The Skinners’ School 1887 School Skinners’ The ’ the 2019-20 LEOPARD chool the RS E SKINN s

The Skinners’ School 2020

THE LEOPARD 2019-20 1stXV-Rugby 1926 1stXV-Rugby ’ @LeopardTweets Tel: 01892 520732 01892 Tel: 549356 01892 Fax: [email protected] Email: www.skinners-school.co.uk Website: chool s the RS E SKINN

1stXV-Rugby 2019-20 The Skinners’ School Road St John’s Wells Tunbridge Kent TN4 9PG Robin Bell in his Boater Robin Bell, 1958

Robin Bell in 1958 described by Cecil Beeby in his school report as The School Staff 1887 ‘A perky cheerful little fellow of enterprise and very good ability too’

The School Staff 2020-21, socially distanced and attending online Rafi Tootal, Year 7 2020 Max Johnston, 6th form 2020

Present day; the wearing of blazers was relaxed in September 2020 to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19 the LEOPARD 2019-20 the LEOPARD 2019-20 JOURNAL OF THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

ELCOME to The Leopard 2019-20; the Wfirst, and possibly only edition, to be published amongst the backdrop of a global pandemic. Yet, despite the rather peculiar and unparalleled set of circumstances that have dominated each of our lives, as well as the end of this academic year, school life has A socially distanced editorial team: Ollie Knudsen, Tom Pickering, failed to grind to a halt. Dom Burns, Sam Cunningham, Matthew Walkington, Tola Alake and Joe Youdan In true Skinners’ fashion the students and members SKINNERS’ LIFE 2 Hockey 81 of staff have worked Fencing 86 industriously throughout the THE ARTS 20 Football 87 year overcoming the range Art & Design 20 Karate 87 of obstacles created through Creative Writing 29 Basketball 88 the virus. This year’s Leopard Drama 31 Badminton 90 has still managed to record Music 37 Table Tennis 91 all aspects of school life; Library 42 Swimming 92 from the once-in-a-lifetime Skiing 93 excursions that students have TRIPS 43 Extra Curricular 94 been lucky enough to attend to the erection of a new and CCF 48 WELL-BEING WEEK 96 impressive school building. CCF 48 VE Day 51 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION 98 Many thanks must go to all Final Salute 54 of the staff members and students who have diligently THE MITCHELL BUILDING 55 STAFF LEAVERS 100 contributed to this year’s publication. Special thanks SPORT 56 OBITUARIES 103 go to Mr Wesson and Mrs Rugby 56 Dray, as if it was not for Cricket 77 LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS 104 their assiduous nature and organisation, especially amongst the arduous circumstances, this would not PRODUCTION & DESIGN: Jo McCarthy | Alison Harvey have been possible. Finally, PRINTED BY: wfmprint.co.uk enjoy reading this chronicle of another busy Skinners’ year! PHOTO CREDITS: All photos were taken by students and staff, except for all team photos which Paper from sustainable Tom Pickering were reproduced courtesy of Bruce Elliott Photography. sources

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gay couple) which contrasted weekly meetings, we would freedom of expression with individually research stocks that Clubs… discrimination. All members of we predicted would increase the society have put forward in value. As we were investing strong, reasoned arguments and other people’s money, we had to LEOPARDS’ LAIR the weekly debates have been act in everyone’s best interests. fascinating. Hence, we would pitch our Earlier in the year, a group of positions to the team and would boys from Years 7 and 8 used Matthew Walkington debate whether the investment the Leopards’ Lair to strengthen was viable. This experience has and develop their entrepreneurial given us a valuable insight into skills. This brand new opportunity the volatile nature of the stock entailed coming up with their HISTORY market, and how we must not own business ideas, developing SOCIETY let our emotions interfere with them over 8 weeks and eventually our decision making. Some of pitching their plan to a Lair of Despite only running until March, the team enjoyed the thrill of Leopards – a selection of A level the upper school History Society investing so much it has made Business prefects. The pitches has thrived this year. A wide them consider future careers in ranged from eco-friendly toy cars variety of talks from both pupils investment. Hopefully, with the to origami creations. in the Sixth Form and Mr Clucas continued support of the school All the boys that took part have taken place, ranging from and the new Year 12, the team will displayed impeccable teamwork Matthew Walkington’s talk on re-enter the competition next year. and determination skills. The The Troubles in Northern Ireland first prize was awarded to to Thomas Hill’s presentation Lewis Smith and Isaac Bowers for his eco-water on the bloodthirsty Genghis Cameron Lock business model. This involved Khan. Talks have been in-depth recycling water from roofs and and thought provoking, sparking gardens. discussion and debate. With Leopard’s Lair was a great the society becoming more POLITICS success and hopefully the and more popular, it is beyond SOCIETY years to come will show equally question that detailed talks will talented pitches from students. continue. Every Tuesday lunchtime, the Politics Society met and Oliver Armstrong Edward Hillsdon discussed the events of the week, as well as important topics of interest. Whether it was the prorogation of LAW SOCIETY SHARES FOR parliament, the climate change Revived by Marcos Purse and SCHOOLS protests, the dramatic general Matthew Walkington, the election, or the impeachment Skinners’ Law Society meets on The Shares4Schools Competition of President Donald Trump, the a Tuesday lunchtime where we allows sixth form students to issues were scrutinised and discuss controversial court cases. invest real money in real stocks debated. The society offers a The society has proved to be very and shares. Some key members productive dialogue where we popular even in lockdown, where of this year’s Skinners’ School are free to disagree and learn it has continued on Microsoft team were Ben Dufty, Jamie from each other. Many of the Teams. Some key cases we have Wildman, and ourselves, members also helped with the discussed include R v Blaue (a with mentorship from James school general election, which case questioning whether a death Corcoran, Jono Newman had a very different result to the after refusing medical treatment and Jack Field. The team national election, with a Liberal amounted to murder) and the invested £2000 into the stock Democrat victory. Asher’s Bakery Case (a refusal market, some of which was to bake a wedding cake for a our own money. Prior to our Alex Smith

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PHYSICS ENGLISH in September where the team scored enough points to qualify for SOCIETY SOCIETY the regional finals of the National The Physics Society, chaired Founded by some of the lower Schools U19 championships. by Dr Bebb, is the chance for sixth English prefects with the Skinners’ also hosted the upper school physicists to learn help of Mr Ubly, the English regional final of the ECF Team new concepts, and to offer what Society read a book a fortnight Chess Challenge. Ten teams took they’ve learnt to others. and exchanged ideas on the texts. part and the event was won by We covered novels from Orwell’s Eltham College and our ‘B’ team Rocket Engine 1984 to Fitzgerald’s The Great came second. Gatsby. Through English Society, Since lockdown, 32 boys Every week, a member of our collective understanding of have joined our ‘new’ club on PhysSoc (as we call it) gives a literature and our ability to discuss Lichess. They have had weekly presentation on a topic they’ve texts was greatly improved. competitions which have all been recently enjoyed – my last very well attended. We have presentation was on rocket Thomas Forsdick also had a number of interschool engine efficiency. I’ve discovered competitions which have been so many new ideas I’d never even very successful and have given heard of, and had a chance to our players the opportunity to play share my discoveries with others. CHESS CLUB against top schools from around I encourage any and all sixth form The Chess Club has once the country. We plan to continue physicists to come along and again been very popular this with these online competitions in become a part of it. year. We played in a number the new school year. of competitions including Reuben Saunders the Eton Rapidplay competition Jacqui Charvat Visits… AC GRAYLING

We were delighted to welcome back to Skinners’ the eminent writer and philosopher AC Grayling early in March. As always, Professor Grayling gave an insightful lecture to the Sixth Form on the importance of AC Grayling with Sam Tripp (left) and Alex Smith the Humanities for continued intellectual development, and he and well-informed questions to Professor Grayling for his fielded a number of thoughtful from the audience. Many thanks continued support of the school.

AN HOUR WITH MARCUS DILLISTONE Marcus Dillistone, Bafta winning British film director and Old Skinner, now based in California, visited the school on Monday 16th September 2019. We were fortunate that he came and talked to students about his career in the film industry.

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COVID-19 and Lockdown

Mr Bannister with sons of Key Workers

S the coronavirus high throughout, with various pandemic intensified challenges and activities occurring and restrictions whilst at home including the toilet Atightened, the 20th roll challenge and an online version March 2020 saw the closure of Skinners’ Got Talent. of the school as Skinners’ was In an attempt to make life as plunged into the unprecedented ‘normal’ as possible, Activities times of lockdown. Week continued as planned with The final day saw an students participating in numerous impromptu assembly for Year 13 activities including pancake as Head Boy Ed Shepherdson making of the Big Three Gods of spoke about his peers, the school Ancient Greece. and its staff, as well as a unifying Finally, fundraising remained performance of the Leopard successful despite the restrictions Song, assisted by Sam Fineman with an online auction and multiple on keyboard. virtual non-uniform days raising Lessons moved from thousands of pounds for the classrooms to computers as school. Overall Skinners’ battled the school had to adapt to the lockdown as if it were on a uncertainty that came with the rugby pitch, with high spirits and dangers of COVID-19. But despite undoubted success. being away from school for so long the Skinners’ spirit remained Dominic Burns Samuel Smialowski

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One last hurrah… Year 13 last assembly

As the school prepared to lock down on March 20th, a sudden and final Sixth Form Assembly was held in School Hall. Ed Shepherdson, Head Boy, addressed his fellow students as follows:

want to start by reiterating the win an argument with Mr Kelso, not duo pre-sixth form was Mr Fleming’s message that this is not the end, only because he is Canadian but also Woman in Black-esque scream around but merely a stoppage. A pause because he killed a bear. the Dining Hall when some audacious Iin the finale of a controversial yet I’ll miss Mr and Mrs Mead’s Year 8 would try and sneak in from characterful play. passive resentment towards anything the science block but I think it is fair to Now call me pessimistic, but I feel that doesn’t take place in the scientific say, things have changed since then. like we must all address the fact that epicentre that is S3. The work, time and effort they have this is, almost definitely, our last day as I’ll miss Mr Cannan-Braniff’s put into not just our UCAS, which Skinners’ students. country-tweed suave, unrivalled by are now possibly proving to be more As you know, we were the first anything other than Mr Adams’ skinny vital than we could imagine, but also year to take 150 pupils and whilst fit collection of trousers. into us as people is nothing short of perhaps we have proved to be a living And whilst this is not the end, I feel incredible. embodiment of the notion that bigger it is necessary, to thank while we can Lastly, you as individuals leave does not always mean better, there is the people that deserve our greatest this place and go on to wider things, no doubt about the significant impact gratitude. but it is who you do it with that really we have had on the school, and indeed Firstly, the whole teaching staff makes it worthwhile. Those who walk the impact that the school has had on deserve more raucous cheers than the same path as you, those who go us, in the last seven years. anyone for their perseverance, through what you go through, the So I want to use the opportunity I patience and buy-in to a schooling same ups and downs, are those who have now to reflect on our turbulent system that seems to transcend a I’ll never forget. This is why my last era, on a period filled with lows but simple student-teacher relationship. and biggest thank you goes to you. also tremendous successes, an age of More specifically, from a rather Our future might be blurry prosperity amid complete chaos. cynical point of view – the Drama and eventual horizons plagued by Although our exposure to the department. It is not just where I go something the naked eye cannot see, teaching (excluding the new found every morning as a form room but it but it seems a rather apt ending for a phenomenon of Microsoft Teams) that is also a place where I learned a lot helter skelter ride of the class of 2020. this school has to offer ceases today at about who I am now. Unfortunately, Now if you’re really, really young 3.35, the lessons this place has taught Mrs Kirk isn’t in today but the like us, and Mr Mitchell, there is a lot me will remain. The experiences and Thomson Theatre personification that to come, and many chapters to write, above all the friendships that have is Miss Fenton, is someone who I, and what we have learnt from this developed and flourished mean that and I am sure most of you, owe a place will no doubt stand us in good Skinners’ will always be a huge part of huge amount to. So cheer for all those stead for whatever we have to come. my life. who got us where we are today, but I will again come back to my But perhaps that is not the hardest perhaps go a bit louder for those who initial message, we should not see thing to let go of today. For me, it is impacted you that bit more. this as the full stop on our Skinners’ knowing that from now on, I won’t Mr Wesson joined with us in careers, but a mere rude interruption have the honour of being immersed 2013, Mr Metcalf not long after and I to an ending we all deserve, and will in such an enriching and communal don’t think we could have asked for a eventually get. atmosphere. What this place greater team at the helm. Admittedly So, for now, that is all from me. It possesses is something unique and we have probably given them more has quite genuinely been a privilege special. headaches than reasons to smile, but sharing these 7, or even 2, defining I will miss the feeling of being a indeed for that very reason they too years with you and I genuinely wish Skinners’ student but I will also miss deserve an enormous celebration. you all the very best for whatever Mr Fleming’s long standing ability to Mr Fleming and Mr Coltella, Mr happens next and wherever this install fear into anyone that isn’t Joe Nasty and Mr Nice, Morecambe and strange world takes us. It has been an Porritt or Ben Gibson. Wise, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. honour, lads. I’ll miss the fact that you will never Our only encounter of this formidable Thank you.

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OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD During lockdown, Year 13 leavers, ex-students and teachers came together to put on a performance of Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker; a play about the redemptive power of theatre in the first British Colony of Australia. With the help of former students Toby Cornwell and Sam Knight directing, the cast performed two shows in The Beacon’s outdoor amphitheatre to a socially distanced audience. The excellent standard of acting delightfully surprised both audience and cast members alike; however it was the camaraderie between student and teacher that developed the most. It is a true testament to the school that even in the most testing of times, staff and students can come together as one to produce such a brilliant piece of theatre, and I was delighted to be a part of it.

Billy Marsden

LOCKDOWN ART BY HENRY PEACHEY

Lower Sixth English lesson via Microsoft Teams video call

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Old Boys in lockdown

During the lockdown, Mr Fleming reached out to various Old Boys to discuss what they have been up to since, and their unique isolation experiences around the world…

public gatherings, schools were two weeks of monitored self- closed and Chinese New Year, quarantine on their return. normally the biggest festival of A trip to the beach, a visit to a the year, was celebrated in muted restaurant where the tables were fashion. That was around the end distantly separated, a hike in the of January and since then I have hills or a shopping trip could all only been back into my office continue. Many in this city live in in the International Commerce small apartments with very little Centre in Kowloon for three days, access to outside space. NICK PRICE for the rest of the time I have Since the SARS epidemic in HONG KONG worked from home on various 2001 face masks were not an Wuhan is physically and computers and mobile phones, uncommon sight in daily life, psychologically close to Hong surrounded by family: my wife, on the MTR, in offices or on Kong, a city that owes its Clair, also working from home, the street; people wore them prosperity to its proximity and and my 6 and 4 year-old children when they had symptoms as connections with mainland China. contained by shuttered schools a protection for others, rather As the infections came across and playground facilities. than themselves. Now they the border in mid-January, shortly We are far more fortunate are ubiquitous and in many before Chinese New Year, the than many. Although at its most parts of the city it is socially hangover from the protests last restrictive all exercise facilities, unacceptable not to wear one. year was still clearing as slogans public amenities and bars were The SARS legacy is still clearly were painted over and street closed and gatherings were apparent, there is a sense of civic furniture repaired. limited to groups of 4, we were duty around self-isolation and The government here moved never kept in our homes, except preventative hygiene measures quickly – although not quickly for those who had travelled for even a mild cold. We undergo enough for some – to restrict abroad and had to undergo temperature checks on entering ›

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buildings or facilities, carry hand to the curfew being brought in. I the desert, hunting for shark sanitiser or use that which is shut down the office on the last teeth or look at some interesting provided. day before working from home rock formations. We often don’t After just over a thousand was implemented. Unfortunately, appreciate the luxuries we COVID-19 cases but only 4 deaths some of my expatriate staff who experience regularly until they are (c. May 2020), Hong Kong has work 6 or 7 days a week (with taken away. seen almost no local cases for extended leave) have not seen There have been some over a month, restrictions are their families this year. There are repatriation flights available back further easing and politics is some really sad stories where to the UK, but we’ve not taken simultaneously bringing protests people have families struggling at up the offer. One can never be and violence back to life. It home, but they are unable to get too safe, after all. We will see if bodes for more interesting times to them. the family go back to the UK for through the rest of 2020. There are checkpoints the summer holidays starting in Nick Price everywhere in Saudi Arabia, but I a month’s time. It will be getting Class of 2002, Hunt have not seen them in significant toasty in Saudi Arabia then; 45°C use until now. The government would not be uncommon. The here have invested heavily in question will be how easily we technology, so you could apply for can get back into Saudi Arabia, a permit to travel during curfew but that remains to be seen. hours through an app and it would David Glennon provide you your boundaries and Class of 1996, Sebastian a QR code to show to officials at checkpoints. Personally, I’m one of the very MICHAEL BUCKINGHAM lucky ones. I live on a compound CANADA that is very heavily fortified and I left Skinners in 1977 and have DAVID GLENNON I am here with my wife and two been living just outside Toronto SAUDI ARABIA children. Inside the compound Canada for the last 32 years. I have been based in Riyadh for we have a relatively free life; we I retired 18 months ago after the last year. I am working on The still have access to takeaway food 40+ years in the insurance/ Red Sea project (www.theredsea. from the restaurant, a pool, a golf reinsurance sector, but am still sa/en), a giga-project that is part course, driving range and some doing some consulting work for of the Public Investment Fund to open spaces. I cycle or swim a major international car rental help deliver Vision 2030 (www. most days and go to the gym. It’s company. Lockdown once you are theredsea.sa/en/project/vision- been nice to get out over the last retired is less stressful, at least I and-pif). couple of months and get some find it so and Canada hasn’t been The first time when I knew exercise. hit as hard as many countries. something was changing was This is even more important I am also fortunate enough to when a number of my team for the family as they have been have a holiday home on a lake up that travel to Riyadh each week home-schooling for 3 months. north we can retreat to, just to were warned overnight that the The kids haven’t been allowed get away from things. All in all, region of Qatif was going to be outside the compound gates for 3 I would say we have been very locked down. This, in addition to a months. I have been helping my fortunate. curfew, meant that they needed son for the first couple of hours Michael Buckingham to travel home immediately if of his school day whilst I jump Class of 1977, Hunt they did not want to be trapped on and off calls. We’ve become outside the city, and so they much closer because of it and could be with their families. Soon I think we’ve become a good CHRIS KEELER after this, borders were closed, team! UK which essentially meant there We do miss some of the I don't imagine there's another was no way for people to go things that we have relied on Old Boy who works in my back to see their families. My to make life feel like home, like industry of coppicing and company was working right up driving outside the city to see woodland management. I lost

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many of my customers overnight, twilight playing years. I sense it NICK JEWITT and couldn't socially distance would be fairly enjoyable for the UGANDA in my yard so reverted to using teachers and parents too. They I spent most of 1984 to 2005 my grandfather's hand tools and just love rugby here. Alas there in Uganda doing various things, regressing to 1950s methods of remains some exceptionally old- with my family and friends here, making a living in the middle of fashioned violence at my level and now recovering from M.E./ the woods. with me as an ‘Englishman’ Chronic Fatigue (for which the In actual fact there was a surge frequently singled out for some climate is helpful). In the last few in people using the woodland particularly amorous kisses. years, I have spent significant for their daily exercise and this When it is explained to them portions of time here, anything has had some effect on wildlife, after the match that I am in from nine weeks to six months. particularly nesting birds etc. fact a Kiwi they all turn rather Mostly I have been working Chris Keeler apologetic, which is sweet. on my computer-based copy- Class of 1998, Atwell My wife finds my relationship editing and proofreading (my with Skinners’ bizarre, “You say 'new' career of ten years), while what a dick you were and such a having plenty of time for family nuisance but also how much you and friends. In January, I arrived loved it and what it did for you.” in the capital, Kampala, as I had It is funny the influence a few been asked to help out in semi- teachers and moments can have volunteering positions at two on a young boy in their teens, local NGOs (charities), planning to and now 22 years later. stay until early July. What I have always missed I was asked to help with the most is a pint in a British some of the financial record- pub. Nowhere else in the world keeping for the Chrysalis Centre’s can that be replicated. Butterfly project, which trains Rowan Wickham secondary school children in Class of 1998, Atwell entrepreneurship and supports their education, and the UK-based Chrysalis Youth Empowerment GRAHAM SAUNDERS Network. NEW ZEALAND I also work with Confident ROWAN WICKHAM Lockdown in New Zealand was Children Care (CCC), a Christian- FRANCE strict; no days out at Barnard based organisation that began as Wife, Laura, little boy, Alfred 17 Castle for my wife’s birthday for Confident Children out of Conflict months. We have been here just us. in Juba, South Sudan, run by an over four years now having spent I am one of the lucky ones; as old friend from my early days in the previous ten in Switzerland. a University lecturer I have been Uganda. We helped many young Fifteen years working for large employed and working (from girls off the street and into schools corporates in insurance and then home) the whole time. Posting and raised funds to build hostel decided to sack it all off and start lectures on-line and making accommodation. Unfortunately, a new life and business here. supporting videos in the lounge. though, there was a dire shortage We purchased Le Moulin de Tutorials and “laboratory” of accommodation and I was Chazotte in early 2016. It was a sessions by Zoom. I was also to help organise and supervise somewhat impetuous decision lucky enough to be considered construction by a contractor of having first seen it in September an “essential worker” and so I additional buildings. This was 2015 and falling totally in love could get out from time-to-time: already delayed, and COVID-19 with the mill, the gites, the I filled the nuclear magnetic has delayed it further, so I was gardens, the surrounding area resonance spectrometer, which asked to supervise renovation of and France in general. needs to be kept very cold, with the existing buildings which, with This is far and away the most liquid nitrogen once a week. some difficulty, has been possible enjoyable place I have played Graham Saunders during lockdown. rugby, even in my soon to be Class of 1982, Knott Despite 470 cases and no ›

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reported deaths (as of June), lockdown in Uganda has been relatively similar to that of the UK. All schools, restaurants, bars, malls, and non-essential shops have been closed, as well as a night-time curfew in force, with requirement for social distancing at all times. The land borders, the airport and the ports on Lake GRAHAM TURNER Victoria have been closed to all HUNGARY except commercial traffic. Here in Viktor Orbán’s liberal Living half a mile down the road democracy, lockdown is coming to from CCC, I have been able to walk an end – for the time being at least. to work. Boarding schools are very The official death toll is around common for secondary education, 500, which with a population of so when schools closed, all CCC around 10 million means that the refugees were sent home. Due rate per 100,000 people is about to the pressure on space I was 10% of the UK. Of course, unlike asked to host three teenage boys, the UK, nobody was allowed to FREDDY MONTANER- alongside the one from the slum cross the border for 2 months. WILLIS AFGHANISTAN next to the Chrysalis Centre who I have just returned from leading Currently in Hamed Karzai was already with me. a walk through the hills of Buda, International Airport in Phased easing of restrictions something I do once a month for Afghanistan with 2 Rifles began in late May, with restaurants the expat/ locals club I belong to: Battlegroup, where we watch permitted to operate as takeaways we actually sat inside a restaurant in dismay as many Afghans and public transport with social for supper (the real point of the ignore COVID advice during Eid. distancing (buses and minibuses) walks). Freddy Montaner-Willis due to resume in early June. Class of 2013, Knott Nick Jewitt Absolutely deserted Class of 1973, Hunt One thing I noticed straight Hungarian Parliament away when lock down began was building how quickly Hungarians accepted it and adapted to it: the city centre was absolutely deserted the couple of times I ventured down town (I live on the very edge of the city). And unlike TfL, from day one use of public transport was free, buses could only be boarded via BILL HALLETT the central or back door, with the IRELAND front of the bus being taped off: I've been living in West consequently, the transport service Connemara for the last 20 years, have lost no drivers to the disease. and now, at the age of 81, am A korso (0.5l jug) of beer is 90p writing my memoirs. Our water in my local dive, so I guess it’s not supply – never runs short: just 3 all bad. houses share it – and a bunch of Graham Turner swans. Class of 1991, Hunt Bill Hallett Class of 1957, Hunt

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Lower School Prize Winners 2020 Lower School Prize Giving was unable to take place this year due to the restrictions. Listed below are all the prize winners.

