Winter 2009 A SPECTACULAR SUMMER AT ELLESMERE EXAM SUCCESS INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE RESULTS A LEVEL CELEBRATIONS Later in the summer, A Level Results Students at Ellesmere College Day proved to be another day of celebrated some exceptional celebration for students of the International Baccalaureate College. Overall performance was Diploma (IB) results following excellent with 95.8% of students their publication in early July. achieving pass grades, including Top performers included some top class individual results. Yasmin Rhabari and Hendrick Girls achieved a 98.6% pass rate Scheer, who scored 38 points, with 49.3% being top A/B grades. equivalent to just 5 grade Most departments recorded 100% As at A level. Catherine pass rate and teachers and families Wignall, from Ellesmere, were delighted to see our Sixth scored 35 points, just under 5 Colin Fergusson and Todd Evans with Formers able to move on to Higher their outstanding A Level results grade As equivalent at A level. Education courses of their choice. Yasmin, Hendrick and Whilst heartfelt congratulations go to all students there were some Catherine all scored an Catherine Wignall and Hannah Phillips particularly notable performances that are worthy of specific mention exceptional grade 7 in celebrate their IB success. such as David Anders-Richards, Head Boy, who achieved 4 grade As Economics, Geography and History respectively. Hannah Phillips and has gone to read Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. Colin from Ellesmere scored 32 points, which equates to just under 4 Fergusson also achieved 4 A grades and is now studying Geography grade As at A level. at Durham and Todd Evans celebrated his three A grades in Physics, Of the 29 candidates sitting the International Baccalaureate Maths and Geography. The girls certainly were not to be outdone with Diploma 20 achieved the equivalent of at least 3 grade As at A level. an excellent gathering of top grades, notably Stephanie Edwards with 5 in total, 4 A grades and a B grade, and Ashley Whittle, with 4 grade As. GCSE STUDENTS ALSO MAKE THE GRADE Although they had to wait until Whilst heartfelt congratulations go to all students nearly the end of August, there were some particularly notable performances Ellesmere’s GCSE students also that are worthy of specific mention as many found they had a lot to smile about scooped up a cluster of A*/A grades: on their Results Day. 88% of Zoe Evans; 4 A*s, 5 As and a B, grades awarded were A* to C Douglas Forster; 5 A*, 3 As and 3 Bs grades and over 93% of pupils James Leahy; 4 A *s, 4 As and 2 Bs gained 5 or more A*- C grades. It was pleasing to note that over 27% Douglas Allsop; 3 A *s, 5 As and 2 Bs of all grades were the top grades of Charlotte Shearer; 2 A *s. 7 As and a B A*/A with the girls excelling Zoe also achieved a pass grade at the Advanced themselves with over 38% of Additional Mathematics. grades secured being A* or A. Several other students achieved a high number of Many departments recorded 100% top grades and the majority of pupils joined the pass rate covering a range of Left to Right: Charlotte Shearer, College Sixth Form in September to start either A subjects across Arts and Science. Douglas Forster and Zoe Evans. Levels or the International Baccalaureate.

Head Master, Brendan Wignall, sent his congratulations to all to accept a broad range of ability into the Sixth Form and it would students, their teachers and families and commented: be fair to describe these results – in that context – as quite ‘I am delighted with the Ellesmere pupils’ results this year. Individual spectacular. For our International Baccalaureate Diploma performances have been excellent, and it is always to individual candidates the A level grade equivalent average was in excess of 3 performance that we look. However, headline results were also A grades. excellent this year. However, just as importantly as the grades that individuals have The principal focus is to prepare pupils for university entrance and achieved, I am confident that they are leaving Ellesmere very well I am delighted that the overall A level equivalent grade for our Sixth prepared for the future, and examination results can only assist in a Form as a whole was an A and 2 Bs this year. We are very happy relatively small way in dealing with that future.’

1 Lunch with NEW HEAD Andrew Collinge BOY AND GIRL

Head Master, Brendan Wignall, Mrs Carole Main of the Parents’ Society and Andrew Collinge The College’s Parents' Society Ladies annual Summer Luncheon was held in a marquee situated on the School's Terraces. Old Head Boy, Freddie Herzog, and Head Girl, Rebecca Britton Ellesmerian and celebrity hairdresser, Andrew Collinge, gave an enormously entertaining after-lunch speech. Rebecca Britton from Whitchurch and Freddie Herzog from Two hundred ladies enjoyed a glass of bubbly, before consuming Ruyton XI Towns, have taken the roles this year as Ellesmere a delicious two-course meal. Local businesswomen presented College’s Head Girl and Head Boy. displays of their wares, including Tuesday Chocolates from Rebecca joined the School in Year 7 and Freddie in Year 9. Both Market Drayton, Mystique, the ladies underwear and beach-wear of them have experienced and enjoyed many of the shop in Shrewsbury, and the clothes shop, Quelque Chose, who opportunities which have been on offer during their time here. also organised a fashion parade of summer outfits during lunch. Rebecca commented, ‘I have loved all the choices which I have Following lunch Andrew Collinge gave an interesting and often made over the years, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award activities amusing speech about his days at Ellesmere College and his own and all the sports on offer. Besides being delighted to lead the career, including his part in helping to create some of the first School during a significant period of expansion in our pupil ‘makeover shows’ on British television. base, this summer Freddie and I both had the opportunity to A raffle, with prizes generously donated by the stall holders, raised complete our Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition in France.’ £1,000 for Self Unlimited, a charity for whom Andrew Collinge is a Freddie, who is taking A-levels in English, Geography and patron. Following the lunch guests had the opportunity to look History, is planning to study History at University. He is also a around the stalls whilst joining with members of the College staff keen member of the Chapel Choir. Rebecca is studying for A- for tea and chat. levels in English, Geography and History and is aiming to study English Literature at University. Parents’ Society Picnic

