Spring 2020

l planting community orchard 3 28 l world culture evening 8

l adventures with Ketch 11

l inspiration from rugby star 13 life inside

academic accolade page 4 from the Headmaster planting an idea

I hope you enjoy this edition of Leys Life, which captures some of Charlotte L (L6) has won the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s inaugural the character of our school at a time when we have a great deal Young Environmentalist Award. She was presented with her trophy to celebrate. by former government special representative for climate change, Sir David King. One highlight of recent months was our selection as The Sunday Times Parent Charlotte’s award-winning scheme involves planting flowering shrubs Power East Anglia Independent Secondary School of the Year. We did not know around the edges of spaces in the city, such as Midsummer Common that we were in the running for it, which made acknowledgement of our ever- and Parker’s Piece, providing habitats and food for birds and insects, and improving academic profile particularly satisfying. It reflects great credit on the increasing biodiversity and helping offset climate change through the school community: our pupils who show such engagement and enthusiasm, absorption of carbon by vegetation. their parents who give us their ongoing support, our Governors for their wise “Nature benefits our mental health, so it is important to provide spaces in counsel, and our teaching and support staff, without whose commitment and our urban areas where people can escape day-to-day stresses,” she said. professionalism the school could not flourish as it does. Charlotte hopes to attend Earth Optimism Day in April which will be opened As explained on page 4, we see good examination results as part of a much by Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate global conservation achievements. wider philosophy of education. We want pupils to develop into fully-rounded young people who can take on life’s challenges, dealing well with failure and on the map success, making good decisions in matters great and small, in the light of the sound values which we aim to inculcate. One former pupil who embodies this The Leys has joined the interactive Cambridge Carbon Map, a project to spirit is professional Rugby player, Will Hooley. He spoke frankly about the highs reduce emissions by highlighting their sources. It is a collaboration between Cambridgeshire Climate Emergency (CCE), Cambridge Climate Lecture and lows of his career when he visited, saying he had learned as much if not Series (CCLS), the Big Cambridge Climate Conversation (BC4), Trinity more from dealing with setbacks as he had from his successes. College Ethical and Green Affairs Society (TEGA), and the Cambridge Our Chaplain is a key figure in giving young people spiritual guidance. Methodist Group for Ethics in Engineering and Computer Science (GEECS). Minister Simon Coleman, who will take on this important role in September, tells us something of his approach on page 9. Leysians featured in this issue come from a variety of feeder schools including: Creating and maintaining a caring and supportive environment involves everyone, Aldwickbury Moreton Hall and our ongoing measures to foster good mental health and wellbeing are firmly Barnardiston Hall Newnham Croft Dame Bradbury’s School Old Buckenham Hall Leys Life is published by The Leys, Cambridge CB2 7AD. Compiled by Mrs. rooted. Pupils from Year 7 onwards are learning to examine their own behaviour Fairstead House Orwell Park Naomi Needs and produced by Dowie. and how it affects others – find out more on page 9 about their survey results Glebe House Riddlesworth Hall Halstead Sancton Wood For information about The Leys, please and the conclusions they reached. Heath Mount South Lee contact the Admissions Office on +44 Holmwood House St Faith’s (0)1223 508904. If you would like to visit The Leys and find out more for yourself, you would be Howe Green House St John’s College School Leys Life is printed on paper which most welcome. King’s College School St Margaret’s is totally chlorine free, sourced from Martin Priestley Kingshott Town Close, Norwich sustainable forests with eco-management Maidwell Hall and audit system accreditation. news 3 a legacy from a really?

legend The Leys is investigating the use of Virtual Reality technology in education.

James Gibbons, Head of Digital Education, Geoffrey Howe, Director of Teaching and Learning and Dr Damian Glasfurd-Brown, the school’s Director of IT, have been evaluating the different headsets available so Caption they can make an informed decision about which platform and application the school may adopt.

