TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ...... 0
Headmaster’s Report ...... 7
Head of Faculty Reports ...... 9
Arts & Physical Education ...... 9
Art ...... 10
Trips ...... 11
18th October National Gallery ...... 11
Art Scholars trip to The National Gallery/Trafalgar Square ...... 12
The Swagger Portrait ...... 12
Toby Barrett’s work on the Saatchi website. Year 13...... 13
Drama ...... 15
Mitre- Winter Term 2013 ...... 15
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS REPORT ...... 15
Drama Scholars (Year 7-8) Friday lunchtimes. Studio 26 HXB...... 15
Technical Theatre Crew- (Year 7-13) Friday Lunchtime Studio 70 PPI ...... 16
Lower School Drama Club- (Year 7/8) Wednesday lunchtime Studio 70 PYT ...... 16
PRODUCTION REPORT ...... 16
Grease The Musical! ...... 16
Drama Trip ...... 19
The Drowned Man, Punch Drunk: Friday 13th December 2013 (Year 12& Year 13) ...... 19
Auditions ...... 19
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 1 National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre Auditions, Lily Boulter/ NXM ...... 19
Wall of Fame ...... 20
Upcoming Drama Productions ...... 20
Music ...... 21
TBSHS Brass Group Play for local Councillors ...... 21
Communications ...... 22
Languages clinics: ...... 22
Y11 After school French revision sessions: ...... 22
Y11 After school German revision sessions: ...... 22
Year 8 French Trip ...... 23
Lille Christmas Markets ...... 23
English ...... 23
Year 13 English Literature Visit to see Hamlet at the RSC, Stratford-Upon-Avon, 24th September ...... 23
AS Level English Literature trip to see The Great Gatsby, Tuesday 1st October ...... 24
Year 8 Visit to the Globe, Thursday 24th & Friday 25th October ...... 25
Year 13 Literature Trip to Keats House and the Blake Gallery, Tate Britain, Thursday 5th December ...... 26
Year 10 Trip to poetrylive, Dominion Theatre, London, Friday 6th December ...... 27
Humanities ...... 29
Politics ...... 29
StortMUN 2013 ...... 29
Citizenship ...... 29
Peter Tatchell returns for third time ...... 29
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 2 Honouring Nelson Mandela ...... 29
Geography ...... 30
News from the Geography Department ...... 30
Year 8 Thames River & Barrier Trip 2013 ...... 30
Year 13 Geography visit to the RGS ...... 31
History ...... 32
History Trip Hastings, Pevensey and Battle Abbey ...... 32
Lower School History Club ...... 32
Y11 Revision Day ...... 32
Y13 Lecture Trip ...... 32
Russia Trip and Parent Information Evening ...... 32
Guest Lecture Series ...... 32
Religious Studies ...... 33
Abdul from Bishop's Stortford Mosque put Year 11 through their paces ...... 34
Mathematics, Computing & Business ...... 35
Business Studies & Economics ...... 36
Economics Students Visit The City ...... 36
The Jack Fielder Memorial Lecture and Business Links Dinner ...... 36
Year 10 Business Students visit Hayters ...... 36
Year 9 Business Studies and Business and Communication Systems Charity Stall ...... 36
Mathematics ...... 36
Senior Maths Challenge ...... 36
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 3 Science & Technology ...... 38
A Tribute to the TBSHS Ambassadors for the Science & Technology Faculty ...... 39
‘Jack the Ripper’ Trip with Sixth Form Psychology Students ...... 41
GSK David Jack Ware Research & Development Site with 6th. Form BTEC Scientists ...... 42
The Imperial War Museum & Holocaust Exhibition with A Level Psychology & BTEC Applied Science Students ...... 43
The TBSHS Eco Club’s Ambitious Sights on ‘Self-Sufficiency’ ...... 44
Creative Arts Open Day at Hertfordshire University with A Level Product Design Students ...... 46
Design Technology ...... 46
The Rotary Design & Technology Competition with Key Stage 3, 4 & 5 Design Technologists...... 46
The Lower School Christmas Themed Food Club ...... 47
Head of Year Reports ...... 48
Lower School Years 7 & 8 ...... 48
Anti-Bullying Ambasador Programme ...... 48
Jordan O'Keefe and the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambasador Programme ...... 48
Year 10 ...... 48
Enhancement Day 2013 ...... 49
Sixthform ...... 49
Head of House Reports...... 51
Chantry ...... 51
Dane...... 51
Meads ...... 51
Rhodes ...... 52
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 4 Interhouse Rugby ...... 52
Rhodes Charity Week ...... 53
The Great TBSHS Bake Sale ...... 54
Interhouse Swimming ...... 54
Head of House Awards ...... 54
Twyford ...... 55
Waytemore ...... 55
Charity ...... 56
Act of Remembrance 11th November 2013 ...... 56
Business & Communication Systems ...... 56
Greg James returns to Showcase ...... 56
Interact Fundraising for Charities...... 56
MOvember 2013 ...... 57
External Speakers ...... 57
Mark Prisk Visits TBSHS ...... 57
Greg James speaks to Students ...... 57
Debating ...... 57
Youth Speaks Senior Competition ...... 57
Youth Speaks Intermediate Competition ...... 57
Other Debating Competitions ...... 57
IN-SCHOOL DEBATES ...... 58
Clubs ...... 59
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 5 Film Club...... 59
House Film Competition – Our School Music Video ...... 59
Academic ...... 59
Extended Project Qualification ...... 59
Physical Education ...... 60
Rugby ...... 60
1st XV Report 2013 ...... 60
U16 Rugby ...... 60
U15 Rugby ...... 61
U15B Rugby ...... 62
U14 Rugby Team ...... 62
Year 8 Rugby ...... 63
Year 7 Rugby ...... 63
Gifted & Talented ...... 65
Drama ...... 65
History ...... 65
Lower School History Club ...... 65
Sixthform Y13 ...... 65
Sixth Form ...... 65
Sixth Form ...... 65
English ...... 65
Art- Scholars ...... 65
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 6 HEADMASTER’S REPORT
HEADMASTER’S REPORT
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the Autumn Term 2013 edition of The Mitre.
I do hope your son/daughter has enjoyed being part of our thriving learning community over the last term. Our school has so much to offer and most of our students are simply swept along by the enthusiasm for life, new experiences and personal achievement that are the essential spirit and soul of The School. In this respect, I am pleased to report the school is flourishing and the subsequent pages to follow record many of our achievements.
I am delighted to report there has been a significant increase in the number of students receiving credits this term which have been awarded for a whole range of achievements. This is excellent news.
I have enjoyed meeting all the Year 7 students for refreshments in my study and discussing with them their aims and aspirations of life at TBSHS. Likewise, it is has been a pleasure to meet many of you on the touch line and in the audience while supporting our students develop their abilities and make the most of their talents. Thank you for expressing your views on how the school is progressing and sharing your ideas for improvement. It is vitally important to us that communication is strong between parents and the School. If you ever feel there are ways we can improve further please do not hesitate from contacting us. We always listen and we want to learn.
We are a school with many partnerships. We cherish our links with the local community. We pride ourselves with the richness and diversity of the TBSHS experience as well as the friendly atmosphere within our community. Members of the Parent Teacher Friends Association, Parents Sports Association and The Mitre Team, we cherish your generosity of spirit and hard work in enriching the life of our school. The Mitre Team is an overarching strategic group which aims to mobilise support from the community of the School to address improvements in the built environment of our school site. The forthcoming Big Black and Gold Auction aims to raise in excess of £30,000.00 to enable our students and the wider community to have access to first class facilities within our school. Our goal is to provide a sports hall 'fit for purpose' and to purchase an essential life-saving defibrillator, plus enhance the overall appearance of the school hall. We welcome your help in joining us and making this event a successful, cohesive, community experience from which all may benefit. For the latest information please see the website - www.blackandgoldauction.btck.co.uk/. We do hope you will be able to come along on the 29th March 2014 and make your bids at what promises to be an exciting and fun evening. We would love to receive your donations of items (unwanted birthday/Christmas gifts) or services. If you know a company that could donate an item, please direct them to this website. All contributors whether private or companies will have their name printed on our wall of fame. Tickets are priced at £10 each. Included is a glass of fizz and canapés on arrival, a buffet in the interval and a cheese board at the end of the evening.
As I write we are looking forward to the annual Carol Services at St Michael’s Church and the Christmas Concert. Already we have fond memories of an outstanding range of extra-curricular events that have made this a memorable term with moments for us all to treasure for years to come. I am particularly impressed with our Model United Nations conference where we had over 100 students from various schools attending, as well as three Dutch exchange students.
Another student-led initiative that has flourished this term is Interact. Since September the team has raised £7,000 for various charities like Grove Cottage and Midwives International. The highlights have been themed non-uniform days and Showcase 2013, which raised a record breaking £2,000 and the talent show even featured past-pupil and Interacter, Radio One DJ Greg James. These are all excellent student-led endeavours which typify the life and soul of the School. Our annual school production, Grease, was truly exceptional. A performance, in which all sang, danced and acted as true professionals with such enthusiasm accompanied by a great in-house band. A superb team effort.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 7 Likewise our successful endeavours at Jobbers Wood and beyond, against formidable opposition, have consolidated our standing for excellence in sport. We are blessed with a truly outstanding team of staff who are passionate about supporting and enabling all of our students to achieve their very best.
As steward of the School, I have enjoyed the challenge and cherished every moment. One of the greatest challenges for any Head teacher is knowing all of the students. This for me has been a key priority throughout my tenure. I hope my focus on blending extreme personal humility with intense professional focus, alongside a strong will and ambition for the School, will serve the School well as we move into the future. I have relished the opportunity to share my passion and touch the good will of students and staff to involve others in building greatness.
I would like to thank all the team of staff for their hard work and commitment to the School and for the excellent support they give our students in all aspects of School life. Staff morale has remained strong with a shared determination for standards to improve to enable our students to achieve, if not exceed, their potential. Building on this stability and shared vision in place, I am confident we can continue to address areas for improvement and secure ourselves as an outstanding school in the latest OFSTED framework to complement our long-standing outstanding truly all-round education.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support and wish you and your families a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Acting Headteacher
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 8 HEAD OF FACULTY REPORTS
ARTS & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
It is that time of the year when as we anticipate the festive season we also tend to look back at the year just gone and the memories that we have. My over-riding memory concerns Paul Ingrey, our head of music technology, ‘rock legend’ and guitar supremo who is leaving at the end of the term to work at Hinchinbrooke School. To those of us in the know, Paul is a fabulous musician, consummate class room teacher and organiser of so many musical events (I have lost count of them over the years). His organisation of the music tour to Holland earlier in the year says so much about his meticulous approach and it is these memories that children always remember first when thinking about their school days. But above all of these things, my lasting thoughts about Paul Ingrey will always be that I had the privilege to work with a man who always put his pupils before everything, and who is blessed with the kindest of hearts. I know he will be happy in his new school and that he will transform for the better everything he touches, but I am going to miss working with Paul.
As ever, I pay tribute to all of my colleagues who help to put this school on the map in so many ways. Whether through drama, cricket, rugby, film etc., when parents look to a school for their child, the Arts/PE Faculty offers so much in the way of extra-curricular opportunities that in my belief we offer much that parents value. So I want to highlight something precious, and that is the commitment teachers and parents share in the Arts/PE faculty. The staff and parent turnout on a Saturday to help with sports fixtures (and those colleagues from other faculties who do so too), the staff and parent turnout after school until late whether for music or drama events, the staff and parent turnout for evening trips to assorted venues and of course the staff turnout every morning, lunchtime and evening to support the keen or the needy with their work. Mrs Jonas, our faculty support and Mrs Liz Parker, a parent who helps out in the Art School deserve particular mention too as they work terribly hard in keeping things running smoothly, and this brings me onto my next but most important point.
TBSHS would like to introduce a new society, to be called the Mitre Arts Society. This will be run almost exclusively by parents, much like the PTFA and the PSA but the sole function will be to raise funds for the fabulous arts provision enjoyed here. If you would like to be involved in this, please contact me in the first instance at school and hopefully we can get the ball rolling in January and oversee fund- raising exclusively for the Arts. We would be particularly interested in a response from parents whose sons are in the Lower School, but of course this opportunity is open to everyone.
Happy Christmas.
John Pearson-Phillips
HOF/Arts-PE.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 9
ART
My first term at TBSHS has gone in a flash! I would first like to thank Mr Pearson-Phillips, together with all staff and students for making the autumn term enjoyable, fun, busy and memorable. We have wasted no time and despite barely having my feet under the table, between us we have arranged two trips to the National Gallery, a visit up to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge, and have taken every year 8 group down to the canal for some first-hand observational drawing. As well as this we have plans for a trip to St Ives in the New Year and hope to round the year off with a Music and Art tour in Barcelona!
One of the great things has been how engaged and enthusiastic students here are. I received more emails from students in the first term than I did in my 8 years back at my previous school! The boys are certainly keeping me on my toes!
A Level students and a select few Year 11s have been undertaking life drawing and painting on a weekly basis after school this term which Mr Pearson-Phillips has led. The group have really benefited from studying this and have a far greater understanding of recording form and structure.
We also have a fresh new group of budding art scholars, who are currently working on large scale designs as part of an extracurricular course that will be brighten up the main corridor of the school and feature inspirational quotes given to us by various subject leaders. Watch this space!
Other news from the autumn term include students work being uploaded to the Saatchi gallery and being entered into the Deutsche Bank Art Prize, some fantastic ‘swagger drawings’ from Year 7s and excellent Fauvist paintings courtesy of Year 8. We have also been contacted by a local coffee shop, Coffee Corner, who would like to exhibit some of our student’s work, so keep an eye out as there may well be some exciting German Expressionist style paintings from the Year 9 boys going up there in the Spring term. We have also run two Christmas card competitions; one on behalf of the Chairman of Governors and one for the school.