Following Lower School Sports Day, students, staff and families enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of a very English summer evening on the School Terraces. The School flag blew in the light breeze and, as entertainments from an inflated bouncy slide to a display of birds of prey and dog training kept the youngsters occupied, parents enjoyed jugs of Pimms whilst watching the 1st XI Team play and win against a staff side. Sue Dewhirst, Parents’ Society Chair commented, ‘For the last two years poor weather and change of dates for the Sports Day has prevented the Ellesmere College Parents’ Sue Dewhirst, Centre, Chair of the Ellesmere College Parents’ Society, and keen supporters. Society Summer Picnic taking place. After much preparation by the Committee, I was delighted how the picnic was supported by Ellesmere families as well as staff. The Picnic is just one of the many social events that the Parents’ Society organise for Ellesmere College parents and pupils during the academic year and a special thanks must also go to my fellow Committee members for their sterling support to make such events happen.’

2 New Energy Efficient NEW IB STUDENTS Lighting Scheme Ellesmere has just completed a £50,000 scheme to make the lighting around the School more energy efficient. The College received a grant for more than half of the cost from Shropshire County Council through its “Low Carbon Communities for Business” Scheme. The College received support and advice from the Marches Energy Agency on where to source the most appropriate government funding and also where the optimum efficiencies could be found. In some parts of the School this simply meant replacing light bulbs with more efficient ones, but in areas such as the School Chapel all light fittings have been changed with the result that each light now has a 125 watt bulb compared with 500 watts previously. It is estimated that this scheme could save the School up to £15,000 per annum in electricity costs and is forecast to save nearly 200 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Mike McCarthy, Director of Operations at Ellesmere College, said “The School is New international students join local pupils as they begin their IB Course together delighted to have successfully completed this particular scheme and is very grateful for the At the start of the new academic year Ellesmere College welcomed into the Sixth Form support that has been forthcoming from both a fourth class of IB students from around the world. Marches Energy Agency and Shropshire County This highly successful worldwide course has continued to grow and develop at Council. This is the first of what I hope will be Ellesmere College, and for the first time UK students will be joined by IB students from many environmental improvement schemes at Japan, France and Switzerland. Along with pupils from Germany and Romania they will Ellesmere College as the School seeks to be studying for the exciting and challenging IB diploma, and following a wide range of improve its “green credentials” and also reap the courses. financial benefits to the business as well. As an All IB students pursue courses in six subjects chosen from the following (three at Higher educational establishment it is important that we and three at Standard level, depending upon individual interests): native language; a send the right message to our pupils and I think second language (which can be a beginners’ course); humanities and social sciences; that this is a clear indication of our thinking on experimental sciences; mathematics; the arts (or an additional subject from one of the the environment and our commitment to other five options). improving the situation.” COLLEGE OPEN DAYS Visiting Author A HUGE SUCCESS

Despite persistent showers, the College’s Open Day earlier this summer drew a record number of visitors, all keen to meet staff and pupils and to sample what we have to offer. This was followed by an equally successful Autumn Open Day in October, where interest in the College was demonstrably as strong as ever. A considerable amount of academic work from pupils at different stages was on display at both events including the International Baccalaureate Diploma offered in the Sixth Form. Visiting children had the Visiting Author, John Dougherty, with some of his Year 8 fans opportunity to participate in Year 8 recently spent an entertaining morning with visiting children’s a number of sports author, John Dougherty, who gave them a real insight into the world of activities, including tennis professional writing. John, a former teacher, entertained an enthralled and golf exercises as well audience in the Arena Arts Theatre with his dramatic readings from his as cricket net practice. Enjoying what the College has to offer on Open Day novels, stories about his experiences as an author and even songs he There were Science had written himself. experiments, crafts and a quiz to occupy younger visitors as John, who was born in Northern Ireland, is the author of popular families progressed around the School. children’s titles such as ‘Zeus on the Loose’, ‘Jack Slater and the Open Days are always rounded off with a traditional English Whisper of Doom’,’The Niteracy Hour’ and ’Bansi O’Hara and the afternoon tea in Big School, to the accompaniment of music of Edges of Halloween’ and, as you can probably tell, his works draw all styles performed by a variety of students. heavily on both his Celtic origins and his keen sense of humour. Many of our visitors were very complimentary about the Afterwards the pupils were able to ask John questions about his life and welcome they received and the excellence of the student writing, and he was extremely keen to encourage them to develop their guides, who consistently prove themselves first-class own writing and creative skills. ambassadors for the College.

3 NEW WEATHER STATION INSTALLED Following a three week collection of weather data Year 6 pupils have recently completed their project to record weather variances around the School campus. Setting out rain gauges, thermometers and anemometers to record wind speed, the pupils recorded local weather conditions in various parts of the College 144 acre site. However, weather monitoring can now be carried out in much more sophisticated ways since the installation of a new weather station in College. Sited on the roof of the Library is a new solar-powered weather station, the latest exciting addition to the School’s resources. Instigated and coordinated by the Head of Geography, Helen Scarisbrick, and involving the support of the IT Team, the recently installed new weather station receives data and sends it to screens in Lower School and the Geography Department for Senior School pupils to access. The data is on the School’s intranet and is updated every 5 minutes. It is also intended to link the School’s website to the weather station, which records temperature, wind chill, rainfall, humidity, wind speed and direction, as well as pressure. Richard Walsh and Taylor Arnold with their weather watch findings ‘Helen Scarisbrick commented, ‘This is an exciting addition to the School’s resources. It means that secondary data can be stored over the years so that future pupils can compare the climate then and now. Working in teams to Jonathan Pescod and Freddie Herzog with the collect primary data is a valuable geographical skill which is now being developed in pupils new weather monitoring equipment of all ages across the School.’ VISITING TEACHER FROM ‘DOWN UNDER’

