon Tasker, to whom all the schools owe a great Teenage Cancer Trust raised in excess of £6,000 for rooms and the quartet and jazz ensemble residing in Edward Deytrikh Piano Grade V with merit this charity. The Chamber Choir continues to sing on Thursday evenings debt of gratitude. The other schools which took part in Big School. the Cathedral Concert were The Chorister School, The commitment of all members of the Chapel Choir at 4pm, with a small, but dedicated group of pupils. The evening got underway at 7.30 and finished at Arts Ties for Music Durham, Durham High School for Girls, , is greatly valued as is the support that they receive from This year we sang for the Butterwick Hospice’s 11.00pm with continuous live music. In the Emberton Edward Deytrikh, Matt Emmerson, Edward Grundy, Hurworth House School, Polam Hall School, Red House In March Mrs Abela returned to the music department parents and friends. The choir has also been fortunate Christmas “Light up a life” Service at Room the relaxed and appreciative audience were William Hau, Juliane Frere, Arjen Jongschaap, School, Sunderland High School, Teesside High School from maternity leave and got straight to work setting the to have had the support and encouragement of Mr and and performed in the Gala Concert in May where our entertained by Josh Hooker, James Corkish, Dan Miller, Dan Miller summer music examinations. I would like to express Mrs Ewart over the years and it was a pleasure to be programme included a medley from ‘Les Miserables’. and Yarm School. James Robertson and Dan Priestley. In the Nicholson our gratitude to Miss Rebecca Lowe who had covered able to sing for their daughter’s wedding during the I hope that more boys and girls will be encouraged to After the excitement of performing with a 100-strong Room the high standard continued with; Jonathan her maternity leave in the first two terms of the year. Easter holiday and at their final Barnardian Day service sing with us in the future. It is good teamwork and an orchestra in February, we returned to our weekly Sayer, Arjen Jongschaap, Elizabeth Gorman and from With her developing singing career, I am sure she will at the end of June. enjoyable half an hour. rehearsals enthused to prepare for the Gala Concert in the prep school Zak Day. maintain her connection with the school. Earlier in the AMM MSA May. As well as performances by the Senior Orchestra, In Big School the Donnelly quartet performed for the the String Ensemble also played and James Corkish first half, and the jazz ensemble finished off a great

16 2010 The Barnardian Magazine The Barnardian Magazine 2010 17 House Singing Competition 2009

House Singing Competition

The adjudicator was Mr James Randle who awarded the Coombs Cup and the Junior Singing Trophy on the day of the competition. The junior competition was won by Tees House and the senior competition by Marwood. Once again, many thanks to all who put in such a lot of hard work to make this such a successful musical event. AMM

18 2010 The Barnardian Magazine