Year 7 Art Prize Henry Peachey Year 8 Art Prize Connor Savage Year 7 Drama Prize Matthew Castle Year 8 Drama Prize Seth Williams Year 7 English Prize Max Maclean Year 8 English Prize Otto Hall Year 7 French Prize Ahren Bhagrath Year 8 French Prize Oliver Hope Year 7 Geography Prize Ben Rothwell Year 8 Geography Prize Jack Brisley Year 7 German Prize Christian Naylor Year 8 German Prize Jack Brisley Year 7 History Prize Isaac Bowers Year 8 History Prize Hugo Griffiths Year 7 Maths Prize Gregory Granger Year 8 Maths Prize Aiden Cornell Year 7 Music Prize Toby Roff Year 8 Music Prize Freddy Perkins Year 7 Physical Education Prize Eliot Ridge Year 8 Physical Education Prize Charlie Drysdale Year 7 Science Prize Sasha Yakovlev Year 8 Science Prize Harry Mannix Year 7 STEAM Prize Thomas Coles Year 8 STEAM Prize Ben Romanis Year 7 Religious Education Prize Loki Yong Putt Year 8 Religious Education Prize Christopher Dzikiti 7A Form Prize Will Ritchie 8A Form Prize Will Sermon 7H Form Prize Jago Gale 8H Form Prize Hamza Rawi 7K Form Prize Callum Sims 8K Form Prize Rojus Joksas 7N Form Prize Jake Freeman 8N Form Prize Oliver Hope 7S Form Prize Sam Smialowski 8S Form Prize Nathanael Green

Year 9 Art Prize Ben James Year 10 Art Prize Radu Sega Year 9 Biology Prize Aaron D’Souza Year 10 Biology Prize Chiedozie Madu Year 9 Chemistry Prize Ethan Manktelow Year 10 Business Studies Prize Tom Fitzpatrick Year 9 Drama Prize Max Fineman Year 10 Chemistry Prize Luke Peters Year 9 English Prize Joshua White Year 10 Computing Prize Samuel Schipper Year 9 French Prize Joshua White Year 10 Drama Prize Robert Marshall Year 9 Geography Prize Oliver Fitzgerald Year 10 DT Prize Maxime Desbrousses Year 9 German Prize Freddie Wearne Year 10 Economics Prize Freddie Reid Year 9 History Prize Ben Lees Year 10 English Prize Samuel Schipper Year 9 Maths Prize Sambodh Sinha Year 10 French Prize Noah Gregory Year 9 Music Prize Max Fineman Year 10 Geography Prize Scott Renwick Year 9 Physical Education Prize Yash Gupta Year 10 German Prize Bryn Kirkby Year 9 Physics Prize Alexander Papadopoulos Year 10 History Prize Thomas Pearson Year 9 STEM Prize Eli Hardwick Year 10 Maths Prize Jake Wright Year 9 Religious Education Prize Soham Joshi Year 10 Music Prize Noah Featherstone Csillag 9A Form Prize Tavis Ganson Year 10 Physical Education Prize Monty Hall 9H Form Prize Ethan Manktelow Year 10 Physics Prize Jack Celliers 9K Form Prize Ben Lees Year 10 Religious Education Prize Dominic Traube 9N Form Prize Bailey Vincent 10-1 Form Prize Jesse Scully 9S Form Prize Edward Ward 10-2 Form Prize George Thomas 10-3 Form Prize William Burke 10-4 Form Prize Kit Roberts 10-5 Form Prize Louie Snowdon 10-6 Form Prize Will De Save

The Carnegie Challenge Cup (KS3) Leo Kilner The Ashman Prize for extra-curricular STEM Brodie Brown L.S. Betts Shield (Yr 7-9) Jason Dinh Junior Knox Trophy Monty Hall

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New staff interviews

Joe Youdan and Sam Cunningham

SIMON HENDRY

Q. Are you enjoying your time at Skinners’? seem to be bigger each week, it’s my own A. I can safely say I have never taught an personal favourite way to play, and we have academic year like it! Global lockdown members of every single year group working aside, it is great to work with motivated together, listening to each other, learning and hard-working students who throw from each other. It makes Wednesday themselves into events and activities. That mornings that much more exciting and gives coupled with such supportive and friendly you that energy kick halfway through the staff has made it a really enjoyable but week. challenging first year. Q. What is your favourite sport and why? Q. How did you feel taking over from your A. This will be controversial and you may not Father? Big shoes to fill! want to print it... I don’t really like sport. A. The biggest problem I had taking over from I appreciate others do but it’s not for me. my predecessor was the number of things I I tried very hard to learn to like sports of do in my teaching that I know I learnt from many varieties (playing in school football him. “I’m talking...” was one of my stock teams and basketball teams in my own lines in my previous schools. It has however school days) and tried very hard to learn to been one of the easiest handovers of a like rugby whilst surrounded by it in South department I have ever had, it’s useful to Wales. If you need me, I’ll be in the terraces have the previous head of department at the providing the background music. end of the phone several times a week. Q. If you weren’t a teacher, what would Q. What is your favourite thing about the you be? School? How do Skinners’ students A. I’m not very good at sitting still. I need compare with those at other schools? to do something most of the time. I love A. The level of compassion in the school is composing, and take every opportunity I huge. Staff and students have a reciprocal can get to do some, perhaps that mixed unspoken agreement that they help each with a gigging musician; ceilidh bands, other in every way. This translates into a string quartets, orchestral, choral, cathedral really positive energy. In previous schools singing and conducting, anything I can get I would throw ideas for concerts out most the chance to do. I also had dreams of being days and for every ten I suggested we a luthier (violin maker) for a while but I think might get one to happen. At Skinners’ if I I shake too much for that. mention a performance idea or a trip idea to anyone, you can guarantee I will be asked Q. If you could, what meal would you add to about it daily until it happens. The energy the school canteen? and enthusiasm for the subject is huge. My A. Haggis for Burns Night so we can ceilidh favourite extra-curricular group has to be away under the covered way then refuel the folk group at the moment though. We with a good heap of haggis.

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WILL ROBERTS

Q. Are you enjoying your time at Skinners? Q. What is your favourite sport and why? A. Yes. This is my third school (as a teacher!) and A. I’m not much of a sports fan, though I like the they’ve all been valuable but very different strategy of games and enjoy watching rugby experiences. Staff and students alike are and snooker for that reason. I was in my particularly friendly and welcoming here, and school rugby team: we were bad. Recently I’ve have made me feel very quickly at home. started running, which I now recommend to everyone for good mental as well as physical Q. What is your favourite thing about the health! I don’t know if it’s a ‘sport’, but I would School? love to be able to take a daily swim in the sea, A. The arts are taken seriously; there is always too. coffee in the staff room; the amazing student musicians; the staff choir; my tutor group; the Q. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you walk to work. be? A. Better rested, but less fulfilled. Q. How do Skinners’ students compare with those at other schools? Q. If you could, what meal would you add to A. They are particularly good at asking leading the school canteen? questions... A. Peanut butter. On everything.

RICHARD NEWBOLD

Q. Are you enjoying your time at Skinners’ had the choice between having my own so far? research group and doing lots of paperwork A. I am indeed, very glad I came. or doing something else. My wife sold her soul and started working in London, so I can Q. Do you feel like you are fitting into the afford to be a teacher! school community? A. Um… I hope so! People do talk to me, from Q. How is Skinners’ different to other time to time, so, yes! schools? A. I’ve taught at TOGS, Weald and the Boys’ Q. What’s your favourite thing about the Grammar, and it’s really similar to how the school so far? Boys’ Grammar was 10 years ago apart A. Well, obviously the students are fantastic and from you play rugby, they play football. Girls’ the staff I work with are really helpful as well. schools are completely different because girls are a different species to boys. Q. What made you want to be a science teacher? Q. What’s your favourite type of dinosaur? A. I used to be a research scientist, and then A. The Stegosaurus!

www.skinners-school.co.uk 13 SKINNERS’ LIFE

NASA Trip: interview with Dr Bebb

How will this trip help the I think my favourite application with park rangers. On another boys develop an interest in was one which included their note, I’ve lived in the US and the Physics and Space Technology primary school drawings of thought of restaurants serving as a career? moon landings and spacewalks, Texan portion sizes doesn’t fill I don’t think this is the trip to elegantly demonstrating their me with joy but I’m sure others develop an interest in Physics, long-standing dedication to space. will disagree! Engineering, or Space. It’s a unique masterclass for those Which activity are you most I assume that NASA is who are already passionate; for looking forward to? overwhelmed by schools those who are already working As part of the week, students trying to run a similar trip, how toward a career in those fields. will be asked to present a well- did you manage to secure a I want the students to come researched technical proposal place for Skinners’? back not interested but inspired, for a Mars Base to the staff at There are many space-based with a clearer path to working NASA. Knowing how impressive educational visits available. Not in ‘space’. Being in that exciting Skinners’ students are at public all are equal, but I knew this one environment, and having the speaking and presentations, I am was excellent so we have been opportunity to work with the genuinely excited to hear these. waiting for the right opportunity NASA Educators and Engineers, to make this happen at Skinners’. should provide lots of those What scientific and personal By teaming up with TWGGS inspirational moments, whether qualities are you looking we have been able to book the that’s standing in mission for the boys to show in the bespoke masterclass we wanted control, or testing materials in activities? at NASA. the heat of atmospheric re-entry. The masterclass draws on many of the attributes needed Are you optimistic that the trip I understand the trip was in professional engineers and will still take place amid the oversubscribed: what made an scientists: creativity, focus, global pandemic? application stand out from the flexibility and logic. For many It’s been so upsetting to see others? of the tasks organisational so many other wonderful We knew that the masterclass skills, leadership and clarity in educational visits and trips would be popular, but we ended communication will be needed being cancelled this year. We’ve up receiving three times as too. Skinners’ boys have all those been in close contact with the many applications as places. A qualities in abundance. company running the logistics of team of teachers had to judge What will the boys be doing the NASA trip. (We have now those excellent applications outside the space centre? decided to postpone this trip as objectively as possible. At first, I was somewhat to January 2022, given the We looked for evidence of underwhelmed by the persistence of the pandemic.) an existing passion for space evening activity programme, and engineering, and that the which includes bowling and If this trip is successful do you applicant had been proactive ‘boardwalking’. Then I spoke plan to run it in the future? in following that passion. A to some others who have That is the plan! We hope couple of stand-out applications experienced this masterclass. that the NASA Masterclass detailed fantastic engineering The days at NASA are going will become a regular fixture projects that the student had to be physically and mentally amongst the other amazing been working on in their garage. intense, full of hard work, so opportunities that Skinners’ Others wrote passionately, some downtime each evening has on offer. This is a pilot and in detail, about the popular is going to be very welcome. masterclass for us, but I predict science books that had caught Besides, at the end of the week we will come back from Houston their imaginations, or about their we will spend a day on a Texas already planning the school’s most recent stargazing evenings. bayou, looking for alligators next visit.

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In November 2019, eleven of our Senior Physics Prefects Senior Physicists enjoyed a joint visit to the Diamond Synchrotron X-Ray Source and the University of visit Oxford Oxford Department of Physics. At Diamond, the students had a tour where they were allowed deep within the particle accelerator. They also got to see the beamlines where scientists from all over the world come to use the powerful X-ray beams to study matter at the molecular level; from novel antibiotics to the smart materials for the next generation of mobile phones. The group then went on to Oxford University to hear first-hand from Dr Chiara Marletto about her ground breaking research on Quantum Gravity. As expected, our students were superb ambassadors for the school, asking highly sophisticated questions and impressing the Oxford staff with their passion for physics.

GEOLOGY CHALLENGE

A sixth form team of James Robinson, Sam Haswell, Satoshi Purkiss, Oliver Johnson, George Dickinson and Jack Mitchell took part in the South East Regional competition of the Geological Association’s Geology Challenge in Bexhill in January. The team came an excellent second in the competition, answering questions on such topics as landforms in Snowdonia, fossils and rock building materials, and presenting on their chosen topic of what humans will leave behind in the fossil record.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 15 SKINNERS’ LIFE

STEAM and Gardening Clubs connect for a Sustainable Project

Left to Right: Christopher Wordsworth, Dan Heatherwick, Joshua Marzola-Browne, Luke Heatherwick, Alex Giles donating to the Nourish Food bank

HIS year STEAM Club water butt as well the water the vegetable patch has the has worked closely butts at the top and bottom of capacity for regular irrigation with the Gardening the hill. Our first attempt at a of the multiple plants that the TClub, creating a project pumping system was a manual gardening club are growing now. to pump water to irrigate the hand pump system, mimicking school’s vegetable garden. rudimental pump systems that Monster potatoes After several initial designs, were being used across the we presented our proposal world. Unfortunately, the system Throughout this year, the in a Dragon’s Den pitch to Mr suffered some damage and did Gardening Club has grown and Wesson and secured funding not really work too well. So, the harvested a multitude of crops for an order of equipment. The STEAM club team worked on ranging from monster potatoes two clubs came together and the design and came up with a to beetroot. In November 2019, spent a day in school attempting solution that included an electric this enabled the Gardening Club to install connecting pipes pump powered by solar powered to raise money through a bake and a pump. We successfully rechargeable batteries. sale of beetroot brownies and managed to connect the CCF A second installation vegetable soup, and sales of our shooting range to the bottom proved successful and now potatoes to the staff. We used

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Gardening Club – Nourish donations the money raised to purchase food for a large donation to the local food bank, Nourish, in Tunbridge Wells. Gardening Club since has weeded the beds George Hoff tending to the seeds and planted even more crops such as peas, potatoes and more beetroot in order to raise more money during next year’s harvest.

Robot building

STEAM club also has been actively promoting sustainability during its regular Tuesday lunchtime sessions. The latest Left to Right: George Hoff, Left to Right: Dan Heatherwick, projects have included designing Dan Heatherwick, Huw Ford, Huw Ford building a fence an environmental catamaran that Christopher Wordsworth, Alex could analyse the waterways for Giles connecting the piping for pollution, the PH of the water the system and eutrophication. Some of the older members of the group have been helping the younger years understand the basics of robot building with the new Vex IQ kit. After some experimentation with different ideas for self-cleaning rooms, this group has now started working on an automatic Left to Right: Alex Giles, hoover using robots and AI. Christopher Wordsworth Alex Giles figuring out the Christopher Wordsworth connecting the piping system piping configuration

www.skinners-school.co.uk 17 SKINNERS’ LIFE

Chemistry Olympiad

Year 12 and 13 chemists sat YEAR SCORE the Olympiad (which is a Fletcher Sam 13 64 ROUND 2 challenging 2 hour paper set by Asprey Joshua 13 46 GOLD the Royal Society of Chemistry) in January 2020. For Year 12s, Peachey Te d 13 44 GOLD this was a real challenge as it Parfrey Christian 13 40 GOLD relies on both years of A level understanding. Garcia Josh 13 38 GOLD There were some really Garrett Ruairi 13 38 GOLD fabulous results as well as some Evans Ben 12 36 SILVER outstanding performances. A massive thank you to Samuel Heatherwick Dan 12 32 SILVER Fletcher and Dr Newbold for Thomson Ben 13 32 SILVER running extension sessions with Moore Henry 13 31 SILVER Year 12s (Sam) and with Year 13s (Dr N) this year. Samuel Fletcher, Patel Siyan 13 29 SILVER who last year was awarded Haswell Sam 13 28 SILVER the Roentgenium award in the Fineman Sam 12 27 SILVER Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, placing him in the top 60 students Duncan Josh 12 26 SILVER out of 9000+ who sat the paper, Baggarley Nathaniel 12 21 BRONZE got through to Round 2 from Desbrousses Theo 13 21 BRONZE his exceptionally high score on the Olympiad paper, which he Bodri Joshua 12 20 BRONZE undertook during lockdown. Craske James 13 20 BRONZE Hoff George 13 20 BRONZE Aguss Johnny 12 19 BRONZE CAMBRIDGE Ingham To m 12 18 BRONZE CHEMISTRY Marsh Freddie 12 18 BRONZE CHALLENGE Doukkali Ryan 12 16 BRONZE Patel Nyal 12 16 BRONZE This year 6,400 students across the country took part in the Rose JJ 12 16 BRONZE Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, Hall Scott 12 15 BRONZE twenty-one being Skinners’ Ford Huw 12 14 BRONZE students from Year 12. Despite all the difficulties lockdown Johnson Zach 12 14 BRONZE has presented the students did Saunders Reuben 12 14 BRONZE remarkably well with 6 of the 40 gold certificates awarded going to Wordsworth Chris 12 14 BRONZE Skinners’ students. Coletta Patrick 12 13 BRONZE Congratulations to Joshua Harle James 12 13 BRONZE Duncan, Ben Evans, James Harle, Daniel Heatherwick, Neylan To m 12 13 BRONZE JJ Rose and Chris Wordsworth. Shaker Ali 12 13 BRONZE Demmon Joe 12 12 BRONZE Sarah Davies

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Maths Challenges SENIOR OLYMPIAD QUALIFIERS Prior to last year we had not had any Olympiad Qualifiers at senior level. This year added three, with two new names from Year 12: • Year 13 Joe Hawthorne – 108 • Year 12 Ben Evans – 101 • Year 12 Joshua Butler – 100

INTERMEDIATE MATHS CHALLENGE Round 1 of the Intermediate Maths Challenge was held in February 2020. James Middleton was the best in school with a score of 124, whilst Jake Wright and Chris Garrett were best in their Year.

JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE We were so pleased with the high number of participants given that this was completed at home, during Activities Week. The top achievers were:

YEAR NAME TOTAL CERTIFICATE

7 Isaac Konieczny 119 BEST IN SCHOOL

8 Aidan Cornell 114 BEST IN YEAR

8 Freddy Perkins 113 GOLD

8 Monty Depreli 109 GOLD

8 Elliot Milton 108 GOLD

8 Alfie Ball 108 GOLD

8 Louis Drinkwater 108 GOLD

8 Edward Wheatley 108 GOLD

7 Henry Peachey 107 GOLD

7 Dominic Savage 107 GOLD

8 Lemuel Akinsete 107 GOLD

7 Harvey Mahon 106 GOLD

8 Max McGloin 106 GOLD

8 Laurie Edwards 103 GOLD

8 Daniel Taylor 103 GOLD

7 James Maala 102 GOLD

8 Mustafa Mohammed 102 GOLD

8 Joshua Adams 102 GOLD

8 Aniyanth Kannan 102 GOLD

8 Daniel Warner 102 GOLD

www.skinners-school.co.uk 19 THE ARTS – ART & DESIGN

Diary of a Sixth Form Berlin Art Trip

Leo Hillier

SATURDAY Hamburger Bahnhof Gallery Memorial to the allowed for some quality Murdered Jews via Visit to the Hamburger drawing time. Brandenburg Gate Bahnhof Gallery This powerful and austere This converted railway station labyrinthine grid format houses an impressive collection Jewish Museum monument served to remind of modern art with an excellent With the late opening of students of the disorienting and range of 20th and 21st Century this gallery and the striking overwhelming nature of war art and artefacts. Students were architecture, this made for a and the Holocaust. The strong given specific tasks on recording good conclusion to our day. The angled sunlight and repeating relevant pieces of art. exhibitions were not as relevant cuboid forms made for excellent to students’ ideas for their own photographs. work, but the architectural spaces Museum fur Naturkunde and permanent installations Berlin’s Natural History Museum relating to the Holocaust provided Academy of Arts houses an impressive collection context to recent historical This gallery had two of animal, plant and mineral events, adding weight to our time contemporary artists’ shows, specimens. It gave students the in Berlin. both with highly conceptual work. opportunity to photograph a range Students responded well despite of subject matter to feed into SUNDAY the lack of immediate information observational studies. about the work. Visit to the Reichstag and the Norman Foster Dome Berlinische Galerie A stunning sight itself, affording Museum Island Contained within an old an excellent view of the With a long list of cultural warehouse, this gallery houses surrounding city. With a free institutions to choose from we an excellent range of historic, audio guide included it was a could have spent far longer contemporary and modern art. further chance to find out more here. We homed in on the Alte A longer time here than in the about the city and its past. Nationalgalerie (Old National

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Gallery) and the James Simon Gallery. The former provided an effective contrast to the contemporary art of the first day. The latter had a fantastic castings exhibition, which provided the perfect opportunity to work from the figures.

Visit to the East Side Gallery This walk along a section of the Berlin Wall was an essential part of a visit to Berlin. The combination of a historically significant monument with a vast range of artists’ interpretations of the same theme was both informing and thought provoking: a great opportunity for taking photos.

MONDAY

Bauhaus Museum Temporary Archive The exhibition aimed to recreate some of the activities undertaken at the Bauhaus School of Art. Students responded well to the experimental nature of the activities.

Kathe Kollwitz Museum This was an excellent opportunity to see Kollwitz’s work up close. The emotive nature of her subject matter was affecting and students produced excellent studies in this quiet museum.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 21 THE ARTS – ART & DESIGN

House Photography competition Russell Moore

HE 2020 House them who they are. There were cosmos. He captured two Photography lots of lovely photos of boys with shooting stars on an Infrared Competition was their families, more important than Raspberry Pi Camera, which he Tlaunched at the end of ever at that moment, as well as partly constructed himself, and April, in the midst of lockdown, their hobbies and workspaces. then explored longer shutter to all students and staff at Key Stages 4 and 5 responded speeds with which to record the Skinners’ . We were very to the theme of 'State of Flux', progress of the stars through impressed with the uptake, approaching it from a number of the sky. enthusiasm and number of avenues, such as the changing of The competition provided a entries, especially in Key Stages seasons, the changes we were welcome distraction to some of 3 and 4. having to make in lifestyles, and the boys, and perhaps something Key Stage 3 responded to the an exceptional entry by Nathan they could carry on with through Theme of ‘I, Me, Mine’ and were Blaker (Year 13) depicting the this period of lockdown and encouraged to capture what made ever-changing nature of our beyond.

KS3 (I, ME, MINE): FIRST: Samuel Smialowski (7 Sebastian) SECOND: George Lawrence (8 Hunt) THIRD: Albert Medd (7 Nicholson)

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KS4 (STATE OF FLUX): FIRST: Sam Pipes (10 Knott) SECOND: Kit Roberts (10 Nicholson) THIRD: Leo Burness (11 Hunt)

KS5 (STATE OF FLUX): FIRST: Nathan Blaker (13 Atwell) SECOND: Matthew Walkington (12 Sebastian) THIRD: Josh Laurence (12 Hunt)

STAFF: Mr Woodroofe (Sebastian)

www.skinners-school.co.uk 23 THE ARTS – ART & DESIGN

Lockdown Art Competition

During lockdown, students were encouraged to re-create a work of art as part of a house competition. Some highlights of the imaginative and powerful compositions.

1ST PLACE Patrick Camporro-Fernandez (7 Nicholson)

Ramsay Richard Reinagle’s ‘Two boys with their Newfoundland dog’

2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE Sam Buisson Rojus Joksas (9 Atwell) (8 Knott)

Johannes Vermeer’s portrait of The Anonymous artist. Astronomer Frescoe of Saint Demetrius

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Artemisia Gentileschi’s self portrait 28th October 1963: British 5th June 2020: British actor actor Sean Connery lounges Zachary Plant of The Skinners’ on a sofa with a cigar. He is School lounges on a sofa with in London during filming of a cigar. He is in Westerham the thriller ‘Woman of Straw’ during lockdown recreating a with Gina Lollobrigidia. photo taken of Sean Connery (Photo by Bob Haswell/ by his grandfather Bob Express/Getty Images) Haswell

Jim Fitzpatrick’s portrait of Che Guevara

Banksy’s ‘Love is in the Air’

Vincent Van Gogh’s self portrait

Left: Medieval painting of King David ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 25 THE ARTS – ART & DESIGN

› Lockdown Art Competition cont’d

René Magritte’s ‘The Son of Man’

Henri Matisse’s ‘Icarus’

Andy Warhol’s ‘The Shot Marilyns’

Luigi Fiammingo’s ‘Lorenzo the Magnificent’

Right: Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’

Left: Pablo Picasso ’s ‘The Old Guitarist’

Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’

Michelangelo The Creation of Adam

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ARTICULATION

Skinners' once again took part Dorothea Lange (1939). in the annual ARTiculation This year’s adjudicator, Dr competition in early 2020, with Andrea Schlieker (Director 7 students delivering an in-depth of Exhibitions and Displays at presentation on an artwork Tate Britain) reserved particular of their choice at our school praise for Reuben upon heat. Reuben Saunders and awarding him with the day’s Nikola Owocks (TWGGS) were runner-up prize. Commenting chosen to represent the school on his ‘strong delivery’ and in the South-East regional heat ‘strong descriptions and at Folkestone's Quarterhouse analysis of his subject, she Theatre later in January. went on to say that 'it was a Nikola presented an great pleasure to hear both incredibly well researched Nikola and Reuben speak piece on Michelangelo's and we all hope that they are David, and Reuben spoke feeling very proud of their perceptively about the amazing achievement’. iconic photograph Mother and Child on the Road by Russell Moore

The Year 11 GCSE trip AMSTERDAM TRIP to Amsterdam ran from 11th – 13th January 2020. The boys used the time to stimulate ideas and gather photographic reference material for their Art exam project titled, ‘Event’. We first visited Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography and then took part in a street photography workshop at FOAM. Other places of interest included the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Contemporary Art and the Van Gogh Museum. We also saw various light installations that were part of the Amsterdam Festival of Light. The trip was a huge success and a great start to the boys’ exam projects.

Leo Hillier

www.skinners-school.co.uk 27 THE ARTS – ART & DESIGN

Charleston Farm House and Towner Gallery Eastbourne Leo Hillier

Students outside the Towner Gallery and inset Ivan Navarro’s Nowhere Man

On Wednesday 25th September, Year 10 Art students headed to the Sussex coast

The first stop was Charleston Farm House and Wolfson Gallery, where we had a tour of the house and the Omega Workshops exhibition. The House was home to the highly influential Bloomsbury Group. Later at the Towner in Eastbourne, students took part in a drawing and painting workshop. They used their surroundings and both locations to record inspiration to help them develop their work. This day acted as a foundation for the students’ GCSE coursework; providing a rich source of inspiration for their first unit on ‘Fragments’.

28 www.skinners-school.co.uk THE ARTS – the CREATIVE LEOPARD 2019-20 WRITING

Creative Writing at Skinners’ Tola Alake

Creative writing continues to thrive at Skinners’, with Mr Golding’s co-ordination of the #thinkwell club encouraging budding writers to express themselves. In addition to some pieces from them, we gave the opportunity for all students to challenge themselves creatively during lockdown.