At the start of the autumn term, the College Common Room gained a new member of staff as Teresa Ellison joined us from Griffiths University in Queensland, Australia. As part of a programme of international internships, Ellesmere College Year 5 pupils were able to enjoy enjoy the additional support of a trainee teacher from the other side of the world. Teresa Ellison, from the Gold Coast, Australia, is currently in her 4th and final year at Griffith University, Parklands, Queensland. Mindful that she needed to complete a period of teacher training before she could graduate, Teresa was delighted to learn that she could apply for a travel bursary to fulfill her placement overseas. Never having visited the UK, Teresa eagerly took on the challenge of finding a school in England that would take her on. Following a most enjoyable year at Ellesmere College, it was the mother of a former Gap student who recommended that Teresa should apply to the School and following a brief flow of email across the world, the placement was secured. Resident at the School for 6 weeks, Teresa has gained valuable work experience alongside Elaine Philips, Key Stage 2 Coordinator, at Ellesmere. Elaine Phillips commented; ‘Teresa is a delight to have in the classroom and the Year 5 pupils she is Visiting teacher, Teresa Ellison, with some of her Lower School pupils. supporting are enjoying having her Back Row: Jaimie Wakefield, Eve Davies, Millie Shaw, Sabrina Forde-Johnston, Alex Sambrook-Jones, Guy Lloyd and Bruce Buglass. Front Row: Katie Stokes, Teresa Ellison and Charlotte Davies amongst them. We wish her well on her return to Australia and good luck for her future career.’ Teresa added, ‘It has been hard to be so far away from my family, and in particular my 5 year old son. However, I have really enjoyed my time at Ellesmere. Not only have I learned a lot from the School, I have had the opportunity to visit both the local area and London, and I’ve even accompanied a group of colleagues to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ home match.’ Well, that’s certainly an experience worth travelling fifteen thousand miles for, Teresa!

4 The Ellesmere Arts Scene Music Festival News YOUNG BALLET PERFORMERS AT THEATRE SEVERN

The desire to dance on stage encouraged four talented ballet dancers from Lower School pupils to audition for parts in Sleeping Beauty which was performed by the English Youth Ballet at the Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury. Chester Music Festival Winners (left to right) Naomi Craig, For part of the summer George Fradley, John Paul & Luca Kuhn holiday, three Ellesmere The College’s music scholars have continued to enjoy success in College girls from the same music festivals this year, including in the annual Chester Festival Oswestry family, Lottie and of Music. Caro Hulme, twins in Year 6 George Fradley, from Market Drayton and in Year 9, won the and Beth Hulme in Year 7, Under 14 Piano Solo and the Ierston Cup with fellow Year 9 pupil, as well as Angelo Daniel in John Paul, who lives in Ellesmere, taking second place. John Year 8 who lives in Paul then went on to win the Advanced Strings class with another Whittington, were chosen Year 9 pupil, Luke Taylor, achieving second place. to rehearse with the A talented Year 7 pupil, Naomi Craig from Clutton in Cheshire, English Youth Ballet, achieved two second places. She played her violin in the leading to a performance of Intermediate Strings section and the saxaphone in the Sleeping Beauty alongside Intermediate Woodwind section. Luca Kuhn, a Year 10 pupil from young dancers from around Ellesmere’s rising dance talent Munchen, Germany, achieved 3rd place in the Light Opera class the UK singing ‘Over the Rainbow’. Sharon Owen, Head of Lower School, commented, ‘Since Ellesmere Roger Paul, Director of Music, commented, ‘I am very pleased College believes in encouraging children to develop their talents in with our pupils and their achievements. This is a reflection of the whatever direction this leads them, I was particularly delighted to learn standard of young musicians coming through Ellesmere College. that all four Lower School ballet stars were successful in their bid to The pupils enjoy performing and festivals give them further perform with the English Youth Ballet. Watching them on stage was a opportunity to do this.’ real treat.’ BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The Michaelmas Term always sees the first of our College ‘Battle of the Bands’ nights, although in fact this is less of a battle and more of a celebration of the considerable talent for electronic music making in School. An appreciative crowd gathered in the Arts Centre to listen to singers and bands performing classics and more contemporary numbers, with a full-on contribution from the staff as well. Mention must be made of the contributions of Mr Roger Paul, Head of Music, who organised the event and who is as equally at home on the synthesiser keyboard as he is on the Chapel organ. Mr Paul’s legendary enthusiasm for music of every kind is an inspiration to all students in College, whether he is blasting out a Nirvana number or a Bach fugue, and is a key factor in the rich and growing musical life at Ellesmere. Year 11 student, Luca Kuhn, singing with the Josh Boswell on guitar Staff Band

