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TZE-WatBoys-ad.indd 1 04/08/2015 15:50 The Fullerian 2014-15
Headmaster’s Notes 3 Martin Post 5 The E.S.Household Pavilion 6 School Life 8 Languages 28 English 34 Trips and Exchanges 44 CONTENTSArt 62 Music 66 An Assembly for Remembrance Day 74 Sport 76 Staff Leavers 97 Old Fullerians and the Antarctic 100 University/College Entrants 104 School Prizes 106 Acknowledgements 108
Editor: G Aitken Student Editor: Deven Voralia 10N
Cover Design: Kit Gillman 10N Design: Many thanks to John Dunne for his help this year.
Thank you very much to all those who helped with the production of this year’s Fullerian.
Watford Grammar School for Boys Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JF. Telephone: 01923 208900 Fax: 01923 208901 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.watfordboys.org Twitter: @WBGSExcellence
Student Editor Deven Voralia has been the student editor of the Fullerian this year and has been extraordinarily efficient. We have met occasionally, and communicated by email and that has been all that it has taken for Deven to doggedly pursue teachers and students to write articles. Where there has been any difficulty in finding someone to produce an article, and Deven has been able to, he has set about writing it himself. As you will see, many of these are entertaining and witty. Deven came highly recommended by a number of members of staff who assured me that if I wanted someone I could rely on to do the job well, then Deven was the man to do it. He has been meticulous in his sending of emails, with helpful links and has a direct style that makes resistance to his requests futile. I very much hope that he will be able to continue in the role of student editor for the next two years. GA
2 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 HEADMASTER’S NOTES
A momentous year
e knew it was going to be such a year, when February was tragic and his funeral was attended by over 100 of his at Easter, Martin Post announced he had been former classmates and fellow Nottingham students. His girlfriend gave a appointed to be one of only nine Regional Schools poignant eulogy in tribute. Commissioners. As he said in his leaving speech, School sports continue to go from strength to strength. The Rugby one of the few jobs he could ever be persuaded season was testing for all teams, perhaps reflecting the disruption whilst to leave this school for. He thus spent the summer the new pavilion was constructed. However, resilience eventually paid Wterm expertly leading the transition to the Acting Head and his team for off with some fine victories towards the end of term from the First and 2014 to 2015. other teams. The Hockey season was good, with some initial matches As acting Headmaster, it’s been quite a year. As ever, the school cancelled because of snow or frost, but then all teams developing continues to move forward apace. Buildings have been a key feature of strongly. Cricket has had a great season, with teams playing more the development of the school recently and this year was no exception. matches than ever before with strong weekly results against highly In September staff and pupils returned to find another 22 classrooms respected schools. Cross Country and Athletics teams did consistently in the main 1912 block transformed with LED lighting, mood walls, and well throughout the winter and into the summer. Basketball is now state of the art interactive projectors. They were all carpeted and given played consistently well at district level and a range of age groups. It’s new ceilings to provide a 21st rather than 20th also been tremendous to see other sports such century teaching environment. The brightness as golf developing and individual performances of the classrooms and corridors was remarked in pole vault have been at national level. on by all and this became a key theme for the Music has been another personal year as we welcomed parents and prospective highlight of the year. The regular concerts that parents to see the school. Down at the New Stephen Hussey and his team put on are always Field, things were progressing rapidly towards a delight, but are never predictable in the sense completion of a new Sports Pavilion. The old that our many musicians are always challenged had been demolished in April and when I came to play pieces that stretch yet showcase their back from holiday in mid August, building was ability. When that’s put together with other already advanced and in early September, the players and in a programme for an evening as topping out ceremony took place. This is when a whole, one is left asking the question posed a building’s main structure has been completed. by our German visitors: ‘where are the ordinary The school took over the building at the end boys?’ We don’t do ordinary in this school. of the year, on time and on its £1.2 million In February, I travelled to Mainz to budget, funded by the Academies’ Maintenance celebrate 50 years of exchanges between the Fund, Sport England and the Watford Fuller Schloss Gymnasium and WBGS. The warm Foundation. It was in use from the new year welcome there and impact of the exchange on with 10 changing rooms and upstairs clubhouse students from both schools, cemented my wish and balcony. The official opening of the E.S. to cycle from Watford to Mainz in June. I duly Household pavilion took place in March with completed this ride in June, covering 900km John Taylor, former British Lions player, as guest and raising £11,000. All after welcoming the of honour. This inspirational new building will German party back to Watford. now help motivate many more generations of school sportsmen. A general election loomed in the spring and WBGS was host to The multiplicity of trips and visits continues to develop: this the Watford Observer question time in the Theatre. A packed audience year there have been repeats of many popular visits, such as ski trips, heard the five candidates for Watford answer questions for an hour and Battlefields of WWI, Classics to Rome and field study visits. A cricket tour half. I quietly enjoyed keeping these sometimes unruly ‘students’ and to Barbados and diving trips were amongst other new opportunities in audience in check as chair. We also had a lively hustings as part of our the calendar. Sixth Form lecture programme; no candidate was allowed to get away At the end of last year, several legendary members of staff with an unchallenged statement! Our lecture programme this year was left. Mr Post, after 14 years of inspirational Headship, whose massive well punctuated with inspirational former pupils who challenged all who contribution to the development of the school is recognised in a separate heard them to, well, change the world, but do it often in small steps with article. Mrs Wort, exceptional Maths teacher and Assistant Head, retired a reminder to value and nurture friendships. Linked to a much closer after 12 years at the school. Mr Monks, teacher of RS and Assistant Head relationship with the Old Fullerians’ Association, two very successful left to become Deputy Head at his old school, Hitchin Boys. Mr Crozier careers and networking conferences were organised during the year; retired after 24 years as head of CDT. Their contributions to the life of the these will now become annual events. school have been highly significant and they’ll be missed. I’ve been fantastically privileged to lead this great school over the During this year, the school community was saddened to hear last academic year. Every day is genuinely inspirational and every hour is of the deaths of two former members of staff. Douglas ‘Dougie’ Miller, different. This really has been the best job in the world and I hand over who passed away at 86 years. He was a key member of the History in September to a very fortunate and talented man, Ian Cooksey who Department between 1975 and 1992. Jean Walford, former Librarian comes to us from Dr Challoner’s High School. I believe that the school passed away at 92 years. Again, she served the school during the late is in a very strong place to face its challenges and to take the many 1970s and 1980s. opportunities out there for the future. News of the sudden death of recent former pupil Jannik Lam in Mark Allchorn
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 3 Old Fullerians as Leaders he most important lesson of Charles Darwin was Old Boy memories help the school to celebrate its past but that the species that adapts itself to change the also build its future. Many Old Boys make a contribution to the fastest will survive. Any organisation that wants school not because it makes them feel good but because it gives new to survive in difficult times needs leaders. Many generations of students a chance to get a free, first rate education. of our Old Boys are indeed leaders who lead the There are thousands of WBGS alumni and each one holds way to change and some of them have returned in his hand the power to push the school forward. Old Boy toT WBGS to provide just that type of leadership. involvement in the school helps it to develop and grow. The There was a momentous time from September 2012 end result is that new generations of students can step in the until July 2014 when the leadership of the school was in the footsteps of so many successful Old Fullerians - entrepreneurs, capable hands of Old Fullerians, David Arrighi (Chair of the managers, artists, engineers, civil servants... Countless Old Boys Watford Grammar School Foundation), Paul Shearring (Chair of lead companies, government departments and communities Governors) and Martin Post (Headmaster). All three are pictured through change, and into a better future and each year many of here at the official opening ceremony of the new E.S. Household them come back to do the same for the School. Pavilion in March 2014. Of course many of our Old Boys return There are many ways Old Boys can help support the school to support the school in many other ways as teachers, parents, by becoming governors or trustees, delivering assemblies governors, or trustees. and Sixth Form lectures, career mentoring our Sixth Form One Old Boy described the experience of supporting the students, supporting events through sponsorship etc. Old Boys school as ‘coming home to give something back’ to remember, supporting the school are choosing to be part of a community refresh and reconnect. ‘Remembering’ involves looking back at of Leaders of Change. their time at WBGS with pride. ‘Refreshing’ involves learning If you feel you can help make a difference by giving us new things to grow as a professional by networking and your time and sharing your skills and experience or would like keeping in touch with other Old Boys. ‘Reconnecting’ means more information about what is involved, please contact the seeing classmates, teachers and staff, the old classrooms and Headmaster, via his secretary on [email protected]. playing fields – the WBGS family home. ES
4 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Martin Post n his final Headmaster’s report to the Governing Body, Martin said how lucky and honoured he has been to have worked at Watford Grammar School for Boys, firstly as Deputy Head and then for 14 years as Headmaster. As Chairman of Governors, I know how fortunate we have been to have Martin leading the school since 2000. When asked to describe Martin Post, governors and students came up with a litany of positive adjectives: genuine, respected, commanding, energetic, determined, approachable, honest, legendary and, of course, tall! These accolades are a measure of the esteem in which he is held by the school community and over the years Martin has defended our school; he has driven our school forward; he cared for all students, for all of whom he wants the school to provide the breadth of opportunities to learn, enjoy and succeed in their time here. Proud of his staff, which he describes as ‘the very best’, Martin has led them to deliver academic success year after year, while also leading and supporting pastoral developments throughout his time here which have bolstered individual student success. Alongside these achievements, he has embedded a strong degree of financial stability in what has been, and continues to be, a precarious financial context for schools. The Watford Fuller Foundation knows Ihow keen he has been to spend money whenever he can! But that drive has seen amazing changes to the physical fabric of the school: the Sixth Form Centre; the Gym and Dance Studio; refurbishments to the Sports Hall, Science block, the James Theatre, the English block and all the classrooms in the main building; and in Martin’s last few months a start was made on the rebuilding of the Sports Pavilion at the New Field. The Muse was the largest- and most controversial- project he instigated, but its success, like all these other projects, is evident now and will be for years to come. The quality of the school buildings is a lasting legacy for Martin and gives our students some of the best facilities in the country. Having worked with Martin for 7 years, I know (and many students have told me this) that he is a great teacher. I personally have learned so much from him and his departure is a huge loss to the school. However, he has left the school in an extremely strong position, ready for the next stage in its development. It seems strange to think of Martin as a civil servant. But he will bring to his new role as Regional Schools Commissioner the same drive and commitment, 5.30am starts, passion to win the argument, pragmatic good sense and disdain for over-bureaucratic procedures. He will be a breath of fresh air at the Department for Education! I’d like to thank Martin for his amazing contribution to Watford Grammar School for Boys and to wish him every success in his new role as Regional Schools Commissioner. Paul Shearring Chair of the Governors
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 5 The E.S. Household Pavilion
hen Martin Post announced that funding had been acquired for the levelling of the old ‘Rouse Pavilion’ at the New Field, and the erection of a state-of-the-art, ten changing-room facility had been approved by the Governors, the delight of the current young sportsmen at the school was palpable. No more would there be cold changing rooms in the middle of the Autumn term. No more would the boys be bundled into one room or, even worse, ‘in with the opposition!’ There was even talk of the ‘Holy Grail’ of endings to a Hockey or Rugby Wfixture - a hot tea after the game! In March 2015, due to some excellent work from the contractors Tuskar, the architects from Synergy and the dogged determination of Mark Allchorn and the Games department, these dreams were no longer in the pipeline but were brought to fruition. The ‘Ernest Scott Household’ pavilion was officially opened by Old Fullerian and British Lion, John Taylor. Present were old sporting captains and staff, local dignitaries and surviving members of the Household family who had been tracked down through a mixture of local and national press. From the foundation to the finished article, the build had miraculously taken just over a year and is now a real credit to the school. It is clear that it will match our ambitions and aspirations on the sports fields at school or at the New Field. But why the ‘Household’ Pavilion? Indeed the naming of the pavilion was placed at the top of the priority list. It had to be fitting of the building, of the school and resonate with the sportsmen who will be using it in the years to come. Over the years we have been known for not only producing outstanding sportsmen but rounded young men. As you look through this Fullerian, you will see that pupils, thankfully, do not change here. In 1914-1919, and during the Second World War and even during recent conflicts, the school has produced some of the bravest young men who were tragically not able to fulfil this potential. Ernest Scott Household was one of those young men. He was killed on the battlefields of the first World War, but not before he had left his impression at Watford Grammar School for Boys. Below is a transcript of the plaque that was unveiled at the opening which highlights the qualities that Household possessed and in which we hope all our sportsmen will aspire to. A special thanks must go to all who contributed to the development of the facility and who helped with the opening. This includes Ross Panter and Ed Russell-Ponte from the history department and Gill Woods, Lisa Burt and Peter Franklin from Art and Design and Texhnology who produced the artwork and the frame which sits wonderfully on the wall in the New Pavilion. I think you will agree from the pictures it is a marvellous addition to the school. Giles Wallis, Director of Sport
6 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Ernest Scott Jannik Lam Household ‘Hello Mr Pegler. Just to let you know Jannik has passed away. Ernest Scott Household attended Watford Grammar Sorry sir’. The instant punch. School for Boys from September 1908 to July 1910. He was The immediate reaction of an outstanding student and an outstanding sportsman, disbelief, but knowing that this finishing first in his form in both years. isn’t something anyone would He was the captain of the school athletics and joke about or pass on without cricket teams and was the first student in the history of the knowing for sure that it was true. school to score a century in a competitive fixture, against So it’s definitely true. It’s just not Latymer Upper School. something that should be. Jannik After leaving school Household went on to represent must only be 21? Already the Hertfordshire at cricket and scored an impressive 120* memories of Jannik are flooding against the MCC. There is every chance that, but for the war, back: the boy voted to ‘most likely get away with it’. Smart. Charming, he would have gone on to be a professional sportsman. Funny. Never a problem. Always at the heart of things. Gone. Household joined the 5th Essex Regiment in November I was lucky enough to meet Jannik on Year 6 Induction Day 1915 and quickly rose to officer rank. In July 1917, after 2004 as he was going to be in my first ever form, the very first of my two years of dedicated service, 2nd Lt.E.S Household was 7Fs. For the following three years I was able to get to know Jannik on wounded in action at Monchy-Le-Preux and died of his a daily basis, from his first day in WBGS uniform to growing up into wounds two days later. a slightly more older and wiser Year 9. It’s an unusual privilege being When leaving in 1910 he was described by his Housemaster: a teacher when you get the chance to be part of someone’s life as “With a captain like Household, we were bound to they start a journey that takes them to lots of different places in lots of different ways. As teachers and form tutors we try hard to make succeed, for his keenness and enthusiasm stirred many the journey though Watford Boys as close to Dame Fuller’s vision boys to action. We are very sorry to say goodbye and we of sperate parati as possible. Sometimes it’s easy as they make sincerely hope that his example may be remembered for the most of their time and let nothing get in the way. Other times a long time to come” we might have to be a little more patient and be satisfied at least that they didn’t accidently destroy the school. By the time Jannik left the school in 2010, he definitely had not destroyed the school, but that wasn’t the only thing to say about him. Sure he hadn’t won any trophies, but he had won lots of friends and respect. He wasn’t a major sports star, but he was a star in science and maths. A star in science and maths, and who had lots of friends and respect definitely shows what kind of person Jannik was. So when he left the school and said goodbye to it, I knew that he done everything right. His big network of friends would guarantee that I would hear about him on the grapevine and that whatever he took his hand to at university he would be fine. In the four years that Jannik spent at university doing his BA and into the first year of his MA, I heard the occasional update but everything pointed to the fact that WBGS had just been a first step in a life that had gone so far beyond the ordinary. This became all too clear at Jannik’s funeral at a packed West Herts Crematorium on March 30. It was packed to the point that every inch of space was taken and people were standing on the back stairs. If this wasn’t tribute enough to Jannik, his girlfriend, Katie Harvey, gave a heartbreaking eulogy that expressed perfectly what Jannik had become: a perfect gentleman, a perfect boyfriend, an outstanding young man, a superb friend, a great son and an excellent brother. Jannik has to take credit for most of that, but it was more than we at WBGS could possibly have wished for him. It was heart breaking to know he had so much to look forward to and so many to live for, but also so happy that he had lived so well and had made such a future for himself that so many will miss him so much. This pavilion is dedicated to the memory of Ernest Scott It was not the best way to learn so much about the impact Jannik had had after leaving WBGS and that that young little Year 6 had grown up Household and the 95 other young men of the school into this amazing young man. That’s how Jannik will always be, but I community who gave their lives in the Great War. It is can only be grateful that I had the chance to have known him at all. hoped that their example will drive generations of Watford Thanks Jannik. Andrew Pegler Boys both on and off the sports field.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 7 SCHOOLIndex LIFE A branch of Young Enterprise
began Sixth Form in September, fresh from results day, with We then decided on our folder enhancements; a wallet on the a determination to spend the year focusing on AS Levels and back, 4 D rings, super tough plasticised PVC, and the showstopper, a nothing else. Of course, I didn’t know about Young Enterprise at large thin whiteboard in the inside front cover. Having memorised the the time, so finding out put an end to those plans. The idea of advantages of each and every one of our features for sales purposes, creating a business – the product didn’t matter – was a golden we contacted manufacturers around the country, comparing prices, opportunity for me to buff up my CV and learn something that samples and colour schemes. Having entered a trade fair in late January, mightI actually serve as a talking point in an interview. The idea of we were pressed for time but came out with not only a working sample, managing a company seemed even better; it was too good to ignore, so but 100 Index folders, which, for all the pain it took to transport, made with a few friends I signed up for the scheme. me, and the rest of the team, incredibly proud. It was then we realised we needed a plan. After days of It dawned upon us that 4 hole punches are not very common, brainstorming, which produced a range of increasingly ambitious ideas, which would reduce demand for our 4 ring binders somewhat, so we my team and I decided instead to each list the problems we faced, big introduced a hole punch which was sold alongside the folder at the or small, and from there find a product to solve them. We were united trade fair. We braced ourselves for a day behind a stall at the Harlequin, in our disapproval (more like loathing) of the cheap, tattered folders not overly confident with a product that no one had really seen before. we had to lug around our school notes and sheets. Having experienced Our worry was in vain – one day, a few sales and a lot of interest later, issues after mere weeks, we wanted to act quickly to make sure that, we came away with great feedback and a plan to sell out. come April, when we had mountains of notes, we wouldn’t struggle. A After that the sales were coming thick and fast. Friends, family suggestion for an improved ring binder was well received, with various and businesses found the idea of a whiteboard most intriguing, and amendments that we had to filter through. definitely practical. I bought one as a maths folder and haven’t looked The business was conceived rather quickly from that point. We back since; it’s excellent to solve those problems which you know will decided on ‘Index’ as a company name – short, memorable and vaguely waste pages and pages if you work through them on paper. More than product specific – and moved on to the logo. It took two attempts to that, the project showed me what it’s like to be a leader of a group of design a logo that all nine of us liked (I won’t count on this being the friends, where tensions may rise if ideas conflict, and certain friends case in real life) and we were ready to formally present our application may be better in certain roles. to Dr Buckley. Needless to say, we were accepted into the programme I haven’t mentioned that I don’t plan to pursue business or with two other groups, and we set to work. Economics at all, and I don’t need to, because the scheme isn’t about cementing a place as a business undergraduate, but it shows you that you can be organised in a properly independent environment, unlike the classroom, and so that you can talk about it when asked about your strengths in an interview, or a personal statement for any course. Ali Manji L6G (Managing Director)
8 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Year 9 STEM Day Selex ES n the 15th May 2014, we had an excellent opportunity to participate in a competition that was run by a company called SELEX. We were put into groups of 5 and were given a task to construct our own gliders. The judges marked the gliders on appearance as well as how far they could glide in the air. This then resulted in a prize for the winners. To construct this plane, all we had to rely on were made from beech wood and balsa wood using the help of super-glue to place it all together. We could also use the hot glue-gun to give extra support. After we finished constructing our gliders, each group tested them out to check which one had travelled the furthest. Mr Crozier then measured the longest distance of each plane thrown from each group. There were some ups and downs from each group throughout the day, however, we all managed to have some successful throws at the end. OOur group managed to achieve first place due to our decorative design. The main key of this task was teamwork, which we all managed to cope with very well. We achieved this by giving everyone in the group a chance to explain their views, with the rest listening. We then all built up from each other’s views eventually giving us a group-made glider. From this experience, we would encourage the younger years to participate in future STEM lab competitions as they are very enjoyable. Thinejan Jegatheeswaran 9B
Setpoint/AECOM Challenge his year, AECOM came in to give us a STEM day on their ‘Beat the Flood challenge.’ It required us to build the strongest, cheapest and most flood resistant home possible from wooden lolly sticks, corrugated plastic, straws, clay, and safety pins. All of the teams had very different ideas, some makingT houses that floated on water while some built theirs with stilts, which the water would flow under, while keeping the house completely dry. Key to the house was the design of the roof; rain would need to flow quickly off the roof to save any breakages, so sloped roofs were required for optimal water clearance. We spent the first hour of the day planning our structures, using computers to brain-storm ideas. This time was essential as a bad design would destroy your chances of doing well. The next two hours were spent building the model, with the various resources available. The final hour of the day was testing the designs. The houses were placed in a plastic box, and a full watering can was poured on top to simulate a downpour of rain, followed by a shake by the team members to see if the house would break and to test the design of the house. This represented a hurricane and the storm surge created by the hurricane. The majority of designs worked, but a few ended in disaster, falling apart dramatically, as the box was shaken about. Fergus Cutting 9F
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 9 Affinity Water n Thursday 14th May the whole of Year 9 were lucky enough to have a whole day of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). My group worked with Affinity Water, learning about the complex engineering procedures that go on to make sure that clean water can come of our taps. OWe started by doing two practical experiments. One was to find out how to make dirty water cleaner using rocks, sand and a filter. The changes were massive, as the water had gone from looking like it had been picked up from the ground to looking clean enough to drink, although it still wasn’t perfectly clean. The second experiment was to find out what can be safely flushed down a toilet without blocking it. We learned that toilet paper goes down well but baby wipes clearly don’t. We then spent the next four periods designing our own water system, in which we had to calculate the distance of the pipes and how many we would need, trying not to over or under order, so that our company didn’t spend lots of money. We also had to put the system in a practical position so that it didn’t disrupt social or economic life. Selex ES STEM Day We tested out designs and they all worked, providing water to all facilities in a city. We finished off the day finding practical solutions to arlier this year I was lucky enough, along with the rest of problems a water company faces, such as farmers’ pesticides getting Year 9 to be involved in a STEM Day that was brought to us caught in the water. The solution was to tell people their water would by ‘Selex ES’ on Thursday 14th May 2015. STEM stands for be cut off while the problem was fixed and ask farmers to control their Science, Technology, Engineering and, of course, Maths. spraying. Our task was to produce a glider out of the materials given. This fantastic day really showed us how much we take for granted Each group had two long cuboid shaped pieces of wood the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to make and three rectangular pieces of thinner wood. At first, this didn’t seem E sure that we can get clean water. Thank you to everyone who helped like a lot. However, once we got into the swing of things, we realised make this a great day. that there was a myriad of things we could do with the numerous pieces of wood. For example, one group was pictured cutting out the Thomas Bartlett 9N rectangular pieces, they’d been given, into small wings for the glider. This was against the advice of the Selex group, who, at the start of the day, gave a brief but intuitive presentation on the sort of things we should be looking out for. They also gave us some very helpful tips like making sure that the wings had a large surface area which some of the groups ignored as described above. The reason for the large surface area was to catch the maximum amount of wind underneath its wings as possible so the glider would stay in flight longer as we realised soon afterwards. The first time we flew the glider, it was fair to say, was a total disaster, as the wings hadn’t been wide enough, so we cut the wings a lot larger on the next attempt and saw a real difference in the distance the glider flew. After the size of the wings was in order, we decided to sand a wing making it reasonably thin so as to reduce air resistance. This was also following advice from Selex ES members, Andrew Shirley and Paul Harris. Halfway through the day we were getting a bit ahead of ourselves and a bit arrogant, which caused us to make a vital mistake…… Each member of the team had sanded each wing slightly differently to the others. As we had no more wood in our possession, we couldn’t just throw them away and start afresh. I came up with the idea of simply using the best wing as the template and sanding down all the others until they were the same thickness. Looking back, I now realise that the mistake wasn’t that hard to fix. However, when you are caught up in the heat of the moment any mistake is a big one. Finally the time had come, near to the end of STEM Day, when we could test out our glider against the other groups and see how it compared. Although, in the grand scheme of things, this wasn’t too important, at that time the tension in the air was palpable. There was silence every time each glider was thrown. All the people in our group had to have a chance of throwing the glider and best throw was recorded. I really enjoyed that day and it was a lot of fun. However, it wasn’t just a day off. ALL the components of STEM were used and there was a lot of planning responsibility involved. It definitely improved my perseverance, because (as previously mentioned) our glider crashed and burned quite a few times, but we didn’t let this faze us and the whole group worked even harder to improve it. Overall, I would class the day as a success because we managed to finish in the top three and I would grab the opportunity to do this again. STEM Day EDT Amandeep Pall 9T
10 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Rampaging Chariot Robots ollowing their success in the EES Pimlico-Nine Elms Bridge the Sumo in the second round, and despite getting to the semi-finals Project, the Year 12 Young Engineers’ team was re-selected in the football, we were narrowly defeated by Alder Hey School and to take part in the annual ‘Rampaging Chariots’ competition their terrifying metal robots who managed to break our champion – our and they were joined by two Year 10 engineering prodigies. goliath of ‘bots - Spanner. Our fellow team from Watford Girls also left The team were given detailed technical instructions and the without a trophy - disappointed perhaps, but ready to do battle again. materials to build a remote controlled robot aka a ‘Rampaging We were not happy with that competition, so in true Watford Boys’ FChariot’. Our creations would be used for both robot sporting events and style we set up our very own competition. We invited the Watford Girls’ robot combat – just like Robot Wars (in fact the creator of Rampaging team for a series of events we thought we might win. ‘Spanner’, ‘Nuts Chariots, Peter Bennett from Selex, competed in Robot Wars himself!) and Bolts’ and ‘Bert’ all received some tender loving care in the form of We cannibalised cordless drills to provide the drive motors for the essential maintenance. Luckily we were able to win these events and, robots. The chassis was cut from plywood and the circuits were homemade ego restored, the 2015 Watford Grammar School for Boys’ Rampaging and built by the team at school. The batteries were an up-grade on the Chariots team could be happy that we had at least won something. usual ones and were three powerful ‘golf-cart’ batteries. We were sure that Nathaniel Oshunniyi L6T with these examples of technological brilliance, we were going to dominate the competition and win all the events. So with our robots christened as ‘Bert’ (the oldest but still the fastest member of the trio), ‘Nuts and Bolts’ (athletic but still just about keeping things together) and ‘Spanner’ (the infant, maybe, but strong and needing to be kept on a lead!), we were ready for the competition. There were three events our ‘bots would have to compete in. First, they would traverse the obstacle course where they would manoeuvre themselves over ramps, round tight corners and through narrow gaps in a race to the finish. The ‘Sumo Wrestle’ was the second event where the robots battle to occupy the middle of the arena, pushing their opponents off the platform. And last, but by no means least, the football match. Teams would compete in pairs in a two-against-two robot mini football match to be crowned ‘Champions of the Rampaging Chariots Competition 2015’. We did not win as many events as we had anticipated. In fact, we did not win any events at all! We lost both obstacle course races, got knocked out of Visit from Excitec n the 28th November 2014 in space such as sand for silica. We even got We then had a delicious lunch provided by a group of six budding Year to touch it. the school cafeteria. 8 scientists were visited Before our lunch we learnt about the In the afternoon we talked about light by Excitec, an outreach Rosetta mission run by the ESA (European spectroscopy. I learnt that different gases and programme from Imperial Space Agency). We were told that Imperial chemicals give out different spectra of light College London. The school College built some of the parts in the spacecraft. when using a special lens. We made our own wasO the venue of the Astronomy Workshop – in We watched some clips of the violent and light spectroscopy readers to find out what partnership with the Ogden Trust. I was joined confusing orbit of the 67P Churyumov- certain things were. It was quite difficult as by five other boys from the top science sets Gerasimenko comet. We then learnt about the some of the spectra looked the same. in different classes. Other schools such as Philae Lander which had a hard time touching Sachin Solanki 8T Merchant Taylors’ were also participating. down and that it is now in a hibernation state. The first thing we did was get to know the mentors before talking about space. We had an in-depth talk about the history of human space research starting with the Greeks. We also discussed the different types of solar system models. I now know that Earth is part of a helio-centric model – a model with the Sun in the middle rather than the Earth. We even made sun dials and star maps! After our break in the morning, we talked about comets and the differences between comets, meteorites and ‘shooting-stars.’ The cool part was when we made an actual comet using liquid carbon dioxide – commonly known as ‘dry-ice.’ We were taught about what is in a comet, and we used substitutes of things found
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 11 Alan Senitt Community Leadership Programme This year I was privileged to take part in the Alan seminars enabled us to organise and run a Senitt Community Leadership Programme. The project to benefit our local community. It also aim of this programme is to help young people brought different faith groups together to forge take charge in their community and help to links and break down barriers by establishing make a difference. Along with 10 others from dialogue and friendships. my year group we successfully organised We considered many options and decided a project taking donations from parents to help a local homeless community. We and packing them to be donated to the approached the Watford based New Hope New Hope Trust – a local homeless shelter. Trust to collaborate with them. This is a local From the seminars run by Streetwise long established charity in offering shelter and – the charity running the programme – and associated essential assistance to homeless from our own experiences I have learnt a lot, in people. Initially, we wanted to cook meals particular the “soft skills” of project management: for the shelter residents. However during the dealing with other people and communicating seminars, on advice from Streetwise, we were with members of staff (both in school and with the made aware of many challenges faced with New Hope Trust). Prior to this programme, I hadn’t Streetwise team who run it. However, over the providing such a service. It was a valuable realised just how important these skills were to the course of the programme we have got to know lesson, in learning the many considerations successful running of a project. each other a lot better through some of the needed to be taken into account. We adapted Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity activities we did on the seminars. Although this our initial idea, to that of providing parcels for to have taken part in the Alan Senitt Community project was a lot of work - we each had to sort out the charity residents. These parcels contained: Leadership Programme because it is a rare and different aspects of our project, be it the budget, tinned food and drink, dental hygiene insightful chance to learn skills that I would promotion or communications - it really paid off. products, blankets, biscuits, chocolates and otherwise never have learnt through school. I have improved many skills, including some essentials such as sewing kits. Luke Ashford 10C teamwork, leadership, organisation and self- A donation drive to collect items needed confidence; and I really have learnt a lot for our parcels was organised which involved Earlier this year I applied for the Alan Senitt about how people work and the best ways to the whole of the school, staff and families Community Leadership Programme, which I have work within a group, which should be really of students. Going from the many years of been involved over the course of this year, along helpful in later life. Overall, I have enjoyed the support of schools pupils in such charitable with 10 other boys. The programme consisted experience, despite having to overcome some causes, we were still pleasantly surprised with of four seminars to help us work on a project to tough challenges, and at the end of the day, we the fantastic response! This enabled us to meet benefit the community. We chose to work with made 70 homeless people happier. our collection target very quickly. the Watford New Hope Trust to supply food, Ethan Honey – 10G Also, I have learnt invaluable skills to necessities and gifts to the homeless, which in help me in future; on evaluating project ideas the end we did through the form of 70 gift boxes. The Alan Senitt programme brought together and objectives, project organisation and The programme was completed with a graduation year 10 pupils from different schools to gain management, working with different groups ceremony, which we recently attended to receiver skills to enable them to make a difference and within a team, roles and responsibilities, our certificates and display our project. within their local community. Together with 6 fundraising and marketing, collaboration with When we attended the first seminar, which other participating schools, our group attended charities, awareness of community service and was held at various locations with two other seminars where we took part in sessions an insight to the many causes for homelessness schools, it was a bit awkward meeting the other on evaluating and developing community from researching for this project. students on the programme, as well as the projects, leadership skills and fundraising. The Deven Voralia – 10N CREST CREST is a project scheme for the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) run by the British Science Association. It links the personal passions of students to school subjects. In my case my personal passion is solving the Rubik’s cube and other puzzles like that. I was so excited when Mr Scott asked me and a team to build a robot that could solve the Rubik’s cube out of Lego Mind Storms (Lego based items used for the construction of moving objects). First my team and I came up with the design, which was quite a hard process as we had to come up with a design that could solve the cube as fast as possible using the fewest resources. The design that was suited to our specifications with the resources that we had available with could solve the cube in 2 minutes depending on the scramble and used not a lot of pieces. As soon as we finished touching up the design we began building the robot.This took about 9 weeks to do and was hard and took a lot of time but it was worth it. After that we uploaded the algorithms to the brain of the robot then we tested it but it didn’t work. It turned out that the colour sensor was not configured properly. After we resolved that problem, the robot worked properly. It was so satisfying to see it work and we could see that all of our hard work had paid off. Michael Sidoli 8C
12 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Watford Army Scholar
have always wanted to be in the Army. A part of me has always stop me getting shouted at by a Corporal once for leaning my plastic been interested by the idea, and joining the Army Cadet Force rifle against a tree. But I worked well with my team, who were people was my way to whet my appetite and see if that career and from a whole range of places across the country, ranging from Cornwall lifestyle was for me. When I learned that by becoming an officer to Nottingham. We had a taste of everything that we would have to do I could apply A levels and a University degree to an army career as an officer, and I realised just how seriously the soldiers took training and would in fact be encouraged to go into further education in potential officers, as we would possibly some day be the people leading orderI to enter officer training, I was hooked. them during combat and making vital decisions. So it was from that point that I was in the unusually advantageous After successfully passing my army medical, which was very position of having my career choice set out at the start of my GCSEs. thorough to say the least, I received the long awaited letter to say that All I had to do then was plan how I was going to set out on my journey I had been accepted to the final selection board at Westbury, the home to the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst (Officer Training School). of officer selection. The two hour journey there felt like a lifetime; the My first step was to see the school’s Army Careers’ Adviser, Colonel pressure of making the right impression and possibility of failing in the Peacock. After a talk with him and information from cadets, two choices most competitive part of the scheme was starting to make me nervous. were clear to me. I could apply to Welbeck Defence College for year 12 The truth of the matter was that if you did not make a strong impression and 13, where I would have to stay away in Loughborough and would be and take a commanding role in your group then you would not get
encouraged to do a technical degree at prescribed Universities. On the noticed. I tried to instil leadership from the offset by engaging with every other hand, I could apply for the Army Sixth Form Scholarship scheme, person and calling the shots for group decisions. which would allow me to stay at Watford Boys for Sixth Form and choose The best way to describe Westbury, in my opinion, is that it is whichever degree I would like. The British Army would then give me a like an adult playground. The area was full of different command task bursary for University fees and I would have a place in Sandhurst to start structures, with bridges, ropes and walls designed to be crossed as a my training. I was not so keen on boarding as I knew I would do enough team. We had to do commander-less tasks, which was when the natural of that in the Army, and I was not going to let the Army get in the way leaders started to emerge as they would come up with the ideas or use of my ambition to study History after sixth form. However, this was the someone else’s idea to make the group decision. Then there were tasks more competitive route of the two. in which people were appointed leaders. Following this were fitness As you have probably guessed, I chose the scholarship scheme. I tests and academic aptitude tests. then had to carry out tasks over a year testing my ability. I was to start To finish, we all did a planning exercise, the most pressurised part with an interview with a colonel, go on two Generic Army Officer Insight of the selection. We were given a scenario (ours was an exploded dam Courses, make the required GCSE grades, and then make it through to in Africa), and we had to resolve the situation in the best way in the the shortlist of 100 candidates selected for the Final Selection Board. shortest time and individually stand up and present our own method My initial interview was in Horse Guards Square in central London, in front of the group. The two officers present then interrogated us near Trafalgar Square. I was met in this alien and grand place by my on each part of our plan and picked it to pieces, and we had to have interviewer, and I was relieved to see, as he came down a huge set of stairs alternative plans to explain them if they found a fault in our main one. to greet me that is was fortunately my career’s adviser, Colonel Peacock. After individually finding our own solutions we had to discuss them As I walked to the interview room, there was a full view of with the rest of the group, whilst being watched by the two officers, and Buckingham Palace, which put into perspective where I actually was. come up with a method agreed on by the group. A further interview with The colonel asked me about my personal life, my interests in and out two apparently impassive colonels followed in a very intimidating room. of school and how I saw myself in the Army and my choice of regiment. After this we went home and waited for the crucial letter to say After that, I did my first Army Insight Course for three days at whether we had been accepted or not, and that crucial letter finally Woolwich Barracks. We were all met by the soldiers running the course came, and, to my surprise, I had been accepted by the Army for the and given the plan for the next few days. We did our ‘icebreakers’ to the Scholarship scheme - one of only 36 people out of the 2000 that had fifty other people there (the oldest a 25 year old), as this course was applied that year. Therefore I am now an Army Scholar, and eagerly for anyone applying to Sandhurst, and were taken to massive hangar awaiting starting my first term at Sandhurst after University, on my road where we were given all our kit for the two day exercise. Suffice to say to becoming an officer. I was used to this sort of lifestyle with cadets, although this did not Quinten Casey L6C
