WREKIN NEWS SPRING 2017

1 BREAKING NEWS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Wrekin College has enjoyed an enormous amount of press coverage this year. In the first The new £1.2 million Wrekin College Business School was officially few weeks of term Wrekin has featured in: two articles in which generated some opened by -born retail entrepreneur Nick Wheeler, who debate on the subject of whether university is the only option after school, eight articles in The founded shirt company Charles Tyrwhitt. Shropshire Star, articles in Welsh Border Life, Shropshire Magazine, Wolverhampton Magazine, Mr Wheeler spoke to a packed audience of parents, staff, pupils, and another in the Independent School Parent magazine—the readership of these publications Governors, Old Wrekinians, guests and supporters about his alone total nearly a million. tips for future business success. He then joined with Head, Not only has our Head, Tim Firth been featured in these print publications, he has also been Girl Lucy Asson, to cut the giant ribbon and officially open the heard live on BBC Radio and Newstalk Radio extolling the virtues of a Wrekin College Business School. education and has been interviewed by local TV station Made in Birmingham. Our new Business Please visit the school website to watch the time-lapse video of the School has been featured on a number of news websites, including the recently launched construction of the Business School and an interview from Headmaster, Shropshire Business. Tim Firth, about the rationale for the new building.

Headmaster: Tim Firth

THE GUEST LECTURE SERIES–CAN YOU HELP?

What is life like as an entrepreneur or as a company leader? Organised by the Wrekin Business School, the Guest Lecture Series provides key insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs today, giving our pupils the opportunity to find out about the highs and lows of business from inspirational guest speakers. The lectures, which take place every Friday afternoon at 12.30pm, are open to all pupils (and parents too) and speakers are treated to a fabulous Wrekin College ‘school dinner’. This term pupils have heard how the travel industry has changed and developed in a fascinating lecture by adventurer Ant Eddies-Davies; learned from recent leaver Jared Guest on how to overcome obstacles when setting up your own business and from Chris Lewis, a biochemist turned defence expert. Please contact with Andy Hurd, Head of Business School ([email protected]), if you or your company would like to take part in the Guest Lecture Series. More information can also be found on the website www.wrekincollege.com/business.

2 3 THE 2017 DESIGN SHOW

The Design Show is our annual showcasing of the GCSE and A level pupils’ exciting, innovative and ambitious design projects. This year was no exception. From hammocks to skateboard bags, keyholders to wheelbarrows, coffee HRH QUEEN tables and cabinets, there were plenty of covetable ELIZABETH II pieces on show.

It is 50 years in since Queen Elizabeth visited Wrekin College on a whistle- stop tour of Shropshire to open ’s newly-built Shirehall. Head Boy at the time, David Franklin (W. 62-67), presented the Queen with a cricket bat for Prince Andrew. To see the archive film of the event please visit www.wrekincollege.com/thequeen.

ART EXHIBITION

The Queen is presented with a cricket bat for Prince Andrew

4 5 CROSS-COUNTRY

The cross country teams are in fine fettle. Hot on Bromsgrove’s heels the girls finished second at the recent Spring Relays at run by Shrewsbury School. In the Midlands and Northern Independent Schools Cross Country held at in the Colts race (Third - Fifth Form boys) our junior boys ran well against older teams and finished 16th out of 51. The girls’ team also performed very well, finishing fifth ahead of some some serious competition from Sedburgh, Uppingham and Oundle. Three girls,Georgie Benbow, Hannah Blakstad and Sophia Malpass represented Shropshire in the 2017 English Schools’ Cross Country Championships held in Norwich. The girls competed alongside the best athletes in the country all competing for national selection.