THE RAIN curtains across an upstairs window, second, and the stranger began to blocking out the light like eyes follow. He needed to write a suspense closing for the night. He started His mouth ran dry. His chest story for his English homework, to quicken his pace, he longed to constricted and his breathing so he decided to go for a walk be back in the comfort and light of became erratic. He began to to clear his head. It was raining, his own home. He was no longer walk faster; so too did the so he grabbed his umbrella on entranced by the sight and sound stranger. Now he was getting the way out. Now, this was of the rain. Instead it took on the really panicked, so he collapsed not just a light drizzle. It was form of a predator, making his his umbrella for more speed, and a downpour. It was a deluge. strides longer and his footsteps began to run as fast as he could, It was the kind of rain that ran quicker. It was then that he noticed. his damp trainers squelching off your umbrella and onto Someone was watching him. with every step. The stranger your shoes, soaking them in put down their umbrella in order seconds. It was the kind of rain Watched, like prey to keep up with him, and gave that blurred the world around chase. The sound of their heavy you. It made the light fragment He turned his head slowly. clomping boots grew relentlessly, into jumping sparks, refracted in Whoever it was was wearing louder and louder, splashing in each droplet. It was the kind of a black zip-up raincoat with the puddles, getting closer and closer. rain that hid the world from you. hood covering their eyes and It was evident that the stranger He was entranced. The sound casting the rest of their face in was faster than him, and he was of rain and the rivers it made by shadow. Waiting? Watching? But regretting his decision to run, but the side of the road were hypnotic. for what? Or who? It seemed like a chess player he had made He watched, as time slipped by, unusual on such a night to be his move, and he had to deal with just like the tiny rivers flowing motionless when all about were the repercussions. past his damp feet, rearing up hurrying to their destinations. They He felt a hand on his shoulder like startled horses when they were wearing baggy jeans and that spun him around, he hit the unyielding rubber of a car heavy hiking boots. They clutched stumbled and almost lost his tyre, or bubbling like blood from a lemon-coloured umbrella in footing on the slippery pavement, an open wound as they passed their hand. He felt watched, like but the hand prevented him from over the grate on a drain. He prey. He thought he could sense doing so. It spun him around was gradually becoming aware the intent behind their gaze. He so they were face to face. He that his imagination was twisting turned very slowly on his heel, screamed as the stranger took off innocuous, everyday objects into as much as you would turn away their hood to reveal their face… malevolent shapes. The mundane from a savage beast, not wanting “Sorry mate! I only wanted to and banal were becoming demonic to startle it into sudden action. tell you that you’d dropped your and twisted in nature. His senses Trying to remain as unobtrusive as keys!” exclaimed his next-door became heightened – Wait! What possible, he walked slowly away neighbour. was that? Out of the corner of his from the mysterious stranger. eye he noticed a figure drawing There was a pause for a split Ethan Rushby ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 29 THE ARTS – CREATIVE WRITING

› POETRY DAY THE DESTRUCTION OF CORONA ‘First Impressions’ Corona came down like the And there stood the shoppers poetry competition wolf on the fold, with their carts at the ready, And its cell walls were Their faces were set and their gleaming with fungus and stances were steady, Congratulations to Oscar mould: Lawson in 7A for winning the For Tesco’s was op’ning its Poetry Day 'First Impressions' And the sheen of its crowns great sliding doors, poetry competition. We was like bats in Wuhan, And the riot began, like a horde thought this conveyed the That passed the disease to of wild boars. mixed feelings and eventual both woman and man. excitement that a new member And there lay our PM distorted of the school experiences. Like the bats in the market and pale, when disease is gone, His speech clutched in hand The sun on the shoppers at like a piece of hate mail, ANTICIPATION dawn always shone, And the Commons was silent, As I packed my bag the night Like the bats in the market the Thames danced alone, before, when disease is rife, Only Death walked the streets Knelt still on the parquet floor. The sun on the cobbles hit no with a cough and a groan. I had a sudden recollection of my glimmer of life. first day at primary, And the widows of Naples are Now I'm off to secondary school, For the Angel of Death had a loud in their cry, my senses fully alive in me. new type of SARS, As the coffins are lowered Tomorrow is the day, Emptying restaurants, parks, under a grey sky, That I will ‘mature a bit more’, clubs and bars; And the might of the humans, they say. And the lungs of the victims with but a sneeze, Adrenaline rushed through my stopped heaving their tune, Was lost like a boat to the body at speed, And Death took a corpse by storm-tossed seas. the light of the moon. Excitement took over, as my Theo Hughes-Wilson worries recede. On my first day, I woke with a spring in my step, I was now ready, having finished CRICKET my prep. With my blazer now on, I hoisted Is there to be a better summer’s day, my bag, The grass that swayed on the breeze cut short I’d had a decent breakfast, so that Weeds that were so troublesome, cut away I wouldn't flag. Removed so people could play many sports The bowlers running up to the wickets I boarded the bus, made a beeline The batters hitting the balls for sixes for the back seat, Watching the game for hours, the crickets A privilege today, as next time I'll Watching the game also, the groundsman fixes be on my feet. Apart from all of the things that delights, The bus comes to a halt, I arrive Thunderstorms brew to make people wary at my destination, The storm starts to move which causes a fright I set foot into Skinners’ ready for The teams run in as it becomes hairy new inspiration. Such a good day overall for many And yet it did not cost them a penny. Oscar Lawson Freddy Perkins

30 www.skinners-school.co.uk the THE ARTS – LEOPARD 2019-20 DRAMA

Puppet Theatre workshop Claire Fenton Some highlights of our Sixth Form Puppet Theatre workshop, run by Strangeface Puppet Company and organised through The Tunbridge Wells Puppet Festival. Students learnt how to manipulate a variety of Bunraku style puppets and began to think about the skills needed in order to bring them to life. It was an exciting afternoon filled with laughter and was lovely to see Year 12 and 13 students working together to produce mini performances.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 31 THE ARTS – DRAMA

Sixth Form Theatre Club

HROUGHOUT the beginning of a series of similar of all time,” and also detailed school year, Miss exciting theatre experiences, the high-quality acting and set Fenton and Mr Metcalf including an immersive rendition design. Oh, and we also saw The Tcombined the forces of The Great Gatsby, for which we Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe of their organisational skills all had to dress up in appropriate in London…More perceptive to arrange a variety of theatre 1920s American attire, with readers will realise that was a less trips for students in Year 12 varying levels of success. I interesting addition to the theatre and 13 studying English and particularly appreciated the trips but that was more or less the Theatre Studies for A level. The way the audience was actively reality for us. effort and thought that both encouraged to participate in the (accompanied by Mrs Kirk at events of the plot and it was times) contributed displays an entertaining way for us to the devotion of teachers to the cultural education and enjoyment of students at Skinners’, despite their refusal to sit next to us on the train. One of the undisputed highlights of these excursions came when sixth form students participating in the New Views script writing competition went to see the theatrical adaptation Needless to say, all teaching of Neil Gaiman’s novel, Ocean staff involved with the organisation at the End of the Lane, at the and participation of these trips National Theatre. The fantastic familiarise ourselves with famous deserve the utmost appreciation array of slick scene transitions American literature. from the sixth form students who and captivating puppetry left most Many students also had the undoubtedly benefited in terms of us speechless at the interval, opportunity to watch an immersive of their pleasure and learning. and the heart-warming story and theatre take on Shakespeare’s Regardless of how highly each classic, Romeo and Juliet, with production was rated, everyone, Black Fate. Unfortunately, I was especially those in the upper unable to attend but managed to sixth spending their final year at get an exclusive interview with the school, gained many fond revered wellbeing prefect, Billy memories. Marsden, who claimed “it was one of my favourite theatre pieces Felix Van Oordt

characters had us singing the production’s praises by the end. That night marked the

32 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

The Staff Panto…

The end of term the Autumn Term marked the return of the infamous Skinners’ School Staff Pantomime. This year, the story of Peter Pan (AKA our very own Mrs Kirk) and Captain Hook (Dr Bebb). The cast did an incredible job with sterling performances all round. From the drama department, to the maths staff to the sports teachers, everyone had their part to play. Credit must of course also go to the prestigious director, Miss Fenton, for bringing together the cast that gave the school such a brilliant send-off in the run up to Christmas. We are all very much looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for our extremely talented teaching staff! Tom Forsdick

www.skinners-school.co.uk 33 THE ARTS – DRAMA

The Threepenny Opera

With typical modesty Claire Fenton, Head of Drama and director of the 2020 Senior Production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Theepenny Opera, states in her programme notes that “I am not a huge fan of musicals.” Well it certainly did not show.

YPICALLY outdoing Ms Fenton clearly relishes deep enjoyment in performance herself again, which making the most of what Brecht is infectious. was never an easy task called Epic Theatre. Using a The sense of atmosphere T considering last year’s large cast, having the audience throughout the performance is The Rest Is Silence her radical surround the actors at the edge completely absorbing, and this is and immersive take on Hamlet, of the theatre and having the made possible by the coherence The Threepenny Opera was a actors, especially Sam Fineman’s of all the elements that theatre pulsating and playful reworking exuberant Peachum, interact with offers. The costumes created the of the 1920s classic. the audience to create a sense dinginess and corruption of their Brecht’s play, derived from John of immediacy and complete world beautifully. The sets and Gay’s 18th Century Ballad Opera, involvement. lighting were used with superb deliberately makes use of popular dexterity to move us around music, lower status characters, Completely absorbing the city. Being a musical you’d colloquial dialogue and a highly expect catchy and dramatic tunes melodramatic plot – all stuff for the All the actors, from TWGGS but it is impossible to do justice cast and crew to get their teeth as well as Skinners’ were to the impact and energy that into. Setting it in Victorian England completely at ease with this Simon Hendry’s music brings brings out a strong Dickensian very broad, exclamatory acting to the drama. The orchestration flavour, and recasting the central style, and to start naming names and singing were a delight character Macheath as a gangster of terrific performances would throughout. undoubtedly evokes elements of be almost endless. But, special As I’ve come to expect from Peaky Blinders, albeit with a more mention does need to be made Skinners’ productions, I left with Cockney sound. Songs such as to Billy Marsden as Macheath. the thought, what will they do ‘Mack the Knife’, which opens the Musical theatre seems to come next year to top this? production, also adds Jazz into the as easy as breathing to him; he’s mix. so comfortable on stage and his Peter Ubly

34 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

www.skinners-school.co.uk 35 THE ARTS – DRAMA

A LEVEL DRAMA Billy Marsden

HE Theatre Studies seven sins, whilst remaining and group pieces. These A Level students in detailed to the nearest millimetre. ranged from dark and intense Year 12 and 13 enjoyed Audiences were left shocked but performances of Sarah Kane’s Ttriumphs with their also extremely appreciative of the 4.48 Psychosis and Crave, to the scripted performances this year: detail the students went into. more thought-provoking extracts a total of 10 extracts filling the The coming of spring witnessed from Jim Cartwright’s Road and Thomson Theatre, varying from Year 13’s final performance on the Frantic Assembly’s Pool (no water), Sarah Kane’s harrowing suicide Thomson Theatre stage in their all lightened by a largely humorous play 4.48 Psychosis to Bertolt last scripted piece, Bertolt Brecht’s version of Rosencrantz and Brecht’s hilarious war satire Oh! WW2 satire Oh! What a Lovely Guildenstern are Dead. What a Lovely War. War. In addition to this, away from The year started off with the the intense eyes of an audience, Year 13’s scripted pieces focusing Group pieces both years took part in a physical on the style of absurdism. The theatre workshop by members of performances of Rosencrantz and All six of the Year 13 theatre Frantic Assembly. The boys learnt Guildenstern are Dead by Tom studies class performed this new skills about the style and Stoppard and Waiting for Godot by hilarious yet thought-provoking enjoyed it thoroughly and we will Samuel Beckett left the audience play with such emotion and definitely look forward to them in tears of laughter. energy, treating the audience to coming back next year. rapturous laughter but also intense Immersive version moments of sadness and pathos. Brilliant year This was truly a cracking piece of This was closely followed by theatre. Overall, this was a brilliant year the Year 12’s immersive version Meanwhile Year 12’s second of performances by the students, of Marlowe’s Faustus that turned round of scripted performances but we cannot forget to thank both the whole top floor of the music showcased a plethora of different Miss Fenton and Mrs Kirk for the department into a dark and styles and plays, performed in the devotion to the subject and the moody representation of the form of monologues, duologues countless hours of rehearsals.

GCSE DRAMA Aidan Wilkins DRAMA SHORTS

E had some to The Laramie Project, a verbatim amazing GCSE play about the 1998 murder of a performances gay man named Matthew Shepard Wover the past year from Laramie, Wyoming. The here at Skinners’. This year, performances filled the Thomson the Year 11 groups had their Theatre with laughter, tears and scripted performances in which gasps over the two performance Jo Price (left) as the comic they performed two extracts nights for each of the two classes. sidekick in the pantomime from a script of their choice. These performances were great Sleeping Beauty performed These ranged from Everyman, ends to some of the students’ at the E M Forster Theatre, a modern morality play about a drama careers at Skinners’, being Tonbridge, January 2020. man who, with death looming, their last performances of their embarks on a journey to save his GCSE journey. life, to The Curious Incident of the I would like to congratulate seen at Skinners’ and the boys Dog in the Night-time, a physical each and every one of them for did insanely well. A huge thank theatre play about a boy with their outstanding performances you to Mrs Kirk and Miss Fenton autism, following him through that evoked all sorts of emotions who tirelessly gave up their time his investigation of how his from the audience. They were to rehearse and support the boys neighbours’ dog was murdered, some of the best pieces I have with their efforts.

36 www.skinners-school.co.uk the THE ARTS – LEOPARD 2019-20 MUSIC

Carol Service

Music at Skinnners’

NEW MUSIC TEACHERS senior musicians playing ‘Viva la Vida’ at the Skinners’ Day awards After the retirement of Mr Hendry (Snr), Skinners’ was blessed by the ceremony. arrival of Mr Hendry (Jnr). Since his arrival, Mr Hendry has brought new The first Concert of the year life to the music department with the popularity of new groups such as took place on St Cecilia’s Day in the Folk Group. His biggest achievements (before becoming Head of late November. Notably, this was Music at Skinners’, obviously) include conducting at Llandaff Cathedral in the first ever concert that the Wales and playing a ceilidh in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Folk Group, Swing Band and Jazz Before coming to work at Skinners’, Mr Roberts worked in several Band took part in. The concert other schools including a bilingual school in Sweden for two years. was a massive success. Mr Roberts’ can play many instruments, but primarily plays the cello, In December, the music piano, guitar, the trumpet, and he sings. Since joining Skinners’, he department was, as ever, active has been responsible for the foundation of the Twinners’ Chamber with the senior choir performing Choir (a choir with students from both Skinners’ and Tunbridge Wells ‘The Messiah’ by Handel at Girls Grammar) and the Staff Choir. the Royal Albert Hall as a lead Both new teachers have contributed a massive amount of time to choir. This was followed by the Music department over the last year and have even continued to the Skinners’ Christmas Carol run music clubs virtually. It has been amazing to see first-hand the Service at St John’s Church and transformation of the Music department and its growth in popularity. the Senior Choir performing in the Hospice in the Weald Carol Matt Walkington Service at Tonbridge Chapel. The Skinners’ Carol Service was the inaugural performance of the ELPED massively by continued to take place on line Staff Choir singing 'Adam lay Messrs Hendry (Jnr) with both the Senior Choir and ybounden’ and Roberts, music the Folk Group recording songs Extra-curricular music activities Hhas continued to be virtually. in Skinners’ have continued to central to life at Skinners’ for The musical year began on thrive. This year has seen the many students. Despite the the second day back from the start of new clubs such as the shortened year in school, the summer holidays with the Senior Folk Group, Staff Choir and Music department’s many Orchestra playing Vaughan Chamber Choir. ensembles and groups have Williams and an assorted group of ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 37 THE ARTS – MUSIC

The Staff Choir

›

ANDREW BERNARDI WORKSHOP & CONCERT

We welcomed back Old Skinner and professional violinist Andrew Bernardi for a fundraising concert in February, with proceeds going towards the Mitchell Building appeal. He brought with him the rest of his Stradivarius Trio who played a varied and exciting programme ranging from Beethoven (coinciding nicely with his 250th birthday) to Piazzolla. student performed a piece of A thoroughly enjoyable and We were also lucky enough to their choosing and were given productive afternoon. We are very have a workshop with the trio advice and feedback on their grateful to the trio for their time. joining our senior violinists. Each technique, tone and posture.

38 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

SENIOR Year 7 to 10. It's great fun and a but COVID-19 had other plans! good way to meet musicians from In January, we teamed up with ORCHESTRA other year groups in the school. TWGGS and created an elite 16 While most students breathe a We play a variety of jazz and swing voice chamber choir. We had our sigh of relief at 3.35 on a Monday pieces, ranging from classic 30s first outing at the Skinners’ Senior afternoon, for me it has been singles, such as Glenn Miller’s ‘In concert, and were to take on a the start of the best lesson of The Mood’, to the 80s pop hit ‘Our mini tour to Wales this summer – the day. Senior Orchestra, from House’. Even during lockdown, we another plan disrupted! Tchaikovsky to ‘The Avengers’, has continued to play, sending in video been simultaneously a pleasure, a clips to be edited together into one Alex Aitken challenge and a fabulous learning final copy that's published to the experience far beyond the school Skinners’ Music YouTube channel. curriculum. Under the forgiving and FOLK GROUP patient tutelage of Mr Hendry – to John Frame This year, Folk Group, newly my astonishment – I progressed formed by Mr Hendry, has from second violin to the lead. In flourished, reinventing traditional the last year he has introduced us STAFF CHOIR tunes from all over the British Isles to a whole other repertoire which Under the munificent, yet and beyond, with an eclectic mix has both stretched and entertained frequently frank, direction of the of instrumentalists from all year us all. Being a member of the accomplished Mr Roberts, Staff groups. Focusing exclusively on Senior Orchestra not only improves Choir became a highlight of the playing by ear and improvisation, one’s musical skills but also teaching week. In the lead-up to the group has allowed individuals establishes a familial community Christmas we enjoyed learning to develop and contribute their within the school. Being able to talk some new old-English words own personal musical styles into to others in the school regardless as we got to grips with the the mix including Year 8 tabla of year group has truly enriched beautiful ‘Adam lay ybounden’, player Aniyanth Kannan, with my time at Skinners’ and I am then worked with the senior others experimenting with new extremely grateful for it. strings on an arrangement of instruments such as the double ‘Eleanor Rigby’. Even in lockdown bass, mandolin and accordion. Ben Hislop the choir has been singing still, Although, our plans for a Ceilidh sending in individual video clips were quashed this year, much for Mr Roberts to knit seamlessly to the disappointment of Alex SENIOR CHOIR together. As well as the fine Aitken, we were able to hold a In Senior Choir we have been music, spending time with such concert under the covered way singing a complete range of music good, entertaining colleagues is in honour of Burns Night which from modern pop music such as wonderfully energising at the end saw a rousing (if rather rowdy) ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley to ‘There of a busy school week. rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ was a Maid.’ We have performed among other pieces. Despite in all of the senior school concerts Andrew Bebb quarantine, we have continued to to date, as well as at the Tonbridge perform, collating virtual renditions Chapel for the Hospice in the of ‘Drowsy Maggie' and 'Parson's Weald Carol Service. It’s fun to CHAMBER CHOIR Farewell’– videos of which can be have a sing on a Monday with my In November of 2019, a Chamber found on the @MusicAtSkinners friends, and new found friends, Choir was started by Mr Roberts, social media pages. It has truly within the music department. with the aim of creating a chapel been a pleasure to be part of a like choir, focusing on choral group playing with such freedom, Noah Featherstone Csillag music and enabling students to and fantastic to see us improve be better prepared for university so greatly with each session. I chapel singing. Our first outing was have no doubt that the group will SWING BAND singing an evensong at St Paul’s continue to grow as we move into Swing Band meets on Thursday Church, Rusthall. This was a great next year. mornings and consists of a half success. We had hoped to go back dozen or so players ranging from there later this year to sing again Sam Fineman ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 39 THE ARTS – MUSIC

› JAZZ BAND after a bit of a break, the choir STRING GROUP The Jazz Band has had an exciting started to focus on the Easter The String Group has been one year. The move to a more expansive concert, and we got to sing some of the greatest successes of the repertoire has allowed the band to quite popular songs. However, new music department, growing experiment into different genres, the concert never happened due from a quintet to a full string such as our most exciting piece, to COVID-19. I really enjoyed orchestra under the watchful eye ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ by The Average Junior Choir. We had lots of fun of Mr Roberts. The group has White Band; an exciting dive into moments and there were lots of performed a range of repertoire the world of funk. Collaboration with good opportunities. I think that from Vivaldi to Bach and even singers allowed a stunning rendition everyone in the choir would agree accompanied the Staff Choir for of ‘Feeling Good’ at the final concert with me for thanking Mr Hendry ‘Eleanor Rigby’ by the Beatles. The this year, a much-needed relief in as he has helped us so much String Group has also been busy what would be some of the final this year. In lockdown, he even in lockdown recording Ireland’s days of school for many. Yet the managed to make a collaboration ‘My Song is Love Unknown’ for band still kept to its roots with from us singing our individual assembly and one of Grieg's ‘Two a classic 12 bar blues sprinkled parts of a song. Nordic Melodies’. It has been a throughout the year keeping pleasure to play alongside such everybody on their toes. Thank you Henry Briggs fine musicians this past year! to Mr Hendry for making this one of the best years yet. Tom Hanks JUNIOR Marcos Purse ORCHESTRA BARBERSHOP Under the expert guidance CHOIR WIND QUINTET of Mr Roberts and with the The Barbershop Choir has The Wind Quintet has being playing recent additions of select senior continued to perform at a strong in its current format for about 2 to musicians such as myself, level this year; singing ‘Crazy 3 years now. We play a variety of Junior Orchestra has been an Little Thing Called Love,’ at the music from Mozart to Film Music. excellent place for fledgling St Cecilia’s Day concert and It’s enjoyable because in such a members of Skinners’ music ‘So Happy, Together,’ at the small group you feel like you listen department to improve and Spring concert. In the Christmas to the others and focus on their perform. Each session provides Carol Service the Barbershop parts as much as you do on your such a positive environment for performed an assorted mix of own to produce a wave of sound. playing and learning, and has Christmas carols and songs, It’s therapeutic in that sense. provided countless opportunities whilst the congregation enjoyed to all parties, be it a chance to mince pies after the service. The JJ Rose conduct or teach a peer, or to Barbershop Choir is so enjoyable develop new musical techniques and special, not only because of and skills. In addition to school the unique genre of music but JUNIOR CHOIR performances, we have also had also because of the community. I joined the choir in November, so the privilege this year to perform The Barbershop has become I was a late starter into the group. as part of the West Kent much more than just a club at When I joined, people were already Secondary School Orchestra, lunchtime or a weekly ensemble preparing for the Carol Service in which was a great test of sight- but a group of friends. The genre St John’s Church. On the day of the reading and collaboration. The of Barbershop is not easy to sing concert, we carried all the musical Junior Orchestra has been a because of its unaccompanied equipment to the church and spent pleasure to be a part of, and I style, but through the amazing the rest of the morning practising. sincerely hope that such will coaching of Mr Hendry and the Finally, it was time for the concert. forever remain available for the hard work of the members, the The church was packed, and future generations of Skinners ensemble continues to sing at a everyone performed well: the to enjoy! very high level. perfect way to finish the term. When we went back to school, Max Fineman Matthew Walkington

40 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, AND HOSPICE IN THE WEALD CAROL SERVICE AT TONBRIDGE SCHOOL, DECEMBER 2019

HIS year, apart from starring in our own Carol Service, the Senior Choir sang as part of Tthe Hospice in the Weald Carol Service in Tonbridge Chapel. The event was compèred by Len Goodman who even posed with some students! We sang ‘Normandy Carol’ (a version of ‘Away in a Manger’) and ‘Jesu Joy’ by JS Bach along with the congregational carols ‘Once in Royal’, ‘O Little Town’, ‘The Holly & The Ivy’ and ‘O Come, All ye Faithful’. George Thomas also sang The Little Road to Bethlehem by Michael Head. A lovely evening for a great charity.

Alex Aitken

www.skinners-school.co.uk 41 THE ARTS – LIBRARY

Zusak in the YA Category. With school closing just as the Carnegie Shortlist was announced in March, we had to be a little innovative with our ‘shadowing’ of this national Book Award, and managed this remotely using Microsoft Teams, with Mrs Weaver delivering and collecting the books to keep up with some of the participants’ impressive reading pace. The winner of the Medal will be announced in June, as usual, and at the time of writing we are planning a celebration in school in October to coincide with the announcement of the Carnegie 2020 Shadowers’ Choice (the pupils’ online meeting favourite nationwide, which is, after all, the important part of the process!). As a new academic year gets underway, like the rest The Library of the school community the librarians are eagerly awaiting moving into new premises. This has been an interesting and unusual year for Ahead of our planned move, the library; all started as planned in the Autumn we switched to Accessit, a new term, when we launched the South East Schools Library Information System (LIS) in October. This proved to be an Themed Book Award (SESTBA), with the theme excellent move, as it enabled us ‘Page to Screen’. to provide access to more online resources during the lockdown. UR participants, Along with 15 other participating Check out the library Web from Years 7-9, raced schools, we were all set to enjoy App here: https://uk.accessit. through the Teen the awards ceremony hosted online/skn01/ Despite some Oand / or Young Adult by Kent College, when it had to unavoidable delays in the building shortlists, meeting fortnightly be cancelled at short notice due process, we are still hopeful that in the library over lunch to hotly to the Coronavirus outbreak. we will be in the new library – debate the titles. Nevertheless, a celebration on the second floor of the new of the event was held in the building – early in the Autumn library and a fantastic selection term. Inevitably, plans for the of ‘creative responses’ by our move have had to be adapted participants was submitted for due to the pandemic, but with consideration by the independent the help of various members judge: these competition winners of staff who have prepared the are still to be announced, but c. 9,000 resources while the the popular winners of the Book library has been closed, we Awards, voted for by participants should be ready for the move and announced in May, were into the new building as soon as the thrilling ‘Northern Lights’ it is completed – exciting times by Philip Pullman in the Teen ahead! Faaz Abbas’ Northern Lights Category and the extraordinary artwork ‘The Book Thief’ by Marcus Cate Deller & Tam Weaver

42 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20 TRIPS

The Year 7 Bushcraft trip

E interviewed about an experience learning new They seem more cohesive as Mr. Walton, skills rather than just going to a a year group and more sure of Head of Year 7, destination where you fill time. In themselves every year. W about the annual the face of continuing and rapid Year seven Bushcraft trip. This technological advancement within Would the trip be possible induction to the school has society, there is something quite without the older members of been happening for years to refreshing about taking a year the school who agree to come as celebrate a successful first term group off to sleep in tents in the part of their form prefect duties? at the school. woods for a few days. It would be possible but it would This trip gives the students have nowhere near the same not just a sense of community What benefits do you feel this value. The link between our Form among their year group, but is trip has to the year group? Prefects and Year 7s (already one also the first time that we feel a We have always run a trip early of the strongest aspects of our sense of community about the on in Year 7 and this has been pastoral support) is strengthened whole school, the realisation that both as a celebration of the boys' immeasurably during this trip. It is Skinners’ is more than a school, it’s transition to secondary school always nice to see the usual aloof a family. Bushcraft for me, when but also serves as a valuable nature of the older Year 13s melt I was new to Skinners’ was the opportunity to get the year group away as they adjust to the simple first time of many that I remember away from school, to foster and reality of living in the woods with feeling real pride in my school. broaden relationships amongst 160 Year 7s for a few days. For the peers. It also offers our Form prefects themselves, the trip also Could you give us an outline of Tutors and Form Prefects an offers plenty of leadership and why you choose to do this trip opportunity to get to know their mentoring opportunities. year after year? new forms. It was Mr Johnson who And finally, what was your discovered and settled on What is one moment that favourite part of this year's trip? Bushcraft after trying a number stands out for you every year? My favourite part of the trip is of different options. I have, so far, It is always nice to see the boys usually the preparation of the seen no reason to go elsewhere after they have been split into their salmon and the boys getting the as Bushcraft offers so much in Tribes, creating flags, shelters and chance to try eating fish eyes. terms of adventure and does so building their first fires. However, this year one of our in a very meaningful way. Many prefects managed to drop his companies run such trips but I Do you feel that the students phone into a Portaloo which kept us have always felt that some of are different after this trip? entertained for the duration! them just offer activities as a way They certainly come back tired! to fill time. Such a trip should be But in all seriousness, yes. Sam Cunningham

www.skinners-school.co.uk 43 Day 1

TRIPS

Huskies Exhausted

Outside Bill’s Burgers

Ground Zero

Top of the Rock

Choate Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN)

Broken all records UN Day

44 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Boston

North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN)

Tunbridge Wells Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA)

In November, Skinners’ sent a team to the annual Tunbridge Wells MUNGA. There were three delegations representing the diverse countries of Iceland, Yemen and Mexico. They debated resolutions on water and land use, international cooperation, and climate change.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 45 TRIPS

Battle Abbey

“A debt is now repaid”

T the start of the its country on the battlefield. retreat-and-let-them-follow-you- year, Year 7 went In Normandy today in a WW2 so-we-can-kill-them tactic was to Battle Abbey. cemetery there are the lines “A unordered or feigned; however it AThis historic ruin debt is now repaid” meaning that worked and changed the course was built to commemorate all they were even now. We also of the battle. We then toured those who lost their lives in the went to the spot where Alfred the museum which looked at Battle of Hastings. was supposedly felled by an the everyday life of the people in We also visited Pevensey arrow to the eye. Whether this is England and the armour that the Castle, the actual landing ground poetic (to symbolise Harold being two sides would have worn. It for the Normans in 1066: they defeated by God) or whether this was a very good day out and we later built a castle there. We was made up is up to you. We learned from a very practical point went there because we were later went to Senlac Hill where of view. studying the Normans and the England fell to the Normans. No- rare event when England lost one knows for sure whether the Isaac Bowers

46 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Krakow and Auschwitz

Sicily Trip

During half term in October 2019, 66 Year 11 Geographers went to Sicily. The boys enjoyed hiking on volcanoes, exploring the fascinating local culture and the great weather.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 47 CCF

Combined Cadet Force

Cdt Sam Schipper

To fully embody the meaning of the CCF, we interviewed, Tom Concannon (Regimental Sergeant Major) and Reuben Saunders (Cadet Warrant Officer). This pair of students represent the best of the school, showing all of the best qualities that make not just a good soldier, but a key member of our community.