5 ARENA ARTS SUMMER EXPO

‘Let’s put on a musical in three days!’ No, it wasn’t a joke, but a serious proposition for the Arts Arena students during the Summer Expo. Little Shop of Horrors , with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a down-trodden assistant in a florist’s shop in seedy Skid Row, whose life is transformed by his discovery of a mysterious, fast-growing and ultimately murderous alien plant, which he names Audrey II after the girl he loves. With its darkly comic tone and engaging set piece numbers, Little Shop of Horrors proved a hugely enjoyable challenge to everyone who took part, offering opportunities for contributions from every part of Arena Arts: singing, playing instruments, scenic and puppetry construction, costume, radio production, set and lighting design and of course acting. Directed by Arts Centre Manager, Helen Coney, Josh Boswell, Henry Maybury and Will Bevan the finished show was well received by a packed house on the last evening of expeditions, with many students giving excellent performances. Special mention must be made of Luca Kuhn, who played a delightfully vulnerable Audrey, and Henry Maybury, as her hapless boyfriend, Seymour, both of whom gave warm and intelligent vocal performances. Comic relief was provided by the dentist, Orin, originally one part, but here created as a schizophrenic duo of graduates of the New Zealand School of Sadistic Dentistry by Josh Boswell and Will Bevan. Year 13 Katrin Schaff with Luca Kuhn and Ruslana Raschupkina students Dan Hopwood and Charlie Butt returned after their final A Level exams to add their own distinctive contributions and the principals were supported by an array of talented singers and dancers. It is a while since the College has staged a musical, and the project was such a success that Helen Coney and Director of Music, Roger Paul, are now preparing to put on a full length version of the show in the Spring. But the final production of Little Shop of Horrors would not have been possible without three days of intense team work in a variety of crafting, painting, choreography, musicianship, media production, programme and publicity writing, technical design, directing and filming. Here’s a taste of what went on…

dcasts Alex F radio broa and ogg on the li reating the nlan designed ghting design m Phillips c Steven Qui t To Fraser Dia udrey II puppe mond on guitar made the first A The Anonymous Blog of Adrian Mole

This summer term’s Middle School Production was a refreshing update on the classic Sue Townsend novel The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Adrian, played by Dominic Ryder, has moved on to recording his thoughts about the vagaries of his teenage life in an online blog, projected as a backdrop to the action on stage. Directed by Sighile Abbots, The Anonymous Blog of Adrian Mole amusingly chronicled the eponymous hero’s bewildering journey through his parents’ marital problems and his own first love. Ably supported by a strong cast, Dominic played the lead role with sincerity and an appealing innocence, in contrast to his sweetheart, the more knowing and confident Pandora, played by Bethany Lyttle. Georgina Ottaway and Luke Taylor brilliantly created the marital disharmony of Mr and Mrs Mole, being tempted to stray respectively by the neighbourhood lothario, Mr Lucas, Ryan Morley as Barry Kent and Dominic Ryder as Adrian Mole played by George Shelley, and the local vamp, Doreen Slater, played by Grace Tomlinson. Ryan Morley gave an excellent and very physical performance as Barry Kent, the school bully and Adrian’s nemesis, and Lewis Allsop’s grumpy old man, Bert Baxter, was ready to give the teenager the benefit of his experience on many occasions, demonstrating a real sense of comic timing. Mention must also be made of Sarah Carr, who gave a sensitive and touching performance as the abandoned wife next door, Mrs Lucas. Dominic Simpson was on hand to support Adrian in his hour of need as his best friend, Nigel. Doreen Slater, alias the Stick Insect The rest of the cast threw themselves into the performance and the audiences were dazzled by (Grace Tomlinson), fails to impress Adrian several well executed dance routines, cleverly choreographed by New Zealand Gappie, Aaron Somerset, revealing an unexpected talent for the glitz and glamour of the stage. The production delighted its audiences on both evenings of its performances and a hearty congratulations should go to everyone who was involved.

6 HAMLE T- A HUGE SUCCESS

The last Newsletter reported in detail the preparations and rehearsals for the School Production of ‘Hamlet’, a complex and ambitious project for anyone to undertake. The final production took place just before the Easter holidays and was impressive in so many ways, many students giving their best ever performances, particularly of course Josh Boswell, who undertook the massive title role and brought an intelligent understanding to some of Shakespeare’s most philosophical lines. However, it was perhaps the sense of an ensemble cast and crew working together which impressed the audiences The cast and crew of most and created a memorable evening Hamlet, March 2009 for all who came to see it. Three Choirs JANE EYRE AT THE Concert BRONTE PARSONAGE

Following the success of their play adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre at the School’s Arts Centre and an exciting USA tour which followed, Year 11 and 12 students from Ellesmere College travelled to West Yorkshire to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth for a final day of performances over Easter. At the invitation of the Bronte Society, scenes from the play were staged in the Parsonage front Some of the College Choir hard at work in preparation for the Three Choirs Concert garden on a surprisingly warm and sunny Easter Monday to large and Following a period of intensive rehearsal, the Ellesmere appreciative audiences throughout College Choral Society Choir joined with the Senior and the day. The play’s director, Lower School Choirs at the School to perform a Concert Margaret Hutchings, who also altogether in Big School on Thursday 21st May. teaches English and Media Before the Concert, whilst enjoying a glass of wine, there Studies, commented, ‘It was an was an opportunity for the audience to view an eclectic exciting experience for the pupils selection of Sixth Form International Baccalaureate to bring their production of this student artwork in the Cloisters. The Head of Art, Siobhan much-loved book back to the On the steps of Charlotte Bronte’s house Phillips, commented, ‘The art exhibition included work author’s own home and share it which explored a range of themes including natural forms with visitors from as far away as Japan and Canada . The whole experience of touring and portraits. The range of materials is varied including a play from Ellesmere to Boston and back again to Yorkshire has really taken the cast’s paintings, pastel work and textiles.’ drama skills and confidence to a new level as well as broadening their cultural horizons.’ The repertoire at the concert was equally diverse, including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, a medley from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’, and ‘Love Shine a Light’, the last UK winner of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Choirs were joined by Gaenor Ellis, the School’s Singing Teacher, and her husband, who performed as the duo ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’. The College Orchestra and Scholars’ Ensemble also gave exciting performances and the evening was concluded by all the performers – well over 100 voices – singing two Abba songs: ‘Money, Money, Money’ and ‘Thank You for the Music’. Mr Roger Paul, Director of Music, commented, ‘All three Choirs have enthusiastic members and they had rehearsed long and hard to perfect their performances.’ Certainly the programme was met with great enthusiasm from the packed audience and everyone agreed it was an exceptionally entertaining evening. Matt Steggles as St John Rivers and Charlotte Boffey as Jane Eyre performing for the Easter Monday visitors to the Bronte Parsonage, Yorkshire.