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 13 Astronomy Workshop
t the end of the winter term, just after I started attending the key constellations, planets and other objects in space to look out for in the astronomy sessions after school with Mr. Hensman, night sky in a talk entitled ‘Observing Constellations’. The planetarium was many pupils from my year were invited to an astronomy operated by Mr. Watson, a former teacher of WGSB (who now works at RMS)! event at Royal Masonic School. Some of it was about Many questions were asked: topics included space travel, exoplanets (planets black holes so we couldn’t help but be sucked in. outside our solar system) and the proximity of nearby galaxies and stars. As The event began with a detailed talk about the life of the well as being shown constellations such as Orion and Ursa Major, and planets universe,A delivered by Dr Francisco Diego, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical like Jupiter, we also discussed the James Webb space telescope. Currently Society and TV presenter. Starting with the Big Bang and the formation of the under construction, it will be launched in 2018 with a number of purposes, first particles, which combined together through natural forces, (very) slowly one of which is to study exoplanets in great detail to either find habitable but surely, the universe began to take shape. All the elements of the universe planets - or ones already inhabited. formed inside stars, and planets were soon created. With the right conditions, Finally, we received an engaging talk on supermassive black holes, life started on Earth. This talk was accompanied by an interesting visual aid: a by Rajeshree Bhatt. Firstly we were told about the structure of black holes long washing line was hung from one wall to another, spanning the width of and what your fate would be if you entered one - once you cross its event the room. This line represented time and the age of the universe - roughly 13.8 horizon, determined by its Schwarzschild radius, there is no going back! billion years - with each millimetre being worth millions of years. The key events Also time would slow down relative to any observers, eventually seeming to in the universe were placed on this line at the relevant time; for example, the first stop when you reach the singularity. Next we talked about blazars, quasars star or planet and the creation of galaxies. The creation of Earth was very near and radio galaxies - which all turned out to be the same thing - the effects to the end, with humanity’s existence only lasting a few millimetres at most. of a black hole viewed from different angles. Blazars and quasars puzzled After hearing a brief history of the universe, a series of complex calculations astronomers for years as they had no idea what was causing them, but now was used to suggest the probability of life forming. Many conditions were taken we believe them to be an observation of supermassive black holes. into account, often based on the conditions our planet Earth is in. Francisco The Astronomy Workshop was really enjoyable, particularly calculated the probability of the formation of living beings to be extremely low; Francisco Diego’s captivating keynote; although the planetarium and the his conclusion was that there is almost definitely no other life in the universe black holes talk were also fascinating! Overall it was a very informative apart from us. An interesting but chilling thought to end the talk. and interesting evening which helped better my astronomical knowledge, Afterwards, we had the opportunity to attend two other workshops. The and I hope to continue studying astronomy in the future! first was in Royal Masonic School’s own planetarium, where we were shown Ethan Honey 10G
National Space Centre
14 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 PRODUCT DESIGN
amie Humberstone working alongside furniture maker and ex-pupil Phil Clay produced one of the most technically complicated pieces of furniture the department has ever attempted. He succeeded (following a number of experiments) in bending sheet ply across the grain using a series of curved cuts using a circular saw. His attention to constructional detail and the smooth matt finish of the piece turned many heads Jat the end of year exhibition. The retro propeller legs and tightly fitting push drawers displayed a professional level of making competence and we wish him well as he leaves to pursue a degree in furniture design. The winner of the 2015 Product Design Prize however was Graphics student David Anderson who fought back from a difficult start to the year in terms of his health to produce an outstanding commercial branding project for ‘The Kitchen’ in Croxley, a small cake shop and tea room owned by a family member. His simple, stylish and timeless designs for the graphic and logos are even more impressive scaled up as shop facades, than they are in the card holders and price points he carefully designed and constructed in the workshop. Next time you drive through Croxley take a look along the parade of shops just around the corner from the train station. GCSE success with the new AQA course took many notable forms. The normal selection of rocking chairs, benches and coffee-tables are now intermingled with a scooter, speaker system, various lighting projects and children’s toys. Faraz Khan produced a particularly impressive flat pack rocking chair with adjustable back that utilised a clever system of varying strength magnets to lock the rocking mechanism and allow the chair to be fixed into a stable position. His work on the upholstery and the manual that accompanied his work gave real commercial appeal and, as a keen A-level student for next year, indicates the department’s output will go from strength to strength. NB
Flat Pack Rocking Chair with adjustable back
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 15 Harry Bibring and the Holocaust
hroughout the spring term of Allowed’ sign was highlighted to him that he being taken away to a concentration camp in Year 9, the RS curriculum is understood, and was brought to tears. He November 1940. His mother managed to live dominated with studies on the wasn’t even allowed to claim the contents of together with her sister until they were both Holocaust, encouraging students his locker, including his skates, but when he taken and killed in Sobibor in June 1942. to involve themselves in deep got home and explained the story, his mother For the next 20 years of his life, Harry was discussion about the ethics could do nothing but explain the helplessness able to repair his life, doing evening classes in Tand impact that the Holocaust has on our of the situation. engineering for about 14 years, until he became life today, as well as life 80 years ago. But Things became seriously bad after a qualified Chartered Engineer. He met his wife, before we get into thinking about the morals Kristallnacht and the “Anschluss”. Harry and his Muriel, who was a sister of one of his close behind the Holocaust, we first have to know fellow Jewish classmates were handed a letter friends. He got married in 1947 and had a child what it was like to live during such a time of one day, telling them they had been removed soon after, who later led on to have children exclusion, seclusion and discrimination. And from their current school and were sent to a of his own, and then even grandchildren. As where better is there to find out, than from secondary school which was designated to Harry began to put an end to his story, we were someone who lived through it first-hand. Harry have any Jewish children who were removed able to ask any unanswered questions we had, Bibring, born on the 26th of December 1925, from the Gymnasiums. After Kristallnacht, to which he would answer in great detail. As has come in to our school over many years to Harry’s father mysteriously disappeared on his a final point, he concluded with a statement keep the memory going, and to educate the way to work, which seemed to have happened that resonated with me, and that I know is the new generation about his life in Vienna. to all the Jewish families that Harry’s mother important message he wanted to get across. Armed with an arsenal of photos and had been desperately calling. Later that day, “You may have noticed that I have stayed away artefacts from his childhood, Harry began his armed men turned up at Harry’s flat, ordering from the word ‘racism’. To insult or discriminate story by setting up the scene of his ordinary life in them to leave immediately, and telling them someone simply because of their different beliefs Vienna. He told us about his father’s clothes shop, that the flat no longer belonged to them. They or colour or gender is terrible. Racism suggests that and of his sister Gertie, and especially about his were locked out of their flat for a week and we are of a different race, a different being. But in fondness for ice skating. In his first school, were sent to stay in a flat which attempted to my eyes, I, and everyone in this room, are part of he turned out to be a bit of a troublemaker, house about 50 Jewish women and children the same race, the human race”. but he promptly altered his ambitions when he in one place. They were finally released, and By Ben Jones 9F realised that, if he didn’t do well in his exams, miraculously met up with their father on the he would miss out on his opportunity to go to way back to their old flat. He told them that a ‘Gymnasium’, or grammar school. For months he had been arrested and locked away in a he studied hard, putting his skates to rest, until prison with many other Jewish men. Harry’s finally the tests came and he achieved a place in father was anxious to check his business, and his nearest Gymnasium. when he arrived he discovered that it had been It was during his time at this school when completely looted and destroyed. This was the the discrimination of the Holocaust began to first time that Harry had seen his father cry. take effect. He had enjoyed his first few years This was the turning point for his father, and at the school, making friends and learning he decided that they couldn’t live in Vienna lots. Earlier that year, however, his non-Jewish for any longer. The family planned to go to friends had started to separate from him, as Shanghai, and this dream seemed promising, well as a lot of public areas being closed off with their father planning on selling all they to Jews, such as the joint park/playground had in order to afford the tickets. However, used by his school as a place to play during his father was either robbed or disallowed breaks. Harry was mostly confused by this, the tickets, shattering their dream of escaping but not too concerned. At least, that was the country. The only other plausible option until his safe haven was blocked off to him; available was for Harry and his sister to come his ice rink. It was a second home for him, so to England as part of the Kindertransport, when he flashed his valid member card to the with his mother and father following as soon ticket office, the least he expected was to be as they could. Unfortunately Harry’s father refused entry. It was only when the ‘No Jews died soon after of a heart attack, when he was
16 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Geography Society This has been a very successful year for the Geography Society. We and most notably a visit from adventurer and film maker Leon McCarron. have gained a loyal membership of enthusiastic Year 8s, Year 11s and With our highest turn out all year, we welcomed Leon for his talk about sixth formers. Every Thursday lunchtime we run presentations about his travels on foot through China and the Gobi desert, along which he Geographical topics in the news; but what made the society so brilliant filmed a documentary for National Geographic. The talk had been highly this year was the way that members got so involved. For me, I loved anticipated but still managed to exceed expectations, no doubt being being able to see people get excited about Geography; this manifested the outstanding success of this year’s Geography Society. My fellow itself in people making their own quizzes and activities for the society pupils and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to which we all thoroughly enjoyed. make Geography society our own and hope to see more people joining Highlights include Mr Carrera’s presentation on the Democratic in next year. Republic of Congo, Daniel Kenny’s (11F) “Geography of Football” quiz Joel Landschaft-Singe, L6F E-Books Onesies Watford Boys has recently acquired a new online E-Book Members of the school regularly raise money for charity, often discreetly, And system, which already has over 100 books. You can read them then there are the exhibitionist forms who believe that a bit of attention will raise anywhere and everywhere, providing that you have an internet that bit more. 7G dressed in onesies before running around Cassiobury Park to connection of course. The system allows you to take out and raise £1150 for the DEC Nepal Earthquake appeal and 8N raised even more for read books with ease. There have been so many times when Save the Children by doing the same. I have wanted to read a book but someone else has taken it Well done to 7G, 8N and everyone who contributed in anyway to WBGS out of the library already. The system however lets me read it charity efforts this year. as soon as another student has finished or stopped reading it. It also saves up so much space in my bag for when I want to read. Wolf Hall for example is a huge book- over 700 pages! I was reading it for my history book report and it was ridiculously heavy to carry and my E-Reader is much lighter! If you haven’t bought an E Reader and love reading, I highly advise that you do, if not you can always use the school’s online system to read the books. Ask Miss Petty, the school librarian, how to do so and if you want a book that isn’t online simply ask for it to be added. The books are much cheaper and allow for more space for other books. I tend to use my E Reader to buy books rather than wait for them to be delivered or go out and buy them as it is faster and cheaper that way. It also allows me to have an entire book series or trilogy The E reader scheme has been a great success with over 1000 loans already having been made. Abhay Suji 9P
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 17 LGBT+ and WnW
n my time at Watford Boys there have been a number of somewhat trivial; did the box on a piece of paper really have that much opportunities that I have spurned and, when I entered Year 12 I of an impact on equality in society? vowed to myself that this would never happen again. I decided Despite my doubts I continued to attend meetings with an open that this would be the year that I got involved with everything mind and slowly began to embrace the idea that change must start at I possibly could and I am proud to say that I have stayed true the lowest level. Yes it might seem pointless adding a few extra boxes to to this. One of many activities I have been involved with this the gender and sexuality boxes on forms, but considering those options yearI and probably the most interesting was my involvement with the are there for race and ethnicity it is a logical step. In fact, we successfully newly formed Hertfordshire youth group, aptly named ‘Who not What’. caused all the Hertfordshire County Council paperwork to include a This group was founded on the basic principle that all members of our ‘prefer not to say box.’ society ought to be able to enjoy their lives and express themselves However, I am under no illusions about the need for further free of the discrimination that is rife across the globe. It is a group with improvement. With this greater vision in mind we met with a representative a membership almost exclusively consisting of young LGBT+ (Lesbian, of the Stonewall foundation who spoke to us about Stonewall schools Gay, Bisexual, Transgender +) people, many of whom I have found and how they are attempting to counter the homophobia, biphobia and incredibly inspiring as I heard their personal stories about their lives as general stigma. He gave us great ideas, which I personally have tried to young LGBT+. implement in both my work as a member of the Youth Parliament and as When I began, I must admit that I felt very much out of my depth. a house prefect at the school. This is something I will be looking to carry Although I got involved on the basis that I had an interest in reducing into my new term as head prefect. the stigma around sexuality, I realised that my interest was not the With A levels mounting in their intensity and the prospect of a same as having any actual knowledge. The first meeting involved far UCAS application I may be forced to say my goodbyes to this eclectic more listening than I’m used to and rather than instigating debate, I was mix of people and leave the group, but I will leave with many new finding myself under a cascade of gender pronouns and intricate terms. friends and a far greater understanding of the issues concerning the At first, I must admit, I was taken aback; this was not the glamorous fight LGBT+ community. My new challenge will be working my newly attained for equality I had envisaged, instead it was far more specific and focused skills and knowledge into my future and in recruiting others to this most in on the very basics. For example, at that first meeting we discussed important of causes. the use of gender pronouns on paperwork and how many excluded any Tom Lees L6G options outside boy and girl. At this point I considered such matters The House System o what do house prefects Not sure why. It took weeks of begging but and were willing to spend their Friday night at actually do, apart from add eventually we managed to create a set list full a fun filled sleepover. The evening consisted colour to the main hall and of musically “gifted” teachers. In the build up of a quiz, a selection of movies and food (lots give ‘interesting’ assemblies? to the karaoke, we produced the tickets for and lots of it). We estimated 18 pizzas would Well our role involved a large the event, which were selling themselves as be enough to feed the large number of boys, variety of activities with the students jumped at the opportunity to witness however, in hindsight, this amount could have mostS important being organising charity events the rare sight of teachers singing. In terms of fed the entire year. In terms of the concept of including the Teacher Karaoke and the Year 7 the actual contest, Mr Beere was the crowd the “sleep”over, the sleeping was optional with sleepover which were stupendously successful favourite with a marvellous rendition of Ice many memories being made in an all-nighter. and raised around £1000 for the two charities, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice. However the honour We hope the boys had an enjoyable time and Mind and the Stroke Association, that we as a of being named ‘Teacher Karaoke Winner without the support from the year 7s and their school have chosen to support. Prefects from 2014/15’ fell upon Mr Brookes after he wowed parents/guardians, generosity, charity events other houses put in a shift to set up an array the judges with an excellent performance of like these would not be able to go ahead. We of charity events including a charity raffle and Hallelujah. On the day of the karaoke, many hope the sleepover will be the first of many in Teacher vs. Students football match as just two more students paid on the door, meaning that the future. Again this was a huge success for more examples. The house system has acted it increased the total money raised to roughly New House, as we raised around £700 which as a fantastic opportunity to help those not as £300 making it one of the largest charity events made it the biggest charity event of the year. fortunate us. of the year and a great success for New House. Overall, we have had a great time as Our first charity event was the Teacher Moving on to our second (and most house prefects and it has been very rewarding Karaoke that took place in December 2014 successful) charity event of the year - the Year to raise all of this money for charity. All of after 2 months of preparation. This event was 7 Sleepover which was not only entertaining the house prefects this year have tried their one that New house wanted to host as it and rewarding but also at times stressful... very hardest to raise money and support the school involved the almost certain embarrassment stressful. After the proposal for a sixth form charities. We hope that the next generation of of numerous staff members. In all honesty, sleepover was rejected, we decided Year 7s house prefects can raise as much, if not more, this event was much more difficult to organise would get the most out of it. We were repeatedly money than us next year. than we had originally thought as teachers surprised by the magnificent response by the New House prefects: Arnav Rawat, Chris Butcher, were less than enthusiastic about singing in Year 7s who rapidly bought tickets for this Drew Layton and Nick Hatcher. L6T front of a packed crowd in the concert hall. event. In total, 75 boys supported the event
18 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15
History Boys
istory Boys provides a unique opportunity. It Underground’ & Nimrod’s presentation on ‘The History of Gay gave us the opportunity to learn about other Rights in the UK.’ Lower school students made presentations on forms of History not taught within the four walls ‘The History of Wall Street’, Torture and ‘How Britain lose its Jewel of the classroom. As keen historians we are in the Crown?’ These are some of the very best that jump to mind. able to expand our knowledge to other aspects Not only did we learn things we didn’t know before of the past which were pertinent to shaping the but it provided a memorable experience for the students Hpresent. Furthermore, it gives us the opportunity to students and the teachers who were watching and listening to these and to teachers to present any historical topic of their choice to presentations. History Boys has an average of 15 to 20 students fellow History Boys and colleagues. attending every Friday making it one of the most popular subject-run There were numerous presentations throughout the year clubs in our school, which of course is to be expected from from Mr.Beere’s presentation on ‘The History of Rugby’ to Mr History as the third most popular A Level subject at Watford Panter’s presentation on ‘The D-Day landings.’ There were even Boys. presentations giving a different perspective to what is learnt in We would like to thank Miss Griffin, Miss Ramzan-Hussain the classroom. For example, we have learnt about remembering and Miss Jones for organising and we are looking forward to it the World Wars in Britain but, until Mr Pegler presented his restarting in the next academic year. brilliant presentation on ‘How Germany Remembers the War,’ Amit Shah L6G and Nimrod Kasper L6N not many people knew about this topic. There were also brilliant presentations from students including Amit’s presentation on ‘The History of the London
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THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 19
Maths Club ere at Watford Boys, we take really get involved, it is a springboard students maths seriously. Students can use to jump the gap from enjoying maths in in the top sets can pride lessons, to representing the school in national themselves in their sharp competitions and challenges. For boys who mathematical prowess, whilst are determined to represent their school in boys lower down can strive to maths, or are simply interested in learning in a Hclimb up the arithmetic ladder and join the more advanced way, Maths Club truly provides ranks of the boys at the top. But for some boys, plenty of opportunities to take maths further, being in the top set isn’t enough. They crave in school and out. The route to represent your something that the standard maths syllabus school is shorter than you’d think, and going to just can’t give them. Fortunately, their thirst for Maths Club is a step in the right direction. a thrilling maths experience can be quenched, against if they manage to be one of the few By Ben Jones 9F by simply heading over to M4 at lunch on a who compete for the school. There are a mix of Monday, where the festivities of Maths Club questions, ranging from a diverse assortment take place, run by Mr Matthews with Mrs Hill’s of the many divisions of the maths we learn. help. It doesn’t matter whether you consider As you test your knowledge and speed up on yourself pretty decent at maths or if you think things you know, you will pick up on clever your sole purpose in life is to solve quadratic tricks and faster methods for trickier questions, equations, as long as you want to challenge improving your grasp on maths as a whole. yourself and rise above your expectations, If you consider yourself to be fantastic Maths Club is the place for you. at maths, and feel that you should represent The aptly named ‘Maths Club’ consists your year group in competitions, the best way of students of all years, from Year 7 to Upper to put yourself forward is to turn up to Maths Sixth, and puts everyone’s minds to the test, Club regularly, where not only can you get a with varyingly difficult questions for each year taste of what could be to come, but also as a group. Whilst the overall aim of Maths Club is place to show off your skills to the Mathematics to take students a step beyond normal lessons, Department, who assemble teams of the Footnote from the Maths and instigate a keen sense of challenge, strongest mathematicians. There are many Maths Club also functions as a stepping stone potential competitions that are available, Department: During 2014/15, around 300 of our top including the UKMT Team Challenge, where two between competing with school mates, to set mathematicians across all years have joining the school team and entering maths pairs of boys from an older and a younger year competed in the UKMT senior, intermediate competitions against other schools. As such, group compete together, the many Hans Woyda and junior mathematics challenges. 75 the majority of the questions and challenges competitions, which take the brightest boy have achieved gold certificates, 88 silver set are practice questions for competitions, each from Year 9, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13, certificates and 46 bronze. 48 of our students giving boys an idea of what they will be up pitting them as a team in many 1 on 1 matches qualified for the next rounds of the challenges against other schools hungry for a win. As where they competed amongst the top 5% of well as the team competitions, there are also maths students in the UK for their particular many individual challenges and opportunities age group – a fantastic achievement! In addition, Mr Budarkeiwicz, Mr available to those who participate in Maths Corbridge, Mr Matthews, Ms Parr, Ms Farhan Club, which often involve exploring exciting and Mr Chapman have taken students to a and interesting perceptions of maths which variety of mathematics enrichment days and wouldn’t at first seem obvious. regional team competitions. In some cases the Whilst at first glance, Maths Club might teams reached the finals. In all cases students seem to simply be a place to compete against had a great time solving the mathematical friends and take maths a step further, once you problems posed – maths really can be fun! Cambridge Maths Enrichment Day On 20th April, 4 students (Vedant Gopalarathinam, Jonathan Aizlewood, Quinton La and myself), went to a maths enrichment day organised by the Further Mathematics Support Programme. The enrichment day was an unofficial second round to the Year 10 Maths Feast, which took place in March. The day consisted of a tour of Cambridge by old head boy Tim Bond, follow by a brief stop in McDonalds (purely to add further to the university student experience), punting down the river Cam, and the enrichment day itself, which started promptly at 2pm. The enrichment day was designed to encourage students from year 10 to consider choosing Further Maths at A level, and it achieved this through a combination of challenging maths puzzles, fun origami rounds and university style lectures, all of which were interesting and inspiring. To put the cherry on the cake, we even won one of the rounds (it was about set theory, in case you were interested), and received a copy of “A Problem Solver’s Handbook” each as a prize. Jeremy Zolnai-Lucas 10C
20 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Year 12 Young Engineers Building Bridges
t is a Watford Boys’ tradition to enter a team into the It was now time to begin the design of the bridge and, after annual Young Engineers competition, the Engineering a long session, we came up with our initial design. It had taken 6 Education Scheme run by EDT. Young Engineers is hours of uninterrupted Skype call and we were sure it was perfect. a scheme designed to encourage 16-17 year olds The recommendations of the Environmental Agency and other key into Engineering or Engineering related fields by organisations had been met; the bridge was well situated and, most having them complete projects assigned to them by a importantly, it looked great. However, once we had sent it over to company sponsor. The projects and sponsors cover all our Hyder mentors, we were met with horrifying news: the bridge aspects of engineering; from aeronautical with Lockheed Martin, actually wouldn’t stand up (due to ‘torsional forces’). toI electrical with Selex Galileo. Faced with this design flaw, it was back to the drawing In recent times, the sponsor for the Watford Boys team board. It would have been easy to switch to a more conventional has been Hyder Engineering – a prestigious Civil Engineering bridge design, but at this point the Watford Grammar School consultancy with a portfolio ranging from the Tower Bridge back for Boys’ Young Engineers team had realised they were far in 1894 to the Burj Khalifa in more recent times. Unsurprisingly, from conventional. After a consultation with our engineer from a civil engineering firm, our brief was to design a bridge and structural experts from Hyder, we were advised to change that would span the Thames in London from Nine Elms on the the deck layout to an ‘s’ shape. It was a tricky component to South Bank to Pimlico on the north. The bridge was intended change and in the end we resorted to simply re-designing the for pedestrians and cyclists only. Whilst designing our bridge, entire bridge from the ground up. Smaller adjustments included professional engineers at Hyder were themselves preparing refining access off and onto the bridge, such as including lifts for their own submission to the international design competition disabled access. for the same bridge. With the main part of the project completed it was time to Brief in hand, it was time for a team. Picked by Dr Buckley, do the last couple of things before we were due to be assessed; the Young Engineers team consisted of 6 Lower Sixth formers. making a scale model of our bridge and writing a report Each member had their own skills that they brought to the team detailing our project. We started construction of our model at - Oliver was great at the complex calculations; Arnav was in the 2 day engineering workshop at Cambridge University. It was charge of systems; Soham was our chief researcher; James was manufactured from aluminium using computer controlled water our construction specialist; Nathaniel our head of design and jets and then finished at school. Ravi our report writer. With our design, report and model in hand, it was time With the energy and enthusiasm only 16-17 year olds can to go to the so called ‘Celebration and Assessment Day’ at muster, the team set to work. The first task would be to decide the University of Hertfordshire. It was a time to check out the type of bridge that would we would build. With the help the competition and get assessed. We gave a presentation of our consultant engineer, Mairead Kavanagh from Hyder, we and then were cross examined to ensure that we knew our assessed the pros and cons of different bridge designs. We stuff. We performed well and our project was to a really high looked at examples ranging from the iconic suspension bridge standard – and we won the ‘Pupils Choice Award’ (sponsored by (think the Golden Gate Bridge) to the tried and tested truss rod Mastercard)’ and scored an extremely high 92%. bridge (think boring railway bridge). It was decided that we Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the whole project. Despite would utilise a ‘cable stay’ configuration - modern in design and the long nights and the masses of work, we were able to reach a practical in reality. really high standard. Because of the project, we have been able The next big decision was to decide the precise location of to meet a number of senior engineers, in addition to Lord Winston the bridge as only once this was confirmed, could we continue and Richard Harrington MP. It has been the first step on the path making specific designs. A few members of the team visited to engineering or a STEM related career. the London site in Pimlico to see what was available to us and The team would like to thank Dr Buckley for his hard work to properly conceptualise the area we would be working with. and dedication to the school and our team – long term projects After scouting out the area, we elected to cross the Thames such as this one would not be possible without him. almost perpendicularly between Dolphin Square and a small Ravi Chauhan L6F park on the South Bank.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 21 Talk by author Conn Iggulden
he first time I had read Conn Iggulden’s books was us a story of his father in the British Air Force during World War Two. the Christmas holidays in year 8. I loved history and It involved a hilarious mix of pubs, drunken pilots and unconscious wanted something on Rome, especially after reading gunmen. It had a funny story, with a jocular ending, yet its purpose was books like the Eagle of the Ninth. I knew Conn’s son as an so far unseen. Conn then told us a few more, another involving Conn’s acquaintance in primary school and thought I may as well father flying a French spy over France, only to have the spy refuse to give the novel a go. It was the Emperor Series: The Gates jump and then to hold a sub-machine gun at the spy. That too was just ofT Rome. I opened the first page, and started to read, and by the first as, if not more interesting, but the point was still unrevealed. After chapter I was utterly hooked. The novel told the early story of Julius, his another story his intention was apparent. His stories did happen and childhood, his relation to Marius, arguably one of the greatest consuls weren’t made up in any way. of the Republican era, and the introduction to Marcus, his friend and His thus far entertaining talk drifted over into his writing. Questions adopted brother. It was then that Conn Iggulden became my favourite were asked as to what his inspiration was, or how he wrote his novels. It author. was here that he came across as a very humble and what he described After almost 16 months, I had read the Emperor series thrice over, as a very ‘English’ way of talking. He told us about his choice of the read the Conqueror series on Genghis Khan twice over, and had started periods, why he chose Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan. He purposefully the Wars of the Roses. Conn’s writing brought these periods very much chooses characters that are infamous, yet many don’t know anything alive. You can now imagine my excitement when it was announced that about them. I myself would say guess that 50% of people would say that Conn Iggulden would be coming into school for a talk and presentation. Julius Caesar was an emperor of Rome, though he was murdered before I adored his writing and simply couldn’t wait till Friday the 24th of April the Roman Empire was founded. These questions were answered with a when it would take place. I was more excited because I wanted to meet short story or two, but the underlying idea was that they were real. The him, but more because of his inspiration to write his books and how he events in his novels, and stories on the day did happen, and it was that makes them so good and exciting, well at least for me, to read. which gave them a touch of magic. My year had entered the James Theatre and then we sat down in My only regret about the talk was that I didn’t bring in a novel anticipation of his talk. Immediately I was worried that he would just which I could get him to sign, which to me was a great opportunity stand there giving a dull description of his life story, rambling on for the missed. However, signed novel or not, my year and I thoroughly enjoyed hour and then leaving us disappointed. Much to my pleasure, he first Conn’s light-hearted and cheery talk. welcomed us, asked if we could hear him and then immediately told Akshar Abhyankar 9C
Politics Christian The week of the 23rd of March was an exciting one for politics students, with a trip to Parliament on Tuesday and a Hustings on Friday. Tuesday’s trip, organized with the help of Watford MP - Richard Harrington, was informative and a Union perfect way to conclude seven months of studying the goings on of the very building that we visited. The day began with a ‘Q&A’ session with Mr Harrington, and I must say that whatever one’s personal and political opinions of the man, he was largely neutral, and championed bi-, tri- even quad-partisanship; Ignite explaining to us how in the past he’s voted for all three of the main parties (including Blair in 1997). I love Christian Union which is also Harrington did not shy away from any of the questions we threw at him, from his views on the electoral known as Ignite. This amazing club system to his voting record and political ambition. has become the highlight of my Before sitting for a session in each chamber, we watched the Speaker’s’ procession, and got a feel for the week. It is run by Mr Matthews and formality and tradition of our government. We were fortunate in the session that we observed in the House of Mr Brookes. When the club starts Commons, though perhaps not as exciting as Prime Minister’s Question Time. We sat in and watched Nick Clegg we are welcomed in and we start take, and dish out, banter for the final session of Deputy Prime Minister’s Questions. Our afternoon session in the session with a fun game. Mr the Lords was perhaps not as exciting as the morning, but equally as informative. We experienced the reality of Matthews and Mr Brookes always British adversarial politics with a ‘ping pong session’ of last minute legislation passing back and forth between bring in the craziest games for us the Chambers, though we did note that the raw partisan and childish politics of the Commons does not find to play. These games include classic place in the Lords. Jenga and Twister. Then we all sit Weeks before, we had invited the main parliamentary candidates for Watford into school for a down for teaching from the bible. hustings during the Friday lecture slot. Before the hustings, having lunch with the four candidates, I We learn lots of different stories and was amazed by how well they all get on despite the way that their national parties were in deadlock. this year we have started watching Harrington and Thornhill in fact remarked that often they trouble to find areas in which they disagree cool videos from the Alpha series. (though their on-stage performance did not want for conflict). The actual hustings itself managed Then at the end of the session we somehow to engage the majority of its sixth form audience (which is more than can be said for the have some nice snacks which range actual election); questions on immigration and university fees seemed to be the most popular, with UKIP from Chocolate Brownies to Sweet candidate Nick Lincoln introducing us to what became somewhat of a catchphrase of the part; “it’s about Smarties cookies to little cakes. I space not race”. really enjoy this club because it is In all, I at least, found it to be a fascinating week. The opportunity to see the inside and the workings fun and really exciting and we learn of parliament, and then watch four people try to demonstrate how much they want to work there. Watford all about God. being a key marginal seat in any election, this school continues to play a crucial role in elections as tight Andrew Monument 8G as this one was; and the four members fully took advantage of that. Jonathan Isaacs L6N
22 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Politics Trips in the Sixth Form
tarting a totally new subject such This, unsurprisingly, took rather a beating from citing the culture of ‘you’re either Labour or as Politics in the sixth form can the students from the private schools in the Tory’ as the main reason. She felt neither be a rather daunting prospect, audience! “How can you claim to be the party party appealed to her and hence joined the Lib being a completely removed of the people?” regarding the aforementioned Dems: “Not supporting one of the two main world from that of ordinary 6th policy one student asked, and Hunt answered, parties is quite radical.” formers. Thankfully I have been after much hesitation: “Because we are the Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk luckyS enough to be able to cast aside this party of the many.” Not the best answer. outlined the Lib Dem mantra of “People should sentiment having been to a conference for Looking back on this conference, I be allowed to do whatever they like, so long Politics A-Level Students in Westminster on found it interesting and engaging, especially as it doesn’t directly affect others.” As an 1st December, meeting Nick Clegg nine days concerning how easily my views were example, he said that there should be no later, and then the Liberal Democrat Mayor of challenged by the likes of Nigel Farage and reason why those who wish to get married to Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, who would also be then hearing totally different opinions from another of the same sex should be prevented standing for MP in the 2015 General Election. Tristram Hunt and Simon Hughes, a Liberal from doing so as it is others who may choose John Bercow, speaker of the House of Democrat MP who defended the European to be offended, despite the happy couple Commons began and, amongst other things, Union, particularly the European Arrest intending no offence. The pair also suggested a spoke of the possibility of more reform in the Warrant. It was fascinating insight into political new approach regarding drugs. Using Portugal House of Lords, and, despite being obliged to personalities and their policies. as an example, Norman Lamb said how the be impartial in his role as speaker, said that Then on 10th December, Ms.Riaz asked Lib Dems believed the use of high-class drugs “being an unelected part of parliament by mere Tom Lees (L6G), Julian Manieson (L6P) and should be de-criminalised and the focus accident of birth [is absolutely outrageous]” me if we would like to attend another, much should instead be on rehabilitation, thereby when referring to hereditary peers who sit in smaller conference in Croxley Business Park, saving money on potential detention costs for the Lords through having inherited their titles but this time in the company of a ‘senior offenders and freeing up overcrowded prisons. from their parents. cabinet minister’ – their identity was kept very All of these amazing opportunities Greeted with cheering, jeering and hush-hush. opened up an entirely new perspective on screaming, “the most influential man in Meeting Nick Clegg has definitely politics, making this ruthless and demanding right-wing politics” according to The Times been one of my highlights of 2014 – it was field of work seem much less removed from newspaper, walked on to the stage – Nigel like meeting a celebrity! Fan girling aside, the powerful, untouchable and elitist world in Farage. He recited the rhetoric with which we I thought the way he robustly defended which it exists. The fascinating and sometimes have all become familiar: the ‘EU is terrible, his party’s unpopular actions since having controversial subject that is politics provides a 75% of our laws are made in Brussels, let’s been in coalition with the Conservatives was plethora of opinions and personalities in the take back control of Britain’s borders,’ etc. admirable and he came across as a pleasant, politicians themselves and those that listen to But most concerning was that, in a room but competent and confident person, despite them, a fact that truly was enforced within the full of malleable, naïve students, Farage was having taken huge knocks in the opinion polls. short space of less than two weeks. very, very persuasive and he did not hold Julian Manieson said after the event, “He’s too I’d like to thank my Politics teachers, back on his answers which were sometimes nice to be a politician,” which I believe sums Mr.Grinham and Ms.Riaz for arranging these surprising and in some cases inappropriate. up Nick Clegg rather well: a nice guy who opportunities and especially for inviting Tom, Tristram Hunt, the Shadow Education talks a lot of common sense but sadly in his Julian and me to the conference with Nick Secretary, began by warning everyone not profession, people care not for ‘nice guys’. Clegg which was a truly fabulous window into to be “taken in by [Farage’s] rhetoric” and The day after the meeting with Nick Clegg, the world of Politics: a world in which I hope to then spoke about Labour’s policy of forcing four ‘Lib Dem’ councillors, Norman Lamb MP, find myself one day. wealthier private schools to allow lesser- and Dorothy Thornhill made an appearance Patrick Norén L6P funded state schools to use their facilities or at WGBS. Thornhill told us why she became face having their charitable status removed. a politician and why she joined the Lib Dems,
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 23 Watford Boys Hornets Fans Jacob Culshaw
This season has been a one that should never be forgotten. It wasn’t just a promotion-winning season, it was a record-breaking one as some incredible stats will testify. 91 goals – club record in the top three tiers 89 points – club record in the top two tiers 43 away points – club record (including adjusted totals when only two points were awarded for a win) 13 away wins – club record
campaign which started with that the talisman’s services were retained. He On a personal note myself, Tolu Alade fervent hope and expectation was linked with a move to the Premier League. (9G) and Daanyaal Anwar (9B) were fortunate that the promised land would To guarantee the club achieved its goals, it enough to have a penalty shootout with the surely await for the boys in was essential that the club did not let him go. Watford Skipper as we won a competition yellow. This became reality - Thankfully, in the end, as we all know, Troy named ‘The One Million Views’ (we recreated nine months and four managers Deeney`s value was seen to be more than Troy Deeney’s counter-attacking goal against Alater. Everybody knew we had one of the best financial, and the club offered him a four-year Leicester). Any Hornets Player subscribers squads in the second tier; it was if the 46 deal, putting almost all speculation to bed. I out there can watch us in action on ‘The games in the strenuous Sky bet Championship reacted to the Sky Sports News story that we Hornets Show’ February edition pitting our season would take its toll on those group of had rejected a £12 million offer from Leicester wits with Troy against Rene Gilmartin (3rd players, helped by early cup exits. in a similar fashion to when Lloyd Doyley choice Goalkeeper.) Rene Gilmartin confidently The pre-season talk was dominated by scored his first goal - I clenched my fists secure stated ‘I’m not here to play lads, I’m here to Troy Deeney, captain and top goal scorer of in the knowledge that this was a sign of intent save pens.’ Well he didn’t save either of mine the previous two campaigns. It was imperative for the upcoming season by the Pozzo family. and on Hornet’s Player there is video evidence.
