ISSUE 721 MARCH - MAY 2020 OVERSEAS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE

EDUCATION How do you play your part in giving young people the best possible start in life? 21828 Steinway ROSL Lang Lang.qxp_Layout 1 16/01/2020 14:22 Page 1

WELCOME

The Royal Over-Seas League is dedicated “The greatest joy in to championing international friendship and understanding through cultural and education activities around the Commonwealth and beyond. my time at ROSL has A not-for-profit private members’ organisation, we’ve been bringing like-minded people together since 1910. Front Cover: Griffin Schools Trust been in the people OVERSEAS EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Mr Mark Brierley: that I have met and [email protected]; +44 (0)20 7408 0214 Design zed creative: www.zedcreative.co.uk Display advertisements The Media Sales House: worked alongside” +44 (0)20 3004 7201; [email protected] ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE As we start a new decade, we can also look back 100 years to the 1920s, Incorporated by Royal Charter Patron HM The Queen which were a turning point for us with the purchase of Vernon House Vice-Patron HRH Princess Alexandra KG GCVO as a memorial to those lost in the devastating war and other properties President The Rt Hon the Lord Luce KG GCVO DL Chairman Mr Alexander Downer AC in Park Place, as well as our incorporation by Royal Charter. There are Vice-Chairman Prof Meryll Dean* Deputy Chairman Mrs Anne Wilkinson* many highlights in ROSL’s history and 60 years ago ROSL gained its royal Hon Treasurer Mr Richard Harbord FCA* title. The last decade presented ROSL with challenges, which have been a Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR; +44 (0)20 7408 0214; catalyst to tackle long-standing structural issues. At the start of the 2020s, Fax +44 (0)20 7499 6738; [email protected]; www.rosl.org.uk we can turn to embrace the future in the belief that organisations like CENTRAL COUNCIL ROSL and the Commonwealth are now more vital than ever. Mr Anjola-Oluwa Adeniyi Dip IoD, Mr David Banks*, Ms Penny Bristow, Nik Raof Daud, Prof Meryll Dean*, Mr Peter Fernandez FFCA, Miss Judith Fisher, In 2020, our Royal Charter will be updated with the approval of the Mr Keith Green, Ms Fiona Harshaw MRICS, Mr Stephen Johns, Mr Alex Lamley, Privy Council and our governance structures will be modernised through Mr Vic Laws MBE FIH, Prof Eve Mitleton-Kelly, the introduction of new bye laws. You can read about these proposals on Mr David Nicholson*, Mr Phil Nicklin BA FCA, Miss Samantha Pickett, Mrs Helen Prince, page 38 of this magazine. Our Chairman, Alexander Downer AC, will Dr Monica Seeley, Mr Atholl Swainston-Harrison*,

ë á Å ~ ä Mrs Raye Ward, Mr Frank Wibaut, ~ be leading our new Council in setting out the vision for ROSL in the ä Mrs Anne Wilkinson* (*Executive Committee) ó = Å å Director-General Dr Diana Owen OBE next decade. In parallel, the ROSL Trust has also updated its governing +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x201;

É ë ó = ç framework and is reviewing its purpose under the leadership of a new í [email protected]

ç ì ê Chief Finance Officer Mrs Alexis Corzberg FCMA:

= Å Chairman, Clive Carpenter. Both are opportunities to respond to the I [email protected] Ñ í ç Director of Membership, Marketing and expectations and aspirations of our members and those we support ë Å ê Communications Mr Jon Kudlick: í = ~

ê +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x204; [email protected] around the Commonwealth. É Ä

ç Director of Education Projects = ê

ç W Ms Margaret Adrian-Vallance MBE:

í Since 2017, we have embarked upon a complex period of adjustment and +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x307; [email protected] Ü ç é Artistic Director Mr Geoff Parkin: change, and many of those projects will be ending in mid-2020. I have +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x325; [email protected] Resident Manager Warren Miller therefore concluded that it would be a good time to step aside and for +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x203; [email protected] a new Director-General to take over. The search for my successor will be Director of HR Mrs Sarah Banner: [email protected] well under way by the time that you read this. The greatest joy in my time Membership +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214; [email protected] at ROSL has been in the people that I have met and worked alongside. For more contacts visit www.rosl.org.uk/the-team Print Gemini Print Group: +44 (0)127 346 4884 The feeling of a community with shared values coming together has The journal is published by the Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, helped to carry us through some difficult times and also provided “If I am to play my best, there is no way but Steinway.” London SW1A 1LR. Any views expressed in editorial and any advertisements included are not necessarily some wonderful occasions. More about that in the next issue! endorsed by the Central Council. LANG LANG ISSN 00307424 STEINWAY ARTIST Diana Owen OBE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Steinway Hall London W1U 2DB For more information or to arrange a private appointment at our London showrooms, please call: 0207 487 3391 or email [email protected]

WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 3 From the EDITOR With more than 60% of the Commonwealth’s two billion inhabitants under the age of 30, education is central to the future prosperity and security of the world. But with access and quality varying so widely across the world, many challenges remain if the next generation are to be properly equipped to face the future. In this edition of Overseas, we look at some of the problems and possible solutions. One of which is the question of the best way to get the most out of students. Is the current model of test after test after test the most effective to teach and to learn? Natalie Healey investigates on page 10. Are the very subjects we are choosing to specialise in what society needs? Despite a huge increase in university graduates in developed countries, a corresponding increase in skilled workers in key sectors such as engineering and medicine has not been witnessed. On page 6, Abi Millar asks if we should be turning to vocational training options to plug the skills gap. On page 34, The Commonwealth of Learning’s 18“Education is the most Asha Kanwar and Alexis Carr ask if we need to rethink not only what we learn, but also the way we learn, if we powerful weapon which you want to tackle the changing climate around us. Nesta’s Hannah Owen advocates for increasing technology can use to change the world” in education to tackle the issue on page 22, and a new government-funded testbed aims to help. While some of the issues faced by today’s youth are universal, some are specific to the country, as Ross Davies finds out on page 18, where he takes a look at learn? Natalie Healey 22.  30.  46.  WELCOME Technology The ROSL Trust: NEWS & EVENTS ROSL around the world the education systems of Australia, India, and Canada. investigates alternative in education Into a new decade News and events from 3. From the D-G ways of learning Nesta's Hannah Owen with a new Chairman 38. Governance update wherever you are, thanks And why does all this matter to us? Because ROSL’s As we enter a new discusses the potential Clive Carpenter, the Modernising the way to our our global branch long-standing commitment to education is at the heart 14.  decade, Diana looks School of thought risks and rewards of new Chair of ROSL's ROSL is run has been network and the Global Teacher Prize of many of the organisation’s activities. On page 30, back at where we have more technology charitable arm, explains a central part of Diana's clubhouse-based London recipient Peter Tabichi New ROSL Trust Chairman Clive Carpenter explains come from and where in the classroom the work of the trust tenure. We find out what Group tells Sir Anthony Seldon how decisions are made for funding education we are heading for pupils, teachers and how project funding changes are being 48. Event highlights and music projects, each of which wouldn’t be about his upbringing decisions are made proposed as the project and parents Celebrate Commonwealth possible without your invaluable support. WORLD and how it informs his enters its final stages Day 2020 with ROSL, join teaching ROSL PEOPLE 34. The climate is changing These two strands of music and education are being 6. Mind the gap - do we need to change 40. News and views our Evelyn Wrench series Abi Millar asks if more for a lecture or supper, and brought together. Artistic Director Geoff Parkin 18. Access for all 26. Music education at the way we learn? An update on the Master vocational training is introduces two projects, supported by ROSL, which aim to The challenges of good home and abroad To tackle the climate Building Strategy, plus find out what member-led the answer to closing education vary across Geoff Parkin introduces crisis, do we need to Diana's decision to groups are taking place put music education at the heart of learning on page 26. the skills gap in key the Commonwealth, as two projects that bring rethink what we learn step down, a review this Spring. Plus, take a look industries As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. Please get Ross Davies finds out music and education and how we learn it, asks of the Photography at what accommodation offers are available for your in touch with any questions or feedback. 10. Testing the water when looking at the together on different The Commonwealth of Competition, the new next visit to the clubhouse Is test-taking the best examples of India, sides of the world, in Learning's Asha Kanwar Composition Prize, Mark Brierley way for young people to Canada and Australia the UK and Antigua and Alexis Carr and more 50. Events calendar [email protected]

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recruit doctors and nurses from abroad. However, the RCN spokesperson points out that Brexit hasn’t happened yet, and we should be cautious about making sweeping claims. The engineering sector is facing similar issues. According to EngineeringUK, there is an estimated annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers with skills at level 3 and above, and a shortfall at graduate level of 22,000. Restrictions on the flow of engineering talent between the EU and the UK are likely to make the situation even worse. “The UK is experiencing a persistent engineering skills shortage that threatens its future position as a leading nation for industry and innovation,” says Tom Gunter, Education Policy Advisor at the Royal Academy of Engineering. “The reason originates within the education system. There is a precipitous fall in engagement with STEM subjects after GCSE.” He adds that, while the demand for traditional engineering skills is growing, the other issue is digitisation, which is changing the skill mix required. “The fourth industrial revolution is driving increased demand for software systems engineers; data scientists; and roles in automation, energy and artificial intelligence,” he says. “The uptake of industrial digital technology requires a workforce equipped with the necessary skills, but many businesses, particularly SMEs, are not in a position to upskill or reskill their workforce.” It’s hard to resist the conclusion that the UK’s education system and its labour market are fundamentally misaligned. And this n 1999, then UK prime minister The figures are similar in Australia, as too clever. The more you know, (notably those in STEM fields) suffer student bursary in 2017, which has meant a mismatch is unlikely to be rectified simply Tony Blair made a pledge. He said where 41% of 19-year-olds were enrolled in the further you’ll go,” he said. from a serious lack of trained staff. drop in the number of people applying for by increasing student numbers. he wanted half of all school leavers higher education as of 2016. In Canada, the Unfortunately, this hope hasn’t entirely For instance, the NHS in England is nursing courses and people leaving as well.” Not Going To Uni, a jobs board for school to go onto university – not surprising number of adults with college or university come to pass. In the UK, as in many other facing a shortfall of more than 100,000 Brexit is likely to exacerbate this situation. and college leavers, was started in 2008 to for a politician who had built his qualifications grew from 48.3% in 2006 to countries, the workforce is simultaneously people – a gap projected to grow to almost Between July 2017 and July 2018, 1,584 more help applicants realise the opportunities election manifesto around the words 54% in 2016. And in sub-Saharan Africa, overqualified and underskilled, with the a quarter of a million by 2030. These staff EU nurses and health visitors left their roles that lie outside a university route. While ‘education,I education, education’. At the about 9% of young people are in tertiary boom in university degrees co-existing with shortages could lead to longer waiting lists in the NHS than joined. According to the they aren’t anti-university, they seek to point time, around 39% of young people were education, more than double the figure a well-documented skills gap. It’s almost and deteriorating quality of care. Liberal Democrats, Brexit will cost the NHS up the benefits of apprenticeships, degree in higher education, up from 14% at the from the start of the century. a cliché to talk about the person with a “There are 43,000 nurse vacancies in the an additional £60million a year in fees to apprenticeships, gap years, traineeships, end of the 1970s. For Tony Blair, who described education humanities PhD who goes on to work NHS in England, which and jobs. More than 20 years later, that pledge has as ‘the greatest liberator of human potential in a coffee shop. is more than there’s “We have seen many changes over the been fulfilled. Figures for 2017/18 show there is’, a growth in student numbers was According to a 2018 study by the ever been before,” says 12 years we have been running, the main that 50.2% of 17-30-year-olds had been to directly tied to a better skilled workforce. Organisation for Economic Co-operation a spokesperson for the one being the rise of unconditional offers university, a fractional but symbolically Through promoting equality of opportunity, and Development (OECD), 28% of graduates Royal College of Nursing. to universities and therefore the decline in significant increase on the year before. This he wanted to shape a workforce ideally in England have jobs that don’t require “The biggest factor certain areas of non-university routes,” says growth is expected to continue, despite the suited to the emerging ‘knowledge economy’. a degree – double the average for OECD contributing to this decline the website’s Lewis Scott. “This has led to an fact annual tuition fees now stand at £9,250. “In today’s world, there is no such thing countries. At the same time, many sectors is the removal of the NHS increase in the skills gap. Those who finish