Pupils involved in this experimental stage are shown using VR headsets to explore the workings of the human body through VR.

Dame Judi Dench, actress and patron of the Countryside Restoration Trust, came to plant trees at a new community orchard where pupils from The Leys have been restoring land. The Year 11 volunteers have worked with the Trust a date at the palace at Lark Rise Farm at Barton as part of the Personal Jack J (L6) attended the presentation Development, Service and Leadership Scheme. This three-year programme gives pupils from Year 10 of the £1million Queen Elizabeth Prize to the L6 opportunities to develop skills, interests for Engineering at Buckingham Palace – and good citizenship while providing services to the because he designed the trophy for it. community. The prize, regarded as the world’s most prestigious Dame Judi has a deep love of trees. Her partner engineering accolade, was awarded to Dr Bradford David Mills is a Countryside Restoration trustee. Mr Mills and chairman Robin Page, who founded Parkinson, Professor James Spilker, Hugo Freuhauf the Trust with artist and conservationist Gordon and Richard Schwartz for creating the first truly Beningfield, were also present. global, satellite-based positioning system, GPS. 4 academic achievement based on broad foundations

The Leys has been named The Sunday Times Parent Power East Anglia Independent Secondary School of the Year. The accolade was awarded for its ever-improving examination results, but it is much more than an exam grade factory.

Alastair McCall, editor of The Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power, commented: “A stellar year academically earns The Leys our East Anglia Independent Secondary School of the Year award.

. . . pupils thrive when they are encouraged to take risks and discover for themselves

With more than 80% of A levels returning A*, A or The Leys offers a rigorous and challenging academic programme. B grades and students progressing to an impressive array of universities, The Leys offers parents in Cambridge a strong alternative to excellent state provision in the city and surrounding area.”

Martin Priestley, Headmaster, said: “I am delighted that The Leys has been recognised by The Sunday Times with this award. Our ever-improving academic profile is the result of a broad and balanced The Leys has always taken pride in being more philosophy which is not just about preparation for than just an ‘exam grade factory’. The school offers exams. The social, intellectual and emotional needs a rich and varied curriculum, with the proximity of pupils are what drive our educational agenda. of Cambridge University giving pupils access to intellectual and cultural opportunities. “We aim to give pupils the confidence to fulfil their potential, to encourage them to work independently The school’s thriving and diverse Academic and collaboratively in a supportive environment. The Enrichment programme is developing continuously. academic programme is rigorous and challenging, Pupils are encouraged to think critically, to make but pupils thrive in an atmosphere where they independent judgements and to explore beyond the are encouraged to take risks and discover for parameters of the syllabus. themselves, where they are happy and where each Martin Priestley said: “If we measure success purely pupil’s needs are recognised and provided for.” in terms of producing great grades, we set our Pupils have been closely engaged in the development sights too low. The curriculum is not the purpose of of Leys Learning, a new project spearheaded by education but merely a means to it. Alongside good Geoffrey Howe, Director of Teaching and Learning grades, we promote personal and social wellbeing, that encourages pupils to think about how to learn to raise people to distinction, and to allow Leysians Individual study is encouraged effectively (as reported in Leys Life Autumn 2019). to flourish and excel in all areas of school life.” academic 5 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) projects give pupils from Year 7 upwards the chance to develop technical, leadership and collaboration skills. Across Physics, Computing, Maths and DT, pupils learn to apply academic knowledge to practical problem-solving. As part of their Academic Enrichment, two groups have been designing scale motor vehicles for the F1 in Schools and Green Power competitions.