Season Ratings We look forward to our premiership Anya- 7 Although impressing with Scotland, influential with arguably pass of the adventure; how will the players fare? Well Ikechi has found it hard to take his national season against Derby and putting a big let’s see how they did in the championship. form into domestic. shift against Middlesbrough. His two Gomes- 9 Despite a reputation for errors of Layun- 6 A bit lightweight and didn’t adapt thunderbolts against Cardiff should be judgement there were surprisingly few from to the English game quick enough, but who mentioned. A war horse. the big Brazilian and he has been rewarded can argue if you have 1 million followers on Ighalo- 9 A superb 2015 for the Nigerian with a 3 year deal. twitter. forward. He’s Indestructible. Motta- 5 Like Dracula afraid of crosses: Watson- 7.5 Came from strugglers Wigan Vydra- 8 Has electric pace but a tendency a red-card against Derby was his lowlight Athletic in the January transfer window: to not turn up in the big games. over a short-term period with the Hornets. a typical English midfielder, scrapper but Forestieri (Fessi)- 7 My dad’s favourite, Cathcart- 8.5 Has been superb over his doesn’t have a final touch in front of goal. superb against Reading but disgraceful in second spell and changed many fans Abdi- 8.5 Injury prone, however the Swiss the Wolves game. perceptions of his ability. Solid. maestro has become essential to the Deeney- 9.5 Already a Watford Legend Angella- 8 Tendency to make rash golden boys’ push with his final ball and and didn’t put up a fuss after transfer challenges when losing the ball, yellow quality needed in such a diverse league. speculation surrounding him. cards occur however been improving over Guedioura- 9 Having had two loan spells the year in his second year of his tenure. with Watford, his second was far more The Match Watford. My club, my town. Playing Sheffield Wednesday on the last match of Selsie the season, Watford are already guaranteed to move up to the premier league Mrs and but this game is to win the title. The first goal Watford score, 25 minutes in Mr Mitchell and the ‘golden boys’ are dominating the game. Half time comes around celebrating and the Sheffield fans are miserable in contrast to the (at the time) league Watford's champions. There’s a constant chant of ‘We are going up, say we are going promotion up,’ which gets everyone on their feet for the second half and the whistle blows, the second half begins. Once again, Watford dominating. At the 70 minute mark, the fans are gathering at the front ready to run on at the end. 80 minutes, they are starting to get on the pitch. 85, they almost all on the pitch but still hanging on the edge of the pitch. 90. The impossible. Sheffield Wednesday, currently 14th in the league score against the number ones. The Sheffield fans are on their feet and the streakers give up holding back and run onto the pitch. The match is over. We walk out with the disappointment of not winning, but we know next season, we’ll be playing in the premier league. Thomas Barrett 9G
24 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Interview with Mr Hussey How long have you been going to Watford? the Sky Sports reporter reacts to it. I just Thank you very much for your time. I’ve been going for over 40 years, my first find that absolutely hysterical! I just couldn’t My pleasure game when I was 10. My mother had been believe that, a moment when I was really Jacob Culshaw 9 taking me shopping and we were wandering down thinking were not getting Wembley around at Exchange Road when I met a then suddenly turning it round and Deeney friend who is a friend of the family. He had smashing it in at the other end, I was jumping his Watford scarf on and said ‘Would you around. like to come to the game instead of coming shopping?’ He took me to the game and that’s Who if you favourite player you’ve where my passion for Watford started. It was seen at Watford? probably against Scunthorpe in Division 4 but It has to go back to Johnny Barnes as I saw I’m not quite sure. My father took me to about him just rip apart defences when we got into a half a dozen games that season. Gradually I the old first division and we finished second went more and more each season. that season. I just thought he was a real star. Two games that stick out for me is the 7-1 win Where do you sit at in Vicarage Road? against Southampton (which I was very lucky I sit in the Rookery end and share a season to be at) and the 8-0 win against Sunderland ticket with my brother. When we both need to in the same season. go, I’ll buy a separate ticket near where he sits but sometimes, especially recently, I’ve been Who do you thing is Player of the Season? sitting in the new stand. I don’t sit near the I think Gomes has been brilliant and has saved noisy singing section though! us on many occasions. I think we would have turned 1-0 and 2-0 wins into draws or even What it is the highlight of Watford FC defeats if it wasn’t for him. The number of over the time you’ve been watching? saves he’s made is remarkable and we have When I’m feeling a little bit glum, I’ll put on just signed him on a 3 year-deal which is the goal we scored against Leicester where superb.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 25 Football Journalism course
his article is about a trip that the football workshop went on. We went to Vicarage Road (Watford FC stadium). I will be explaining all the things that we did, e.g. where we went, what we saw and who we met. When we arrived at the stadium, we met our Ttwo tour guides who told us what we were going to be doing. We made our way to the stand to talk about the different types of stands and who and what they are named after. We also talked about how it’s different to the old version of the stadium. We made our way to the boxes and were able to go in one and found out what people would do pre match and post match. Next to the boxes is the chairman’s room and down the corridor is Sir Elton John’s restaurant. We saw the pitch and was allowed to sit in Sir Elton John’s seat! Then we made our way around the outside of the pitch heading towards the changing rooms. We saw the bench and the manager’s seat for match days. Once we had finished exploring the benches, we made our way into the away changing rooms. These were dull and had no brightness or any good features at all. Most away changing rooms are different shapes so that the away manager cannot see all the players when he is discussing tactics or giving them instructions, but the one at Watford is square which is nice of them. Then we visited the referee’s room next door. This room was Journalism Club small and contained the board which the referee holds up when a Learning Support was having a new club that was all about commentating sub is to be used. We were allowed to have a go with that and play and match analysis and I was lucky enough to be chosen as well as other with the linesmen’s flags and things. Finally we made our way to people. In the club, we did a lot of fun things like making our dream team, the best place of all – the home changing room. It was really big, refereeing some weird football scenarios but best of all was the visit to with bright colours and a seat for every player as well as showers, Vicarage Road Stadium. cold baths and some beds for massages. There were also fridges Everyone was very excited about this trip and when were arrived we for any energy drinks players had chosen. This was my favourite were guided around by two of the workers. We got to see the changing part of the trip – seeing where the players go most days. rooms and visit the commentators’ box and we also got to sit in the VIP As I support Watford FC and have a season ticket, it was seats, but sadly we did watch a match as after that we went back to school. fascinating to see what people that are close to the club do. I am I really enjoyed this trip and the journalism club and would like to very grateful to have gone on the trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. thank Mr Siskin for organizing it. Toby Benton 7T Adeola Dada 7T
26 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Mr Zarin IT trip to Science Museum he Information Age is a major new exhibition at the Science conquers Ben Nevis Museum, and over 50 Watford Boys have visited this marvel of the modern technological age. The sense of history begins the story of the transatlantic cable which was laid between New York and the west coast of Ireland in 1858. The Victorian age was also one of global communication. Other gems in the exhibit include the original HTMLT web server implemented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee at the CERN institute; the original Apple II developed by Steve Jobs in his garage, and the first ever Google server cabinet. The Museum ran code-building workshops for the pupils where programming fundamentals were applied to controlling a robot buggy around a maze. The Python and JavaScript coding skills developed by the year 10s certainly proved more than apt to this task. Perhaps one of the most intriguing objects is the Babbage Difference Engine. The fully working version on display was built in 1991 to celebrate the bicentenary of Babbage’s birth. Constructed to his exact plans drawn up in the 1840s it worked perfectly and is capable of performing ferocious calculations and equations with what Babbage called “the unerring accuracy of mechanism”. Babbage was never able to construct the machine during his lifetime and became something of a forgotton We were blessed with perfect weather with around 16 degrees genius of the Victorian age. Had this mechanical marvel been completed at the time, at the bottom and dropping to 4 degrees at the top. It was then 20th century history as we know it could have turned out very differently. The a tough 9 hour trek with 5.5 hours going up and 3.5 hours removal of human error in logarithm back down. I am so glad that I managed to conquer this beast tables, ballistic equations, insurance of a mountain as I nearly gave up twice; once just before premiums, interest rates and every the snow at the top and also just after the snow, as the end other calculation prone to mistakes seemed far away and out of reach. Luckily I had a good bunch would have had far reaching effects of fellow trekkers who encouraged me on and I reached my on socio-economic policy. Thankfully destination battered and almost losing use of both Legs. Very the work and foresight of people tough indeed. However the views were amazing and it was an like Babbage, and the Bletchley experience of a life time which I will hold very close for as long Park code breakers are now widely as I live, especially as it is for such a good cause in building a acknowledged and this exhibition local community centre which will help the future of our local celebrates all those who have youth and the community. contributed to our information age. ZZ ST
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THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 27 LANGUAGESLanguages • Langues Sprachen • Språk • Языки
t will forever baffle me when people say that language doesn’t when you do use it! In the words of the great Billy Connolly, when you interest them - as I’m sure scientists will be baffled when I say tell some strange Tibetan man who’s messing with your bags to “F**k that covalent bonds or gravitational potential energy or the Off”, he knows exactly what you mean. He understands. And that is the build of some obscure creepy-crawly don’t interest me. Though most valuable and satisfying part of speaking, learning, and listening to I recognise my attempts to change the minds of those who do different languages. That you understand. not share my passion may be in vain, I will give it a shot anyway. But a language goes beyond just a language: it is a whole identity. IWhy do you understand what I have written so far? Because you Other reasons language is so powerful is the connotations that an have learnt to comprehend the English language, that much is clear. But individual language can carry, and then, being able to speak that what about those who have absolutely no knowledge of our language, language, being able to understand that language, you too can be a maybe not even our alphabet? What if you were one of those who were part of those connotations, those stories, that history and those people. staring at this bizarre collection of weird symbols which hundreds of When you can speak the language of a country, you become a little bit millions of other people around the world understand when cobbled of that nationality and, as I have said, having the ability to communicate together in haphazard groups, but you don’t? with those people in whatever capacity, using whatever words, is one I believe that there is nothing more satisfying than speaking of the most incredible things in the world. Take Russian, for example. another language from the one you are most familiar with. The fact that Russia and Russian. What amazing and varied images spring by the simple process of learning one word, one phrase and uttering to mind when you see those two words written down on a piece of it, you can verbally communicate with any random person who lives paper. It’s corrupt, mysterious, controversial, but yet some of the most thousands and thousands of miles away in any random country amazes welcoming people to visitors, where camaraderie rules the roost and me. The bare mechanics of talking are nothing short of incredible. One not money or wealth. Admittedly, many of the pictures of modern-day specific collection of sounds, pauses, breaths, will communicate a Russia are negative, but by being able to speak the Russian language message from one person to another, which the brain then assimilates you could talk to Russian people, learn of their mindset, and of their and then deciphers a meaning from those sounds. But what is utterly culture and of their history. The opportunities to travel and learn and amazing, and fascinating, too, is that almost every country in the have the most amazing memories from places all over the world come world has different, or multiple ways of communicating the exact same from knowing just the smallest bit of a language, and whether you want message, and to be able to communicate that message, to understand to achieve greater fluency is up to you. those sounds and uncover a tangible meaning has been, is, and forever To all of the younger years I say this: the Languages department will be the fundamental basis of anything that humans do. is the most powerful department at our school, for reasons I hope I Obóto: the Warao word for mud (see the Venezuela 2015 article!). have made crystal clear. Take the opportunities put in front of you to Learning this word took all of five seconds but I will remember it, learn as much of any language that you study, as what you can gain and cherish it, for the rest of my life. Why? Because although I may from learning even only one word, be it rude or not, can create lifelong never visit this tribe again, I could, if I desired, turn to one of the tribe memories. The more words of a language you know, the more moments who doesn’t understand English while shlomping through knee-deep you can create and remember: so please, keep going at it and study swamp, and utter obóto, along with an exhausted expression, which it more, at AS, at A2 or just in your free time. Yes it is difficult and would bring a smile, a laugh, a simple message communicated through frustrating, but the satisfaction you will gain from being able to speak one word between two people who live in completely different worlds another language is boundless. who have never met before and probably never will meet again. Five To all of the older years: you may have already decided you want to seconds is all it took. How can that not be amazing? Magical, even? The study your obscure creepy-crawly at university or triangles or whatever. more words of a language you know, the more such moments you can But please just bear in mind that in each of the over 6,000 languages create and remember. That is the simple truth. spoken in the world today, they too have words for beetle, gravity, heart Swear words are the best. No matter what language you are being and memory. If you have the opportunity to study a language, grab it immersed in, you can always pick out the swear words. And even though with both arms and hold it, cherish it, and stick with it like you would you may not have any knowledge of the language, you know exactly with somebody with whom you have fallen deeply in love. what message the swearer is communicating. And because they are Patrick Norén L6P swear words, because they already hold a somewhat elevated position in the vocabulary of a language, you will remember it, which means you can use it! And, given the right situation, you will make people laugh
You never know what experiences you will have by being able to speak a Language.
28 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Cantonese Mandarin English 你好! 我是一位學生，今年就讀十年 你好! 我是一位学生，今年就读十年 Hello! I am a student currently in year 班.每星期六我會到 Hemel Hempstead 上 班.每星期六我会到 10. Every Saturday, I go to Hemel 普通話班。每星期日就在這校上廣東話 Hemel Hempstead 上普通话班。每星 Hempstead to go to Mandarin lessons. 班.今年我考了 GCSE 中文科.這與其他外 期日就在这校上广东话班.今年我考了 Every Sunday, I go to Cantonese lessons. 語科考試一樣，共有四部份；會話,寫作, GCSE 中文科.这与其他外语科考试一 This year, I took my GCSE Chinese. The 聽力和閱讀理解.我覺得這一科是非常有 样，共有四部份；会话,写作,听力和阅 exam, like other MFL exams, had four 用的,因為可以考取多一科成績！ 读理解.我觉得这一科是非常有用的,因 parts: Speaking, Writing, Listening and 为可以考取多一科成绩！ Reading. I find this subject very useful because I have another grade! Gavin Lee 10G and Oliver Wong 10B
“I am a student at Watford Grammar School for Boys. It is an excellent school offering many opportunities in Svenska Allemansrätten addition to super education. The school population is about 1200. We play a variety of sports from rugby, hockey, Det finns en lag i Sverige som kallas för ‘Allemansrätten’ – cricket, tennis and sailing. We also have an opportunity en lag som är jätteviktig i vår kultur. Man kunde även säga to learn music.” att att kränka Allemansrätten, är att kränka den svenska religionen av respekt för miljön. ‘Allemansrätten’ säger att man får göra vad som helst, Gujurati var som helst, när som helst; kanske gå över privat land, "હૂ વૉટ્ફર્ડ ગ્રૅમર છોકરાઔની સ્કૂલ મા eller elda lite på en strand, eller tälta på en ö i Stockholms skärsgård. Men det som måste uppvisas, är respekt för વિદ્યાર્થી છુ. સ્કૂલ બહુ સરસ છે, જેમા બહુ naturen. Det betyder att man måste lämna naturen i den સરસ પ્રોત્સાહન મળે છે. સ્કૂલ મા બારસૌ samma skick som den hittades när man kommer till platsen વિદ્યાથી છે. અમે જાતજાતની રમતો રમિયે છે, där man ska gå, bo, elda, tälta, sova… “Inte störa, inte förstöra” જેવીકે રગ્બી, હૉકી, ક્રિકેટ, ટેન્નિસ નાઉતનાવ જેવી રમતો છે. અમ્ને સંગીત વિગેરે રમવાનુ There’s a law in Sweden which is known as ‘The Right of Every પ્રોત્સાહન મળે છે." Man’ – a law which is very important in Swedish culture. You could even say that to flout Allemansrätten is to flout the Swedish religion of respect for the environment. Hindi It states that you can do whatever you like, wherever में वॉट्फर्ड ग्रामर पाठशाला जो ल蔼कों केलिये है, उसमे you like, whenever you like. This could range from walking विद्यार्थी हूँ. हमारी पाठशाला बेहेटरीन शिक्षण प्रधान over private land to taking a boat out into Stockholm’s archipelago, mooring up, and camping there on an island करती है और उसमें हमको वीवीध तारेह का खेल सिकानेका for a night. But what must be upheld is respect for the मोक़ा बी देती है. यहाँ १२०० ल蔼के प褼ते है. हम रग्बी, हॉकी, environment. This means that you have to leave nature in क्रिकेट, टेन्निस और नवका चलानेका पाठ लेते है. हमें the same condition as when you found it, whether it be संगीत सिकने का भी मोका मिलता है. walking, living, lighting a fire, camping or sleeping. “Do not disturb, do not destroy” Deven Voralia 10N
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 29 Why do GCSE Latin? Person 1: Knock knock Latin KS3 Person 2: Who’s there? Person 1: Et ‘I thought Latin Person 2: Et who? LATIN was a dead language.’ Person 1: Et tu, Brute? Person 1 & 2: *laughter* ‘Was Latin spoken by the Greeks or the Romans?’ Want more fast paced Latin ‘We’ve got 2 whole periods of Latin! That’s over an banter? hour! It’s going to be dead boring.’ Take Latin GCSE! These were the reactions I heard when my form found Not only is Latin extremely versatile and out that Latin was part of our curriculum for the cooperative with a wide range of other next two years. We walked in, expecting an subjects, it is highly appreciated by old Roman to be teaching us how to say universities and has a prestigious status ‘Hello’ to each other. Instead, we not necessarily merited by its difficulty. were greeted by an enthusiastic Latin has a reputation as a difficult teacher with a deep voice teaching and boring subject, but in reality us how to translate Latin to English is taxing but not too onerous, and from a red book. ‘Caecilius est in far more interesting than most other horto’. Caecilius (the main character GCSEs. in the first book) is in the forum. This became the most memorable Want the benefits of an acclaimed Latin sentence for anyone who learnt Latin through the Watford Boys’ GCSE without sacrificing the rest Latin department. The lesson turned of your subjects owing to copious out to be thoroughly enjoyable and amounts of work? entertaining as Mr Pegler taught us about Roman houses and how the “I used to have four friends. Then I took Latin Romans lived. Every lesson was fun, GCSE and I made one more” Want to increase either learning in class about the great the number of friends you have by 25%? Romans and how they fought, going Take Latin GCSE to the theatre to perform a recently Dan Marks translated passage of Latin or going to the library to use the online resources. At the end of year 8 there is the choice of either continue learning Latin, or choosing a different modern language other than the one you are already learning. Then, at the end of year 9, there is the option of taking Latin (the language) for GCSE which is taught by Mr Davies, or Classics (learning about Greek, Egyptian and Roman gods and myths). Other than the weekly ten word vocabulary test, Latin lessons are highly enjoyable. By the end of year 11 you will have two GCSE equivalent grades, which is highly regarded as a ‘difficult GCSE’. 66% of the first GCSE is done in May of year 10, which would usually be your first public exam. Overall, Latin is one of the most useful GCSEs to have apart from English, Maths and the Sciences. It can help learning other languages, based on the Latin alphabet. Latin also provides the root words for many scientific terms. A lot of element symbols in the periodic table are from Latin words. For example, the Latin word for iron is ferrum, so the element iron is represented by the symbol Fe. Another example is gold, aurum in Latin and Au is the symbol for it. Latin is found everywhere: politics, maths, science. This makes it one of the most useful languages around. Latin is not a dead language. It is immortal! Oliver Wong 10B
30 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Year 7 Latin Year 7 Latin with Mr Pegler Sperate parati – WBGS offers a wide variety of opportunities and activities go forth prepared with Latin and one of those opportunities is Latin. If you are lucky Latin so far has been a great experience and has introduced me to, enough to do Latin you will find it great fun and you’ll not only a new language, but also a new culture. Many will say that learn a lot. You can dress up as famous Romans and learn Latin is a dead language and therefore useless; however, it is the about the city of Pompeii. You also learn how to speak the foundation of the Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian) and ancient language which is way easier and more useful than scientific names. When learning other languages, such as Italian, you everyone says. It helps you understand English and also will pick up the new language more easily after having learned Latin. Spanish, French, Italian and even German. You also learn Latin is so important it is included in the motto of many schools, even how other people lived, thought and fought a long time ago. our own: Sperate Parati. This means, “be prepared” (I learned this in This is why Latin is great. my Latin lesson). Manas Balla 7F I have been taught by Mr Pegler, who makes the lessons fun and interactive. Poring over maps of Pompeii to find features of Year 7 Latin is amazing! It is my favourite subject as the the ancient city – how could anyone not enjoy the lesson? We have homework is fun; e.g making posters about Roman gods. learned about the culture of the Romans, particularly the people The subject is a mixture of language, which isn’t too of Pompeii. I thought I knew about Pompeii already, but I have hard but actually quite fun, and the history of the people discovered that it is not just a destroyed city, it is an archaeological who spoke it - where they lived, what they ate, who they paradise of preserved people, foods and way of life, just like a worshipped and what monsters scared them, etc. and the camera shot of a moment in history. I have found that my Latin teachers know a lot. The great thing is it gets better and lessons have breathed new life into an ancient subject. better, so I’m really looking forward to doing it in Year 8 and Who would have thought that becoming a gladiator! a dead language could be so alive! Fionn McGuiness 7F Ethan Underwood 7F
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 31 Watford to Mainz on the bike Five countries, 896km, 38 hours, four and half days, June 26th to 30th 2015 There are a number of stats for any ride, but these are some of the most significant.