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university and then go into work aren’t Especially for an industry like engineering, in return, treating their apprentices more necessarily given the best skills to compete vocational routes play a key role in training like students than employees. with their more experienced colleagues.” the next generation. The government does Around 60% of school leavers go through He adds that, while there will always be appear to be taking this seriously, with the Dual System, working part-time in the some careers that require a degree, many a new technical qualification, T-levels, workplace and part-time at a vocational courses have been created purely to bring being launched in September this year. school. The upshot is that unemployment funds to the university. They certainly “The vast spectrum of engineer and among young people is very low. We see a don’t teach the skill set that employers are technician roles needed to support the UK similar story in Switzerland, where around looking for. economy requires a mix of skills, and the two thirds of young people undertake “I think the governments of the past three government’s reforms should lead to a clearer apprenticeships. or four years have realised this and looked to landscape of technical education,” says It’s no wonder that the US is looking to improve the apprenticeship sector,” he says. Gunter. “A-levels and a university degree Europe for inspiration. In 2014, former “Increased funding to companies in regards are not the only route into engineering, President Barack Obama pledged to double to taking on apprentices has encouraged and technical and vocational education can the number of apprentices from 375,000 to companies and opened their eyes to the open additional doors into the profession.” 750,000 by 2019. Since then, the numbers possibilities that apprentices can bring.” To look beyond the UK, one country with have grown, with 585,000 apprentices as The UK Government’s apprenticeship a strong track record in apprenticeships of 2018. However, the country has some levy, introduced in April 2017, was designed is Australia. Here, apprenticeships are way to go before the German model catches to create three million apprentices by 2020. employer-led, and non-profits are used to on – only 17% of American students have Essentially, it is a tax on larger companies match apprentices with companies. These non- worked in an apprenticeship or internship that can be claimed back for apprenticeship profits, called Group Training Organisations, related to their goals. training. However, the purported benefits provide opportunities for employers that can’t It seems clear that non-degree routes can haven’t come to pass, with the number of support the apprentice for the full term of their benefit the labour market, ensuring the apprenticeship starts in 2017/18 dropping training, and are widely used by SMEs. links between training and the workforce by more than a quarter. Within Europe, the undisputed king of are watertight. Beyond that, it’s obvious that There has been a widespread call for further apprenticeships is Germany. Since apprentice vocational training can benefit the trainees reforms. In fact, one 2017 study, by the Close wages are quite low, smaller businesses can themselves. Brothers Business Barometer, suggested that afford to take on apprentices. However, they “We see a lot of success stories from those 82% of the UK’s SMEs feel that apprenticeships are expected to provide high-quality training who choose the apprenticeship route,” are the solution for closing says Scott. “It’s simple really – with an the STEM skills gap. More apprenticeship, there is learning on-the-job than three quarters of with experienced colleagues, as well as being business owners agreed that taught and guided within an educational apprenticeships are a valuable environment. As well as this, they’ll be alternative to university – earning a salary and get a qualification although 22% said they couldn’t on top of all that. This sets the apprentice afford to run an apprenticeship up with the skills, in the best possible scheme themselves. environment to have a successful career.”

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ven though the trees are the same test being sat by however many through examination though, she stresses. heavy with blossom and different students and externally marked.” A pupil likely won’t reap the benefits of the London air is filled However, he does acknowledge that revising for an exam unless it’s fit for purpose. with the promise of early exams can provide an unfair advantage “If a teacher's goal is to enhance students' summer, I feel a gnawing to those who can afford to spend the most abilities to form and present a persuasive ache in my stomach when time revising, and can encourage superficial political argument to others, then a speech May approaches. The dread thinking - learning answers, rather than or debate may be more appropriate than an that accompanies exam truly engaging with the subject matter. What exam. If the goal is to capture innovative season has never left me, also doesn’t help is that exams are not only a design skills, then the time limit imposed in even though it’s been well way of assessing individual learning but also an exam may inhibit creativity,” Van Bergen over a decade since I took serve as a measure of how well a school is points out. my last academic assessment. I suspect I’m performing. not alone. I imagine you too can smell the As primary school headteacher Zoe WHEN TESTS LEAD TO STRESS sweaty, cramped assembly hall, where you Carciero from The Samara Trust in One major flaw of exams is the psychological spent many hours over several summer Cheshire, UK points out: “Whilst it is the impact. It’s impossible to deny that the terms desperately hoping the revision you’d children that undertake them, statutory pressure to get the grades can be an done would be enough; that the questions assessment tests (at primary level in the UK) incredibly stressful experience, even for you wanted would come up. are primarily utilised to measure school the most able students. Last summer, UK Despite their anxiety-inducing potential, performance.” children’s charity NSPCC revealed that most of us think of exams as a necessary Millard says: “What you end up with is thousands of young people had been calling evil. But the efficacy of test-driven learning schools panicking because the results of its telephone support service, Childline, has long been debated, and the concept of these tests are so important for the careers because of exam stress. ‘teaching to the test’ (where a curriculum is of teachers. If the results take a dip, it's hard “I still have dreams about geography heavily focused on preparing students for to think of worse news for a school. This fear A-level and I'm late for the exam. I think standardised exams) largely criticised. can lead to a washed-back curriculum and that stress really does stick with you,” opines Writer Will Self expressed his despair for ‘teaching to the test’.” Millard. “My oldest nephew did his GCSEs the UK education system on BBC Radio 4 last year and I had a real vicarious sense of in 2017. While trying to help his daughter WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SHOW? just wanting it to be over for him.” revise for her English Literature paper on Does cramming for an exam actually lead Exam stress is not limited to UK children, Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, he to knowledge retention in the long term? as Toronto-based Dr Stuart Shanker, discovered her teachers had hinted that Or is it forgotten as soon as you’re out of the Research Professor Emeritus of Philosophy reading the book was merely optional and room? Penny Van Bergen is an Associate and Psychology at York University, can instead to focus on a few choice extracts that Professor in Educational Psychology in attest. He believes high levels of stress can would likely come up in the exam. Self was the Department of Educational Studies at lead to poor behaviour and reduced physical aghast that a student who hadn’t even read Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. well-being. But instead of abolishing exams, the text could do better than a pupil who’d She says research suggests that studying Shanker, who is also the founder and CEO of made the effort to really study. He concluded for an exam will help you to remember the social enterprise The Mehrit Centre, believes that children were learning how to tick the material later down the line. young people should learn to understand box, without ever needing to think outside of “Each time you practise retrieving the the nature of stress and how to best respond it - an ethos that could backfire in adulthood same material in different ways, the memory to it. when real problem-solving skills would be pathway for that material gets stronger. This “We tend to assume that the stress is required. is great if long-term retention is the goal, the same for all students: a fixed variable, Clearly, formal exams do serve a purpose and it often is,” she says. “Consider the case which is a function of the number and though. They provide a measure for of a future podiatrist needing to remember difficulty of the questions, set against time. academic success and give students the different parts of the foot, or an engineer We naturally conclude that the key factor chance to prove themselves. They also allow needing to know how temperature affects that differentiates results is the student’s schools to be objectively compared. the stress curve of a given metal.” knowledge.” “I don't think exams are a bad thing,” says Not all forms of learning are best assessed This is not the case, he reveals. The stress Will Millard, Head of Engagement at of an exam is highly individual and a London-based think tank The Centre pupil’s reaction to it can have a major for Education and Youth. “In fact, far influence on performance. from it. Obviously, there are going to be Shanker is best known for his work some students who are perhaps more on the psychophysiological theory of inclined towards doing well in these self-regulation. It involves controlling sorts of things. And of course, they can one’s behaviour and emotions in the be stressful. But essentially, you've got pursuit of long-term goals.

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He says he wants to help thrive in the technological students shift their mindsets world full of rapid change so they can thrive under, not and challenge,” she says. just tolerate, the stresses that Technological advances test-based learning affords. will likely bring new “Something I witnessed forms of assessment in from my students is that future, but that doesn’t those who developed a regular study routine, a particular grade to graduate. Additionally, a mean traditional exams will be dismissed. beginning well before the exam, reported self-assessment component has been introduced Educators and governments will still need that they enjoyed the experience so much where students are able to score their own to find the most appropriate test for a that they were actually a little disappointed development in these core competencies. particular subject and ensure it underpins, when it was all over,” he reveals. Some critics have called the accuracy not undermines, the teaching. of self-assessment into question, but “I think the debate often gets a bit side- WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Shanker believes its value should not be tracked into those two extremes: exams As the debate over test-based learning rages on, underestimated. At the end of a course he are great or exams are terrible. All of one education systems across the world are looking teaches at The Mehrit Center, pupils are asked thing and nothing else is never likely to be into reform. The New Zealand Government to relate specific aspects of the material in a particularly constructive. It always comes recently announced plans to change the manner that personally resonates to them, back to: what are you trying to do with the National Certificate of Educational Assessment rather than completing a traditional exam. assessment? And what information do you (NCEA) to increase focus on numeracy, “The result has been an astonishing burst of want to get from it?” concludes Millard. literacy, and exams. And while the United creativity: poems, blogs, works of art, musical States also heavily relies on standardised tests, compositions, posters, and essays that all formal assessments are being scaled back reveal a depth of learning that goes far beyond across the border on the west coast of Canada, anything we might have expected from a in an attempt to give teachers more autonomy. multiple-choice assessment tool. This is the “In British Columbia, there have been perfect example of why it is so important attempts to move more towards skills and to clarify your goals before you address the core competencies [such as critical thinking question of how to ‘measure success’,” he says. and emotional well-being], over and above Carciero believes we need novel tests. “The content and knowledge,” Millard reveals. future of education needs to be innovative, Our sister organisation, the At the end of secondary school, students creative and collaborative in order to grow English-Speaking Union still take provincial exams in literacy and the leaders of tomorrow. Pupils will need (ESU), also founded by Sir numeracy, but they’re not now required to get digital problem-solving skills in order to Evelyn Wrench, has a long history of promoting alternatives to traditional testing, namely through the promotion of oracy in schools. Being able to express yourself verbally is a key life skill that is just as important as written abilities.

DISCOVER DEBATING The ESU's latest programme, Discover Debating, uses fun, engaging games to encourage children to learn the skills of debating, and oracy more generally. The core skills of reasoning and evidence, listening and response, organisation and prioritisation, and expression and delivery are all covered.

To learn more about the work of the ESU, visit www.esu.org

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SCHOOL OF THOUGHT Kenyan teacher and Franciscan brother Peter Tabichi received worldwide acclaim in 2019 when he received the Varkey Foundation’s $1million Global Teacher Prize. In October, he joined ROSL member Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, on stage at Over-Seas House to discuss his life and teaching career

Great teaching is something that is totally would be a good profession. As early as high transformative, so can you share with us a little school, you had to choose your four preferences bit about your early background. Why did you for subjects you would like to study at college, and get into teaching? I just chose education, education, education, Thank you so much for my invitation to come and education! That was despite people telling me that share my story. I teach science and mathematics teaching was not a good profession, it doesn't pay back in Kenya. Growing up, I went through a well. But seeing my father doing so much that was number of challenges, to the extent that I wasn't inspiring, I felt like I should still go into it. It is even sure that I would attend secondary school, not about the salary, even if you are paid millions, and then go on to college. I used to walk bare I believe it is about having the passion and taking footed for 7km to elementary school every day for on the responsibility of society. years on end. There was no library, so there were definitely challenges. What is your approach in the classroom? We’ve all been through challenges, so I know So, no books? you have to give support to every child, whether No books. Just teachers teaching us from their they are high or low achievers. The low achievers notes. They were the ones who inspired me to also have something, maybe they have low self- really believe that I could do something with esteem, and that affects their marks. It is now our my life. role to make them see the other side of the coin, it's not just the academic, they have other skills Peter on stage at Over-Seas Describe one of your most inspiring teachers. they can nurture. They can paint, they House, discusses his teaching at the Keriko Mixed Day I come from a family of teachers. My relatives are can dance, they can sing. You just need to give Secondary School in Pwani all teachers, even my own father was a primary them the opportunity. Village, in Kenya's Rift Valley school teacher. I liked his way of teaching; he inspired me so much. It was more about character formation, ensuring you had life skills and values, it was not marching to the academic drum. Students, at times, want someone with that kind of knowledge. He was very firm on giving them the kind of education that would make them become independent and know how to promote peace, how to become useful people in society.