7 ELLESMERE OUT AND ABOUT Summer is the time when many of the College’s academic departments arrange educational visits, both at home and abroad, in order to enrich the pupils’ classroom learning. Students always appreciate the time and hard work which staff put into giving them opportunities for these hands-on learning experiences in some very exciting places. Here’s a taste of some of the highlights of this year’s visits:

BERLIN

During the Easter holiday a party of Ellesmere Sixth Form historians had the chance to visit Berlin, examining the remaining evidence for Cold War division, together with other sites relating to the city’s history during the last century. The students were particularly moved by the recent Jewish memorial near the Brandenburg Gate and excited by being able to ascend to the top of the Reichstag Dome. Philip Wood, Head of Sixth Form and History Teacher who planned this trip, commented, ‘The post World War II rebuilding of the city has led to some of the most impressive modern architectural projects in Europe and since 2009 marks the twentieth anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall, it was a most poignant, interesting and enjoyable trip for us all.’ on than where history was made No better place for a history less LOWER SCHOOL SPRING FIELD DAY

Ellesmere is fortunate in being situated within day trip distance of some wonderful countryside and fascinating visitor attractions and the Spring Field Day saw many of the College’s Lower School pupils taking their learning out into the local area to enjoy both of these. Whilst the older Year 8 pupils were out in Wales, visiting the Llanberis Electric Mountain and Slate Museum, the younger Years 3 and 4 were in Liverpool at the Tate Museum and Underwater Street. A day of Roman experiences was enjoyed by the Year 5 students in Chester, whilst Year 6 headed for the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. Year 7, in contrast, had to call on their reserves of quietness and concentration for a day’s bird watching and study at the RSPB Centre and farm at Lake Vyrnwy. The annual Field Day takes a great deal of preparation and organization on the part of staff and pupils alike, but, as these pictures show, the students not only learn a Vyrnwy great deal, they also have a great time. Year 7 Exploring Lake Year 7 pupils make a Pilgrimage to Hereford Cathedral Towards the end of the Summer Term Year 7 pupils made a pilgrimage to Hereford Cathedral with the School’s Chaplain, Father David Slim and six members of the teaching staff. As a Woodard Corporation School, Ellesmere College was invited to send representatives to connect with other schools within the group, to learn about the significance of the Cathedral to Christian life as well as to witness and experience the Eucharist in an exciting way. A previous pilgrimage to Lichfield Cathedral by Confirmation Candidates had been so successful that it was decided to give more pupils the opportunity to enjoy the pilgrimage experience. Father David commented, “Year 7 and their teachers enjoyed the Eucharist at Hereford which combined modern worship music, congregational participation and the ‘smells and bells’ of high church ritual as much as the smaller group had enjoyed it at Lichfield. The worship took the best of our Anglican traditions and used them in a modern setting and in doing so employed an ancient building for its primary purpose.” Pilgrimage to Hereford Cathedral

8 BATTLEFIELDS TRIP

Omaha Beach In June the History Department embarked on what has become an annual Battlefields Trip, this year visiting the Second World War battle sites in Normandy such as the D-Day landing sites and the remains of the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanche. Head of History, Mrs Louise Paton, commented that ‘Our students were able to visit the places where a key turning point in the history of the Second World War took place. Nothing can substitute for the experience of seeing for yourself how places, people and good fortune can make a significant difference in the history of nations. I would like to particularly thank Mr Wood for organizing the trip with his usual efficiency and enthusiasm.’ Madrid MUSIC TOUR OF ITALY

Pupils from Ellesmere College Lower School and Chapel Choirs were joined by members of the Ellesmere College Choral Society on a fabulous music tour to Italy. Touring around Verona and Lake Garda the choirs performed Year 9 relaxing in the Plaza de Oriente, three main concerts at Desenzo opposite the Royal Palace in Madrid Centro Sociale, Hotel Europa As part of their Spanish studies, a group of Ellesmere College and Salva Capuzza. They played Year 9 pupils recently spent the weekend sampling the to appreciative audiences delights of Madrid. everywhere, entertaining them The group of 14 pupils and 2 teachers enjoyed activities which with music by Abba and the ranged from trips to the Reina Sofia Art Gallery and the Royal Beach Boys, with several solos by music scholars on the piano and e Sequoia Palace, to an evening spent taking in a Primera Liga football Music tour pupils at th match at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon stadium. woodwind instruments. Theme Park IB GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS TAKE TO THE HILLS At the start of the Michaelmas Term a group of fourteen Year 13 IB Geography students headed for the hills of nearby Snowdonia in order to conduct their own river studies. Staying overnight at the Field Studies Council Centre, the students worked to collect data from the headwaters of the River Conwy at its source near Bettws y Coed. This will then be used to inform their internal assessment projects which will count towards their final marks at the end of the year. The International Baccalaureate students enjoying the practical side of Geography

9 ELLESMERE EXPEDITIONS Each term students eagerly look forward to their Expeditions, affectionately known as ‘Expos’, and the opportunities provided by the College’s extensive activity programme. For those in the three branches of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) expos offer the opportunity for extended experience in either Navy, Army or Air Force activities, whilst others practise and then carry out their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Arena Arts students also get the chance to engage in workshops and projects covering a range of arts experiences. Here’s a taste of some of this year’s activities: RAF SUMMER EXPO TO WALES