Where did it start? Training? Back in 1957 when a group of boys and staff went off for a three week I often talk of a training ride and then someone will ask what am I cycling holiday to Germany. I first heard of this several years ago and training for. The answer is always for the next expedition. By Easter, last summer read articles from the Fullerian of the times. When I started Mainz was the next expedition and I thought I was out of the winter as Head, I thought it would be a good expedition to celebrate the 50th in good condition and feeling strong. I then went to France for Easter, anniversary of the German exchange between WBGS and the Schloss with a new bike and came back suffering with very painful bursitis Gymnasium in Mainz. As the last academic year progressed, I began to (inflammation of the hip). Sparing the detail, this meant I had to reduce throw this idea into more conversations and presentations so that I was my weekly miles substantially and even by half term I wasn’t confident definitely committed and on record in intention to do it. I could start the ride. The expedition was cemented when I was guest of honour at the Schloss Gymnasium in February when our exchange party was visiting. Was not starting an option? I’d told so many people and set up the Just Giving page when I came How was it planned? back from Easter. I was also aware that the ride would mark the end of This was supposed to be the easy bit. However, trying to find a window my year as Head and wouldn’t have the same impact if I delayed it. So I that would work for both schools and my busy schedule wasn’t so easy. had to get going! I also toyed with the idea of doing it without any support vehicle and decided that with so little time to complete the challenge I had to find someone to accompany me and certainly get across the Channel. By Easter, dates were fixed for the end of June; this would coincide with the end of the German exchange in Watford and their return to Mainz. The Ride Day 1 Watford to Folkestone 180km Upper Sixth Leavers’ lunch was the launch pad and down to Folkestone and the shuttle. This evening after giving a short speech, shaking many hands and part of the ride was a mixture of great sections wishing our leavers well, it was time to get changed along the Downs and Pilgrims’ Way with many half and ride. I managed to get away just after 2pm with timbered buildings and zipping through cornfields, Mr Curwen working out the maths of the ride for though following such minor roads led to inevitable the gathered crowd. A lot of adrenalin at that point navigational hitches in spite of a good Garmin. Even propelled me out of school and into London, using though I’d booked the latest Shuttle that evening, my favourite route to Westminster via the Bushey I still found myself pushing hard to get to the last ridge and A5. That side of town wasn’t too busy, but I rendezvous with Amanda and rode through the dusk, had to crawl through south London up to Blackheath glad of my lights. I finally met up with Amanda just and even a bike had difficulty getting through. It was before 10.30, jumped in the car to get to the terminal, also quite hot, so I was glad to get out eventually only to find there was a two hour delay that evening. into the Kent countryside. The plan was to meet up It didn’t matter. I was on my way to France and out of with my wife at Aylesford, a place we’ve visited and the UK. We arrived at the hotel in Calais at 3am local I was on target time at 6pm . This was supper break time, but a relative lie in awaited me first thing! and a chance to stop for a while. I took on as many carbs as possible and got ready for the final leg
32 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Calais to Aalst Aalst to Aachen Aachen to Koblenz 196km 220km 200km This was pencilled in as a day to recuperate. Sunday dawned bright and I hoped to get away a Relieved to finally be in Germany, I tried to make I was certainly looking forward to being on bit earlier than the previous day. Unfortunately, an earlier start and rode through a relatively flat French and Belgian roads again. Late breakfast the expansive buffet breakfast delayed me a area towards the Eifel mountains and the Rhine. and then a leisurely start through the flat lands little, but I was away just before 10 and heading Another beautiful day and quite a different of the Pas de Calais and on towards Ypres in east again. Experienced long distance cyclists feel to Belgium or Holland. Excellent, tarmaced Belgium for a lunch stop. It was a beautiful (not me) tell of how the third day is tough. cycle lanes kept me away from traffic and I morning and the tail wind added to my sense of And it certainly was. For starters, the Garmin made good time throughout the morning and optimism and the tiredness of the night before took me through Brussels. Brussels has bike early afternoon, with a good lunch stop with was worked out of my limbs. As I approached routes that mix with tram lines and on a skinny Amanda 100km in. Later in the afternoon, I the Ypres salient via Poperinge, my memories wheeled race bike, that’s not a good mixture. hit the first and only hills on the ride and I of leading over 25 WWI battlefield tours were Memories of Top Gear’s Richard Hammond should have thought more as I followed signs stirred as I passed many war cemeteries and trashing a £10,000 Pinarello in St Petersburg to the volcano park. Several long and steep the towers of Ypres came into sight. Ypres was haunted me until I got out of the centre, passed climbs later, through awesome wooded scenery, buzzing, particularly as there was a car rally NATO HQ and got out into the countryside again. I reached the Moselle river valley and the relief taking place and stopping in the square for The afternoon was warm and it was certainly of a flat and fast run into Koblenz. A hotel in lunch with Amanda was a pleasure in the sun. hard, not least because navigation via smaller town centre meant we could sight see on foot However, the need to press on to the roads through picturesque villages didn’t give a in another wonderful town, me knowing that evening stop lured me out of Ypres and bigger picture of where I was towards getting to tomorrow’s ride to Mainz would finish the job! following the eastern part of the salient further Germany. I met Amanda for a late lunch stop and into Flanders. I was expecting to be swept up then pushed on. I stopped just before leaving and spat out by several Belgian chain gangs, Belgium to load up on a fine plate of Belgian but most of the riders I saw that day were on chips, crossed briefly into the Netherlands via Day 5 leisure or town bikes, so no challenge there! Maastricht and then headed towards Aachen. Pushing on through Belgium, I headed for Mentally, by 8pm I thought I was finished for Oudenaard with a brief stop at the Tour of the day, but a frustrating two hours later I finally Koblenz to Mainz Flanders museum and a quick reminder of arrived the hotel for the evening after a 30km 100km having ridden that route two years ago, then detour around Aachen. I could only blame the The final day and a beautiful ride following the onwards to Aalst. Arrived tired but pleased at person who’d booked the hotel; me. Rhine valley upstream. So no problem racing the the next hotel. river boats, then! Most of the route was through a steeply sided valley, with castles and vineyards. A wide and easily navigable bike path took me to the wider part of the valley. I did manage to stop for a while to sample excellent coffee and cake and make sure the School knew I was on track for my arrival at 12.45. Then a further quick blast took me into the outskirts of Mainz itself. A last few metres along the banks of the Rhine and then a sharp right to the front of the Schloss Gymnasium. And that was it! Herr Volker and Frau Wonneberger were there to welcome me with the exchange students and a year 8 choir who serenaded me with ‘Welcome Mr Allchorn’. Photographs, an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, a sustaining pasta lunch and then in the car and back to Calais! Job done!
I’ve been very touched by people’s response to this ride. It’s raised a lot of money: £11000 towards that new minibus and that’s very generous. I’m even more touched by the hundreds of comments that have been made on my Just Giving page. These I’ll archive and reflect back on. The ride has meant something more than the raw statistics and it helps to bracket my year as Head. Few people get the privilege of serving a school community as I have had; fewer still, perhaps, to use something they so enjoy doing to benefit others like this. MA
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 33 ENGLISHA Visit from Dan Freedman arlier on in the year during the Autumn Term, question asked by a student. I was chosen for my question year 8 were graced with the presence of about the process involved when starting a new book. I received renowned football journalist and author Dan a signed book and football as a prize. Then, afterwards, a Freedman. During the day the whole of year small group of students were lucky enough to get a writing 8 had an assembly with Dan. In the assembly masterclass with Dan Freedman himself. In this masterclass they he talked about a bit of his history and why he wrote their own continuations on an extract Dan gave them from became a football journalist. Dan Freedman his book. At the end, the participants were rewarded with an wasE born in London in 1977 and has always been obsessed with exclusive mini book only obtainable through that class. football, but he told us that he pursued a career as a journalist At lunch time, Dan was also in the school library selling his because he knew he wasn’t a good enough footballer to get into series of books about the fictional footballer, Jamie Johnson. He the team, so he chose the next best thing, writing about it. Dan was also signing copies for those who bought the books on the then joined The FA in 2000 to be in charge of their website. This day or had already got his books. way, by writing about football, he would be in the front row of Dan Freedman’s visit was a good inspiration for boys of every match for free, and get paid for doing it! Y8 to improve our writing, especially those who like sport and But how did he become an author? Dan informed us that football. He gave us a few tips for writing a book - such as write the reason he started writing books was rather unusual. One books that you would want to buy or would have wanted to read Christmas he couldn’t find any good books for his football- when you were the age of the target audience. He also talked loving son so he decided he would write one himself. But it about persevering and not giving up if at first your attempts are wasn’t as easy as that he said; it took many, many attempts to rejected, as he was turned down many times. Finally, he advised get it published. Each time he submitted his text, it was returned us to use our own personal experiences to make our writing feel with suggestions for improvements. So even professional writers more realistic. need to draft and redraft their writing to get it right; a good From the whole of Year 8 I think we’d like to say a great big reminder for our own work in English lessons. thank you to Dan Freedman for taking time to come and see us. During the assembly there was a competition for the best Trey Tallon 8C
Junior School Play Writing Workshop The Hound of the Baskervilles Jamie Johnson stepped up to the penalty spot. As I was a casual fan of the BBC series “Sherlock”, I was delighted He zones in and blocks out all he has ever known and goes when it was announced the junior school play would be a through all the possibilities in his head. If he goes top corner he production of The Hound of the Baskervilles. It seems safe to will probably miss, but if he does score, he will be a school hero. He presume the audition went well, given that I ended up playing the hears footsteps, loud and confident, coming over and he instantly part of Sherlock Holmes (big thank you to Mr Howe). Watson was knows who it is. He sees Dylan in front of him and he blocks out played admirably well by Nathan Clarke and the cast was full of his defeating words. He then lines up his shot, his hands shaking talented actors. like an earthquake. Anyone familiar with the book will know that for a fair Jamie starts his run and, in the corner of his eye, he sees his proportion of it, Holmes isn’t there. That was quite a disappointment granddad cheering him on. His mind-set completely changed, he during the first read-through. However, I was able to get over wasn’t doing it for school fame he was doing it for his granddad. myself, and launched enthusiastically into the proceedings – in His leg swung a steady kick and the ball flew. particular the hell of learning lines. I can’t complain though, the The trajectory looks right. It scorches past the keeper who can’t script was fantastic. Nevertheless I do find that a genius one-liner move in awe of the shot. It curls as if in orbit, hits the post and goes loses a little of its sparkle after the first twenty repetitions. in. Then, he doesn’t do an in your face ‘Dylan celebration’, no he There were those who asked me ‘was it all worth it, Benedict?’ runs to his granddad and falls into his arms. Dylan just stood, jaw To which I replied ‘Yes. open staring at the goal as Jamie ran past and pushed his bottom All joking aside, the preparation and rehearsals, not to jaw back to the top. Dylan came back to earth and snapped at him mention the performances, were genuinely the most fun I had all but Jamie just laughed. year, and as such, please put me in the main school play next year. Benedict Longstaff 10B Ben Clare 8G
34 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Different ‘Thinglish’ As broad as the sky, Thinglish is a thing mostly to do with English (hence the name) that as varied as dancing figures from the light of the lamp. we do on Tuesday lunchtimes, ‘we’ being a group of GCSE students A candle burning strong, both skilled and interested in English. Run by Mr. Glass, we cover a a never-ending fire of friendliness between us all. wide range of topics about literature and language. Well they start Society doesn’t accept, off being about literature or language anyway; they usually drift because we are different to the norm. into other things pretty quickly – things like philosophy, political And different is scary, different is bad, different is failure. theory, critical theory, art, technology, history, film, computer games (if Jonathan Williams has anything to do with it), psychological Society ignores, society rejects, theory (if Reggie Roy has anything to do with it) or feminism (if Mr society pretends that we don’t exist. But why do they do this, Glass has anything to do with it, which he always does). Basically, why would they deny, In the past, topics have included satire, realism and interpretation, when we are identical to them inside? narrative structure and character types, representation of women in We’re all unique. the media (Mr Glass on his soapbox again), how art can be political, Isn’t that what they say? child language development, post-colonialism and, slightly oddly, So why would they try to treat us this way? the representation of Satan in literature. We are not strange, The usual format involves Mr. Glass introducing the week’s we aren’t frightening topic, which is followed by a group discussion while Mr Glass we’re just trying gesticulates vaguely while holding a sandwich to bring different to grow up by avoiding the rules. people into the discussion so we each get a chance to share our ideas and opinions. However, we have also spent sessions Perhaps not intentionally avoiding the rules, but doing so all the same. watching TED talks about babies, looking at bizarre, mind-blowing We were born unique, and proud of it short films and reading short stories or poems. Last term, we and wouldn’t change ourselves for the world. studied a book: I, Lucifer - a satirical story following the thoughts So let’s unite, of the devil, which investigated aspects of good and evil. We hope bring strength in our numbers to persuade the rest of the world, to look at The Very Hungry Caterpillar next. Mr Glass says it will be there may be more of you, there may be less of us an interesting text to try and apply various critical theories to, but but it’s surprising what a minority can do. we suspect he just loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Thinglish is extremely interesting and, despite it being And with the fire of friendliness, (theoretically at least) an extension of A* GCSE English, most of burning through our bones. us go simply because we like reading ambitious things you don’t We’ll prove that we are normally do until A Level or degree level, talking about ideas and the same. For why is it fair that the majority of people, getting to go off on all those tangents that regular English lessons are allowed to judge those with a disability? never have time for in a fun, informal setting. Disabled is enabled; that’s how we learnt to grow up. Ethan Honey 10G For what we can’t physically see with our own two eyes, we can see in a different way. Kelsey Trevett 8B Tis Pity she’s a “Whore” While seemingly an excuse to use the word whore in an article, this is in fact the title of a rather interesting play by John Ford. A A Visit from the Globe Players play so interesting in fact that English students studying it were In the winter of 2014, amidst intense controlled assessment able to see it performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at preparation, we were treated to a welcome visit from the Globe the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse in London. Players Theatre company, which helped us to gain a valuable So what is this play then? Well it’s similar to your standard new perspective on Shakespeare’s Scottish play: Macbeth. The romantic play: boy meets girl, standard clichés about stealing Globe Players is one of the foremost school theatre companies in London and the South East and aims to bring classic texts to hearts, happy ending. Only in this case our hero, Giovanni, is in life through theatre. love with his sister Anabella, and instead of stealing her heart The lively production performed key scenes from throughout he quite literally cuts it out of her chest, puts it on his sword and the Scottish Play, stopping from time to time to offer food for shows it to the crowd. Whilst singing Happy Birthday. As for the thought; helpful textual analysis; interesting Elizabethan facts “happy” ending - it resembles a year 7 drama improvisation: or translation of the Shakespearean prose. ‘Best bits’ included the humorous porter scene (which saw the breaking of the bodies litter the floor, with nearly every main character dead. fourth wall and the amusing harassment of the audience), the By now, all this has probably done is scared you away presumably fake blood and the action packed sword fights. from English but, if it hasn’t, then you’ve probably seen past To have read a play was one thing, but to have seen it the gore, the incest and the death to the themes behind them, performed live was a truly refreshing experience, all helping towards the intensely charged love story and the constant war against our comparative controlled assessment that soon followed. The visit from the Globe Players was an enjoyable insight into the world a society that will do anything to prevent the relationship of Shakespeare and was a great learning experience. between brother and sister. Only here the consequences are a Jesse Rist 11T little more severe than some untended rabbits. Charlie Staines U6G
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 35 Persuasive Speeches Saving Snails I am here today to highlight to you, my fellow classmates and esteemed members of staff, what I consider to be the greatest Summer injustice in the history of planet Earth. One of Mother Nature’s Summer! What a time! Each summer, we take to the most elegant and beautiful creations is suffering under the feet great outdoors for barbeques, ball games, camping of mankind, literally. I am talking of course, about snails. trips, fireworks and a lot of other fun activities. No Men and women alike have long terrorised the world of other season has more opportunities for enjoying snails, clumsily treading on any frail snail unfortunate enough the weather with friends. The best part: there is no to be ‘in the way’. This offence can often be brushed aside as school. As great as summer is, it can’t all be parks and accidental, or an unfortunate misunderstanding, but through ice creams. There are a few negative things about the these lies manifests an incomprehensible truth. In a recent season that, no matter how hard we to try to avoid survey, over two thirds of people agreed that they find the it, they will keep coming back each year. Things like crunch of stepping on a snail ‘satisfying’. Furthermore, 86% of the ice cream truck song that sounds like a 12 year people admitted to actively seeking out snails to squish. These old girl singing a Justin Bieber song, to things like are no accidents. We, as a species, have let down the snails. flip flops that don’t give protection to your feet from And it’s time we put that right again, whilst there is still hope. the disgusting pavement. However, there are worse. I know for many this will be a lot to take in. One or two MUCH WORSE!!! of you may not have even been aware of these injustices. Watch out for all the bees, wasps, mosquitoes Whilst this information may be news to you, this is merely the and all those other horrible creatures, because everyday truth that they, the snails, face. I feel that, in order for summer is also their holiday. Once you’re outside, it is us to fully appreciate the tragedy that snail-kind faces, we must a war with bugs. They will not stop at anything to try put ourselves in the mind of the humble snail. and suck your blood, bite your flesh or give you a nasty “What a delightful day,” thinks the snail. It gets dark. sting. You just can’t get rid of them. “Hmm, the sky is darkening. Is it getting late already?” The sweltering heat also brings about smells asks the snail. The snail swivels his googly eyestalks round. that can be pretty uninviting. From that pile of garbage “Alas, it is what I feared. A human foot has come to snatch on the street to the sweaty person on the bus that my life away. I would attempt to run, but I have no feet. Nor legs. you’re certain has never been introduced to the This is it, for Gunther the Snail.” Squish. wonders of deodorant, summer can be cruel to your The squishing of snails is not the only terror they face. nose. Summer can also give you sunburn, which is a Across the Channel, our French friends enjoy chomping into a pain! Literally! You see your skin peeling off like some juicy Escargot. Gardeners see these peaceful creatures as pests, alien, which can be very unpleasant. as predators, and kill them in the cruellest way imaginable, Think about TV? Unless you’re a fan of Homes delicious but oh so deadly pellets. In certain underground under the Hammer and Antiques Roadshow, there criminal groups, they have taken it a step further. For them, the won’t be any decent BBC shows coming any time soon. tracking of snails is a sport, and when they spot one of these Let’s not forget the Jeremy Kyle show, where people mistreated molluscs, they won’t stop until they get what they with absolutely no life, decide to talk about problems. want. A snail can only slither for so long, before it runs out of In summer, they expect you to be outdoors at all times slime to slide on, allowing these brutish criminals to pounce. and if you decide to go to the city with your friends, a Now that you, as individuals, understand the calamities thousand people will probably be thinking exactly the snails face, I feel I can ask for your support. I have started up same thing. a campaign called “Help the snail prevail, or they’ll fail,” which Summer should be the best time to go out as hope will successfully eradicate the threats snails face, allowing there is nothing stopping you. The problem is, parents them a peaceful existence. From the small donation of just £28 have to take children to places, otherwise they will a week, you can save the lives of two snails, funding steel plated go insane and on a murderous rampage. With crowds shells and hi-visibility jackets for both of them. If you decide to you also get queues. With queues you get people with support this noble cause, you will be sent a bag of goodies from very short tempers. With short tempers, you get riots us each month, including pictures of your snails, various snail and fights. or slug related plushies, and a postcard from your grateful snail buddies. I’m sure you agree with me, snail squishing has got to Now the real question is, what do you stop, and we are the ones who have to take action. It’s time for really think of summer? us to put our foot down, but not on the snails. Thank you. Ayaaz Bukhari 9F Ben Jones 9F
36 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 When you fish, Freedom think Panda of Speech As the sun on the horizon rises, in its beautiful pink glow, a herd of wildebeest wake up to continue on their fast-paced migration In Britain, we live in a society where we are free to do as we please, as long as the law permits it. We are not under through the savannah; a lion cub and its siblings start to play fight, extreme control from the government. The government is waking up all of the others. Herds of rhinos, a giraffe, elephants not trying to restrict us from doing what every human has a and zebras start chewing on the appetising vegetation, but, in the right to do. Freedom is a gift. Freedom is power. distance, a farmer aims his rifle, ready to take out these so called We are free to speak out and openly express an opinion ‘land predators’. towards something. Yet we should not abuse the power that we have been blessed with. I agree, we should be allowed to Unfortunately, these scenes are becoming all too common. give an opinion for something. Yet we should always think The reasons are unacceptable. You may have known that rhino before we give our view towards something. You should horns are used to make ivory statues and used in medicine in the always ask, what is it that I am saying? Who is it aimed at? Far East. You probably didn’t know that putting horns in medicine What are the consequences of what I am going to say? has the same effect as chewing fingernails to heal illnesses. That’s I strongly disagree with the cartoon published by French newspaper Charlie Hebdo. It was created in order to make a joke, not exaggerated. but what was published was not a joke. It was offensive to millions of Muslims across the world. However, I also strongly disagree Here are some statistics: with the attack on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters. The cartoon Gorillas could be extinct in the Congo by 2020. creators had freedom to produce such an offensive cartoon. They abused that power. It is the same with the attackers. In 2011 over 23 tons of ivory were confiscated. This amounts to We are lucky in Britain to have the power of freedom. 2,500 elephants. We can’t take that power and use it to cause harm, or offence. We should use that power to do good things for Poachers catch tigers by grabbing them in steel traps who then the world. struggle for hours and even whole nights before a poacher can In some countries, for example, North Korea, basic kill them with a single blow from a heavy stick. Horrible. actions are forbidden by the government. Citizens of North Korea cannot leave the country without permission and, The story doesn’t end here, it only ends when all animals are most of the time, people are denied access because they are considered to not have a good enough reason. People free to live safely in their habitat, when every poacher has turned are even forbidden to travel within the country, without against this dastardly deed, it ends when we have finished the job! permission. Freedom is independence. These people don’t When it ends is down to you. have that freedom. Charities like WWF are doing tremendous work in all four In Britain I can openly criticise the Government without corners of the Earth to conserve species from polar bears in the the fear of being prosecuted. In North Korea, people are sent to political prison camps. Freedom of speech doesn’t exist in Arctic, to elephants in Africa and from tigers in India to rare birds North Korea, where people have no access to the Internet, and marine mammals in Central America and the Caribbean. or tuneable radios. There are only a handful of TV channels, These charities do make a difference, WWF have helped picked by the Government, so that propaganda supporting make a 26% increase in the gorilla population over the past 7 the State isn’t interfered with. Landline and mobile phones years; increased the number of African rhinos from 11,065 in 1997 can only make calls within the country. Freedom is knowledge. These people don’t have that knowledge. to more than 21,000 now; and have plans for the future. Spreading religious ideas and views can lead to harsh Don’t think you have to go and do field work thousands of punishment including being sent to political prison camps, miles away in order to help. You can simply join WWF’s ‘adopt an or even public executions. Public executions are used to animal’ campaign by paying £3 per month. By doing this, you can inflict fear into people to keep them in order. Freedom is help WWF achieve their many goals, including doubling the tiger religion. These people don’t have that freedom. So to conclude, I would like to say that we are population by 2022. As I said before, it doesn’t end here. very lucky to have been gifted with freedom. Freedom One of the things that inspired me to write this speech was is a blessing. Freedom is a power. We cannot abuse our seeing an advert on illegal mass fishing. The caption read ‘When power to cause suffering, like in North Korea or any other you fish. Think panda.’ And a bulky bag of dead, blood-smothered dictatorships. Every human being has a right to freedom of pandas was emerging from the sea. So now, whenever I see fish, religion, freedom of independence, freedom of knowledge, freedom of speech. We should use our power to make or any other animal for that matter, I think panda, I think of the these things possible for every single person in the world. careless poachers, I think of what can be done. Jamal Hussain 9N Thomas Bartlett 9N
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 37 Extended Project Specification The EPQ allows each student to embark on a largely self-directed and self-motivated project. Students must choose a topic, plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finished product. The EPQ encourages creativity and curiosity and though the project may be directly related to a student’s main study programme, it should look beyond the exam specification.
In the following extracts, James Dutton takes us through the way for the ‘literature students’ that the book was designed for. Alternatively, ideas leading to his dissertation. this design and reason for the Longman Literature Guide essays may be To what extent is T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land a poem offering seen as a strength due to the reputable authors commissioned to write the redemption to 1920s Western Culture, rather than condemnation? essays. The sources that I have used in my dissertation from the guide were Literature Review written by a teacher and author working at Merchant Taylor’s School and a Professor of English at Sussex University; these are therefore more valid Development than sources written by those less knowledgeable in the field of English Literature, examples of which include the numerous online dissertations In a description of T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, I. A. Richards stated that written by students that I avoided when collecting my EPQ sources. the poem explored a ‘sense of desolation, of uncertainty, of futility, of the Another valuable collection of sources used when researching my groundlessness of aspirations, of the vanity of endeavour’; it is precisely dissertation was the Casebook Series’ ‘Critical Essays on The Waste Land’. this perception of the poem that I challenge in my EPQ. Unlike the Longman Literature Guide, this collection compiles a variety I chose to write my dissertation on The Waste Land after wider reading of the most famous and influential reviews, analyses and essays on the of modernist novels regarding the evolving society of the 1920s; my process poem, providing a diverse area of information from multiple perspectives. of choosing which texts to read largely consisted of researching famous The sources included in the collection may also be trusted as both authors at the time, then choosing which novels to read based on academic valid and reliable, as they are selected as the ‘best’ of modern criticism and popular opinion. This initial reading varied from Evelyn Waugh’s by academics and authors of the Department of English, University of typically Londonesque satirical comedy Vile Bodies to Fitzgerald’s tragic The Manchester. Examples of the highly respected and admired writings in the Great Gatsby, set in the fictional town of West Egg in the USA. I found that collection may be I. A. Richard’s ‘Principles of Literary Criticism’ and William analysing and comparing a variety of books written by the Lost Generation Empson’s ‘Seven Types of Ambiguity,’ both influential along with a number of authors proved to be a hugely expansive aim, and didn’t prove in depth or of T. S. Eliot’s essays in developing the ‘New Criticism’ of the 20th century. specific enough for my EPQ dissertation due to the vast number of themes, Strengths of the range of writings included in the Casebook Series may be allusions and contexts that would be covered for each book. Upon reading seen in the essay ‘An Anatomy of Melancholy;’ in a 1966 prefatory note to The Waste Land I was both confused and intrigued by the fragmentary and his 1923 essay, Conrad Aiken wrote retrospectively on his friendship with T.S. revolutionary style of T. S. Eliot’s poem as well as the numerous allusions Eliot, his influence on shaking Eliot’s inspirational block, and his part in the to other works of literature, finding it a far stretch from the ‘waste paper’ revolutionary meeting of Eliot and Pound. This may be seen as a strength that Charles Powell described it as in his 1923 Manchester Guardian review. as the source provides not just an interesting essay written within a year of The common belief regarding The Waste Land is that it is a poem the poem’s publication, useful in identifying immediate reactions sparked by written and designed to mock, condemn and doom the Roaring Twenties The Waste Land, but also a personal reflection that is subject to the context society of the post WWI era; Edmund Wilson states that the poem portrays of the new and evolved era of the late 20th century; this is an aspect that the ‘the starvation of a whole civilisation’. When collecting and reading the majority of sources on the topic cannot offer. sources I have used in my dissertation, and before deciding on my final title, Perhaps the most important information I collected when researching I was struck by how little argument or discussion I discovered on this point. my EPQ was information written or spoken by T.S. Eliot himself, coming from Upon my own personal analysis of The Waste Land I considered a number his Letters concerning The Waste Land and Thoughts After Lambeth amongst of opposing interpretations of the poem. I discovered that because of the other sources. As is common with authors, it is difficult to be confident that naturally subjective aspects of practical criticism there were both points all information stated is genuinely true, this is particularly prominent when that I disagreed with, and points that I felt were completely neglected, such evaluating the validity of quotes and ideas when looking at Eliot and what as the portrayal of humans as a potential saviour of The Waste Land when he said regarding The Waste Land. One example of an untruthful claim may depicted as the vital water that the poem seems to lack. Perhaps the most be the genuine nature and intention of the Notes to The Waste Land, which interesting point that I considered when comparing my interpretation with Eliot claimed were included to ‘provide a few more pages of printed matter’, those of the last century was the idea of condemnation vs redemption, and a claim which has since been proved untrue by Sultan’s chronology in Eliot, that is why I chose to write my dissertation on this topic. Joyce and Company. The Notes have been a prominent topic of analysis when looking at the poem as a whole for the past 100 years; this may be seen in Sources Peter Middleton suggestion that ‘academic interpretation of The Waste Land Though Robert Wilson’s ‘Is there hope in The Waste Land?’ seems the most has gone straight along the paths laid out by those footnotes’. As such relevant to my dissertation title – it is an essay dedicated to emphasising Eliot’s intentions behind them are left purposefully ambiguous, perhaps best positive aspects of the poem - I found a number of weaknesses with this characterised in Eliot’s confession ‘that I am, on one conspicuous occasion, source. One weakness may be that despite offering a number of valid and not guiltless of having led critics into temptation’. It is also worth noting that interesting points regarding redemption in the poem, such as the emergence The Waste Land itself was not solely the work of T. S. Eliot; instead it was of lilacs from supposedly ‘dead’ earth, it was largely vague and lacking heavily edited by a fellow modernist author, Ezra Pound. In a stanza of his in analysis of the poem as a whole, ignoring or skipping over prominent short mock poem, Sage Homme, regarding The Waste Land, Pound writes: passages that may pose challenging rather than offering an alternative interpretation. This may be contrasted with another essay found in the same ‘If you must needs enquire collection of sources, Cedric Watts’ ‘The Last 10 Lines of The Waste Land’. Know diligent Reader Watts’ essay is a much closer analysis of a limited passage in the poem, yet That on each Occasion I saw this as a positive, offering a number of detailed and rich points, such Ezra performed the caesarean Operation.’ as Dante’s refining fires acting as a salvation from purgatory, as well as the inspiration to take my own personal analysis of the poem even deeper. The changes suggested by Pound are extensive, and can reliably be One potential weakness of these two sources is that both were written studied in Faber & Faber’s The Waste Land Facsimile; this is important and commissioned for a Longman Literature Guide, rather than written to consider as the overall shape, tone and allusions in Eliot’s poem were individually for academic interest. This may suggest that although still valid, not solely his, and therefore may lack validity if considered to represent the two sources offer no new or revolutionary interpretations of The Waste the author’s true, untainted stance on the society of the post WWI era. Land, instead re-examining previously explored points in a more accessible
38 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Literary Competition 2014
Prizes Prizewinners: Year 7 Poetry Prize: William Noakes 7F Year 7 Story Prize: Sidhant Rao 7T Year 8 Poetry Prize: Nick Bush 8T Year 8 Story Prize: Ayodele Andrews 8C Year 9 Poetry Prize: Sam Finkelstein 9G Year 9 Story Prize: Ethan Honey 9G Highly Commended Writing: Aron Finkelstein 7G Reuben Gluck 8C Tom King-Cline 8C Tommy Wheeler 7C
The annual Literary Competition began three years ago and has grown in popularity and varies in structure each year, but culminates in the presentation of extracts of work by winners and runners up at the Literary evening, just before the end of the Summer term. The writing competition, open to years 7 to 10, is based around a theme, which is often very imaginatively interpreted. In 2014 the theme was ‘Hidden’ and this year it was ‘Flight’. This year, the small folder of entries received by the day before the closing day, became an overflowing box of over one hundred high- quality poems and short stories. We are very grateful to all the students who took the time to enter the competition. In addition, we have had poetry recitation competitions for Year 10, in which students learn a poem by heart and then compete in performance on stage. 2015 saw the introduction of a competition in persuasive speaking in Year 9 and revealed a number of passionate concerns including the fate of snails, pandas, and the reputation of Belgium (sadly the copy of the last speech was unavailable). GA
Sidhant Rao Nick Bush from Insanity from Hidden in Plain Sight
Insanity little by little lost its grip over people, its supremacy declining. A man, a dreamer It was less feared among the sane, less worshipped among the Dreaming from his sleep, acting in reality. religious, until the number of Madmen left was dwindling, so much so A revolutionary wanting to make his footprints that you could count their numbers on your fingers. But the happiness first brought by Insanity’s liquidation wasn’t to last long. Towns, On the untouched snowy plaing of history. cities, even entire countries had been ravaged by the tornado that His life-long idea, so close was Insanity. These had to be rebuilt, foundations of a new society be structured.. It gave Humanity a chance to start again, realise the wars A medicine, maybe, the lay-lines that connect us shouldn’t be between them, but against the world……. Has to be solution to the world’s woes. A man, dedicated to the cause of his life Since he was a child, campaigning for rights, The answer to our existence Aron Finkelstein Hidden in plain sight from Hidden Voice Searching, searching Beads of sweat trickled down his neck as he struggled in his chair, The long quest of a man’s short life, now done; the ropes slowly burning his bare skin. “I bet you’re wondering how you got here,” a deep, hollow voice bellowed. Clarkson froze, alarmed The key to happiness, the answer to self –exploration and mystified by the strange voice; the speech had stopped abruptly, Will always be unknown. leaving the cold cell in empty silence. The room that he’d been stranded in had been painted with an eerie black on all sides and, except for a camera in the corner, it was dreadfully bare. Soon he realised there was no entrance or exit. Clarkson was trapped…..
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 39 Literary Competition 2014
Sam Finkelstein Reuben Gluck from The Colour of Screaming from The Painting
A barrage of words Her hair was ruined; she was tired and upset. He sat down on the bed, Meaningless and shallow, his hands covering his face. They were both sick of searching. Eliza staggered up to Noah’s cupboard, the one place where she hadn’t Echoes past memories. looked. As she opened it, she saw a small orange glimmer. She ignored Shellshocked. it and shut the door, but as she shut it, a painting fell out. It was the She cried a silent tear in the bathroom. painting that she had been looking for all this time, but it was not of a beautiful savannah anymore. Instead it was simply a messy blur of His clothes lay on the bed. colours. The frame was smashed and the canvas had a huge, gaping hole in it. Eliza looked up at her brother as he stood there, his hand His closet was empty. behind his back and his cheeks soaked red with guilt. She gazed at them, Limp and helpless. A bottle of expensive wine Found itself leaking onto the floor. William Noakes A tired eye from Hidden Was not relieved By the monotonous prospect She smiled, but it was transparent like glass, Of the boxes under the bed. I was foolish to be blinded by love, Her stunning beauty played me like a beating drum, But now I am all-knowledgeable of her terrorising sadness, Like a desolate lair she calls her own.