When did you decide you were going to become a teacher yourself? After meeting a number of teachers, my father being the first, and then throughout high school and college, who made me work hard, I considered through their inspiration that teaching

14 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 15 WORLD CELEBRATING 150 YEARS daily ‘celebration hour’ with outstanding wines to try special events and tastings • victorian specials • 150 superb prizes to be won wine merchant offers

There is time set aside for lessons, time for about peace necessarily, you don't have to mention activities after class at 4pm. So I put the students the word peace, it just looks for ways to bring into activities that will suit them beyond their them together. lessons. I have created a talent-matching club that enables them to find out what they excel at. Are you optimistic about the human race and peace prevailing? Do you think the 21st century Exclusive wine supplier to The Royal Over-Seas League, So it's a holistic approach? If they can't succeed in will be more peaceful than 20th century? Davy’s was founded in 1870 and remains fully independent and family owned the classroom, you give them other things that they I'm optimistic. There is more effort to promote can feel good about. Do your holy orders inform peace. I have come across many people who strive this? for peace in schools, in institutions, and in DAVY'S WINE MERCHANTS DAVY'S WINE BARS Yes, my being a Franciscan brother is all about governments. That brings hope. I pray for peace. I OVER 600 QUALITY WINES FROM AROUND MODERN BRITISH MENU AND EXCLUSIVE getting out into the community and making a wish that we all have peace. When you have peace, THE WORLD SELECTION OF WINES difference. As opposed to monks, who in most GLOBAL TEACHER you can be united to tackle other problems. That's cases remain indoors and take time to reflect and PRIZE when things like climate change can be tackled. EVERYDAY DRINKING, FINE WINES AND PRIVATE EVENT SPACES FOR PARTIES pray, some brothers are doctors, some engineers, The Varkey Foundation's CELLAR PLANS AND CORPORATE EVENTS some farmers, and some are teachers like myself. $1million Global Teacher What did winning the Varkey Foundation prize CORPORATE BESPOKE GIFTING WEEKEND BRUNCH AND SUNDAY LUNCH Prize has been rewarding mean to you? How has it changed your life and the Tell us about teaching for peace. Can we really in outstanding contributions life of your community? the world teach people to be more peaceful, caring to the teaching profession When it was announced, at first it was a surprise. I and responsible for the environment, and for each since 2014. didn't know exactly what it was! Many people have other? Peter's 2019 win saw approached me and told me that it has inspired Yes, I believe that education is not just about him chosen from a field of them. There is much we can do together. Now that getting grades, it's about holistic development, in several thousand nominees. I have this voice, I want to use this platform to terms of knowing how to handle people and how He has already said he will promote STEM: science, technology, engineering, to become peaceful, therefore that's why I give 80% of his winnings away maths. We are facing so many challenges, like encourage them to be peaceful, be honest. I to help the local community climate change, like food shortages, like water believe that's what you need. At school, as well as and his school, where there shortages, which can be addressed if we train our talent-matching club, there is peace club. It is currently just one teacher young people to learn the problem-solving skills encourages students to come together, not to talk to every 58 students. that STEM provides. There's more I need to do. see online for more details    davysoflondon • www.davy.co.uk 16 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WORLD WORLD

ACCESS for ALL From indigenous communities to girls and migrant children, access to schooling in parts of the Commonwealth is fragmented. Ross Davies reports on the respective education systems of Australia, India, and Canada to highlight how these issues are being tackled

ducation is the most powerful Thankfully, there have been encouraging “The differences are stark,” he says. weapon which you can use to signs to tackle the access issue, which “Taking children in some of the country’s change the world,” Nelson Mandela has become a major theme at recent most disadvantaged areas, they are half as once said. Few would disagree Commonwealth Heads of Government likely to be enrolled in preschool education with“ the inspirational E former South African meetings. Member states taking action at four years old. They are also half as likely President, who died in 2013. include the UK, which invests around £1 to be able to access at least 15 hours of pre- Unfortunately, though, access to education billion per year into programmes around school education.” across the globe is still far from universal. the world, including the Global Partnership Australia is living, breathing testament to Too often, the factors behind whether or for Education, whose key aim is improving the fact that the access issue is not confined not children remain in the school system are access in developing countries. to the world’s poorest nations. According to decided along the fault lines of social class, But for true, transformational change Credit Suisse’s annual global wealth report gender, and ethnicity. For those growing to be made, research into root problems is from 2018, Australia enjoys the highest up in the world’s poorest economies, a lack paramount, believes Professor Alan Duncan, median wealth in the world, yet there are of schools, books, or teachers means only a of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre in still pockets of the country where many small minority enjoy a decent education. Bentley, Western Australia. In 2017, Duncan children still aren’t enjoying a fair shake of The 53 governments that make up the produced an influential, 144-page report the schooling dice. Commonwealth, and who are responsible – Educate Australia Fair? – on equitability The problem is particularly acute in the for around a third of the world’s population, across the Australian school system. country’s remote regions, where roughly are no less immune to this problem than any His findings revealed a clear chasm 65% of Australia’s indigenous people live. other region or bloc. And given that 60% of between what he describes as “the haves and “Rural and remote areas really are far the Commonwealth’s inhabitants are said to the have-nots”, with the divide setting in as behind the urban areas – particularly when be under 29, the issue is even more pressing. early as pre-school. it comes to indigenous children,” says

18 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 19 WORLD Capital days out. Duncan. “If you look at their attendance India What’s Canada’s secret? According to the rates, they are relatively stable until It’s a problem Indian academic Ranjana OECD, its absence of a federally governed From the hidden history of London’s Underground to the secondary school, where the drop-off really Kumari recognises only too well in her own education system – education rights are famous fi gures who called the capital home, Marti n Randall occurs between the ages of 15 and 17.” country. As Director of the New Delhi- instead delivered provincially – precludes the Travel’s London Days bring the past to life. Spend the day As is often the case, funding can go based Centre for Social Research, she cites risk of a one-size-fits-all, national model. And turning back ti me in the company of our expert lecturers a long way to remedying shortfalls in a recent UNESCO report, which forecasts while individual provinces may have different who off er deeper insight into both the familiar and less well- a national education system, but is “no that the poorest young women in India are policies, equal access is the unifying theme, known corners of the capital. silver bullet”, believes Duncan. In fact, the still 60 years away from universal literacy – says Charles Pascal, Professor of Applied Over 40 London Days iti neraries including: current needs-based, state funding formula compared with the country’s richest women Psychology and Human Development at – which has led to a 50% increase in per who have already achieved it. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. London’s Underground Railway | A history of the Tube capita support to children in schools in the This is in spite of national reforms, “If you had to boil down a Canadian value The London Backstreet Walk | From Hyde Park to The Tower most disadvantaged areas – “appears to be beginning with the passing of the landmark that has historically guided public policy, Roman London Walk | Billingsgate, Mithraeum & Guildhall working reasonably well”, he says. Right to Education Act in 2009, which I think fairness would probably be the most The Tudors | Hampton Court, tombs & portraits But, if access rates are to improve in enshrined in law the provision of free and descriptive,” he says. Australia’s most far-flung areas, greater compulsory education for children between Pascal believes this ideal of national Hampstead in the 1930s | A walking tour & visits efforts will need to be made in reaching the ages of six and 14. While this has led to character is evident in how Canada has gone out to affected communities. For instance, an improvement in attendance over the last about fostering the integration of children ‘An eye-opening day in my favourite city, schools would do well to connect with decade, the law has “failed to target those in of migrants into schools, from elementary to good company, good food – it was a winner!’ the families of indigenous students – society who need it most”, says Kumari. secondary. This has especially been the case particularly elders, who hold great sway in She attributes “traditional Indian gender with refugees from Syria, who totalled over Contact us: Aboriginal communities. norms” – household chores, sibling care and 25,000 in 2017, according to to Immigration, +44 (0)20 8742 3355 Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps

Social icon Schools also need to move past the idea early marriage – to girls still dropping out. Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines. marti nrandall.com/london-days of notional attendance – in effect, another This becomes even more acute after 14, after “While it ranges from province to province, ABTA Y6050 AITO 5085 rubber-stamped criterion – and more which attending school is not compulsory. on the whole, the access of Syrian refugees towards something whereby access is looked “According to recent Annual Survey of into the education system has been very good,” at more holistically. Education Report findings, while the average he says. “Schools have done well in not only “First and foremost, attendance has to difference between the enrolment level of boys welcoming these children and their families be meaningful if we are to narrow and girls at age 14 are declining, by 18, into their communities, but in also seeking to the access gap,” says Duncan. “The 32% of girls are not enrolled, compared accommodate their culture and language.” needs of indigenous, and rural with 28% of boys,” she says. However, no education system is perfect and remote communities are “And girls find it difficult to across the board, and Canada is no exception much more complex than re-enter education once to the rule. For all the effort made in educating just throwing some they’ve dropped out.” migrant children, there exists a disparity funding their way. Schools need to move However, the between Canada’s indigenous peoples – who, It’s about how past the idea of notional problems “are not similar to Australia, mostly live in remote we can connect attendance and more insurmountable”. areas – and the rest of the population. these children towards something Kumari has been It remains a blot on Canada’s otherwise to educational encouraged by impressive education record, concedes Pascal. whereby access is resources and recent plans announced “It’s a very difficult situation and something learning opportunities. looked at more by the government to Canada needs to do better on,” he says. “And Better broadband would holistically develop a new action plan when we discuss access, the real question is: be a start. At the moment, for girls’ education. She also access to what? When an indigenous student dislocation is still creating welcomes a new recommendation by comes into a publicly funded school, how disadvantage.” the Indian Board of Education to extend well are they understood? How well does Access for girls also remains a Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya, a government- the education establishment adapt to their significant problem in many countries. led scheme launched in 2014 aimed at individual cultural differences?” Despite there being around 1.1 billion girls providing residential secondary education If there are lessons to be drawn from the of school age across the world currently, 130 for girls in poorer parts of the country. respective education systems of Australia, million are not within the education system, India, and Canada it is that education should claims UNESCO. More disconcerting still, Canada be an open door, but never a revolving one. there are some 15 million girls of primary It’s a world away from Canada. In the latest Early years access is all well and good, but school age who will never see the inside of rankings from the OECD’s Programme for ultimately means little if children exit the a classroom. There is a desperate need to International Student Assessment (PISA) – school system prematurely. right this wrong. According to the World which measures reading, science, and maths Access, instead, has to be meaningful and Bank, providing access to girls could have a among 15-year old students – the country long-sighted. To reiterate Mandela’s words – sizeable impact on reducing global poverty. stood only behind China and Singapore. the world depends on it.

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deeper insight into their pupils’ progress, while saving precious time. Increasing use of EdTech is not limited to the UK. Our 2019 report, Making the most of Technology in Education, highlighted exciting NESTA’S HANNAH OWEN case studies of international innovators. DISCUSSES THE POTENTIAL Bridge International Academies, in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia, and India, are RISKS AND REWARDS using technology to improve the standard POSED BY TECHNOLOGY IN and consistency of education in areas where schools typically had underqualified teachers, EDUCATION, AND HOW A low attendance and low attainment. Every NEW GOVERNMENT-FUNDED teacher uses an e-reader tablet, connected to the internet via the headteacher’s smartphone TESTBED AIMS TO HELP hotspot, to download detailed lesson plans that act as a script for the day’s lessons. In New Zealand, Manaiakalani pair a micro- financing scheme providing devices to families, with a teacher training programme linking newly qualified teachers with more experienced ones. They aim to create a more equal education system through harnessing technologies to share learning, improve parental engagement, and increase the agency of learners. Both organisations have achieved significant scale and impact. In part, their success is due to their commitment to evidence and experimentation: both invest in research and evaluation in order to monitor and measure impact. Artificial intelligence (AI) - such as the smart software in smartphone maps app, voice recognition or banking fraud alerts - in EdTech is a particular area of both excitement and risk. In Nesta’s 2019 report Educ-AI-tion, we explored different examples of tools that interact with teachers, students n the education sector, as in many classrooms and at home, and improve the and government. As part of our work in interacting with staff and students. Nesta, management systems have streamlined the or whole school systems. ClassCharts is areas of contemporary life, the well-being of our vital teachers through education, we’re working with England’s in partnership with the Department for way schools organise and administrate, a teacher-facing, automated seating plan development of new technology workload reduction. However, while there Department for Education (DfE) on £4.6 Education, has recently awarded £1.4million while new timetabling technologies are tool that aims to produce data-rich seating has brought with it bold promises is more educational technology - EdTech - million EdTech Innovation programme. in grant funding to 15 promising EdTech being developed to support flexible working plans that reduce behaviour problems. The of transformational change. in schools than ever before, there remains We’re supporting interventions in areas of organisations. For example, freeflowinfo is a patterns and improve the everyday logistics ClassCharts platform allows teachers to Meanwhile, in schools and a marked gap between the excitement of promise - particularly those linked with parental engagement platform that enables of school life. monitor pupils’ achievements and behaviour, colleges, breakthroughs are markets and the reality felt by teachers and reducing teacher workload - and building all parents, regardless of their background, Other innovators are using technology to while the ClassCharts technology tracks how much needed. Pupil numbers are learners in schools. Unfortunately, EdTech is the evidence base to ensure that technology to establish and maintain positive attitudes support teaching and learning itself, most pupils influence each other. However, the rising while funding is stretched, there is an developing a reputation as ‘snakeoil’. meets the needs of teachers, lecturers, towards learning in the home. Firefly is often found in maths and science lessons introduction of AI in school environments ongoing teacher recruitment and retention At Nesta, we believe technology does pupils, and students. a teaching and learning tool that allows where software can more easily discern if poses many risks, particularly issues Icrisis (one in three teachers in England have the potential to address some of the Contrary to sci-fi myths of robot teachers parents to access information about their students have answered questions correctly of privacy, surveillance, and structural leave the profession within five years) big challenges facing education today. replacing the workforce, teachers aren’t child’s progress, attendance and behaviour. or incorrectly. Hegarty Maths, another bias. There is also a debate around the and the attainment gap between the most Nesta, formally the National Endowment going away anytime soon. In fact, our Tools like these can reduce teacher company supported with funding by Nesta, desirability of automating assessment - advantaged and disadvantaged young people for Science, Technology and the Arts, research predicting future demand for reporting time and deepen the engagement is a continuous assessment platform that both a rich resource of insight into student remains unacceptably high. is a global innovation foundation. By different professions suggests that demand parents have with their children's learning provides students with adaptive maths understanding and a hugely time consuming Certainly, there is hope. Technology - at providing investments and grants and for teachers will increase, not decrease. through the sharing of exercises, videos exercises, personalising their learning part of teaching. If AI is going to support its best - is showing the potential to improve mobilising research, we support innovation Instead, many EdTech tools are more about and photos, or automated progress reports. experience. Tools like this can improve ongoing assessment, it is vital that it enhances the quality of teaching and learning in in education, health, arts and cultural freeing teachers to spend more time directly At the whole school level, information young people’s engagement and give teachers teacher understanding, not bypasses it. Either