Our Year 7 and 8 art scholars so far this year have included,
Harry Burrows Jake Hepworth Louis Sutherland James Hall Matt Smith Hashir Muhammad Toluwa Alabi William Walker Connor McGuinness Josh Walker Josh Ellis Jake Twitchett Oliver Stevens Oliver Bontoft Olly Miles Ollie Nancarrow William Clayden-Smith Euan Caton William Sheldon Finlay O’Connor Simon Catchploe Myles Chandler Harry Douglas Harry Shone Taran Panesar Dhilan Vaja Ben Brender Jeru Boateng Harry Hewitt Robbie Johnson Henry Rose Josh Walker Zak Norman Dan Matthew Harry Bennett George Haddon
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 10 TRIPS
18TH OCTOBER NATIONAL GALLERY
The exhibition showcased striking paintings from Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka and examined the central role portraiture played in Viennese painting around 1900.
I have been told it’s a tradition!
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 11
ART SCHOLARS TRIP TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY/TRAFALGAR SQUARE
THE SWAGGER PORTRAIT
The boys got to see some fantastic examples of ‘Swagger Portraits’ in the permanent collection at the National Gallery on our second visit.
Peter, our life model for the 6th formers and Year 11s.
2013 TBSHS Christmas Card as chosen by Mr Noble
Design by Gemma Thomas and Taylor Sharpe, Year 12
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 12
2013 Christmas Card for the Chairman of Governors
Design by Loius Sutherland, Year7
TOBY BARRETT’S WORK ON THE SAATCHI WEBSITE. YEAR 13.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 13
2013 has already been packed full of fun and excitement in the art department, and promises to be a hugely enjoyable 2014!
Paul Withyman
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 14 DRAMA
MITRE- WINTER TERM 2013 It was another busy term in the Drama Department rich with extra-curricular clubs, rehearsals, theatre trips and of course the Whole School Production Grease. Please read about what the students in our department have been getting up to with many in upcoming television and local theatre productions. I would like to thank my colleagues Hayley Bart- Williams and Paul Pell-Ilderton for all their hard work and dedication to the students, the department and the extra-curricular activities that we run. A big thank you to those students who have helped us with clubs, events and productions. Congratulations to the following students for receiving University Offers to read Drama, Theatre Studies, Performing Arts and/or Film Studies:
Meghann Cook- Portsmouth University Jack Davison- Winchester University Lucy Cowell- Bath Spa University Rob Connor- Canterbury Christchurch University Issy Bright- Royal Holloway University Tom Dickerson- Winchester, Bath Spa and Anglia Ruskin and Roehampton University.
The following students are currently auditioning for prestigious London Drama Schools: Remé Hannan, Issy Bright, Rob Connor, Lucy Cowell and Tom Dickerson.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about our Drama Website: www.tbshsdrama.co.uk Please visit our website for an opportunity to view photos and write ups of productions past and present, extra-curricular opportunities, extra- curricular timetable, calendar of upcoming events and trips, curriculum information and newsletters. Thanks to Tony Hepworth for photography of Drama events this year.
Have a great Christmas!
Natalie Maher, Head of Drama.
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS REPORT
DRAMA SCHOLARS (YEAR 7-8) FRIDAY LUNCHTIMES. STUDIO 26 HXB
The drama department would like to say a massive thank you to their scholars this term who have worked extremely hard. Their contribution is invaluable and their commitment to the department is exemplary.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 15 “We have been running the Drama Scholars club every Friday lunchtime with some truly exceptionally talented individuals. The club is for enthusiastic drama students who are talented at the subject and working with them has been a real pleasure. It involves a select few of Year 7 & 8’s who are eager to perform every single week. Currently, we have been building the relationships within the group by playing various improvisation games, which will help them progress as a team worker, bettering them for a future of acting. For the rest of this year and beginning of next, we are aiming to put on a mini show of monologues and duologues early next year and hope to see many of you there to support them. Tom Dickerson & Issy Bright (13)
Technical Theatre Crew- (YEAR 7-13) FRIDAY LUNCHTIME STUDIO 70 PPI
Technical Theatre Club has had a great start this year, some students have carried on from last year along with a couple of new recruits. They are all eager to learn and their creativity is starting to show. This year so far they’ve already operated the lighting for the Craig Ogden Concert in September and helped with the Whole School Production of Grease. With more events to come after Christmas they are sure to develop their understanding and skillsets. Here are a student’s thoughts on the club:
‘Technical Theatre Club is very exciting and fun. You learn about lighting, sound and staging, plus you get to help at school events. Mr Pell-Ilderton will teach you the technical side of theatre and we always have a great time.’ Julius Field (Year 8)
Paul Pell-Ilderton
LOWER SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB- (YEAR 7/8) WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME STUDIO 70 PYT
Lower School Drama Club has proved very popular this term, with a large number of very enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students attending on Thursday lunchtimes. In addition to playing a number of Drama games, students worked on improvisation for the first half-term, using characters, props and situations to create short, improvised pieces. This half-term, students have been working on mime and Physical Theatre. It has proved an interesting challenge to use facial expressions and body language, rather than voices, and the students have had fun creating props using just themselves!
Thanks go to Jodie Belcher (Year 12) and Henry Thompson (Year 13) for helping run Drama Club.
Tanya Panayiotou
PRODUCTION REPORT
GREASE THE MUSICAL! The Whole School Musical this year was Grease! The show was Tuesday 26th November- Thursday 28th November at 7pm in the Main Hall. Students from Year 7- 13 were involved in the show and the production.
“As I sat down to write the programme notes this year I realise that this is already my fourth Whole School Production, having produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Return to The Forbidden Planet, Animal Farm and now Grease. This year I was very fortunate to have Hayley Bart-Williams on board and we have co-directed this show with our new Head of Music, Glen Johnson who was our Musical Director. I welcomed back my good friend Sue Raven from Pure Rhythm who has choreographed the show with assistance for Natalie Epton. Paul Pell-Ilderton our resident expert on all things technical was heavily involved too. There has been a real buzz since the
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 16 auditions especially in the Sixth Form and this enthusiasm has filtered down to the youngest members of the School. Rehearsals have been great fun with an animated cast and crew including students from Year 7 right up to Year 13. Congratulations to understudy Georgina Birden who played Rizzo on the Wednesday night performance.
This production of Grease was dedicated to the memory of Esme Brunker and Chiara Sanfilippo. Charity collections boxes were located in the foyer and donation were made to SANDS (The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) and the Herts Air Ambulance ‘Flight for Life’.
The cast worked tirelessly in dance, singing and acting rehearsals alongside their many and varied commitments in and outside of school. A big thank you goes to Oliver Philcox, Lily Boulter, Meghan Ridout, Harry Bojakoski and Charlie Jonas for their maturity, patience, enthusiasm and commitment. Everyone involved should be really proud we did this in 10 weeks.” Natalie Maher
“An amazing cast which showcased the amount of talent we have at TBSHS. Everybody pulled together including the band; technical staff and back stage crew whom without a musical would have not been possible. It was a pleasure to work with everyone in this show and a proud moment seeing it come together. I applaud you all for your work ethic and commitment (well most of you…)“ Hayley Bart-Williams Cast list Principals Danny………………………….. Tom Dickerson (13) Sandy…………………………... Remé Hannan (13) Rizzo……………………………. Izzy Bright (13) Frenchy……………………….. Meghann Cooke (13) Marty …………………………. Josephine Lupprian Jan………………………………. Lucy Cowell (13) Kenickie………………………. Ryan Probyn (12) Doody…………………………. Tommy Tancock (11) Roger………………………….. Rob Connor (13) Sonny………………………….. Alex Rankin (12)
Patty……………………………. Georgia Hulkes (12) Cha-Cha……………………….. Eloise Baker (12) Eugene…………………………. Alex Stevens (12) Vince Fontaine……………… Sam Bojakowski (12) Johnny Casino……………… Josh Queeney (13) Teen Angel…………………… Robin Franklin (12) Miss Lynch……………………. Lily Boulter (13)
Chorus Georgina Birden (12) (Rizzo Understudy) Abigail Natali (12) (Marty Understudy) Jodie Belcher (12) (Frenchy/Jan Understudy) Felix Abramson (12) (T Bird Understudy) Sean Laycock (12) (T Bird Understudy) Faye Elliott (12) Sarah Snowdon (12) Claire Lowbridge (12)
Chorus Boys Elliot Sanfilippo (7) Adam Bell (7) Maxwell Hunt (8) Will Price (9) Production Team
Producer………………………………………. Natalie Maher Co-Director…………………………………… Hayley Bart-Williams Co-Director…………………………………… Natalie Maher Musical Director…………………………… Glen Johnson Assistant Director…………………………. Lily Boulter (13) Technical Director………………………… Paul Pell-Ilderton Lighting Design…………………………….. Paul Pell-Ilderton Lighting Operator…………………………. Harry Bojakowski (13) Sound Design and Operation………… Paul Pell-Ilderton
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 17 Visuals Design………………………………. Paul Pell-Ilderton Follow Spot …………………..………….…. Charlie Jonas (12) Set Design……………………………………. Paul Pell-Ilderton, Emma Torry, Natalie Maher, Hayley Bart-Williams, Andy Field Set Building…….…………………………… Paul Pell-Ilderton, Andy Field Stage Manager…………………………….. Meghan Ridout (13) Assistant Stage Manager……………… Jack Tulloch (12) Costume Design…………………………… Natalie Maher, Hayley Bart-Williams, Lily Boulter (13), Cast Costume Hire……………………………….. Lynn Quelch, County Drama Wardrobe Choreographer…………………………….. Sue Raven Assistant Choreographer……………… Natalie Epton Make Up………………………………………. Emily Landers & Julie McDermott Photography………………………………… Tony Hepworth Poster Design……………………………….. Clara Kightley (13) Poster/Programme Production…….. Natalie Maher, Paul Pell-Ilderton, Claire Jonas
Publicity and Tickets………………………Natalie Maher, Lily Boulter, Helen Haines, Claire Jonas, Debbie Landers, Paul Pell-Ilderton
Backstage/Front of House……………… John Pearson-Philips, Liz Ravenscroft, Hayley Bart-Williams, Cath Dickerson, Claire Jonas, GCSE Drama, AS & A2 Drama students, Form UNXM
Band Musical Director………………………….. Glen Johnson Assistant Musical Director Paul Ingrey Production and Rehearsal Pianist…. Oliver Philcox (12) Reed 1…………………………………………. Christopher Davis (11) Reed 2…………………………………………. Jack Duffy (10) Guitar………………………………………….. William Beagles (11) Bass Guitar………………………………….. Oliver James (11) Drums…………………………………………. George Cook (11)
Page Turner ……………………………….. Jonathan Platts (11)
“To call this year's show Grease just a school production only scratches the surface of the hard work, artistic flare and characterization that manifested itself as a show worthy of so much more than this title.
The iconic story of the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, two groups of friends in an American high school, Rydell, was recreated through the direction of Ms Maher and Mrs Bart-Williams. The musical follows the acceptance of Sandy, a newcomer, played by Remé Hannan, into the group of friends and her love story with the leader of the gang, Danny Zuko. Tom Dickerson gave a truthful performance of the cool exterior of his character, whilst still conveying his true love for Sandy. The rapport between the two groups, with the joker Roger, through the comic timing of Rob Connor, making those students in the audience want to get on the stage and the parents and staff reminisce, wishing they could.
It is a credit to the show that Thursday night was sold out and the feel good legacy epitomized the Black and Gold spirit in 'We Go Together'. We would like to thank all those who came to watch and added to the atmosphere and also our directors for making the show possible. “ Assistant Director Lily Boulter (13) …..
Just a few quotes collated from the plethora of emails received by the Drama department from members of the audience after the show from parents, staff and governors;
…I was amazed at the professional standard of the whole performance from the cast, singers, music, lighting, dancers , programme, refreshments ...the house was packed and the standing ovation at the end brought tears to my eyes ….
… I am so proud to be part of TBSHS…
… Wow! TBSHS Grease is exciting, slick and sexy! …
…..Two words - Standing ovation …Box ticked. Amazing. Never happened before in my experience of 18 years here…
… what a wealth of talent the school has-brilliant singing, exceptional choreography, great acting and first class staging!...
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 18
… you & all your team created such a terrific show! What a legacy!
… to be able to put a show of this calibre together in the short space of time that you gave yourselves was astounding…
… I loved every second of it, West End quality....
…. I know my son got a huge buzz out of being a part of it - his first experience of a big school production…
… Grease was pure joy, a triumph! … Sharp and colourful ,with a cast that sang, danced and acted as true professionals with such enthusiasm accompanied by a great band…. … all your hard work definitely produced a great show…. …. a lovely evening watching some VERY talented pupils of the school…
….. the cast's enjoyment was the best thing of all for me, it was really infectious…..
….. the whole show was slick and professional…..
…. let us not forget the musical accompaniment which deserves equal praise……
….. LOVED tonight's production….. Visit the following web sites for some great photographs of the show: http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=220
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/amhphoto/collection?album_id=2249445763 Natalie Maher,Hayley Bart-Williams , Paul Pell-ilderton
DRAMA TRIP
THE DROWNED MAN, PUNCH DRUNK: FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2013 (YEAR 12& YEAR 13) “We had an exciting opportunity to be able to take all of the AS and A2 Theatre Studies students to see Punch Drunk’s latest performance of ‘The Drowned Man”. Whether you love or hate it, it is an experience most will be unlikely to forget. The piece is a visual spectacle from the lavish set spaced out over a four story building to the beautiful eloquent movement created by the actors to help narrate the story. The piece cannot help but immerse the audience in the action. From the moment you arrive you are pushed out of your comfort zone. The audience are involved from the moment they set foot in the lift and cover their faces with a neutral mask which they wear for the duration of the piece as they are led on foot through each scene. This is a promenade performance which has the ability to make you feel on edge at every moment. The Drama department highly recommend this once in a lifetime theatrical experience“ Hayley Bart-Williams.