1. What is the main role of the 2. Do you feel that the CCF 3. What is your favourite CCF at Skinners’? builds a sense of community memory looking back at within the school? CCF? TC: The Skinners’ CCF is a place where a Skinners’ student TC: Absolutely! The CCF is the TC: My favourite memory was develops skills in a way that they largest single extra-curricular activity when I transitioned from student may not otherwise have the that is offered by this school. to instructor. There comes a time opportunity. For example, in Year It allows students to develop in each cadet’s time in the CCF 11, all cadets take on a leadership working relationships with students where their skills have reached programme which teaches us from Year 9 to 13. Furthermore, the point where they are ready how to teach a group of students proposed plans for this September to take on the responsibility of in a clear and effective manner. will see us taking students from leading their fellow cadets. I This helps us develop skills in Skinners’ Kent Academy into our particularly enjoyed my first time confidence and public speaking. organisation. On top of this, the commanding a body of cadets On top of that, there are many CCF is clearly affiliated to the on exercise as it showed me the opportunities that we are given British Armed Forces and we results of the hard work I put into (for a very small cost) that no are also given opportunities to the organisation. other organisation can offer. This represent the school in the wider ranges from flying a plane to community – for example during RS: My favourite memory has firing military weaponry. Remembrance Day. to be the last time I went flying.

48 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Every RAF cadet has the chance to spending time in the reserve to fly an aeroplane themselves force. You are paid for the time (along with an instructor, I feel you spend in training and it opens I should add!) and sometimes up many opportunities. At this they let you try stunts. For a few time, I am not planning on having seconds, I was able to produce a career in the armed forces, but zero gravity in the cabin, and my only time will tell… phone floated in mid-air. That's one of the most surreal things RS: In many ways, I'm already I've ever done. putting some of my training to Sam Schipper (Year 10) good use. On a field exercise 4. How important would you attended an MoD sponsored a few months back, we had a say the CCF is at Skinners’? STEM Challenge at Rolleston simulated night "ambush", in full in October 2019. The course gear, rifles and all, in the middle TC: The CCF is the oldest involved solving simulated of the night. It was very cloudy, organisation in the school. It crimes, learning with the Royal and it was so dark I couldn't see was initially founded in 1901 Engineers and walking through my hand in front of my face. The as an Officer Training Corps a fire battle with helicopters confidence it takes to lead an (OTC). The 2021 school year will above and tanks all around. entire group of cadets through mark its 120th anniversary. The half a mile of unknown woodlands organisation has grown alongside in pitch black is something I the school itself. I recently came when the weather is good, we never thought I'd get to feel, and across a collection of photos even head up to Southfields and countless situations like this have dated from the late 1940s practise in-field activities. dramatically improved my ability showing our students parading, to lead. In terms of future career only a few years after the Second 6. People think CCF is just options, in an ideal world, I'd love World War. Our CCF is highly marching, is this true? to be a test pilot, so a career as an important to the Skinners’ air force pilot is definitely on the identity. Take a look at our boards TC: This is absolutely not the table. in School Hall next time you pass case! It is true that drill is a part through and it becomes apparent of the skills we learn but this is 8. Finally with the current that Skinners’ boys have been by no means a bad thing. As time political climate focused intimately involved with the CCF goes on, each cadet will become on Black Lives Matter, since its inception. proud with our presentation and do you feel that the CCF uniform manner. The RAF are encourages a sense of unity 5. What normally happens on particularly well-known for their and brotherhood within the training days? drill and have won prizes for it organisation? before. However, aside from that, RS: Parade, as we call it, starts we also have lessons on Map and RS: With what's currently going right after school, and after a Compass, Fieldcraft, Patrolling, on in the world, a good sense of formal "meeting" at the beginning, First Aid, Dress, Military togetherness goes a long way. to make sure everyone's there Knowledge, Skill-At-Arms and The values of the CCF revolve and to do any notices, we split Signals. Drill is only a small part of around teamwork, respect and up into RAF and army sections, CCF life. courage, which help ensure then within that, recruits (Year 9s) that every cadet feels part of and seniors (Year 10 onwards). 7. Do you plan on putting something good and something JNCOS, aka those with ranks, get your training to use after meaningful for themselves. I the chance to teach lessons on Skinners’? think that's a feeling we're unique a wide variety of topics, ranging in providing and helps to prepare from advanced combat routines TC: I am currently planning cadets to be successful and to the principles of flying and on being a part of one of the respectful young men. aircraft. And yes, we do practise many UOTCs (University Officer a fair bit of drill. Sometimes, Training Corps). This is equivalent Sam Cunningham

www.skinners-school.co.uk 49 CCF

Passed with flying colours

OING outward bound, (three have been cancelled our CCF passed its due to the poor weather). At Annual Assurance one flying day, the immediate GInspection with flying past second in command of colours and also passed the the entire RAF, Air Marshal Sir Biennial Inspection in October, Stuart Atha, complimented our when we had Field Day. cadets describing them as “a The Reviewing Officer,Lt/Col great bunch, very committed, Bennan Dwyer, was suitably very polite, well turned out, and impressed by our unit. We have a delight to fly with”. A great also had 30 cadets undertake endorsement for Skinners’ a Weapons Training course, a cadets. weekend exercise with 40 cadets The CCF also starred in taking part and a method of Remembrance services in the instruction weekend for Years 12 village of Blackham, in Tunbridge and 13 teaching them leadership Wells and at school. and instructional skills. Major Ian Kelso The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion came to a special CCF parade in OLD SKINNERS’ LEAD… December 2019 to formalise our affiliation with the Legion. Congratulations to Lance Corporal Matthew Roy who passed his Leadership course in September, to Fl Sgt Harvey Champneys who was awarded the Jose Beddoe Trophy and to Lance Corporal Alex Wright who was awarded the RBL trophy. I also note that Ms Rebekah Spencer is now a fully qualified and Commissioned Second Lieutenant.

Area Squadon Trophy

At the Area Squadron Trophy at RAF Halton on 1st December, Edinburgh University OTC took part in the 2019 Cambrian Patrol the Skinners’ team came second last autumn. The team completed the near 70km march in around in the Drill competition, Second 51 hours having been led all the way by Old Skinners Ryan Boxall in the Command Tasks, and (centre) and his second i/c Frankie Maynard (second left). Ryan and fifth overall in a competition of Frankie’s team successfully completed the physically and mentally schools from all over the South demanding challenge and were awarded bronze medal. East of England. The RAF has ‘A bit of Skinners' CCF legacy’ Ryan Boxall also managed two flying days

50 www.skinners-school.co.uk the CCF – LEOPARD 2019-20 VE DAY

Victory in Europe Day

Although we were unable to commemorate VE Day in an Act of Remembrance at school, the Headmaster was able to provide an online assembly detailing the history of the day, the lessons that can be learned from it today, and how Skinners’ commemorated it 75 years ago.

HE traditional Labour pre-war conditions, but gradually, fact, the War Memorial in School Day bank holiday was beginning with the sounding Hall contains the names of 61 old specifically moved to of the big bell, old customs are boys and teachers who died in Tthe 8th May, which is VE being introduced.” active service in WW2. Ultimately Day. VE Day is Victory in Europe Of course, it is sometimes the war had lasted almost six Day: it signifies the Allied tempting to liken our current years and cost over 450,000 victory in Europe as WW2 came struggle to war, and whilst it British military and civilian lives. towards its end. is true that the restriction on Which perhaps put some of Adolf Hitler had committed our civil liberties bear some our current, not insignificant, suicide on 30 April during the similarity, none of us in the school discomfort in perspective. And Battle of Berlin and Germany’s community can legitimately we can only imagine the relief surrender was authorised by his compare the two. Reading the that hit the nation on 8th May 75 successor, Reichspräsident Karl Leopard, I see that the magazine years ago. Dönitz. So VE Day celebrates the continued to record the deaths We would have had a special formal acceptance by the Allies of old boys in various theatres Act of Remembrance at school. of Nazi Germany’s unconditional of war even well after the end Sadly, that did not take place. But surrender of its armed forces on of hostilities as grim news I will take this opportunity to pay 8th May 1945. continued to filter home. The tribute to those who gave their For the purposes of a little November 1945 edition of the lives in the wartime struggle 75 research I raided the archive of Leopard records three more, years ago, just as we do again Leopard magazines to see how including: now in noting the remarkable the date was marked. May 8th Wing Commander John service of those in the NHS who and May 9th were public holidays. Fowke, RAF, master at the school are saving lives, at significant Meanwhile, the summer 1945 since 1931, died in hospital aged sacrifice on a daily basis. Different edition of the Leopard made the 36 years; Denys Coote, RAF, generations throw different following statement. reported missing September challenges at humanity and each “At last has come to pass 1944, now presumed killed, aged generation has its heroes, people what none of us for the last 22 years, at school 1934-39; and who in general are just doing four years doubted, and the Flt Lt Derek Smith, winner of their job and doing it selflessly. united nations stand victorious the Distinguished Flying Cross, Our school’s statement of values in Europe. With full hears we who died in hospital aged 22. says that we want to develop say Non nobis Domine… [All The March 1946 edition people of service at Skinners’: glory be to thee O God] and as attempts a full list of those killed from those to whom much is far as our own tiny community on active service in WW2 (see given, much is expected, it says. is affected, hope that the effects page 53), recording 50 names and Serving others is one of the of war on our school, both moral asking for readers to add to the greatest opportunities that comes and material, may prove only list in due course as the Leopard our way. As well as looking back temporary. It is strange to reflect was in the full knowledge that it on 8th May 1945, do remember that practically not a single boy was almost certainly incomplete. that. can remember the school under The magazine was right. In Edward Wesson ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 51 CCF – VE DAY

Swordfish biplane flown by Sub-Lieutenant Eric Wright Two Skinners’ Michael Wadsworth WW2 Heroes (Old Skinner)

Following the Centenary Roll of Honour we While some of the Swordfish were reported to have set off published to remember the ‘Lost Boys and Masters’ their torpedoes, none managed of the School who died in the First World War, it to get close enough to find their seemed appropriate given the 75th anniversary of targets. All six planes were shot VE Day, to follow this with a book of remembrance down. The bravery of Eric Wright, 22 for the Old Skinners’ who gave their lives in the years of age and the youngest Second World War. Here are two remarkable stories of the Swordfish men, alongside from the 61 Old Skinners named on the memorial that of his brothers in arms was board in the Old School Hall. recognised ‘in despatches’ as follows: “Their aircraft shattered, Sub-Lieutenant Eric Wright for further fighter support, he undeterred by an inferno fire, On the morning of the 12th of waved his arm and the biplanes they carried out their orders. February 1942, OS Eric Wright dived down to 50 ft above sea Not one came back. Theirs is the took off from a snow cove red level to head out to sea. courage which is beyond praise.” airfield near Ramsgate on one of Within minutes the British Admiral Otto Ciliax in the the most dangerous missions of aircraft were approaching the Schamhorst described the the war. In one of 6 Swordfish main Luftwaffe screen and as Swordfish attack as “piloted by biplanes, only capable of flying they flew through layers of cloud, men whose bravery surpasses 90 knots due to the weight of they met the German aircraft at any other action by either side their torpedoes, Eric and 17 all levels. As the Spitfires broke that day.” other members of his Squadron up one wave of attacking aircraft Royal Admiral Ramsay wrote: had been sent to attack a after another, the Swordfish lined “The gallant sortie of these six German battlefleet of 66 Ships up the enemy battlefleet. Swordfish constitutes one of the led by the mighty battleships When the Swordfish were finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice Schamhorst and Gneisenau. spotted every flat gun in the and devotion to duty the war had As the RAF had been taken by German fleet from the 4 inch ever witnessed.” surprise by this battlefleet’s to the multiple barrelled guns daylight dash upon the channel, opened fire, and white stars of Commander Cecil Crouch they could only muster 10 bursting flak filled the air. Many Cecil Crouch left Skinners’ to join Spitfires to provide air cover. The burst in front of the old bi-planes the navy when he was 16 and Luftwaffe battlefleet air support as the gunners consistently after a brief spell on a Destroyer numbered 250. Their odds of over-estimated their speed. But transferred to submarines. returning alive were very low. as they moved closer it was He was widely known in the When Lieutenant Commander impossible to avoid the inferno navy as “Lucky” Crouch as he Eugen Esmond, who led the shells and bullets raining down on had the habit of leaving ships attack, realised there was no time them. shortly before they sunk. Like

52 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Last photo taken of Commander Cecil Crouch, February 1943 (Imperial War Museum Collection) many successful submarine commanders at the time, he was a bit of a renegade – as you might gather from this crew photo sporting the skull and crossbones. HMS Thunderbolt. In command of HMS Inset: Commander Cecil Thunderbolt, Cecil led the sinking Crouch and crew of seven enemy ships including two submarines, for which he was awarded with the Distinguished surfaced, stern first, before bottom was over 3000 feet Service Order. heeling over to port and beginning below. The Italians reported no By 1943 Thunderbolt had her final dive. This time the survivors. developed the reputation of one of His Majesty’s crack submarines and patrolling the Mediterranean › Victory in Europe Day… cont’d had helped to drive the Italians into the safety of their harbours. But her luck was about to run Memorial board out. In March 1943, Thunderbolt sank the Italian freighter Esterel THE NAMES OF THE 61 OLD SKINNERS WHO and in doing so drew the attention GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR of the Italian corvette Cicogna – commanded by a former submariner, wise to the tactics of F.C. Banks J.L. Fowke G.E. Matthews a submarine attempting to evade D.M. Banner H.N. Freeman R.A. Newbold an enemy. F.G. Beale H.D. Goldsmith I.O. Palmer A grim duel developed, N.E. Bishop K.E. Goodsell E.C. Perkins Thunderbolt submerged and H.W. Blackford E.G. Gower G.L. Pettitt increasingly desperate to escape; E.R. Bottle C.T. Grounsell A.S. Ramsay, D.F.C. Cicogna relentlessly pursuing B.J.R. Brady P. Harrison S.E. Ribbans its prey. Minutes stretched to D.A. Brown C.I. Haxell D.V. Smith, D.F.C. hours, hours to days, as the air K. Butt A.A. Hickmott S.G.H. Stephens on Thunderbolt grew increasingly A.B Cave R.S.K Hickmott R.R. Syndercombe foul with the build-up of carbon R.E Chantler P.B. Higgins J.W. Usherwood dioxide. D.O.G Coote D.P. Hollands W.R. Waters After more than 48 hours of R.H. Cowley E.T. Hughes D.E. Westwater pursuit and evasion, Thunderbolt C.B. Crouch, D.S.O F.M. Jarrett J. Wood raised its periscope, probably R.H. Curran R. Jenkins R.A. Woodward hoping to find Cicogna gone and C.H. Dearden B.R. Jenner-Akehurst R.F. Woolley the way clear to surface and G.M. Downes O.H Launders E.H.F. Wright ventilate. Cicogna was waiting M.R. Dunlop J.V. Livesey M.A. Young and immediately launched a D. Evans J. Luxford P.O. Youngman depth charge attack. F.W. Evans G.E. Mann Shortly afterward Thunderbolt R.C. Fayers R.J. Marsh

www.skinners-school.co.uk 53 CCF – FINAL SALUTE

Matthew Walkington Tony Holding – a final salute

After 65 years of being associated with Skinners’ School in a variety of ways, Tony Holding is stepping back from his position helping run the Combined Cadet Force. Tony Holding’s First Day

R Holding joined of Cecil Beeby as Headmaster in that existed were the main school Skinners’ in 1954 as 1953, boaters (straw hats) were in building (which currently houses a student and, after due course brought into the school the school hall), School House Mstudying at King’s uniform instead of the school and the Gym (known to us as the College London, he returned cap, which had previously been Old Gym and now the Mitchell to the school as a chemistry mandatory. Mr Holding recalls that Building). There were also a teacher in 1965. the prefects would “set you one number of wooden huts used as He retired from teaching in hundred lines at the school gates form rooms and for teaching that 2005, having packed an enormous if you weren’t wearing your hat or adorned the playground (A-D) and amount in, and in retirement has grey socks.” the bank below the Gym (E-H). continued to play an active part in The role of the school prefect In the 1920s School House the Skinners’ community through has also changed. In the past, had been the home of the working with the CCF and helping prefects had the ability to set Headmaster. The area which now drive the Old Skinners’ Society. detentions and even administer houses the P Block and the New There can be little doubt too that he corporal punishment. Today’s Wing (science block) previously will continue to make appearances prefect has a much reformed role was the Headmaster’s garden: at the school in the years to come. from wellbeing to more mundane students from lower years were In my interview with him, Mr tasks such as lunch duty. Teachers banned from entering. The back Holding commented on the many were also expected to wear of the school, where the Leopard changes that Skinners’ has seen gowns in daily assemblies which and Knox buildings and the Sports in his long association. Primarily, consisted of a hymn, readings and Hall now lie, was open ground in 1954, Skinners’ was only three prayers, with a psalm replacing the where cricket was played. The form entry (in contrast to the hymn on Saturday mornings. Yes, only building at the back of the current five forms per year). While you read it correctly: Skinners’ had school was a cricket pavilion, built the Skinners’ community continues school on a Saturday morning until as a memorial to those who died to thrive today, he comments the late 1960s. in WW1 (the memorial stone still that it felt then more like a ‘close In a year where we are seeing sits in the entrance to the main family.’ Another key change is the massive change to our school school building). The South Wing uniform. Before the 1960s, sixth site with the construction of the of the main school building which formers were expected to wear a Mitchell Building, it is interesting now houses the art department blazer with the full school crest on to hear about the myriad shifts that has previously been the English it (as opposed to the lower school have occurred on the site from department and, before that, the blazer which has a Leopard on it). the school’s foundation in 1887. science laboratories. Furthermore, after the appointment In the 1950s the sole buildings Mr Holding was School Captain

54 www.skinners-school.co.uk the TONY HOLDING – A CAREER DEVOTED TO SKINNERS’ SCHOOL LEOPARD 2019-20

• Chemistry teacher, later Head of • Organised Ski trips for around 14 Department, and then Head of years from 1978, accompanying Science. several others. • Ran cricket teams from the • Joint leader of four beginning for around 35 years, initially mountaineering expeditions U14 and U15 XIs, then 1st XI from to Scotland in the 70s. India and Peru and was planning on visiting Russia this year, before 1975-88. • CCF: Officer Commanding 1988- • Master i/c rock climbing 1998 and 2003-2010: a regular the pandemic struck. (till around 2000). attendee at Annual Camp and While he will be still seen • Ran junior rugby and hockey teams Adventurous Training on Dartmoor around Skinners’ next year for several years. (completing over 50 of each). helping out with the CCF, his regular commitment and in his Upper Sixth year (equivalent re-joining Skinners’ as a teacher, presence will be sorely missed to head boy). At school, during became an officer. When asked by many of the school’s students. his teaching career and since his whether there was a highlight Teachers such as Mr Holding retirement, his commitment to the of his time in the CCF, he replied are what makes Skinners’ such CCF has been one of a kind. After “there were so many; in fact, I a unique school. This one of a a lifetime of association with CCF, would venture to suggest that my kind commitment and dedication he reached the rank of Lt Colonel time with the CCF offers more makes the Skinners’ experience when he took over as Officer than enough for another article.” for a student not simply Commanding in 1988, though Mr Holding hopes now to academically enriching but one he currently holds the rank of continue travelling the world that shapes lives and creates Major. Mr Holding joined the CCF (COVID-19 permitting). He has memories that will never be when he was in Year 9 and after recently travelled to Antarctica, forgotten.

Bell Phillips Architects, led by Tim Bell, Old Skinner. THE MITCHELL BUILDING Demolition of the Old Gym took place over Easter 2019. The Old Gym was an iconic part of Skinners’ and had INCE the expansion of the school from four been there since its construction in 1900 (just thirteen to five forms a year in 2013, the school has years after the school’s foundation in 1887). Following been lacking space. The solution lies in the construction of the Sports Hall in 2012, it had housed a SMitchell building. Planted between Byng temporary sixth form centre and the Combined Cadet Hall and the main school building (on the site of the Force headquarters. Old Gym), it will house the English department, the One notable discovery during demolition was the new Library and the Sixth Form Study Centre. unveiling of an air raid shelter used by the school during The construction of the Mitchell Building has not the Second World War stretching under the School Yard. been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic Part of this bunker was filled in with concrete in order to not only led to delays as a result of social distancing provide more stability to the Mitchell Building. measures, but also constrained the supply chain leading The design of the Mitchell Building keeps with the to shortages of scaffolding and essential building Victorian red brick style that is seen in the main school materials. Despite this, the contractors continued building and School House. However, it presents a to make progress on the project only shutting for modern take on the school’s architecture. In terms of three weeks over the worst of the pandemic. Social its purpose, Mr Wesson has commented that “this distancing measures on the construction site included project is all about supporting our students’ search having a full time cleaner, a one-way system and a hand for intellectual growth, and is part of the process of sanitising station. Another key issue faced was the making all the school’s facilities fit for the 21st Century.” weather. The winter of 2020 was the wettest winter A key feature of the Mitchell Building will be the new on record for many years and this led to problems Library. Our current Library in the main school building waterproofing the building. Nonetheless, while the small and intimate but the new Library is about three completion date is still uncertain, BBS Construction site times the size, giving generous space for reading and manager Dean Whitehead is confident that it should be research. The building will also house five new English completed by October, which, considering the impact classrooms and a much larger Sixth Form Study Centre. that the pandemic has had on the project, is very The Mitchell Building will undoubtedly enrich and impressive. enhance the educational experience of the entire school The project began in 2012 when the initial idea and will provide much-needed space for all. of a new sixth-form centre was proposed. In 2017 the current plan for the building was designed by Matthew Walkington

www.skinners-school.co.uk 55 SPORT – RUGBY

Skinners’ vs Judd 1stXV

Rugby reports

U12A XV

Our first rugby season at Skinners’ was an enjoyable one. All the boys have improved and I feel that we have developed a great team ethos. We started off the season very well against Brentwood and Hurstpierpoint, but faced harder opposition in the second half of the season. Despite this, the score-lines never truly reflected our determination and overall quality of rugby. The season began with an away game against Brentwood School, wanting a win and we Juddment Day, thus a fixture we Smith, to a shoulder injury, putting fought hard for it from the first looked forward to. We arrived at him out of play for most of the whistle. We played very well as Vizards ready to fight hard and season. a team with a great defensive that’s what we did. However, we After this we claimed another line which was always strong conceded two unlucky tries in home win against Dartford throughout the season, in the end the first half and ended up losing with a score-line of 25-15. we came away with a 25-15 win 20-10. Despite this we fought Everyone played exceptionally which was well earned. hard and learnt from our mistakes well with a strong defensive line Our second match of the shown through our next fixture complemented by Arthur Wood season was the ‘classic clash’ in which we beat Hurstpierpoint who we could always trust to against Judd School, a match we 30-0 at home. It was around this make a tackle. We then faced had all heard being described as point we lost a great player, Jacob Reigate Grammar who were the

56 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Under 12B action shots

first really strong side we faced, the opposition and we unfortunately lost. After this score a try or we played a slightly mismatched two before really Maidstone Grammar whom we waking up and beat 45-0: a great team game fighting hard in getting the ball out to our brilliant the second half. wingers Isaac Dale and James A special thanks to Mr Sullivan beginning of our Skinners’ rugby Litchfield. for coaching and supporting us careers and we all look forward to We unfortunately faced a lot of throughout the season: we all what the future holds... difficult opposition in the latter half feel we have improved massively of our season, where we often let under his coaching. This is only the Ben Rothwell

U12B XV

As the B team captain, I can say that we had our wins and losses but every single player improved and grew in confidence thanks to teamwork and Mr Pursglove. Our first game was on the 27th of September against Brentwood School and this gave us high hopes for the future as we won 30-15. A memorable moment was when Arthur Gregory ran the length of the pitch and scored. Our ‘friendly’ clash against Judd did not go as planned as we were on our try line most of a Trinity Croydon, loss 20-45, Eltham other more and some of us have tough game, which eventually Collage 25-25 draw, Sir Joseph a better understanding of our ended in 10-30 defeat. We had Williamson’s Mathematical School, positions. Thank you, Mr Sullivan many games with different teams loss 10-30, TWGSB, won 25-10 and Mr Pursglove, for letting us of varying strengths including; and Campion School Essex, won play the matches and letting us Dartford Grammar, lost 25-10, 20-10. represent our school. Reigate Grammar drew 10-10, I think the season went very Maidstone Grammar, won 20-10, well as we now know each William Harrison ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 57 SPORT – RUGBY

› U12C XV

The U12Cs had an amazing first rugby season for Skinners’. Only four of our players (including myself) had had the pleasure of playing the wonderful sport before, so for almost all of my team mates September was their first experience of a rugby match. Despite this, we all came to those freezing, dark training sessions to improve and play the game, practising passing loss was to Dartford Grammar Wells Boys Grammar School, in countless handling drills and School, only 15–10, the strongest only losing to Sir Joseph perfecting our tackles, getting team we had played who were Williamson’s School and caked in mud in the process, but in possession of many bulky Campion School at the end. Our overall everyone got stuck in. players. Despite the loss it win rate was 73%; we played 11 We kicked off our season with taught us the valuable lesson games, won 8 and lost 3. I think a 25-5 win in an away game of making positive, confident we have had quite a spectacular against Brentwood School. Then tackles. After this, we were first rugby season, our entire there was simply no stopping us on a winning streak! Reigate squad progressing and playing after that! Our first Juddment Grammar School, Maidstone remarkably throughout. Day went perfectly, a thrashing Grammar School, Trinity School, of our rival school 45-0. Our first Eltham College and Tunbridge Max Maclean