LANCASTER HOUSE DRAMA

Snow White and the Seven Robbers by Geoff Bamber

When King Benedict decides to take a new wife, life for his beautiful SNOWBOARDING SENSATION daughter, Snow White, takes a turn for the worse. The evil Queen Dragomira is consumed by jealousy and acquires a magic mirror Second-former Gabriel Adams is back in Austria with the GB which she hopes will confirm her as the ‘fairest in the land.’ The young snowboarding team. Having already won his first international princess is cast out into the forest to die but the interventions of a ROSS CAN ONLY GET BETA competition of the season, Gabriel is hoping to improve on his current group of inept robbers and an even more inept prince save her life... ranking of 8th in the UK. Since all the other athletes in the top ten The First Form pupils and Lower Sixth Form directors rose to the Ross Turner, Wrekin’s 12-year-old race ace, has attracted the are between the ages of 19-27 and Gabriel is just 13, this is a fantastic challenge. The result: a funny, well-timed play which had the audience attention of global brand Beta Tools UK, based at Hortonwood, achievement. in stitches. Telford. The company, which has backed the likes of MotoGP Despite the rigorous training regime from 9am to 4pm, six days a The adjudicator, Richard Cowley, Head of Drama at Packwood Haugh legends Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, has been following week, Gabriel keeps up with his schoolwork on his day off and School, awarded best actor prizes to Poppy Reeves, Hugo Negron- the talented racer for some years. in the evenings. Jennings, Hope Brown and Rio Silva. Best direction was awarded to Boscobel (Josh Kemp, Ryan Lloyd, Oliver Haigh,Tom Gittins and Cybil Ogude) and overall winner to Clun. FROM WREKIN CHOIR TO BEST IN BRITAIN

Old Wrekinian Tommy Hamer(B.08 –13) has sent us news of Semi-Toned the 14-strong A Capella group he is proud to be a member of. During November and December 2016, Semi-Toned competed in BBC2’s The Choir: Gareth’s Best in Britain. After battling it out to represent the South West, the group went on to win the competition with their arrangements of Candle in the Wind and Anthem of Praise. The group has recently released a cover of Beyoncé’s 7/11, the video for this was directed and produced by Tommy.

6 7 ART EXHIBITION

Creative and inspiring, a sneaky preview of GCSE and A level art. Please join us for the end of year exhibition next term which will showcase and celebrate the best of Wrekin’s creative talent.

8 9 MOZART’S REQUIEM INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC INTERNATIONAL SPORTS WREKIN YOUNG Another musical night to remember. With every single ticket sold, Wrekin was very proud that Director of Music Simon Platford MBE the singers and musicians from the Old Hall School Chapel Choir; AWARD was shortlisted for the 2017 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence. Wrekin Lancaster Choir, Wrekin College Orchestra and Combined MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Created to celebrate excellence in music and performing arts Choirs and fabulous soloists performed a repertoire of unique and Lorna Mackenzie and Hollie Williamson both received awards at education, the awards were presented in 13 categories, covering deeply profound music in the candle-lit Chapel. the recent John Beswick International Awards Evening, hosted by The Wrekin Young Musician Competition is in full swing and has new products and resources as well as hubs, music departments and , in recognition of their contribution to their sport seen two more rounds in recent weeks. We are very fortunate individual contributions to the sector. to have talented musicians prepared to enter the competition at an international level. Simon Platford MBE competed for the Musicians’ Union Inspiration and take part. The Vocal Round saw 20 pupils singing to a Lorna, who previously played hockey for Scotland, now plays in the Award alongside some of the UK’s brightest talent in music teaching, very high standard across all categories. The adjudicator was England Under 16 team. Hollie has recently competed at the English including the choirmaster of the Belfast Opera and Head of Music at Mrs Robyn Davies who announced Ellie Thornton(Upper 6th Institute of Sport in Sheffield in the 60m Hurdles event against some of Mildenhall College Academy. Form) as winner of the advanced category. Britain's top athletes, including Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thomson The Piano round was held in February and 19 pupils entered. Tim Firth, Headmaster said: "Simon has a remarkable ability to elicit and Megan Beasley. A great achievement, we look forward to hearing The adjudicator was Michael Davey (Organist Emeritus) and high standards of musicianship from Wrekin's pupils because he more reports from her in the future. again a wealth of talent was displayed. Mr Davey requested that expects great things from them and has confidence in them to deliver. both Atahan Camlibel and Henry Phillips from the advanced His confidence is infectious. He combines high standards with good category should move forward to the Grand Final, which takes humour and has the ability to stretch all musicians whether they are place in the Summer term. starting out or expert.” In her nomination of Mr Platford, music scholar Emily Burton commented, “Musicians of all ages and backgrounds shine because he takes the time to listen, offer support and advice and more importantly make a difference. Every single performer at Wrekin College is valued and nurtured to succeed…my music is incredibly important to me, PIZZA, PASTA, MASKS AND MORE and Mr Platford always ensures it is just as important to him. That is the sign of someone that is not only inspirational, but quite exceptional.” At the beginning of the half-term holiday, a group of Sixth Form artists Simon is pictured at the awards evening in London with his daughter embarked upon a journey to Venice; the Italian city of masks, romance... Jessica and Classic FM presenter Margarita Taylor. and lots and lots of art. Lorna Mackenzie and Hollie Williamson The trip began in the torrential rain through twisting, cobbled streets and over quaint bridges to witness the work of masters Bellini, Titian He combines high standards and Tintoretto. A journey by vaporetto down the Grand Canal to the with good humour and Peggy Guggenheim Collection treated the group to a stunning display of contemporary art; from Picasso to Pollock, Magritte to Miro. A walk has the ability to stretch all COOKERY LIVE! down to the Arsenale led to the Biennale Architettura, an incredible array of architectural submissions from countries around the world, musicians whether they are Saturday morning cookery classes, taught by Maths teacher and self- including a habitable hollow cloud structure and a paddle-inducing confessed foodie Tony Knight, are proving very popular with Wrekin swimming pool. starting out or expert. pupils of all ages. A new country is chosen every week allowing The pupils didn’t miss an opportunity to put their artistic skills pupils to discover delicious flavours from around the world as well to good use, producing fantastic sketches to form part of their as improving their cooking. Maybe they will follow it through at home! A level work.