AUDITIONS
NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE AND NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE AUDITIONS, LILY BOULTER/ NXM
We now have 2 students in NYT- Lily Boulter and Ryan Probyn. Thank you to Lily Boulter who is a member and will be helping in the audition workshop sessions.
Congratulation goes to Ryan Probyn, Year 11, who has gained a place in the National Youth Theatre. Having auditioned alongside thousands of young people, this achievement means Ryan is now performing at the highest level, in the footsteps of household names like Matt Smith, Hugh Bonneville and David Walliams. Ryan recently took part in a two week course with NYT giving him the chance to learn from the best and most qualified mentors.
Robin Franklin, Year 11, is a member of the National Youth Music Theatre and this year he played the role of Barney in their production The Other School at St James Theatre, London
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 19 Any students wishing to audition must note that applications for National Youth Theatre 2014 acting auditions and technical interviews for 14-21 year-olds are now open. Auditions and interviews will take place around the country in January and February 2014. If you are successful you will be invited on to a Summer Course. Courses will take place at LABAN. Junior Course (those aged 14-17): Tuesday 5th August - Saturday 16th August 2014 (inclusive).Senior Course (those aged 18-21): Tuesday 19th August - Saturday 30th August 2014 (inclusive). Book your audition now and see more at: http://www.nyt.org.uk
WALL OF FAME
The following TBSHS students have auditioned for and got parts in shows and are currently performing in:
Local Theatre
Recently Performed… Issy Bright (Year 13) played Christine in The Phantom Of The Opera with Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Co 13-16th Nov
Watch Out For … Mitchell Birse (Year 11) is taking part in the Nutcracker Prince at the Victoria Hall Theatre, Old Harlow 12th - 21st December. Elliot Sanfilippo (Year 7) is taking part in Aladdin at the Rhodes , Bishop’s Stortford 13th December - 4th January. Aiden Wickes (Year 12) is taking part in A Christmas Showcase at Harlow Youth Hub on 20th December. Sean Laycock (Year 12) Ben Mayhew (Year 7) are taking part in Fright Night with The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, 2nd Feb.
We are very proud of all their achievements. Break a leg!
UPCOMING DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
Thursday 9th January 5.30pm 6th Form Production - Dynamic Devised Pieces
Thursday 27th March 5.30pm 6th Form Production - Monologue and Duologue Evening
Thursday 1st May 5.30pm GCSE Production Examination Performance Evening of 5 Plays
Tuesday 6th May 6pm 6th Form Production - Black Comedy & Two
Wednesday 7th May 6pm 6th Form Production - Pool No Water & EAST
Please do not hesitate to contact the drama department for further information: [email protected] [email protected]
Natalie Maher
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 20 MUSIC
TBSHS BRASS GROUP PLAY FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS TBSHS Brass Group Entertain at Civic Church Service Whole School
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=204
Press Office
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 21 HEAD OF FACULTY REPORTS
COMMUNICATIONS The Faculty of Communications team has had a very busy term with a range of activities taking place in and outside the classroom. Examinations will be approaching very quickly after Christmas. Y11, Y12 and Y13 students will not have much time left after Easter to get on with some serious revision.
It is, therefore, crucial that your child makes the most of the break to get some rest but also to start revising vocabulary, verbs, tenses and practise on past papers. In English, pupils should revise the texts and notes they have prepared for their English examinations so that they have a good understating of themes and knowledge of quotations to analyse them. Again this term, I would like to point out the range of extracurricular activities that are available to your child on a daily basis:
LANGUAGES CLINICS: Come along to Languages’ Clinic for help with any aspect of your language learning. From 1.30 to 2.00 in rooms at the top of Newton. Check the timetable below to see which languages are offered on which days. Early lunch passes available from relevant teachers.
Day Staff Subjects available Room
Monday FSN French, German 52
Tuesday RTL French, 50
German
Wednesday FM French, 53
Thursday RGH French, 52
German
Friday FM French, German 53
Y11 AFTER SCHOOL FRENCH REVISION SESSIONS:
Wednesdays at 3.30pm until 4.15pm in room 50.
Y11 AFTER SCHOOL GERMAN REVISION SESSIONS: Fridays at 3.30pm until 4.15pm in room 51.
Frederic Maillard
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 22 YEAR 8 FRENCH TRIP
LILLE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
On Friday 13th December, 68 Year 8 pupils and 7 members of staff set out for a day trip to Lille at 5.50am. Some of the boys were impressed with the Eurotunnel, having never been on it before, whilst even several of the more seasoned travellers fell for the driver’s attempts to make them look for fish out of the window.
Upon arrival in France we drove to Houplines to visit a traditional waffle bakery. The baker explained the difference between gaufres bruxelloises, liégeoises and flamandes, and demonstrated how his traditional Flemish waffles were made. We all got to taste the waffles and one student declared they were “like a taste of heaven”: praise indeed!
We then drove to Lille to experience the Christmas markets and have some lunch. Despite the cold weather, the boys enjoyed looking round the market and sampling the French cuisine. A magic stall was a particular attraction; several pupils bought tricks and became very proficient magicians on the journey home! After lunch, many of the boys chose to go on ‘La Grande Roué’ (a Ferris wheel which appears in the centre of Lille every Christmas) which was apparently great fun. The more sensible members of the group
(myself included!) went to a café for a chocolat chaud.
The students and staff had a great time and spoke lots of French. Not even a burst tyre south of Dartford on the way home could dampen our spirits! The students behaved excellently and my thanks go to Mr Maillard, Mrs Banister, Mrs Talbot, Mr Rawlinson, Mr Barnes and Océane, the French assistant, for all their help on the day. Merci mille fois!
Miss R. Garforth
Subject Leader for French
ENGLISH
YEAR 13 ENGLISH LITERATURE VISIT TO SEE HAMLET AT THE RSC, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, 24TH SEPTEMBER
To produce a play as famous as Hamlet and still retain a level of originality is a remarkable feat. The Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford upon Avon somehow managed to take the iconic roles of Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia and the rest, and turn them into their own.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 23 Hamlet, portrayed by Jonathan Slinger, is one of the most well-known characters in all of Shakespeare’s works. How then was Slinger supposed to make Hamlet’s speeches and actions his own? The production company started by taking a risk. When I first saw Jonathan, I thought “Polonius, no, Claudius”. He looked older than most of the other characters. This is likely for two reasons. The first is that Hamlet, being such a well-known and hard-to-act figure, would have had to have a first-class actor to portray his deep, philosophical feelings and emotions throughout the play, to meet with the standard expected of the famous figure. Slinger undoubtedly met this expectation, and so the company likely chose him as no other person could match his acting. The second reason is that the transformation of the actor from when Hamlet decided to act crazy was surreal. I was convinced that a different actor had come onto the stage. But no, Slinger had changed from an old, balding senior, to a younger, crazy and energetic man. He also achieved a very difficult thing to do. Hamlet’s insanity is at first a show, but as the play progresses, it becomes difficult to determine whether he has truly turned insane, and become the mask, or if he is still acting. Slinger acted this aspect out to perfection, and I was never aware of Hamlet’s true state of mind.
Claudius was certainly a less risky choice for the production team. The pick of an insidious, weasel-like man with a booming yet sly voice fits perfectly with my preconception of Claudius. He was proud, cunning and shrewd, and the actor depicted this with great accuracy. The decision was also made for the same actor to play the part of the ghost of Old Hamlet. This had the effect of highlighting the ‘incestuous’ nature of the marriage between Claudius and Gertrude, which was a theme throughout the play. It also slightly confused some of the audience, as they tried to figure out if they really were the same actor, adding to the mystique of the ghost.
The depiction of Gertrude was slightly more controversial. I have heard my peers mention that they did not like her, and that her portrayal of the character was below-par. However, I think she did an excellent job in showing the conflicting duties and emotions that Gertrude had boiling away inside her. She broke down when Hamlet confronted her, and when he violently manhandled her, she took it, as if she believed that she deserved it. She managed to display Gertrude’s love for Hamlet, and how being Queen had to come before that.
Ophelia was another well-chosen actress. She wasn’t a stunning beauty with a dominant personality, rather she was a fragile figure, which made her descent into madness more feasible. A petite and innocent woman torn apart by unrequited love made your heart melt that little bit further when she was declared dead. It also made Hamlet’s reaction upon realising who it was in the grave significantly more relatable. Laertes fitted well as Ophelia’s brother. His protective nature matched with her fragility, and the sibling love between the two was displayed in a convincing manner. The actor was also rather charismatic, as suitable for a character that could raise an army against the King. Indeed, a few of my colleagues remarked on his good looks, at which point I started to dislike the actor. Overall the play was a resounding success. The choice of actors and their unique portrayal of the characters were what made this production into a worthy rendition of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. The tragic feelings throughout the play were heart-wrenching and realistic. The dramatic ending, with the chaotic fight scene and the calm, quiet deaths of Laertes, Claudius and Hamlet, signposted well the end of a purposefully destructive play.
Seth Jacobs, 13UEAR
AS LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE TRIP TO SEE THE GREAT GATSBY, TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER
On 1st October, 20 Year 12 English Literature and Film Studies students went to watch Baz Luhrmann's version of 'The Great Gatsby' at The Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop's Stortford. English Literature students have been studying 'The Great Gatsby' as part of their AS coursework this term and are able to refer to the film in their Prose Study as an example of a different interpretation of the text. Film Studies students are required to watch an audience watching a film and observe their reactions to what they are seeing.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 24 The trip was enjoyed by all and the film itself has been an interesting topic of discussion in lessons, with students differing widely in their opinions of Luhrmann's interpretation of the novel. The modern soundtrack, featuring music by Jay-Z, was a particular point of debate: many students agreed with the majority of film critics, who felt it was out-of-keeping with the 1920s setting, whilst others disagreed, pointing out that there were elements of jazz in the soundtrack and noting that traditional jazz would sound dated today, when the point of the novel is that the parties (and the music) are modern, young and rebellious.
YEAR 8 VISIT TO THE GLOBE, THURSDAY 24 TH & FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Over two days, the English Department took Year 8 to the Globe theatre. This is an annual trip and even for those old hands who have done it more times than they care to imagine, it never ceases to be a source of inspiration!
In the morning the students are taken around the Globe by actors and told something of the South Bank’s lurid history and, naturally enough, a lot about the Globe’s Elizabethan past and also it’s Elizabethan present. Even though the boys do not get to see a production, the theatre itself is a work of art and, as you can see from the photos, they do get to tread the boards.
Year 8s are led in a crowd scene from Romeo and Juliet
After the tour, the boys are taken to the Globe rehearsal rooms and take part in a workshop on Romeo and Juliet which they had studied in Year 7. The boys are always wholehearted in their participation and prove themselves a credit to the School.
Introducing the acting workshop
… the outcome!
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 25 After lunch the boys go over to the Globe museum where they find out about bear baiting and how the Globe would have carried out its special effects back in the sixteenth century.
All the boys got stuck into the day but the following boys received prizes for their all-round excellence: Ed Murrant, Sam Collyer, Naeem Zaman, Max Hadley and George Westbrook.
YEAR 13 LITERATURE TRIP TO KEATS HOUSE AND THE BLAKE GALLERY, TATE BRITAIN, THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER
The Upper Sixth Literature students were back on their travels with a day trip to London. First off was a visit to Keats House in Hampstead. The poet whose ‘name was writ in water’ is being studied as part of A2 coursework. The students enjoyed a tour of the house with its life and death masks of the man and the chair where Keats sat to write Ode to a Nightingale. There followed a seminar delivered by the Keats House guide on how women appear in Keats’ poetry. Onur Sevigen deigned to treat us to his company with five minutes of the visit left!
Keats’ death mask: Keats’ friend, Charles Brown, heard Keats cough and say, “Bring me the candle, Brown, and let me see the blood.” With his background in medicine, he looked at the blood for a moment, then said, “I know the colour of that blood; it is arterial blood. I cannot be deceived in that colour. That drop of blood is my death warrant. I must die.”
After Keats’ House, the group travelled down to Tate Britain to visit the Blake Gallery. Mr Patterson introduced the students to the beauty of Martin Creed and then the students looked to place Blake within his eighteenth century context. Before visiting the Blake Gallery the group looked at some more traditional artworks by the likes of Reynolds and Gainsborough in order to point to Blake’s more left field work.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 26
William Blake, The Creation of Adam With a focus on Blake’s view on the creation of Adam and the Fall, the group discussed spirituality and temporality and then focused on Blake’s view of the Enlightenment through his painting of Isaac Newton. Both Mr Williams and myself were impressed by the insight. Onur Sevigen remained relaxed throughout.
William Blake, Isaac Newton
YEAR 10 TRIP TO POETRYLIVE, DOMINION THEATRE, LONDON, FRIDAY 6 TH DECEMBER
Mr Macneill and Miss Jopson took Mr Macneill’s group to London to hear some of the UK’s greatest poets. The day began with readings from Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke which produced some sustained ennui in our boys! However, a vibrant and well-received reading by John Agard, who delivered his usual range of the funny and poignant poems including the ever popular Half Caste.