... and it’s go, go, go for Team Leys

Leysian motorsport engineers have won two trophies in the regional finals of the F1 in Schools Team Mach 4 competition. F1 in Schools is a social enterprise working with Arkwright success industry to teach pupils about STEM through the appeal of Formula 1 motor racing. Joseph B (L6) has been presented the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship at the Institution of Team Manager Alex H (Y10); CAD design engineer, Engineering and Technology (IET) in London. Miles K (Y9); CAM manufacturing engineer, Toby G (Y9); and marketing and sponsorship manager, The award is intended to support career ambitions Bobby R (Y10), were tasked with designing a in engineering and technology. Joseph was one of prototype car to race down a 26-metre track, 400 recipients selected from 1375 applicants and creating a portfolio about it, gaining sponsors, and has a keen interest in aeronautics. producing a presentation for the day. Guest speaker at the awards ceremony was The team took first place in the Entry Level regional Arkwright alumna Alexandra Dust, a Scholarship finals held at Sprowston School, Norwich. They won winner in 2015. Aerodynamicist and aspiring the regional finals trophy and another award for their astronaut Sophie Harker, IET Young Woman portfolio. Engineer of the Year 2018, was also present. gearing up for a greener race Moulton pupils have been building an electric car to race in the Greenpower competition in June. Greenpower is a national competition for 11-14 year-olds which encourages young people into engineering, using the glamour and excitement of motorsport to inspire excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Each team member was assigned a role such as a mechanic or electrician, and undertook tasks including wiring the car from front to back, learning how to crimp and use heat-shrink wrap and understanding car racing safety requirements. 6 news a benchmark for Noah

Noah Gifford, JP (School House, 2013-18) has been appointed as one of the country’s youngest doctors’ dilemmas magistrates at just 19 years old. Michael Wilcockson, an Old Leysian who teaches Noah, an Old Fidelian, is studying Law at philosophy, ethics and religion, led a thought- the University of Bristol, with the ambition of provoking discussion about medical ethics with becoming a barrister. Although magistrates aspiring medics. do not need specific legal training they do receive training before sitting in court and Pupils looked closely at case studies and were are allocated a mentor for their first year. confronted with challenging dilemmas. This is just one of the opportunities arranged to help pupils They are expected to serve a minimum decide if they wish to study medicine at university of five years on the Bench and to sit a and to prepare them for the application process in minimum of 13 full days a year. the Sixth Form. ..noticeboard.. thinking pink keeping it in the family Staff rallied to support a “Think Pink” day The Leys welcomed the Rugby st organised by colleague Lyn Porter as 1 XV of Queen’s College, Taunton, part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for the Hosegood Cup match. becoming Pink Ladies (and gentlemen). The game, which saw The Leys Lyn, a member of the domestic staff retain the cup, was a re-run of one for nine years, was diagnosed with the held in 2018 to mark the centenary disease in early 2019. She received rapid of the Armistice. Both schools are treatment and is back at work. linked through Methodist roots and the Hosegood family. One of Lyn, 49, said: “I can’t thank the hospital three Hosegood brothers, Gilbert staff enough, and I’ve organised this event was Head Boy at Queen’s College as a way of giving something back. ” while Ralph and Arnold attended The Hosegood family photo shows Ralph (back The Leys. She is pictured below waving from the left), Arnold (3rd from left) and Gilbert (right). stone balustrade of the King’s Building, with some of her supporters. crumbs! looking pretty jazzy Librarian and archivist Alison Lainchbury often makes curious discoveries – the The January Jazz Night attracted a good-sized latest is evidence that a predecessor used crowd. The stellar line-up comprised Heather an old housekeeping tip to clean a picture. Cairncross (vocals), David Newton (piano), Chris Hill (double bass) and Sebastian de Krom When she took a photo of the North A (drums). They performed in two sets, spanning Cricket team out of its frame, she found a the spectrum of jazz including Don’t Get Around pencilled note on the back: “cleaned with Much Any More and Caravan. breadcrumbs May 2, 1960”. beyond the classroom 7 bright ideas the Department of Psychology at the University of The Leys Innovation Talks Society (LIT) hosts Cambridge, was on the theme of Memory. Isabella R dinners with invited guest speakers to provide lively from the LIT Committee said: “Dr Cahill conducted discussion and debate. interesting experiments, including testing how many This season’s speakers have included Dr Julian letters we could remember, and spotting the subtle Huppert, lecturer in Physics at the University of differences between two photos.” Cambridge and former Lib-Dem MP for the city Tom Daniell, Retail & Marketing Director for Aviva (2010-15). Dr Huppert spoke about his life in plc, talked about disruptive industries - those which science and politics, covering topics from how to create new markets and value networks, disrupting improve the NHS to mental health in politics. and displacing existing ones. The audience included The second talk, given by Dr Emma Cahill from A level Business and Economics pupils.