Ayodele Andrews I knew from that day on that she had her worries, from Triggers And I was no hero, but a passing fancy, Of what was once and shall never be again, When a gate opens in broad daylight, in a prison, only one thought embellishes itself in your mind– escape. No matter how intelligent or The hope and joy of happiness, clever you are, the fantasy of escape intensifies in your mind until the The likes of which she cannot feel thought invades your mind completely, compelling you to fulfil its wish. Jake Ryan wasn’t different from anyone else, in this respect. Jake Ryan was a twenty-seven year old, stubborn character. His brown eyes concealed most emotions but portrayed his anger. He loathed the justice system and put his hate for the system in his tough workout sessions. His muscles begged for room in his pale yellow (previously Tom King-Cline white) vest. His muscles would have to keep begging….. From Parental Guidance
Have you ever really thought ‘Bout all the lies that you were taught? To keep you out of troubles’ way, Ethan Honey To keep you calm, from Eyes Open To make you stay. And did you ever really fall A stream of cold air smacked me in the face. My skin felt like crystals of ice, each cell now a snowflake. I pulled my coat on tighter, and For that stack of fibs piled up so tall? examined the surreal environment. A leaf caught my eye. About The countless questions left unanswered; as big as my hand. Its glaucous exterior was tinted white from the ‘Are we there yet?’ moonlight, and was lined with tiny triangular spikes, creating a deadly serrated edge, like a fence around an ancient tribal village. You could ‘Can we please drive faster?’ see silhouettes of its veins on its underside. A main stem entered the leaf, splitting into numerous smaller strands; these smaller strands diverting into tiny ones, creating a myriad of endless roads, a fractal But these untruths are always told. of small canals carrying water and nutrients to keep the plants alive. They never seem to get that old. This leaf shining in the moonlight and glinting in the dew created an incredible picture ,displaying the real beauty of nature….. Passed down by each generation, To help you out In all situations.
40 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Literary Competition 2015
Reciter Poem Poet Short Story (Highly Commended) Benedict Longstaff Ozymandias Percy Shelley Arzan Sukhia (8F) Callum Crockford Langley Lane Jacob Polley Owen Lawson (8G) Oliver Kent Beowulf The Beowulf Poet Ben Post (7B) Adnaan Ali The Beast in Space W. S. Graham Year 9 Public Speaking Competition Winners 1st - Benedict Longstaff (10B) Abhay Suji - Homophobic Language 2nd - James Bourke (8B) Nikhil Thadani-Six - Belgium Tom King-Cline - Fakes Poetry Winners Ben Jones – Snails 1st - Tom King-Cline (9C) 2nd - Charley Smith (8G) Short Story Winners (Year 9 & 10) 3rd - Will Noakes (8F) 1st Kieran Knight (10F) 3rd - Shyam Chandarana (7P) 2nd Kushal Thobani (9T) 3rd - Ethan Honey (10G) 3rd Ayodele Andrews (9C) Short Story Winners (Year 7 & 8) 1st Christopher Tang (8T) 2nd Joe Page (8G) 3rd Marco Marabese (7N)
Tom King-Cline from All About Me – The Humble Bumblebee
I am a bumblebee you see. We are quite gracious in our ways, Who stung you last? It was not me. Unlike the pointy wasps these days; For I am temperate, kind and male, We eat sweet nectar with tasty pollen, Therefore I have no jabbing tail. While they eat grubs and fruit gone rotten. Only the women have a spike, I do admit, we’re rather round, Yet would not ever dream to strike! But that helps us with our buzzing sound. No bee of the of the bumble community The cheerful, seasonal vibrations, Is like the wasp of pure cruelty. We take with us to all locations. Our coat of stunning patterns and colours Bears no resemblance to the others. Malicious wasps, hornets, horseflies… Don’t appeal to human eyes.
Charley Smith from Free
Its hell in there, it’s hard to believe, Maybe I’m not always lawful, But no-one comes out the same. My first heist was at twenty-three. I thought that I would be fine, but, trust me, But I’ll never be a murderer, Prison is never a game. And this one, wasn’t me. After a couple of months, I knew, Nobody knows it, no one but me, It wouldn’t be as I had thought. Even after all these years. I pleaded to the police, “I’m not guilty!” I’ve been chained up, trapped for eternity, But I was the one who was caught. I faced all my wildest fears. Now you can call me a criminal, A thief or a burglar too, But one thing I’m not is a liar, To my conscience I always stay true.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 41 Literary Competition 2015
Shyam Chandarana Kieran Knight Ayodele Andrews The True Meaning Of Flight Chime! The archaic sound of the Victorian A collection of letters on lies, grandfather clock permeated through the obesity and super –flying At first there was nothing hollows of the house- my house- like a spreading And there was something mist determined to engulf all. Flicking through Dear Rose Smith, And soon they understood my “Smoke and Mirrors: A Guide for Budding I think that I am very ugly. No I’m horrible. I’m a Magicians” manual, reclining in my sofa of withered crippled rose who struggles to progress There is more to flight reasonable comfort, I felt a wave of nostalgia in a challenge of height and popularity. Apart from Than the wings of a plane spreading through my innards, as I reminisced the fact that my petals fly away from me every Than the graceful glide of a bird on the job I achieved. But something seemed out day, I also seem to have an ever- increasing body of place, giving me an unshakeable feeling of mass that seems to increase the less that I eat. There is flight as to flee unease. Yes, it is bizarre! I check the scales everyday but There is flight when all’s right Chime! The thick air seemed to shimmer from they lie to me without fail. Gosh, yes it’s flattering And success carries you into the air the vibrations caused by the clock. Must be but there comes an age when a girl just needs only one hour. But why only one hour? And for to know the truth-without their mum’s “half- But flight still exists what? My Alzheimer’s seemed to be blocking my truths” or “revised answers”. Everyone says I’m Beyond the confinements path to the truth. But that is not unusual? I was underweight. Funnily enough, Laura the school That living in a real world brings certainly ripe in years, and very healthy all things bully tells me the truth. That I’m fat. Well at least considered, thank you very much! All that dashing there is one person who can give me an accurate As their minds wander free and getting out of tough scrapes on stage in all account on my body mass, even if that person They see all the things those performances had done me good in all is a bully. I think I’ll go to heaven, well I want to That cannot be seen with an eye (crucial) respects: health, reputation, and most go to heaven. I love angels. They carry me in my importantly, some well earned income for peace sleep and dash me across the sky, letting me fall of mind in retirement. Spiffing! amongst the glittered balls of light. Chime! That last one seemed to leave a blow in Well it’s time for me to stuff my excess fat in my abdomen, as the memories came rushing another dress I don’t belong in. Maybe, this time back before my eyes. A plane. My trusty mirror. A Cathy won’t leave me alone to, well, talk. routine flight from London to Rome. No predicted Yours Sincerely, Will Noakes turbulence. As easy as pie! (Or was it Pi- Maths Ugly Rose Angels Can Fly was never my strong suit!)The flood began to subside, as I could faintly hear a rap on my oak Arzan Sukhia Flight. drawing room door. Must be Ms Malaprop, handy To Fly and to Ascend housekeeper extraordinaire! Soaring through the skies at a Light and dark, that was all I could remember. I breakneck pace. knew no words, wrote no words or did not have Ashamed and traumatised, a word of my own, the one that defines me and Her life’s been a disgrace. Khushal Thobhani myself. I was no one, a nothing, something that simply was ‘there.’ There was only a luminous light I was free, I was finally free. I ignored the burning She’s been treated cruelly, up and a deep dark abyss down, and I could not go in my eyes at the sunlight and let the tears stream Mocked, harmed and berated, down any farther, so I wished to go up. down my face. After two months of agonising Bullied, excluded, kicked to the I wanted to rise, I thought as I looked towards the torture and pain I’d escaped, I’d successfully run ground, light. ‘What a strange thought,’ I wondered, ‘did I, do from the clutches of the demented group of mad Yet fuelled by self-hatred. I want simply what all people like me want, or was I scientists. I felt like I was flying, like I was a bird, alone, isolated and different in this prison of stone as I fumbled clumsily through the dense forest I cannot comfort her, and dirt, unable to leave, to escape, to fly away. Nor soothe her many woes. overgrowth, fresh wounds on my feet opening How can a mere mortal help? from the stones and branches but it didn’t matter. Not even a God knows. I was relieved and exhausted. Owen Lawson *** It was another two or free hours before I came The Gift of the Raven across a lone, relatively small diner next to a Death wouldn’t be new, As he looked out upon the land before him, he gas station, out in the middle of nowhere by, it She was already dead internally, heard the cawing and screeching of a raven above seemed, a busy freeway. Clutching my broken But it would release her, his head. He smiled. This was his home: the cold, arm tightly to me, and waving, I winced, cursing, Freedom eternally, barren wasteland that others saw as a blot in their as a concentrated array of bright light pierced my sight. They did not know. They could not get it eyelids. I threw my free hand up in front of my She stood atop a towering skyscraper, through their thick skulls that this place was his face and turned away, disorientated. Hissing in Her teary eyes began viewing, home, his castle, a place where he was king. Here annoyance, I kept my eyes closed, hoping that She stepped over the ledge as I yelled, he could be alone, just him and his other self. the constant, ear-splitting pain in my temple “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!” He looked up, a smirk forming on his face, as he would go away. A fist connected swiftly with felt his body slip away from him. He felt as if he was my face, a metal ring scraping my cheek, and She was crying yet grinning, falling, coming to crash down on the floor. Then, I fell backwards, banging my head against the As my heart thumped, suddenly, he felt everything lift, the chill of the wind metal bars enclosing the cage. As I slumped, the “Angels can fly” brushing against his feathers. Looking down, he guards unlocked the chain holding my arm to She said, and jumped. could see his human form lying limp on the ground, the wall and dragged me out, slapping handcuffs the eyes shooting upwards into its head. He was dangerously tight on my sore wrists. My head glad to be free of that body, flying in the sky. lolled to the side as I was forced onwards, obediently following.
42 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Ethan Honey Reciprocity
Standing by, I watch as the next bird glides away into the caramel horizon Extremely powerful, but with an air of gracefulness; loud, but almost shy Waiting for it to vanish, I recall the skidding memories: The laughs and the cries; the shattered smiles; the winking tears All dissolving into history, just as sugar cubes in tea cups Sipping at the past, I ponder on the present- where are they now? Why must it be so? Because like songbirds, time must drift on, heaving the rest of Life with it. And so must I. “Flight no.LH903 to Frankfurt ready for take-off” “Standing by”
Ben Post Liberty
I glanced behind myself, had I lost them? No, they were Benedict Longstaff craftier than that. Looking through the undergrowth, I A story about Eilmer of Malmesbury couldn’t be sure. I delved deeper into the abandoned metro thinking that if I got caught I would be hanged…. He jumped from the top of the belfry with elation in his heart and his or worse. No. mind. For a brief, glorious moment, he was absolutely free, carried I had to think positively or fear would devour me from through the air on a current of wind, rising to meet his destiny. He had the inside out. I told myself again and again that I was foreseen it, the fulfillment of dreams….. innocent. I focused on my steps: left, right, left, right. Suddenly, I felt the tunnel narrow. Dang it, I cursed. Falling, falling, unremittingly through the air, terrifyingly closer, It had been raining in France for two days now and without control, and the abbot’s words ringing through his head like a despite my luck, I had entered the small potholes that siren: “You’ve gone insane, Eilmer.” All he knew as his body crashed to they rounded us up in and killed us in after the war. the ground, was that he had failed. They called us traitors, people that endangered the human race, but we were just trying to feed ourselves As he regained consciousness, his immediate though was to feign and overthrow the loathsome dictatorship that has sleep again, and forever. He was alone in his sparse room, lying flat on plagued us from that moment on. the wooden bed where his dreams had taken shape. He looked at the ceiling. He was aware of a dull throb of persisting pain. The important thing was to come, not to dwell on the failure of his flight, but to survive the Abbot’s reprimand.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 43 TRIPSFrench & Strike EXCHANGES causes Havoc with school trip Watford Boys’ Year 8 trip to Lille encounters delays... after workers on strike manage to set Calais ablaze.
hen you go on a school trip, The boys explored the city for the day and saw you would expect everything many interesting attractions, including “La to go smoothly and everyone Vieille Bourse” and “La Grand Place.” Little to enjoy it wouldn’t you? did they know about the events which were Enjoyment yes, but smoothly... unfolding.. . WNO! What started as a one-day trip turned It was 4:30pm. The boys were enjoying out to be double that because of events that themselves on a hot day, where temperatures happened in Calais, after workers who were on “soared to 40C.” As it was so hot, the Year 8s strike set tyres ablaze by the entrance to the played a game of football in the park, although Channel Tunnel. their “football got taken by some local French On 30th June, after travelling by the people, which sparked a fight,” according to normally reliable Eurostar, the boys arrived Joe Page. Simultaneously, the teachers received in Lille ready to have a wonderful time and, a notification about the problems. With this, of course, practise their French. Andrew they broke the news that they were going to Monument, one Year 8 boy, mentioned that stay in Lille for one more night. What could they Chaotic Calais: Tyres set ablaze by Eurotunnel entrance. he “experienced a lot of the French language.” possibly do? Well, something at least. The teachers, including Mr. Carr, Deputy Head at Watford hot because of the high temperatures, people Grammar School for Boys, managed to did manage to sleep. organise a one-night stay at a youth hostel, The following day, due to the delay, they where rooms could “sleep six people...” had the opportunity to do many more things. With no spare clothes, and no toiletries, This included going to a museum, visiting a you may ask, “how could they possibly have zoo, but the best bit according to them was “a survived?” free wander around the city.” They managed Easy. Just ask some of the pupils. Ben to get on the train and arrived at St’ Pancras Adonis told us that the Year 8s just “bought International at 5pm British time. What a good lots of sweets and phone adapters;” Joe extra 24 hours they had! mentioned that some “had a party.” It shows Overall, everyone said that the trip how ingenious and resourceful the boys can was brilliant and became much more of an be. Most of the students felt that the youth adventure than anticipated. hostel was “really good.” Deven Voralia 10 N interviewed Andrew Monument See a star, make a wish: All Eurostar services were Andrew, who was also celebrating his cancelled, affecting Watford Boys’ return journey. birthday, stated that although the rooms were 8G and Joseph Page 8G
Lille Trip Around 30 Year 8 French pupils went on a trip to Lille (a French town located in the north of France). We travelled to Lille using the Eurostar and when we arrived the first thing that stood out was the temperature. It was scorching hot, yet we walked to la Place du Général de Gaulle where our teachers gave us a fun quiz which included speaking to French shop owners. After a delicious lunch at a French buffet style restaurant, we visited a military museum where we learned some of the history of Lille and got to see weapons and cannons and even a painting that had been damaged by a German bullet coming through the window during the Nazi occupation. We were then taken to the park which was conveniently beside the train station. The plan was to take the Eurostar back to St. Pancras; however, when news broke out that there was a fire in the tunnel, the possibility of staying the night in Lille dawned upon us. Immediately, we started to pick friends we wanted to share a room with and everyone was so thrilled because our perfect day in French breakfast and then spend the morning wondering through the zoo which has a surprising Lille became two perfect days in Lille! As the variety of animals from rhinos to red pandas and macaws. For lunch we went to one of Lille’s teachers in Watford worked hard to find us most historical and traditional restaurants called McDonalds. Miam miam! After lunch we finally accommodation, we continued to play football travelled back to England on the Eurostar. in the sizzling heat. The next morning, we had a Anvay Bitla 8G
44 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 TRIPS & EXCHANGES Thorpe Park On 8th July, 8N went on a trip to Thorpe Park because we won decided to stay there and keep getting wet in the Splash Zone. the Apprentice Challenge, which involves a number of team After this we thought we should go on Stealth but we heard the challenges that you have to do amongst your form. We got a queues were very long and we didn’t want to waste any time, so coach to Thorpe Park and we arrived pretty much on time, but we went to buy a fast pass which lets you skip the queue. We there was a little bit of traffic on the way. ran to Stealth and got on the ride almost immediately. When we When we got there, my group decided to try to get on got on, I started to regret the decision when Mohammed told me Swarm but sadly it was shut, so went on Nemesis Inferno how fast it went: 0 – 80 mph in 2.8 seconds. When it set off I was instead, which was very fast paced like many other roller having the time of my life but my friend Ash, on the other hand, coasters but I think it was a good one to start with because I had had a look of pure regret, but it was too late to get off. not been on many roller coasters for quite a while. This roller After Stealth, we thought that we had to go and meet coaster has many twists and turns and there is one point where up and start heading back to school, so we went to wait at the you do go upside down. My friend Mohammed and I decided to entrance, but we were wrong. So we headed to Swarm again sit at the back because at the back you go faster and luckily we and it had just re-opened when we got there so the queues were managed to get back seats on all of the rides. really short. Ash did not want to go on it so we told him to wait The next ride we went on was Colossus and the queue was for us at the exit. We did try to convince him to come on but he one hour and fifteen minutes. But the ride was definitely worth refused! Mohammed and I jumped on the ride and we zoomed waiting for because it has even more twists and turns than any off. This ride went upside down but it was so much fun. When we other roller coaster I have been on. It went pretty fast and it got off, Ash told us that he wished he had got on but it was too made me feel light. After that we went and got some food at KFC late; we had to go and meet with the rest of the class to head and spent about half an hour at the arcade. back to school. In the afternoon, I promised my friend James that we would The day was great fun and Thorpe Park is a fantastic theme park go on Tidal Wave, which is possibly the wettest I have ever got and it was my first time there. on a water ride and I was drenched when I got off. My friend Zebedee Jacobs 8N
Trip to the Nissan Innovation Centre
n Tuesday 13th May, Reaction Tester- this consisted of to select the correct answer to multiple science set 8BC1 16 lights, on one board, which lit up at choice questions. headed out to the O2 different places and times. The objective PlayStation car game- This was the arena in Greenwich, to was to switch off the light by pressing class’s favourite activity. There were 4 sets pay a visit to the Nissan down on it at the chosen time you wanted of PlayStations connected with steering Innovation Centre. I to play with. The tricky part was that when wheels, manual gear stick /automatic and wasO very fortunate to win a British Gas you switch one light off, another light 3 pedals. This was such a big hit in our competition, which gave our class the goes on… class that they had to set time limits for opportunity to go on what turned out to Test drive the Leaf (electric) car - each person. be a thrilling day out of school. This was my favourite activity. The car was After we finished trying out all of the We left school at 8:45am to catch inside the building and all four wheels technology and activities, it was time for the tube to our destination. Once we were on mini treadmills, so the wheels lunch. Then we were ready and recharged stepped into the arena, we were all were actually moving, but the car wasn’t. for our ‘New Car Creating session,’ in buzzing and couldn’t wait to see what When you hopped in the car to test drive, which we had to design a car that you the Innovation Station had to offer us. there were screens all over the windows to would like to buy. It could be called As we entered the Nissan Centre, special make your driving experience very realistic. anything, have any features but not be a personalised I.D cards were handed out to The Driver Test – This was an model car that existed already. Once we us all. We had to scan them in at certain interactive test on 3 big touchscreen screens. had all finished, we had a competition to areas to record our progress and our The test included 10 questions based on see whose was best. reviews of the station. your personality and your physicality. After That’s where our brilliant day out When everyone had finally had their you had answered them all, you had to play ended. We went back on the train to personalised cards set up, our allocated a fairly hard game to help evaluate what school, and arrived at school for 3:15. I instructors explained why the centre type of driver you really were. recommend everyone to go on this trip, or was set up, and what fun things were The ‘what you have learned quiz?’ just go with your family, because it is a fun available to do inside. We had the rest of which tested your knowledge of Nissan day out were you learn new and interesting the morning to do the following exciting and the information that you had learnt things about modern car technology. activities: on the day by using your pesonalised card Matteo Ponzini 8B
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 45 2014 Summer Expedition to Venezuela
A country that rolls off the tongue in mystery, suspense, At this point in our expedition we very sadly had to say isolation. More often than not you hear on the news about goodbye to Dave Anderson who had fallen ill and had to be the food shortages, government corruption, and a destroyed taken to the nearest hospital. We wished him well, were always economy: a country where there is a shortage of toilet paper thinking of him throughout the rest of the trip and he thankfully and breast implants; a country where political campaigns centre made a good recovery. around the late Hugo Chávez; a country where 2 US cents gets Next came what we both regard as the highlight of the you 14 litres of petrol. expedition: the 6-day round trip up Mount Roraima. Any of you Venezuela was the most bizarre yet beautiful country we have who have seen Disney’s Up, about the flying balloon house ever visited. would recognise the mountain as the site of ‘Paradise Falls’ as it Stage one was acclimatisation in the north of the country, was this mountain that that place is based on. The 3-day ascent in the Henri Pittier National Park where we had a short two-day was largely easier than the first trek, but much more dangerous trek up and down, ending at Chuao beach on the Caribbean Sea. as dislodging loose boulders could kill anyone who lay in their However being our first trek, everyone had hugely over-packed path as they crashed down the mountainside. But the top of and drastically underestimated the amount of water we would this remarkable place was nothing like we’ve ever seen before. need. It was not particularly hot; however, even our local guide, Or ever will see again. The rocks were so bizarre that we simply Oscar, said the humidity was extraordinary. Despite it being the can’t describe them. rainy season we met not a single stream where we could stop to On the full day we spent on the mountain, most opted for fill up on water. On a punishing day-long trek in 90% humidity, a shorter 10km trek which took them to see more sights on the we had only two litres of water each. top, however the remaining few took the strongman 24km trek After another morning of trekking, we arrived at Chuao, to the Crystal Valley and then the triple-point border between where we could waste away the afternoon lying on the bright Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, something. Following the long white sand beach which scorched bare feet in the midday sun, day of exploration on top of this other-worldly and remarkable flanked by high mountains on all three sides of the bay covered place, we had to endure the tough descent which knackered our with thick jungle. Here, our campsite for a couple of days, we knees, having to walk back down the 45 degree slopes we had realised a life-long dream: playing beach football as the sun to clamber up 2 days before. goes down and swimming in the Caribbean Sea with not another The trip back up to the north of the country was far from tourist in sight. simple as bus tickets were scarce and the minibus broke down Our project phase was in one of the remote places on the many times but soon we were at Jakera in Playa Colorada, a planet: the Boca de Tigre Island in the heart of the Orinoco Delta small lodge with a friendly team that organised for us to go where we were tasked with building a ‘House of Dreams’ for out Sea Kayaking to round off the expedition. We kayaked out the local Warao tribe. Venezuela’s government has introduced to a peninsula, slept in hammocks and watched the sun set on legislation which forces establishments to have paperwork the Caribbean Sea. Idyllic and utterly beautiful does not go far which say they are a school or some place of education. In enough to describe this small paradise on the north coast of doing so it makes all non-government approved schools illegal, South America. in effect stopping many people getting education: education It was an amazing experience and although there were creates opposition to the government. Therefore we called it a highs and lows everybody thoroughly enjoyed it. We left with ‘House of Dreams’. incredible memories and in Ravi’s case not such an incredible To get our building materials there was no B&Q: Mangrove tummy. We’d like to thank Mr. Brookes and Mrs. Cox for swamps were our Homebase. Everyone thought it’d be no organising, accompanying and helping us make the expedition problem - just a quick boat journey, chop some trees down, as enjoyable and memorable as it was. bring them back, job done. Oh how wrong we were. Everybody Patrick Norén L6P and Ravi Chauhan L6F laughed when the first victim was claimed by knee-deep mud full of tiny crabs that nipped at your toes. Nobody was laughing by the end. Everybody was covered in thick, brown, sticky mud that has to this day stained Patrick’s boxers brown as a permanent reminder of that day wading through knee-deep mangrove swamp.
46 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 A group of year 7 boys who all studied German left school at 8:30am destined for the Europa centre for modern languages in Essex. After a relatively short journey on the coach, we arrived. The Europa centre is a one storey building that is staffed by four German people and a Europa Language French person that ran the cafe. After a quick introduction by the team and being told that we should only try to speak German, we were taken on the tour of the ‘town’ that consisted of small shops that made Centre for Modern the inside of the building like a German street. We learnt about different shops in German and about buying things in Germany and in German speaking countries like Austria. I liked looking at the shops because in each Languages shop they had some information about the owner of the shop, what his age and birthday was and also in what type of house he lived and what he was like. The owners were given funny names which made looking in the shops even more fun and exciting. Europa 2014 Europa 2015 Our visit was finished by a puppet show that was all in German and we then After just over an hour on the coach Imagine being transported into the heart answered some questions to see if we we finally reached our destination. We of Germany without leaving England. could understand some of the German gathered our bags and went into a room, Imagine travelling through a German town that was being spoken. which was like a classroom. Firstly, we in the middle of Essex. Welcome to the After eating a packed lunch in a received our paper credit cards and Europa Language Centre in Hornchurch. nearby park, we spent about an hour our group letters. Once we had settled, The Europa Language centre houses playing football or using some of the park each of the 5 leaders in turn introduced a ‘mock’ European town to allow students equipment which was fun. The trip home themselves - in German of course! They to develop their modern foreign languages. was very uneventful and we arrived back told us where they came from etc. We We began by entering a German at school at about 2:55pm and we were then assembled into our groups and café and speaking German to our group allowed to leave school early. ordered some German food to eat later leader about ourselves and some of our Tim Hire 7G on. Afterwards, we walked around the hobbies. After that we had the chance of German village and our tour guides ordering an item from their German menu. showed us each shop and attraction and Then we took a guided tour around explained to us what kind of things we the indoor German town. We went to visit could buy there. a German airport, a butcher, a fruit and Later, our guides turned into shop vegetable stand, a post office, a suit- keepers and, speaking in German, we maker, a house, and a local supermarket used real money to buy different things. to learn about each place and the key We learned to use Euros to pay and how words that are used there. Once we had to ask for various objects like fruit or visited every place and spoken a bit about meat. After a short puppet show and them, we were asked to go to the fruit and once we had eaten our food we had vegetable stand, the local supermarket ordered, we went to have lunch in the and the butcher and order items as if we local park. Meanwhile, we played a big were German customers. football match before boarding the coach After we had ordered items from each and arriving back to school for 2:30pm. shop we watched a German pantomime about It was a great day out and we learnt lots of a boy whose friend who stole his birthday German. I thought the part that benefitted presents but eventually got found out. us the most was using German in an We then finally said ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ every-day situation, which was great for to our group leaders and headed back to our experience. I thought it was a fun and England! interesting day out and I would certainly Thomas Connor 7G recommend it to anyone in the future. Oliver Griffiths 7N
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 47 The First World War Centenary Battlefield Tour 2015 ast year marked the centenary of the First World War. To Paying our Respects commemorate the occasion, the Institute of Education At the Menin Gate, the Last Post is played every night and wreaths are and Equity (a leading school tour provider) arranged a laid. So It was suggested that we took our school uniform with us. On Battlefields Tour, one that is open to two children from every Saturday evening, I was picked to lay a wreath alongside Luke. It was state school in the country. a great experience as the Gate is huge and contains 54,896 names of My mum received an email that described the trip; fallen soldiers. There were over 600 people in the crowd so it was quite Lall you had to do was write a 500 word essay on “Why we should a scary experience. But Luke and I, alongside the Group Captain in commemorate World War One”. So I gave it a go and, a few hours and our group, braved it and managed to lay down our wreath without any half the library later, I was finished. The next day I handed my essay accidents. in to Ms Griffin (my history teacher) and was later told that I had won the competition. This news shocked me, as I hadn’t thought that I Sunday: The Somme: France The following morning, we arrived at Thiepval Memorial, which would have a chance. One of my friends, Christopher, had also won the remembers those that fell at the Somme. It is a majestic monument competition, so I was very pleased! We knew that our trip would occur built by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also built the Cenotaph. Its red stone at any time during 2015-19. Later we were told we would be going on memorial stands stark against the sky. On it over 72,000 names are Friday March 6th 2015. carved, a mark to the terrible loss of life during the Battles of the A few months later I was at Wembley Stadium, the meeting place Somme. It was a beautiful day and very peaceful. Then we went to for the trip. At 11:45 the coach set off, headphones were plugged in the Ulster Memorial Tower. It is named after the 36th Ulster Regiment, and music was turned on. The coach was like a box filled with awkward whose trenches have been partly excavated and restored. Looking at the silence as nobody knew anyone (apart from their school friend, of reconstructed trenches, you really get a sense of the cramped conditions course)! Each pair of children was with their teacher. There was also a in which these men lived. You can also see the difference in height Battlefields Guide and 4 Serving Soldiers with us. It was some hours between modern men and the soldiers from a hundred years ago. before we reached our destination in Kent: Grosvenor Hall. That afternoon we did some team building exercises like Jacob’s Ladder and an assault course. During that time I made a friend, Luke, who I am still Monday: Remembrance: Belgium in touch with. After enjoying a meal of fish and chips, we played sports First we visited a sombre German Cemetery. The French were not keen and used a climbing wall ‘til about nine o’clock. on allowing these at the time. We also visited Tyne Cot Memorial, the The next day we packed our bags and headed to France by largest cemetery built by the Common War Graves Commission (CWGC). Eurotunnel before driving to Belgium. There we checked into Flanders The 34,945 names and headstones it contains are spread over a vast, Lodge, a really spacious hotel in Ypres. semi-circular piece of land. We also took part in the art project Coming World Remember Me (www.comingworldrememberme.be/en), creating a pottery figure Saturday: Ypres and the Salient: Belgium forming part of a memorial to the 60,000 who died in Flanders. We learned why Ypres and the surrounding area was so important to After that we climbed into our coaches for the last time. It was happy the British in the War and how it affected ordinary people. From there atmosphere because we were going home but it was tinged with sadness we visited the Death Cells at Poperinge. It was a very thought-provoking as we were leaving our new friends. Chris and I have managed to keep in and sombre experience. It was awful to think that people spent their touch with Luke and a few others, as we all live near each other. last hours in those confined spaces. The soldiers held in them had All in all it was a well-structured and interesting trip, during which I drawn pictures of their wives and other soldiers, as well as inscribing learnt and experienced many things while I also made some friends and their names. There is a story that the firing squad would not know memories. It was very enjoyable, and I am very privileged to have had whether or not their rifle contained a real bullet. The active soldiers that the chance. accompanied us told us that it was just a myth. A gun with a live round Ben Buffery 8P was a lot heavier and made different noises to an empty one.
48 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 WW1 Centenary Battlefield Tour
On Friday March 6th, Ben, Miss Griffin and I met with other lucky pupils and teachers at Wembley Stadium. We were about to start on an adventure in which we would tour many battlefields visit many cemeteries of the Great War across France and Belgium. When we arrived at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall we took part in teambuilding exercises. There were climbing activities (Leap of Faith), obstacle courses and various things to do to get to know each other better. There were around 50 other pupils so we had to make friends!
Saturday After a very short sleep we boarded the coach to Eurotunnel. When we arrived at Calais, France, we went straight to visit museums and slightly more daunting and morbid, death cells. We learnt about why the soldiers could be punished with the death sentence from their own country and we explored some cells where prisoners were held. You could see markings and words scratched and scarred on the wall, symbols like the cross and even a self portrait of a soldier. After that we visited Lijssenthoek Cemetery and we had the privilege to see some famous war heroes’ graves. When we checked in to our hotel in Belgium, and then went to attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate where we laid a wreath. After the solemn ceremony, we were allowed to go shopping. We went round in groups of friends and we bought loads of chocolate, sugary waffles and souvenirs. By that time it was 9:00pm and we finally slept at 1:00am.
Sunday In the morning, after a hearty breakfast of hot chocolate and croissants, we collected our packed lunches and headed off to Thiepval Memorial, the biggest memorial in the world. We had an excellent tour guide and he guided us through the ocean of memorial statues and gravestones. We went to more cemeteries and memorial parks and we learnt a great deal more about the tragic battle of the Somme in which 60,000 British troops were massacred. As we left the Somme we discussed the question “Was the Battle of the Somme really a disaster?”