A different kind of challenge

This year’s RAF summer expo was a very challenging one. The intrepid cadets were dropped off in Beddgelert and then took five hours of sheer slog to reach the summit of Moel Hebog. Everyone found this relentless climb exhausting, and were glad to then drop from the summit to the saddle of Bwlch Meillionen and descend to a beautiful mountain stream to pitch camp. Both the weather and the views were spectacular. On the second day with all water bottles refilled the team set off to scale Moel yr Ogof and Moel Lefn, but with baking sun water was soon running out. With dehydration a big issue it was decided to head for Beddgelert forest and a descent towards the minibus, but stumbling across a clear mountain stream ensured that supplies could be replenished. The second night of camp saw the group at Hafod y Llan, famously purchased for the National Trust thanks to a huge donation by Anthony Hopkins. This ought to have been heaven, but the dreaded midge proved a nasty neighbour. After such a demanding couple of days, it was relatively relaxing to enjoy a morning climbing and bouldering at the Beacon Climbing Centre, housed in the building from which Marconi sent his first radio signals. FLYING VISIT SAILING ACHIEVEMENT During this year’s Summer Expeditions one keen yachtsman achieved a significant milestone in his sport. Nicholas Steggel, a student in the Lower Sixth and member of the Navy Section of the Ellesmere College Combined Cadet Force, had the opportunity to take and pass his Level 2 Royal Yachting Association qualification. As explained by Debbie Joynson- Brooke, the Director of Activities Lt Frank R Brooke and Navy cadets greet Lt Al Summers on his ‘flying visit’ at Ellesmere College, ‘the attainment of this sailing Naval cadets were recently delighted to receive a visit from Lt Al qualification confirms Nick’s Nick Steggel Summers of RAF Shawbury, who dropped in to meet them in his dexterity and commitment to Squirrel helicopter. The cadets enjoyed the visit, which was a sailing. He had to demonstrate a range of sailing techniques welcome break from their three day Royal Yachting Association including tacking, gybing and negotiating a triangular course, as course at the Shropshire Sailing Club on Whitemere. well as rigging and rescue procedures.’

10 DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD EXPEDITION CANOEING IN FRANCE

This year’s expedition to France – Allier and Dordogne – was tremendous. The sun shone, the rivers ran and most people swam. The intrepid travellers had a sickness bug that laid a few of them low for a while, but not so low that the expedition couldn’t be completed in fine style. The groups worked very well together and everyone loved being in France and paddling some exciting rapids and weirs. Even the hailstorm on the Allier didn’t dampen spirits although it soaked everyone to the skin. Well done to all combatants and congratulations on achieving the coveted Gold Award.

Lawrence Walters and Mark Padgett

Basu t and Raj Nick Wes We made it!

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR RAF CADETS

During the Easter holidays two Year 12 Ellesmere College Students were given the opportunity to learn and develop skills to achieve their gliding wings. After being selected by the RAF to receive gliding scholarships, Flt Sgt Martin Jones from Snailbeach and Cpl Douglas Forster from Chester, who have been RAF Cadets at the School for the last 4 years, spent a week of the Easter holidays learning the practicalities of flying as well as the aeronautical knowledge which underpins this. Martin went to VGS 632 Squadron Ternhill and flew solo in a Viking glider and Douglas attended VGS 621 Squadron at Hullavington and flew solo in a Vigilant glider. The week long course was extremely intensive and both boys enjoyed the experience, which led to them being awarded their silver wings. Douglas Forster and Martin Jones proudly display their Silver Wings

11 SPORT GOLF AT ELLESMERE

Students at Ellesmere are exceptionally fortunate in having a beautiful nine hole golf course at their disposal, both as a competitive sport as well as an activity, and many people take the opportunity to learn to play whilst they are here. However, the College is also keen to share this facility with the local community and, on Sunday, 3 May, more than forty players were greeted with glorious sunshine to take part in the Ellesmere College Golf Club’s first Open Day. Sunny weather on the Open Day showed off the course to its best advantage, and members of the local community, children, families and friends of the School enjoyed playing the picturesque 9-hole par 30 golf course. Looking forward to the 2010 golf season, Ellesmere College Golf Club is delighted to announce that the course will be open whole year round for the first time. Previously, the course has been closed during January, February and March, however, with the increased popularity of golf with students, staff and members, the course will be open all year round Players of all ages made the most of the day from January 2010. A perfect day for golf RUGBY SWIMMING ROUNDUP COACH This year former pupils Sam Lewis and Chris Morgan have taken up RECOGNISED coaching roles with the Rugby Academy players at Ellesmere. In order to find time for this extra training, coaching sessions have been running in the early morning, with a bright and breezy 6.30am start, With only 80 places as well as in the evenings after lessons. As both Sam and Chris have nationally available and just now moved to clubs themselves, they have provided a valuable insight 10 places in the West into the fitness and skill levels required in order to improve team and Midlands, an Ellesmere individual performance. College Titans Coach has With a series of tough trials, selection for County teams is always a been awarded a place on the challenge, even for the best College players. However, this year new Amateur Swimming congratulations must be offered to the following 26 students who have Association (ASA) Advanced earned their places on various teams: Coaching Programme. Competing against hundreds County Under 14s: George Beal, Jonny Charmley of the UK’s top coaches, the Oliver Lock, Alistair Miller Ellesmere College Titans Edward Parker, Thomas Parker Senior Coach, Jon Pardoe, Lewis Suckling (Year 9) has become part of an County Under 15s: Louis Chaudron, Matthew Dewhirst ambitious new coaching Colin Dickson, Kyle McNamara programme developed by the Samuel Owen, Luke Taylor (Year 10) ASA Coaching Systems County Under 16s: Jack Baxter, Angus Cross and Talent Development Todd Dobie, George Hymes teams. Matt Mackintosh (Year 11) There are currently 22 Jon Pardoe competitive swimmers aged Under 16s & North Midlands: Jack Smith (Year 11) 10 and above in the George Baxter, William Goodwin Ellesmere College Titans, with a further 20 swimmers aged Bryn Philips between 8 and 10 years in the Junior Development Academy. Andy Coubrough (Year 12) Commenting on the news of his selection Jon Pardoe said County Under 18s: Hugh Wignall (Year 12) ‘This award is a big boost to the Ellesmere College Titans and Lawrence Walters (Year 13) recognition of our growing reputation in the region for Martin Jones (Year 13) developing and nurturing exceptional young swimming talent”.