wriggly protein

Sixth Form pupils gained insights into how Dr Huppert with LIT committee members science is used to aid sustainability when they visited Entomics Biosystems. Troy story

The business, based at Madingley near Cambridge, Pupils studying Classical Greek, Latin and Classical down by the British Museum when he suggested was set up in 2015 by students from the University Civilisation visited the Troy exhibition at the British exhibiting them there in 1870. Museum in London, the first major display in Britain of Cambridge with support from the Cambridge Items on show included pottery and silver vessels, of treasures casting light on the myths of the city. Judge Entrepreneurship Centre’s ‘Accelerate bronze weapons and stone sculptures. There were Cambridge’ programme. The exhibition shows fabulous artefacts inspired by also objects and works of art from the Medieval, Insect farming, or insect biomass conversion, Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey. It was an opportunity Renaissance, Romantic and Modern periods, which involves feeding waste directly to insects. The to see treasures found by the 19th-century German demonstrate the influence of the myth of Troy on the insects convert this low-value biomass into higher- archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who was turned Western imagination. value insect mass, rich in proteins, which can be used as a sustainable source of high-quality animal feed or insect flour.

While trays of writhing insects may be off-putting, it is seen as a way to mitigate the waste of food globally and of reducing expensive and environmentally unsustainable sources of protein.

Pupils learned about the company’s research activities including identifying the best species to use, optimal rearing environments, factors affecting the selection and blending of food wastes and how the process can be turned into a sustainable production unit for use in the real world. 8 pastoral

The World Culture evening brought the school together to celebrate its rich diversity of influences through song, dance, stories, music, costume, food and more. our world school Pupils with international links organised the programme of education and entertainment in Great Hall. They were on hand to discuss their many displays about the countries with which they have links, including the USA, Australia, Malta, Singapore, Hong Kong and Russia.

The eclectic stage show ranged from current South Korean K-Pop to traditional Kazakh folk music played on the ancient dombra. The reason why red is the Chinese lucky colour of celebration was explained in a folk story while guests were given lucky red envelopes with gold chocolate coins to mark the Chinese New Year.

Pupils enjoyed a sumptuous, and very international buffet prepared by school caterers. Tasty treats included Australian Lamington cakes, a rose- flavoured Malaysian milk called Bandung, Russian pancakes and Cantonese custard buns.

A vote of thanks to teacher Sarah Byrne, who helped pupils to organise the evening completed the event, with a thank you to catering and Great Hall staff for their part in making this popular evening a success. pastoral 9 minding their language Recognised as a friendly, inclusive school, The Leys encourages pupils to be kind and considerate, examine their behaviour and how it affects others. The annual anti- bullying survey, now in its third year, is one mechanism to assure success.