Monday In the morning we set off straight for Langemark Cemetery after breakfast. Langemark Cemetery is one of 3 German cemeteries in Belgium and we learnt a lot about the Germans and their impact on the war. We visited Tyne Cot Cemetery where Miss Griffin and Ben and I searched up a soldier who died in WW1 and who lived in Watford. We found he was missing, presumably killed in action. After that we went to the ‘Coming World Remember Me’ workshop where all of us would make a sculpture that would be one of 600,000 to be displayed by the Flanders Government. Sadly, our trip had now come to an end. The best bits about the trip were making new friends and going to visit the battlefields. I had fun and also learnt a lot about the war, about how it impacted ordinary people at home and about how important it is to remember the fallen. Christopher Tang 8T
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 49 Year 7 Activity Week n July, the whole of Year 7 went to two different Another highlight at Tolmers was the food, which was woods: Tolmers and Phasels. Here we were going of a very high standard. We enjoyed cooked breakfasts to spend the week taking part in lots of different and evening meals such as barbecued chicken and pork activities. meatballs. My half of the year (N, P, T and half of G) went We then travelled across to Phasels Wood for the to Tolmers first. There, we had to put up our tents second half of our week. At Phasels we took part in andI arrange all of our things for later. We were then briefed archery, abseiling, Aeroball, rock climbing, a zip wire, on what activities we were doing that day, after which it was potholing, crate stacking and shelter building. There time for activity number one. During our time at Tolmers were also evening activities such as orienteering, team we took part in bungee trampolining, Rope-o-phobia (high building exercises, giant table football and indoor rock ropes), coconut tree climbing, Water Wars, rafting and climbing. kayaking. Also, after dinner each evening, we had a choice Phasels Wood was a great place to stay and it was of things to do, including a giant inflatable slide, a sweeper a fantastic opportunity to try lots of new experiences. (a bit like Total Wipeout), an inflatable obstacle course, pedal Overall, the trip was tiring but great fun. We all carts and Aeroball. became much closer as friends as well as making new All of the activities were suited to different strengths, friends from other classes. The whole trip was a really such as technique, bravery, strength and endurance. My good chance to experience camping as many people had personal favourite activity was Water Wars, which involved not put up a tent before! I have now got some fantastic catapulting water balloons at one another. It was so much memories and better friends heading into Year 8. fun, especially when we fired them at the willing instructor! Ben Smith 7N
Year 7 Trip to York he Year 7 York trip started early, 7:00 on Sunday a ride around a reconstructed Viking village (which some found morning. After a coach journey, we arrived in York, extremely foul-smelling), as well as a tour and a museum. Afterwards, first visiting Cliffords tower. Cliffords tower is the site a man gave us a full talk about Catholics and Protestants during where Jews in mediaeval times were persecuted, and Tudor times, and then gave evidence and explanations of little died. There is still no Jewish population in York today. parts of the York Minster. After that, everyone went home by coach, The highlight of the trip for us was the Chocolate exhausted but having had a very good time. TStory. It was a tour of the history of York’s chocolate, and how Written by Tom Wall (7B) it’s made. We were also shown chocolate’s history, from the fiery Edited by Thomas Farnsworth (7B) Chocolade, “Drink of the gods”, to the Spanish conquistadors who brought it to Europe and how it arrived in York. In fact, two very famous chocolate makers came from York: Rowntree’s and Terry’s. Rowntree’s is famous for Rolos, Aeros, Polos, fruit pastilles and Kit-Kats. Terry’s make Chocolate oranges, apples and lemons. After a visit to the Youth Hostel, we went on a very spooky ghost tour. No one could sleep after wandering down dark alleyways listening to tales of Mad Alice! The next day, everyone went to Jorvik Viking Centre,
50 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Madrid n Friday, we all got up early for the long-awaited trip We caught the train back to our hotel. On the way, it was the night of to Madrid. We would be staying for 3 nights and 4 the night of El Classico. We tried to watch the game through windows of days, and we all got on to the snug coach with rather cafes, restaurants and bars but we couldn’t persuade Miss Henssman or excited anticipation. In the hour it took to drive to Luton Mrs Simons to let us watch it unfortunately. All in all on our first full day in Airport, all of us enjoyed our last hours on English soil Madrid we had a great time and after being told the score by a passer-by, before flying to Madrid in good humour. Once we had our excitement grew for our visit to the stadium the following day. Osettled on the plane, some of us slept, others chatted and all of us The place where we were going on Sunday was one of the main waited for the plane to touch down at the Barajas Airport, where we reasons why people went on this trip as this was the day of the visit to the transferred to coaches to Hostel Marlasca. There we had a decent meal Bernabeu Stadium! After half and hour our tour began and we went into the (well, no, not really, it was pretty tasteless), and went to bed, ready for changing rooms, the seating areas, and the trophy room and yes, we also the next day when we would visit the bull ring. went into the stands where managers usually sit. Some of us even sat on The next morning we woke up early and went down to breakfast the benches in the changing rooms saying, “I probably sat where Messi also excited about the day ahead. We went first to Sol, which is the centre of sat!” as we went there the day after the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match. Madrid and of course there was therefore an official Real Madrid store. In We weren’t able to see the Rena Sofia arts centre as we were at this were lots of souvenirs and 101 euro football shirts. We then went past the Bernabeu for too long, queuing up to buy all sorts of Real Madrid the palace and to the Oeste Parque, which quite literally translates to West merchandise. Park. Inside the park were an ancient temple and some views of the rest of We went to a train station memorial in memory of the 2004 Madrid Madrid, and we got a chance to play some footy, ahead of the real game. Train bombings. We also went inside the train station and saw a mini After that we went to the royal palace, next to which is an amazing rainforest habitat with turtles roaming around in the water. cathedral and by chance, we saw the archbishop go in to it. At the time After another game of football at the Parque de Retiro we returned we had no idea who he was, until Mrs Simons went and asked the police to the hotel for a much better meal than the previous night. officer. The Palace was full of pictures of royals and quite a lot of ceiling And so the trip was about to come to an end. However, we still had pictures of angels and religious images. plenty to see. First, we went to the Puerta del Sol, where we went to Football Then we got on the tube and went to the Bull Ring where it’s Mania (again!), and subsequently went to the Plaza Mayor, which was sadly possible to watch bull fights in the Bull Fighting season, which had being refurbished. Close to the Plaza Mayor was an interesting market already finished a month or two before we arrived. Nevertheless, we got place, which was filled with all manner of goods for sale. One stall featured a tour of the ring where we learnt about the bulls, the fighters and so a swordfish with a sword one metre long. Then we were allowed some free much more. We even saw a stuffed killed bull. time to shop in the Puerta del Sol (for most of us this involved going to more football stores), and all too soon, we were getting our suitcases, and travelling back to Barajas airport. Our plane was delayed slightly, but before long we were on the airplane and flying back to England. The trip was fun, interesting and informative; our teachers Mrs Simons and Miss Hensman were good-natured and good guides, and we all got to use at least one sentence in Spanish while we were there: Hablas Ingles? (Do you speak English?) Sam Benson 9P Hanyun Liu 9C Harshul Jolly 9C
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 51 Divenlike all of the annual ski trips, Dive Malta was a brandMalta Scuba and was owned by a lovely English couple. Toby, the husband, new and exciting type of school trip. It took place in the was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, and depite renaming October half-term of 2014, on the islands of Malta and Mr Coren ‘Mr Cohen’, made our trip very productive and enjoyable. All Comino. The pupils taking part ranged from Year 9 to instructors were outstandingly knowledgeable and patient making every year 11 and the group was led superbly by Mr Coren who boy’s trip even more enjoyable. was brilliantly accompanied by Mr Jacobs and Mr Howe. The actual Scuba diving we did at first consisted of very small UThe meeting time of 4a.m. on the departure day only added to the drives in the small bay 20 metres from the dive school front door, and students’ apprehension about what this never-attempted-before trip involved performing the skills required to pass the PADI course. We later would be like. Thankfully, no one managed to forget their passport and dived where the film ‘World War Z’ was filmed to see a small shipwreck. everything ran smoothly through the airport. The flight was also fine, After that we dived at a place called Cirkewwa (chick-ow-a) which had though some of the Year 11s claimed that the presence of a netball team amazingly clear waters and a statue of the Virgin Mary in and underwater on the same flight made it seem to pass more quickly. cave. Our final dive was an amazing experience. We met at the Dive When we arrived, we were welcomed by a local driver and we piled school and packed all of our stuff onto the trucks before being driven to into a minibus. Unfortunately for the Year 11s, there wasn’t enough Cirkewwa again. From there we moved all of our gear onto a boat, and room for the members of the netball team, but some GCSE geographical sped over to Comino, a neighbouring island. This was a boat dive, so we debates about the economical, environmental and social state of Malta jumped straight off the boat and did some cave diving and saw some swiftly took their place. beautiful marine life. We then grabbed some lunch on Comino, before The hotel we were staying at was named the Porto Azzuro and making our last dive where we got to go through a wreck of a P-29. For was nicely located in St Paul’s Bay and provided beautiful views (from me this was the highlight of the trip and most of the group agreed. some rooms). The staff were extremely welcoming, struggling with On the final day, we visited a local aquarium, which not only tied in the language barrier and were fortunately very reasonable (once Mr nicely with the trip, but provided a well suited ending. The trip was such Coren had done some sweetening up) when it came to the issue of lost a success that it is being run again this year with not only practically all of or broken keys. They were also additionally accommodating when a the original students, but almost double the number of boys. From all the makeshift classroom was needed for the theory side of Scuba diving, boys, I would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all of the instructors, Mr which then allowed us to get even more Scuba diving done. Jacobs, Mr Howe and, of course, Mr Coren for organising a brilliant trip The Scuba diving school we were using was called New Dimension that I believe is one of the best on offer at WBGS. Colm Finnegan. 9B
52 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Classics Trip 2014 ur trip began on Saturday the 5th of April at 10:00am. only for lunch but also to explore Cassino, site of the famous World War We set off to Gatwick Airport with Mr and Mrs Pegler, 2 battle. We visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery and then drove Mr Coren, Mrs Cox and Mr Glass as our guides and up the huge Monte Cassino to see the famous monastery, totally rebuilt guards. After taking off around 3pm, we were in the air after its destruction in the war. for 2 hours before we touched down at Rome Fiumicino After arriving at the hotel and having dinner, we explored Sorrento. Airport. We were greeted by a very friendly Italian agent It was a nice town, on the coast. The best thing about the town was the Oand took a coach from the airport to Hotel Marco Aurelio on the outskirts fact that there were many many ice-cream shops open. Akash Kataria’s of the city. We had time for our first Italian meal (pasta!) and then settle eight-scoop tub was one of the highlights of that day, but Mrs Cox’s in to our rooms ready to start our week. dance down the street was by far the best part of that day, by a long way. Sunday was a bright and early start. Arriving at Ostia Antica, the Wednesday was a jam-packed day, with visits across the Bay of port of Rome, around 8:45am. Mr Pegler took us on a guided tour of the Naples. We visited the huge Pozzuoli amphitheatre, the Roman/Greek sprawling ruins of the Roman city, passing through the ancient cemetery, ruins of Cumae, Baiae castle and the Solfatara (Sulphur) volcanic zone, theatre, temples, baths, fire station and toilets. We had the chance to which smelt like three rotten egg mayonnaise sandwiches with a hint of go underground a few times as Mr Pegler knew which places to find dead fish. We took a coach back to the hotel and, after dinner, went to the secret entrances to go into basements and tunnels. We departed bed exhausted. Ostia after lunch and after an hour long coach trip arrived at The The next day was probably the best day on the trip as we would be Colosseum, one of the oldest and greatest amphitheatres still standing. visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed and preserved We proceeded to the nearby famous Forum Romanum and had a quick by a pyroclastic flow in AD 79. We spent the whole day exploring the tour of the heart of Ancient Rome. Then we climbed up the Capitoline Hill ruins. There were perfectly preserved mosaics and paintings and the and took a lift up to the Panoramic Terrace on the top of the vast Vittorio plaster casts of the people who died that day in Pompeii. There were monument, giving an absolutely breath-taking view over Rome from men, women and children and even some animals, killed instantly by the its highest point. Exhausted, we took the Metro back to the hotel, had pyroclastic flow. We spent the whole day and still didn’t see everything dinner, packed our bags and went to bed as anyone still awake would be (we missed the brothel) but saw hundreds of houses, shops, temples, killed by Mr Pegler. streets and, of course, the House of Caecilius. Mr Pegler seemed to know Monday was going to be big, as we were planning on visiting the everything, or at least pretended to. We returned to the hotel and just Vatican, the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon had enough energy to get more ice-cream in Sorrento again. and the Spanish Steps. We first checked out of Hotel Marco Aurelio as On Friday we climbed to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano we had to move to another hotel for that night, but we got on our way that destroyed Pompeii and the neighbouring town of Herculaneum, into the city quickly. The Vatican Museums were enormous and stuffed which we visited the next day. The summit was massive, and our guide with statues of emperors and gods, but the main highlight was the explained how the eruption in AD 79 had created a smaller volcano inside stunning Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. Unfortunately lots of the bigger one. We visited Naples National Archaeological Museum people got lost and it took a while for everyone to reach the exit! Once which contained all the art treasures found in Pompeii (and there were we had regrouped we saw a lot of the famous sights of the city, such as thousands) before returning to the hotel for dinner. the Pantheon (which looked just like Alwin Prabu’s model) and then we Saturday was the last day of the trip. After checking out of the hotel were forced to climb to the top of the all the steps of the Spanish steps. we had a last shopping chance in Sorrento, where Harry Clements bought On Tuesday we visited the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. It was a… rather interesting key ring. We explored the ruins of Herculaneum, an interesting place, with long underground tunnels lined with tombs where a cellar was discovered holding at least a dozen skeletons. We and all spooky dark. After the catacombs we took a stop at the Circus checked into Naples Airport and rushed to the McDonald’s across the of Maxentius, a well preserved chariot race-track where we could have street. After departing Naples around 9:15pm we arrived at Gatwick some races of our own. Then we were back on the coach from the capital, around 11:30pm. It was quite a long coach trip back to school, but it was heading south for our next base, Sorrento in the Bay of Naples. We left good to be back. Thanks to Mr Pegler and all the teachers, everyone the catacombs at around 12:30pm and we knew it was going to be a arrived home alive and in one piece. Well, almost everyone. four hour drive at least to the Hotel Londra. Of course we stopped, not Darryl Giffts-Walker 10F
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 53 Classics Trip to Italy 2015
ith the start of our GCSE studies in sight, and The flight went pretty smoothly, and it wasn’t long before we were after having been bombarded with end of KS3 in the evening sunshine of Rome. The first evening was spent solely tests, summer half term break is a much needed turning up to our hotel and dining in the Grotta Azzurra restaurant, rest that we all look forward to. However, a large enjoying our first authentic pizza of the trip. After the meal we returned chunk of boys can look forward to it, especially as to the hotel, where we were able to finally settle down and get ready for they know that in just a few days time, they will be the next day, which was arguably the most jam-packed day of the trip. Wtrekking through Rome, Naples and Pompeii, gazing at the enchanting After a hearty breakfast, we set off early in the morning towards constructions left behind by the Ancient Romans and absorbing as Vatican City. Once again, Mr Pegler pulled through, arriving at the much culture as Mr Pegler can cram into them. Of course, the highly Vatican mere seconds before the ridiculous (in length) queues turned revered Classics Trip isn’t just about sightseeing and adventuring. You up, allowing us an easy passage inside. Once there, we could admire get the full Italian package when you sign up for this trip, complete the beautiful architecture and design of St Peter’s Basilica, as well as with authentic pizza, pasta and ice cream, wild and high octane coach climb up the 551 steps to get to the dome at the top for a fantastic view journeys, perpetually sunny skies, and swarms of cunning but charming of Rome and the Vatican, which is definitely worth doing. After we had selfie-stick sellers who will tie a piece of string to you, then sell it to you our fair share of Pope bobble-heads and Holy Water souvenirs, we left to for a Euro. That is, if the teachers don’t swoop in at the last moment and get lunch, and then to seek out the other landmarks on our international save you from spending your whole trip’s cash on a flour-filled rubber scavenger hunt. We spent some time exploring Piazza Navona, browsing ball with a smiley face drawn on it. the shops and avoiding the ‘street merchants’. Our heroic cast of teachers included the ever-witty Mr Coren, cool- The Pantheon was next on the list for us, and it was an amazing as-a-cucumber Mr Howe, and the dynamic duo of Ms Glover and Ms sight to see the dense sunbeam shine down upon the glossy marble floor. After resting our feet in the Pantheon, our search for the Spanish Steps began. With each set of stairs we passed came the inquiry “These are the Spanish steps, right?” followed by an uncertain, ‘probably’ from any one of the teachers, except maybe Mr Coren, who replied with a convincing ‘Yeah, these are the ones. Just have a seat at the bottom whilst we all go… over here.’ We finished our day’s sightseeing by going to the panoramic terrace on top of the Vittorio monument, getting a good view of the city, and then heading back to the hotel for another meal and rest for the next day. On Tuesday, we took the metro to the Colosseum, which felt a lot larger than you see in pictures. As soon I left the station and looked up, the sheer magnitude of the construction overwhelmed me, and I continued to be astounded as we circled around. We spent most of the morning there, roaming around and imagining what it would have been like in its glory days. Once we were all assembled again, we set off for the Palatine hill, where we looked around the ancient palace of Romulus, the founder of Rome. It was situated right beside where the Circus Maximus was, giving us an insight on just how massive it was. We filled ourselves up on food from the mostly pizza-selling shops, and took a coach journey to the catacombs of San Sebastiano. The dark network of tombs weren’t as spooky as most had hoped, but with the help of our little tour guide, we were able to safely navigate through and emerge with most boys still in tow. We returned to the hotel that evening, where we packed Griffin, all of whom truly made the trip exciting and entertaining, whilst our things up ready for our trip to Sorrento the next day. still looking after 42 boys, all eager to explore the intricacies of ancient Whilst on our way, we stopped off at Ostia Antica, an abandoned Rome. Naturally, someone had to look after the teachers too, and that Roman village which remained mostly intact. We were allowed to roam responsibility fell to Mr Pegler, the Classics God-King, who would lead the ruins freely, walking through houses and climbing up stairs that everyone through the streets of Rome as if he knew them like the back led to crumbled walls. Lots of intricate mosaics were spread across the of his hand. Thanks to the flawlessly crafted schedule, we would turn floors, and we also snuck into the tunnels underneath the ruins and up to the cultural sites with plenty of time to look around. There is a explored in the dark, damp passageways. After our fun underground, new wonder around every corner in Italy, each one as breath-taking we assembled again and travelled back to the coach, in which we drove as the last. The amazement is shared between the students and the to Monte Cassino, a rebuilt monastery which was destroyed during teachers, and even after the countless times Mr Pegler has gone on this WWII. Of all the stunning locations and beautiful creations we saw over trip, his enthusiasm hasn’t dampened, as he demonstrates, by eagerly the whole trip, none could compare to this incredible church. Words explaining each half-collapsed pillar and every Pompeiian house with cannot truly describe the majesty of this place. It was so overwhelmingly the same detail as the first. spectacular that many boys, myself included, couldn’t help but feel Unlike most school trips, this one didn’t demand us to wake up at touched by the thoughtful architecture and sacred vibe that this place ridiculous times in the middle of the night, instead allowing us to sleep emanated. It was eventually time to leave Monte Cassino, as we had to and turn up for 11:00 a.m. After loading your bags onto the coach and head off to the Panorama Palace Hotel, our new place of residence for making drawn out goodbyes to family, you can plonk yourself down on the rest of the trip. the coach next to a friend and watch your old, boring school life drift Thursday came round, and we left our hotel and set out for Pompeii away, utilizing this coach time to come up with your new Italian name by coach. We had the entire day ahead of us to explore Pompeii, but and identity. before we entered, we split up into two groups led by Mr Pegler, Ms
54 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Griffin and Ms Glover and the other group was led by Mr Howe, Mr Coren actually a large dusty crater with occasional smoke spurts. The view was and Mario, our wild Italian tour guide. I was with Mario, as he raced fantastic though, and there were plenty of shiny crystals to be bought through the crowds of people leaving us in his wake. Although at times from the souvenir shops for family members or your own personal he could be hard to understand, and would also shout abuse at any pleasure. After narrowly avoiding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, we nearby groups who dared to make a noise in his presence, we couldn’t drove to Herculaneum, essentially a better preserved Pompeii. It was help but love him anyway for the 75 minutes we were with him. After we interesting to look around at a more intact town, as it was much easier were finally relieved of his presence, a more relaxed and audible tour to envision what it may have been like to live in it during Roman times. guide took over going by the name of Luigi, aka Mr Coren. We enjoyed a There were also a few examples of carbonized doors and beds, pieces of more casual trip around Pompeii compared to Mr Pegler’s group (who I’m wood that were burnt so fast, that they solidified instantly into carbon sure learnt more about Pompeii than any Italian tour guide could teach replicas of their former selves. We left Herculaneum and went back to them), admiring its undeniably Roman layout and what would have been the hotel, where we had dinner and relaxed for the rest of the day. luxurious facilities. We got especially involved when we came round We spent our penultimate day in Capri, where we took a boat tour to the Pompeiian theatre and smaller amphitheatre. I was especially around the island, going under arches and near to the blue, glowing nervous, as I even performed my famed snail speech at the theatre grottoes. The weather was sunny, so we went to the beach to sunbathe (which won me 1st place in the school public speaking competition) to and swim for a while. We also got our lunch in Capri, where they had 150 odd strangers, which fortunately received impressive reception and nice coastal restaurants with delicious pizza but expensive drinks. Capri applause. After the excitement of the theatre, we met back up with the lasted us most of our day, and we returned to Sorrento in the evening other group and explored Pompeii for a bit longer, looking at many of to go shopping for souvenirs or gifts for teachers. Once all shopping the plaster casts made out of the empty space left behind by the ash had been done, we went back to the hotel, where later that evening, an of Vesuvius. They were impressively emotive for plaster casts, and had awards ceremony was held, giving out various titles to boys, including the eerie feel of having been frozen in time about them. We left Pompeii “Hero of the week”, “Gladiator of the Week”, “Best quote” and more. and headed back again to the hotel, where we spent the evening at the On our last day we visited the Naples Archaeological Museum, beach. which housed many of the statues and bowls discovered from ancient The next day we undertook the dangerous journey up Mount ruins. We didn’t spend too long there, and soon were on our way to Vesuvius, although the vast majority of the trip was by coach. Once the airport to get on our flight home. Unfortunately, the flights were we were as far up as we could get by coach, we were booted out and delayed, and we had turned up early, so we had plenty of time to kill. trekked the last stretch by foot. Unfortunately, our earlier training going Fortunately, we were able to fill that space with whatever we could think up the steps of St Peter’s Basilica didn’t really pay off, and the path up of, and it wasn’t long before we were on the plane. Plenty of amusing the volcano was steep and somewhat laborious, but it was all worth it jokes were made, dozens of ancient and modern spectacles were seen, as soon as we reach one of the summits, and saw the massive bowl of and hundreds of memories were made on what truly was a once in a bubbling lava. At least, that is what some were expecting, but it was lifetime trip. Ben Jones 9F
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 55 Year 10 Geography Field Trip
t was July 1st, the beginning of the last month of the school year. This also marked the start of a GCSE Geography Field Trip to South Wales. We all arrived and departed on time at school with unusual ease and no dramatic incidents! However, as we reached the M25, staying true to its world renowned reputation, we encountered traffic congestion. Thankfully, this didn’t hinder ourI journey too much because we made up a lot of ground on the M4, stopping at Membury services on the way. Soon after, crossing the Severn Bridge, a “Croeso i Cymru!”, “Welcome to Wales”, sign greeted us. Eventually, after two-and-a-half hours, we reached Cardiff. This was our first stop on a three day study trip. There, we looked at the iconic Cardiff Bay and the redevelopment which took place there 20 years ago. It bore similarity to the Docklands in London, perhaps as both redevelopments were planned during a similar period. We observed the bay area and surveyed local residents on their opinions of the development. Whilst undertaking our surveys, we saw the striking facade of the Millenium Centre, the new-look Welsh “that tourism helped to pay for local jobs”. Later on, the weather had Assembly, as well as older regenerated sites, such as the Pierhead improved thankfully and we compiled our data. building and the Norwegian Church. Fact: every port has a Norwegian Once again at Aberdare, the dinner was very good: pasta with salad Church so that they could have a place to pray - when sailing boats were and chips. Yummy! We then went over methodology for the Controlled in their prime, the Norwegians were excellent sailors. Assessment and settled in for our final night in Aberdare. With lots of We left Cardiff and headed for our residential base for the next two energy to burn, we played football in a nearby field, until someone found nights - Aberdare (Aberdâr for those who would like to learn Welsh). On a Nintendo Wii! Oh we were saved! Some boys played bowling on the arrival at the Dare Valley (Cwm Dâr) Country Park, we were welcomed Nintendo, and soon it was time for “counting sheep” to fall asleep after a warmly by the staff. The accommodation was very good: functioning wonderful day. TVs, clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The striking feature was Friday was our departure day. We had to say goodbye to the wonderful the most beautiful countryside: valleys and hills. Dotted in the hills were Welsh Valleys far too soon. The hosts, Ian and Steven, had been very helpful sheep (all very “Baa-ppy!”). We were served up a fantastic dinner, very during our stay there. Another hearty breakfast followed, and we went to welcome after a long day! Then just as we thought of long relaxing free the beach at Southerndown. Lovely! The coastal views were splendid! At time, we had to go to classroom, to review our findings of Cardiff Bay. the beach, Mr. Talbot and Mr. Farmer, with their infinite coastal knowledge, As Welsh writer, Jan Morris, quoted in “The Matter of Wales,” talked about coastal landforms and how they are formed. It was very “landscape creates nations, and nowhere is this truism truer than in interesting. As it was a sunny day, we also had the opportunity to wander Wales, Cymru. Almost everything about Wales has been decreed by its around exploring the area, play football and enjoy ice cream. We then said terrain; certainly if the countryside had been different, the Welsh people goodbye to Wales and headed back to Watford on the M4. as we know them would never have existed.” I am struck by the words of Michael Palin, a former president of The next day, Thursday, was the main day for data collection for the Royal Geographical Society, quoted as saying, “It was important GCSE Controlled Assessment. Our day started with a hearty breakfast, for children to see things for themselves, children losing the ability to which prepared us for our day ahead. As we made our way to the make up their own minds about the rest of the world” without decent rejuvenated beach resort of Porthcawl, the scenery was breath taking! geography lessons. Geography itself is such a wide-ranging subject,” he Typical of British weather, which still applies for Wales, it rained; said. “It’s really about the study of the surface of the earth, it’s relative however work had to done. We visited 3 locations: Coney Beach, the to every single thing we do, what we eat, what transport we take to work, Promenade and Trecco Bay, interviewed the locals, and rated the where we live, what houses are made of. It’s an issue that directly relates area using an Environmental Quality Survey. The local residents were to what we know of the earth.” very helpful in providing information for our data. Feedback included It was a wonderful short study trip, but I wanted to stay for longer. I would like to convey my thanks to Mrs. Lloyd for organising the trip (and, of course, helping with complex pronunciation of Welsh town names), and Mr. Talbot, Mr. Farmer and Mr. Davies for accompanying us and sharing their vast experience. Deven Voralia 10N
56 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 German The 50th Anniversary of the school’s partnership Exchange with Mainz. his year, the trip was very special as it was the 50th year of with chopped raw onions and pretzel. It’s perfect with a good beer. I was the schools’ programme (one of the UK’s oldest). also welcome to celebrate my partner’s father’s birthday, and also met Thankfully, there was no drama at the airport and her grandmother. during the flight and we landed at Frankfurt-Hahn to a The world-famous Karneval was also during this long weekend. Mainz sprinkling of snow. After an hour’s coach ride, we arrived at hosts the biggest and most colourful carnival in Germany. We were lucky the Schloss-Gymnasium in Mainz, our exchange partners’ to be there during this occasion. The Karneval included: parties, parades, Tschool. At the entrance was a large display celebrating the 50 years of marching bands, costumes, scathing political commentary, scanty outfits, this partnership. We were then welcomed by the German teachers and normal citizens as kings and generals, while the powerful are ridiculed by met our exchange partners who also welcomed us warmly. ‘fools’ and court jesters. I enjoyed participating, meeting lots of locals, As it was a normal school day, each of our group went to their wearing a colourful costume, collecting sweets which were “rained down” exchange partner’s lessons. I attended Maths and Physics (what a great from the spectacular floats. It’s amazing the number of sweets and other start!) The Sixth Formers also had work experience arranged with local items I collected, something that my dentist wouldn’t approve of. German companies, some in the local radio station and some teaching Thursday was a very special day. We started off with lessons at the in local primary schools. school; and then after school went to Blockwerk (an indoor climbing wall). On the first day, the school finished early and we were collected by There, we tried a number of different climbing walls with different difficult our exchange families. I went to Budenheim, about half-an-hour’s drive levels. We found it a thrilling and fun experience. We all were looking forward away from Mainz and was welcomed warmly and met the rest of the to “der Englischer Abend” (English evening), organised by the partner’s family, including a very friendly Beagle. Surprisingly, in spite of an early school. It was an occasion to celebrate our 50 years of partnership and start, I didn’t feel tired. We had a lovely family dinner together and went the exchange programme. It was very well supported and attended by the for a walk in the neighbourhood. host partners and families and our group. We were privileged to have Mr. The following day, I attended a Geography lesson with my exchange Allchorn make a special visit to attend and share this wonderful evening. partner, Carolin. After break, the school had organised a special lesson The programme included: songs, plays, students’ experiences. We also tried with different Maths-based activities, including a treasure hunt, taken some quintessentially English cakes and tea. I suspect that they secretly by the equivalent of the Upper Sixth. It was very interactive. Then I had watch the Great British Bake Off! I was privileged to deliver a speech for this History; topics included World War I and World War II. The next lesson special occasion, which will be in my fond memories. was English, which was interesting to observe how the students learn. I Our day of departure arrived rather too quickly! The days seemed to became a “teacher” for part of the lesson, where I had to explain words have flown by. In the evening, we took some group photos and wished a to the class. It was an interesting experience. fond farewell to our partners and host families. We arrived in Watford at In the afternoon, we went to the Gutenberg Museum. Johannes two o’clock in the morning! Gutenberg, born and lived in Mainz, was the inventor of mass-production So many fantastic experiences in one week! I sincerely enjoyed printing; he is regarded as one of the most influential people in human history. being part of my host family. They looked after me very well and made His major work, the Gutenberg Bible (also known as the 42-line Bible), has sure that I felt at home during my stay. been acclaimed for its high aesthetic and technical quality. We had a look at We learnt a lot in Germany; the culture, language and experiences a replica of his original printing press, some copies of the “Gutenberg Bibles” we had there have helped to improve our confidence and are all things (so called as they were printed using his printing press) and some books we will never forget. I would recommend this trip to anyone learning printed by Gutenberg. Adjacent to the Museum was a workshop, where we German, because you learn a lot, have great fun and meet some amazing created our own prints. Mr. Pegler made one which was signed by all of us. It people who hopefully remain friends for life. is now on display by the MFL Office. It was interesting and fun to have a hands- We would like to thank Miss Webster for a wonderfully organised, on experience using the style of the 15th century printing press. That evening, carefully planned trip and add thanks to Mr. Pegler and Mr. Croft, who we enjoyed a tremendous, friendly session of bowling with our exchange made a wonderful, fun and entertaining team for all the boys on the trip. partners in the local bowling alley – “Chaplin.” So fellow students, get your bags packing for next year’s trip! Here’s to On Friday, once again, I attended classes at the partner’s school, as another amazing 50 years! Deven Voralia 10N did all of our group. I had Chemistry, Biology and German. It was interesting to note that it was similar to how we learn English at our school. Later that morning, we went to the Rathaus (the Town Hall); some called it the Prison of Azkaban from the Harry Potter series. There, we celebrated the 50-year partnership between Watford and Mainz, and both our schools. Again, there were pretzels and a selection of drinks. In the Town Hall, we visited the town council meeting chamber. Mainz is the capital of Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland- Palatinate). Following the visit to the Town Hall, we took a short walk to the Mainzer Dom (Cathedral). This cathedral is 1000 years old, in the Romanesque style. Many famous monarchs have been crowned at this cathedral. Following lunch at a local Imbiss (fast-food stall), where there was a variety of local delicious sausages and delicious pancakes for the vegetarians, we had an early start to a long weekend with our host families. As with the other host families, different activities and visits were organised by my host family. I visited Wiesbaden, Heidelberg, a very picturesque city along the River Neckar, almost magical, Ingelheim, Mainz city centre, with narrow alleyways, quaint cafes and German inns offering local wines and beers, and cobblestone streets, passing Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Mainz is home to “spundekase,” a local cream cheese whipped with cream into a soft paste that is served
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 57 Science Year 8 P.R.E trip n the 15th June 2015, the year 8s had the opportunity to be able to visit the Trip local Abrahamic, monotheistic places of worship. Firstly, we walked to Watford and District Synagogue, and there we On Wednesday, 6th May, Year 7 went learnt many different things that it contained, such as items used in weekly on a trip to the Science Museum. or daily services and what they symbolised and what they were used for. When we arrived we went straight to We learnt about the Ark, the Everlasting Light, the Yad (the pointer), the ‘Launchpad’ which is full of interactive OMenorah and the Bimah (platform where the Torah is read from). activities. We then watched a show Secondly, we walked to St. Mary’s Church, about rockets. The presenter explained and there we learnt many different places inside Newton’s three laws of motion to us. the church hall, such as the Altar, Pulpit, Font, She used a blowtorch on a Pringles Chancel, Nave and many others. These places tube filled with hydrogen and it took off are used in daily church life and services, and the like a rocket with a loud bang! church can be accessed by all on any day by all After lunch, we went to the ages due to there being a children’s section. aeronautical area which contained Finally, we walked to Watford Mosque and aeroplanes and rockets, some of which there we learnt about many different rooms were from the World Wars. We then left inside the Mosque, and what they were used for. to return back to school. Unfortunately, We learnt about the washroom, the shoe room, our coach broke down for more than an Quibla, Madresah (school room) and the Prayer hour. Eventually a new coach arrived room. We then headed back to school to have to bring us home. Despite the setback lunch and that was the end. with the coach it was an extremely Overall, the experience was fun and enjoyable enjoyable day out. Thanks to Mr Parry and interesting, and we got to see inside of other and the teachers who took us. places of worship which we would not normally see. Sevak Juss, 7N By Louis Shapiro and Suhail Merali 8F GCSE Science Live! group of Year 10 Science students attended “GCSE The next lecture was taken by Professor Lord Robert Winston. His Science Live!” where we enjoyed a series of stimulating topic was reproduction. The pioneer in IVF treatment explained a bit lectures given by some of the world’s most renowned about how IVF first began. The first success was on tadpoles by the scientists. The programme’s primary objective was to Italian scientist Lazaro Spallanzani. Professor Lord Winston told us generate greater enthusiasm for science amongst GCSE about a pioneering study to make “the perfect baby”. If an embryo had pupils. Also, it outlined how to hone our skills in GCSE too much genetic information, it could be born with birth defects and ScienceA and improve our exam technique. life-threatening illnesses and after several attempts, he found a method; We were lucky to have fantastic seats with a great view! The organiser, twins were born in 1989. After that, it was our turn in the spotlight; we Daniel Powell, kicked off the day enthusiastically and introduced us to our first had to rub our hands, clap and breathe in – Professor Lord Winston said lecture. It was taken by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist, with the that we just inhaled the cells of the people sitting next to us. He finished title “What have the planets done for us?” She enthusiastically went through the lecture by demonstrating a genetically-modified mouse called the the missions initiated by the European Space Agency, including Philae, which “PEPCK-mouse” (it could run on a treadmill for four hours before taking successfully landed on a comet just over two weeks before this event. She a break!) also had the idea of having a “Big Brother” competition to Mars. However, Then, Dr. Simon Singh came to the floor. His lecture was all about there were two problems: cost (it would be very expensive) and eviction. The Maths and Science. His main quote was, “You need to be good at Maths people who would be evicted will have to live on Mars. Dr. Aderin-Pocock said if you want to be good at Science”. He went through the Maths found that sooner or later, Mars would be able to sustain life like Earth – she ended in “The Simpsons”...and there was a lot of Maths (mainly because the the lecture by saying that she would “happily retire on Mars”. writers of the programme were previously mathematicians). After that, Next on was Professor Steve Jones, who presented “Nature, nurture, or he mentioned a funny story. He had listened to “Nine Million Bicycles” by neither?” His lecture was all about genetics and DNA. We learnt that two out of Katie Melua and he was annoyed because he felt that some of the lyrics three people will die for reasons associated with their genes. He emphasised were wrong; she said that it would take 12 billion years to go to the edge that DNA is “remarkable stuff”, with enough in your own body to stretch to of the universe and it was actually 13.7 billion years. Dr. Singh expressed the moon and back eight thousand times. Genetics can be brilliant. As an his fury in an article for the Guardian and in light of this, she changed the example, the Siamese Cat. It has black and white fur. If you were to put it in words. I didn’t know Maths could make you a good lyricist! a fridge, it would have entirely black fur, whereas if you put it in an oven, the It was an excellent experience with so many renowned scientists cat would have entirely white fur (not really recommended to try at home!) present. I think everyone took a lot of useful advice, fun facts and Professor Jones used the Royal Family’s ears as an example of how genetics ideas for their future careers. Everyone enjoyed it a lot. If you are an can be passed on. Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Prince Harry have very aspiring scientist and engineer, take this opportunity to experience similar ears (the Crown Jewels can be passed on but they are not genetic). thought-provoking solutions to the world’s great challenges. The day The day continued with chief examiner for GCSE Science, Stewart was certainly fast-moving and thoroughly exciting. My thanks to Mr Chenery. In his first part, he went through the different ways that Parry, Mr Hensman and Mr Cochrane for organising such a brilliant and questions would be phrased in a Science paper. He also went through informative trip. some useful revision techniques and some “do’s and don’ts”. I found this Deven Voralia 10N very helpful and interesting.