22 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 23 WORLD £4.6m £1.4m Find your partnership between Nesta and DfE's Nesta and Department funding to 15 EdTech Sound for Education to support organisations EdTech committed in 2019 12 330+ Comprehensive evaluation trials of schools and colleges different EdTech applied to Nesta to Instrument Selection tools, beginning in participate in the April 2020 programme • Servicing way, the likelihood of AI capable of marking teaching practice, and be introduced with Estonia, Israel, and by a European consortium. to the standard of a human is extremely quality training for teachers and sufficient Starting in April, we will be running 12 slim for the foreseeable future. improvements to infrastructure. Where this evaluation trials with over 300 schools across • Parallel to the risks posed by AI in doesn’t happen, precious funds are wasted. England. The aim is to generate high quality education are fears about data misuse. So, what can be done to improve the evidence that is actionable, timely, and cost- The collection of data in schools has been impact technology is having in education? At efficient. Secondly, we aim to improve how Bespoke Repairs a burden for decades, creating a huge Nesta, we’re developing actionable evidence technology is used in schools and colleges amount of work and pressure for schools for ‘what works’. There is an increasing by identifying and sharing practical lessons leaders, and teachers. Technology can number of products on offer that could with teachers and school leaders. We’ll be • support many of these activities, but it also help, but there are still many barriers to evaluating how technology is implemented - presents an opportunity for abuse, such as effective use of technology, including a how often it’s used, how easy it is to embed, the misuse of personal information. As seen lack of good evidence, making it difficult what training is useful - so that we can then Hire elsewhere, technology is developing faster for schools and colleges to share that learning with than its regulation, and there is a looming know what’s right for them. schools and colleges around issue of ethics with regards to the storing, That’s why we’ve launched the country. It’s not enough • processing, and sharing of pupil and school the EdTech Innovation Technology is to understand whether data. These questions won’t go away in 2020 Testbed - a programme to showing the potential technology works in an ideal and regulation can only increase. help schools and colleges to to improve the setting, we need to know Specialist Advice One of the biggest risks posed by EdTech trial promising technology quality of teaching how easy it is for teachers continues to be the wasted funds spent products suited to their and learning in to use it with students and on technology every year. The ‘cupboard needs for free, with hands- classrooms and at help make changes if it’s of shame’ is now a well-established on support from evaluation home, and improve not. We hope by connecting trope: cupboards of tech, out of date and experts to understand EdTech organisations with underused. A key example is the roll-out what works and generate the well-being of our more teachers in classrooms, of one-to-one devices, like iPads. In 2013, actionable insights for vital teachers through and investing in promising a school district in California announced schools, colleges and EdTech workload reduction technology through our a $1.3billion plan to give every student in organisations. fund, we can contribute the district an iPad. The plans have since ‘Testbeds’ are growing in popularity. Now to minimising the ‘snakeoil’ and provide been rolled back, but similar approaches used internationally, they test innovative schools with the information and skills they are seen across the world, including in products, technologies, services or processes. need to use technology effectively. 2019 in Glasgow where it was announced The NHS have been running testbeds in With the use of technology only set to 50,000 school children were to get their recent years to test new combinations of increase, we cannot afford to ignore the risks own iPad to help with lessons. However, digital technologies and care pathway highlighted here; similarly, the opportunities we know that technology is only impactful designs in real-world settings. Similarly, for impact that new tech present are worth when it’s used effectively. For one-to-one an EdTech testbed is an environment to realising. I hope that EdTech receives the devices to improve learning, they need to experiment in a real world setting. To date, commitment from industry, government, be running software informed by good there have been EdTech testbeds in the US, and educators that it deserves.

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MUSIC EDUCATION AT HOME AND ABROAD ROSL’s long-standing commitment to music and education are being brought together. Artistic Director Geoff Parkin introduces two projects, supported by ROSL, which aim to put music education at the heart of learning

ince taking up my position at funded scholarships for three young What is it you love about making music? ROSL in 2016, I have been keen Antiguan Musicians to continue their music JOSHUA: What I like about music is that for us to join the conversation education for a year, and we are keen to grow you can make it in a variety of ways. about the benefits of good music and enhance our support for this vital work. For example, you can make music that is education for our young people. I am proud of the increasing activity soothing and calm that will put you to sleep. This has manifested itself most ROSL is committing to in this area and Then there’s music that’s lively and cheerful fully in our partnerships with the Griffin we look forward to future projects, which and it wakes you up. SSchools Trust in the UK and the Antigua I hope ROSL members will want to support. REBECCA: There is a freedom in music. You and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra For more information, members can contact can do whatever you want with it and make (ABYSO) in the Caribbean. Geoff Parkin on [email protected] it your own. So, if you’re playing a piece Griffin Schools Trust is a multi-academy that’s already been written you can change it trust of 13 schools based in the West Griffin Schools Trust by Lewis Delivett, to make it your own. Midlands, Kent and East London. The trust Director of Music has a strong commitment to embedding music Joshua and Rebecca are both pupils at What’s been your musical highlight of your into the curriculum of every student, building Riverley Primary School in Leyton, East time at Riverley Primary School? social confidence, raising overall learning London. The school is a member of the JOSHUA: Getting to see the ROSL winners standards, and unlocking undiscovered Griffin Schools Trust, a Trust that has ‘Kabantu’ perform at the Griffin Arts artistic potential for many recipients. worked in partnership with ROSL since 2017. Festival. We got to meet them back stage and We have welcomed Griffin students to the ROSL has supported the trust in a variety they asked us to play our steel pans, which Princess Alexandra Hall for workshops with of ways from funding fully interactive we did, and they loved it! Kabantu and the Britten Sinfonia, and this workshops with the likes of Britten Sinfonia REBECCA: I really enjoy performing in year Griffin students will premiere a new and ROSL prizewinners, Kabantu through our winter and spring recitals at school. Children’s Oratorio at Warwick Arts Centre. to participating in their annual Griffin Arts We’ve also been really lucky to work with This new work by composer Kate Whitley Festival to name but a few. June 2020 will see professional musicians from ROSL and has been co-commissioned by ROSL and the ROSL working once again with pupils from perform alongside them! Buxton International Festival and this the Griffin Schools Trust as they perform in performance will be led by the renowned the world premiere of Kate Whitley’s work What’s your favourite instrument to play? Multi-Story Orchestra. These experiences can Our Future/Your Hands, a co-commission JOSHUA: Well, I play the trumpet, violin, and have a major impact on a child’s development between ROSL and the Buxton International piano. I think the piano is my favourite and can change lives. Festival. because I’m more experienced and there are Although a relatively new organisation, more keys, which means a lot more variety. the ABYSO, founded and chaired by Her REBECCA: I play the cello, but I love playing Excellency High Commissioner Karen-Mae the steel pans! It is such a unique instrument Hill already has over 60 playing members and Embedding music into the and makes a really exciting sound. It’s hard meets regularly for rehearsals and concerts. curriculum, building social to explain but it can be really loud but still The ROSL Trust were pleased to fund two confidence, raising overall have subtleness to it. music alumni and myself to travel to learning standards, and Antigua in July 2019 to work with the What’s your favourite music to listen to? orchestra as part of their summer course, a unlocking undiscovered JOSHUA: I really like listening to Lo-fi or mission we undertake again in 2020. We also artistic potential Chillhop. It’s like a combination of chilled

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out jazz and electric music. Delivett my music teacher. He is really REBECCA: I like 80s pop music, like ABBA Find the right instrument for you. confident and proud of what he does, and and bands like that. If you’re finding it hard it doesn’t that inspires me to be the same. He helped mean you should give up. me find my love of music. What’s your favourite song to sing? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. JOSHUA: I really like singing the Eye of the Tiger What’s next for you both? but also Fire! Which is a song by Jonathan JOSHUA: I’m contemplating whether I should Dove. We learnt it last year for our Big Sing. REBECCA: In the beginning you’re probably continue piano lessons because I want to learn Everyone loves singing it in assembly. not going to be brilliant and that’s okay. bass guitar. I’ve got to choose between the two REBECCA: That’s a really hard question. I like If you find it hard, you should keep trying. of them. I’ve also really enjoyed raising money singing A Million Dreams from The Greatest Also, I would say perform! Perform to buy instruments for children that couldn’t Showman and Ain’t No Mountain High whenever you get the chance, or to anyone afford them. In our first Big Sing we raised a Enough. I also really liked it when the school that will listen because the more you lot of money that bought instruments for the Left: Riverley Primary School students Joshua sang Sing by Gary Barlow for our Big Sing in perform, the more confident you become. ROSL Simon Ward Music Centre in Kenya. and Rebecca with their 2018. That’s the year we raised money for Oh and practice your scales, so my brother I would like to carry on doing more instruments. This page, clockwise from left: the music center that ROSL built in Kenya. says! fundraising, to provide opportunities for Strings section rehearsals; others that are less fortunate than myself. ROSL-supported scholars, What advice would you give to anyone Which musicians inspire you? REBECCA: I’ve been really lucky because at 25-year-old oboeist David and violinists Kaylin and thinking of taking up an instrument? JOSHUA: Kabantu are a really inspiring band. Riverley we don’t have to pay for our Sa’kiyah, both 11; Geoff JOSHUA: Well, my first piece of advice is, I also think Chad (Vindin) is a great pianist! instrumental lessons. I’m going into year The Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony rehearsing the orchestra. find the right instrument for you. Also, He’s also a ROSL winner and accompanies seven next year and moving schools, so I Orchestra, introduced by HE Karen-Mae Hill, this sounds cliché, but if you’re finding it the Griffin Children’s Chorus in our need to decide whether I find a new cello High Commissioner to the UK hard it doesn’t mean you should give up. concerts. I want to play like him one day! teacher and buy my own cello, or carry on In 2017, I organised a series of school a population of fewer than 100,000 people 2019 visit ended with a grand concert Don’t be afraid to ask for help. REBECCA: This is awkward. I’d have to say Mr. with my piano lessons. concerts in Antigua and Barbuda called and area of 440km2. Our size, however, has dedicated to celebrating the 70th anniversary Playing to Inspire. The concerts showcased never defined our global ambitions as our of the Commonwealth. We will forever be the marvellous musical talent of the seven celebrated national hero Sir Vivian Richards thankful to Geoff for stepping in to conduct Kanneh-Mason children, proud members of can attest. Although we have limited the orchestra of ABYSO and students from the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora in the resources for a programme like this, we the Purcell and the Wells Cathedral School. United Kingdom, and it was nothing short of forged ahead. There are naturally challenges ROSL support has extended to include inspirational to see how people of all ages in finding tutors for many of the instruments providing scholarships to ABYSO musicians responded to their presence and their music. played in an orchestra. We do not have a to cover the cost of local tuition fees in This experience gave birth to the idea that recognised school of music. One would be Antigua. Indeed, this was the catalyst for a fitting legacy of the inaugural Playing to hard pressed to find a conservatory-trained our ABYSO Scholarship programme with Inspire must be the creation of an orchestra bassoon, oboe, trombone, or double bass local businesses joining ROSL to support that allows young people unfettered access tutor on the island. Indeed, to even have young musicians, especially as they prepare to quality music education and performance skilled instrument repairers in tropical for their ABRSM exams. at the highest levels of artistic excellence. In conditions is a challenge we had to confront. We want to situate the ABYSO as fact one student, 12-year-old Resa Nelson, We are grateful to the UK-based charity an orchestra that meets internationally wrote in 2017: “I now would like to see as a Luthiers without Borders for leading this recognised global standards in music dream for my birthday an orchestra formed training in instrument repair. artistry. The ABYSO will explore the as a result of this experience.” In 2018, at the Thanks to our partnership with ROSL, traditional and the not-so-traditional in Playing to Inspire concert finale, the ABYSO we have received ongoing technical guidance its repertoire and provide a place for the was launched under the patronage of Their on setting up the various programmes of the steel pan and Caribbean music within Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, our Orchestra. ROSL’s Artistic Director, Geoff its programmes. It will build bridges of Governor General, and Lady Sandra Parkin, is an advisor to the ABYSO. In the friendship by bringing people together and Williams. Incidentally, Resa now plays the summer of 2019, ROSL funded two of its promote Antigua and Barbuda as a centre flute on the ABYSO. prizewinners, violinist William Newell and for musical excellence in the Caribbean. Today, the ABYSO has developed a clarinettist Jordan Black, to spend two weeks Perhaps, one day, Antigua and Barbuda Beginner and Junior programme to identify on Antigua providing masterclasses. It was will be home not just to a world class youth new and existing talent and to train trainers. a tremendous success and heightened the symphony orchestra, but to a specialist Youths, regardless of socio-economic passion of the young musicians for their school of music and a concert hall that background, who demonstrate a passion instruments while shaping their attracts the good and the great of music for and interest in developing as musicians, understanding of what it means to be part of to our beautiful shores. We are facing the are given the opportunity to do so under a symphony orchestra. We are thrilled, that future with confidence and invite others who the ABYSO brand. William and Jordan will be with the ABYSO share our vision to join us in this remarkable Antigua and Barbuda is a small state with again this summer supported by ROSL. The journey of inspiring excellence through music.