John Agard The hit of the day was Simon Armitage who delivered some truly engaging storytelling with his laconic northern perspective on life. These days are excellent for opening the windows and letting some light in on the world of poetry. Even the exam advice provided on the day elicited the following comment from Olly Hougham: ‘It was really helpful to hear about how they mark the poetry responses’.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 27
Simon Armitage
Nicholas Patterson, Tanya Panayiotou, Suzanne Morris
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 28 HEAD OF FACULTY REPORTS
HUMANITIES
It has been yet another whirlwind term in the Humanities Faculty. I am in awe of the commitment of staff in the subjects of Citizenship, Geography, History, Philosophy, Politics and Religious Studies in order for students to have a wide range of opportunities outside of the classroom. As I write staff are looking forward to the Christmas break to recharge their batteries so we can start afresh in the New Year. I hope that you can experience a flavour of what has been going on in the articles below. Please do explore the links too.
Jonathan Griffiths
Head of the Humanities Faculty.
POLITICS
STORTMUN 2013 Model United Nations Conference held at TBSHS http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=217 https://www.icloud.com/photostream/ Darren Solomons
CITIZENSHIP
PETER TATCHELL RETURNS FOR THIRD TIME It’s a hat-trick! Peter Tatchell returns for the third time to High School Sixthform http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=226 Simon Etheridge
HONOURING NELSON MANDELA Nelson Mandela remembered by students of TBSHS
"Everyone from states people to people in the crowd have tried to find the words to describe their feelings about Nelson Mandela. Their affection for his warmth and sparkle. Their admiration for his stoicism. Their pride in his courage and steadfastness. Their determination not to let his vision die. His is a story that is going to take its place among the great legends of our time. This is a story that is so extraordinary that a hundred years from now and a hundred years more, people will still say "What a man"
(David Dimbleby closes the BBC Coverage of the Funeral of Nelson Mandela) http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=229
Simon Etheridge
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 29
GEOGRAPHY
NEWS FROM THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
TBSHS Geographers have had a busy term with trips for several year groups and Iceland October 2014 being launched. In September, the Year 11s headed to Cambridge to collect data for their GCSE controlled assessment. The day provided excellent insights into the development of sustainable tourism in the city and gave students insights into the city beyond Mc Donalds, though most managed to squeeze in a quick visit.
In early October, the whole of Year 8 visited London for a trip along the River Thames by boat to the Thames Barrier Visitor Centre. An enjoyable ride on the Thames Clipper allowed students to reflect on the role of the Thames throughout London’s history. Once at the Barrier, students considered the potential effects of climate change on London, which was very topical given last month’s storm surges along the Norfolk coast and the raising of the Barrier to protect the capital. The trip enabled Year 8s to have a much more thorough understanding of the news and the importance of our sea-defences and will help students who go on to study Geography at GCSE.
Also in October, Year 13 Geographers attended an incredibly useful A2 study day at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Lectures by examiners and experts covered many of the topics and issues that will form the basis of this year’s studies including Superpowers , Water and Globalisation.
Finally, in this last week of term, Alice Dutton, former TBSHS Geography student now studying International Relations at Northampton, presented to Year 13 students. Alice works as a volunteer for the Global Poverty Project www.globalpovertyproject.com whose mission is to raise awareness of the very real potential for the world to end extreme poverty for the 1.4 billion people on this planet challenged daily by its effects. She gave a powerful presentation which addressed students’ scepticism about their ability to affect change and provided inspiration through the stories of people around the world. A big thanks to Alice for visiting and we wish her all the best with her studies.
Joanna Winterburn
YEAR 8 THAMES RIVER & BARRIER TRIP 2013
On the 24th & 25th October, the Geography department took the whole of Year 8 to London. We travelled by coach down to the London Eye and first spent some time by the River Thames, working out which direction was N,S,E,& W from our position. We gazed across at some of London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, and orientated ourselves in relation to the river’s source, mouth and flow, based on our study of rivers in Year 7 and the tidal nature of the Thames. We then all got onto a Thames Clipper and travelled down the river from the London Eye to Greenwich. On our way we completed a quiz based on all we could see from the boat, with questions about tourist landmarks and about the roles the river had played in developing London. We saw the remains of London’s past as a major port and industrial city, now a financial hub and tourism centre. We spotted the old wharfs, now turned into residential flats, marvelled at Canary Wharf and the O2 and also spotted the gravel suppliers and factories e.g. Tate & Lyle, that the river still supports. Some people knew the answers, some paid attention and worked them out … and some asked the crew on the boat!
We then got off the boat next to the O2 and took a short coach drive to the Thames Barrier Visitor Centre. After lunch and some time spent relaxing on the climbing frames and giant slide we split into groups. From there we explored the Centre’s exhibition and models that explained the working of the Barrier and then were taken on a tour along the river bank to see the real thing. We were studying the Thames Barrier as we have just completed a unit on ‘Weather and Climate’ and the effects of climate change. We heard from our guide how the river protects London from tidal surges which are becoming more and more common, as we saw last month when the Norfolk coast was effected and the Barrier fully raised to protect the capital.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 30 It was a great experience and very educational. On behalf of all Year 8 I would like to say a big thank-you to all of the staff who organised it and came with us.
James Nash & Joseph Eringa, Year 8
YEAR 13 GEOGRAPHY VISIT TO THE RGS On one cold, October morning, 15 keen A2 geography students ventured into London to an A2 Study Day at the Royal Geographic Society. Impressively, all managed to catch the 7:30 train and not get split-up in the rush-hour chaos. After a short walk from the station in the wet weather we arrived at the Society in Kensington and with a barrage of hand-outs and nametags, we were escorted into a room to choose what lectures we wished to take seats in. Having settled on talks about Water Insecurity, Superpowers and Globalisation & Development, we had a brief wait until the first talk started. This talk was on our Water Insecurity unit of the course and was given to us by an employee of Anglian Water. She started by getting us to try and guess how much of the world’s water lies in what states, and how much is available for drinking. To most of the group’s surprise, only 2% of the world’s water is freshwater, and only 1% of that is readily available for human use. We then looked at the geographies of water demand and supply, and the fact that agriculture and industry use significantly more than we do in domestic use. Finally, our presenter took us through two case-studies, the 2011/12 UK drought and intense rainfall in Indonesia. In the UK, we had two of the lowest winter rainfalls in consecutive years, which is normally the time when water sources are replenished from their summer use. Hosepipe bans and drought permits had to be instigated to solve the problems.
Our second talk was on Superpowers. In this talk we looked at the secrets behind becoming a superpower nation, the future of superpowers and why the USA is currently the world’s only superpower. Superpower countries are said to have 4 pillars of power; economic, military, geographic and cultural. By 2050, some predictions suggest that China will have overtaken the USA as the world’s leading power, and there could be a major shift in power in favour of relations with African nations over Europe; how do you think this would affect the world as it is today? The USA is currently the world’s only superpower, and we talked about why this is. The USA has a lot of “trump cards” that no other country can compete with, for example its global media machine, its TNC’s and brands like Nike and McDonalds. It also has, by far and away, the worlds most advanced military being the largest in terms of technology and second only to China in terms of manpower. Towards the end we also touched on the BRICS countries, the up-and-coming powers, and considered how they are affecting the world today. After our lunch provided by the RGS, we moved into the main lecture hall for a talk about Globalisation. We looked at the rise of globalisation and how this has changed the world over the last 50 years. In China alone, globalisation has allowed for 500,000,000 people to move out of absolute poverty, the biggest positive moment of its kind in human history. He also focused on the role that technology plays in today’s world, both through the “shrinking world” effect and also the ease with which people can stay connected and up-to-date with news. We then had one final talk that touched on exam technique for our exams, and what tips we should try and implement in June. After this, we all piled back onto the tubes and trains to make our way home after a fact-filled, highly useful day. On behalf of all of the students who went, I would like to thank Ms Winterburn and Mr Griffiths for organising and supervising on this trip; we all found it very helpful and I’m sure we will be saying the same thing come our exams!
Toby Rich, Year 13
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 31 HISTORY
HISTORY TRIP HASTINGS, PEVENSEY AND BATTLE ABBEY
Lower School Years 7 & 8
The department ran a highly successful trip for Y7 students to Hastings back in October. More details can be found on the school website at:
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=208 Jesse Dickens
LOWER SCHOOL HISTORY CLUB
This takes place in Room 3 every Wednesday lunchtime. It gives keen and enthusiastic Y7 & Y8 students the chance to learn about topics not covered in their regular History lessons. This term alone, some of the subjects covered include the Aztecs, the Spanish Armada and the Ancient Greeks! The club is run by a team of Sixth Form historians. Thanks should go to Tayo Alabi, Nathan Yacoub, Robin Franklin and Lewis Millar for all the effort they have put in to making the sessions a success. It would be lovely to welcome some new recruits in 2014 - anyone interested should come along on the first Wednesday back!
Y11 REVISION DAY
It was wonderful to see over 65 students from Y11 attend the History Revision Day during the October half term - getting in some early preparation for the mock examinations. A series of further revision days will take place during Easter as well as weekly after school sessions starting immediately in January!
Y13 LECTURE TRIP
"The Federal Moment in Decolonisation". During the October half term, a group of Y13 students went to Cambridge to hear a lecture by Dr Michael Collins, UCL on the "Federal Moment during Decolonisation". This was an exciting opportunity to hear some cutting edge research into the process by which the British Empire was dismantled after WWII - including new research on the proposals for an East African Union involving Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This event was part of the Cambridge Festival of Ideas!
RUSSIA TRIP AND PARENT INFORMATION EVENING
We are taking 44 students to Russia in the February half term on an exciting trip to Moscow and St Petersburg. The Parent Information Evening takes place on 8th Jan 2014.
GUEST LECTURE SERIES
Thursday 16th Jan 2014 - Professor Dominic Lieven (University of Cambridge) - History Lecture - Nicholas II and the Collapse of the Romanov Dynasty. Start at 3.45pm. Finish by approx. 5.15pm (Y12). This is the first of 4 lectures involving prominent historians taking place at TBSHS over the next few months.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 32 RELIGIOUS STUDIES
It has been a pleasure to teach your sons and daughters Religious Studies and Citizenship this term. The following pictures symbolise the work of the students this term from visits, charity events and speakers to lessons which focus on participation, discussion, role play and writing as we explore the big questions of our lives together.
Simon Etheridge
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 33 ABDUL FROM BISHOP'S STORTFORD MOSQUE PUT YEAR 11 THROUGH THEIR PACES Year 11
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=222 Simon Etheridge
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 34 HEAD OF FACULTY REPORTS
MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING & BUSINESS Now the term is almost over, Faculty staff are looking forward to a relaxing Christmas break after a very busy term.
The Maths department once again entered a number of year 11, 12 and 13 students into the UK Maths challenge. See Mr Appassamy’s following report which includes a sample question to keep you busy over the holidays.
On Thursday 14th November, twenty-four Year 12 and 13 mathematicians, accompanied by Mrs Talbot and Mr Fraser, attended a “Maths in Action” study day at the London University Institute of Education.
They were treated to four lectures by eminent mathematicians. The most entertaining of these were Professor David Spiegelhalter from Cambridge University, on the subject of probability and taking risks, illustrated by clips from his appearance on “Total Wipe-out” and Simon Singh (author of “Fermat’s Last Theorem”), who showed us the vast amount of mathematical references and in-jokes included in episodes of “The Simpsons” and “Futurama”.
Particular congratulations go to Robert Pryor and Sam Robinson, who both volunteered to go up on stage in front of over 1000 fellow students to help speakers illustrate points in their lectures and to Jade Howarth , who negotiated the whole day, including a journey involving a train and two tube lines, on crutches.
Business Education have also been very busy this term with a number of visits. In November, eighteen year 12 Economics travelled to the City of London to visit the Bank of England, the London Metal Exchange and Lloyds of London (full report follows).
In early December Mr Beran and Mr Hood took year 10 Business Studies students on a tour of the Hayters factory in Spellbrook where they heard about their operations and marketing approach. This was followed by a tour of their factory where they produce high quality/price mowers for household and commercial buyers.
Students in year 9 who have just started learning about business start-ups were asked to raise capital and invest this in cakes and drinks for sale in the school on a date and time of their choice. The groups from Business Communication Studies and Business Studies set up their stalls on the same day (29th November) and the cold and rain drove them into the Maths Tee corridor. One group cleared their stock in 15 minutes – a new record! Team # (hash tag) achieving a very healthy 74% on their capital employed. All three teams had raised £15 in total from three sets of parents. Thank you again parents! The Two Amigos (there were three but one of them was off sick the day of the sales) made slightly less sales in a longer time earning a return of 62.4% The Sweet Tooth Savers achieved a return of 47.6% Charities which benefitted from their activities include the Great Ormond Street for Children and Cancer Research. The two other Business Studies groups Mr. Beran supported were required to do something slightly more challenging - to order their cakes from Food Technology. After a few weeks of negotiation and challenging communication they eventually made sure they got what they needed. They both chose Brownies which were absolutely delicious and sold very quickly. Mitch Farquharson's team made the almost the highest revenue of the five groups earning an incredible 135% return on the £20 investment from kind parents. Mat Seaman's team also hit the high revenue figures of £38.94 but had slightly higher costs so they ended up making the same extraordinary return of 135%l on their parents' £20 investment. Mr. Beran's other two groups failed to deliver the ingredients on the day it was going to be used so a new plan was needed. Hopefully they will still make some profit and hand over at least half of it to the charities of their choice. This is learning by doing and represents a rich experience for beginning to understand some of the challenges of starting up your own business.
Mrs. Parr is leading a sixth form trip to New York during February half term where students will be attending the Opening Bell Ceremony at the NASDAQ, undertaking a guided tour of Wall Street, visiting the United Nations, touring the Federal Reserve Bank and completing a background tour of Macy's the biggest department store in the world. Sightseeing will include the Rockerfeller Centre, Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 memorial and attending a Harlem Globetrotters game at the world renowned Madison Square Gardens.