58 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 ollowing the visit by the French group in October, the group of boys were eagerly awaiting the return trip to France. The trip was organised with the Girls School and location, Brittany, brought excitement for all that it had to offer. It was an early start on the day of departure which brought on a sense of adventure. After a reasonably quick Fjourney to Portsmouth, we boarded our ferry for a 6 hour cruise across the English Channel to Caen. Thankfully, the crossing was calm, compared to the previous day’s gales. During our crossing, we had our own lounge and watched “Guardians of the Galaxy.” After our arrival, we made a somewhat long journey to Lesneven where we were greeted by our exchange partners and their host families. After settling down with my second family (I had come to know them from the many e-mails, phone calls and Skype conversations), I had dinner with them. It was a great feeling that they were all excited to see me and were pleasantly surprised with the presents I had brought for them. host family took me to their holiday home by the sea. The holiday home The following day, we went to Quimper, the capital of Finistère, a was very nice and near to the amazing coastline of Brignogan-Plages. The départment of France; Finistère means “Land of the End”. Quimper is a very weather had improved by Monday and my host family surprised me by medieval city, with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. We visited the arranging to go sand-sailing with another host exchange family. We had lots fantastic cathedral of St. Corentin, with its two very imposing spires. We had of fun, spills, and all! In the evening, my host family taught me how to make a walkabout in the city, where most of us tried some of the delicious local crepes; after a few attempts, I was making them like a local! crepes. Very tasty indeed! We stopped at Douarnenez, a popular fishing port, The long weekend had flown by. On Tuesday, we all met up at school with a beautiful beach. After lunch, we visited nearby village of Locronan. and went to visit St. Pol de Léon, a small market town with the tallest church On Friday, we attended the school: “Collège Saint-François Notre spire in Brittany and famous for its vegetable and horticultural production in Dame,” with an excellent academic reputation in France. We were welcomed France. Later, we went to the much anticipated Accrobranche, an adventure by their headmaster, Monsieur Lavarec. Then, Mr. Le Breton, head of the park with activities in the trees. It was lots of fun with zip wires, walking student exchange, took us on a tour of the school. We attended some ropes and swinging steps, a civilised way of emulating Tarzan. classes and I was surprised that Geography and History were taught in Why must all good things come to an end! We departed Lesneven in English! We also attended an English class, where we had lots of lively the morning, after saying goodbye to our partners and host families. On questions from the French pupils. Their English was very good. the way to Caen, we visited the world famous Mont-Saint-Michel. We took a walking tour of Lesneven town centre, where we were also Living with a French family was a great experience. The food was participated in a quiz, set by Miss Comb. Luckily, my team won! We had lunch delicious, the culture and way of life so different and interesting, and at the school canteen which was fantastic with lots of choice on offer. In the basically, if I had the opportunity to do it again, I feel that it would be afternoon we went to Brest and visited the world-famous Océanopolis, the almost impossible to live up to the Exchange that has just been. I would largest aquarium in Europe. We saw a vast array of amazing sea life including definitely recommend it to anybody. I think that for many students, from the cousins of Nemo, Marlin and Dory. In the evening, I went with my host both schools, we feel we have made friends for life. partner to a handball training session, a very popular game in France. I All the boys participating in the trip join me to convey our warmest enjoyed taking part and made new friends. gratitude to Miss Comb for organising such a wonderful, interesting, The long weekend started with a bang! Six other exchange pairs and memorable and educational trip! Our thanks also to Mrs Jackson of I went to Les Trois Curées, a theme park near Brest. There, we enjoyed Watford Girls school making this trip possible. a variety of rides, including a bobsleigh, a galleon, water slides and a Deven Voralia 10N carousel. In the evening, I went to the family’s farm and enjoyed the tour of a rather large farm. Later that evening, my family and I attended a celebratory dinner, for my host grandmother’s birthday and I was made to feel like one of the family. On Sunday, we visited a local restaurant in a village, Keralloret, where the seafood was delicious. I loved the variety of local cheeses on offer. My French Exchange Trip
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 59 Day 1 Day 4 To board a 6:30am flight to Bratislava in On day four of the Vienna trip we had Slovakia, we were required to meet at breakfast at the usual time and left the Shepherds Road at 3:45 in the morning. The youth hostel about an hour later. The coach waiting there then took us to Luton teachers had a surprise for us and told Vienna Airport promptly afterwards, and we arrived us that we would be going somewhere at sunrise. Once we had checked in and gone before we went on the train. After about a Trip 2015 through customs, there was some time to 5 minute walk we arrived at a cake bakery shop in the airport lobby before our flight. that had chocolate shaped objects put We touched down in Bratislava at around out for display. After each table ordered During the early hours of Friday the 22nd May, thirty Year 10:30am and ate a light meal and snacks and had their cake we took the train to 8 students set off on an exciting and new experience. The before heading off to a coach which drove where the main Cathedral was situated, lucky pupils, who were given the exceptional chance to off to Vienna, arriving in the rain at midday. and walked through the town to buy visit Vienna, the capital of Austria, had been excited for We proceeded to take the train, the Wien some ice-cream. We were told to also get a while and this definitely showed. Over the five days the Linien (equivalent to our Underground) to lunch from the place; there were many boys spent away from their families, they would meet the place we were staying, in a hotel/youth traditional sausage huts where a few new people, try new foods, see how things were different hostel called Meininger in Keplerplatz. people went. in a different country and most importantly improve their After we had dropped our bags off in the We then headed for a huge theme park confidence and vocabulary in speaking German. hotel, we went back on the Wien Linien to with many roller-coasters and rides. We go sightseeing around Vienna. We saw St. walked through the park as a group so Stephan’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) which that we could see what we could use stood at 136m high, Hoffburg, the national and arrange a meeting point. We had one library where Adolf Hitler made his speech hour to roam the park and use up the during the times of the Third Reich, a time, then we had to come back to be Holocaust memorial- a house-style monument registered and then went off for another constructed of stone books, before going back hour. Near the end Mrs Webster and Mrs to Keplerplatz to have dinner. We had an Hensman decided to go on the scariest earlier night that night because we were all so ride in the theme park; the Black Python (I tired after our first day. think). They had made the wrong decision because moments later both teachers Day 2 were extremely scared and nearly crying! On the second day, we went to Schönbrunn Right at the end we all went on bumper palace, which used to be a famous royal carts together which was quite painful if summer home, most notably used by your legs were long. Marie Antoinette, who was killed during We went on the train again to a park the French Revolution. She stayed here where there were many different activities as a child before she was called to marry to do. There was table-tennis, putting King Louis XVI. It was called Schönbrunn your feet in a lake, and a park. After about because it contains a beautiful (Schön) an hour and a half’s time, we returned to fountain (brunn). Around the palace is Keplerplatz (station where youth hostel the garden, which contains the fountain was) and got our dinner. through a lane of other gardens, a great photo opportunity. Through the palace Day 5 we went to the famously known oldest The 25th of April was the day we were zoo in the world, but unfortunately the leaving; we packed our bags got ready weather was terrible, and it was pouring and got the train by late morning. When down through our entire stay. This limited we arrived we ate lunch and had ice our exploration to indoor parts of the zoo, cream and then walked up to the port and but the polar bears, penguins, insects and boarded the boat to Bratislava. When we monkeys in these areas made up for that. arrived in Bratislava we dumped our bags The second day wasn’t perfect, but it was and walked to the castle and admired the a great follow up for Austrian culture. scenic views while admiring the castle. After this we went orienteering round Day 3 Bratislava taking photos and looking On Sunday, we had a typical Viennese around. meal in Prater, where lots of us tried the Wiener Schnitzel. It was very nice. We arrived back in London Luton at about After, we went to a professional football 10:30 and got on the coach to arrive at match. It was the Vienna derby, Rapid Watford Boys at about 11:30 were we were Wien vs. SC Wiener Neustadt. We had greeted by family. excellent seats and the atmosphere was Sahir Patel, Angus Forrest, Josh Patel 8N absolutely brilliant. However, the game was not so interesting, the score settling at a comfortable 0-0. We were in the Rapid Wien stand which was very loud and passionate. We got fans and snacks at half time. At the end of the game, we got to buy merchandise from the fan shop. We also had a football tournament with all the rooms being as teams in the local park. This was also fun.
60 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Ski Solitude, Utah xcitement overwhelmed us on the journey to our final destination. We couldn’t wait to see the resort that would be ‘home’ for the next week. Once we arrived and packed our belongings we went straight to bed and were welcomed the next morning with a hearty breakfast of carbohydrates: French toast and chips! EOnce our rented skis had been given to us, we took our first steps in the powdery snow and had a ski off to see which group we would be put into out of the three there were. The mountains were immense and the view in general was breath taking. The ski lifts made you feel like you were flying, in the sense that they were high, but they were extremely slow! Half way through the skiing, we went to the lunch hall with our mouths watering and our stomachs rumbling. All of the meals were extremely big. The nachos piled up and it was as if they would topple if “We flew across the pond to see Jazz win! Go Jazz Go!” they moved; the hot dog had to be eaten with a knife and fork because it He was also given a Baseball hat and an extra $5 voucher. Utah Jazz wouldn’t fit in any of our mouths! beat the Sacramento Kings 102-91. After buying souvenirs and waiting for Our après ski activity was a hunt around the whole resort to answer the coach we couldn’t wait to snuggle up under the covers. questions. This was a really good way to meet the shopkeepers and also The last two days of skiing were mostly just for fun and we learnt to find you way around the resort. I doubt that anybody in the resort a few tips along the way. The après ski activities were joined on both slept that night...There was also a warning about room inspection. days. The first was a game of Scattergories and the second was a quiz Mr Matthews and Mrs Talbot were given enough coffee to last them a with the same teams. The names were quite unusual like Supa Hot Fire, fortnight! They said that we did an exceptional job in tidiness, cleanliness Sax roll, Dead Dog and many other extremely creative names. At least and also entertainment. we thought so! After another day of skiing in which we learnt more about technique, Overall, the trip was a huge success. There were no broken bones, the next après ski activity was Bingo. I do not think that anybody in the only a few grazes and somebody had sunburnt skin because they didn’t resort slept that night either… think they needed sunblock. After learning how to jump on the frosty slopes, many of us finished Thanks so much to Mr Talbot, Mrs Talbot and Mr Matthews for tired and hurt, but the NBA Basketball match in Salt Lake City was the organising this trip and helping us out when we needed them. Also a big perfect cure! We were given a $10 vouchers to buy whatever we wanted thanks to the ski instructors in the USA who helped most of us learn all for dinner and we also chose to become famous for a few seconds…We about skiing that we know now. So if you get a chance go on the next appeared on the big screen and as Fionn McGuinness’ birthday present, ski trip - do it! he stated, Jaishulin Harsiani 7G Amsterdam Trip e met at the school museum of a theatre that was a place “pyjamas” - for example Jews would have grounds at 5.30am and where many Jews went to register but sadly yellow triangles and homosexuals would boarded the coach where never returned to their homes, without any have pink ones. The journey round the we were introduced to understanding of what was going to happen concentration camp was certainly moving our brilliant tour guide, to them. In the middle of a small public park and made us realise just how horrific the Steve, who joined us we saw a floor sculpture of broken mirrors - an persecution of these minorities was at the Wfor the whole journey. We departed and soon artist’s impression of Kristallnacht portraying time of the Second World War. arrived at the terminal of the Channel Tunnel, how the problems that occurred due to the The next day, we visited the Arnhem continued our coach journey, soon arriving at war can never be fixed and must be realised in Oosterbeek War Cemetery, which has 1436 our hotel. the here and now just as much as immediately identified casualties and the graves of 3 That evening, we had dinner and then after the war. soldiers who had won Victoria Crosses. It was enjoyed some free time before going to sleep We were taken on an eye-opening tour also very poignant and made us realise just in preparation for our next day, which was of a reconstructed concentration camp with how many people lost their lives due to the by far the busiest and particularly insightful authentic fences and watchtowers. We saw war. A visit to the Battle of Arnhem museum one of the trip. It began with us visiting the the basic layout of the camps and this gave gave us a visual presentation of how the Homomonument in the city, which is shaped us a direct understanding of just how tightly battle happened. as a triangle and commemorates all men and squeezed these camps were, with triple bunk Our final stop was at a popular market women who have been subjected to persecution beds and hardly any washing basins. At the in Arnhem before the long journey back. We simply because of their homosexuality. far end, was a memorial for the children of arrived home around 22.30 having enjoyed We then went to the Anne Frank museum the camp, some only days or months old, who an incredibly thought-provoking trip, linking and went round her house into the actual were sent away on Kinder transport only to the work studied by RS students on prejudice rooms where she and her family and friends be executed as soon as they got off the train. and discrimination and the morality of war were hidden during some of the war and We learnt that depending on a person’s along with History students’ work on the First where she wrote her world famous diary. reason for being in the camp they would and Second World Wars. Following this visit, we went to the have a specifically coloured triangle on their Jake Wall and Anthony Tryfonos 11P
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 61 Art trip to New York he Big Apple: home to some of the most famous and city during our free time, we were able to go shopping and New York is historical landmarks in the world. Our trip to New York with known for its vast number of designer shops so it was great opportunity. the art department, was a great way to enhance our vision Overall, the trip was a fantastic experience and a lot of fun; we were into the World of Art. able to visit one the most famous cities in the world, see some famous We had a long, comfortable flight to JFK airport and landmarks and learn more about art. It was a great trip and if the chance ARTon our way to the hostel; we had our first taste of the city ever came round again, I would urge other people to go. Thank you to Tnight life as we drove into the city. When we arrived at the hostel, we the Art department for organising the trip. were assigned our rooms, which were smaller than we expected but we Dilan Chauhan 10P had comfortable beds and small TVs in the room so that made it better. Most of the days started early because of the tight schedules. Every day For some of us it was our first taste of a trip abroad without our families, we began by eating breakfast in a cafe a couple of blocks from the hostel and we enjoyed the independence and the chance to experience a great and, from there, we began our journey into the city. Over the course of city in the company of our friends. the week, after breakfast, we either visited the art museums or we went On our visit to Ellis and Liberty Island, we not only learnt about and saw the city landmarks. We toured many art museums such as the the history of America but also we saw some fascinating architecture Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim museum. Both of which contrasted with the rest of the city. As we went there by boat, these museums were very interesting and looked fantastic; however it gave us the feeling of what the first immigrants would have felt as many of us found some of the other landmarks even more exciting. they arrived from Europe and had their first sighting of New York and The Rockefeller Centre, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square the USA. However, getting onto the ferry was very difficult as there was were three of the most exciting landmarks. We went up to the top of the airport-like security before you even got to start the short crossing to Rockefeller Centre and got to see the amazing views of New York and go to the Islands. then took the boat ride to Liberty and Ellis islands which also gave us a On Liberty Island we finally got to see the Statue of Liberty up close different perspective of the city and a close up view of the statue. The and I think it looks bigger in real life than we are used to seeing it on the atmosphere in Times Square was electric as it is in the centre of New TV. We could walk around it and one of our group took a time lapse video York and one of the liveliest places in the city. Other places we saw on of a complete circle of the Statue. our trip were the Ground Zero memorial, Central Park and the Museum Another place that gave us an insight into America’s history was of the Moving Image which were all very intriguing and great to see. We Ground Zero. This monument, to the nearly three thousand people who were also fortunate to see an Ice Hockey match hosted by the New Jersey died in the 9/11 attacks, was incredible, and their names were all around Devils which was an amazing event and a joy to watch. the outside of the giant water feature. It was the most moving part of The meals that we ate during the week were fantastic and delicious. the trip and felt like a fitting way to honour those who lost their lives. We had dinners at restaurants such as Bubba Gump, the Forest Gump It was a great opportunity the Art Department gave us that let us inspired restaurant and Planet Hollywood which had many replicas see some extremely famous places and landmarks and I would, if given of some world famous movie props. During our free time back at the the chance, go back again to see all the things we didn’t get to see on hostel, we spent our time downstairs in the sports hall where we played our five day trip. some basketball or listened to music. When we were in the heart of the James Casey 10P
62 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Art Exhibition at the Mall Galleries London n Tuesday 8th July 2014 young artists in the country and, as importantly, Pisapia (from year 10) and all were successful London’s prestigious Mall other well established professional artists. The in having their work displayed. This is the sixth Gallery was crammed to the exhibition is held under the patronage of The year running we have exhibited work at this rafters with excited young Royal Society of British artists (RBA) and this event. people for the grand opening very title denotes the quality and talent on The exhibition was opened by the current of the 12th National Students’ show, student work blending seamlessly with president of the RBA, James Horton MA (RCA) OArt Exhibition. The Gallery is not only a that of the professional painter. and James describes this event as “a truly very prestigious venue but this was also an This year we were fortunate in getting four inspirational exhibition celebrating gifted and inspirational exhibition and, year upon year, paintings and drawings selected for exhibition, talented students in Schools, Colleges and boys from Watford Grammar School for Boys Rupert Woods (then in year 12), John Ibabao, Academies.” have shown their work alongside the best (from year 11) and Jesse Rist and Lorenzo GW
Top left: John Ibabao Top right: Jesse Rist Below: Kit Gillman Bottom: Oliver Wighell
Rotary Club Young Photographers n Wednesday 14th January 2015, at Watford Rotary Club, Oliver Withell and Kit Gillman attended the awards presentation for the Annual Rotary Club Young Photographers’ Competition; this was the second year running that Kit has won this award. Along with family members, Othe prize winners were treated to supper with the Rotarians at The Town and Country Club, Watford. The winners were selected by Hoss, a professional Fine Art and studio photographer and part of the prize included a day working in Hoss Photography, Abbotts Langley learning about professional photography in action. Both boys are very keen, talented photographers and both their passion for and skill in this media were recognised by Hoss. The title of the competition was ‘Light up the Community and both boys offered very different interpretations to the theme. Oliver took a very personal view, focusing on his direct involvement in the Meals on Wheels programme and the support offered to the local community and Kit took the theme of Light, celebrating this through colour and movement. In addition to this event, both Kit and Oliver were then invited to the Rotary Club Annual Awards’ Evening, where they did a fantastic job, overcoming nerves to present their portfolio of photography to a packed room of adults. The aim of the evening was to bring together some of the young people who had participated in the numerous competitions organised during the year in a celebration of youth, the two boys “did the school proud”. GW
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 63 Art Department Student work from year 12 and 13
Above left: Adam Muscat Middle left: James Evans Below left: John Ibabo Below right (both): Joshua Taylor
64 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Above left: Mujtaba Shah Below left: Rupert Woods Above right: Nicholas Slaney Below right (both): Sam Della-Valle
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 65 Autumn Concerts 2014
t the beginning of September, The last group to perform before the mince small selection from the band then stepped MUSICour two Autumn concerts seem pies and mulled wine was the Big Band. The forward to form the Junior Brass Ensemble a long way away, but they soon set started with the classic chart Chameleon and play two Handel Menuets and a Hallelujah creep up on us. Once again, featuring some very spirited playing from the Chorus in a more popular idiom, composed by the concerts were sold out a band and this was followed by the Latin chart, Chris Hazell. The Brass Band completed the week before the events, which Girl From Ipanema, featuring well-crafted solos first half with three exciting pieces, Adventures isA always a great joy, and even better now that from George Heracleous on alto saxophone, in Brass by Ray Farr, a selection of Horner’s tickets can be purchased via ParentPay. Dhillon Dodhia on tenor saxophone, Jacob music to Apollo 13 and Mark Taylor’s Crazy The Wednesday evening started with the Hartley and Chris Weatherilt on trumpet and Brass Machine. There were some fine virtuoso Brass Ensemble, once again reformed after last Alex Page on piano. We were delighted to be lines from the players, with some exceptional year’s Upper Sixth exodus. The opening item on able to welcome a very talented singer from lyrical moments from Joel Kelion and Tom Watts their programme was one of Gabrieli’s Canzonas our sister school who joined us for the next two amongst others. The second half was given that he composed for the magnificent basilica, vocal numbers; Millie Stevens wowed us with over to performances by the Senior Strings and St. Mark’s, in the centre of Venice; it was well the ballad Cry me a River and then the more Senior Orchestra. The Senior Strings ensemble played, with a particularly effective climax as the up-tempo classic, Sunnyside of the Street. The performed Corelli’s Concerto No. 8, known two choirs came to together at the end. The final band received a great ovation from the packed as the Christmas Concerto. The playing was two pieces, Pavan and Carillon were taken from house to end the half. excellent, capturing the contrasting moods of Poulenc’s Suite Francaise, a delightful collection After the break, Crescendo Strings, the widely different paced movements and of miniatures written in a neo-classical style, directed by Caroline Cox, performed the opening the solo group, Patrick Kennedy and Gokulan with some fine playing from the ensemble, Allegro of Vivaldi’s Concerto in G and this was Kannan on violins and Kazu Sair, on ‘cello particularly in the Pavan. The guitar group, followed by a topical choice of the opening met the challenges of the composer most which has benefited from an influx of new title music to Downton Abbey accompanied effectively. With the woodwind, brass and classical players, tackled the complexities of by a slide-show of the opening credits from percussion members of the Senior Orchestra Boccherini’s Minuet most effectively under the programme. The playing of many new, joining the string players on the stage, Kazu the guidance of Peter Gates. Sarah Brinkley’s younger string players was extremely good and Sair continued his solo role with a vivid saxophone group has also gained some new bodes well for the future. The final ensemble to account of Hans Zimmer’s score to Pirates of recruits and the ensemble performed Crazy perform was the Senior Wind Band, under the the Caribbean-Dead Man’s Chest, backed most Rhythm with great panache. A group of Year leadership of Stuart Quinlan. Their programme effectively by the large orchestra. The final item 8 performers on clarinet, saxophone, guitar consisted of You know my Name from Casino was an astonishing account of Andrew Lloyd and piano then took to the stage to perform Royale, Fireflies and then a medley from the Webber’s music to The Phantom of the Opera, Sidney Bechet’s Petite Fleur and then, as the musical Wicked. The band performed a tight played with real assurance, both powerful in smallest group of musicians left the stage, set and received a very good reception at the delivery for the music of the Phantom and the largest group of the evening, the Senior end of the concert. then tender for moments such as All I ask of Choir was introduced under the leadership of The following evening’s concert began you. The final notes were magical and the Kevin Thorold. The programme consisted of Hey with a very large Friday Band. It was a real audience responded magnificently when the Jude, with audience participation, Skyfall and delight to see seventeen saxophonists and baton descended. It had been a great two the Supertramp classic, Dreamer. This year’s clarinettists, thirteen trumpeters and nine evenings of musical entertainment, the Muse intake had provided the choir with many strong trombonists performing F B Groove composed packed to capacity and the musicians giving new trebles, providing much needed power by their Director, Stuart Quinlan. Their second excellent accounts of themselves throughout. on the top line and helping give an impressive piece taken from High School Musical was performance all round. It would be brilliant if Can I have This Dance? The group had only these singers could filter down through the been together for a few months, but their other sections as they move through the school. tightness and good ensemble was evident. A
66 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 with consummate ease. Once again, many Spring Concerts thanks to the soloists for giving excellent We had two magnificent Spring Concerts at The Carol Service accounts of themselves so close to the start the end of the term, the first taking place on In keeping with tradition, the annual Festival of of term and contributing in a large way to the Wednesday 25th March to a packed and most Lessons and Carols took place at St. Michael’s success of the evening. appreciative audience. The concert started Church on the final Tuesday of term. As last with the Brass Ensemble performing a most year, Paul Greally was given the opportunity Lower Sixth Chamber Concert appropriate opener in the form of Sir Arthur to play some voluntaries at the beginning of The evening took place just before half term Bliss’s Fanfare for Heroes, getting the concert the service, which included the wonderfully on February 12th. The concert started with a off to a lively start with its well-delivered fanfare evocative Prière à Notre-Dame from the Suite lively rendition on the kit of two well-known rhythms and melodic patterns. This was followed Gothique by Boellmann. The Brass Ensemble pop songs, Use Somebody by the Kings of by an excellent rendition of Homepride, the last of performed Gabrieli’s Canzon XIV, a two-brass Leon and The Who’s Won’t get Fooled Again Chris Hazell’s Three More Cats. The Guitar Group choir introit which effectively exploited the performed by Ben Lester. This was followed were the next performers, slightly augmented this acoustic of the church. The customary treble by a controlled performance of the Adagio term as more students had joined the ensemble solo to Once in Royal David’s City was sung Cantabile from Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata. and their performance piece was a carefully most beautifully by Vitalijs Strelcuks, in Year 7, Jack Maclean had decided to perform on two crafted one of an Andante by the classical giant, who kept a good pace and sang with excellent instruments and gave the audience a lively Haydn. Another augmented group was up next intonation. The other three congregational account of the Allegro Animato from Saint- and the seventeen players of the Junior Brass carols were Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Saens’ clarinet sonata and then transferred to Ensemble performed On the Sunnyside of the Little Town of Bethlehem and O Come, all ye the piano for a most musical rendition of Piano Street and Breakdance Brass, both played with Faithful and the packed church of family, friends Piece in F# by Liszt. Another pianist, Zendell real conviction. The Piano Trio, consisting of Alex and a 100-strong Choir provided particularly Crichlow, then took centre stage to play Frank Page on piano, Justin Ho on violin and Reuben rousing renditions of these. The Choir sang Bridge’s contemplative Berceuse followed by Gluck on ‘cello, gave an outstanding rendition Midnight, Angels, Ding Dong, Christmas Ginastera’s Danza de la moza donasa. Then of the first movement of Beethoven’s Trio in Eb, Lullaby, Tonight, When a Child is Born, In the Charlie Lee, performed another movement of Op.1 No 1 and this was followed by the ‘cello Bleak Midwinter, and Torches and, despite the Saint-Saens’ clarinet sonata with a lovely tone. ensemble’s debut performance in the concert seasonal round of colds, performed these well. The concert was brought to its conclusion by hall. Having only been working together with Mr Following the Blessing given by Dr Geoffrey Shivaike Shah with a rendition of Chopin’s Theo Vinden for a short amount of time, their Calvert, the Brass Ensemble performed Final Nocturne in B op. 62 no. 1. Once again this performance of Ah Poor Bird! and then Yesterday Flourish and then Paul Greally played us out was a very enjoyable and entertaining evening was most impressive and it is excellent to have with the first movement of Mendelssohn’s of examination performances appreciated this additional ensemble running in school. Sonata in A, No. 3. The evening was memorable by friends and family alike and clearly the The Senior Choir led us to the interval with the and a wonderful way to bring the term’s music students had made good progress in their rousing chorus Heil sei dem Tag from Beethoven’s to a most enjoyable conclusion. instrumental studies throughout the year. only opera Fidelio, sung with great gusto. Prizegiving This year’s Prizegiving witnessed a showcase of musical talent with fine performances from Music 4 moustached trumpeters all concerned. This year’s musical introduction was given by the Fuller String Quartet, Gokulan Kannan, Patrick Kennedy, Tom Watts and Kate Watts, who impressed with the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Quartet in D op. 44 no. 1. The two musical interludes were performed by Ralph Curwen who exhibited great musical sensitivity in his performance of Liszt’s Liebestraume Notturno No. 3 on the piano and this was followed by Joseph Longstaff, who gave a great account of Alan Abbott’s Alla Caccia on the French horn, full of lyricism in the middle section and a display of technical skill in the outer sections. The Musical Finale was a show-stopping wonderful virtuosic violin composition, Czardas, by the Italian composer Monti, performed by Justin Ho, our National Youth Orchestra violinist. The performance was extrovert and the incredible complexities in much of the music were tackled