Helen Hynd, Director of Pastoral Care, said: “Last Last year there was frequent mention of teasing year’s survey highlighted group behaviour as an area as something that could cause hurt. This year’s that pupils felt we should discuss, so this year we survey found unanimity across year groups: pupils welcome explored how we act in groups. We changed how felt teasing was different from bullying as it was we fed back results. Rather than presenting them in meant to be funny and often based on a shared Rev Simon Coleman is to succeed the Rev Clifford Assembly before discussing them in tutor time, we experience. Bullying however was repetitive and Meharry as Chaplain. Simon is a Methodist Minister gave raw results to tutors first. The conclusions of unkind. and comes from the University of Portsmouth, which their discussions with pupils then formed the basis he joined in 2013 after 19 years in local church- Pupils concluded that everyone should think before of a pupil-led presentation in Assembly.” based ministry. they speak to avoid misunderstandings. A central question was about teasing and bullying: Born in Coventry, Simon is a qualified teacher and are they the same, similar, or different? a trained counsellor with an interest in adolescent psycho-social, spiritual and religious development. He is married to Helen, a primary head teacher, and has two daughters. He enjoys cycling, cooking and music and is a fan of the Ospreys and Welsh rugby. Simon is looking forward to working at The Leys.

He hopes to nurture a vibrant, relevant Christian spirituality across school, and believes education, after love, is the most important gift to offer children and young people: “Our future is in their hands. Those who mould such hands, lives and hearts, share in a sacred responsibility.” coeliac accreditation turn it off

The school has been inspected for coeliac- be 100% confident in what we deliver. We are The annual competition to see which House can accredited catering by Coeliac UK and can now regularly inspected by Coeliac UK and samples reduce its energy consumption the most was won display the gluten-free logo. of what we produce are sent to their laboratories by girls’ boarding house Dale. for analysis. It is a Coeliac disease is an illness where the body’s During Switch Off Fortnight they achieved an pleasure to see pupils immune system attacks its own tissues when gluten impressive 10.4% reduction of energy use, just enjoying their meals is eaten. The resulting damage to the lining of the ahead of boys’ house West, which saved 9.7%. The and, to allow all allergy gut hinders the body’s absorbtion of nutrients. school reduced average energy use by 10%. sufferers the freedom Leonardo Clementi, Catering Manager, said: “Within of choice at least The result was announced, fittingly, on 2nd December, our community, Coeliac and gluten intolerance is for one day a month, accredited by the day the 2019 United Nations Climate Change rising. We have been working with Coeliac UK for we have included a Conference, also known as COP25, opened in three years and whilst it requires specific ways complete allergen-free Madrid. of storing, preparing and cooking food, we can day in our term menu.” 10 out & about

epic paddle

In November, 10 pupils from the CCF Royal Navy Section embarked on a challenging three-day canoeing expedition down the River Trent as part of their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. They camped in the grounds of Manor Sailing Club at King’s Bromley and Burton Canoe Club. Supervised by teachers Helen Hynd, Richard Hill and Richard Springall, they paddled over 55 kilometres and completed the challenge in high spirits. James reaches a new level Cadet Sergeant Major James P (L6) has course) for a 24-hour period. The role is the busiest become the first Leys CCF cadet to be in the pecking order, responsible for the upkeep of 30 of my peers, in a tactical and administrative selected for the tough national Master context. It was mentally and physically draining. Cadet course at Frimley, Hampshire. “Working with Sandhurst-level instructors, meeting James was one of just five participants to be cadets with more experience than me and pushing assessed as Highly Competent, the highest level, on past what I could do in a classroom was a priceless completion. He spent three nights and four days on experience. It was an honour to be the first to exercise, learning about tactical field craft, teaching, represent the school at a national level on this leadership, personal resilience and military careers. course. CCF and Outdoor Education at The Leys really does punch above its weight. I hope to The physically and mentally demanding course is become a Royal Marines Officer.” designed to develop the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of 4* cadets.

James said: “The biggest challenge was acting as platoon sergeant (second-in-command of the out & about 11

ski trip pupils play it cool

A party of Leysians – 73 pupils and 10 “They enjoyed ski tuition in the morning, guided skiing in the afternoons, while après ski included staff – had a memorable week’s skiing in quizzes, Laser Tag, a pizza night, and the infamous the French Alps. ‘airbag’ experience’!