U12D XV

The D team had an eventful season with 9 games, with 5 home fixtures and 4 away fixtures. In total, we came out victorious in 4 of the games, drew one, and lost 4. However, we scored more points than we conceded, 145 points to 137, a narrow difference of 8. Sadly, we lost 10-20 to our rivals, The Judd School, but still put up a good performance in our first loss. Against Dartford Grammar School, we came out unsuccessful, with a heavy loss of 20-0, but we fought until the Our next game we put up a Throughout the season, we very end. Determined, we easily good fight, with some great tries, consistently fought, no matter the beat Trinity School. The next but it was not reflected in the final result. It was a season to be game was very lively, with some result as we lost 20-30. We ended proud of. However, we could not brilliant tries and a lot of action, the season on a high note, with a have done it without our coach we scraped a win against the home game to Campion School, Mr Scully, who trained us well. opposition Eltham College, our beating them by 15 points, 25-10. stand-out performance, 30-25. A fine game to end the season. Ollie Woods

58 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

U12E XV

I recall us gathering in the first term of joining Skinners as the E team. At the time, we did not know each other too well and we were expected to come together as a team in a short period of time with our first game against our arch rivals, Judd. Some of the team had never played rugby before, thus we were a mixed ability team with one thing in common, our attitude to do our best and make Skinners’ proud. The start of the season was tough with a 55-25 loss encouragement from the side- as we all headed off for our against Judd but as the season line, keeping up with play, journey home. I think we were all progressed, we got to know shouting instructions to help us disappointed our season finished each other’s strengths (and keep our shape, he must have as we had progressed so much names!), our positions, and been as exhausted as us! from that first game, but it began to develop into a more Even though the games were makes us more determined for organised team. We began to on a Friday afternoon, we had next year. work together and I recall our plenty of support from parents Well done to all the players first win against Trinity School and sometimes teachers on the for playing hard this season and and how excited we were. The sidelines, offering encouragement thank you to Mr Beck for training team became a real force and and cheering us on. us into good rugby players and a we were able to get another win I also have memories of lost great team. against Eltham College. clothes, slippery muddy fields Mr Beck would provide and school shoes caked in mud Connor Powell

U12F XV

This has been a very good season for the U12Fs. They have achieved more than they would have thought possible at the beginning of the season. The boys have matured greatly throughout the year, to take ownership of their performances on the rugby pitch and to become a team rather than a group of individuals. This has resulted in this season’s U12F maturing greatly. They continued to improve throughout the season, the would suggest. full squad and more, the result rugby they played was much When we met Judd, we were produced the highlight of the better than their win-loss ratio fortunate to be able to field a season a 35-15 win. This was ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 59 SPORT – RUGBY

› an exciting match for the boys, plan slowly became undone. upon which rugby is built; which they very much enjoyed. Due to the nature of the game teamwork, respect, discipline, Such a shame that we were that Dartford played the boys sportsmanship and definitely not able to field a full squad for suffered some injuries. enjoyment. The boys walked every match. The end of the U12F season away from their last match The low point of our season finished on a high with wins with big smiles on their faces, was the second game a 25- in the final three games. One looking forward to next season. 30 defeat by Dartford who thing that we are all most were a very physical side. They pleased with is that the team Mat Angus countered well and our game has shown the core values

U13A XV

Well-rested after a summer’s holiday, we had a strong start to the season with a convincing win at Langley Park. Then came the second match. We arrived at Ravenswood full of hope and determination and with an early 7-1 lead at half time it was clearly showing. Then injuries occurred to a couple of forwards and the scrum-half, Patrick Brannigan. The second half was unfortunately very different as, quick as a flash they were running in tries left, right and centre and but brilliant victory over Eltham although it was tough and it was eventually we found ourselves College, who we lost drastically clear that these people were level. Every second was intense to last year. The streak continued, the As, we got a 2-1 win. And and on the last play their player with more magnificent wins the season was over, ending in made a break and raced towards against Sir Joseph Williamson’s a brilliant run of 7 straight wins, the line and as all seemed lost Mathematical and Chislehurst 5 of which were at the fortress Charlie Drysdale came in with and Sidcup. that is Southfields. The team as a an astounding try-saving tackle to Finally, it was the last match whole played brilliantly and I think make the game end in a draw. of the season. I cannot describe I speak for all of us when I say The next 3 games were rough, this game as anything other we can’t wait for next season. losing to John Fisher, Brentwood than weird. We started off the and worst of all Judd in our match against Campion really Lemuel Akinsete classic Juddment day game. We well, putting 9 tries on the board had a good performance against and only conceding one. We Hurstpierpoint with a convincing were around halfway through 75-25 win but then came another the second half when somebody tough defeat against Dartford. suddenly realised that we were However, all was not lost, as playing the B’s, not the A team. along came our season-saving Eventually, it was decided that winning streak. The first three we would play a half against the matches we won convincingly A team and that would decide against Reigate, Maidstone and the result. Despite the confusion, then Trinity. Yet not one of those the team valiantly got their wins compared to the tight heads down and continued, and

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U13B XV

This season consisted of 13 games, of which one was cancelled. Throughout the season, we lost 5 games and won 7. In our first game we came up against Langley Park. We got off to a great start winning 30-20 with a very happy Mr Straw, our coach. In the second game the opposition had a few big lads and we were outplayed eventually losing 25-35. After that, we came up against the hardest game all 50-15 versus Reigate; 15-10 finish off the season on a high, season, with a thrashing of 10- against Maidstone; 30-10 versus we narrowly lost 10-15 after 55 we were angry and eager to Trinity and 30-10 in our match playing their A team in the first improve. Next was Brentwood against Eltham. All these games half. School and with a well-deserved consisted of great performances, It had been a fun, enjoyable win 20-10 we got back on the but the standouts were from season with a strong middle minibus happy; that game Angus Shaw, Ethan Jones, and a good start with lots of consisted of a great performance William Sermon and Ollie Rae- great performances. It has been from Levi Henry. Our next game Moore. a pleasure to captain such a was our rivals Judd and sadly we After this we played Rochester promising team and seeing how were no match for them, with Maths and once again they had we have improved our game. We a very disappointed Mr Straw, a few big guys and we were not would all like to say a massive we lost 5-45. After this our skills up to the task losing 10-45. Our thank you to Mr Straw who has started to really improve and we game against Chislehurst and been a fantastic inspiring coach. became a proper team, going Sidcup was cancelled. Finally, our on to win our next 5 games last game was versus Campion Josh Adams including: 50-15 against Dartford; School and sadly we couldn’t

U13C XV

This season consisted of 12 fixtures, one of which was cancelled. 6 of these games we managed to win, giving a 50% win percentage, an impressive percentage considering some players hadn’t played before Skinners’. Unfortunately, 4 games were lost, but only one game was a draw. The first game of the season was against Langley Park School, and the team emerged victorious, 30 points to 10. We then went on to narrowly beat Ravenswood School 20-15, Jamie Alford following Daniel wing followed by a pass behind won by a sensational try from Taylor’s legendary run down the his back. Unfortunately, this was ›

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› followed by our biggest loss of to lend them two players from against Sir Joseph Williamson’s the season against John Fisher our own team, before we lost Mathematical School, following School, an abysmal 60-0. We again to Dartford Grammar 15-40. injuries to our full-back Freddie focused and put our heads down Amazingly, we pulled out a two- Naughton, we were defeated 20- in training, and evidently this paid game win streak, followed by our 60, with tries from Jamie Alford, off, as in our next match against only draw against Eltham College, Dan Warner and Nathanael Brentwood School, we emerged against Maidstone Grammar (60- Green. We couldn’t have had victorious 20-15. 15) and Trinity School (30-25). a better season, and all of us In our annual match against Sadly, our captain and would like to thank Mr Tonelli, Judd however, we were defeated scrumhalf, Ehren Waduge, was our brilliant coach, for helping us 45-5, but we trained hard, and unwell, and so Dan Warner improve our skills, and we would pulled off a spectacular victory took over for the Trinity School like to wish him luck in the future. against Hurstpierpoint College, an and Eltham College games. In amazing 40-10, although we had the last game of our season Dan Warner U14A XV Starting off the season with a very tough game we lost at home 12-73 to Langley Park. This was our heaviest defeat of the year as we showed how rusty we were. The first win of the season came from a very tough game at John Fisher. We played extremely well scoring nearly all our tries in the first half after executing moves learnt in training. We moved on into the cup not knowing how good Simon Langton would be, but with a great performance in attack and defence we won 58-12. of performance players they beat lost 12-31. At Eltham College we Then came Brentwood. We us 14-34. New to playing Dartford didn’t know what to expect, but knew it was going to be rough and Grammar from their reputation we we went out wanting to win and we would have to play extremely knew what they were going to be we smashed them even though well. We executed this and ended like. The team performed and with there was a bit of controversy. up just having the upper hand and an excellent defensive performance Rochester Maths, from what we beat them in our closest game beat them 24-15. With a couple of heard, were a very rough school, of the season 10-5. The classic players out against Wimbledon, we but we narrowly won in the last clash between Judd and Skinners’ needed to play well as they were 10 minutes. Moving to the last was always going to exceptionally a well drilled side, but a couple of game of 2019 we wanted to end difficult: they ended up being the errors led to them being able to it on a high we were able to do best school in the country. 50-5 win the game. this in very harsh weather and was the score first time we met Maidstone Grammar was a very some great kicking once again. To them. However, later in the season well-played game by us as we were finish off our season we wanted to we narrowed the loss at 33-15 able to keep our discipline and win dominate Campion, however, with with a competitive but great played 38-7; a very good game. Going one of their good players making game. to Trinity and knowing how good four great runs we were unable to Hurstpierpoint was a big game they were we gave them a very outscore them and they won after and we knew they were going to tough game but with a couple of Skinners’, in the last couple of be well drilled and with a couple errors in very harsh conditions we minutes, piled on a lot of pressure

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Under 14s action shots

but were unable to edge over the put up with us line. again for a really I would like to say a big thank good season. you to Mr Burrows for all the I do not want support and for taking us to all the to forget the people “behind the great training they provided. games. Whilst we know this is not scenes” such as Mr Sullivan and his favourite sport he was able to Mr Keys for all their help with the Rowan MacDonald-Gay

U14B XV

Early on in the season, we suffered a few heavy losses at the hands of Langley Park, John Fisher and Ravenswood (though the last has a much tighter score-line and contest). After this bad run of form, we managed to bounce back and secure an impressive win against a physical Brentwood side. Two defeats against strong opponents soon after this left us with a pretty poor record in the first term. However, we had identified where we needed to improve. transformation. Throughout the rest of the After half-term we trained hard, Our game against John Fisher season, we didn’t concede more perfecting our rucking, tackling early on in the season was a than 3 tries in any of our games. and line-speed, and went major eye-opener for the team, It was, however, our unconvincing undefeated in our next three the final result being a 40-0 loss. first performance which spurred games. Excluding a drumming Although we didn’t play very well us to train harder and fight for our at the hands of Trinity School, – conceding 6 tries – we realised future victories more. we remained undefeated in that to compete at this high level Unfortunately, during this our final three fixtures of the of play, we would have to improve game, one of our key players, season as well, showing a vast our defensive line and teamwork. Tom Boyce, suffered a major ›

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› injury, leaving him side-lined for the remainder of the season. Although this appeared a huge setback to the team, we had enough depth to replace him. Ben Truscott rose from the team below into our main fall-back, and performed superbly, barely putting a foot wrong. One of our first matches was the annual showdown against Judd, at home. Even though our team had been given little time to adapt to one another, we had many players with the skill, power and pace to fight confidently. We played with aggression and tenacity, spearheaded by score. This was definitely one to losing only 1 of our last 6 the fearless tackles of Jacob of the defining moments of our games. The team has focused Castle, but were lacking in our season – where we were able to on improvement, but without line speed and reaction, which overcome our physical limitations the brilliant Mr Mitchell and Mr ultimately led to a few early by connecting and supporting Keys constantly drilling us and tries where they managed to each other as a team, achieving a making us train to the best of penetrate our lines. Despite this, well-earned 15-14 victory. our ability, nothing would have we continued to bring our fight, In our final game of the been accomplished. Thank you, and after all our relentless attacks, season we faced a very eager boys, for the great effort shown we were able to capitalise with Campion side, missing some of at training and at matches, and a try. Unfortunately, before our regular players. We began thank you Mr Mitchell for putting we could repeat this, our time with conviction, as Alex Timms so much time into coaching ran out, ending the match in a barrelled the ball over the try line, improving our team! disappointing 7-14 defeat. Even bringing us 5-0 up at half time. so, we finished having learned Earlier in the season we had been Evan James a lot about ourselves as a team, in a similar situation and thrown and knew how to improve for our lead away, so were wary not future games. to do a repeat; we proceeded to Near the middle of our season, battle hard and scored another we faced a rather intimidating try early on in the second half. side of Maidstone, who appeared Nonetheless, an intercepted to be a few years older. This pass brought the opposing team combined with the muddy back to 10-7 with little time to conditions, and it was set to be a go, setting everyone’s nerves demanding game. Nevertheless, on edge. Still, kicking deep into with the help of some new their half, and tackling with our additions who came up from the remaining strength, we persisted C team – notably Freddie Rudd until the ref blew the whistle for – we fought hard, committing to full time, finishing the season rucks and tackles until we were with a win. able to break away from contact, Overall, our season started and allow our backs to run the slowly, but soon gained wings. Combined with our momentum much work training extensive drills on line-speed, we our line and quick hands; our were able to force the opposition results improved from losing back, until we managed to 5 out of our first 6 games

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U14C XV

Throughout the rugby season, the U14C Team played very well, but unfortunately lost eight of their ten games. We started the season as a new team, with new players and a new coach, Mr Hulbert. At the start of the season we began to understand each other’s skill levels and eventually became a strong team. We have had some very close games with other schools, such as the match against Dartford Grammar School, where we held the ball for 5 minutes during the hard and played well. We trained we had all improved. last play and managed to score during games and after school, Overall, the U14C Team played a winning try, making the score practising new skills and older well as a team and enjoyed 22-19. There have been other ones. Mr Hulbert helped us the matches, even in defeat. games as well, where we have to improve and succeed in the We have developed massively, not achieved our usual standard matches and in games lessons. with thanks to our coach, Mr of play, as evident in our match Towards the end of the season, Hulbert, for his advice and against the John Fisher School, the U14C Team lost by narrower coaching. which ended as 7-60. margins than by those at the As a team we have worked start, showing that as a team Charlie Sullivan

U15A XV

The season 2019/20 was our third and final season with our coach, Mr Pursglove, and from the beginning we knew that we had to start strong and have a special end to the season. We started our campaign against a regular competitor, Langley Park, who are always a good test to see where the team lies in skill and what we can work upon for future games. After a gradual warm up to dust out the cobwebs, we played solid foundation rugby and rebuilt our team play to beat them as we faced a very physical half time interval, Mr Pursglove 48-10. side with a couple of strong told the team that we must match As a team we felt confident individuals. That game we had a them for aggression in defence as after the game and prepared for strong first 10 minutes but then we can outclass them on attack, a new rivalry that grew against we started to slip off a couple and it sparked a second half John Fisher. This game would test of tackles and it cost us as they of intense tackling and tactical the team’s strength and courage grew back into the game. In the defence. We pinned them in ›

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› their half for the majority of the However, in the second half our beat”. This match meant more second half, not allowing them attack was constantly under than a place in the final, it was to score more than once and pressure by their team press and about spreading a message that came away from the game with was extremely hard to combat. Skinners’ is not a push over. our heads held high with a 31-22 To add in the mix, when we were The Thursday came and the win. This was a good omen that in the “strike” we didn’t take our heavens was fully open and then we would succeed this season. chances and it cost us heavily as came chucking down. We could We then continued to work they got a controversial penalty not even play on the first team hard on our rugby on Tuesday’s in our half and slotted it over pitch as it was fully flooded so training and Thursday’s games to make it 5-6 to them with 5 we had to play on the second session with Mr Pursglove and minutes left. Not once did they team pitch. The Tonbridge boys Mr Sullivan. We then went ever look like scoring, but our rolled in to a groggy, drenched on to face Brentwood School discipline let us down that game. Southfields, and the first thing to beat them 59-21; yet there We got punished by losing a they said was “look at those were still things to work on like game we could have comfortably pitches”. While they were busy our defence. So, on Tuesday we won. complaining, Mr Pursglove prepped ourselves for our first After the upset against Judd, huddled us into the first team national cup game at our time the lads picked each other up and changing room and delivered a here at Skinners’. We played carried on playing the rugby we speech. It was not an ordinary Sevenoaks School and really are known for. Game by game speech, it was a speech that showed our attack and defensive we improved and beat a strong got our hearts racing, built up a ability by beating them 54-5. Rochester Maths team in the fire within us and focused us on The following week was the Kent Cup quarter finals 29-19. the game. We walked out onto notorious game against Judd: we It showed how much as a team the pitch with nothing to lose have a reputation for not turning we had developed and improved and only rugby on our mind. The up and playing our game against but the real test was coming up rain, the mud slide Southfields them. All week, in and out of against a well-known Tonbridge in became nor the Tonbridge lessons we were getting hyped the semi-final. We knew that the reputation could take us off our up for this game. Midweek, other semi-final had Judd School game and we played with our we also discovered that they in. Knowing the probability that hearts. made this a national cup game. we could potentially face Judd After a strong first half battle We turned up on that Saturday in the final, it gave us an extra of brutal hits and clashes against morning ready for a fight and motive to beat Tonbridge to have one another, it was our turn to when the referee’s whistle blew, a redemption match against use the wind and Southfields we did not leave any space for Judd. slope. However, we were caught them to breathe in defence. But first we off guard at the beginning of We started that game better had to focus on the second half and conceded than any other game. They Tonbridge. If you a try. I gathered the lads could not break through our ask any round and we all looked intense defensive line and 6th at each other and we because of our tackling they former knew we messed up, could not score any tries about but we all had that same against us in the first half. look of determination. I said Meanwhile, we had a clear a few words to get us back in intention of scoring and put the spirit and we started playing immense pressure on in the our hearts out. We moved the first half. We came out with Tonbridge they ball so freely despite the poor a wonderful team try James would say conditions. We used exceptional Akerman scored in the corner. “the school, teamwork and supported each The first half concluded with we could other to every ruck, every a 5-3 lead; all we needed was rarely contact and put immense another tally of points on the offensive pressure on them. We score sheet to secure the game. kept driving forward until we

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gained a line out where smart and earned a well-deserved win theirs. I know we can beat them thinking off a maul gained us a try despite the hellish conditions. because our Skinners’ team is from Charlie Turland and James Beating Tonbridge was something special. Akerman. Our spirits were up, something special and making It was not an ideal end to the and their heads were down, and it to the cup final on its own is a season and our time with Mr we all knew we had to get another reward but what is better than Pursglove but making the cup to secure it. After great play from making it to the final? Wining final on our first run is a massive the forwards, the call came from one; and even better, against accomplishment. The boys play Nathan to get it out in the backs. Judd. We prepared long and the rugby, but we would not be We drew and passed the ball hard for the redemption game. where we are today if it were out wide to James who was in a However, that Wednesday night not for Mr Pursglove. He has large amount of space and in style was not our night: we just got coached us to levels that most scored the winning try to put us beat fair and square. No-one people dream of. He has shaped ahead 15-7. For the rest of the half played poorly, we just could not the team to what it is today. It we pinned them in their own 22. shine that night. They shut our has been an enormous privilege With a successful heavy press, we way of rugby down from the to captain such a great group of forced a knock on for the referee first minute and our reputation lads and on their behalf I would to blow the final whistle and the against Judd remained. It still like to thank Mr Pursglove for scenes of joy and celebration hurts me and the team, but we coaching us for three short years came rushing in. On that day, know that next time around we to the level we are today. the Skinners’ U15s played the will have to train harder and play best rugby we had played all year our rugby before they can play Reuben Le Roux

U15B XV This season has been memorable and successful for a plethora of reasons. In the hands of gap year student Mr Scully, we were shown what true leadership and determination looks like. He used his years of rugby expertise to bring us together as a team which values sportsmanship, inclusiveness and a drive to succeed. The season began with the absolute thrashing of Langley Park, giving us confidence for the rest of the season. Next, we knew all too well for their and courage on the pitch and off faced Ravenswood As. They were brilliance on the pitch: John will forever be an inspiration to us a well drilled side who defeated Fisher. We fought hard and all. One must also extend praise us but, through the midst of managed to come away with a to Josh Taylor, who captained testosterone filled rucks and 19-19 draw, giving rise to a string a decent number of games and scrums, we never lost sight of of victories against Brentwood, led from the front. It truly was what it means to be a Skinners’ Judd, Hurst and Dartford. After a wonderful season and I know side. It was around this point this point, the rest of our season that we are all counting down the in the season that one of our was spent alternating between days until we can, once again, players suffered an injury: Zak victories and losses weekly. The play as a team. Alderman. player of the season in everyone’s Next, we faced a team we books is Toby Smith. His bravery George Thomas ›

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› U15C XV

This season was a very successful one for the team as all of the games we played were very close. Overall, we lost 5 but won 4. Of the 5 that we lost, 3 of them were lost by less than 5 points. The highlights of this season definitely had to be the 50-0 win over Maidstone Grammar, the 40-16 win over KCS Wimbledon and the toughest victory had to be the 33-26 win Zac Austin playing full back, well done to the team and a over Rochester Maths. Will Russell, playing scrum half big thank you to Mr Wesson, Players that stood out were alongside Noah Featherstone- Mr Pursglove, Mr Woodroofe Alfie Phillipson with the most Csillag, Sam Pipes playing and Mr Keys for coaching and tries in the team. Josh Hoch inside centre from hooker and supporting us through what with excellent hooking and some outside centre. The memorable was a successful season. Well amazing runs. Felix Mapoy moments definitely had to be the played everyone and I am looking who joined halfway through second half comeback against forward to seeing what next the season yet still made a Ravenswood B team after being season brings us. huge impact on the team. John 21-0 down. Unfortunately, we Woods when he came down ended up losing 28-17 after they • Players Player: Josh Mansley from the B team as a full back scored a last-minute try. Another • Most Improved: Felix Mapoy to play flanker andSamuel memorable moment was the • Coaches Player: Monty Hall Pipes with the most assists. score difference against John Players who adjusted well to Fisher, which went down from Samuel Pipes and their new positions had to be 5-54 down to 17-22. A huge Monty Hall

U16A XV

2019 saw the start of the U16 season with the mighty Mr Fleming as our new coach. In August we began our pre- season with two days of hard training in the sweltering heat before an incredibly tough friendly game against Cranleigh, which gave the team an insight into what we would be facing in the year ahead. Three losses in the first three matches was not the start we were hoping for, however, they were all narrow defeats to teams. We knew we needed a form of beating Cranbrook 13-7 Langley Park, Ravenswood and win before the infamous game the week before. Juddment Day John Fisher with only a 10-point against Judd to get the team duly arrived and the team was gap in total against all three back on track, which came in the suitably hyped up going into the

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Under 16s action shots

game. An early try from Christian playing on this, are we?”. We all-round games. Finally, To m Dolley set the tone for the game wrapped up the season winning Vincent’s consistency and all- with the whole team putting in two out of the last three games round exceptional play has been a massive shift to annihilate our with a particular highlight being something to admire throughout greatest rivals 25-9. the crushing 61-0 defeat of the whole season. We continued the winning Eltham (previously a close rival). This was a brilliant final season streak for a further two more The whole squad has made together and I can safely say games against Hurstpierpoint huge amounts of progress this every player has learnt new skills and Dartford followed by a nail- season in terms of standard of and furthered their game which biting 24-24 draw against KCS. play and camaraderie in even we all look forward to taking into We lost the next two games the toughest of situations and senior rugby in the years ahead. against Merchant Taylors’ and all players deserve a mention. A massive thank you to everyone Trinity, although again they were However, specific standout who has helped us get this both incredibly close. Despite performances came from Alex far and especially Mr Fleming the narrow 5-point loss to Pincott who tallied most tries who has given his all (including Trinity, the match saw us put in and Finan Smith who managed his blunt individual analysis of arguably our best performance an impressive 81% kicking performance, physicality or as a team all season in what record off the tee. Additionally, personality) and prepared each were incredibly harsh, swampy Jack Ponsford and Joe Ryder and every player for the challenge conditions. Indeed, one of the both had brilliant seasons doing of senior rugby next season. Trinity players said to his coach a position swap at the start of before the game “we’re not the year, and so furthering their Will Murphy ›

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› U16B XV

This season has, unfortunately for the team, been injury ridden. From the minor to the major, it has resulted in many revised team sheets and inventive positioning. Not only this, but the A team seems to also have their troubles with injuries, which then means they took people from an already depleted line up. However, despite these misfortunes, the season was a fantastic one for the team. It saw many players really find their drive and passion for the to worsen and we lost two out Finally, it’s time for the thanks, sport. The opportunities they of our last four matches. These mainly to Mr Pohio, as our coach, were presented with were firmly losses were mainly down to but also to Mr Keys, Mr Fleming grasped by both hands and not being able to put out our and Mr Sullivan who have players really used their chances strongest fifteen. assisted in bettering and helping to showcase their flare and ability This season the players’ player us. for rugby; cementing themselves was won by Oscar Chatfield. Next, I believe that a huge a place in the team. This was a thoroughly deserved amount of thanks has to be Our final playing record was: award for the commitment and given to any people who weren’t 11 played 7 won and 4 lost. energy that he put into school intending to play rugby this The notable victories being rugby this year. He was at year, but stepped up for the that of a 29-0 victory over Judd every training session, but was school. This includes: Aleks and a 27-15 victory over Trinity. also actively involved in these Raffelt, Louis Merlini, Theo Both of these were truly tough sessions. He would get everyone Whittingham and Jasper opponents, but a vigorous moving when interest was low Pottier. In particular though, defence, fast-paced attack and and would of course then give his Jasper has become a staple for indomitable will saw thorough all to the drill. the Bs. He would always play and victories deservingly won. Overall, I am incredibly was the man you could rely on The season started proud of the performances to make the right decision under controversially with a 12-19 loss we produced as a team this pressure or make that 1-on-1 to Langley Park. In a final push season. We have developed into tackle. So, to all these people, at the end, Luke Walters burst a daunting opponent for any a huge thank you from us all. To through their defences leapt for school’s B team to face. The team sign off, I wish all the boys who the line and firmly planted the has changed, as it always does, played this year the best of luck ball into the base of the post to with new players coming in and in senior ruby next year. the adulation of the players and movement of players between crowd. Skinners’ had seized the the As and Bs. But anyone has Jo Price draw from the jaws of defeat. been warmly welcomed But, to the players and particularly and slotted straight into Luke’s dismay, it was deemed where we needed invalid. them to go. From this point we started to find our mojo, losing only one in the next six to John Fisher in a close thriller. After this, our injury woes started

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1st XV action shots

Above centre: Ollie Bingham, Billy Marsden, Ben Gibson, Dan Solomon and Ben Dufty celebrate the 1st XV's 15-5 defeat of St Alban's School in a match staged in December 2019 to support UmRio, a charity in Brazil that supports homeless children. The school had supported UmRio on its tour of South America in the summer of 2019.