Computer Science are planning a trip to Bletchley Park for 54 year 9 students studying Computing where they will tour the original buildings used by Alan Turing and his team to break the German Enigma code during the Second World War. They will also see a working version of the Colossus computer used to help break the code. Stephen Abbott Head of Maths and Computing Faculty
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 35 BUSINESS STUDIES & ECONOMICS ECONOMICS STUDENTS VISIT THE CITY Economics Visit to the City of London, 11th November 2013 Sixthform
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=213 Frank Beran
THE JACK FIELDER MEMORIAL LECTURE AND BUSINESS LINKS DINNER Our Bi-Annual Business Links Dinner Whole School http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=205 Frank Beran YEAR 10 Business Students visit Hayters Year 10 Business Studies Hayters Factory visit 3rd December 2013 Year 10
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=227 Frank Beran
YEAR 9 BUSINESS STUDIES AND BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS CHARITY STALL Autumn term 2013 Year 09
Students in year 9 who have just started learning about business start-ups were asked to raise capital and invest this in cakes and drinks for sale in the school on a date and time of their choice. The 3 BCS groups set up their stalls on the same day (29th November) and the cold and rain drove them into the Maths Tee corridor. One group cleared their stock in 15 minutes. A new record as far as I am aware. Team # (hash tag) achieving a very healthy 74% on their capital employed. All three teams had raised £15 in total from three sets of parents. Thank you again parents! The Two Amigos (there were three but one of them was off sick the day of the sales) made slightly less sales in a longer time earning a return of 62.4% The Sweet Tooth Savers achieved a return of 47.6% Charities which benefitted from their activities include the Great Ormond Street for Children and Cancer Research. The two other Business Studies groups Mr Beran supported were required to do something slightly more challenging - to order their cakes from Food Technology. After a few weeks of negotiation and challenging communication they eventually made sure they got what they needed. They both chose Brownies which were absolutely delicious and sold very quickly. Thank you Ms Torry. Mitch Farquharson's team made the almost the highest revenue of the five groups earning an incredible 135% return on the £20 investment from kind parents. Mat Seaman's team also hit the high revenue figures of £38.94 but had slightly higher costs so they ended up making the same extraordinary return of 135%l on their parents' £20 investment. Mr Beran's other two groups failed to deliver the ingredients on the day it was going to be used so a new plan was needed. Hopefully they will still make some profit and hand over at least half of it to the charities of their choice. This is learning by doing and represents a rich experience for beginning to understand some of the challenges of starting up your own business.
Frank Beran MATHEMATICS
SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Senior Maths Challenge (SMC) is a competition which gives Sixth-Form students the opportunity to compete against 100 000 students nationwide. It promotes mathematical dexterity, challenges the students and tests their problem solving skills. It recognises their performance, as every school receives certificates to award to their best performers, and the top 60% students nationwide receive a gold, silver or bronze certificate. High scoring students are invited to participate in follow-on competitions which could lead to representing the UK in mathematics competitions at international level. Candidates eligible to represent the UK at the International Mathematical Olympiad, and scoring 100 or more in the SMC were automatically offered entry to the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1). The BMO1 entails solving a number of problems under examination conditions. The top 25% of BMO1 scorers receive a Certificate of Distinction.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 36 Candidates scoring 86 or more in the SMC, but not qualifying for BMO1, were automatically offered entry to the Senior Kangaroo. The Senior Kangaroo is by invitation only. It is a one-hour paper consisting of 20 questions. Both the BMO1 and the Senior Kangaroo took place on Friday 29th November 2013. This year, the Senior Maths Challenge took place on Thursday 7th November 2013. 58 students from TBSHS took part. The paper was out of 125 and the cut-off marks were: BRONZE ≥53, SILVER ≥67 and GOLD ≥82.
42 students among the 58 taking part obtained either a gold, silver or bronze award and will receive their certificate soon.
Oliver PHILCOX from Year 13 scored 103 out of 125 and is thus the Best in School and Best in his Year. He was automatically qualified for the Olympiad Round 1, which took place on Friday 27th November 2013.
Christopher ROSS and James POHL from Year 13 scored 90 and 87 respectively and they were invited to take part in the Senior Kangaroo, which also took place on Friday 27th November 2013.
Results for the Olympiad Round 1 and the Senior Kangaroo will be published in January 2014.
The top 5 students in the Senior Maths Challenge 2013
Year 13 Year 12
Oliver Philcox (Gold and Best of the year) Matt Smith (Gold and Best of the year)
Christopher Ross (Gold) Samuel Harding (Silver)
James Pohl (Gold) David Bloomfield (Silver)
Thomas Petty (Silver) Zain Butt (Silver)
Nathan Sanderson (Silver) James Stuart Turner (Silver)
Here is a question to practise during the festive period:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014. Ben Appasamy Maths Department
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 37 HEAD OF FACULTY REPORTS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Where has the autumn term gone? It seems like only yesterday, our eager new intake took their first TBSHS steps. On reaching the end of a calendar year and an extremely hectic first term, it is hard to believe and capture all the wonderful activities that have taken place this term so far. The Faculty has welcomed two new members of staff, Dr. V. Rae to Chemistry and Miss E. Torry to Design & Technology and we would like to extend our welcome to all our new students, parents and carers.
Our students have been kept exceptional busy, inside the classroom and beyond. There have been a range of activities from Food and Design Technology Clubs to the Eco Club’s winter preparation, to ‘Jack the Ripper’ Psychology trip and external speakers, the Imperial War Museum and the Holocaust Exhibition, past Physics and BTEC Applied Science students giving talks to our sixth form, visits to GSK Ware, the Rotary Design competitions and many more enrichment activities. Alongside this, our AQA Year 11 students will be relieved to have completed their externally moderated coursework and commendation to all Year 11 students in their preparation for mock examinations.
A great deal of credit and thanks must go to all our staff for always going that ‘extra mile’ and providing such a rich variety of opportunities, not only with the organisation of trips and visits, but the additional subject clinics and hours of support offered, that have been exceptionally well attended this year so far.
With my very best wishes and a Merry Christmas. Mrs. Wendy Butler Head of Science & Technology Faculty
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 38 A TRIBUTE TO THE TBSHS AMBASSADORS FOR THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FACULTY The Prospective Parents Evening took place on the 19th. September and Sixth Form Open Evening on the 20th. November. Both nights’ saw record numbers of students and parents flood the corridors and classrooms of TBSHS.
Each year students across all years volunteer to participate in a range of roles, whether it is as tour guides or departmental helpers. The evenings are extremely demanding yet students are always eager and enthusiastic to give their time. Our students at TBSHS are first class ambassadors. All students display such wonderful qualities and truly reflect the TBSHS spirit. Parents and visitors throughout the evenings remark on students’ confidence, warmth and ‘professional’ manner in which they conduct themselves. We are very proud of these young people.
Below are just some of our superb Science, Technology and Psychology ambassadors.
‘Even the rats are Black and Gold at TBSHS!’
‘TBSHS students have big hearts!’
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 39
TBSHS students supporting Year 11 in making the right choices at Post 16.
I would like to additionally pay tribute to all the teaching staff in the Faculty and the immense amount of technical support from our support team, including Mr. M Dwyer (Design & Technology), Mrs. L. McMahon (Senior Science Technician), Mrs. D. Curtis (Science Technician & Food Technology) and Mr. J. Shingler (Science Technician). They’re support is invaluable and they continually go beyond the call of duty to ensure equipment and materials are prepared to the highest quality at all times.
Mrs. W. Butler
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 40 ‘JACK THE RIPPER’ TRIP WITH SIXTH FORM PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
On the afternoon of the 11th of November, Psychology students from year 12 and 13 set off to the station to catch a train to London for a Jack the Ripper tour. For those who don’t who he was, Jack the Ripper was a famous serial killer from 1888 in Whitechapel; his murders were brutal and all of female prostitutes, of which there were 1,200 working in the area. In Year 13 we study Forensic Psychology and this case is a good example of geographical profiling. Despite half of us forgetting to bring a change of clothes and some people forgetting to turn up altogether we managed to eventually figure out who was definitely coming
It was a relief to get inside the carriage because of the bitterly cold weather, and it’s safe to say a coat was essential. After arriving at Liverpool Street it was just after 5pm, giving us roughly an hour to sit down and have something to eat; unsurprisingly we all headed for Starbucks and McDonald’s. Once we had eaten a half an hour walk to the meeting place
was next on the agenda, something I’m not sure many of us were looking forward to, but in the end wasn’t so bad.
Our tour guide greeted us and introduced himself as out tour guide, explaining he had been researching the murders for almost twenty years. We were informed that the name, Jack the Ripper came from a letter he sent to the local newspaper calling himself just that.
The starting point was a narrow road on the outside of what once was a house for homeless women to stay, for a small fee in the 1800s. Our guide told us about the first murder of Emma Smith in Whitechapel. A few months later, the friend she was with on the night of her death, Martha, was also murdered. The similarity of the two killings and how they happened near each other led the police to link them to the same killer. We then walked around the areas of Durward Street, Henrique’s street and Mitre Square to learn about the five most famous murders; Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 41 The sites of the first seven Whitechapel murders – Osborn Street (center right), George Yard (center left), Hanbury Street (top), Buck's Row (far right), Berner Street (bottom right), Mitre Square (bottom left), and Dorset Street (middle left)
The canonical five, as they were called were all killed at night, at the end of a week or month and usually on weekends. Towards the end of our tour the guide told us that despite letters being sent from the killer to the newspapers and police they could not catch nor locate him, and unfortunately he was never found. There are several theories of who Jack the Ripper was, some being more likely than others. The earliest offender profiling carried out by the London Metropolitan police in October 1888 describe the killer as being a doctor or surgeon who knew the human anatomy very well as suggested by the precision and speed of his ‘ripping’, to put in nicely.
At about 8:30pm we headed back to Liverpool Street for a train back to Bishop’s Stortford, and were home about an hour later. We all agreed that it was a very interesting and informative tour which tells us about the development of offender profiling, and is sure to be of use in the rest of our course. Thanks must be given to all who supported the trip, including Mrs. L. Hunt, Mrs. W. Butler and Mrs. L. McMahon.
Rachel DeWald
GSK DAVID JACK WARE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SITE WITH 6TH. FORM BTEC SCIENTISTS
The BTEC Level 3 Applied Science students visited the GSK David Jack Ware R&D site on the 27th November, where staff using their Orange day (in which GSK gives all employees one day a year to ‘give back’ to local community) ran a carousel of curriculum aligned activities including an interactive importance of Pharmaceutical quality presentation, lab visit including HPLC, gel electrophoresis, PCR and solvent handing. A journey of the sample video was also shown demonstrating anti-doping testing during the Olympic Games 2012 – which was performed in the GSK laboratories in Harlow.
The visit enabled students to gain a real insight, not only with practices of the pharmaceutical industry, but a wealth of career opportunities within the scientific workplace. The staff at GSK have enabled students and teachers to appreciate the immense amount of work and specialisms involved, in bringing household pharmaceuticals to market. Students have been able to utilise this invaluable
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 42 experience to design their own specialist laboratories, understand the procedures involved in sample tracking and Laboratory Management Information Systems, as well as ‘cutting edge’ analytical techniques.
“I thought your students were a pleasure, really engaged and asked fantastic, relevant questions, we would welcome back TBSHS students.” Rhiannon Lowe – GSK Senior Scientist 2013
We are indebted to GSK for hosting us and in particular to Mr. Philip Butson, our Science Ambassador and Ms. Rhiannon Lowe, Senior Scientist for providing an exceptional, high quality learning experience. Additional thanks must go to Mrs. C. Jonas and Mr. D. Neesam (BTEC Co-ordinator for Science) and Mrs McMahon for the exceptional organisation of the trip.
Mrs. W. Butler
THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM & HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION WITH A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY & BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE STUDENTS
A Level Psychology and BTEC Applied Science students visited the Imperial War Museum in London on the 9th. of December. The Imperial War Museum (IWM) seeks to provide for, and to encourage, the study and understanding of the history of modern war and 'wartime experience'. Although IWM London is undergoing a major building redevelopment, transforming the museum to mark the Centenary of the First World War, students were given a highly thought provoking, educational experience and insight into the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
The day started with a tutorial from one of IWM’s educational officers, a Jewish lady whose grandparents had fled to Britain, in fear for their lives. Students were drawn to considering how IWM historians and archivists decide which artifacts to display in th e museum and how the stories are built up surrounding them. Prior to the tour of the Holocaust Museum, students were asked to consider which three artifacts they would choose to include in an exhibition.
The Holocaust exhibition is open only to those age 14 and upwards. As you step into the dark, you clearly see why. Few words can reflect one’s feelings as you move through the exhibition.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 43 Following this, students gave their feedback on their choice of artifacts, which ranged from pictures & propaganda, Hugo Boss designed ‘SS’ uniforms and, in stark contrast the uniforms from the Belson concentration camps to personal possessions recovered from the Ghetto in Warsaw and Auschwitz.
Many thanks must be given to Mr. Neesam and Mrs. Kitching for their organisation of the trip and all staff who accompanied students. The visit was an extremely valuable learning experience for all.
Mrs. W. Butler
THE TBSHS ECO CLUB’S AMBITIOUS SIGHTS ON ‘SELF-SUFFICIENCY’
Mr. Murphy and his ‘Eco Club’ members prepared themselves for winter, rolling up their sleeves and giving the greenhouse a well-earned clean.
Jake Kenworthy, James Gore, Alfred Aylett and James Evans pictured here, along with newcomer, Archie Manley, rolling up their sleeves for the winter clean up.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 44 The Eco Club has ambitious plans to supply TBSHS with fresh organic vegetables. The plans currently are underway to develop and build a kitchen garden. Four raised beds have been purchased, with great thanks to the PTFA and as seen below, students have been busy constructing and laying the raised beds.