Teacher Kevin Arnold who helped run the trip, said: “Pupils should be congratulated in particular for their “Such a large trip is an enormous administrative outstanding attitude and response when we were and logistical undertaking; its smooth running informed on the final day that we would be unable to relies on the co-operation of pupils at all times. Trip ski due to adverse weather conditions leading to the participants were outstanding in this respect, and closure of the entire resort.” were a genuine credit to the school. serial adventurer returns James Ketchell returned to The Leys as Iceland had been his hairiest moment. His mission also attended the Duke of Edinburgh Awards special guest at the Duke of Edinburgh was to inspire young people to pursue their dreams, presentation at which pupils were presented with whilst raising funds for Kindled Spirit, which Bronze, Silver or Gold badges. Awards ceremony. supports and rehabilitates young victims of human In the past year, 59 pupils have completed Bronze, trafficking and slavery, and Over the Wall, which runs James, known as Captain Ketch, is the only person 30 Silver and 13 Gold. to have completed the ultimate triathlon of rowing residential activity camps for children with serious across the Atlantic, climbing to the summit of Mount health issues. James gave talks in schools and youth Everest and cycling 18,000 miles round the world. organisations in every country he passed through.

James had tales of fun and adventure. Last year he Sam E (L6) commented: “James Ketchell’s message became the first person to fly around the world in a was that the hardest part of his adventures was gyrocopter, which he likened to ‘flying a motorbike getting to the start line. Hearing this, we felt a sense in the sky’. He travelled over Europe, Asia and North of adventure and how we could do more.” America in 122 separate flights in 75 days, covering James is about to embark on a new challenge, 24,000 nautical miles. joining friend Mark Woods-Nunn on a charity walk James, who is UK Scouting Ambassador, said from Cambridge to Paris. Mark, who will be raising crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to money for the Epilepsy Society and FNDAction, 12 sport HOCKEY national finals thrill the game. St Lawrence won 1-4, then went on to defeat RGS Newcastle 4-2 in the final. The Leys played Queen’s College Taunton in the play-off for third place. QCT scored twice but a rousing team talk reinvigorated The Leys. Anna M-A and Joanna S levelled the score but The Leys lost 3-4 on penalty strokes to finish in 4th place. James Clark, Director of Sport, said: “They should be proud of everything they have achieved and Indoor county champions For the first time despite six girls from this successful team moving in recent history, the Leys entered the Under 18 on to further education, the future remains very Girls’ Indoor Hockey County Cup competition bright for Leys Hockey with a considerable number – and won the tournament on penalty strokes, The Leys 1st XI Girls, put up a valiant fight of outstanding players coming through the Junior beating local rival and more experienced indoor in the semi-finals and place play-off in the ranks.” hockey school, The Perse. Investec Girls Schools U18 Tier 2 National Cup. SPORTS SCIENCE They beat Rugby School 5-4 in a thrilling away-match the science quarter-final, then took on eventual tournament champions, St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, in the behind the sport semi-final at the Lee Valley Olympic Park. The Leys Leys Sports Academy spent a day at Loughborough scored first courtesy of a fine finish from Joanna S. University getting involved in Sports Science A penalty stroke awarded to St Lawrence changed workshops including the physiology of exercise.

They took part in tests with a postgraduate student, What Katie did next . . . attended an Elite Athlete seminar, toured the university’s sports facilities and discussed higher Rising star Katie C (U6) continues to take great education opportunities and student life. strides in her hockey career. “We even saw Adam Peaty, GB top swimmer, in the The Co-Captain of the 1st XI has played regularly Swimming Centre,” reports Peter White, Head of for Cambridge City women’s team, she was an The Leys Sports Academy. U16 England player and has progressed to the U18 national squad too.