12 The Ellesmere College Shooting Club has recently NEW SHOOTING seen the arrival of two new coaches: David Gregory, who is an active member of Crewe Rifle and Pistol Club, and Tom Rylands, who currently COACHES shoots for Cheshire and England and is also a member of the Great Britain Squad preparing for the World Long Range Championships in 2011. David Gregory, who recently retired from Michelin Tyre Co, started shooting when he was at school. Whilst at Highgate School, he struggled at other sports but shone in target shooting. At that stage he shot .22 Rifle and .303 Target rifle and was a member of his school team. He continued at University, UWIST in Cardiff, where he became Secretary of the Rifle & Pistol club and won UWIST Colours shooting 7.62mm target rifle. The other additional shooting coach is Tom Rylands, who lives in Whitchurch. Tom has wide experience of team selection and has been involved in coaching of all age groups since 1993, from Great Britain senior training to assisting the Great Britain Under 25 Team. He commented, ‘The facilities and keenness of the pupils to improve their shooting skills at Ellesmere College are impressive. I am enjoying supporting the training of these particularly talented individuals, as well as Our new shooting coaches bring a wealth of experience to add to the team introducing other pupils to target shooting’. TENNIS ACADEMY SCHOLAR TAKES THE CUP

A Year 10 Ellesmere College Pupil won the U16 Welti Junior Open Championships and reached the quarter-final of the U18 competition too. In her fourth year at Ellesmere College, Jo Bowen, from Much Wenlock and aged just 15, recently took part in the Welti Junior Open Championship. Competing against over 60 entries Jo won her 6 games and after a challenging final was presented with the winner’s cup. Jo then went on to reaching the quarter-final of the Under 18 competition. Commenting on Jo’s performance in the recent competitions, Nikki Hoy, Director of the Ellesmere College Tennis Academy said, ‘Jo is a fine player with a determination to win. Her success at the recent Welti Junior Open Championships demonstrates her ability with all players some of whom are regional and national level. I am confident that she will continue to impress.’ Jo Bowen HOCKEY

During the last County hockey season, two of our first team players and their hockey coach have enjoyed tremendous regional success. Vivian Grudde and Emily Lewis were both invited to attend Midland’s trials following their outstanding performance during the Midlands U17 Hockey Tournament. Ellesmere PE Teacher and Shropshire coach, Anwen Pugh, had high expectations of the girls as they exhibited a mature understanding and excellent skills within their friendly matches. Unfortunately, Shropshire Under 17’s lost to Derbyshire in the semi- finals. However, further success was obtained when Vivian and Emily were invited to join Miss Pugh playing for the Shropshire Ladies at the annual Northern Counties’ competition. During this tournament the Shropshire Ladies faced a Emily Lewis, Miss Anwen Pugh and Vivian Grudde after May’s successful trials tough challenge with matches against Cheshire, Lancashire and the Isle of Man. Having displayed cohesive and supportive unity throughout, the team reigned supreme as they obtained comfortable victories all weekend. Miss Pugh commented, ‘Vivian and Emily both worked extremely hard in each match’.

13 CRICKET AT ELLESMERE NEW CRICKET SCHOLAR INSPIRES SIX CONSECUTIVE WINS In September 2008 Ellesmere welcomed their first cricket scholar, Jordan Evans, who had previously played for the Wales U17 team. Jordan is a talented all-round player who is capable of opening the bowling with his fast medium seamers and equally adept at opening the . He is also capable of playing either an attacking innings or controlling the game by pacing his innings according to the match situation. As captain of the 1st XI in 2009, Jordan inspired the side to a run of six consecutive victories. The first in the sequence was against one of our strongest rivals, Birkenhead School, where he scored 49 in an opening stand of 74 to set up the chase to score 191 and victory by 4 . His most exhilarating performance was against the Gents of Shropshire, after rain had apparently made the task of chasing 238 almost impossible. With only 20 overs in the match remaining, the College were 64 - 2 and still required 174 to win. In a remarkable display of attacking cricket, which stunned the opposition, Jordan combined with Matthew Macintosh to win the match by 7 wickets with almost 4 overs to spare! The MCC, the most famous club in English cricket, always bring a strong side to Ellesmere and it had been a number of years since the College side had defeated them. Jordan was very determined to put the record straight; he opened the batting and, after seeing off the challenge of a very experienced opening bowling attack, went on to score a well crafted century (117 not out) which ensured a College victory by 8 wickets. During the season Jordan scored two other hundreds, one against Oswestry School (108) and one Jordan Evans, Ellesmere’s first Cricket Scholar against the Old Ellesmerians (128) to become the first 1st XI player for over 10 years to score three centuries in one season. Probably his best innings of the season was in the National Twenty20 competition against local rivals Wrekin. Wrekin had posted a useful score of 149 - 8 in their 20 overs. Jordan opened the batting with Tim Courage and allowed Tim to act as pinch-hitter in their opening partnership of 76, where Jordan only contributed 18 runs. However, as soon as Tim Matthew Mackintosh was dismissed, he took full control of the situation and with well placed shots all round the saw Ellesmere to victory by 8 wickets (Jordan undefeated on 69) in the 19th RISING NEW over. Unfortunately injury prevented Jordan from bowling at full pace during most of TALENT last season, but as he moves into his final year at the College he will be hoping to have an even more successful season in 2010. Lloyd Hayes claims another wicket