1st XV

Starting early with pre-season tour, we knew this year was going to be special. We didn’t have the luxury of having the man mountains of George Spice and Ollie Daniels so our playing style would have to be quick and everyone well drilled if we wanted to stand a chance in the upcoming games. Mr Keys improved our fitness andMr Sullivan laid the foundations of a driving maul, which even the South Americans would come to fear. The hard work paid off with the 1st XV winning 3 out of 4 games, to be if we wanted to succeed. shift which can only be described including a tremendous win over Luckily a bit of individual as film worthy, scoring two of Universitario Santa Fé, who forgot brilliance from Barney Stone Sullivan’s famous driving mauls, to mention they were putting out stole us the victory in another beating Judd by the biggest a new U19 team at half time. less than convincing win. John margin since 2010. From there Flying back, morale was high Fisher and Sutton Valence were we went 9 games without a and excitement starting to brew. similar tight losses despite the loss beating the likes of Trinity The home campaign was slow to team scoring three times in the and St Albans and drawing to start, after getting the job done last play against John Fisher only Hurstpierpoint, overturning a against a strong Langley Park for the ref to miss it. 52-12 defeat the year before. side, we were promptly humbled This meant that we were Special mentions have to go to by a Ravenswood team with heading into our final Judd Henry Moore for the work done nothing to lose, which became fixture having played 5 games, throughout the season, earning a pivotal learning point for the losing three and winning two him a place in the Kent squad rest of the season. Cranbook by a single score. Not exactly alongside Cameron Keys and presented a challenge similar to confidence building, not to Daniel Solomon. Thank you, Ravenswood, a team with good mention that a Skinners’ XV fellas, it’s been a pleasure. defence and well drilled, showing hadn’t won at Judd since 2009. us how clinical the team needed Despite this the boys put in a Toby Ponsford ›

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› 2nd XV

16 wins from 17 matches illustrates just how successful our season this year was. Starting off our season touching down in Argentina with the excitement of our senior rugby tour ahead of us, the boys were put straight to it with a training session first thing in the morning, followed by an intense two weeks of rugby ahead of us. Three weeks later as we set off home, the boys’ achievement of 100% win rate against some fierce competitors, not morning, tensions were high as kicking off with a level of intensity only in skill but especially size, both schools summoned crowds that we did not anticipate. As demonstrated how well a group of supporters for the occasion. the game went on both teams of boys from both years had As the whistle blew for kick-off took their chances as the score come together and formed the it became evident that the boys went back and forth between the 2nd XV. had heavily underestimated the two, with the win finally coming With the success of the Judd team with an array of costly down to the final whistle asEuan tour behind us and high hopes mistakes resulting in a much Symonds stepped up to take for the anticipated season tighter game than anticipated. the penalty that resulted in us ahead, the boys presented an However, things improved taking home a close win of 24-22. exceptional performance against as both Satoshi Purkiss and The rest of our season showed a a strong Langley Park side Barney Stone scored and display of impressive wins over with a convincing win of 33-0. grabbed the win 12-5. Our next the likes of Eltham Collage 54-0 Continuing on with the season game against Hurstpierpoint and Trinity School Croydon 21-5. our next 4 games resulted in brought about our only loss of Thanks to the inspirational similar outstanding performances the season as a fierce effort coaching of Mr Keys and the with convincing wins against from both sides made for a boy’s raw enthusiasm to play we the likes of John Fisher 24-5 and tough match, with the end of the presented a team that always Ravenswood 57-0. However, first half being 0-0. During the strived to be the hardest working while our score sheets showed second half mistakes in defence on the pitch. Undoubtedly one the amazing success we were resulting in Hurst scoring, player that stood out in this having on the pitch, underlining along with the captain Horatio department was Barney Stone issues of behaviour and discipline Blackman receiving a nasty whose support play no matter were beginning to appear within concussion. However, the boys where on the pitch created the squad as injures and constant bounced straight back with Ben an intensity to our game that changes of players was occurring. Dufty scoring two tries to tie the challenged every opposition. Along with these issues the scoring up. Unfortunately, the Throughout the season the boys much-anticipated Judd game was final score was 10-19. embodied the true Skinners’ spirit now only less than a week away The boys didn’t let the loss with a desire to play for both each leading to further distractions get them down as next week’s other and the school. Collectively within training and attitude. match against Dartford Grammar throughout the season we However, with the unparalleled showed a terrific display of had highs and lows at times support of our coach Mr Keys teamwork, resulting in a 36-0 but undoubtedly there was an the boys were back on track for victory. As we neared the end of abundance of fun at all times. Judd that Saturday. As the squad our season KCS brought about arrived on a sunny Saturday a serious challenge for the boys, Horatio Blackman

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3rd XV action shots

3rd XV

At the start of a new school year, Mr Coltella’s 3rd XV assembled once again, with the addition of a new cohort of Year 12s, ready to tackle the forthcoming season. A convincing win over Langley Park started the season on a high, with the momentum of an initial win carrying us forward to go on to defeat Cranbrook. Two tough games followed next against Harrow and King Rochester’s where we were unfortunately defeated. However, with the addition of and becoming closer as a team win. After being overwhelmed Owen ‘Pumba’ Walker to our we embarked further upon our by the school on arrival, we team boosting morale, things winning streak, with another switched on our game heads and began to turn around as we victory against Hurstpierpoint were ready for anything. Despite went on to defeat Tonbridge propelling us forward. Next came being a tough opposition, we with ease. Next came Judd, a a 52-0 win against KCS, with a came out on top, with a class game we assumed would be special appearance from Peter performance from Ben Lake challenging, yet an outstanding Holmes aiding our performance. leading us to victory. Finally, team performance combined with As the season began to come a win over Dulwich was the crash balls from Jimbo and fancy to a close, we had two tough icing on the cake for a fantastic footwork from Oli Chatterton games left. Eton would be the season for the 3rd XV leading to a 43-10 win. toughest game of the season but As we continued training a game that we knew we could Jak Jago ›

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› 4th XV

This season, the 4th XV carried the flame from last year’s inaugural season of four senior rugby sides, playing consistently above their level, against 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams. But even against opponents stronger on paper, by playing with grit and determination, we repeatedly proved the strength and depth of the school’s ever-growing senior rugby programme. The season began promisingly with a strong 32-0 away victory against Tonbridge in which the team began to find its feet, 2nd leg of our competition with in which the referee apologised followed by a whopping 60-5 win Sutton Valence as they arrived about the size of their Number over Cranbrook 3rd XV thanks at our hallowed ground with a 8. Despite a painful first half, we to some outstanding runs from vengeance – exacerbated by put up a strong fight, clawing Sheng Rui Hu. However, this the rivalry with their defector back 2 tries to finish 10-22, but came not without losses as Rory Baillie, whose drive left smiling, driven home in Miss scrum half Ollie Pelaez suffered and enthusiasm this year was Fenton’s ‘Party Bus’ with the a broken arm, carried away by outstanding – until he got sounds of Ibiza anthems echoing a dismayed Mr Wesson to the sunburned causing him to into the Kentish countryside. shouts of “I’ve only gone and become the team’s manager, Our final, long awaited match broken my ******* arm boys!” which he did with equal gusto! saw us come up against the Suffering from limited Despite a strong start, enduring mythical ‘Eton College,’ much to availability due to DofE near-biblical rain, and losing key the excitement of Mr Coltella. commitments, the next two players, such as Charlie Le Page A fast paced, physical match games featured opportunities for due to injury, we began to tire, ensued, with support from guest performances culminating and the physical side began various new players making an in a 45-12 home win against to rack up points ending in a admirable debut. Hard fought Rochester’s 2nd XV, bolstered by disappointing 7-33 loss. in the forwards, with strong our Under 16s; and a subsequent With a 3 week recovery to support play from Jamie close game against a giant (both prepare for our next match, we Williams and Matt Walkington in stature and in substitutes) gained some new recruits who, and with valiant runs on the left Sutton Valence 3rd XV side while out of practice, were ready wing from Matt Clare, it was a ending in a 31-26 victory thanks and determined to get back on tight game, but when the whistle to the support of some players the field. With words of wisdom blew we unfortunately ended from our 3rds. and encouragement from our with a 7-13 loss. But our heads Then came the long- coach Archie Wells and his were held high as we left the anticipated Judd match. A tight beautiful moustache, the team field, commended by their coach, game all the way through, we worked on passing, beginning with an invitation to return next were worn down and became to improve our teamwork and year! scrappy as the game drew to structured play, leading to a 17-5 Many thanks to Mr Wells and a close, giving away precious victory against Sevenoaks 3rd Mr Coltella for coaching and opportunities for Judd to break X V. coordinating us, and here’s to our line, unfortunately resulting Our next match was a true next year! in a 14-21 defeat. battle against extremely talented The following match saw the players from Ashford’s 1st XV Sam Fineman

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4th XV action shots

The Rugby Sevens Season

U12 U13 individuals, such as Charlie Although our rugby sevens Our sevens campaign, although Pound and Charlie Drysdale. season was hampered by cut short by a variety of However these tries wouldn’t a very muddy and wet reasons, was undoubtedly a have been made possible Southfields, we managed to successful one. without the hard work and fit in a few good, all round Despite not achieving the dedication put in by the rest of training sessions. Most of the success to replicate our standard the team. players had not experienced in training, in the St Olave’s At the invitational Judd playing rugby sevens, so this Sevens we developed a deeper tournament, we worked well was a good introduction to the understanding of the game as as a unit and we found out how more fast-paced, shorter game. well as well as an understanding dangerous our attack when The season ended in a of ourselves and our team mates, the ball was shifted to wings tournament at Vizards and for which we thank Mr Beck who and how strong our defence is although our team started off took us for the duration of the when we put pressure on the poorly with three losses, the season and taught us tactics, other team with our line speed, improvement was noticeable and Mr Sullivan for his intense gaining positive yards. However, throughout the afternoon, fitness which really benefited us at the St Olave’s tournament we and we ended it with a win. A in the campaign. didn’t seem to hit the same high, few good tries which showed I was particularly impressed by though two wins, a draw and a promise for the next season some of the less frequent A team loss isn’t a bad result. were, firstly, the one that players such as Ollie Rae-Moore, This season both inside and Yiannis Papadopoulos is Freddy Naughton and Spencer outside of school we have always looking out for, the Greenhough for stepping up to managed to secure five Saracens interception try, and as usual the plate despite not having as trials and one Harlequins trial, James Litchfield, our pacy much game time and experience and we look forward to those winger, was rewarded with a as some of the others. and appreciate the opportunities couple of run-ins from far out on I admire their commitment that wouldn’t have been made the pitch. Hopefully, the weather and outstanding performances possible without the help of the will improve for next season, throughout the season. coaches. so we get to play a few more The team shared some great matches. tries coming from different Truman Sullivan ›

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› U14 There was much 1st VII The U14s were able to meteorological chat on the The sevens season started at make it to the Kent Sevens minibus and the sky darkened as the Eltham Sevens, winning tournament and despite having we made our way to Gravesend 2 out of 3 and promptly a reasonable group, where we Grammar. Ever optimistic, the dismissing Jervo’s new side. should have finished at the top, organisers decided that the With a younger team taking the it was not our day. tournament would start as reins whilst the men prepared The weather had shattered the scheduled. Right on cue the for their non-existent exams, boy's energy and enthusiasm, heavens opened and conditions the team were more than and unfortunately, we were not quickly became unplayable happy coming second at the able to get out of the group. and the tournament was duly Judd Sevens. This group of players have a lot cancelled halfway through the On to the Middlesex Sevens of talent and I see a huge future group stages. An extremely and being put in a tough group ahead for them at Skinners’. soggy group of Skinners’ made alongside Harrow, the boys glided The first game was against their way back to Tunbridge Wells through the semis into the bowl Eltham which they lost 15-10. having played just 20 minutes of final. Despite the soaking rain Second game lost 15-0 and third competitive rugby. which had refused to stop all day, game we won 25-5. Stand out I would like to thank the whole the boys put on an exceptional performance from Dan Pascall. playing group for the commitment performance, with Toby Ponsford Electric pace! to 7s over the last 3 seasons. You scoring a hat trick against RGS have been a pleasure to coach. Guildford to seal a 24-22 victory, Clayton Pohio with some traditional body on Rob Pursglove the line defending from Ben Gibson and Archie Barwick keeping Guildford out in the final U15 play. On to the Kents, and the Losing finalists in two team cruised through the groups tournaments as Under 14s, the playing three and winning three, Under 15 squad went into the with help from the acceleration of 2020 season full of expectation. Eddie Jones and Finn Holden. Training intensified throughout Unlucky to lose to a strong January and February as coaches Tonbridge side in the semis, the Mr Pursglove and Mr Sullivan boys did themselves proud and looked to select a squad of put in a solid last performance players capable of emulating last 7s for the school. season’s achievements. The players trained hard Truman Sullivan in difficult conditions; the squad looked sharp as the tournaments approached. A warm up competition at The Judd School fell victim to the weather so there was no opportunity for match practice before the Kent 7s tournament at Gravesend Grammar School.

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Cricket reports

Lots of renovation work has taken place at Southfields. This will make a huge difference to the provision for cricket we are able to offer

event, was due to be launched faces who were looking to take Before 2020, there in June. However, despite the up cricket for the first time. The were two things in summer programme being enthusiasm that was shown acted cricket I had never done; decimated by the pandemic, as much needed motivation at there are still reasons to be 7.15 on a cold February morning! I score a hundred at positive about the state of cricket thank all the boys that attended for Lord’s and write an end at Skinners’. the dedication they showed to this of season cricket report programme, and genuinely hope it in May. The way the Winter Programme was beneficial to the development world is at the moment, of their game. The key was to maximise the it has allowed me to tick hall space we had available. Summer Programme one of these off, albeit This meant, for four of the five not the one I would weekdays, the players’ alarm Lockdown provided many have liked to. clocks sounded an hour earlier challenges to our summer than normal, as they headed programme. Clearly inter school to school for 7am starts. These fixtures were out of the question, The summer cricket programme ‘breakfast’ sessions were split as was getting a large group of in 2020 was due to be bigger into skill sets; fast bowling, spin boys together at Southfields for and better than ever. Our fixture bowling, batting, and wicket their Games afternoon. As such card had been developed and keeping and were open to the eSkinners’: Developing from we planned on hosting three whole school. The attendance at a Distance was launched. It overseas schools. Our 1st XI these sessions surpassed my was actually a 12 week training were due to visit Warminster expectations, often getting over programme, supplemented by School for a pre-season camp 25 boys to the batting session videos of me on my apartment prior to their first matches in April alone. Naturally it attracted the balcony performing each and the inaugural Skinners’ Slam, old stalwarts, but it was also drill. If anything, the videos I a rejuvenated intra-school cricket very pleasing to see some new produced only validated my

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Our socially distanced 2020 squad

Our 2020 leavers, who gave so much The use of video analysis has been to our cricket programme. They will used in both our winter and summer be sorely missed programme this year

decision to retire from the game emails requesting sessions. It played a huge part of the 1st when I did. Despite the dodgy was great to know so many boys XI this season, just as they demonstrations, the uptake was wanted the opportunity to play did last year. The senior cricket incredible, with plenty of players cricket again. The enthusiasm programme would be nothing sending in footage they had from the boys was great to see. without the commitment and recorded, for me to then provide We were also helped with some dedication they have shown feedback on. This was further glorious weather. towards it. I was incredibly lucky evidence of how passionate to have had this group during my these young players are about Leavers early days here, as I genuinely progressing. They certainly weren’t feel they have changed the letting these difficult times get in Like any age group sport, at perception of senior cricket at their way. the end of the season there Skinners’, and paved a way for Over May half term, due to are always fond farewells to be those who now follow them the relaxation of guidelines, 1-2-1 said. Ed Shepherdson, Toby through the ranks. They will never sessions were made available at Ponsford, Sam Tripp, Ollie truly know how grateful I am for Southfields. When the information Bingham, and James Poulsom all they have done for me and for this got sent out in the weekly are the five U6th who graduate how privileged I felt to be able bulletin, I was inundated with this summer and would have to work with them so closely.

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The moment lockdown was relaxed, cricket started again at Southfields, available for all pupils

Our new T20 kit made its debut Post wicket celebration at the Mote Cricket Club this year, away to Mayfield CC

I am gutted for them that they We also say goodbye to staff school. Always playing down his were not able to have that last who have worked diligently on cricket knowledge and ability, summer of school cricket they the cricket programme for a James ran successful cricket richly deserved. One of my team number of years. In December, teams throughout his time at principles for senior cricket here Will Randall departed to take up Skinners’ and laid the early at Skinners’ is to be ‘a great set a teaching role in France, retiring foundations for many of the of lads’, meaning that, win or the infamous straw fedora he players who will be exposed to lose, we have to make sure we used to wear whilst umpiring. senior cricket for the first time enjoy each other’s company, and Will had an unorthodox coaching next year. I know these boys others enjoy ours. This principle style, and certainly not one you really appreciate the time James was never in doubt, and only got would find in any ECB coaching put in with them during those stronger and stronger. I wish them manual. However, his infectious early years. James was also all very well as they transition into demeanour was what was a member of staff on the first the next stage of their lives, with needed when getting players cricket tour I ran to Dubai and Abu a slight relief I didn’t have to come to don the whites and play for Dhabi and provided me with great up against them in the Leavers vs him. Sadly, we will also be losing support throughout. Staff match which was scheduled James Beck, having taken up a One positive regarding staffing for early July! position at a local independent for next year, is the news that

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Freddie Hulbert will be joining school cricket and, indeed, school Skinners’ as a full time member sport in general. Will this be the of staff, having completed his end of the traditional sport terms teacher training with us this year. (rugby, hockey, cricket) as we know Freddie has worked on successful it? To be honest, at this stage I cricket programmes at Cranbrook think it’s a little too early to tell. All School and adds a wealth of I do know, as I sit here writing this knowledge and experience of at Southfields in the afternoon with school cricket. I am sure the boys the sun beating down, is that today who worked with him this year would have been an excellent day would have benefitted from it. to bat first.

The future Will Burrows

The number of boys who now play cricket here at Skinners’ is fantastic to see. I really miss walking around Top: Ben Adams scored his the school campus at break and maiden 1st XI fifty this year, lunchtimes watching the small along with Toby Ponsford and cricket matches that now regularly Jack Ponsford. take place. This proves to me what Bottom: Ewan Pedder had a a good place cricket is in. We are brilliant year with the ball also proud to support a number of boys who are involved within county set ups. Frank Glass in U14 LINDEN PARK Year 8 is currently part of the Kent Performance Pathway, and Dan Pascall in Year 9 is a representative of the Sussex Performance Pathway. Ewan Pedder in Year 11 is working hard to force his way back into the Kent set up. In other news we have recently invested heavily in the renovation of the main cricket square at Southfields that will drastically improve the quality of wickets we produce, allowing better cricket to be played. This is a hugely positive step as it will allow our more high- profile fixtures, currently played at external venues, to now be played at the home of Skinners’ Sport. Our U15s are still very much planning During the summer holidays Mr Hulbert entered The U14 Linden on spending 8 days in Sri Lanka in Park side in the Sussex Festival Shield. 2021 as part of a development tour. The team involved four Skinners’ students; Felix McCardle- We will be continually monitoring Hodge, Jake Simmons, Freddie Perkins and George Russell-Ross. government advice to ensure the They played four group games in five days, then proceeded into safety of all players and staff, but at the final, which they went on to win. They worked incredibly hard all this stage I am confident the tour week and they were a credit to the club and the school throughout. will take place. A couple of parents have asked Freddie Hulbert me what the future holds for

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Hockey reports

U12A U12B exciting because we were going to get our first taste of 11-a-side Our first game of the season Our season was one of hockey while representing the did not get off to a great start learning, and on that basis school. The season started for as we faced our school rivals very productive, although the U13A team with an eleven- Judd. It didn’t quite go to plan hockey was a new sport for a-side game. as we lost 18-2, but at least we lots of people. As the captain, We went into the first game got 2. It was the first time we I thought that we were all against Sackville School feeling had all played together and lots constantly improving and very confident and hoping to of the team were finding their keeping up with the other more get a good result to kick start feet having only just started experienced schools. the season. We started very playing hockey. Every week we would be strong and pushed against the The next game we improved learning as a team all the opposition trying to make our and got our first win of the season, important skills for hockey, such goalkeeper, Thomas Parker, beating the opponents 8-4, this as methods of passing and have little to worry about. The was a big step up from the last shooting, how to communicate confidence helped us massively game and gave the team some with everyone on the pitch and because we went into the half confidence. The third game of the most importantly how to develop time break with a 2-0 lead. When season we encountered Reigate teamwork. Although only winning we came back on the pitch, we Grammar who beat us 5-2, so 1 match in the season, as a grabbed another goal however, there was still work to do. The next team we rarely lost heavily and we couldn’t keep the clean sheet game we were meant to play Trinity were closely matched with our as we conceded a late goal. but they turned up half an hour late competitors. The fourth and final But it didn’t make a difference so we were left on the pitch in the match of the season was amazing since the full-time score was freezing cold (this could have been because we had put together 3-1 to Skinners’. The next game tactical on their behalf). After a long all the skills and aspects we had against Sir Joseph Williamson’s wait we started the game in the been taught and won 4-0. We Mathematical School was seven- horizontal rain and lost 3-1. The next finally nailed what teamwork a-side, but we still used the same game was our last of the season was and played a great game of game plans from the last game. and we ended it on a high beating hockey, always celebrating others' However, it didn’t have the same Cranbrook 3-2 from coming back success. We look forward to effect as we were on the end of a from 2-1 down. This just shows the facing the challenge next season. 2-2 draw. strength of spirit that has grown Next up was the U13 County in the team during the season and Minis. Funnily enough the first general improvement. Next year game of the tournament was we aim to beat Judd 19-1. Thank U13A against our last opponents you to Mr Beck for coaching us As we approached the new Sir Joseph Williamson’s and teaching us to work as a team season of hockey we knew Mathematical School. We still and to never give up. that we were going to enjoy couldn’t find a winner between it after last years' experience. the two schools as the score was Isaac Dale This season was particularly 1-1. The second game against

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Sir Roger Manwood’s School the U13B team with a home cancelled due to the fact that saw us succumb to our first loss game against Sir Joseph the season had to be cut short. of the season (1-0). In the third Williamson’s Mathematical Regardless of the scores and game we faced Sutton Valence School. results, it was the determination School: it ended goalless. The We were all ready for and motivation that we put in, penultimate game was against a this game but weren’t quite which is the main factor and we tough Langley Park. However we expecting to be blown away in hope to bag more successes in nicked a 1-0 win. The last game the manner that we were. At the next season. Finally, a special was against St Lawrence College half time, the score was 0-5 to thanks to Mr Burrows and Mr who were the better team on the them and when Mr Burrows Beck for the determined hard day and won 1-0. gave us a pretty powerful talk work that they have put in to help After the tournament, we were we took the advice on board and us get to this level. determined to go into another grabbed a goal within the next seven-a-side game against King’s few minutes, which however Rohit Dev Rochester but we couldn’t find a was merely a consolation with win and drew 1-1. Our Saturday the full-time score being 1-9. game against Cranbrook School This result motivated us though went well as we won 3-1. Having and we put in more effort into U14A said that, Cranbrook had a small our training sessions with Mr The season began with a great incident in that two of their Beck, Mr Burrows and some opportunity for us in the form players hadn’t turned up. So four sixth formers. When we went of our tour to Holland. After a of our players happily went on into our second match facing a much enjoyed trip to The Johan their side with two players each strong King’s Rochester team at Cruyff Arena we had our first half. Thank you to Oliver Taylor, Hawkenbury, most of us could match. This was against some Christopher Dzitiki, Finlay Pipes definitely agree that we were very tough opponents from and Rohit Dev. noticeably better than the week Almeerse Hockey Club and we Our last couple of matches before, with our goalkeeper unfortunately lost 0-0 (as it and tournament of the season Tomas Harris only having to says on the Skinners’ Sports went pretty well. We beat both fish the ball out of the net once, website – as for the actual score Norton Knatchbull Grammar due to a bit of misunderstanding line, we’d rather keep that to School and Radnor House between the defenders. As time ourselves). Sevenoaks 4-0 each. We also went on, during the game we The few positives to take from beat Sutton Valence 1-0 and Sir tried as hard as we could to get that game were the resilience Roger Manwood’s School 2-0. a late equaliser. Every time we of the team, and ending up We drew to St Edmund’s School, looked to score, their goalkeeper with more hockey balls than we Canterbury 1-1 and lost to Eltham always kept us at bay and he started. College and St Lawrence 1-2 and also made an astonishing goal The next day we had very high- 0-1. Finally thank you to all staff line save. Even our centre back, quality training session from some who helped to make the season Christopher Dzikiti, dribbled the elite coaches which we learned so enjoyable. length of the pitch, though his a lot from and that evening we shot was neatly stopped by King’s came up against another strong Joe Hetherington Rochester’s goalkeeper. Maybe Almeerse side. However, the a draw would have boys showed great improvement seemed fairer and pushed them right up until but the result the end when they scored a U13B ended 0-1 in their late winner to make it 3-2. With one season of Skinners’ favour. We were Following another great hockey experience already quite disheartened training session and under our belts, some of the to hear the news that a silent disco that Year 8 hockey season was the game that we were had a lot of room for played as an eleven-a-side supposed to play improvement, our tour game and some as seven-a- against Caterham was over. This was side. The season started off for School was a great learning