Brussels sprouts and leeks are ready, just in time for Christmas!
A great deal of thanks and appreciation must go to Mr. Murphy’s continued enthusiasm and commitment to the Eco Club, along with commendation to all the members of the club. How wonderful to eat ‘home-grown’ produce! Thank you.
Mrs. W. Butler & Mr. I. Murphy
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 45 CREATIVE ARTS OPEN DAY AT HERTFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY WITH A LEVEL PRODUCT DESIGN STUDENTS
Students in Year 12 studying Product Design had the opportunity to attend as a school for the first time to this very worthwhile Open Day. Technology trips tend to be more difficult to arrange but this provided an excellent opportunity for the class to get to know each other as well as experience taster workshops in a range of degree courses that they may be interested in.
The students opted for 3 out of the 6 workshops available, with 1 participating in Graphic Media, 4 in Product Design and 6 in Photography. The students were able to see the workshop facilities including rapid prototyping equipment and various other machinery which was on a larger scale than that of our own. We also saw one of the 3 students who started at the University this year who was able to tell us about the range of competitions and projects he is currently working on. Students taking part in the Photography workshop were able to have full use of some of the latest equipment in order to take 200+ photos whilst looking at the different effects that can be achieved. The Product Design students engaged in a task in the design studio shared with current 2nd and 3rd year degree students.
The students came away feeling invigorated by what they had seen and equally the knowledge and experience that the tutors had – all current practising designers from a wide variety of backgrounds. It was a very worthwhile day which we very much hope to repeat!
“Great experience and opportunity to find out more about Product Design.” Stuart George “Was interesting to learn things about photography, an opportunity that rarely comes around.” Jack Burrows
C M Pryce
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
THE ROTARY DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION WITH KEY STAGE 3, 4 & 5 DESIGN TECHNOLOGISTS http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=224 Miss E. Torry
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 46
THE LOWER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS THEMED FOOD CLUB
In the run up to Christmas, ten students from year 7 and year 8 attended a Christmas themed food technology club on a weekly basis. Over the five sessions, students made mince pies, shortbread, chocolate truffles, stained glass window biscuits and a chocolate yule log. The students had to prepare their ingredients, cook their food and add finishing touches for presentation; washing up at the end! For some of the year 7 students it was the first time that they had ever used the Food Technology room, so it was a challenging yet exciting opportunity. The students learned lots of new skills and made some tasty Christmas treats. There were some narrow disasters but they were equally met with many triumphs!
Miss E. Torry
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 47 HEAD OF YEAR REPORTS
LOWER SCHOOL YEARS 7 & 8
ANTI-BULLYING AMBASADOR PROGRAMME
JORDAN O'KEEFE AND THE DIANA AWARD ANTI-BULLYING AMBASADOR PROGRAMME http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=197 Ian Simpson
YEAR 10 The autumn term has seen Y10 carry on their strong start to their GCSE courses, picking up to start the academic year in September in very much the same way that they finished the last one in July.
As well as continuing to impress academically in the classroom, there have been a number of highlights to the term.
Our Enhancement day in October saw the entire year group taken off site to the Rope Runners Facility, situated at the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch. Boys enjoyed a stretching day out of their comfort zone, participating in Team Building activities, Tunnelling, Orienteering and a High Ropes Course.
In November, we were indebted to Mr Etheridge for organising a truly fantastic trip for the whole year group visiting Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, The Palace of Westminster and HMS Belfast, giving boys a glimpse into the centre of our democracy, as well as our history, both ancient and modern.
In the performing arts of music and drama, the year group has been well represented in the whole-school production of the musical Grease, along with also in the Autumn Concert in October, as well as the Christmas Concert in December.
On the sports field, the year group’s Rugby squad have had a very successful season, with a huge squad of A & B team boys training on a twice weekly basis, as well as playing, competing and winning against some strong opposition on a Saturday. The boys have also managed the outstanding achievement in reaching the last 32 of the national NatWest Vase competition, with the next round against Stowe School in January.
The football squad have gone several rounds in the ESFA national cup, being knocked out by St Ignatius, last year’s competition runners
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 48 up. In the Hertfordshire County Cup, the boys are currently awaiting to play in the quarter final stage against local rivals Leventhorpe in January.
In other sports, the boys have competed in cross country fixtures, winning an invitational event at Felsted School, and competing strongly in an attempt to qualify for the ESCC National Championships. Boys also put in good performances in the regional qualifying rounds of the ASA National Swimming Championships, as well as the Hertfordshire County Badminton Championships. Y10 Boys additionally formed the backbone of the squad that finished 4th in the county at the Hertfordshire Table Tennis Championships.
Boys have a busy Christmas Holiday ahead of them, with revision being a primary concern for their upcoming Y10 Examinations in January, which represent an important opportunity for boys to showcase their academic performance and potential, before decisions start to be made with reference to their tiers of entry for their actual GCSEs, which for many boys in the year group will start in May, just 5 months away.
May I take this opportunity to thank the Y10 tutor team for all of their daily support to all boys in Y10, as well as wish you all a very Merry Christmas, as well as a Happy New Year.
ENHANCEMENT DAY 2013
Citizenship Day
Ross Wheatley Head of Year 10
SIXTHFORM The Sixth Form at TBSHS has enjoyed another very busy and highly successful term. We have welcomed over 190 students into Year 12, including 70 girls. The majority of the year group have thrown themselves into the wider life of the school and started to enjoy some of the manifold opportunities on offer. These students have followed the example of our current Year 13, whose infectious enthusiasm for school life and leadership of many extra-curricular activities helps to create such a positive and vibrant atmosphere. Those who have not yet found something that suits their interest will, we are sure, discover their niche in the coming two terms.
You will find many reports on the pages of the Mitre describing what Sixth Form students have achieved, or indeed helped younger students achieve, over the course of this term. We have had our whole school production of Grease, our autumn and Christmas concerts and representative sports teams in rugby, netball, football, cross country and swimming. Alongside this, groups of students have organised and run our annual Showcase, the Model United Nations Conference, Community Outreach Programme, Medical Society, Engineering Society and numerous charitable events through Interact. Students have supported staff in the running of our Business Links Dinner, debating and public speaking, paired reading, peer mentoring and literacy club. House Presidents have joined Senior Prefects, and members of the Sixth Form Council and Sixth Form Committee, in leadership roles.
Still to come this term are our University College Day, when we look forward to welcoming back alumni who left us in summer 2013, Awards Evening and Final Assembly. Despite the lengthy list of everything that has happened and is due to happen I’m almost bound to have missed things out! None of these events could take place without the commitment of the student body to taking part and making a difference. Equally, the dedication, patience and time given by members of staff are second to none.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 49 Of course, the academic life of the Sixth Form comes first and we have continued to push forward in supporting our students’ plans for the future. As such, we sent off all of our Year 13 students’ UCAS applications before October half-term and a large number have already received many, if not all, of their offers. We have fostered and forged relationships with Higher Education institutions and employers to give TBSHS Sixth Formers the best possible chance of meeting with success when they leave us. If any parents or friends of the school feel they have something to offer to our post-18 advice and guidance then we would be delighted to hear from you.
The Sixth Form at The Bishop’s Stortford High School strives to provide academic rigour and outstanding extra-curricular opportunity for all of our students. I would like to thank the students, parents, Sixth Form tutor team, Sixth Form teachers and the Sixth Form Management Team for all of their efforts in making this happen. Mark Brunker and his team will take over the running of the Sixth Form from January 2014 and I have no doubt that they will move TBSHS on to greater success.
Tom Capewell
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 50 HEAD OF HOUSE REPORTS
CHANTRY It has been a good start to the year in Chantry, we have appointed new House Officers – Oliver James will be heading up the House supported by deputies; Dan Bolton (Sport), Jonathan Platts (Music), Shem Jacobs (Drama) and Oliver Hougham (Lower School). The real highlight of the term has been Inter-House Rugby; this year it was a pleasure to see 69 students turn out to play and a handful more coming along to support. Those who did play showed great enthusiasm and spirit for the game with the particular highlight of 11C singing the national anthem, unprompted, before their clash with 11T.
Overall Chantry managed to place a solid third place, only 9 points behind the winners Twyford. We are already looking forward to the next house competition – Inter-House Drama, taking place next half term. This year we have Shem Jacobs writing and directing and a cast of students from year seven all the way to 6th form. It promises to be a fantastic production and definitely something to look forward to. The other event of next term is Inter House Football on March 15th, I would love to see more boys up at Jobbers Wood taking part or just spectating – let’s see if we can improve on Third place! Dan Bolton will be coordinating our assault on top spot; if students can already start thinking about team selections, formations and tactics then we stand a very good chance of qualifying for Europe!
Mr Berry
Head of Chantry
DANE Dane house entered the new school year with great ambition and enthusiasm. We faced a challenging start to the year at the House Rugby Competition, unfortunately finishing in last place. There was an admirable spirit amongst the year 7 pupils who fought until the final whistle to beat their opponents and managed to draw and win a game. Sam Almond (LD1) and Joseph Page (LD2) performed particularly well and showed outstanding teamwork skills. Year 8 put forward a talented team with Bradley Taylor (LD2) leading the way, which gained them four victories throughout the afternoon, placing them in second overall for their year group. Year 9 had a shining performance with regards to attendance, with the players and supporters turning out in their masses to ensure a good morning, a big thank you to 9D for this. Year 9 finished joint second with Twyford house with an impressive run of two draws and a win. Year 10 unfortunately finished in last place but the games were tight and the team fought on to achieve one win and one draw overall. Year 11 faced challenging and disappointing numbers in attendance but this was made up for in spirit of the boys who were present, particularly Tommy Tancock (11D), Dane’s house captain.
Dane has made a great start to the house tokens competition and evidentially there are many pupils involved in a vast array of extracurricular activities. It would be great to see this continually pick up throughout the year. More recently pupils from Dance have volunteered to be involved in the Interact Bake-off event, raising money for worthy charity causes.
NSPCC has been selected by the pupils to be the charity that Dane will be fundraising for this year. Pupils are encouraged to propose their own ideas for charity events and of course begin planning for our house “wear it green” day. I hope you all have a great Christmas holiday and come back rested ready for more challenges and competitions.
Natalie Epton
MEADS The first term has not been full of House events but as always Meads continue to get stuck in and work hard to gain recognition.
The House Rugby was slightly disappointing but in the end we gain a creditable 4th overall. The year 8’s again demonstrated what a fine sporting group they are and comfortably won. Other year groups made great efforts but it fair to say the lack of numbers attending had
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 51 an impact on the final result. I am hopeful that for Football next term we will have a larger turn out and can improve our overall standing.
The token system is now up and running and I would encourage all Meads students to attend as many extra-curricular activities as possible. Make sure you get a token for doing so! The Bake Off was a new event this year and thank you to those who took part. Having sampled some of the cooking I am amazed that we didn’t win. At the time of writing this report I am looking forward to the second Inter House Swimming gala and thank those who get in involved.
Next term will see more events coming on line alongside the bigger events such as Drama. I hope that you will all strive to get involved and support the House Captain and his team. I am also pleased to welcome Ollie Webber onto the team as the House President.
Finally may I take this opportunity to thank everyone who got involved in the ‘wear it purple day’ in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Herts and Essex School Charity. It was an honour to take the lead in this new venture and I was so proud of our efforts. Raising over £1,200 was amazing and a true reflection on the house of Meads. http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=209
I wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas and Meads a successful New Year.
Matthew Hale Head of Meads
RHODES
The Students of Rhodes House have made an exceptional start to the year.
INTERHOUSE RUGBY
Always a highlight of any academic year, Interhouse Rugby is the first of the main Interhouse events. With a strong turnout from all year groups we triumphed with the year 7b, year 9 and year 10 teams (well… year 10 was a draw with Twyford – but I’m claiming the moral victory!). This gave us a very close second place just one point behind the winners.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 52
RHODES CHARITY WEEK
The Interhouse Rugby signalled the start of a very busy week for us in the House. With our charity being ‘Beat Bullying’ and the week of 18th-22nd November being ‘National Anti-Bullying Week’ it seemed only natural to use this opportunity to raise some much needed funds for a very deserving charity.
With the tremendous cakes made and kindly donated by Miss Matcham selling like the proverbial, a raffle for an enormous hamper of sweets, and the ‘Wear it Blue Day’ being the focus of the fundraising efforts, over £600 was raised.
I’d like to thank the Bishop’s Stortford Cinema, the Fragrance Shop, WH Smith, the Olde Sweet Shop and Sports Direct for their kind and generous donations of further raffle prizes. I also wish to thank Joe Dias and Scarlett Stock for their support and doing the draw. Congratulations to Archie Day (10R) who won the hamper.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 53
THE GREAT TBSHS BAKE SALE
Cake, Cake and Even More Cake… My personal mantra!
Many thanks to those boys who prepared cakes and sold them for charity, the cakes were delicious, and so was the sum total – an incredible £71 raised for cancer charities. I’d like to thank Mr Etheridge and the Team who organised and ran the event.
INTERHOUSE SWIMMING
Many thanks to all those who have volunteered to swim for the house in the upcoming competition, I wish you all the very best of luck.
HEAD OF HOUSE AWARDS
It is always a pleasure when I get to reward students and recognise the amazing achievements and contributions that they make to the House. This term I awarded the following students with the much coveted Head of Rhodes House Award for their contribution in earning the highest number of credits so far this term.
The winners were: Archie Manley – Year 7 Road Child – Year 8 Toby Mallett – Year 9 Archie Day – Year 10 Samuel Farnsworth – Year 11 And Tom Dickerson in the 6th form.