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n a recent survey of ROSL members, it projects, introduced in 1994, had to be raised was noted with concern that a each year as there was no previous history of relatively large number were not fully legacies for this work. aware of the work of the Trust. Indeed, The humanitarian focus has been on some members stated that they did not education and, in particular, education for know that ROSL had its own charity ‘marginalised’ children who might otherwise (ROSL Golden Jubilee Trust charity no.306095). CLIVE CARPENTER have been unable to ever go to school. A good IFrom 1 January 2020, there will be a Clive Carpenter is an example of this is the children of the Kalahari concerted effort by the Trustees to change that. international banker bushmen who, by location alone, were unable There are several reasons for this. 2020 with over 40 years to attend secondary school unless funds were marks 60 years since the Trust was established, experience in business provided to send them to a residential school. and throughout that period the Trust has been and finance, including The humanitarian projects have extended quietly working away in various countries, top level banking over the years to Namibia, Botswana, Sri giving support to worthy projects and posts in Kenya and Lanka, Kenya, India, the Solomon Islands, and achieving a measurable impact. The unsung Nigeria. He is an Pakistan, and new projects in Bangladesh, and success of the Trust is almost entirely down to Independent Non- Zambia are currently being appraised. THE ROSL TRUST the generosity of ROSL members and its time Executive Director of But why has education been chosen for the to show them and the wider world all that has the United Bank for main focus of the Trust's humanitarian support? been achieved to date. Africa (UK). "There are so many needs that are worthy of INTO A NEW Many members will perhaps be more support but the Trustees have always felt that familiar with the term ‘Golden Jubilee Trust’, there can be a tremendous leverage effect with DECADE which appears to cause some confusion. Hence from 1 January educational support. By this, I mean that one well-educated the charity will simply be referred to as the ROSL Trust. individual can go on to secure a good job or start a business Late last year, the erstwhile Chairman of the Trust, that will benefit his or her whole family and others in the WITH A NEW Sir Anthony Figgis, stepped down as Chairman and Clive community. What matters for the Trust, and indeed for any Carpenter, a career banker, succeeded him. charity, is achieving a measurable impact from the support Clive has a long history with ROSL, having served on that is given. We have some great success stories, a gentleman CHAIRMAN Central Council, the Executive Committee, and the Finance in Namibia whom the Trust supported at tertiary level has ROSL Trust Chairman Clive Sub-Committee, as well as being Vice Chairman of the London become the headmaster of several schools in Northern Group. He was also a Trustee of the Trust for some years before Namibia. Four of the original nine pupils have now become Carpenter tells Overseas becoming its Chairman. teachers. That is what we mean by measurable impact. how decisions are made In interview with Overseas, Clive paid tribute to Sir One well educated individual can potentially benefit the Anthony, saying how greatly privileged he felt to be succeeding lives of so many others." for funding education and him. "Sir Anthony laid a very sound foundation for the Trust Clearly not every application for assistance can be supported. music projects, each of which during his years as Chairman and I cannot possibly hope to fill Those seeking Trust support are required to complete an those very large shoes," Clive said. He went on to say that his application form which can be accessed via the ROSL website. wouldn’t be possible without key focus and that of the other Trustees was to build on the Applications for educational or other humanitarian support your invaluable support excellent legacy which Sir Anthony had left, with particular must relate to Commonwealth countries whilst requests attention to raising new funds which becomes ever more pertaining to the arts can come from non-Commonwealth important as the Trust's area of support expands. countries although the Commonwealth always takes priority. The main objective of the Trust is to support ROSL’s work of The Trust will consider requests from £500 up to £10,000 for ‘furthering and encouraging good relations, friendship, mutual the lifetime of the project. The overall criteria are well captured knowledge and understanding amongst the peoples of the in the application form but any application that has a political Commonwealth’. element, has open-ended funding, relates to vehicles or is for By the 1990s, the focus was on support for ROSL Annual paying salaries will not be entertained. Music Competition prize money. The Trust works closely with Director This was partly due to the accumulation of Education Projects Margaret Adrian- of generous legacies since the 1960s, Vallance and with ROSL more widely to which, at the donors’ requests, had been What matters for the Trust identify projects. restricted to music awards and, later, the is achieving a measurable "Although the Trust is a separate legal fact that the ROSL Centenary Appeal in impact from the support entity, we work very closely with the League 2010 was also restricted to support for that is given. One well- as our overall objective is to support ROSL's ROSL ARTS music. work of ‘furthering and encouraging good It was not until 1998 that ROSL’s educated individual can relations, friendship, mutual knowledge, and amended Royal Charter included potentially benefit the lives understanding amongst the peoples of the humanitarian projects. Funds for these of so many others Commonwealth’ as previously mentioned.

30 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 31 PEOPLE LET THE LEAGUE BE YOUR LEGACY

Continue to support your home from home in the heart of Mayfair by bequeathing a gift to ROSL in your will. Your generosity will give young people around the world an education, it will give talented young musicians, artists and writers the chance of a career, and it will safeguard the future of your beautiful Grade I listed clubhouse. To discuss email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7408 0214 ROSL TRUST TIMELINE

1960 1985 1994 1995 2010 2020 Trust founded and Festival of The Trust's remit is Namibia welfare ROSL Centenary ROSL Trust named after ROSL's Commonwealth expanded beyond and educational Appeal sees huge celebrates 60 years golden jubilee Music renamed music to include initiatives generosity from of supporting young year, supporting its Annual Music education projects established members donating people's education philanthropic aims Competition to the Trust and the arts

"Margaret manages all the educational and other humanitarian With this year marking the 60th anniversary of the ROSL Trust, projects and monitors impact, whilst visiting the projects there is much to be excited about. personally from time to time and as required. In addition, "In 2020, I feel we must use the occasion of our anniversary to we have people on the ground in most of the countries where thank ROSL members for their unstinting support over the years we have a project who are able to provide valuable real-time whilst showing them how their generosity has been applied. feedback. Such contacts include the British High "But I also want to take a far more proactive approach to Commissioners in all the Commonwealth countries where fundraising, especially as we have so much evidence of the we have projects." many benefits and the impact which the Trust's support to date Margaret and Artistic Director Geoff Parkin submit has achieved. applications for funding to the Trustees at their quarterly "I would like to draw ROSL members much closer to the board meetings and these are carefully Trust; to make them feel it is their charity, considered and, if thought appropriate, not something remote, and to give them duly supported. In 2020, I feel we must more frequent updates about our "The Trust does not wish to unduly use the occasion of our activities. I hope we can host regular utilise its precious funds on administrative Trust events at Over-Seas House, which costs and so valuable support in this area anniversary to thank ROSL members can attend, ask questions, make is provided by ROSL, and this is greatly members for their unstinting suggestions about our future direction appreciated" explains Clive. support over the years and see evidence of the Trust's work. "Once the Trust has approved and "In the days ahead, I will work to disbursed funds for a particular project, the Trustees hold ensure greater visibility of our work, aspiring to remain Margaret and Geoff to account, and they are required to give relevant to the demands placed on us and achieving the very quarterly updates on how each project is proceeding, the impact maximum impact that we can with each £1 of support. being made, and of any concerns that may have surfaced. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use "The Trust's strict criteria relating to approval and to change the world" disbursement have ensured very few challenges have arisen over the years but we remain acutely aware of risk as reflected by our To find out more about the Trust's work, or discuss donating,

regularly updated risk register." please contact [email protected] London Photography Dolvers Tania

32 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 PEOPLE PEOPLE

ccording to the 2016 World And we still have a long way THE CLIMATE Risk Report, nine of the top to go to achieve the targets. 20 countries most at risk for While we have come close natural disasters are to achieving Universal Commonwealth countries. Primary Education, 262 For these countries, climate change presents million youths and children IS CHANGING Aan existential threat. In a compelling speech are still out of school. How delivered from deep below the surface of the many new schools would be ocean, the President of the Republic of required to accommodate Seychelles called upon the international them under the existing – DO WE NEED community to protect the ‘beating blue paradigm? What would be heart of our planet’. the carbon footprint of The climate crisis is one of the defining these schools? We can get a issues of our times, particularly for the sense of the potential TO CHANGE Commonwealth, with its 31 small states. impact by looking at the Over the past 40 years, the number of UK. More than 2,000 new climate-related disasters globally has tripled, schools must be built within the next four Left and above: The Necton submersible from a trend that is expected to continue. From years to accommodate the rising number of which the President of the Seychelles made his historic speech and the team behind the dive storms to wildfires, we are witnessing the primary and secondary pupils in England THE WAY devastation that climate change is wreaking alone. And the environmental footprint of development, the question arises: how can on our planet and our communities. UK schools currently stands at 9.4million we mitigate the negative effects of education Education systems suffer tremendously as a tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. The in terms of carbon emissions while result of climate-related disasters. According globalisation of education also leads to leveraging its power of to foster development? WE LEARN? to UNICEF, more than 3,000 classrooms and increased carbon emissions from student The Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL’s) over 330,000 students were affected when travel with an estimated 14megatonnes of CO2 experience shows that, by leveraging Cyclone Idai hit eastern Mozambique early a year associated with student mobility. technology, COL’s work promotes the four The Commonwealth of Learning’s Asha Kanwar and Alexis Carr ask last year. In September, Hurricane Dorian While education can lead to economic Rs: reduction in carbon emissions; raising destroyed 90% of the infrastructure in development, which has many positive awareness on disaster preparedness; if we need to rethink not only what we learn, but the way we learn it, The Bahamas. The week after impacts, it is also associated with reskilling for a greener future; and resilience if we want to tackle the changing climate around us Hurricane Dorian hit was to be FOUR R’S: higher rates of construction, for the education sector. the first week of classes; reduction in carbon consumption, and energy Through its advocacy efforts, COL helps to however, many schools were emissions; raising use. In 2018, Komatsu and increase the use of Open and Distance deemed to be unsafe for Rappleye observed that Learning, which can reduce carbon emissions awareness on disaster students. countries having “better” generated by teaching and learning. COL But what is the impact preparedness; reskilling education tended to have conducted a study in Botswana, which found of education on the climate for a greener future more detrimental that the average carbon footprint of campus crisis? The global and resilience for the impacts on climate students is nearly three times greater than sustainable development education sector change. Besides the that of distance learners. goals (SDGs) frame education environmental impact, there Technology can also reach large numbers as a key component of the is also an associated economic of people through awareness campaigns sustainability agenda, through SDG 4, cost to emissions, with researchers about climate change and disaster which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable from Stanford University estimating roughly preparedness. Following the devastation access to quality education and lifelong $220 per tonne, meaning that in the UK alone, of Hurricane Maria in Dominica last learning for all by 2030. But, will achieving schools would generate more than $2billion of September, the Ministry of Education SDG4 actually help to mitigate the climate economic costs from their emissions. and Human Resource Development in crisis? If we look strictly at contributions to However, we cannot deny or ignore the partnership with COL embarked upon a emissions, the achievement of SDG4, benefits of education. 171 million people public education project to create locally under the current paradigm, could could be lifted out of extreme poverty if all produced audio and video clips to educate worsen the climate crisis. children left school with basic reading skills; citizens about climate change and empower Achieving the targets of SDG4 increases in educational attainment have them to mitigate the risks of future disasters. entails higher investments in been shown to precede improvements in To address the climate crisis, there will infrastructure, higher health status; and, the education of girls and be a need to move toward more sustainable consumption and women can lead to the achievement of and environmentally friendly practices. rural-urban gender equality. Given the conflicting All 31 small states of the Commonwealth are migration. impact of education on sustainable active members COL’s Virtual University for