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curve and over the course of U15 U16 it everyone’s hockey skills and experience had improved greatly, The U15s this year enjoyed This 2019/20 U16 hockey making it, on the whole, a very another fun filled season with season was the most successful tour. some quality hockey played. successful hockey season for a Back home in England our The season started off with Skinners’ U16 team. This year first game was in the cup against a high as we claimed a hard we didn’t have an outdoor a very tough and well drilled fought 1-0 win over Sackville season which put a lot of the Langley Park side. We showed School. players at a disadvantage as some positive signs with Ollie The boys at the back showed they had never played indoor Green scoring a great goal, but some great courage in defence hockey before. the day ended in defeat. Thanks especially considering there This however, didn’t stop every to some much-needed training were a few debutants in the single one of them putting in from our coaches Mr Hulbert, form of Harvey Galloway and 100%. We only had 2 or 3 indoor Mr Burrows and Mr Beck, Joshua Hoch at the back who training sessions before our first (sometimes they even gave up helped solidify the backline, not indoor tournament and these their time on a Saturday to train forgetting the goal scorer and were to give the new players to us) over the course of the next matchwinner, another debutant indoor a basic understanding of few weeks we greatly improved. in Tom Oakeshott. It is fair to how different it is. A huge thank This was shown in three great say the team was in high spirits you goes out to Toby Sambrook, results against some very strong after the win. Unfortunately, Zach Olette, Ethan Gillespie and sides, 4-1, 2-1 and 4-1 against, next game the boys had a George Davis, all Year 10s who Sackville, Rochester Maths and reality check as we suffered a stepped up to give us an U16 King’s Canterbury respectively, harsh loss to a physical Trinity team. our solid centre back Sooraj side. However, in true Skinners’ Our first tournament was the performing very well as well spirits not one head went down South Indoor Preliminaries and as our strikers (Evan, Blake and the whole side stayed we went into it with expectations and Ollie) being very clinical. determined, hard-working of having some fun, seeing as Unfortunately, we fell to a 3-0 and most importantly in good most of the team had never defeat in our next game away spirits for the remainder of the played indoor hockey before. to a very strong Ashford side season. With each new game We started off the tournament though we perhaps could have the quality of hockey played with a 5-0 loss to a very strong played better. In our last game of improved vastly and the boys St Lawrence College, however the season we came up against cannot wait for next season as this did not stop us as we then Cranbrook, a very talented and more results will undoubtedly went on to beat Kent College 2-0. well drilled hockey side. At half turn our way. A big thank you We then went onto play Ashford time we found ourselves 2-1 to all the boys for the immense School in the first knockout down, but we battled back with effort and commitment that was round of the tournament, which a second of the game for Evan. put in to produce some standout we won 3-1. This gave us a Five minutes from time a short performances. The likes of boost of confidence and we had corner came up (something we Zach Olette, Harvey Sherry, momentum going into the final had practised multiple times in Josh Mathew, Scott Renwick match, once again against Kent training) and with some lovely and Josh Taylor were so often College. After going 1-0 down link up play between Jake and the players that kept the team we carried on battling and in Ben we found ourselves 3-2 up at going. Finally, a massive thank the last play of the match we the end of the game. This game you to Mr Pohio and Mr Beck – won a short corner, in which almost summed up the whole of without the energy and time put James Nicholson in the last the season, despite a slow start, into this exciting side by these play of the game scored and thanks to hard work, resilience two there would be no side. The gave us the opportunity to go and dedication, it was ultimately team cannot wait for the next through on penalty flicks.Theo very successful. season. Whittingham stepped up in goal, only conceding 1 out of Ben James Toby Sambrook 3, with Ben Brown and Toby

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Sambrook scoring for us to 2nd XI win the Preliminaries 2-1 on penalty flicks. We had proved to With the end of the rugby everyone including ourselves we season, Mr Coltella’s 2nd XI could do well in this tournament. reunited for another season The trip was celebrated of greatness, with the by a trip to McDonald’s, addition of some Year courtesy of Mr Beck! 12s meaning our A couple of training mainly to team was even sessions later and we show us how to stronger than ever were back in the next round hold the stick, and before. After a few of the South Indoor tournament. how to hit the ball. vigorous training We had Trinity School, Croydon The next step sessions, we ironed up first and despite a hard- forward was to join in with 2nd out any wrinkles and brought fought battle we lost 3-2 to a team training, and put these the new players up to speed. very strong private school. Next basics into practice. In all honesty, We kept practising and up we had The Portsmouth you wouldn’t want to walk past developing as a team ready Grammar School and looking to the Astro during this time. But for our first match against stay in contention to go through after all the drills and hard work Hurstpierpoint. Despite fantastic we put 100% into this game and lead by Mr Coltella, my personal performances from Horatio it payed off, coming away from favourite being “Lines of 3 on the in goal and Luke Lovitt in the it with a 4-3 win against another halfway line”, we began to play centre, we were unfortunately strong side. After this match we some proper hockey, and were defeated but morale remained had fight within us and we really ready to play some fixtures. The high. Our next fixture against wanted to prove what Skinners’ next step was learning the rules of Caterham was a narrow defeat. hockey could do and that we hockey in Mr Coltella’s office, the However we played well as could go places in tournaments. week before our first match. a team, with some fantastic Our last match would decide Our first (and ended up being defensive performances keeping if we went through or not. We our only) game was against St us in the game. Nevertheless, had Kingston Grammar School Albans. This game was a great we bounced back from the for our final match: we went effort from the lads, having never previous defeat and went on 2-0 down but we didn’t stop played hockey before, although to defeat Caterham with a very and we managed to bring it to sometimes you could see it, we convincing team performance. 2-1, but despite our best efforts managed to play some decent Despite losing our next game, we lost 2-1 and were out of hockey, and managed to come we kept our heads high and the tournament. It is hard to away with a hard fought 1-0 win. used the loss as inspiration to explain how much time and The memorable moment involved drive us forward. effort everyone put in to be part Freddie Cunningham with a 1 Next came the ‘Battle of of a very successful U16 indoor on 1 against the keeper, ending the Barwicks’ as we travelled hockey team. up missing the ball completely, to Cranbrook where Archie as well as falling over, ruining faced his brother. Our best James Nicholson his chances of becoming the performance of the season first 3rd XI scorer, an accolade was matched by a very tough quickly stolen by Ben Dufty, with opposition and we were unlucky serious gas down the middle, to come out of the game with a 3rd XI putting it past the keeper to go loss. Nevertheless, we finished With a large increase in 1-0 up. This ended up leaving the the season with a draw against enthusiasm for hockey, mainly 3s with a 100% win record, and a tough Sevenoaks team, with from Year 12, we decided Mr Burrows to be one of the a fantastic finish fromJames to introduce the first ever most successful Skinners’ hockey Murphy ending the season on a Skinners’ 3rd XI hockey team. coaches. high note. The first step for this team, was pre-season training, James Poulsom Pierre Lefebvre Du Preÿ

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1st XI well fought game but resulted first half it was 0-0, Skinners’ put in a draw meaning penalty flicks the game to bed and won 4-1 The 2019/20 hockey season would proceed in which Skinners’ with a superb goal from Billy kicked into action with a well lost 5-3. Marsden showing some class organised tour to Holland The following day after a well- upfront. where the boys won both earned rest, the boys played in The next game of the season matches against top quality the Frank Mason tournament was against Ardingly College in Almeerse HC sides winning 5-2 where in the past few years the the quarter-final of the National and 5-0, with debuts for Toby aim was to win the Plate as the Plate which was only steps away Sambrook and Zachary Olette. boys would chant ‘it's coming from seeing Skinners’ to the The tour was full of fun and home’ along with a chorus of a Olympic Park. Skinners’ played a great start point for possibly ‘yapping dog’. A good start to particularly well, with Oliver the best Skinners’ 1st XI season the tournament was kickstarted Bingham, Lance Abbott and yet. Special mentions to Bobby after beating the Langley Park Alex Thomson playing with Braidwood for being the best side we had played the day conviction both up front and in tourist, Zach Olette for being before. After some more class midfield. The boys, now men, player of the tour and Alex performances the team had came out with a convincing 4-1 Thomson for an incredible goal made it to the Frank Mason Cup win getting the team one step gaining him the champagne which was unchartered territory closer to the final prize at the moment of the tour. for the insightful Skinners’ side. Olympic Park. The indoor season was next After reaching this point we This however was cut short by with the tournament being held at were to play Tonbridge School the unfortunate circumstances Ashford School. We beat Ashford who had become a rival team of the Coronavirus outbreak. 3-0 and proceeded to lose to due to many tight games over This season for the Skinners’ a strong Eastbourne side and the years. However, after a 1st XI was like no other. With following this was a narrowly lost tense game Skinners’ lost (good special thanks to Mr Pohio for game against Kent College. This performances from Joe Claxton his superb hockey knowledge indoor season only fuelled our and Matt Morey) and Tonbridge and to Steve Britton with his outdoor success. went on to win the tournament. unrivalled umpiring skills. Most Our first outdoor game back Before the competitive season importantly, without Mr Beck in Blighty was against Alleyn’s continued we played Reigate this extremely successful season School for the National Cup Grammar School where Henry would not have been possible. All where we lost on flicks after a Moore and Alex Thomson both his commitment and hard work well fought game. The upside to scored twice to make the final has paid off with this team over this was that we would proceed score a 4-2 win. the last 4 years. to the beloved Plate which was To continue the National Plate in fact the preferred road of run we played particularly well Alex Thomson glory for the boys. The following against Caterham with Alex games included those for the Britton having a great game and Kent Cup against Cranbrook James Nicholson really proving and then Kent College. Great himself worthy of the 1st XI side. performances were seen from A second game against Caterham newcomer Zakariya Daniels and was played, this time a friendly. youngster Ben Brown, and we Sam Fletcher dominated at the won both meaning that the boys back making some goal saving had made it to Finals Day held at tackles; we also saw 2nd XI Tonbridge School. The first game players Pierre Lefebvre Du Prey was against a comprehensively and Jak Jago play well against beaten Sutton Valence side a tough side. The next win was where Skinners’ performed against St John’s Leatherhead outstandingly. After a well- who were worthy opponents to deserved 2 hour break, we then this growing Skinners’ side but faced Langley Park which was a after a tough and well fought

www.skinners-school.co.uk 85 SPORT – FENCING

Fencing report Clayton Pohio

We had some very successful results this year, including success at the U14 boys South East championships! With numerous fencers reaching the quarter-finals, many of these fencers were out of age and have another year to go.

The full list of fencing results: SOUTH-EAST CHAMPIONSHIPS / TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER:

U14 U14 = 3rd Ollie Barlow Q =1st Ollie Barlow = 3rd Max Stanbury Q =3rd John Prineas 5th John Prineas 13th Max Stanbury 9th Rushil Shukla 16th Leo Lee 11th Tom Harris 21st Tom Harris U18 = 22nd James Parr 1st Matthew Kohler U16 6th Luca Masoliver 13th Benedict Keen 7th Ben Wilson 15th Rushil Shukla 8th Matthew Bentham U18 9th Will Mitchell Q 6th Matthew Kohler 11th John Evans Ollie Barlow, John Prineas and Matthew Kohler have all qualified 14th Theo Hughes-Wilson for the now postponed British youth championships.

86 www.skinners-school.co.uk the SPORT – LEOPARD 2019-20 FOOTBALL

1st XI Football report

The senior football squad had high expectations going into the 2019/2020 season. A strong nucleus of players remained from the previous campaign and they were joined by a number of talented Year 12 students who were eager to represent the school on the football pitch.

ARLY season into the Christmas break at the blown away on their own pitch optimism proved well wrong end of the league table. by a display of ruthless efficiency founded, the team The new year began with from a Skinners’ team who were Estarted the campaign another victory over Harris determined to end the campaign with victories over Harris Academy Orpington. However, on a high note. Two goals from Academy Beckenham and this proved to be a something of Ben Rowe, a Ben Clark penalty Harris Academy Orpington, a false dawn. Another defeat to and a long-range strike from Ned with captain Charlie Dumas Hayesbrook was followed up by Dawson added to an own goal netting a hat trick against the a disappointing 3-0 loss in the saw Skinners’ run out convincing Orpington school. local derby at St Gregory’s. 5-1 winners. A narrow defeat against a well St John’s were beaten 2-0 I would like to thank all the drilled Hayesbrook side started but another narrow loss away to players who have represented a run of five defeats that was St Olave’s highlighted the lack the school this season. Your punctuated only by a hard fought of consistency that had been a effort, talent and commitment is 1-1 draw away at Charles Darwin. hallmark of the season. very much appreciated. The great British weather The last game of the season once again led to numerous saw Skinners’ finally perform to Rob Pursglove cancellations and Skinners’ went their full potential. St John’s were

SPORT – KARATE

Congratulations to Efe Shimwell in Year 10, who was called up to the England Blind WORLD CHAMPION KARATE DAN Football Senior team for Rafferty Knight (Year 8) took part in the WIKF World training camps at Championships in September 2019, winning the Gold medal. St George’s Park This followed his Gold in the European Championships last year: throughout the year. perhaps the outstanding sporting achievement of the whole year.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 87 SPORT – BASKETBALL

Basketball reports

U13 This was carried through to our U14 We were all very enthused for next game against Bennett, and This year’s basketball season this season of basketball and once again we had an exceptional had to be one of the best those of us who had played game with a score of 63-14. ones yet. Our squad this year in the U14 season previously Our next game was against consisted of Year 9s and some in the school year were ready Radnor House, which raised some talented Year 8s. For some of for another chance to win the concern due to speculation that us, it was our first time playing league. Our only weakness was they had a couple skilful players. in real games with referees, that there were just six of us, However, the win streak went on so I have to say that I am which didn’t allow for injuries. as we left victorious with a score impressed by the effort put in We went into our first game of 55-22. After winning all our by all the players. with confidence as we had played games, we made it into the final Our first game was against Basketball very frequently during where the winners from three Tunbridge Wells Boys’ Grammar. school time throughout Years groups of schools came together. We were all trained well by our 7 and 8; therefore, we were Fortunately for us, Hayesbrook fantastic coach, Mr Burrows, particularly familiar each other’s couldn’t make it, leaving us and and most of us were ready to play and had a great chemistry Hadlow. Driven by confidence we play. We patiently waited for between us. played our most outstanding game them to arrive, but unfortunately, to date, with a final score of 65-6, they didn’t turn up and it was Skilful players making us the league winners. cancelled. But, that didn’t bring Many thanks to Mr Burrows and down the spirit of our team, so Our first game went almost Mr Pohio, who spent their own we played against each other perfectly with a 69-9 victory time helping us develop as a team. and it was an evening that we all against St Greg’s. The level of skill enjoyed. within our team was exceptional. Will Pickard Next was an away game at

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Cranbrook School and it was one U15 hopefully will be a stepping of the toughest of the season. The season for the U15 stone for future success. It was a tense game, they were basketball team, although The team were excited to scoring, then we were scoring short, was reasonably begin training in September and so on. The team made a eventful. Due to a number after having acquired the great effort, but we lost 23-39. of cancellations from other services of Mr Mitchell as As it was the first proper game schools, we only managed to our new head coach, the new of the season, we weren’t that play one full 40 minute match season also saw plenty of new disappointed, but we knew there against Bennett Memorial faces including Cory Van- were some things we needed to School, which ended 46-32 to Tongeren, Tommy Baker, Tola work on. Skinners’, giving us a 100% Alake and Hugo Stephenson. win rate for the Area Cup The team’s first fixture was a Rising tension season. close fought contest away at To end the season, the team Sevenoaks School where we Next, it was another away game, attended a Secondary School lost 49-77 despite a season’s this time playing at Radnor Basketball Tournament in best 27 points from Captain House, Sevenoaks. At the start Gillingham. The team played well Pierre Lefebvre du Preÿ. The of the match, the points were but unfortunately came short of return leg of that fixture also close and tension was rising. The the top of the group stage which resulted in a loss, but overall the amazing Dan Pascall performed left us relegated. As the team series gave the exceptionally well on the night develop, we have had more 1st V valuable experience and Skinners’ won 43-24. members join to play basketball playing against such well-drilled The next game was at in our year and look forward to team as Sevenoaks. Skinners’ where we played having a longer season in the In February, our second series Bennett Memorial. The team U16s. against Tonbridge School was fought very hard in this battle split with Skinners’ losing 49-46 and I think that in this game Tom Mosley away, before winning 42-38 at we played the best as a team, home. The team put in two very leading to us winning 29-23. impressive performances in U16 these games, especially from Hardest team A curious unbeaten season in power forward Tommy Bishop, the Area Cup! and were unfortunate not to Finally, the last game was • Sackville School – Walk Over come away with two wins from against our rivals, Judd. • Cranbrook School – Won: 38 - two. Everyone was looking forward to 30 Over the course of the this game, but it was definitely • Bennett Memorial Diocesan season the team showed real the hardest team that we played School – Won: 54 - 21 development, Luke Williams this year: stronger, bigger and • Knole Academy – Walk Over and Austin Woods both greatly more skilled than us, though • Radnor House Sevenoaks – improved their respective that didn’t stop us playing at our Cancelled games and stalwarts Augustin best. Unfortunately, the game Fernandez and Nathan Blaker ended with a 28-63 loss, but we played important roles. all had fun playing basketball that SENIOR Finally, I would like to give evening. The senior basketball team my thanks to Roger Alicaya This year’s season of were able, in a truncated for refereeing our games, basketball was great: we all season, to play four games Mr Burrows for driving us to had fun and it was a good this year comprising home matches and to Mr Mitchell experience. The team is looking and away fixtures against for his insatiable passion and forward to next year’s season both Sevenoaks and Tonbridge commitment to the team and and we will come back better Schools. For such an the effort he put into making our and stronger. inexperienced team to come training so enjoyable. away with a 1-3 record is Kevan Pussella something to be proud of and Pierre Lefebvre du Preÿ

www.skinners-school.co.uk 89 SPORT – BADMINTON

Badminton reports Joshua Mathew

U14

The Kent U14 Badminton Team at their fixture in Suffolk. Maxim Catling (Year7) above right won all three of his matches (singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles).

U16A with a defeat against a strong In December 2019 the U16A Rochester Grammar School. Badminton Team competed in Despite our other wins the the Elite Badminton England final declaration came down to Championships points and we just missed out on This tournament featured second place. a fine 4-1 victory against our Well done to the team and first opponents, Gravesend an immense thank you to Mr Grammar School. With the Burrows for organising the high morale, we continued this tournament. winning streak with a close Special Mentions: Joshua victory over our arch-nemesis, Mathew, Sam Goddard, Samuel Judd. Unfortunately, we ended Chillington, Daniel Jones

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Table tennis reports Clayton Pohio

U13 Papadopoulos, Joshua Garrett, at the Kent Individual Table Tennis Samuel Moore and John Championships at the Howard Kent Team Championships Prineas who ended up coming School in Rainham. second in the whole event in their John Prineas and Max In November 2019 the Skinners’ age groups. Mansley did exceptionally well, School competed in the Kent coming first and second overall Schools Team table tennis Kent Individual in the consolation. John said, championships at Medway Championships “It was a thrilling event with Leisure Centre. great competition. What was It was a very competitive In December, Yiannis most exciting was that it came tournament and all the boys Papadopoulos, Joshua Garrett, down to two Skinners’ boys in who represented the school did Samuel Moore, John Prineas, the finals, so we knew we’d be extremely well. Congratulations Max Mansley, Edward Ralph bringing home gold and silver for must go to the U13A’s Yiannis and Christian Fielding competed the school.“

U16 valiant effort overall. The A team 2019. Both Alex’s competed in consisted of Noah Featherstone- a lower age category and Alex Kent Team Championships Csillag, Dan Jones, Jamie Papadopoulos made it all the Smith and Arthur Branch who way to the semi-final. In the The U16 table tennis teams had made it through to the final with higher age category, Jake and an outstanding 2019-20 season. flying colours. They then faced Dan Jones didn’t make it through Going into the Kent Schools Herne Bay High in the final and to the main draw, putting them in team event we had lost one of unfortunately lost 5-3, leaving the consolation draw. Dan was our A team players, Dan Record, them in second place. Overall, a unfortunately knocked out in the with an injured arm but Arthur good outcome for everyone. second round of this. In the main Branch was quick to replace draw, Dan Record proceeded him, and his defence style play Kent Individual to the quarter-finals, to then be got him a good win percentage. Championships knocked out by the 3rd seed. The B team consisted of Noah made it to the semi-final Rithvik Dhanapal, Jake Wright, Dan R, Dan J, Alex R, Alex P, and was narrowly defeated. Alex Papadopoulos and Alex Jake and Noah all also travelled Considering the very high Ralph who got through their to the Howard School to standard of both events, it was group stage and unfortunately compete in the Kent individual a good season for the U16 table lost in the following rounds – a championships in December tennis players.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 91 SPORT – SWIMMING

Swimming report

Aiden McMillan

ESSA National Finals

The Senior Swimming Team (Aiden McMillan, Reuben Edwards, Kody Bradbury and Freddy Cunningham) swam in the English Schools’ National Swimming Finals at the London Aquatics Centre.

FTER a great alongside the intermediate team Shortly after the team’s win double gold at (Toby Edwards, Jack Evans, eight students then took part the Kent Schools Ben Watson and Matthew Hoy) in the Kent Schools Individual A Championships, in placing 7th in the freestyle and 8th Championships held in Margate September 2019, our senior in the Medley. in January 2020. Skinners’ won swim team qualified in both After the great results from two medals, Aiden McMillan Freestyle and Medley relays at September, our swim team (Gold) in the 100m Butterfly and the ESSA finals in November comprised of junior, intermediate Ben Watson (Bronze) in the 100m coming 13th and 24th and senior age groups competed Backstroke. There were also some respectively in the country. in the Skinners’ first inter-school great personal bests and gutsy Also, at the Kent Schools competition against three other swims from our other swimmers Championships our junior team schools at Eltham College in (Sam Martin-Young, Charlie (Arthur Wood, Joseph Strebel, November 2019. Skinners’ not Brice, George Russell-Ross, George Russell-Ross and only won the competition but Kyshtoobaev Akbar, Joey Ajayi Charlie Brice) placed 2nd in the also showed excellent team spirit and Joseph Strebel). freestyle and 3rd in the Medley, doing so. ›

Senior Team: Junior Team: (L-R): Kody Bradbury, Reuben Edwards, (L-R): George Russell-Ross, Arthur Wood, Aiden McMillan and Freddy Cunningham Joseph Strebel and Charlie Brice

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HE ski team had another successful year and we Skiing report had a good up take of TYear 7 boys to the team. Many of the boys practised hard through the winter, training on Sunday evening at Bowles Outdoor Centre in Eridge. Under the training of Nigel Hilliard, the boys worked hard to develop the skills of slalom racing on a dry slope. Their commitment meant that at the Kent Schools Championships, which was held at the ski center in Chatham, the team came away with silver Kent Schools ESSkiA Qualifiers 2019 medals in two categories and Championships 2019 SKINNERS’ SCHOOL III narrowly missed medaling in Secondary Seniors Team (Alex Ralph, Joe Taylor, Bertie a third category. Through the SKINNERS’ 1 Riolo) summer the boys continued (Matthew Bentham, Ethan finished 4th in U16 Boys their training ready for the Gillespie, Joseph Pannell, England Schools Ski Association Joshua Wakeling) SKINNERS’ SCHOOLS IV in September. All the teams finished 2nd (Matthew Bentham, Joseph skied really well against some Pannell, Rory Baillie, Joshua very strong teams from the Secondary Juniors Team Wakeling) independent sector and the senior SKINNERS’ 3 finished 2nd in U19 Boys team narrowly missed getting (Joshua Leake, Dominic into the finals in Norwich. A Nutland-Frankel, James Parr, SKINNERS’ SCHOOL II huge thanks must go to all the Bertie Riolo) (Dominic Nutland-Frankel, Oscar boys, who have in their own time, finished 2nd Pottle, Sam Pottle, James Parr) trained to compete for the school, finished 4th in U14 Boys along with their parents who have SKINNERS’ 2 endured many a wet and cold (Jack Bentley-Bowers, Thomas Based on results Rory Baillie evening at Bowles Outdoor Centre Parker, Joe Taylor, Alex Ralph) was selected for the 2020 ESSkiA watching them train. competed squads

Swimming report continued ESSA National Finals Outside of school Ben Watson (Year 9), Sam Martin-Young (Year 9) and Toby Edwards (Year 9) qualified and competed at the Kent Championships and also the South East Regional Championships at the K2 Centre, Crawley. Our three Year 12 Swimmers (Reuben Edwards, Aiden McMillan and Kody Bradbury) also had a great season. Reuben Edwards took part in the Swim England National Talent Pathway after his great swims at the English and British Nationals in the summer and represented the South East Regional team in the English Schools‘ Swimming Association (ESSA) National Interdivisional competition, at Ponds Forge in Sheffield in February 2020.Aiden McMillan qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Trials in April after his swims in the English National Championships in the 200m Butterfly.Kody Bradbury competed in the 200m Butterfly in the British Nationals in the summer, with an impressive performance.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 93 SPORT – EXTRA CURRICULAR

work volunteering over the past year not only as the youngest Level 1 judge in the region but also for helping on poolside week in, week out with the junior squads at his club. His award was presented by Ray Hedger Past President of the ASA & South East ASA. Previously Henry had been awarded the Sussex ASA Young Volunteer of the Year Award. HENRY Henry was then invited to RUSSELL-ROSS Birmingham University for the in front of a 150 strong crowd Youth Volunteer of the Year at in the University Great Hall. Henry Russell-Ross won the the Swim England National A great achievement and Swim England South East Awards 2019. Henry managed wonderful recognition of the region Youth Volunteer of the to win the award and accepted time and commitment he put Year award for his all his hard it from Olympian Steve Parry into his volunteering.

CROSS COUNTRY

In January 2020 Henry and The South of England Cross Country Championships Matthew Taylor in (Year Henry Taylor (centre left) Matthew Taylor (centre right) 11) competed in the South of England Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill. Matthew ended up winning the race for his age group in a time of 21.50, while Henry came 15th with a great time of 23.12. Both boys were representing Tonbridge Athletics Club, who ended up coming 2nd in the team event. The school also competed in the Kent Schools Cross Country Championships in January. In the intermediate boys’ (6km) race Matthew and Henry Taylor produced exceptional performances. Matthew was a convincing winner by about 100m, with Henry closing in on the 2nd placed runner over the last lap but not quite managing to catch him. Matthew and Henry were the first two scorers for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Team that won the team competition. From these performances, both boys gained automatic selection for the

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English Schools Cross Country Kent Schools Cross Country Championchips Championships. In the Year 7 boys’ (3km) race, Harry Emmet was the standout out finishing in 27th and was part of the Tunbridge Wells team that finished 2nd. Congratulations to William Harrison, Harvey Mahon, Laurie Kendall, William Green and Albert Medd who all ran extremely well.