In addition to these Head of House Awards I am delighted to announce that the following students will be awarded with House Colours at the end of term. Daniel Cotton (year 10)
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 54 Elliott Rowe (year 10) Jack Barker (year 10)
This just leaves me with the opportunity to wish all of you, students, parents, staff and alumni a very happy and healthy Festive Season and New Year. Mr Smith (Head of Rhodes House)
TWYFORD Another successful term for the Twyford house which was highlighted by victory at the Inter-house rugby in November, the commitment and effort shown by all those participating and spectating was exemplary and was a pleasure to be part of. New events such as the TBSHS bake off showed off some of the student’s hidden skills and once again Twyford competed in the top end of the competition. At the time of writing this report I am looking forward to the second inter-house swimming competition, which will take place on December 18th, with four age groups taking part it promises to be another fantastic event. I would like to thank Ashley Grainger as House Captain where he has been assisted by Monty Gould as Vice-Captain, in the organisation of sporting and other events. I would also like to thank the following boys for their commitment to Twyford and the house system acting as house officers Teddy Rayment Nathan Gravestock Matthew Stephenson Jeremy Moulton Henry Becerra Jack Stewart Ryan Chessum I am sure with these students at the helm Twyford can go from strength to strength, it has been an enjoyable start to the year with many high points, and it promises to be an exciting time after the Christmas break with football and drama competitions coming up. On a personal note as many of you are aware I am moving on at Christmas and would like to thank all those students, staff and parents who have supported the house system over the last three years, I have very much enjoyed my role as Head of Twyford and I wish my successor all the best. Mr Swainson
WAYTEMORE After the high at the end of the last academic year where Waytemore secured the House Cup for the first time, our efforts to retain the trophy are making progress. We have now had the house rugby competition and Waytemore secured an overall finish of 5th well ahead of sixth place Dane. This was disappointing after our close fought victory last year. Year 11 were the group that impressed, with a fantastic turnout on cold windy day, this unfortunately was not the case for year 9 where we had to forfeit as we did not have a team to contribute, year 9 need to make a much greater effort to impress, especially as I am their tutor. The school has now introduced tokens that can be collected by students for extra-curricular commitment, the collection of tokens in the collecting slots is now building and Waytemore’s is growing nicely, however I encourage all students to participate in something to earn overall victory for Waytemore. Coming up next term we have inter-house drama in early February, students have hopefully already started signing up for this and our script will be released soon. We also have inter-house football on Saturday 15th March, if we want to retain the cup we need to have maximum attendance and presence on the pitches and side lines. I am confident that the call to arms (in this case a peaceful call for football boots) will be heeded and that all students will attend what is always a great event. I must thank the students for all their work so far and ask them to continue this throughout the year, I must also thank: Mr P Harris, Mr Coke-Woods, Ms Nattress and Ms Jopson for all their continued support of the house system and hard work they do with their forms. Of course the hard work and determination of the officers must also be commended. Captain Jack Corrigan, supported by Jack Mullings and Jack Connolly as well as the deputies in year 10, Dominic Lilley, Jamie Rushworth and Tom Childs Let’s make this another winning year Waytemore
Darren Neesam Head of Waytemore
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 55 EXTRA CURRICULAR
CHARITY
ACT OF REMEMBRANCE 11TH NOVEMBER 2013 Act of Remembrance Whole School http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=210 Tim Litchfield
BUSINESS & COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Year 9 Business and Communication Systems Cake and Drink stall Year 09 http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=230 Frank Beran
GREG JAMES RETURNS TO SHOWCASE Showcase 2013 raises £2000, with the help of Greg James Whole School http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=207 Simon Etheridge
INTERACT FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITIES This academic year has been an incredibly successful one for Interact. We kicked off the year with the new initiative of house colour days, which have been amazing as we’ve seen the likes of purple wellies and wigs and blue shoes all for great causes like the memory of Ciara on purple day, and anti-bullying on wear it blue day. We would like to thank all of the house captains and leaders and other members of the houses for ensuring these vital days ran smoothly. Together these days raised around £1,500.
We put on a more personal sixth form sports themed non-uniform day for midwives international and raised £600. We all really showed such community spirit and togetherness that day. We contributed £1,000 towards helping with the disaster in the Philippines. Our food Fridays team of year 12s have also done an amazing job this year by selling food in the playground.
Of course, we have Showcase which raised a record breaking £2,000 for the Thirst Youth Café which will be set up in town for young people, Grove cottage which provides activities for people with disabilities, and the muscle help foundation which takes children with a muscle wasting disorder on days out.
I think that Showcase can only be described one way; #creepysik. With all the talent in school coming together there was no question of this being the best year so far. Top headlines being myself and Mr.Capewell (where I would like to confirm that he did cheat when he won the first challenge after reviewing cctv evidence), our very own legend Mr. Etheridge and finally Greg James who helped present the show with Tom and myself. With great singers, magicians, dancers and our very own Mr Bean, the show was a memory not to be forgotten.
A huge thanks goes to all of the Interact team, and everyone else who took part in the show and who contributed. All the students showed tremendous teamwork and effort to make the show a great success.
Interact is all about the community spirit. At the end of last year we ran the first event where 6th form were involved in the house system with the Interhouse quiz. We also started up FIFA Fridays where students get to go and play FIFA as a social group; but we will be setting up a tournament soon to raise money for another cause.
We have recently set up the blood donation scheme where we will be taking groups of Sixth formers down to the Rhodes centre to give blood. We have already had 105 volunteers interested in the scheme. Overall, this has been an amazing start to the year, and since
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 56 September Interact has now raised over £7,000 for amazing causes and helped so many different groups of people. We are well on our way to smashing the £10,000 total from last year.
We would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Etheridge for always supporting us, and to Vignesh, Joe, Hadley, Scarlett and Jess who are the rest of our core team and have led all of these outstanding events, and all of the year 12s who have been hugely important in the running of Interact this year.
And last week we had the Christmas charity week which raised £430 for cancer charities through Teacher Karaoke, the Great TBSHS Bake Off with Rhodes baking the best decorated cake and selling the most, and Dane with the best decorated table, and Teacher Sumo with Mr Paine crowned the champion, so thank you for everyone for supporting those events. And finally, thank you to all of you for supporting Interact this year. Together we have made a huge difference.
Simon Etheridge
MOVEMBER 2013 MOvember and Maternity Worldwide Sixthform
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=223 Ian Simpson
EXTERNAL SPEAKERS MARK PRISK VISITS TBSHS Mark Prisk challenges students at High School Sixthform
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=203 Simon Etheridge
GREG JAMES SPEAKS TO STUDENTS
Greg James, Radion1 DJ, BBC3 Presenter and TBSHS Old Boy returns to speak to Year 7 and Sixthform http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=216 Simon Etheridge
DEBATING
YOUTH SPEAKS SENIOR COMPETITION
The Bishop’s Stortford Rotary Club’s Senior “Youth Speaks” competition http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=219 Anthony Fraser
YOUTH SPEAKS INTERMEDIATE COMPETITION
FURTHER SPEAKING TRIUMPH FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=221 Anthony Fraser
OTHER DEBATING COMPETITIONS
We have taken part in two other competitions as well as “Youth Speaks”.
In December three teams of TBSHS debaters took part in the regional round of the Cambridge University competition in the famous Union building. Scarlett Stock (Year 13), David Bloomfield and Jack Tulloch (both Year 12) all had some experience of the British
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 57 Parliamentary style of debating, but this was new ground for Penny Hart (Year 12), Pascal Queeney and Matthew Port (both Year 11). All the speakers performed well, with Scarlett & Penny and David & Jack both finishing close second out of four in their respective rooms, thus narrowly failing to progress. Pascal and Matthew came up against very strong opposition but were complimented by their judge and gained valuable experience for the future.
The following evening, the first round of the English Speaking Union Mace Debating Competition unfortunately became nothing more than some useful practice once The Perse School had withdrawn because of illness. With the High School already providing one “swing” team, the Perse withdrawal left both debates with High School shadow debaters.
Bottisham proposed the motion, ‘This House believes that football team supporters’ clubs should lobby against the signing of players with a history of discriminatory or violent behaviour’. They were up against the High School scratch team of Alex Stevens and Felix Abramson, who both made promising competitive debuts. In the second debate, Monty Gould and Josh Queeney proposed the motion, ‘This House believes that developing states should prioritise improving the economic conditions of their poorest citizens over environmental concerns’. They were opposed by the last-minute High School shadow ‘dream team’ pairing of Mr Fraser and Jonathan Whitmore.
With two teams going through, Bottisham Village College and the High School team of Monty Gould and Josh Queeney went through to the next round on a bye. Nevertheless, both successful teams and the shadow speakers all took advantage of the experience of the three judges to take on valuable advice.
In Round 2 the High School team will be debating at faraway Southend in the New Year against New Hall School from Chelmsford and two grammar schools from Southend.
IN-SCHOOL DEBATES
The foundations for inter-school participation are laid in the school’s three debating societies. Sixth Form debates in Wednesday afternoon enrichment sessions have attracted 40-odd students every week. As well as balloon debates, controversial topics such as reintroducing the death penalty, banning cosmetic surgery and the existence of Father Christmas have all been hotly contested, with perennial campaigners such as David Moss, Jayne Hobbs, Josh Queeney, Rob Franklin and Jonathan Whitmore to the fore. Newcomers to TBSHS debating Edward Ray, Annabelle Percy, Alex Stevens and Charlie Richards are amongst those who have also made major contributions to occasions that have been greatly enjoyed by teachers Miss Dowsett and Mr Fraser.
Mr Patterson reports that debating in Years 10 & 11 has struggled to get going this term. Only a handful of debates have been held but each one has been of excellent quality. It would be good to see what our debating teams could do if given enough time and space! Motions this term have included “This House would Read The Sun” where Shem Jacobs and James Grafton battled it out against Henry Stuart-Turner and Eli Haines. First time debaters, Jon Platts and Sam McCormack, ran Monty Gould and Mr Patterson very close in debating “This House believes that developing states should prioritise improving the economic conditions of their poorest citizens over environmental concerns” as a practice for the ESU Mace. Support from new arrival Dr Coke-Woods has also been greatly appreciated.
This term there have been several memorable debates for Years 7 to 9, from 'This house would intervene in North Korea' to 'This house believes homework should be abolished'. In the latter debate there was much passionate argument and the Opposition won. Another interesting motion was 'This house believes that war brings peace', won by Charlie Lockie and Max Hadley for the Proposition. Harry Rogers has also been an impressive speaker on several occasions. Turnout has continued to increase, and Miss Morris and Mr Williams always welcome new members.
Dr A Coke-Woods, Miss C Dowsett, Mr A Fraser, Miss S Morris, Mr N Patterson & Mr P Williams.
Anthony Fraser
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 58 CLUBS
FILM CLUB
This term in film club, Brennan Backs and Jess Cantrell got the year 7-9 students to make ‘Our School’ Music Videos on Monday evenings after school. This involved making music videos on the theme of school with others from their houses with the target of entering into a whole school competition. At its peak Film Club had 20 members which showed that there is a lot of interest in our school in making films before students can choose Media Studies as a subject.
Students had to plan, film and then edit within a strict timescale. This was a long process but the boys managed to group together and produce three films amongst the seven of them. Each one of them has improved in some way or another - from improving their film making skills to knowing who not to work with and being able to concentrate for more than five minutes at a time. At the moment they are doing a small, two week long project before Christmas. Each member is to film what Christmas is to them. For many of the boys, these were the first films they’ve made, so it’ll be great to see how they develop from this.
We welcome more member s to join – Room 43, 3:30-4:30 Every Monday. See Mrs Ravenscroft for more details.
HOUSE FILM COMPETITION – OUR SCHOOL MUSIC VIDEO Houses that were represented were Rhodes (5), Meads (2), Twyford (2), Waytemore (1), Dane (1) and Chantry (1). A fantastic effort from Rhodes this year but the other Houses need to make sure that they get organised early in 2014 and challenge Rhodes’ dominance. The two finalist films were made by Jamie Brewer (Rhodes) ‘Hey Ho Lyrics’ by The Lumineers and Tom Dickerson (Rhodes)/Elliot Davy (Twyford) ‘Mr Blue Sky’ by ELO. All participants have been awarded 5 credits each and the winning entry will receive 10 credits for their House as well as having their film shown at Awards Evening. Entrants Year 7 Jay Williams (Dane), Adam Bell (Chantry), Will Sheldon (Rhodes) Year 8 and 9 Daniel Winstanley (Waytemore), Mason Davies (Meads), Christian Macdonald (Rhodes) Year 11 Charlie O’Connor (Meads), Jeremy Moulton (Twyford), Tommy Tancock (Dane), Oscar Copper (Rhodes) Year 13 Jamie Brewer (Rhodes) Tom Dickerson (Rhodes) and Elliot Davy (Twyford) Liz Ravenscroft
ACADEMIC
EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION Sixthform
http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=233 Jesse Dickens
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 59
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
RUGBY
1ST XV REPORT 2013
Sixthform P - 15 Won 4 lost 9 abandoned 2
This year has been an extremely tough and challenging year at the top end of the school. Playing against some extremely strong schools and completing the toughest fixture card that the school has put together for a number of years was always going to push the players’ capabilities to the maximum.
In every game the 1st XV have shown, for small periods of time how dominant and good they could have been. however we have only developed this and shown our potential in 1 game all season, the last against Watford, where for the entire match we dominated in every facet and won 34 - 3.
Against St Albans, Campion we allowed the opposition to start fast and score early only to fight back and only narrowly loose those games by 14 - 0 and 12 - 0 respectively.
Against Mill hill we fought back from being 23-7 down to take the lead at 26-23 only to lose the game in the last minute - 28-26
Throughout the year we have struggled to develop our own basic skill levels as the attendance at training has been poor, therefore ensuring the students are in a position to cope with the scenarios that they are presented with has been a major issue.