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technologies provide a means of capturing this rich resource for LONDON & UK future generations. In COL’s Lifelong Learning for Farmers programme, the community is a partner in knowledge creation, management and dissemination. Using highlights Facebook, farmers codify and share age-old Until 3 May, Tate Britain best practices for sustainable agriculture OXFORDSHIRE LONDON amongst thousands of members, which would BLENHEIM YEAR 3 not be possible through conventional means. FOOD FESTIVAL Until 3 May, Tate Britain In the third shift, learning must move 23-25 May, Blenheim Palace, Oscar-winning filmmaker outside the walls of the classroom. Studies Woodstock Steve McQueen has collected have shown that countries with individualist Now in its sixth year, this school photographs from The orientations tend to have higher per capita weekend food festival across the capital for this 1-2 May, Royal Lyceum Theatre focus of emissions, and that ‘interdependent’ people are welcomed more than 28,000 exhibition, which shows education must more likely to engage in pro-environmental people last year to the grounds children in a depiction of shift from the behaviors than ‘independent’ people. of one of the UK’s most multicultural London. 25-26 April, LONDON Stratford-upon-Avon acquisition of skills By linking learners to their communities, impressive historic buildings, Free. tate.org.uk FORGOTTEN MASTERS: to societal transformation. we can build a sense of interdependence birthplace of Winston Churchill. INDIANA PAINTING A transformative approach empowers through the use of technology. COL’s From £17. blenheimpalace.com LONDON WARWICKSHIRE FOR THE EAST INDIA individuals not just to be prepared for change ‘Barefoot Wireless Engineer’ training in LEOPPOLSTADT SHAKESPEARE’S COMPANY Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC) but also to shape the course of that change, India uses a community-based approach EDINBURGH Until 13 June, Wyndham’s BIRTHDAY Until 19 April, Wallace Collection and collaboratively developed programmes focusing on achievement rather than that also facilitates access to learning for CASTLE LENNOX Theatre CELEBRATIONS Commissioned by wealthy in areas such as sustainable tourism and accomplishment. Marc Prensky explains those with social or physical mobility barriers. 1-2 May, Royal Lyceum Theatre The latest work from the 25-26 April, Stratford-upon-Avon European patrons at the disaster preparedness, to build human the difference - achievement benefits only These approaches have existed for Linda McLean’s play set within great Tom Stoppard tells the Attend a performance at the height of the colonial era, this capacity and resources for resilience. All the individual and her personal goals while centuries outside the Western world and Lennox Castle Hospital depicts story of the old Jewish RSC, a luncheon featuring live collection brings together materials are Open Educational Resources, accomplishment benefits others and society. promoted by some of the greatest thinkers the incarceration of a young quarter of Vienna; how it music, or the traditional masters in the fields, whether which can be used and adapted freely. An example comes from High Tech High of our times, yet they have not been fully austistic girl, who is introduced went from haven to hell as parade through the streets of it be portraits, minaaturists, COL also supports countries affected in San Diego California, which supported integrated into education. Gandhi’s concept to a whole other world thanks the Nazis clamped down. Shakespeare’s birthplace. or textile designers. by natural disasters to continue or resume students to learn to use complex water- of Nai Taleem was an approach to education to her fellow patients. From £20. Prices vary. £5.50-£13.50. classes through technology solutions. COL’s monitoring equipment when the government that emphasised its purpose and practical From £17. Lyceum.org.uk tickets.delfontmackintosh.co.uk shakespearescelebrations.com wallacecollection.org innovation, Aptus, allows educators and cut funding for trained water monitors. The role in society: “True education must learners to connect to digital learning students not only continued the extremely correspond to the surrounding platforms and content without the need for valuable practice of monitoring the water, but circumstances or it is not a healthy growth”. grid electricity or Internet access, and also published the data online. Technology In a world where climate crisis is one of our requires only battery power, which can be enabled them to teach themselves about the most dire and urgent ‘circumstances’, recharged via grid power or solar charger. monitoring process, and share the education must respond to the crisis at hand. This low-cost device was deployed in Tonga information with their community. With the growing ubiquity of technology, schools in the aftermath of a cyclone. The second important shift is to leverage we are better equipped to implement new We must also consider the kinds of shifts tacit and indigenous knowledge, which has and innovative models that not only mitigate in values needed to create the behavioural a great deal to offer in environmental the environmental impact of education, change to address climate crisis, and how management and sustainability. Tacit but also facilitate the shift in values technology can facilitate these shifts. knowledge can be easily lost, and necessary to address the climate crisis.

COMMONWEALTH OF LEARNING Canada-based COL seeks to empower people through learning that balances economic growth, social inclusion and environmental conservation. This is achieved through programmes such as LifeLong Learning for Farmers, GIRLS Inspire, and Gender Mainstreaming. Learn more about their work at col.org 23-25 May, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

36 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 37 Corporate membership COULD YOUR ORGANISATION N E W S & E V E N T S BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP? Contact [email protected] or News & views The latest from our clubhouse; branches; and art, music, and education projects ROSL NEWS +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214/216 for details and an application pack

but also by future members responsible for setting Governance update of the Council and the strategy and direction, whilst League’s members, as well The review and modernisation of ROSL's the Executive team led by the as the general public. DG/CEO are responsible for governing structure is almost complete. the execution and delivery Diana Owen explains the final steps Principle changes of that strategy. In line with • Central Council now called common practice within the fter almost two years information can contact ‘Council’ and Executive non profit and charity sector, Annual General Meeting of careful consideration [email protected] and Committee disbanded there are no executive officers Dear Member, Aand debate, the ROSL the new proposed draft Royal • Council’s powers have been on the new Council. Governance Review Group has Charter and bye laws will be added to and modernised. The quorum for Council It is my duty to announce the ROSL AGM, which gained the endorsement of displayed on the ROSL • We have retained the meetings has been amended will be held at Over-Seas House London on Tuesday Central Council to the website in the members’ requirement that only ROSL from six currently to 50% of 19 May at 6pm. The AGM will receive the 2019 ROSL modernisation of ROSL’s Royal portal in March 2020. Members are eligible to join the Council. accounts and also a presentation relating to the Charter and bye laws. As well the Council. We have included additional governance review. The draft accounts will be as the approval of Privy ROSL Royal Charter (standard) circumstances in available to view online from 4 May and printed Council, these amendments • The objects of ROSL have The position as to the election which a Councillor will versions can be requested from that day on. will require the approval of been updated by replacing of Council members has been automatically cease to hold Such other business as may be necessary in ROSL members at the AGM the existing objects (which altered so that it is the Council office, e.g. if they lose mental accordance with the bye-laws will also be conducted. and at a confirmatory EGM are out of date as they that appoints new Council capacity or are declared held from 14 days to a month assume the existence of the members, obviating the need bankrupt (Bye-law 15.1) The draft AGM agenda includes: later. Empire – e.g. ‘to maintain for confirmatory approval by We have removed the • Address by the Chairman ROSL members have the power of the British AGMs. Selection will be based requirement for the Executive received regular updates in Empire…’) with the wording on the needs of ROSL at any Committee and included a • The Honorary Treasurer’s report their magazine and at the at the beginning of the particular time. It will be for requirement for a Finance • The receipt and adoption of the 2019 ROSL AGM during this process, existing 1998 bye laws which the new Council to determine and Audit Committee. accounts and Central Council have states ‘The League aims at a process for filling the posts We have introduced • The appointment of auditors for the ensuing year examined the proposals promoting an enduring depending upon vacancies conflicts of interest provisions. in detail. There are two multi-racial fellowship that arise. • The receipt of recommendations from the Central constitutional documents pledged to the support of The expectation is that the Membership Council relating to governance being updated: ROSL’s Royal the Commonwealth and to Council will ensure the The categories and types of • To confirm appointments to the Central Council Charter and our bye laws the service of others and appropriate mix of skills and membership are no longer under the terms of bye laws 14.6 and 14.7 which were last reviewed humanity at large’. experience on Council that laid down in the bye laws and • To fill vacancies occurring under the terms of in 1998. • Outdated terminology and reflects the ethos and needs can be updated and changed bye-laws 20.1 and 20.2 The AGM will be held at powers have been updated necessary not just for ¾ of The proposed changes of ROSL, and will adopt by Council in response to • The receipt of a verbal report from the Chairman 6pm on 19 May and we will e.g. replacing references the Members to approve a to the bye laws seek to current best practice in the changing external hold the additional to ‘imperial’ with change to the Charter but • ensure the provisions making appointments. environment on the of the ROSL Trust confirmatory meeting on ‘Commonwealth’. for the Members to then of the bye laws are A requirement has been recommendation of the • To receive a verbal report on 2019 from the DG 4 June. Following approval • The minimum and maximum hold a ‘confirmatory clear and unambiguous; introduced to serve fixed executive team. and her team. by ROSL members, the Privy size of the Council has been resolution’ between 14 days • facilitate best practice terms in office (rather than In conclusion, the overall Council will pass an Order amended from between and a month later. in governance; retirement by rotation) and effect of these changes is to A drinks reception will be held at the conclusion in Council to approve the 24 and 40 members to • References to the Honorary • streamline the a maximum term in office streamline decision-making of the AGM. I look forward to seeing you on the changes and new governing between 6 and 12 members Officers have been clarified administration of the ROSL; (except in exceptional and to equip ROSL with a 19 May. documents enabling the to enable more effective and so that it is clear that they • afford the Council greater circumstances) of six years e.g. governance structure that new arrangements to start efficient governance. are not deemed to be flexibility to best deliver the two terms of three years. reflects best practice, better Yours sincerely in September 2020. • The provisions governing Council members and the League’s objects The new bye laws clarify enabling focus on delivering The principle changes the process to amend the names of the original officers • ensure that the bye laws can the clear separation of non- to members, fulfilling the aims Dr Diana Owen are outlined here: members Charter have been of the League have been be easily understood and executive and executive set out in our Royal Charter Director-General requiring any further amended. At present, it is removed. applied not only by current functions with the Council and ensuring financial stability.

38 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 39 News & views News & views ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS

Director-General Diana Owen to step down A message from ROSL Chairman, Alexander Downer AC

"Dr Diana Owen, OBE, Director-General of the Royal Over-Seas League has announced her intention to retire in 2020. During her time in office Diana has led ROSL through considerable change and modernisation and confirmed its role as a hub for many of the Commonwealth family of organisations in London. Diana has also led the governance review at both ROSL and the ROSL Trust, which will be completed by mid-2020. "I am sorry Diana has decided to retire and thank her for her outstanding work in her time with us at ROSL, with which she will continue until her successor is appointed. The recruitment process for ROSL’s next DG will begin immediately." ROSL Composition Award Alexander Downer, Chairman This year, ROSL is looking to nurture not only performing musical talent, but also composing talent. Geoff Parkin explains the format for our new award Mark Allan Mark

We are excited to launch a new The competition will be open to composition prize in association with young composers up to the age of If you would like access to renowned contemporary music orchestra, 30 from any Commonwealth country. Your new ROSL community the new system, contact the London Sinfonietta. Members will be We are grateful to the ROSL Trust for Make the most of your membership the Membership team, who aware of our 68-year-old Annual Music the initial funding for this project. with our new online portal can arrange to activate your Competition, identifying and supporting To enhance this award even further, new login. the finest young performing musicians at ROSL would like to hold three special Over the last 12 months, processes and provide a All of these activities will the start of their careers. As part of our 'Go Compose' days with students in three ROSL has invested better service to members. automatically update your ever-increasing range of arts activities, we Griffin Schools Trust secondary schools considerable resources By automating administratively membership record, and your are keen to promote not only the art of in Bedworth, Milton Keynes, and East in a digital transformation heavy and time-consuming account page will keep a full performance, but also the art of creating London. Our six selected finalists will process. But what does this tasks, the system will allow history of all your orders. new music. be invited to act as support composers mean for ROSL, you, and the our teams to spend more time New features will allow Following an initial open call, a jury will for these days, in which the Griffin wider membership? Well, focused on member services you to update your address, select six young professional composers Students will each compose an original it means having the right and on recruiting new members and select you communication (of senior conservatoire or early career work for small ensemble, to be performed technology and tools in place from around the world. preferences and interests, so level) to compose and workshop a short and recorded at the end of the day. to better understand our The new system is now live you will be able to do all the • Make a donation to our arts that you receive information composition with members of the London A truly inspiring experience for them! members' needs - from and while many of the changes things you could before and and education programmes, about events, activities, and Sinfonietta at the Royal Over-Seas League Any member wishing to support the enquiry, to joining, to visiting will be behind the scenes, you much more: as well as our Building offers that are relevant to you. in November. funding to enable this to happen, the club, buying event tickets, will notice some key difference Heritage Fund Coming soon, additional Following this day, the jury will select please contact Geoff Parkin on or booking a bedroom. to the Member Portal. Not • Renew your membership • Book a room – with a Member Portal functions will a winner, who will be awarded a £3,000 [email protected] The implementation of our only will it look a little more – by credit or debit card but simple-to-navigate online be rolled out including new prize and a commission for a 12-15-minute new Membership Database modern, you will experience you will also be able to set form areas for branches and work to be performed in a London Members will be welcome to attend and will ensure a robust, integrated, many improvements to the up a Direct Debit and renew • Request a reciprocal letter groups, allowing you to find Sinfonietta concert at London’s observe the workshop day in the Princess and secure data solution functionality. From your in annual or monthly of introduction – for one of out about events and activities Southbank Centre, also the venue for Alexandra Hall on Monday 9 November that will improve our business secure account page, instalments our 100 reciprocal clubs. going on in your area. the AMC Gold Medal Final every year, in the afternoon. More details will be in July 2021. posted nearer the time.