Dewi Jones, North East Wales Young Player of the Year

A talented young cricketer from our Cricket Academy has recently been named North East Wales Young Player of the Year. Dewi Jones, who joined the School in Year 10 as a day boy, was previously a pupil of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd School in Wrexham. Whilst continuing to play for Brymbo Cricket Club, he also is an Ellesmere College Cricket Academy Scholar. As a successful batsman, with a high KWIK CRICKET score of 63, Dewi represents North East Wales at county level and Wales at national Another successful Kwik cricket tournament District and County standard. A great day was level. was held at Ellesmere College on the 16th June had by all with excellent weather along with Rod Jones, Director of the Cricket Academy, where local state schools, plus two from the playing conditions. The eventual winner was commented, ‘We are delighted that Dewi has College, played against each other in a round Ellesmere Primary school who went onto joined the School and we look forward to robin event. The standard was very high and represent the Ellesmere and district region at helping him further develop his cricket talent.’ some of the children have progressed onto Wellington CC on the 25th of June.

14 YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD COLLEGE PUPIL ACHIEVES FOR HEAD BOY OCEAN DIVER STATUS

Head Boy, Freddie Herzog, with the High Sheriff’s Award

Head Boy, Freddie Herzog, was recently awarded a High Sheriff’s Award for his outstanding display of good citizenship. Elliot Rogan and his Open Diver Award Alongside studying for his A levels, Freddie is working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. It was the Following time spent with the Royal Navy during the summer holidays, teacher who runs the Duke of Edinburgh programme at the one of our Year 10 pupils has recently gained his British Sub-Aqua School, Ros McCarthy, who originally nominated Freddie Club Ocean Diver qualification. for the Young Citizens Award. She commented, ‘Freddie is Elliot Rogan, a member of the Schools Combined Cadet Force Navy a stalwart senior member of the Pupil School Council and Section, spent a week during the summer holidays at the Navy’s has for many years patiently supported individual pupils, Submarine School, HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall. The course involved giving them additional support for learning, listening to both theory classes and practical sessions, including 4 open water them reading and helping with prep. I was delighted to give dives in a quarry. Freddie the opportunity for this external recognition of his The School has already run a dive diving course for pupils and is good citizenship.’ planning to launch its own dive club early in 2010. YOUNG ENTERPRISE

A group of Sixth Formers have got their business heads together to join in the national Young Enterprise Scheme with an ambitious new product. The Growdome, now on display outside Lower School, is currently being promoted through an advertising campaign and anyone interested should contact Business Studies teacher, Jane Fellows, for further information.

The Sixth Form Young Enterprise Group with their Growdome

15 OLD ELLESMERIAN NEWS MARK DEAN

Congratulations to former Prefect, Mark Dean, who has now passed out from The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Here Mark describes his journey from College CCF to full commissioned Officer in the British Army: ‘I started Sandhust in September 2008 and I was commissioned into the Royal Logistic Corps in August 2009. Prior to starting Sandhurst I read physical geography at the University of Aberystwyth and during my time at university I joined the Officer Training Corps where I learnt basic military skills, the orders process and the basics of command. I really enjoyed my time at University, but I was looking forward to starting my military career. My whole interest in the military started with the CCF at Ellesmere, which I really enjoyed and where I learned a lot about the military. Because of this during 6th form I started the process of joining the army. Sandhurst was a long and tough course, however thoroughly rewarding. One of the high points of the course for me was undergoing public order training on Exercise Broadsword. On this exercise we undertook operations in urban environments, which were based on an Afghanistan scenario and then the public order situation turned into a full riot. The exercise was split into three phases, first patrolling and working in the urban environment culminating in the riot. The second phase was when we played the role of the civilians and the final phase was the rural area and undertaking more conventional operations. While at Sandhurst I undertook adventure training in North Wales and Germany. I consequently spent a week in Anglesey learning to kayak at the end of the first term at the Academy. After the second term I went to Paderborn in Germany and I spent a week skydiving. The experiences at Sandhurst were amazing but very hard work. From September this year I have been based in Deepcut undergoing my young officers’ training prior to being posted to my unit. Sandhurst was generic infantry training and was based on learning to command, but now at Deepcut I am learning the technical trade of being an RLC officer. The four month course teaches us everything from how to use the computer systems to order and send supplies to how to command a Combat Logistic Patrol. I have been posted to 9 Regiment and will be based in Buckley Barracks near Chippenham in Wiltshire. I will be in charge of a troop of Gurkhas, so I have managed to get on a three month long language course in Nepal, which will be from February to April next year. In April 2011 I will then be going on Op HERRICK to Afghanistan for six months, as long as things don’t change. So far I am thoroughly enjoying my military career and I am looking forward to deploying to Afghanistan with my troop.’ Mark Dean on parade at Sandhurst HOCKEY AND RUGBY TOUR TO CANADA 2010

Next summer College Rugby and Hockey players will be packing their kit and boarding a plane bound for Canada on what promises to be an exciting and challenging sporting tour. They will first of all be based in Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where they will have the chance to enjoy the local scenery and attractions as well as pit themselves against the best of local student teams. The players will then travel on to Vancouver Island and Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia, where a highlight will be the opportunity to go on a sea wildlife safari, including whale spotting. More local matches will be followed by the opportunity to learn more about the Canadian passion for ice hockey, with a visit to watch the local team play. The tour will offer our students a unique opportunity to sharpen their sporting 6 9 7 skills against high quality opponents, 2 3 2

Canada offers amazing 9 as well as to learn from them, and, if 3 9 1 opportunities for sightseeing 0 past tours are anything to go by, to t n i r make some lasting Canadian friends. P S

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