The STRATHALLIAN i 997-I 99 8 fc -- I mm Zoe Hall Tempera ‘Loch Morlich’ The STRATHALLIAN I9tyr]-i9()8 Vol XVII, No 2 Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth, PH2 9EG CONTENTS Editorial 2 Staff Notes 3 Speech Day 4 Prizes 5 House Reports 6 Chaplaincy Report and Salvete 20 M usic 21 Drama 28 St. Andrew’s N ight 32 Strathallan School: Beginnings 33 Strath Spice 37 Art 43 Trip to Nice 46 Reportage 48 Sixth Form Ball 49 T he Dame 50 Dragons 51 Politics 52 Science Matters 54 Ice Station Zebra 56 Irrigation in the Salvation Hotel 58 Brisbane Boys’ College 59 Sports and Other Activities 60 Strathallian Club 90 Obituaries 91 Valete 93 Editor: I W Kilpatrick Art Director: A E C McMorrine Archivists: G R M Ross; R H Fitzsimmons Photography: Miss E A England; Miss J R S Hutcheon; Mrs 11 McFarlane; D Armitage; D J Barnes; Graham Bird; Robert Mackenzie; P M Vallot Editorial Team: Gill Greenwood; Mary Hall; Alice Laing; Robert Mackenzie; Julia Scales Aknowledgements Copy Typing: Mrs Margaret Band; Mrs Lynne McDonald Advertising: Mrs T E Marlow Design: Pointsize Associates Limited The STRATHALLIAN PAGE 1 12 Editorial Captain of School V^^riting this having extremelyrecently -acquired the position of a past pupil, it already seems impossibly hard to remember all the tribulations that made us look forward so readily to our conveniently placed day of independence. All the memories of working (God forbid, we were sent there to learn) have evolved into a genuine fear of exam results; the fact that our rule- bound society has now become nation­ wide has taken away the thrill (and hopefully in certain cases the lack of skill) at remaining undiscovered; and although there are some people who we would not place on a to-be-missed list, few will be forgotten, and we will dwell on the ones who, however long their stay was, made Alison Hunter - Captain o f School 1997/98. an impact on our lives. As much as this sounds like a cliche, it is true. In a society as insular as Strathallan can sometimes seem, there develops a I-iooking back on my year as Captain of mutual recognition that the only beneficial policy within the pupils is School, I can see what Alisdair Sutherland democracy (... of course some would argue that the males in general take meant when he said that it was after you longer to overcome die instinctive finished that you realise the benefits of the job. philistine within them all.....) but So many people ask you what is it like to be Captain of School, and it is difficult to give everybody learns to recognise their own them a direct answer. It is very hard, time-consuming, and a convenient excuse which is needs and talents in an atmosphere of accepted by almost every member of staff. Back in February, I would have bemoaned that opportunity and support. Whilst had I not been asked to take the job I could have had much more time to study and so do Strathallan will always remain a better, but now, looking back on the year I realise that I would have been wrong. I would competitively academic school, the sport, get the same results even if I didn’t have the position. music, drama and all the other renowned “activities” bring together a world-wide It is, however, very difficult to find the balance and prioritise the things that you do collection of teachers and pupils that in a way that will make everyone happy - undoubtedly it is almost impossible. What I although in any other setting, could found hardest though was the fact that you could never escape. Every time someone saw appear unnatural, against the hectic me, pupil or master, I was ‘The Captain of School’ and that is both very tiring and hinterland of Forgandenny can be undermining, as anything wrong became the immediate burden on me. Could I echo my nothing but beneficial. predecessor’s opinion and make a plea that staff and pupils alike remember that the Captain of School is a person, not Just a position! Clare Proctor All of this aside, I owe a lot to the School. After the shock of the fact the Captain of Clare Proctor with Duncan Edwards in a scene from 'Billy Liar'. School was a girl, things did run fairly smoothly. I want to thank you all for resisting the temptation to silent chapels and placing cars in strange places. For all of this I owe even more to the Prefects, both School and House. The loyalty that this year has had for each other has done a lot in making it run so well, and the way in which the Prefects have stuck by my decisions, and their responsibilities, whether they agreed with them or not, commands my greatest respect. I also wish to thank the staff, in particular Mr Proctor for his advice and support, and the ones who encouraged and helped me through the blacker moments. Now that my year is over, I am looking forward to leaving and becoming my own person again. However, the friends that I have made, and the experiences that Strath has allowed will not be forgotten. In answer to the question that I was asked ‘If you could go back a year, would you make the same decision?’ I would say yes, I think it has been worth it. Captain of School 1997/98 PAGE 2 The STRATHALLIAN Staff Notes him out as an outstanding teacher. How he will cope in a country with possibly one of the worst World Cup records in Europe I do T l Government’s concerns not know but to him, Claire and the children we wish every happiness. about levels of teacher recruitment Last, but by no means least, MARK ASHMORE is leaving to has led to the series of advertisements which have study Singing at the Royal Northern College of Music and we shared a common message, namely “You never forget a good will miss greatly his contributions on the games field, to School teacher” and this adage certainly applies to the four members of Music, Biology, the Navy section and Freeland House, where he the teaching staff who have left Strathallan in 1998. was resident tutor. We will not, however, miss his growing JOHN BROADFOOT leaves to become Rector of collection of three-wheeled cars, one of which was skilfully Kelvinside Academy and I know he will enJoy the challenge. parked in the Chapel in the Summer of 1997. As Director of Studies he has had a central role in many of the Six new members of staff Join us for the academic year 1998-99. important changes that have taken place in recent years, having JEFF GODDARD, who comes as Head of Biology, taught at overseen the development of Expressive Arts, the introduction of Ewell Castle School in Surrey and brings with him and interest Staff Development and Appraisal and the drafting of School in wildlife and many sports and outdoor pursuits. JANE QUAN Development Plans. That he has done this while maintaining his takes on the new post of Head of Drama, having studied theatre commitment as a classroom teacher, house tutor and games coach and dance at Leeds and Surrey universities. She comes from is a measure of his talents. We will miss his energy, his gifts as a Moreton Hall School in Shropshire where she has been Head of producer of some truly memorable productions and his sense of Drama and been involved in Expressive Arts and Games. JIM humour. To him and Cecilia we wish every happiness. SALISBURY, presently teaching at Perth Grammar School, ANDREW MURRAY came to Strathallan for his first becomes Head of English. He is completing a doctorate at teaching job in 1990 and has proved to be an inspirational Dundee having taken his first degree at St Andrews and has teacher and fine Head of English. He has accepted a post at Lord interests in a number of games and motorcycling. Wandsworth College and, after a busy summer involving a move This year will also see the arrival of a full-time School and marriage, I am sure he will enJoy a new challenge in the Librarian for the first time. VALERIE MCKAY Joins Strathallan south. The Occasional’ cricket side will not be the same without having had experience as community and academic librarian and him and his talents as theatrical producer, in Ruthven as an could do much to strengthen the teaching resources of the School. outstanding tutor and on the games field will be much missed. ANDREW WATT, educated at the University of Natal, CHRIS MAYES, who has taught Economics and Business replaces Chris Mayes and should add to our games coaching as well. Studies for seven years, moves to the English School in Marbella. This has not been a snap decision in response to yet another Finally, CLAUDIA PILLAR, comes as a part-time member dismal summer but should prove to be a stimulating opportunity of staff to Join the Modern Languages Department and will teach for him. As resident and senior tutor in Freeland he has helped both French and German. numerous boys and his approachability and concern have marked We wish them all a warm welcome. AWM New staff of 7 998. The STRATHALLIAN PAGE 3 & Speech Day The Headmaster’s report focused on Lady Linklater, founder of die New matters more particular to the school, School at Butterstone for educationally bright May welcoming the government’s policy of fragile children, was then introduced to us putting education top of its priority list.