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Master Buildings Photography Strategy Architect Martin Ashley updates Competition us on the progress of his team's exhibition review investigation into the history and current status of ROSL's clubhouse, The inaugural ROSL ahead of planning its future Photography Competition exhibition is now complete I am delighted to be asked by and it was a huge success The Royal Over-Seas League to help establish a Master With the Private View in December, the exhibition Isabella stayed in London for five days, meeting Buildings Strategy for Over- presented the top photographs selected by an with industry professional Germaine Walker for Seas House. This much-loved expert panel of judges from our ROSL some invaluable specialised advice, visiting the ROSL would like building has a fine but Photography Competition, capturing the London galleries and meeting with The Nigerian complicated arrangement of Over-Seas House has in some contemporary Commonwealth, through the theme High Commissioner His Excellency Ambassador to express thanks spaces that have evolved from ways changed dramatically and of Style. Many of the artists attended the opening George Adesola Oguntade CFR CON. to everyone who two 18th-century St James’s in others not changed at all, including the Camera winner Isabella Agbaje The exhibition hung in the club until February supported this project houses, which were over the years. Clockwise from (pictured right with Curator Eilidh McCormick), 2020 and now the work is part of the ROSL art subsequently joined together top-left shows the facade after and we look forward the Westminster Wing was who flew from Nigeria to the UK as part of her collection to be exhibited in Over-Seas House. and extended to become the to developing the built in the 1930s, the Gibb's prize. The photographers were accompanied by ROSL would like to express thanks to everyone building that you know now. staircase when it was still a some of the competition judging panel, art who supported this project and we look forward ROSL Photography Complex evolved buildings private residence and what is industry professionals, representatives of the ROSL to developing the ROSL Photography Competition Competition in create challenges for modern now the Duke of York Bar Trust and ROSL members. Following the opening, in the future. the future operation, and the need is to put the historic fabric and facilities into good order to historic buildings have This process has uncovered notably the very fine Hall serve the requirements of the developed, the condition of fascinating drawings and of India and Pakistan. Royal Over-Seas League their fabric and installations, photographs, for example The next steps in the throughout the 21st century. and of how the buildings work showing how the original process are to complete the Practicing as a conservation but also what needs to be Entrance Hall of Vernon House surveys, develop prioritised Incognito announcement architect, my role is to help done to improve beneficial use. was reconfigured after a fire repair and maintenance client organisations to look From these considerations to become the Oak Stairhall programmes, imagine The Royal Over-Seas League is to continue this philanthropic trend. after their buildings, not only priorities can be established that we see now complete potential improvements that pleased to announce the third The received postcards will launch caring for the historic fabric for maintenance and repair, with the Library fireplace the protected Listed Building edition of the postcard charity online in November with the but also enabling sensitive and opportunities for currently behind the Porters' fabric can accommodate, and exhibition, Incognito, is due to take exhibition and sale beginning at improvements to meet improving the operation and desk. The surviving parts of to gradually develop overall place in December 2020. Over-Seas House in December. changing needs and aspirations. quality of facilities offered, as the celebrated architect James strategies. We are once again inviting artists to I have long experience of this well as improving the way that Gibbs’ Rutland House are All of this is a protracted submit an A6 artwork with the artist Postcard packs will be sent out in June as an architect for many Royal the architectural importance of outstanding importance, process, but hopefully during signature on the reverse to be for return in October and the exhibition Household projects, as Surveyor of the buildings is presented but archival images show the 2020 a costed Master Buildings displayed anonymously and sold for is in December. To request a postcard of the Fabric to the Garter and celebrated. demolition of its front rooms Strategy can emerge that can £50. The funds raised will go to our pack, contact [email protected] Knights Chapel and College at Surveying the buildings is when the Westminster Wing be consulted on with members, ROSL Trust to enable the continued with your postal address. Windsor Castle, and as Surveyor generating lists of repairs and was built in 1937. planned, programmed and support of our overseas education of the Fabric to the Old Royal improvements, and at the same Now, the architecture and enacted incrementally over work. Over the past two editions, Private View and Sale Launch, 6-8pm, Naval College in Greenwich. time I am researching buildings internal spaces of Westminster a number of years. 2016 and 2018, we received over Tuesday 15 December. Providing a Master Plan archives to provide a Heritage House themselves warrant This will ensure the future 300 submissions and raised more More information is available at Strategy requires an Statement, which will underpin celebrating as a set-piece sustainability of ROSL's than £6,000. In 2020, we are hoping www.rosl.org.uk/incognito2020 understanding of how the the Master Buildings Strategy. of their time, and of course clubhouse home.

42 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 43 News & views ROSL NEWS

Portrait restoration Paul A Young and his team work daily to make all their With work nearing completion on Lord creations completely by hand. ROSL members receive Mountbatten, Sir Evelyn Wrench is next in line 15% discount in store. The restoration of the historic ROSL art collection is progressing well. In January, we visited the studio of Rebecca Gregg to see the portrait of Lord 143 Wardour Street, Soho, London, W1F 8WA Mountbatten, the first to be sent for restoration. We are engaging local, experienced, ICON- www.paulayoung.co.uk The old, yellowed varnish layer has been removed, accredited restorers to undertake this delicate work, any surface dirt has been cleaned with some past following which glazing and sealing the frame will restoration attempts removed and the canvas ensure the work maintains its repaired state repaired ready to be given a new lease of life with for many years to come. the paint touched up and a fresh varnish laid on top. Thanks to more donations from members, the If you are interested in supporting our work to restore portrait of Sir Evelyn Wrench by Sir Oswald Birley the art in the club to its former Glory and therefore was also sent away to get some much-needed securing it for many years to come, please email repairs, and the portrait of his wife, Hylda Henrietta, Eilidh McCormick on [email protected] Lady Wrench by John AA Berrie will soon follow. or call 020 7408 0214 x213 to find out more.

Supporting young artists and musicians

Established in 1999, Friends of ROSL ARTS fosters the active involvement of sponsors and donors, encourages new supporters and helps develop audiences for ROSL ARTS events. Your membership fee directly supports the various scholarships which ROSL ARTS arranges for young musicians and visual artists from all over the commonwealth, as well as the Annual Music Competition and Exhibitions in our clubhouses.

BENEFITS INCLUDE • Invitations to all exhibition Private Views • Mailings of the our official event guides • E-bulletins with event highlights, recommendations and special offers • Discounted tickets to selected talks, concerts and live art events hosted at ROSL • Invitation to the exclusive Friends of ROSL ARTS Champagne Garden Party, which features a concert by a ROSL ARTS prizewinner.

For more information, visit www.rosl.org.uk/rosl-arts

44 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020

paulayoung_osad.indd 1 07/11/2019 11:30

More images online Visit our Facebook page and the ROSL website to see more photos of ROSL events. LONDON Where you are Get daily news updates on the Where you are ROSL NEWS ROSL website and by GROUP ROSL NEWS following us on Twitter. VISIT Aspley House Wednesday 4 March, 2pm, Aspley House, W1J 7NT No 1 London is one of the capital’s finest private residences, home of the first Duke of Wellington. CONTACTS It was built by Robert Adam between 1771 and extensive painting collection including paintings Alberta: Kenneth Munro 1778 and acquired the popular name because of by Velasquez and Rubens, and a wonderful British Columbia: Liz Murray ROSL AROUND THE WORLD its position just past a toll gate into the capital collection of silver and porcelain. A lift is [email protected] from the west. It passed to the Wellesley family available for those with limited mobility. +1 604 922 1564 Our branches provide an opportunity for members in all parts of the world in 1807. It has been the London home of the The visit is approx. 90 mins. and across the UK to enjoy a range of social events close to home. To find out Duke of Wellington ever since. Wellington made Nearest Underground: Hyde Park Corner. Calgary: Madeleine King it his home after a military career culminating in London Group who are English Heritage [email protected] more about getting involved, simply contact your local representative his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. As members: £6; London Group members: £15; Cheltenham: Kathleen well as a dazzling state dining room, it houses an Guests: £17. Northage AUSTRALIA +44 (0)1242 515540 Black tie formal dinner Morning tea Lunch and talk Ireland: Palmer Carter Tasmania Saturday 18 April, time tba, Wednesday 13 May, 10am, Wednesday 1 April, 10.30am, TALK [email protected] Autumn in the Gardens The Weld Club, Perth Holly Lea Retirement Village Bridgwater & Taunton College Thames Tideway Tunnel tonnes of pollution spilling into New South Wales: Lily Murray Luncheon Celebrate HM The Queen’s Join fellow members for morning AGM, followed by ‘An Insight in Thursday 12 March, 6pm, the Thames. Currently under [email protected] Wednesday 25 March, 12pm, Royal Birthday with fellow branch tea and a talk. Speaker tba. to ROSL ARTS’ with Geoff Parkin, Over-Seas House construction across 24 sites, Tasmanian Botanical Gardens members and guests at this $5. Members and friends talk and two course lunch. A discussion on the new it will be completed in 2024. New Zealand: Contact tba Join our luncheon at the formal dinner. welcome. £18. All welcome. London Super Sewer; a 25km Free for London Group +64 27 294 1662 Succulent Restaurant in the Prica tba. tunnel under London’s river members and those staying [email protected] Royal Tasmanian Botanical UNITED KINGDOM Lunch and talk that will prevent millions of at Over-Seas House. Ontario: Ishrani Jaikaran Gardens at 12 noon. There will CANADA Wednesday 6 May, 11am, www.rosl-ontario-canada.ca be an a la carte menu. Sussex Bridgwater & Taunton College [email protected] Please RSVP by 18 March. British Columbia AGM ‘Georgian Architecture VISIT +1 416 760 0309 Guests welcome. There will be a Casual Gathering in Wednesday 4 March, time tba, unzipped!’, illustrated talk and Vintners’ Hall Queensland: Penny Shehadeh either late March or April. If anyone Windsor Hotel, Worthing two course lunch. Wednesday 29 April, 11am, also well known. The original [email protected] St George’s Day of our B.C. members would like to Sussex branch AGM and lunch £18. All welcome. Vintners’ Hall, EC4V 3BG building was destroyed during South Australia: Cheryl Williss Reception and AGM have their name added to this list, with guest speaker. For more The Worshipful Company of the Great Fire of London but [email protected] Thursday 23 April, 5pm, please email [email protected]. details see the 'Contact List' Vintners is one of the great was replaced during the 1670s www.roslsa.org.au 4 Clarke Avenue We will also be looking at for Sussex Branch. Wessex twelve Livery companies of the and by the building on Upper The guest speaker will be Reg arranging a group outing to a Price tba. Coffee Mornings City of London. It was granted Thames Street (with a few Switzerland: Jo Brown +334 5040 6631 Watson, who will speak on Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Every Thursday, 10.30am, its first charter in 1363 and alterations along the way). another interesting aspect of performance over the summer. Annual concert Mayfair Hotel, Bournemouth celebrated its 650th anniversary The tour lasts until 12.30 and Tasmania: Stephen Jones St George’s Day. This event will Sunday 17 May, Blandford Forum £3. in 2013. Its origins are steeped coffee/tea will be provided. London [email protected] Group AGM +61 (0)613 558 95 be catered for by the branch. NEW ZEALAND Parish Church in the history of the City Nearest Underground: Mansion The AGM will take place at 5pm, We will join the Wessex branch AGM and lunch through its role in the import, House (District and Circle lines). Thursday 23 April, 6pm, Taunton: Neil Milne followed by the talk and reception Christchurch to hear ROSL Annual Music Wednesday 29 April, 11am (AGM), regulation and sale of wine. Cannon Street and Bank are Over-Seas House [email protected] at 6pm. You are welcome to Morning tea Competition prizewinners The 12pm (Lunch), Mayfair Hotel The company’s ownership of also close. Annual General Meeting, +44 (0)1823 286732 attend either or both events. Wednesday 11 March, 10am, Mithras Trio, performing works With guest Diana Owen, swans – shared with the Crown London Group members: £18; followed by refreshments. Victoria: Ron Williamson Please RSVP by 16 April. by Beethoven, Lili Boulanger, ROSL Director-General and the Dyers’ Company – is Guests: £20. Free. London Group Holly Lea Retirement Village www.rosl.org.au Guests welcome. Speaker tba Rachmaninov and Ravel. AGM Free. Lunch £20 members, members only. [email protected] $5. Members and friends Free. £23 guests. +61 (0)3 9654 8338 welcome. LONDON GROUP BOOKING INFORMATION Sussex: David Kay Western Australia Annual concert London Group events are for London Group members, their guests, and ROSL members staying [email protected] AGM Morning tea Taunton Sunday 17 May, Blandford Forum at Over-Seas House. To join, speak to the Membership Team on +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214/216 or Wednesday 8 April, 5pm, Wednesday 8 April, 10am, Lunch and talk Parish Church email [email protected]. No booking is required for talks. To book outside visits, send Wessex: Gordon Irving Victoria League, 276 Onslow Rd, Holly Lea Retirement Village Wednesday 4 March, 11am, Showcasing ROSL Annual Music a cheque payable to ‘ROSL’ and a stamped, addressed envelope to Maureen Howley, London [email protected] Senton Park, Perth With Lynda and Percy Acton Bridgwater & Taunton College Competition prizewinners The Group, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1LR. The London Group +44 (0)1258 480887 The Western Australia branch Adams speaking on cycling ‘The History of Cheddar Cheese’, Mithras Trio, performing works is a voluntary organisation and cannot take bookings by email or telephone. Confirmation is sent Western Australia: AGM, followed by drinks and through France and Germany. illustrated talk and two course by Beethoven, Lili Boulanger, approximately ten days in advance. Cancellations and refund requests must be made at least Nigel Rogers canapes. $5. Members and friends lunch. Rachmaninov and Ravel. two weeks before the event. Contact [email protected]. +61 (0) 438 409 191 Free. welcome. £18. All welcome. Free.