As we went to print, she was due to play Ireland with the U18s in February and to train with the Elite Development Programme (EDP) at the start of March. The development squad is for players aged up to 27. She will be heading to the European championships with the England U18’s this summer. Good luck Katie! sport 13 RUGBY

hard graft Saints’ star

Will Hooley (Barker House, 2007-12) Will gave pupils a chance to look at his Rugby World James Grayson, who signed his first senior received a warm welcome when he visited Cup tournament medal and cap, then went out on contract at Northampton Saints ahead of school in December. the field to coach Moulton boys (Years 7 - 8) and the 2019/20 season, visited The Leys to later the 1st XV. The Bedford Blues fly-half, who played for the USA talk about his rugby career. James Clark, Director of Sport, said: “Will struck Eagles in the Rugby World Cup in Japan, talked up an outstanding relationship with Moulton pupils The 21-year-old is son of Paul Grayson, part of the about how The Leys had shaped his character and and was ever-willing to offer advice, guidance, and 2003 Rugby World Cup winning England squad. approach to life, enabling him to cope with the ups tactical input, delivered with humour and warmth. He talked about his career highlight: winning the and downs of his career. With the 1st XV, he gave insight into play and Breakthrough Player award in the Premiership “Sometimes it’s about hard graft and getting on with performance and was impressed with the way the Rugby Cup 2018/19, and explained his progress at it,” he said. “It’s OK to fail, I have failed a lot and I still 1st XV trained and executed their team-run. He Saints, where The Leys has strong links. He knows want to be better!” He quoted the words of his USA wished them the best for the following day’s match Old Leysian players Will Hooley, Freddie McKibben Rugby team coach: “Pressure is a privilege.” against The Perse (which The Leys won 30-12).” and Fin Creighton.

capital tour “We headed to Cardiff where the boys watched a rugby match in the Arms Park, a cinema trip, rugby A rugby tour of Wales for Year 10’s began with training with Cardiff Blues coaches, a tour of the torrential rain and three of the 19 boys unfit to play, Millennium Stadium, and sightseeing in the city but things got better . . . centre and Cardiff Bay.

The first match against Newbridge School was “Our final day saw us watch the tense RWC quarter- moved to a 3G artificial pitch because the grass final between Wales and France, then play our pitches were waterlogged. second match of the tour against Hartridge RFC.

As Simon Thomas, Head of Rugby, observed: “The “Hartridge, inspired by Wales’ win earlier in the day, change of venue did little to deter our hosts as they beat The Leys team by a hefty margin. However beat the Leys U15’s comprehensively, confirming their post-match social for Leys players illustrated that the Welsh Valleys are still a hotbed of young the core values of rugby, including friendship, team rugby talent. work and good humour – in abundance!” 14 the arts a kaleidoscope of imagery earthen poppies

London: Taking advantage of the school’s Year 9 pupils’ ceramic poppy wreathes were put to proximity to London, U6 pupils visited the Olafur good use in the Chapel for Remembrance Sunday, Eliasson exhibition at Tate Modern and the BP and in the Upper Quad when the school marked the Portrait Award show, recording drawings for their 100th Armistice Day and observed two minutes’ course work. silence. The 149 Old Leysians who died in WW1 The exhibition threw up wonders: an apocalyptic provided the inspiration for a project to mark the tunnel, exploding water, walk-through mirror and centenary of the end of WW1. Year 9 pupils, with fantastical magnet sculptures. A stroll along the the Art Department, made panels with figures Embankment followed, taking pupils to the BP of soldiers as part of the “There But Not There” Portrait exhibition where they reviewed portraiture national project. These panels remain on display in through the ages. the school. Amsterdam: A level Art pupils visited Amsterdam where they drew at the Van Gogh Museum, saw the Kroller-Muller collection, cycled through the forest, explored Amsterdam’s vintage shops and Rembrandt’s and Anne Frank’s Houses. Finally they squeezed into the extraordinary Voorlinden Museum and saw giant people, impossible pools and infinite cubes of space.