This year could be summarised in the sentence ' we could have achieved so much more'
Congratulations to the winners of the awards Jack Fellowes-Prynne - Most Improved Players Henry Crimes - Most Outstanding player Jago Masden - Clubman of the year.
Most boys only get one year to play 1st XV rugby, when it is your turn to play 1st XV you MUST ensure that you grasp it with both hands and not end the year wondering 'if only'
Mr Ian Simpson
U16 RUGBY Played 12 Won 4 Lost 6 Districts WON
The U16 season is best not summarised by the results but by the attitude and team spirit focus and determination. A good example of this was in last match of the season against Bedford Modern. With no less than 8 A team players missing this was always going to be a tough game. Our forwards dominated and although we were ultimately beaten the players came off the pitch having enjoyed another great battle. The most memorable matches were victories over Mill Hill and RGS Colchester and winning the districts as the team which stood head and shoulders above the rest.
The full squad of the U16 team was only to be seen in the first couple of games, where the previous year’s team played fantastic rugby and looked unstoppable, with the forwards winning quick ball and the backs running with pace, passing with precision to score superb team Tries. It was hard for the team to see Will Powell and Olly fortune both selected for the 1st XV a great achievement and an experience which will have undoubtedly benefit their rugby playing ability and the team moving forward into the senior age group. With the loss of these players and some unfortunate injuries to other key players the team had to regroup, and soon realised this was going to
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 60 be a tougher season than the previous one. A great team spirit shone through. The team was having to be changed almost on a weekly basis players but players adapted superbly well. Regular U16B team players stepped up to play A team rugby, and other players played in a variety of positions, forfeiting their preferred position for the good of the team.
As a coach it has been pleasing to see players developed their skill level and improving decision making skills within each match and more importantly enjoyed their rugby. This very talented squad of players that have huge potential looking ahead to next year.
Coach: Mr Paine
U15 RUGBY Year 10
This season has seen the squad really develop into a fine team and hopefully it will continue well into the New Year with more fixtures in the NatWest (Formerly Daily Mail) Vase.
Although at the start of the season things did not go well when Ravens Wood School completely out played the Under 15’s and things got worse when Ollie Hougham was ruled out for another season at St Benedict’s. However, a game plan was formulated to reflect the squad and training started to pay off. This has put a lot of pressure on Arriyan Wells but his response has been first rate and he continues to develop as a player.
In the NatWest Cup we had good victories against both Hockerill and Saffron Walden County High to set up a fixture against the Perse. This was an excellent game which hung in the balance as we moved into the final minutes. Having coped well with a sin binning it looked like we might progress to the next round but the loss of scrum half Matt Foster to concussion proved critical and 2 late scores resulted in a 15 – 7 defeat. However, this proved to be a turning point and the team really started to believe from this point on.
The team continued to develop and had comprehensive victories over St Joseph’s, St Olave’s, RGS Colchester and a very satisfying victory over Mill Hill. Probably one of the best victories was away to Campion when a 22 – 17 victory was secured in very difficult conditions. These games all demonstrated the progress being made by the squad and that the work with the U15B players was paying off as many came into the team seamlessly. A tight game plan which involved a little more kicking than normal and the forwards carrying lots of ball was really looking good. Although when the opportunity arose Hadley Perry would still show what a wonderful running with the ball he is.
Having thought the Cup season was over we were surprised to find we had been entered into the NatWest Vase. Normally only teams removed from the Cup in the second round are eligible. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth we set about catching up with the fixtures. Sir John Lawes withdraw so we then had to await the winners of the match between Berko and Verulam. To our surprise we hosted Verulam School who proved to be very tough and were in the game until late on. However, with the confidence of the ability to play structured rugby we ran out 44 – 19 winners. This meant another St Alban’s team, St Columba’s would be the next visitor. Playing in possibly the worst conditions witness by myself at Jobber’s Wood with horizontal hail at times the boy’s reverted to a very close tight game plan and ran out 15 – 5 winners. These victories were a great effort as the squad was struggling under the demand of so many fixtures. To get all the fixtures played before the departure of many squad members to German it was necessary to play 4 games in a week. Victory over Mill Hill was the first, followed by the 2 Cup matches and then finally a tough fixture against the unbeaten Bedford Modern.
This last fixture was lost but it is probably the performance I am most proud of to date this season. Without key players due to the exchange and without the influential Dom Lilley the squad stood toe to toe and battled throughout. Dan Cotton and Zach Birse showed how well they have developed as a centre pairing and Jack Stewart yet again stepped in and did an excellent job at scrum half. Billy Teather led from the front and had another outstanding game, this time at No8. Going into the last 5 minute the U15’s were within a score but as they pushed for victory Bedford broke away twice to run out 50 – 31 winners. Some pride was taken in defeat as this was the most points they have conceded all season.
So far this season they have played 16 games of which they have won 9. This is a good return and it is hoped will improve with more victories in the Vase. The squad are fully committed to making the most of the opportunity and will be training over Christmas. They are due to play Stowe School, Bucks (check out their website) in the last 32 of the competition. Although this will be a challenge we go forward with confidence that we can progress and do the School proud.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 61 Overall this has been an enjoyable season which has seen the squad develop quickly and one that has the potential to do very well in the future. Everyone who has played under 15A team Rugby this year has done very well and they should be proud of their efforts. The lads from the under 15B team have been a credit also and they have really helped with the development of the A team.
Congratulations to Dom Lilley, Arriyan Wells, Bradley Etherington and Billy Teather for gaining representative honours.
Finally thank you to all the parents of your support this season and to Mr Neesam and Mr Wheatley for all the help. Getting so many players from year 10 playing Rugby is a credit to everyone involved.
M J Hale
U15B RUGBY Year 10
The season has seen ups and downs, but the dedication of the team has never faltered. It has been great to see how the players have developed as a team throughout the season, learning new ways of playing, how to work things to their strengths. The season has seen many fantastic performances and some outstanding results, especially the Felsted game where the team triumphed 73 - 5. Despite this the squad could not win every fixture and many games ended with a very close score unfortunately usually against us.
The one fixture that was a highlight was the tough battle fought against Uppingham, the lads dug deep and kept going despite relentless pressure, they showed their true passion for rugby and the back and forth nature of the game took its toll physically, but mentally the students gave everything they had and managed to secure victory, a truly fantastic and exciting game of rugby.
I thank the boys for all their effort, dedication and passion this year and am sure they will go on to succeed next year. Thanks must go to Mr Hale and Mr Wheatley for training and assisting running of the team as well as all the parents who came and supported.
Mr Darren Neesam U15B manager
U14 RUGBY TEAM
Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference
A Team 10 1 0 9 143 335 -192
B Team 9 1 0 8 121 322 -201
The results don’t tell the true story of the season and the progress that the team and players have made has been excellent. The A team had some very close matches and at the start of the season against Ravenswood they lost by 3 points in the final play of the game and this was also the case against St Benedict’s where we lost by a single point. The team showed their potential with a convincing win against St Joseph’s winning 31-17 with some fantastic tries and I thought this would be the turning point of the season. A tough loss to Felsted in which we were clearly the better team started a run of bad losses. The loss of Harry Chew, Max Bannister, Brandon Boulter and Max Bedford through injury had a big impact on the team and they struggled for the rest of the season. However, throughout the season the boys showed fantastic resilience and a true team spirit which will stand them in good stead for the future.
The B team made a great start to year 9 rugby with a good win against Ravens Wood 24-19 but that proved to be the best result of the season. The injuries that ravaged the year 9’s had a big impact on the B team as their better players were called up to the A team, but they continued to fight hard in every match and play with determination. During every match they worked hard and played as a team but were beaten on several occasions by just a few points in games against RGS Colchester, Bedford Modern and Watford Grammar.
The boys skills and knowledge have improved throughout the season and with a good pre-season and a growth spurt they will be very competitive next year.
Mr Harris
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 62
YEAR 8 RUGBY
Year 08
Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference
13 8 0 5 188 324 -136
9 4 0 5 206 227 -21
As the statistics above indicate the season has been a relatively successful season for both A and B teams. A change of tact this year saw Sam James (a former student a England international) come in and take over the A team when his other commitments allowed him to do so, the students and myself have learnt a lot from him and the boys have certainly benefitted from his knowledge and understanding of the game.
The season started with a difficult trip to Ravenswood, which indicated that the contact skills of the players was a major concern and this area has been continually worked on throughout the term and in the final game of the season the boys showed the improvements in this area which has been made.
Highlights of the season included winning the district tournament beating all five local schools in the process, excellent victories over St Joseph’s, Ipswich, St Olave's, RGS Colchester and St Edmund’s showed the potential in which this set of players have if they continue to work on their fundamental skills as they progress through the school .
Special mentions must go to Mark Hardie who has scored 22 tries for the B team this season and to all those students who have played rugby for the first time this season. Tom Andrews has combined his cross country training in becoming an accomplished second row and has been a real asset to have in the team. Tyler Gleed has continually turned in excellent performances week in week out, his hard work and determination are a credit and if he continues to develop he has the potential to become a very good rugby player. Bradley Taylor and Freddy Oakman have been selected to play county rugby which is a massive honour and one in which they deserve through their hard work and dedication to want to improve.
Without question both teams have improved as the season has progressed and this was no more evident than when playing against St Olave’s for the second time during the season. The first game was very tight with the A team only just winning while the B team had an off day and were soundly beaten. However during the return fixture the A team demolished the opposition while the B team were beaten only by 2 points again indicating the progress which has been made.
A thoroughly enjoyable season with many more highs than lows, and without question they saved the best till last, beating Watford GS 17-15 after trailing 15-5 at half time, and outstanding second half performance saw the side defend like they should every week and score two fantastic try’s to win the game by 2 points.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the parents for their support over the season and wish you all a happy Christmas.
Mr Swainson
YEAR 7 RUGBY
This is my fifth year in charge of Year 7 Rugby and the current cohort have had a lot to live up to in terms of performance and results against some of the toughest opposition in the country. They have continued the trend of excellence at U12 level by combining their natural sporting talent with a relentless determination to overcome challenges and a work ethic that is second to none.
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 63 Commitment to the intensive training programme of five sessions per week has been impressive and I have never had a tougher job in selecting players to represent the school, as there are so many able players. Competition for a position in the A and B teams continues to be fierce, which has really improved the playing standards of all players and created a healthy competitive atmosphere.
There have been many highlights so far this year, most notably being victorious in the District Championships; only conceding one try against St Benedict’s Ealing in the first game of the season after 3 weeks of training (in previous years we have lost by over 50 points due to their prep school history of playing rugby); and defeating Bedford Modern School (my old school!) for the first time at Year 7 level with a convincing 31-7 win with some of the best Year 7 Rugby I have seen.
The statistics really speak for themselves, with the B team being undefeated (apart from that game against Year 8s!) and the A team racking up 340 points and conceding only 88. This has led to them winning 12 out of 13 games and they are now ranked 7th in the whole country according to the Schools’ Rugby website league tables.
The challenge for the school now is finding opposition that are tough enough to truly stretch the boys as they have defeated many successful sides already this year. The real test will be when the boys compete in the County competition next term, where the best schools in Hertfordshire gather and battle for the prestigious County 10s Trophy. The school have only won this on one occasion at U12 level and that was in 2011, but if the boys continue to train hard and remain focused they are certainly in with a good chance.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff who have helped with Year 7 Rugby, as I would not be able to cope with all 155 players on my own! I would also like to thank all of the parents for washing kit and ferrying their son to and from matches, in addition to the core enthusiasts who join me on the side-line for every match and take part in such an animated way! Special thanks must also go to Mr Steve Williams for refereeing several matches and even writing match reports, which makes my job so much easier.
I look forward to a successful second term of Rugby – well done to all of the boys.
Mr M Brunker
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 64 GIFTED & TALENTED I have taken on this new role and responsibility from September 2013. Thus far I have given presentations to the new Year 7 intake on Standards Evening and given a presentation to governors about provision at The Bishop’s Stortford High School for our most able students. Here is an insight into what has been going on across the school regarding our Gifted and Talented students.
Natalie Maher
(Gifted &Talented Co-ordinator)
DRAMA Drama Scholars -A creative opportunity for enthusiastic drama students in Year 7 and 8 who are talented at drama. These students are invited to attend sessions that go beyond the confines of the classroom. They are eager to perform every week and work collaboratively on mini projects that stretch and challenge them. The sessions are planned and run by A2 talented Drama leaders. Tom Dickerson & Issy Bright who recently played Danny and Rizzo in the Whole School Production Grease. They enthuse our younger students, foster relationships, empower them with new skills and provide them with inspirational activities to engage in.
HISTORY
LOWER SCHOOL HISTORY CLUB A chance for enthusiastic and inquisitive students to go beyond the classroom curriculum and discover more about other periods, cultures and events. Run independently by a small group of A level students who research and plan each session!
SIXTHFORM Y13 Eight students attended an Extension lecture in Cambridge in half term on "The Federal Moment in the Decolonisation".
SIXTH FORM Extended Project. Great opportunity for Sixth Form students to undertake university style research into a topic and question of their own choosing.
SIXTH FORM
Approximately 30 Year 12 students attended an introductory Oxbridge session led by an ex TBSHS student, Louis Reynolds who is currently studying at Cambridge.
ENGLISH The English department t visited the Globe theatre. With Year 8
ART- SCHOLARS The Art scholars are involved in an extra-curricular typography project that will result in updating whole school display. We have taken groups of Year 7 and 8s to the National Gallery on two occasions this term. Various competitions have taken, the most recent being Christmas card designs. G&T work from all key stages is in the process of being uploaded on to the Saatchi schools award website. G&T student’s work is being used for visual level descriptors for others to model their own development.
Natalie Maher
Gifted &Talented Co-ordinator
Mitre Report Autumn 2013 Page 65