TRAMPOLINING Congratulations to Isaac Woolard in year 9, who over two weeks won the Kent Grade G trampolining competition as well as the U15 intermediate section of the South East Schools reginal competition. Well done Isaac on this fantastic achievement and SEVENOAKS 10K good luck in your upcoming In September 2019, Mrs Marsh and a group of Skinners’ students competitions. ran the St George’s 10k in Sevenoaks. It was a tough course with In his final year at the school, many hills but the students ran well and were kind enough to Harris Shewan continued to wait for Mrs Marsh and cheer her on at the finish line. perform with exceptional skill and commitment finishing 3rd in the National Trampoline Jayna Marsh Championships.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 95 WELLBEING WEEK

A summary of day one Wellbeing Week

ONDAY 18th Firstly, to Karen Martin, for Dr Hu for expertly running the May marked the her amazing self-help class and morning fitness activities, toMr beginning of Q&A session on Monday, then to Green, for his incredible daily Mwhat was a truly Sarah Weller, for her talk on how running sessions after school, to incredible week within the to deal with anxiety in lockdown. all staff and students involved in Skinners’ community. Old boy Fraser Macdonald-Lister the brilliant display of talent in Throughout the week dozens held a brilliant talk on mental the Lockdown Live concert on of experts, teachers and students health on Wednesday lunchtime, Thursday and to the Sullivan took to the internet (in particular and Katja Leslie’s meditation brothers for their immense silent the infamous Facebook Live) and stress release session was disco to finish the week off with in order to help you at home not one to be missed. Nell from a bang! Thanks also to Mental stay active and busy during the Arty Farty Retreat held an Health Ambassadors Mr Metcalf, this difficult time. It goes incredible art therapy class on Ms Everard and Miss Fenton without saying that without the Friday, and Iris Chang’s pilates who have been instrumental in tremendous effort of all of the session was a great way to finish the organisation of the week people involved, there would be off our lunchtime meditation altogether, from bake-offs to no way that any of Wellbeing sessions for the week. quizzes to radio plays, these three Week would have happened, The staff also played a huge have done the lot. and as a result of this I’d just role in the activities that took Finally, Billy Marsden, who like to take a moment to thank place every day, so thank you has worked day and night to see everybody involved. to all of the sports staff and to this whole week come together

96 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

At the beginning of lockdown when we virtually brainstormed MESSAGE ideas for Skinners’ Wellbeing FROM Week, we underestimated the size of the week and the impact it GREG CLARK, would have on those involved. After gaining over 1,200 LOCAL MP Miss Fenton & Mr Bannister followers on the Facebook page I hear that you are the taking part in Tai-chi and at least 1k views on our masterminds behind an evening extravaganzas, I look back incredibly successful perfectly, deserves our utmost at the week with a huge smile on wellbeing week – offering thanks and congratulations; it is my face. Wellbeing Week was a all sorts of activities to safe to say that the week would thoughtful, colourful and energetic help improve mental and not have happened without him. collaboration enabling staff, physical health for local The impact this week has students, parents and the wider residents. I just wanted to had upon many people, both community to get thinking and drop you a quick line to inside and outside of the stay active. The week was created thank you and your team of Skinners’ community has been to increase awareness of physical helpers for all the hard work extraordinary, and we hope that and mental wellbeing through you have put into this. It’s a what has been achieved can be activities that sought to motivate, marvellous achievement – carried forward into more events uplift and ultimately make one very well done! like these in the future. This has think about their own wellbeing. I been a difficult time and the like to think we did just that. period of lockdown was not easy I would personally like to thank for anyone, so please remember Miss Fenton, Mr Metcalf, Ms that all members of staff, Senior Everard and Ollie Knudsen Prefect and Prefect teams are and wish them luck in further accessible at all times if you need developing the importance someone to talk to and please do of wellbeing in the Skinners’ not feel afraid to get in contact Community. with us. I hope you enjoyed the All that is left to say from me is week, and that you are continuing stay safe, stay well and look after to stay safe, well and active. your mental health.

Ollie Knudsen Billy Marsden Staff v Sixth Form football. Wellbeing Prefect Former Wellbeing Prefect

Disco divas

The menu of activities and events

www.skinners-school.co.uk 97 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

A word from the Non-uniform days Parents’ Association Brenda Purse

PA FUNDING been able to do some great work It was a fantastic event for the this year. school, the PA and for all those I was excited to begin a new This includes over £42,000 who took part. chapter for the Skinners’ raised to provide furniture for School Parents’ Association the new School Library, as well NON-UNIFORM DAYS when I took over the role of as 17 Apple Macs for the Art PA Chair in September 2019. department. Our Non-uniform Days in We have very much enjoyed October and January raised a working together as a team, QUIZ NIGHT total of over £3,500, funding organising fundraising events various smaller school projects, throughout the year for the The PA Quiz Night in March while the donation of assorted benefit of the boys and the 2020 was truly a wonderful treats in November, livened whole school community. evening. There was a great up the Christmas Fair the next With the PA having raised atmosphere with good food, month. over £175,000 for various school a great selection of drinks During the COVID-19 lockdown in equipment and resources over from our brand-new bar, fun May 2020, we held our first Virtual the past 5 years, it was a lot games and a challenging and Non-uniform Day. Skinners’ boys to live up to – but despite the entertaining Quiz, with 21 were eager to take part, raising pandemic, I believe that we have teams in fierce competition. £1,400 to replace the goggles the

98 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

Science Department donated to the NHS, and to support other DATES FOR YOUR LOOKING AHEAD school projects. DIARIES: • VIRTUAL For 2020-21, the new 200 CLUB CHRISTMAS FAIR: target is to raise £25k 5th December 2020 for a professional level The new season of the 200 recording studio. Club, our exclusive private • QUIZ NIGHT: This facility will have lottery, commenced in 5th March 2021 a direct impact on the September 2019 raising £4,200. • SUMMER BALL: Music, Drama and English Our profit for the year 2019/20 26th June 2021 departments for KS3 and is likely to increase thanks to the will help the school to have additional generosity of some Please follow us to see our the best high-tech facility of prize winners donating their latest news: @pa_skinners its kind in the area. prizes back to the school.

CHRISTMAS FAIR Sports Hall. This was a new main attraction for the Christmas Fair to create an activity for all ages to enjoy a moment of competition and laughter together! The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, in combination with the record-breaking money raised, demonstrated the hard work put in by the PA as a team. As always, the Christmas Fair It was the Salzburg Christmas was a key event for the PA. In Market in the Centre of Tunbridge total nearly £20,000 was raised, Wells! Even better as there was including matched funding also a BBQ making the best from the companies of parent burgers this side of the Atlantic volunteers. Local businesses courtesy of dedicated Skinners’ also lent their support and parents. sponsorship, helping to bring The Christmas Fair also offered the community together. the opportunity to play "Last Man There were 70 stalls filling Standing". A massive 30ft x 30ft every Hall; using the school’s engine driven inflatable challenge facilities to their full capacity. which was located in the School

Thank you for your continued support.

www.skinners-school.co.uk 99 STAFF LEAVERS

Staff Leavers

David Crothers, James Beck, Lucas Scully, Mat Angus James Coltella and Duncan Keys

Will Randall now starts a major role in a new Duncan Keys Will Randall joined Skinners’ in international school in Algiers: we Duncan Keys has worked at January 2016 on a temporary wish him every happiness there. Skinners’ for two years coaching basis and has been here ever rugby with a love of the game since. He has in the four and an easy relationship with intervening years packed in a Bel McIntosh teenagers that has drawn great career’s worth of frenetic activity. Bel McIntosh was once a support from those who have A muse to many of the boys, he parent at Skinners’. Then she played for him. As coach of the has (to my eternal surprise) not became a cover supervisor, 2nd XV, Duncan has led that only coached rugby but run a then Cover Administrator, then team to just about its two most hugely successful and unbeaten DofE coordinator, then Cover successful years in the history U16B team. Will has also coached and School Diary Manager, then of the school: they have been cricket, a sport I am pleased to Head of Transition, and finally tenacious, tough to beat and say he is passionate about, run Admissions Secretary. Along the fearless in attack. A bit like their a number of bands at school, way she has shed virtually none coach. Duncan, whose younger revitalising the playing of popular of the roles she has picked up son Cameron leaves the school music at Skinners’, helped with and has also in the meantime this summer as well, is departing Duke of Edinburgh hikes and acted as social secretary for the with his wife Carolyn to live in run our French exchange in staff room in her spare time. Jersey and we wish them well in Avignon. He is also the inaugural That’s what happens when you their Channel Island idyll. Housemaster of Nicholson. If hang around at Skinners’. I have ever there were a Francophile, it to say Bel has tackled each role is Will, but he has taught French with an absolute desire to get Lucas Scully and German with equal vigour it absolutely right and to do the Lucas Scully has completed his and those who have spent time very best for all stakeholders, be gap year at Skinners’ having in his classroom will have learned they us as teachers, prospective completed A levels last summer. more about the culture, history, parents or the boys at the He has been our Attendance music, food and people of two school. With people like Bel Officer, a role he has undertaken of the world’s great civilisations around, you realise that you are with thorough efficiency. I still than they bargained for. Quite very well catered for. I have to remember his daily task of apart from the language. Will pay full tribute to how hard she bringing me lists of the numbers left Skinners’ in January for the has worked here and how she absent as Coronavirus had the British School in Paris, handily has enriched our school, and I country in its grip and schools placed under two hours from thank her for all she has done were on the verge of being his home in the Loire Valley, and for us. locked down back in March.

100 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20

238 absentees was the highest improvement and excellence. An in 2011 from Maidstone Grammar number as I recall, on Friday 20th outstanding teacher with high and School. Since then he has taught March. Again, typically for an Old exacting standards, he has raised English with a fire, passion and Skinner, Lucas has given a huge the profile of the department zest that has inspired more than a amount of his time for no financial through, for example, involvement generation to pursue the subject reward outside the classroom. in Young Enterprise and Shares 4 at A level and university. He took The U15B team have much to Schools competitions at which our over as Head of Department in thank him for as they enjoyed a students, inspired by his interest 2013 and led it from the front, fine rugby season, winning over and support, have thrived. Again, increasing, driving fine results 80% of their matches. The Drama he is someone who has had a real and helping create a disinterested department will be equally grateful impact in the staff room: David is love of English. But James cannot for his input to Threepenny Opera, concerned about and sensitive to sit still. He ran the RAF section sixth form devised pieces and Year others, but is lively and gregarious of the CCF for several years. Has 11 examined pieces. And again, as well. He is off to run the coached hockey, creating 2nd he has been a trusted and popular Economics department at Doha and 3rd XIs who have been on colleague. We wish Lucas well as College where he will be a huge successful raids of independent he departs to read International success, I am sure. Two years schools across the south-east. He Relations and Politics at Oxford here is too short a time really, but has coached rugby and organised Brookes University. what I can say is that David has vast numbers to play, students left a legacy that will last. who might otherwise have fallen by the sporting wayside: we now Mat Angus run a thriving 4th XV and I suspect Mat Angus is another one whose James Beck that is down to James. Model career has evolved at the school. James Beck joined Skinners’ in United Nations has become a Mat joined us from Denstone 2016 as a graduate trainee in the flagship sixth form activity – the College, in particular to support PE department. He then trained to conference at Harvard (+ from students, whether sporty or not, teach here and qualified with flying time to time Washington and New with strength and conditioning colours, since when he has been York) is embedded in the extra- programmes and with advice as to a fine teacher of PE, and latterly of curricular programme and a new living healthily. A good number of science as well, and an excellent generation has been inspired to elite and novice sportsmen have coach of a range of sports, through speak, negotiate and persuade thus benefited from his care and rugby, cricket, golf and hockey. like they have never done before. expertise. He is someone who It is in the last of those that he Finally, in his role as Assistant believes in the transformational has had the biggest impact. In Head James has been responsible nature of good fitness but he has the strongest region of the UK for the immaculate organisation also coached rugby teams, helped for hockey, Skinners’ punches its of major events like Skinners’ Day with athletics and supported weight like never before. It was and in the Sixth Form has driven the school in the PE department a shame that the 1st XI were huge numbers of boys to consider and as a cover supervisor. More stranded in the semi-finals of the university destinations that recently he has done sterling work National Plate when COVID-19 they would not have otherwise as our Reprographics Officer. We struck, but I have seen for myself considered, from Oxbridge to Yale wish him well as he embarks on the skill with which they play and and Massachusetts Institute of training to be a teacher. the joy they get from a remarkable Technology. James now takes up a sport. James is moving to Kent role teaching English and running College where his impact in all of Oxbridge at Tonbridge School. He David Crothers the things he has done here will will not be far away and we hope David Crothers has only spent be hugely appreciated and we to continue to benefit from his two years here but his impact wish him well in his burgeoning proximity and his work at another has been significant and I am career in schools. Skinners’ Company School. And sure long-lasting. He took over we thank him for all he has done the Economics and Business here. Studies department and has James Coltella been relentless in his drive for James Coltella came to Skinners’ Edward Wesson ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 101 STAFF LEAVERS

JAMES WOODROOFE INTERVIEW

AMES Woodroofe is an Old filling. It’s also great being able to Skinner who has used the last skip the queue as a member of staff. YOUR TOP 3 TEACHERS WHEN year to train as a Geography To be honest I never used to really YOU WERE A STUDENT AND WHY. Jteacher, having graduated get school lunches, I’ve always been Mr Fleming, Miss Fenton, Mr from UEA last summer. James has a packed lunch sort of chap, but this Coltella. Not surprisingly, these were contributed hugely to school sport, year I’ve had my fair share of meals all my A level teachers. But they were in particular to the rugby season, due to lunch duties and helping with also the teachers from which I learnt and to the CCF where his work with senior games. the most; outside the classroom too. the RAF section has been invaluable. This included partaking in a range of James is moving on to Sevenoaks DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF activities such as setting up the RAF School to teach Geography, TRANSITION FROM STUDENT section of the CCF with Mr Coltella, but before he left, we took the TO TEACHER? DID EXISTING performing Our Country’s Good for opportunity to interview him. STUDENTS REMEMBER YOU AS A Miss Fenton, or running an errand as STUDENT? WAS THEIR BEHAVIOUR a sixth form prefect for Mr Fleming. THE SCHOOL – WHAT HAS TOWARDS YOU DIFFERENT TO They’ve also all been really CHANGED AND WHAT HAS STAYED OTHER STUDENTS? supportive this year with my teacher THE SAME SINCE YOU STARTED IN People always ask whether it’s weird training and I would call each of them YEAR 7? being a teacher at the same school I good friends. Apart from the Sports Hall, the went to as a student, and I personally portacabin classrooms and, obviously, don’t think it has been. I think one WHICH TEACHER DID YOU FIND the current new build, the school hasn’t thing the school does fantastically well MOST DIFFICULT TO CALL BY physically changed too much. Many of is treat sixth formers like young adults THEIR FIRST NAME? the classrooms which I’ve now taught so by the time they leave, they’re I don’t really call anyone by their first in were the same classrooms I learnt in able to act in a mature way with their name, even now – not because they as a student. teachers. I remember as a sixth former were my teachers but more because Nicholson House was introduced having those mature and honest I pretty much always use surnames. in 2017, during the small bit of time conversations with various teachers between leaving Skinners’ as a student and I think that helped massively when FONDEST MEMORY OF YOUR TIME and returning as a member of staff. coming back as their colleague. Also, AT SKINNERS'? Apart from that not much has it helps that since leaving the school There were so many incredible times. changed. I’ve been to university and worked Think it might have to be beating Standards cards are still somewhere else for a year before Judd playing rugby for the 1st XV. implemented, Year 7s still wear coming to work at Skinners’. Or one of the trips like HMUN or a oversized blazers which their parents I don’t think any students ski trip. Or helping with the Sicily are hoping they will grow into and remembered me, and if they did geography field trip this year. a lot of the teachers have the same then they didn’t say... especially classroom management techniques as I’ve mainly taught KS3 and KS4 AS YOU MOVE TO TAKE UP YOUR which I have observed during the last this year, and they’re too young to TEACHING POST AT SEVENOAKS, 12 years. even know that I went to Skinners’ WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST Of course, not all the staff are (although granted they soon found out ABOUT SKINNERS'? the same and I’ve had the pleasure somehow). I think the best thing about Skinners’ of getting to know all of the newer Regarding behaviour, I think having is the community feel it exudes. teaching staff during the past year. been a student here helped as I was From the staff, to the students and It’s been wonderful getting to know able to understand and relate to what parents, it’s such a brilliant place to them and learning from them whilst it is to be a Skinners’ boy, and use study, and teach, as everyone looks practising as a trainee teacher. this to interact with the boys in a out for one another and generally way which promoted working hard, cares for one another, and more often HAVE THE SCHOOL LUNCHES behaving well but also have a laugh than not the people involved manage IMPROVED? in lesson too. It also helped knowing to have a laugh whilst doing it Yes – the food is so good now! The my way around the school and how meals are both healthy, delicious and signatures and detentions worked. Wendy Dray

102 www.skinners-school.co.uk the LEOPARD 2019-20 OBITUARIES

and for his masterminding of the Self-Reliance exercise CHRIS WHITE for recruits at Annual Camp which bore his distinctive Chris White, who worked for 29 years at hallmark and which he greatly enjoyed, as indeed, did Skinners’ until his retirement in 2015, died after the cadets. a long battle with cancer in late 2019. Chris was His empathetic approach to all that he did was as Head of English, Officer Commanding CCF, a valuable here as it was in the classroom. Essentially a rugby and cricket coach and organiser of many private man, he was known to unwind when relaxing ski trips. He was a magnificent teacher and a with others once the day’s work was done by providing pivotal member of the school community. We a snifter of Single Malt – as befits a one-time member reproduce Tony Holding’s eulogy, given at Chris’ of the Scotch Whisky Society. He was very well read, a funeral. font of knowledge and interesting facts, a good quizzer From his arrival at Skinners’ from Aylesbury GS in – he would have been my choice of ‘Phone a Friend’ 1986, Chris quickly established himself as an integral had I ever appeared on Who Wants to be a Millionaire! part of the teaching and wider activities of the school. I much appreciated his friendship and enjoyed Appointed to teach English, Chris enthused visiting, together with his wife Jan in more recent pupils with his passion for literature and his forensic years, several places and NT properties I would not understanding of the English language. This, coupled have otherwise considered. A true friend, he will be with his encyclopaedic knowledge of Milton, missed by many. encouraged many students to expand their horizons when it came to personal choice of reading material Tony Holding and to take on more challenging authors. He was a voracious reader, with a phenomenal memory for the detail of what he had read; one could always find an interesting book on his teaching desk. His teaching style was sympathetic, never confrontational, though pupils realised they had incurred his displeasure when they were on the receiving end of a steady stare – perhaps, without thinking, they had used the words ‘nice’ or ‘fantastic’ Promoted to Head of English, Chris led the department with sympathy and distinction for a number of years; he later took on the challenge of Exams Officer – no easy job trying to coordinate the separate needs of examinees and different exam boards – this was in addition to being a Sixth Form tutor, running junior rugby and cricket teams, accompanying and organising ski trips and, for a number of years, helping with the annual Year 8 trip JOHN EXALL to the Loire. As if all this wasn’t enough he took on One of our older and most distinguished old the editorship of the Leopard school magazine from boys, John Exall, died towards the end of 2004-2012. 2019. He and his family have had a long and Another side to Chris was seen by his involvement distinguished connection with the school in the CCF, which he joined – with no prior experience and he will be sadly missed. – soon after his arrival. He ran the Recruit Company John’s sons and grandsons attended the for many years, he was my ever-dependable 2i/c school and his daughter Lynda was for many when I was running things and he took over as Major, years a governor at the school. John was Commanding the contingent for five years from President of the OSS in 1969 and he was a 1998, which included special events to mark the founder of Baxall Construction. centenary of the contingent in 2001. We spent much time together at Weekend Exercises, Annual Camp and Adventurous Training on Dartmoor, all of which We also note the passing of Dick Jolley OBE relied, to differing degrees, on his cooperation, his MBE in September 2020. An obituary will appear organisational ability, his willingness to drive a minibus in next year’s Leopard. ›

www.skinners-school.co.uk 103 Business Philosophy and Roshan Aekbote Imperial College Physics Joe Harrison Reading Ben Park Edinburgh Management Theology Mechanical Alexander Aitken Cardiff Music Samuel Haswell Nottingham Natural Sciences Ted Peachey Sheffield Engineering Aerospace Jamie Allen Sheffield Joe Hawthorne Durham Maths Oliver Pelaez Nottingham Trent Psychology Engineering

Joshua Asprey Imperial College Physics Jack Haythorn Kent English Literature Nathan Pelc Exeter History/ Int Relations

Daniel Barber Nottingham History and Politics Ben Hislop Warwick Medicinal Chemistry Toby Ponsford Brunel Physiotherapy

University of the James Barnaby Glasgow Medicine George Hoff Nottingham Veterinary Medicine Archie Potts Art Arts London English & Physics and Archie Barwick Bristol Finn Holden Bristol James Poulsom Liverpool Business Economics Philosophy Philosophy

Emmanuel Batchelor Southampton Aeronautics Peter Holmes Edinburgh English Literature Satoshi Purkiss Durham Geophysics

Automotive Sam Bates Loughborough Jude Howarth Nottingham History Muhemmed Qureshi Middlesex, Dubai Philosophy Materials Economics and Arthur Bell Leeds Design Archie Ive Swansea Human Geography Dominic Radley York Finance

Oliver Bingham Oxford (Hertford) English Jak Jago Loughborough Economics William Raine York Law

Business Nathan Blaker York Computer Science Benjamin Jakes Leeds Alex Rayner Bath Management Management

Zak Blanchard Swansea Anthropology Harrison John Manchester French and German Will Rayner Nottingham Trent Real Estate

Samuel Bowman Liverpool Ancient History Oliver Johnson Dyson Institute Technology Cameron Renwick Oxford (St John’s) Biochemistry

Mechanical Linguistics/ Alexander Britton Nottingham Edward Jones Leeds James Robinson Nottingham Veterinary Medicine Engineering Philosophy

Ewan Burns Warwick Physics Emmerson Jones Reading Human Geography Benjamin Rowe Warwick Economics

Business International Oliver Chatterton Leeds Ethan Kaszuba Liverpool Jeshom Sakhom Plymouth Medicine Management Business University of the Chemical Josh Chillington Liverpool Marine Biology Thomas Keevil Art Dylan Sargeant Newcastle Arts London Engineering Accounting and Herbie Chislett Nottingham Trent Building Surveying Mark Kendrick Kent Benedict Satow Bristol Engineering Finance English and Joe Claxton Exeter English Cameron Keys Bristol William Saunders Manchester Music Philosophy

Cameron Colquhoun Bristol Maths Tom Lane Bristol French and English Luke Schlimper Warwick Physics

James Corcoran Cambridge (Selwyn) Economics Jude Leahy Warwick History and Politics Anthony Sellings Lancaster English Literature

James Craske Bath Economics Oscar Leahy Birmingham PPE Gabriel Shemirani LSE Economics

Edward Politics and Ben Crowcroft Exeter Civil Engineering James Lee Royal Holloway Computer Science Bath Shepherdson Economics

Ted D’Arcy Exeter Maths and Physics Joseph Lee Manchester Physics Solly Sheppard Liverpool Geography

Pierre Lefebvre Du Joseph Davies Kent Human Geography Durham Liberal Arts Harris Shewan Bath Sport Science Prey Mechanical Economics and Theo Desbrousses Bath Joshua Linsey Leeds Ben Slater Swansea War and Society Engineering History

Dante Di Nardo Durham Geography George Lipscombe Exeter Geography Alex Smith Edinburgh Ancient History

Environment and Reshiram Dinesh Brighton Biomedical Sciences Oliver Lloyd Manchester Physics Clark Smith Leeds Business

Charles Dumas Liverpool International Politics William London Durham Natural Sciences Daniel Solomon Leeds Geography

Matthew Edwards Cardiff Philosophy Jake Lynch UEA Politics Hugo Stephenson Portsmouth Marine Biology

Theatre and Daniel Emms Reading Noah Lyons Loughborough Sport Management Daniel Steyn Durham Physics Performing Arts Mechanical Joseph Evers York Economics William Lythgoe Bristol Sairre Sukphol Newcastle Politics/ Int Relations Engineering

Monty Ewer Oxford Brookes Human Geography Sam Major Exeter Politics/ Int Relations Alex Thomson Nottingham Geography

Archie Faulkner York Chemistry Billy Marsden Mountview Musical Theatre Ben Thomson Oxford (Oriel) Medicine

Isaac Fellingham- Birmingham Economics Ben Marshall Durham Physics Luca Tonelli Oxford (Somerville) Engineering Adkin

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS AWARDED 2020 AWARDED DESTINATIONS LEAVERS’ Business Agustin Fernandez Greenwich Digital Media George Marshall Durham Hayden Tibbals Manchester Physics Management Interior Architecture/ Cambridge Albert Fones Bath Biomedical Sciences Laurie McCabe Nottingham Trent Jamie Tucker History and Politics Design (Churchill) Mechanical Jack Field Warwick Economics Matthew McKie Sussex Psychology Aaron Turpin Southampton Engineering Accounting and Computer History and Ancient Louis Fisher Swansea Jaz Meulenkamp Swansea Cory Van-Tongeren Swansea Finance Science History Cambridge (St Economics and Samuel Fletcher Natural Sciences Luke Milner Manchester Met Law Danny Wall Nottingham Trent Catharine’s) Banking Mechanical Carlo Friedlander Nottingham Jack Mitchell Sheffield Materials Science Oliver Welbourn Leeds History Engineering Automotive Ben Gadd Nottingham Trent Architecture Henry Moore Bath Jamie Wells Falmouth Music Engineering Business Mechanical Joshua Garcia York Chemistry Matthew Morey Birmingham Adam Wherry Southampton Management Engineering

Ruairi Garrett Oxford (St Peter’s) Maths Alfie Mott Brighton Graphic Design Luke Williams Exeter Physics

Jesse Gerscher- Cambridge Land Economy James Murphy Nottingham Trent Sports Science Owen Williams Loughborough Sports Management Connelly (Pembroke)

Ben Gibson Liverpool Geography Jonathan Newman Warwick Economics George Wood Manchester Drama

Joe Goodwin York French and German Anthony O’Hara Surrey Psychology Hugo Wood Durham Economics

Automotive Physics and Jack Griffiths Loughborough Conon O’Sullivan Bristol Gabriel Woods Dundee Biology Engineering Philosophy Automotive Alexander Hanks Southampton Music Jack Palmer Nottingham Product Design Thomas Woolard UWE Engineering 104 www.skinners-school.co.ukOliver Hann St Andrew’s Philosophy Christian Parfrey Nottingham Biochemistry Robin Bell in his Boater Robin Bell, 1958

Robin Bell in 1958 described by Cecil Beeby in his school report as The School Staff 1887 ‘A perky cheerful little fellow of enterprise and very good ability too’

The School Staff 2020-21, socially distanced and attending online Rafi Tootal, Year 7 2020 Max Johnston, 6th form 2020

Present day; the wearing of blazers was relaxed in September 2020 to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19 The Skinners’ School 1887 School Skinners’ The ’ the 2019-20 LEOPARD chool the RS E SKINN s

The Skinners’ School 2020

THE LEOPARD 2019-20 1stXV-Rugby 1926 1stXV-Rugby ’ @LeopardTweets Tel: 01892 520732 01892 Tel: 549356 01892 Fax: [email protected] Email: www.skinners-school.co.uk Website: chool s the RS E SKINN

1stXV-Rugby 2019-20 The Skinners’ School Road St John’s Wells Tunbridge Kent TN4 9PG