spiritual art Moulton rocks

This striking portrait of Chaplain, the Rev Clifford The recently-formed Moulton Rock Band made their Brave. The concert concluded with Moulton House Meharry, by Issy McM (U6) (detail), was selected debut at Moulton House’s first public performance of singing five songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. for display in the Angels and Messengers Christmas the academic year, with a crowd-pleasing rendition Music teacher Scott Morrison said: “These songs Exhibition at the Michaelhouse Centre, Cambridge. of Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. were performed with great spirit and energy, Artists from across the city were invited to respond The programme featured a variety of solo and demonstrating the hard work the pupils have put creatively to the theme, resulting in an eclectic range ensemble instrumental performances including The in this term. An excellent concert as always from of works to raise up the viewer’s eyes. Great Escape March, In The Mood and Scotland the Moulton House!” the arts 15 Amadeus

This ambitious tour de force combined powerful acting performances with excellent live music, beautiful sets and creative costumes. Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play about Mozart and his jealous rival composer, Salieri, was shot through with humour yet its tragic denouement was evident from the beginning. Salieri (Aidan M), wheelchair-bound and hidden by a mask, recalled the death of Mozart 32 years earlier when it was rumoured the brilliant Mozart was poisoned and that Salieri was responsible. As the play unfolded, we learned how the devout and ambitious Salieri came to feel cheated by his God: he could never accept that the boorish and infantile Mozart has a musical genius. Aidan M gave an intelligent and affecting performance as the tormented Salieri, while Tommy H’s maddeningly infantile and guileless Mozart was an equally tragic figure. Olivia S brought strength to the character of Mozart’s long-suffering wife, Constanze, while Matthew M’s good-natured but featherbrained Emperor Josef II showed the fickleness of fashion in musical patronage.

ceremony of school of rock carols Chris Webb, newly-appointed teacher of electric guitar, showed off his guitar skills at Lunchtime Live. The sopranos and altos of Chapel Choir, accompanied by harpist Rohan Chris has played guitar solos with South Coast based Platts, gave a lovely rendition of heavy rockers Furyon at international rock festivals. Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Now living in Ely, he is writing an instrumental album Carols in the Chapel. and will teach contemporary, pop and rock guitar.

Written in 1942, A Ceremony of He opened with his composition, Blue Web, then Carols begins with an unaccompanied played heavy rock versions of Justin Timberlake’s procession, Hodie Christus Natus Cry Me A River and Umbrella by Rihanna, Surfing est, before the harp joins with the with The Alien as a tribute to his guitar hero Joe choir for a series of carols telling the Satriani, crowd-pleaser Sweet Child of Mine by traditional story of the birth of Christ. Guns’N’Roses and Metallica’s Enter Sandman. blue stockings on the road to liberation

Professor Susan Smith, Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge, was special guest at the production of Blue Stockings, a play by Jessica Swales about women’s struggle for the Professor Smith, wearing her college scarf, gave a right to be awarded degrees. brief address after curtain call. She said: “The play’s message is that hope can triumph over experience and that we can change the course of events.” Drama teacher Dominic Bell, who directed the play, wives and mothers. Their campaign led to riots while chose it to mark the 150th anniversary of the first male graduates rallied to defeat the vote. Women Mr Bell thanked Girton College for granting access to female students to study at degree level at Girton. did not attain the right to be awarded full degrees its archives, in particular scrapbooks of photographs until 1948. of the students of 1896, which inspired the Sixth In 1896, when the play is set, Elizabeth Welsh Form actors. (Mistress,1885-1903) persuaded the University Mr Bell commented: “As young women all over the Senate to allow a vote to allow the awarding of UK complete their UCAS forms, it is sobering to A pupils’ exhibition about the history of women’s degrees to women. The ‘Blue Stockings’ were think that just 70 years ago it would not have been education in Britain, including the history of Girton, derided as unnatural and even mad for wishing to possible for them to graduate from Cambridge.” was simultaneously on display in the Great Hall foyer. choose learning over their biological destiny to be design: Dowie © 2020