46 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 47 Event Highlights Event Highlights ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS

Commonwealth Day Afternoon Tea Monday 9 March, 4.30pm, Over-Seas House Some members have been lucky enough to purchase MEMBER-LED EVENTS tickets through our ballot for the Commonwealth Day GET INVOLVED IN OUR GROUP ACTIVITIES Service held at Westminster Abbey. For those who did get a chance to attend the service, or those who would like to COMMUNITY CHOIR Bi-Monthly tutorials continue their celebration of the Commonwealth after the Evelyn Wrench Supper: The ROSL Community Choir, meets twice Our tutor Chris Bray is highly thought service, come along to Afternoon Tea at Over-Seas House. ‘The Future of Rail in the UK’ a month on a Wednesday 4.45-5.45 and of in his field and plays at a high level. You can meet people working and living all over the is open to all ROSL Members. Do come He visits every two months for continuing Monday 16 March, 6.30pm, Over-Seas House Commonwealth; from ROSL members and staff and to and join us. tuition. The cost is £20 per person representatives from several Commonwealth organisations. Lord Tony Berkeley will speak on the future of Rail in the UK. Our meetings in 2020 will be on 4 and payable on the day. £25. He recently published a dissenting report into the High Speed 2 18 March 2020. project on 5 January, calling it ‘the wrong and expensive solution’ Our professional musical Director is Beginners course to providing better north-south intercity services and improving Joanna Arnold. We each contribute £10 per 11.30-1.00 on 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 April 2020 services in the Midlands and North of England. He was Deputy person per session to cover Joanna’s fee. Fee: £80 payable in advance Chair of the review of whether and how to proceed with HS2. Tony Berkeley is a Labour member of the House of Lords and ROSL BOOK GROUP BRIDGE GROUP has been an opposition Transport Spokesperson and is currently a The ROSL Book Group meets once a The ROSL Bridge Club is open to all Taster session & introduction member of a House of Lords European Sub-Committee on Trade. month on Wednesdays, to discuss both members for Social Bridge at all levels, to bridge course The EW Suppers include a three-course meal with wine. Please classic and modern novels from 6.30- every Monday (except on Bank Holidays) Do join us on 16 March 4.30-6.30pm, note the date and look out for further details on the menu. 8pm. We meet beforehand in the Bar and from 2-4pm in the Mountbatten Room. for a free taster session. £45. afterwards for dinner, to continue the We play ACOL. A four-week introduction to bridge discussion. will start on 23 March at 4.30-6.30pm and Monthly tutorials will finish on 20 April (we will not play on BACKGAMMON GROUP Our tutor Ingar Kofoed Hansen is 13 April, which is a bank holiday). Evelyn Wrench Lecture: The Impact of Climate Change The ROSL Backgammon Club is free a professional bridge player and bridge Fee: £80 payable in advance on the Commonwealth and open to all Members. We play every teacher. The tutorials are held once a Wednesday 2-4pm in the Drawing Room. month and cost £20 per person payable JOINING Tuesday 31 March, 6.30pm, Over-Seas House Do join us for a game and for lunch on the day. When Ingar is present for Contact ROSL Member Eve Mitleton-Kelly Our next Evelyn Wrench Lecture Division of the International Maritime at 1pm in the Brabourne Room or drinks supervised practice, the cost is £10 per on [email protected] will address the critical challenge of Organization (IMO), the UN agency afterwards in the Bar. person; at all other times it is free. if you wish to join any of the groups. climate change and its impact on the responsible for international shipping. ROSL AMC Commonwealth. He is responsible on a day-to-day Gold Medal 2020 Our panel of speakers will include basis for IMO’s work to address Monday 1 June, 7pm, Queen Prof Tim Benton, who works on climate emissions from international shipping Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre risks and how they will impact societies, and represents the organisation in particularly through changing access to climate change negotiations under the Our Gold Medal Final is the crown food; he was an author on the IPCC’s UNFCCC including, most recently, at jewel of our calendar and this year ACCOMMODATION OFFERS recent climate change, land and food COP 25 in Madrid in December and promises to be no different. Join us COME TO AN EVENT AND STAY FOR THE NIGHT report, as well as the UK’s climate at the UN Climate Action Summit in at the Southbank Centre to see four change risk assessment. New York last September. exceptional musicians battle it out 3 MARCH: KEYBOARD PRIZE 10-13 APRIL: EASTER TREAT Sarah Breeden is Executive Director £15 Members. £20 Guests. for the grand prize of £20,000 and to Book a Deluxe Room and receive a A special four night package including 25% discount on your bedroom rate. an Easter egg hunt, dinner and Easter of the Bank of England’s work enhancing see who will enter the history books Sunday lunch. £564 for single rooms, the financial system’s resilience to as one of our Gold Medal winners. 19 MARCH: OVERSEAS PRIZE from £624 for double rooms. climate change. Sarah will address the Soloists from the Woodwind and Brass, Book a Deluxe Room and receive impact on international economies and Strings, Singers and Keyboard sections a 25% discount on your room rate. 14 APRIL: TASMIN LITTLE financial institutions, and the ‘greening’ make up the finalists, each performing Book a Deluxe Room and receive a of banks to encourage investment a carefully chosen programme, 22 MARCH: MOTHER'S DAY 25% discount on your room rate. that supports carbon reduction. followed by performances from Book two nights and receive a 25% Our third Panellist will be Dr Edmund our two winning ensembles. discount on your room rate per night, Full details and terms available at Hughes, Head, Air Pollution and Energy Prices from £11.25. Available at plus a glass of champagne on arrival. www.rosl.org.uk/accommodation-offers Efficiency in the Marine Environment www.southbankcentre.co.uk

48 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 49 MAR3 ROSL calendar EVENTS

MAR4 DATES FOR

YOUR DIARY… AMC 2020: LONDON GROUP Get full details in your new Events Guide PIANO FINAL VISIT: APSLEY HOUSE or online at www.rosl.org.uk/events Tuesday 3 March Wednesday 4 March

5 MAR - 19 APR MAR9 MAR10 MAR12 PRIVATE VIEW RBA

STAR STUDENTS 2020 Thursday 5 March – COMMONWEALTH LONDON GROUP Sunday 19 April DAY AFTERNOON AMC 2020: STRING TALK: THAMES TEA ENSEMBLES FINAL TIDEWAY Monday 9 March Tuesday 10 March Thursday 12 March

MAR16 MAR17 AMC 2020: MIXED ENSEMBLES FINAL Tuesday 17 March EVELYN WRENCH SUPPER CLUB Monday 16 March

MAR19

31 16 MAR APR TASMIN LITTLE (MMSOL) Thursday 16 April EVELYN WRENCH LECTURE Tuesday 31 March

TH AMC 2020: OVERSEAS FINAL ROSL 68 Thursday 19 March

23 29 30 APR APR APR ANNUAL MUSIC

LONDON GROUP LONDON GROUP VISIT: VINTNERS' BEETHOVEN 250 COMPETITION AGM HALL CONCERT Thursday 23 April Wednesday 29 April Thursday 30 April GOLD MEDAL FINAL MAY5 MAY14 MAY19 BOOK TALK: A VERY SECRET BOOK WAR: BUGGING THE NAZIS IN WWII NEW MEMBERS' 1 June 2020, 7pm NOW BY HELEN FRY RECEPTION ROSL AGM southbankcentre.co.uk Tuesday 5 May Thursday 14 May Tuesday 19 May Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall

50 OVERSEAS JOURNAL MARCH - MAY 2020 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 51 KIRKER MUSIC CRUISES FOR DISCERNING TRAVELLERS

Kirker Holidays offers an extensive range of independent and escorted music holidays, including leading festivals in Europe such as the Puccini Opera Festival in Torre del Lago and Grafenegg, as well as Glyndebourne, Buxton and opera weekends in Vienna, Milan, Venice and New York. We also arrange short breaks with opera, ballet or concert tickets, to all the great classical cities in Europe, and host a series of exclusive music festivals and music cruises. Join one of our 2020 Music Cruises and enjoy a series of exclusive chamber music concerts on board Fred Olsen’s Black Watch, as well as private drinks parties, talks and a range of optional shore excursions.

ART & MUSIC OF THE LOW COUNTRIES A SEVEN NIGHT MUSIC CRUISE | 17 MARCH 2020 Southampton – North Sea Canal – Amsterdam – Rotterdam (for The Hague and Delft) – Ghent – Antwerp – Southampton with The Aquinas Piano Trio and art historian Ger van den Munckhof Combine the finest art galleries of Belgium & the Netherlands with a series of private concerts on board Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch. We will journey along the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam where Black Watch will remain overnight, before continuing to Rotterdam where we have opportunities to visit both Delft and The Hague. Next comes Ghent, which in 2020 which will be celebrating the near-complete restoration of ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, before reaching our last port of call, Antwerp.

Prices range from £1,470 per person for an inside cabin to £3,145 per person for a Premier Suite including full-board, private drinks parties, all concerts, plus exclusive talks and interviews. Ask about our optional shore excursions in the company of art expert Ger van den Munckhof.

THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS IN SPRING AN ELEVEN NIGHT MUSIC CRUISE | 12 MAY 2020 Liverpool – Kristiansand – Oslo – Stavanger – Bergen – Shetland Islands – Liverpool with the Marmen Quartet, Danish Clarinet Trio, Trio Ondine and pianist Tim Horton. On board Fred Olsen’s Black Watch, we will sail around the tip of Scotland and directly to the south of Norway. Our first port of call will be Kristiansand, Norway’s fifth largest city, before sailing along the coast and up the Oslofjord. We stay for one night in the capital itself, awaking on Norwegian National Day when the Norwegians celebrate the country’s independence gained in 1814. Upon reaching Stavanger there will be an optional excursion to Utstein, Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery, dating from the 13th century. We then call at Bergen, birthplace of Edvard Grieg, before our final port, Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

Prices range from £2,845 per person for an inside cabin to £5,795 per person for a Marquee Suite including full-board, private drinks parties, all concerts, plus exclusive talks and interviews. Ask aboout our programme of music-themed optional shore excursions.

Speak to an expert or request a brochure:

020 7593 2284 quote code GRO www.kirkerholidays.com