10 11 P’TANG YANG KIPPER BANG

A relatively young cast and crew worked with exceptional effort, energy and commitment to bring this unique play to life. Adapted for the stage by Howard Brown (English Dept/Housemaster) this timeless rite of passage, started life as a made-for-TV play in 1982, in the early days of Channel 4. It is held in nostalgic high regard by those who remember it fondly from their youth. Adapting it to the stage was a creatively challenging, but ultimately rewarding process, particularly in terms of creating theatrical alternatives and entertaining workarounds for television’s editing and cinematic freedom. Under the fabulous direction of Howard Brown, the cast captured something of that unequivocal and (perhaps) unequalled ache and bliss of First Love: a common experience of innocent and wistful longing, furtive looks and heart-thumping anticipation, down all those endless carefree days, under summer skies of matchless blue.

12 13 NETBALL 1ST VII SOCK IT TO EATING THE FOUNDATION DISORDERS The Wrekin College Foundation was established in 2004 to support Wrekin netball continues to thrive at the highest level across all the school in its development plans and to provide funds for bursaries age groups. Players are encouraged and coached by a dedicated, and scholarships. Its long-term aim is to build the bursary fund through On Friday 3rd March pupils and staff pulled on their silliest, wackiest, expert team led by the Head of Girls’ Games, Caroline legacies, bequests and donations. We are proud of the traditions, boldest socks to raise money for Beat, the eating disorders charity. Ritchie-Morgan. which have evolved over the past 135 years and aim to ensure not #SockItSelfie The First VI qualified for the National finals again this year. only that the traditions of excellence, imparted by Sir John Bayley in Having defeated some huge schools in the West Midlands the 1880, are sustained but that there can also be a place at Wrekin for team faced even bigger competition when they played against future Wrekinians regardless of their means or background. We are the best in the country in some nail-biting matches. Improving committed to increasing the number of bursaries to talented pupils the school’s national position by two places the girls fought who would not otherwise be able to benefit from what Wrekin offers. hard to be placed 7th nationally. An outstanding achievement. Gifts made to the Foundation bring us closer to funding a bursary and helps us plan our future bursary provision. The First VII have qualified for the National finals again this year having defeated some huge schools in the West Midlands, As well as bursaries, we aim to fund projects in departments where the Under 13 team finished in the last eight nationally, the extra resources will take pupils’ learning to a new and exciting level. Under 16 team are County Champions and reached the West Midland Finals. MATHS, MATHS AND MORE MATHS

Nearly 500 children from over 40 different schools across the West Midlands take part in the annual Wrekin College Maths Challenges. These fun events are for children in Years, 4, 5 and 6 and indeed if they join Wrekin in Year 7 they can continue their love of the subject by participating in the UK Mathematics Trust Challenges. The UKMT intermediate level DID YOU KNOW…. results were released in March and 25 pupils (51 entries) have been awarded Bronze certificates and above. The …that Wrekin College has many rooms and facilities UKMT awards certificates to the top 40% nationally of all for hire? From small meeting rooms to large party pupils who sit this advanced maths test. rooms. We can provide catering to suit every budget from a simple sandwich lunch to gourmet banquets; we As well as the top ‘gold’ level, there are also two ‘Kangaroo’ How you can play a part levels for the very top scoring gold students. We have have contacts with florists, musicians and entertainers no less than four students in the Pink Kangaroo, the top and we can even help with the event planning. Perfect for parties, wedding receptions and conferences and Kangaroo level, and these four will be sitting an advanced There are a number of ways individuals and companies can help: training sessions. To find out more please contact test shortly. A super result! through regular giving, one-off gifts, legacies, gifts of share or Nikki Sammons: [email protected] or 01952 company donations. If you would like to help the school in any way 265609 the Headmaster or the Director of External Communications, Andy Nicoll, would be delighted to talk to you. (Headmaster: 01952 265602 [email protected] Development Office: 01952 265604 [email protected]). UNDER 13 CHAMPIONS We are committed to

The Wrekin College Under 13 girls’ hockey team played increasing the number of brilliantly in the Shropshire In2Hockey County Championship final against and won 3-0 making bursaries to talented pupils them the Shropshire In2Hockey county champions. An almost identical team have also been crowned County who would not otherwise Under 13 netball champions, and played their way through to the last eight teams in the English Schools’ Under 13 be able to benefit from what Netball Cup. Wrekin offers.

14 15 FORTHCOMING EVENTS JOINING WREKIN COLLEGE

Charity Film Evening—Rotary International Children usually join Wrekin College in the First or Third Form, when Wednesday 19th April most of them are 11 or 13 and at Sixth Form. Pupils can be accepted Wrekin College Centenary Theatre into any year group dependent on available places. The best way to A United Kingdom with David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike get a true flavour of Wrekin’s special atmosphere is to visit us. This £12.50 inc. refreshments will enable you to meet the Headmaster, tour school and most important of all meet the pupils. We would Year 4 Maths Challenge be delighted to welcome you to the school at any Friday 28th April time. Simply contact Ros Curel in the Admissions Has your school registered? Book online at Office by telephone 01952 265603 or email www.dcbeagle.com [email protected] and arrange a Ros Curel convenient time. KidsFest 13th and 14th May Join in the fun, come and see us at Shrewsbury’s KidsFest NEW FOR AUGUST 2017 Schools’ Relay Aquathlon Launching in this summer Sunday 14th May the new Wrekin College VIP Everyone welcome; no experience necessary Summer Camps, specialist See the website for more details netball and cricket coaching and Wrekin College Ball for budding thespians a three- day Shakespeare workshop– Sunday 26th May mime movement and clowning with the Strictly Arts Theatre The Old Hall School Open Week Company. Book and pay online at 5th –10th June www.wrekincollege.com/ Contact: Katy Phillips, [email protected] or 01952 223117 summercamps. to book your tour.

First Form Induction Day Thursday 22nd June

New Parents’ Evening Thursday 22nd June EXAMINATION DATES FOR Cricket Pavilion–drinks and nibbles and games for the children

Foundation Carribean Carnival Party ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2018 Friday 6th July 11+ Entrance Tuesday 7th November 2017 11+ Music Scholarship Wednesday 15th November 2017 11+ Art or Design Scholarship Thursday 16th November 2017 CHECK THE WEBSITE 11+ Sports Scholarship Friday 17th November 2017 11+ Academic Scholarship(invitation only) Saturday 25th November 2017 Seats for most events can be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/wrekinarts 13+ Entrance Tuesday 7th November 2017 13+ Art or Design Scholarship Thursday 9th November 2017 Please visit the website for latest news and further details on 13+ Sports Scholarship Friday 10th November 2017 all Wrekin College and Old Hall School events: 13+ Academic Scholarship Monday 20th November 2017 13+ Music Scholarship Wednesday 22nd November 2017

www.wrekincollege.com Sixth Form Art or Design Scholarship Thursday 9th November 2017 Sports Scholarship Friday 10th November 2017 Entrance and Academic Week commencing Scholarship interviews Monday 13th November 2017 Music Scholarship Wednesday 22nd November 2017

For all entrance enquiries and further information please contact the Admissions Office by telephone 01952 265603 or email [email protected].

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