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 67 support behind and Tom Watts providing a superb Founders’ Day. trumpet solo in L-O-V-E. Two contrasting works Founders’ Day, was celebrated on May were then given by Crescendo Strings, firstly a 7th, General Election Day and the service finale from an Orchestral Concerto by Vivaldi commenced with a wonderful rendition of the and then Pharrell Williams, Happy, both played first movement of Handel’s Organ Concerto extremely well and admirably led by Andrew Lai. op.4 no.6 with Paul Greally as the soloist, The saxophone group performed next with a accompanied by a selection of students from striking rendition of Gershwin’s I’ve got Rhythm our Senior Strings Ensemble. The hymns were and then Karl Jenkins’ Palladio and then the Fuller Amazing Grace and Come Sing the Praise Quartet repeated their Mendelssohn Quartet that and the Senior Choir was in excellent voice had been aired earlier in the term at Prizegiving. with Beethoven’s chorus, Heil sei dem Tag Joel Kelion The Brass Band, who were in great form, started from his opera Fidelio. The Senior Brass on trombone their programme with Malcolm Arnold’s Little Ensemble brought the service to a close with Suite for Brass followed by Barrie Gott’s Light an exhilarating rendition of Sir Arthur Bliss’s Following a further operatic indulgence in the Walk, full of exciting syncopated melodies in a Fanfare for Heroes. form of Francesco Sartori’s Time to say Goodbye, swing style and featuring a great flugelhorn solo the mood was changed with the Electric Light from Jacob Hartley. Watford Arts Orchestra’s signature tune Mr Blue Sky. This was After the interval it was the turn of two Senior Forum Concert and a bright and energetic performance of a difficult groups, the strings and the orchestra to perform. arrangement of a 70s classic. The Senior Strings’ programme commenced with The German Exchange The second half started with the 50-strong the first movement of Vivaldi’s Lute Concerto, Concert Friday Band whose programme consisted of superbly played on the guitar by Alex Waygood, A number of students were given the chance three pieces, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Karl a performance capturing the various nuances to represent the school in a musical capacity at Jenkins’ Agnus Dei from The Armed Man and a of this exciting piece. This was followed by a the beginning and end of June, when firstly, the version of George Gershwin’s I’ve got Rhythm. contrasting piece called Plink, Plank, Plunk Watford Arts Forum Society asked us to provide The playing was excellent, very committed and composed by the professor of light classical music, them with some music before their AGM. A with a real sense of unity that bodes well for the Leroy Anderson. This rendition was excellent with programme lasting one hour was organised and future. When the performance had finished, all everyone’s pizzicato technique being shown to the ten performers, all of whom were a great of the junior players sat up in the audience and full advantage along with the various percussive credit to the school, gave performances that listened to the Senior Windband, the group that sounds demanded by the composer on the body were enthusiastically received by the society. hopefully most of them will aspire to joining. of the instruments! It was then the turn of the The concert started with Nicholas Watt playing Their programme included two songs used in Senior Orchestra to give a wonderful rendition of an Allegretto by Shostakovich and then Chopin’s James Bond movies: For your eyes only, by Bernstein’s West Side Story. The final memorable Nocturne in C# minor. Archie McCann then played Bill Conti, and Adele’s Skyfall. The final work item, was a performance of the first movement the slow movement of Gotterman’s 4th ’Cello was Samuel Hazo’s incredibly challenging Rush, of Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, featuring Ralph Concerto and this was followed by Dancla’s with many difficult instrumental lines and time- Curwen. Ralph’s playing was extremely musical Resignation played on the violin by Andrew signatures changing almost every bar in some and mature, lyrical and technically accomplished Lai. Joseph Longstaff’s horn solo was followed places, but the challenges were met most and it was amazing to see someone so young be by Nathan Kelion’s performance of Massenet’s effectively and the lively rendition brought to an completely at ease with the music. Credit must also Meditation. His brother, Joel, stepped forward end the first night of wonderful music. go to a fantastic orchestra listening and watching to play Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song on the On the following evening, it was the turn all the way to make this so outstanding. The Muse euphonium and then without the aid of music, of the Big Band to start the proceedings. Bobby erupted and Ralph graciously acknowledged the Anthony Lo performed an unaccompanied Troup’s classic Route 66 in an instrumental fervent applause. It was a real delight to see so Adagio by J S Bach. Following a touch of jazz version was followed by two vocal numbers, many boys actively involved in bringing musical from Eddie Cummins in the form of The Girl from L-O-V-E and This Can’t be Love, brilliantly sung excellence to large audiences over two evenings. Ipanema and Khachaturian’s Toccata played by by Millie Stevens with the band giving excellent Congratulations to all those involved. Paul Greally; brothers Ralph and Robbie Curwen
68 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 took centre stage to play the finale, Grieg’s and Ralph performed Brahms’s Intermezzo op. 118 piano duet, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen. The No. 2, the piece with which he was a joint winner chairman thanked everyone for their dedication in the Middle School Piano Class. The other winner Ben Lester in the and hard work in preparing pieces for the society in this category was Alex Page and he impressed Band Class to such a high standard. considerably with his improvisations on Erroll Two weeks later, a similar opportunity Garner’s Misty. Sandwiched in between the two arose for the same students, with the addition piano pieces was Joseph Longstaff, another of our of Tom Watts playing the first movement of rising stars, who gave a most beautiful rendition of the Haydn trumpet concerto, to play to our the Reverie by Glazunov. exchange guests from Germany along with It was now time for a couple of smaller their teachers and families. Following some ensembles to take centre stage. Two satellite refreshment and speeches, the concert was groups from the Friday Band, the Junior and introduced by Patrick Noren and Deven Voralia Intermediate Brass ensembles, came to the front and, the audience was suitably impressed by to play Summer March and At the Hop. It was the instrumental skills of our players. It was impressive to see the Junior Brass ensemble then the turn of the Germans to sing us a short performing for the first time and great to see folksong with audience participation followed some of our new tuba players who had only by the cutting of the 50th Anniversary cake. been playing for a few terms playing in public. Many thanks and congratulations to all those Peter Noren, who finished first in the Middle boys representing the school and showcasing School Percussion Class, then played Stockholm their talents to a wider public. Syndrome by the Muse on the drum kit with great dexterity, and the half came to a close with the Summer Concert 2015 Senior Choir singing three contrasting songs all As part of the 2015 Arts and Literary Festival, our taken from musicals. Benedict Longstaff provided the stage as winner of the Middle School String Prizewinners and Performers’ Concert took place us with the desired extrovert introduction to Class to play Charles Dancla’s Resignation. This on Thursday 2nd July. Many of the Prizewinners the Circle of Life in Zulu and, with the addition was a lyrical performance of great musicality. from the Music Competition, as well as some of of a backing track, the Choir gave an excellent Sivanujan Sivakumaran, a joint winner of the our ensembles, took part in the event. The concert account of this song. Following a beautifully World Instrument Class, performed an excellent commenced with the Friday Band performing Little controlled Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the version of Bho Shambo on the Vina and then Brown Jug followed by WGSBFB Blues, a piece Roof came the final song Hernando’s Hideaway, Sam Finkelstein, winner of the Middle and which allowed a number of our younger players to with its catchy refrain. Upper School guitar class, gave the audience showcase a short improvised solo over the rhythm The second half was started by the Fuller an agile rendition of Joe Satriani’s Midnight. The section. These solo players performed well and the String Quartet with the summery Notturno from joint Winner of the Vocal Class, Robert Russo, whole programme made for a great and energetic Borodin’s 2nd String Quartet and the group impressed with a superb performance of On the start to the evening’s proceedings. gave us a stunning account of the piece, with Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady and then The first soloist to perform was Ashley great expression and lyrical lines from each of our third shared winner of the Open Concerto Hatch, winner of the Lower School Piano Class, the soloists. The eight-strong ‘cello ensemble Class, Justin Ho, wowed the audience with a who took to the Steinway to play L’Orage by led by Ayo Andrews next played two pieces, thrilling performance of the Allegro from Bach’s Burgmuller and he was followed by the winner Hey, Ho! and Auld Lang Syne, performing with Violin Concerto in A minor BWV 1041 taken at of the Middle School Woodwind Class, Eddie great ensemble skill and good intonation. The an impressive pace. The final item of the concert Cummins, who gave a very cool rendition of The stage was then reset for the larger Crescendo was provided by two very musical brothers, Ralph Girl from Ipanema. Tom Watts and Ralph Curwen, Strings group, complete with four double bass and Robbie Curwen, who brought the concert to two of the winners of the inaugural Open Concerto players who impressed with three pieces, String a wonderful climax with a superb rendition on Class and the joint winners of the Rosebowl, gave Street, Half Term Blues and the theme tune to the Steinway of Wedding Day at Troldhaugen exquisite performances on the night. Tom played Game of Thrones. Andrew Lai, the leader of by Grieg. The performance had real power and the first movement of Haydn’s trumpet concerto Crescendo Strings, then moved to the front of energy in the outer quicker sections and plenty of lyricism in the middle slower section. The Headmaster then presented the Rosebowl to Tom Watts and Ralph Curwen for their outstanding performance in the Competition, winning two solo classes each. The Kienitz Cup was awarded to Jacob Hartley for his superb commitment to school music over the past seven years, whilst the Nigel Compton Cup was presented to two further musical brothers, Joel and Nathan Kelion, for their outstanding progress in music lessons this year. We had witnessed a brilliant display of the wealth of musical talent at Watford Boys and congratulations must go to all the performers and to all those who won classes at the Competition, but were unable to perform on this occasion. Once again I would like to thank all of those committed students who rehearse each week as part of our ensembles in order to prepare such great performances for each of our concerts. Your parents and teachers must also be congratulated for supporting you in your musical adventures and being at your concerts in such great numbers. Guitar Class
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 69 Striking the Right Note! n the 9th August 2014 two Old Fullerians took part in an impressive ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square, watched by hundreds. Prior to the ceremony Musicians Michael Thorold and Freddy Stokes, both ex-Watford Grammar School pupils, had played in a special graduation concert at the Guildhall, which ended with ORoyal Marine Band traditional items such as ‘Heart of Oak’, ‘Evening Hymn’ and ‘Sunset’, and the regimental march ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’. Earlier in the day, Musician Stokes, along with twenty other marines who had been studying for three years, graduated in a ceremony that took place at the Portsmouth-based Royal Marines School of Music. Musician Stokes has now entered full-time service by joining the Royal Marines band at HMS Collingwood in Fareham. Musician Thorold is currently in his second year at the Royal Marines School of Music and recently returned to Watford Grammar School to talk to pupils in the Brass Band and Senior Wind Band about life in the service. Musician Thorold recently performed in an orchestral concert at the Painted Hall, London for an event attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. He was playing the violin at the banquet; impressive as he has only been playing the instrument for little over a year. Having Passed Out after three years of intensive training, both in the field during basic commando training and in his ‘cell’ learning three instruments from scratch (tuba, double bass and bass guitar), Musician Stokes joined RM Band Collingwood. With them he has been to Switzerland for the Basel Tattoo, played in the Lord Mayor’s Show, and in the RM350 Corps’ dinner which celebrated the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines. Recently he played at the Royal Albert Hall in the Classic FM Live concert, and was also in the band at the Cenotaph for the Gallipoli remembrance service. Since joining the Musician Stokes and service he has discovered a liking for jazz, played in dance bands, ensembles Musician Thorold on the steps outside Portsmouth and orchestras as well as marching in full regalia in the brass band. Guildhall KT
Opera Herts Performance - Fidelio
he WBGS Senior Choir was presented with a fantastic preparation for this event. We were performing Beethoven’s Fidelio opportunity to sing at a public event with Opera Herts, and which is a story sung in operatic form. Not only did we have to learn the we snatched the opportunity with great delight! Opera Herts rhythm of the songs, but we had the added challenge of learning and are a local group who are committed to bringing high quality singing in German! Our commitment to rehearsals was paramount and opera to the Watford area and have sung in renowned places we came together on numerous occasions to practise before the event. like the Royal Albert Hall and the London Coliseum. We gave a hundred percent dedication to our practice to ensure we TA great deal of time and effort was put in by the Senior Choir in delivered a flawless performance. The performance was at the Clarendon Muse. The excitement built up as we all came smartly dressed in school uniform and the sixth formers wore suits. Most of us were confident as we were well rehearsed, but when we saw the audience and the seats all taken, it made some of us a little nervous as some of us have never performed in public before. We settled down quickly and waited patiently for our turn to perform. Our main involvement was in the second half. We proudly ambled onto the stage and took our places. Our performance began with singing in the finale and we sang “Heil Sei Dem Tag“and other German songs. The audience loudly applauded the performance as we took a bow. It was an amazing opportunity and a great pleasure and honour to perform with a professional opera group . Our whole hearted thanks go out to Opera Herts and of course, Mr Thorold for dedicating his time and effort in organising such a great event. Avi Ruparelia, 7N
70 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Singing at the Royal Opera House he first time that I had ever encountered singing in the Royal Opera House was about two and a half years ago, when I was nine years Crescendo Strings old. I had sung in the Linbury Theatre with the English Touring Opera As part of the school’s wonderful music programme on performing in our opera called ‘Towards An Unknown Port’. offer for all levels of ability, Crescendo Strings forms an The English Touring Opera travel around lots of schools, giving integral role. The intermediate string orchestra meets up a chance to children to sing in the Royal Opera House. After that on Wednesday lunchtimes under the conductor, Mrs. Cox. performance,T the Youth Opera Company invited me to participate in three singing This gives an opportunity for boys of different abilities to and acting workshops and, after that, they chose me and a couple of other children work together and play pieces of music in an orchestral to join their group which sings in many operas. That year, performed in the Linbury environment. A great sense of camaraderie exists and all Theatre again in ‘Gone Fishing,’ a performance which we really worked hard on, boys are enthusiastically encouraged to work towards varying from every other Saturday for six hours, to every day for 8 to 9 hours. playing in the Senior Strings and Orchestra. The next performance that we took part in was Carmen, a well known opera. This year has been particularly successful as new There were twelve performances of this. For the 12 performances and rehearsals talent has settled in very well. It feels like the jigsaw has I got £450 in total. For me to perform in the ROH, I must have an opera licence been completed and the future looks very promising. sent to me by the council, for it involves missing out on some school days. I have The intermediate group actively participates and continued performing in many operas, such as ‘The Crackle’ and ‘Life Reimagined,’ performs in the school’s Autumn, Spring and Summer the Gala performance of the year. In May 2015, we had three more performances Concerts. The boys are encouraged to participate in the which I looked forward to very much. school’s annual Music Competition. Personally, I had a Performing in the Royal Opera is an amazing opportunity to work with vocal wonderful experience performing for the first time in the and acting teachers, and perform with world known opera singers on the main competition. This encourages confidence and allows stage in front of over 2300 people. oneself to express them. All the members of Crescendo The Royal Opera House runs a program which is called ‘School Matinees’ and Strings reflect the energy and enthusiasm of Mrs. Cox. if a school joins it, the students can visit the Royal Opera House to see Ballet or It is a tribute to her for all her efforts in partnership with Opera for only £7.50p. I hope our school will consider this great opportunity, for Mr. Hussey and Mr. Bartai. students to explore the world of performing arts. Deven Voralia 10N Vitaljis Strelcuks 7T
The Grieg Piano Concerto fter coming across this wonderful composition as a nervous. However I tried to banish these nerves as my name was youngster, watching the legendary Morecambe and Wise announced and I had to stride out in front of a packed auditorium. I sat sketch, I was delighted to receive it as a challenge from down, steadied myself and waited for the signal from Mr Hussey for my piano teacher in the summer of 2013. After working my entry. Thankfully my entry was pretty much in sync with orchestra, on it for the majority of summer I left it alone for the next and off we went, winding through all the wonderful melodies. To my year in order to do my Diploma exam. After the Christmas discontent during one of the orchestral interludes, I peered through the breakA I was delighted to be invited by Mr Hussey to practise it with the lid of the piano to see one member of the audience deciding it was the orchestra on a Monday afternoon. Thanks to the wonders of Mr Hussey’s right time to have a chat with his/her neighbour. conducting the orchestra and I were soon ready to go. As the piece progressed towards the fiendishly difficult cadenza It was performance night and we were on last, the finale of the my hands were getting progressively shakier. But it soon arrived and night. Standing in the wings, waiting to stroll out, I was nervous, very thankfully all the practice I had put in paid off. The adrenaline rush was great and my hands felt in a sense, electrified. Finally the concerto came to a grand finish, and I bowed more out of relief than anything else. I strode off the stage shattered only to be told to go back on again and again to bow some more. I think with just a few minutes I must have bowed about 20 times but it was an amazing feeling with over 200 people clapping for you and for what you’ve done. All this pressure, nerves and in the end applause was all because of one piece: the Grieg Piano Concerto. Ralph Curwen 10B
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 71 Music Competition Winners 2015 Lower School Piano Lower School Brass Lower And Middle School Ensembles Ashley Hatch playing L’Orage by Burgmuller Matthew Kenny playing Rondo for Lifey by Justin Ho, Reuben Gluck and Alex Page Leonard Bernstein playing the first movement of Beethoven’s Middle School Piano Piano Trio Op.1 No.1 Alex Page improvising on Misty and Ralph Middle School Brass Curwen playing the Intermezzo op. 118 No.2 Tom Watts playing selections from the Upper School Ensembles By Brahms Concerto by Aratunian and Joseph Longstaff Fuller Quartet playing the first movement playing the Thema and Variationen by Franz from Mendelssohn’s Quartet in D Op.44 No.1. Upper School Piano Strauss Calum Foley playing Philip Glass’s World Instruments Metamorphosis 1 Upper School Brass Sivanujan Sivakumaran performing Bho Chris Weatherilt playing Zelda (Caprice) by Shambo by Dayaananda Saraswati and Beginner Strings Percy Code Branavan Navaneethan playing Endaro Ma Jonathan Davis playing Weeping Willow by K by Saint Tyagaraja. and H Colledge. Middle School Percussion Peter Noren playing Stockholm Syndrome Lower School Bands Lower School Strings by Muse Alternate Anthem-Solomon Linington, Jerry Yang playing Seitz’s Allegro Moderato. Joseph Longstaff and Ashvin Kapilan playing Upper School Percussion Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie and Arthur Middle School Strings Three winners: James Rich playing Bizet’s Andrew Lai playing Resignation Op.59 by Garvey, Solomon Linington and Kian Garvey Danse Bohemian on the xylophone, Charles Dancla playing The Vampire of Time and Memory by Jonathan Davis playing Gargarin-Public Queens of the Stoneage Upper School Strings Service Broadcasting and Wipeout by Gokulan Kannan playing the Scherzo from Surfaris on the kit and Ben Lester playing Upper School Bands Brahms’s FAE sonata and Patrick Kennedy YYZ by Rush, also on the kit. Tim Bush, Ben Lester and Jonathan Davis playing Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro. playing Something/Anything-A Wizard…. A Vocal True Star and Arthur Garvey, Sam Finkelstein, Robert Russo singing On the Street where Lower School Woodwind Eddie Cummins, Kit Gillman, Aron Finkelstein you live by Lerner and Loewe and Thomas Benedict Buffery playing Catchy Toon by and Joel Kelion playing Uptown Funk by Mark Bartlett singing The Armadillo Song by Colin Cowles Ronson and Bruno Mars. Flanders and Swann. Middle School Woodwind Open Concerto Class Eddie Cummins on the saxophone playing Guitars Years 7-9 Three Winners: Justin Ho playing the first Imran Omerdeen playing Soledad by Stefan The Girl from Ipanema by Astrid Gilberto. movement of the Concerto in A minor BWV Oser. Upper School Woodwind 1041 by Bach, Tom Watts playing the first Robert Russo playing But Not for Me by Guitars Years 10+ movement of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto Gershwin and Patrick Noren playing the 1st Sam Finkelstein playing Midnight by Joe in Eb and Ralph Curwen playing the first movement of Fasch’s Sonata in C. Satriani movement of the Grieg Piano Concerto.
Rosebowl winners, Tom Watts and Ralph Curwen
72 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Music Lower School Woodwind winners Glastonbury 2015
lastonbury is a well-known music and arts festival, clubs called Heaven and Hell. On Sunday, I went to a place called the which takes place in Worthy Farm, in Pilton. The farm is Unfairgound and took some photos. It is really creepy there, and the run by Michael Eavis throughout the year, but in June, it sculpture/art is eery. You also have the circus area. In the circus you is transformed into an incredible explosion of culture, have the usual performing acts - a Big Top, magicians etcetera - but there music and great food. There are various stages, tents is also a really cool twist that makes the circus field wild. Lots of random and fields where different events take place. performers and people are running around the field manically, doing GOn Thursday the 25th to Sunday the 28th of June, I went to crazy acts. When I was walking back to our caravan on the Sunday night, Glastonbury. I have been to Glastonbury before (last year) so I roughly these ladies dressed as aliens in strobe lighting clothes were dancing know my way around. The atmosphere was incredible. 170,000 people around, laughing and pretending to be toddlers. There is also a Kidz were bustling around like ants around a nest. There were different Field, as well as the Green Fields and Healing Fields. The Kidz Field has people walking around, people in weird and wacky costumes, from all lots of activities and shows designed for little kids, and the Green Fields cultures and races. The weather was, luckily, very good. However, in 45 shows the beauty and importance of keeping Worthy Glastonburys, only 8 have had no rain, so it was Farm and the world free of harm. Finally, the Healing inevitably going to get a bit wet... Fields is designed for the hippy culture, with spiritual Wellington boots are nearly always in use at experiences, massages and Steiner school influences. Glastonbury. On the Friday, we had two surprise The music is the whole reason why Glastonbury downpours. My sister and I were unlucky. We was first created. The music, as expected, was amazing. had left our rain macs back where we pitched Sadly, the Foo Fighters had to pull out of their Friday our seats and both got soaked. Of course, there night headliner slot due to Dave Grohl breaking his was then mud. There were puddles everywhere. leg. Despite this, the music was brilliant. My personal But, Glastonbury is a very relaxed, go-with-the-flow highlights were Florence and the Machine, The kind of festival, so everyone just went along with it, Libertines and The Who. Lionel Richie also had his no moaning or complaining. There’s always mud at Glastonbury debut and had the largest crowd in the Glastonbury. history of Glastonbury with over 100,000 people at There are many different themed places to go the Pyramid Stage including me! Overall, I think the in Glastonbury. One example is Arcadia. This is where quality of the music was excellent as usual, as was people go and rave all night around a giant robotic the atmosphere and whole experience. spider. Shangri La is another place with its opposing Dylan Maguire 7G
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 73 An Assembly for Remembrance Day 2014 by Mr Russel-Ponte
was conscious when I was planning this assembly that, for half of you here, this will be your final Remembrance service in the school. I’d like us to reflect today on the history of our school – and what Remembrance could,I and perhaps should, mean to us. What was life like in our school a hundred years ago? Different uniforms – yes; a stricter and more formal environment – yes… but what really struck me when I was researching this assembly was how similar everything was. Here is a class in a lecture room, all poised with pens at the ready. I suspect they didn’t always look as ordered as this. But I can see Woodwork – no overcoats and a lot of my classes today in this photo. Similar safety goggles in 1912… but plenty of saws faces. Similar haircuts. And if look closely you and mallets and vice grips… can see some of their personalities creeping through – including one of the boys on the left making a slightly silly face.
Art & Design – and here it looks like the boys are having a lesson on light and shade, much like you might still do today.
The annual school sports days was also little different from the sports day that you have contested through your years in the school.
So: there we are. 100 years in the life of our school. A different place from today in some ways. But also very familiar. A similar school day. Similar boys with similar personalities going about their lives. School work; homework; sport; music; art…… and then, from a reasonably clear blue sky, World War I erupted and everything changed. And this next photo, for me, captures this So, after a busy morning it would be off to change in a powerful image. This photo was the canteen for lunch – taken in 1919, just after the end of WW1, and One difference that you might shows a captured German trench mortar on notice here is the absence of a queue… so, display outside the school. there you are boys, not everything gets In the years before this photo hundreds better as time passes… of boys, ex-boys and staff from this school Physics – of course, being a History teacher After lunch it would then be time for found themselves living and fighting in awful I’m not allowed into the Science block too a spot of sport in the afternoon. And this conditions in France, Belgium and elsewhere often… but all the elements of a modern picture does look a little different, I’ll grant around the world. Like countless others on Science classroom are there – especially the you: full-length button-down shirts, and lots both sides of the battlefield it was not a war boys enthusiastically burning things. of climbing, and military-style drills, and bar they sought. But they answered the call of duty work. But, at the same time, also all of the nevertheless and many of them – as you know, sports that we play today – and the fixture list far too many: 96 from our school community from 1912 is little different from the fixture list – gave their lives in the years that followed to that we have to this day. protect their home, families and friends.
74 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 I’d like to share with you now some Like thousands of others John Cameron This picture shows him clearing 5 foot 2 wonderful research that Mr.Panter and Mr Heather joined the army voluntarily at the inches – about 158cm in new money – Pegler’s father carried out a number of years outbreak of the war. At the time he was 18 years at our 1910 Sports Day. ago to learn more about 2 of our old boys who old – you can see how young he is from his photo. left the safe environment of our school one He served with the 13th Kensington Battalion, This is particularly impressive given that – hundred years ago to fight overseas. Some of London Regiment, and quickly rose to the rank of unlike you today – he was not jumping onto a this comes from hands-on detective work by Sergeant. After 2 years of distinguished service – nice mat but, rather, onto the hard ground with Mr.Panter and Mr.Pegler’s father in the school and just a couple of weeks after his 20th birthday a token dusting of sand on top. He was also a loft – the rest from enquiries with the Imperial – he was killed in operations on the Somme. successful footballer, scoring – wait for it – 1, War Museum, Ministry of Defence, National Today he is buried in Delville Wood cemetery - a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 goals in a famous 14-0 win over Army Museum and the Commonwealth War site we often have a chance to visit on our annual John Lyon school in 1910. In the 1910 football Grave Museum. Y10 WW1 Battlefields Trip. inter-form final, as House Captain of N, he also scored 6 goals in a 9-0 victory over T. After leaving school he went on to play for Cricket for Hertfordshire, scoring 120 against the MCC. There is every chance that, but for the war, he would have gone on to be a professional sportsman. Sadly, however, he did not get this opportunity… He joined the 5th Essex Regiment in Nov 1915 and quickly rose to an Officer Rank. His main role was as a Brigade bombing instructor. In July 1917, after 2 years of dedicated service, he was wounded in action at Monchy-le-Preux. He died of his wounds 3 days later.
In the 1910 Fullerian – the year that he left our school – Ernest Scott Household is described as having “everything to look forward to”.
I would like to finish with some poignant words from his Housemaster, also from that year.
He said that, “with a Captain like Household, we were bound to succeed, for his keenness and enthusiasm stirred many boys to action.” John Cameron Heather Ernest Scott Household He was born in August 1896 and lived at 33 He was born in June 1893 and lived at “We are very sorry to say goodbye to him Cassio Road, near to West Herts 1A Westland Road, close to and we sincerely hope that his example may Sports Ground. He was at our school from Watford Junction station. He was at our be remembered by N House for a very long Sep 1907-July 1913, school from Sep 1908 to July 1910. time to come”.
What sort of person was he? According to What sort of person was he? He was an So, to conclude boys, the purpose of today’s his school report he was “an average pupil”. He outstanding student and an outstanding assembly is to ensure that boys like Ernest made a promising start to his school career. In sportsman. He finished first in his form in 1909 Scott Household, John Cameron Heather and, 1908 he was 5th in his form and “making very and 1910. He was captain of the school Athletics indeed, Tom Sawyer – a more recent old boy good progress”; a few years later his work ethic team and the school Cricket team – and you can who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 – are tailed off a little: in 1911 he was 14th in his form see his name on both honours boards at the remembered and will be remembered “for a and “did not work hard enough”; in his last year in back of this hall. In cricket he has the particular very long time to come”. the school – 1913 – he had turned things around, distinction of being the first boy in the history of rising to 8th in his form and showing improvement our school to score a hundred in a competitive “in some subjects”. He represented the school in fixture – in a game against Latymer School. Cricket, Football & Cross-Country. He was a talented high-jumper
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 75 Rugby 2013-14 1st XV It is fair to say that the season was very much game inspired us and acted as a catalyst for had established from the start of the season a season of two halves. After 6 weeks of our dominant victory of 20-0. Probably the and were successful against Queen Elizabeth’s SPORTrelaxation and partying, reality hit us that pre heartiest win of the season came against the Grammar School, Barnet. The game highlighted season was about to start. After a few days prestigious Cokethorpe School. The game was that we are still a skilful and competent team. of training, the team improved and looked so memorable as almost half the team were The team continued to enjoy our rugby on hand for our first challenge of the season, injured prior to the game. Members of the 2nd experience in both training and matches and the Mill Hill 15s tournament. Although not team stepped up and were superlative in both made the most of our team socials. winning the tournament, the squad looked defence and attack enabling us to win 17-13. I wish every year in the school the best sharp and cohesive, which was reassuring for Unfortunately, our impressive winning run was for the future. Rugby at Watford Grammar the forthcoming season. about to end when we faced Berkhamsted School for Boys has created some of our most Our first game of the season was against School away. Truthfully, Berkhamsted were memorable experiences and has enabled us to Richard Hale School. Admittedly, it did take much fitter than us, enabling them to get create friends for life. until the second half to function, but when around the field to the breakdown quicker. The Giorgio De Lucia U6 this materialised we looked fluid in the loss against Berkhamsted was disappointing, backs and powerful in the forwards enabling preceding the half term break. Team: Giorgio De Lucia (captain), Douglas us to win our first game of the season. We Following half term, we had a set of MacDonald, Charles Fern, Cameron Wells, continued our winning run with comprehensive fixtures that we knew would be challenging Thomas Marsh, Jonathan Waller, Adam Wolf, victories against St George’s, St Columbus and strenuous. Unfortunately, we came second Sam Oguz, Tom Franklin, Myles Finnegan, and Parmiters. The local derby against best to Haberdashers’ Aske’s, Aylesbury and Robert Kennedy, Austin Bailey, Julian Merchant Taylors stands in the memory as Bishop Stortford Schools. Despite these Manieson, Tim Dunkerton, Matt Wright, Pranav an unforgettable game. An outstanding demanding and gruelling fixtures, the team Amaranath, Adam Kowalewicz, Tom Durn, Luke defensive effort by Tim Dunkerton in the continued the ‘never say die’ attitude that we Ashton, Aaron Sharkey.
2nd XV I was fortunate enough to co-captain the WBGS had rarely been in all season). However, an injury that is indeed what we did. With a total of 4 2nd 15 during the rugby season and I would not suffered by our kicker early in the 2nd half was wins and 9 losses, it was regrettably a losing be exaggerating if I described it as the most made worse by the fact that the away side were season. Yet throughout the entirety of the term enjoyable experience in my 7 years of playing able to score two tries in quick succession to the boys’ enthusiasm never waned and victories rugby at the school. Although it was a season cancel out our achievements from the first half. towards the end of the season such as the ones littered with difficult fixtures against the likes Without our coach, Mr Jelski, who was away on against Aylesbury Grammar and QE not only of Merchant Taylors and Haberdashers’ Aske’s family business, the team knew that they would demonstrated a high level of skill but also a Schools in which we were often placed on the need to pull together in order to claw back the desire to fight for each other which made both receiving end of heavy defeats, we were able victory. With 2 minutes to go, the forwards turned Adam and I proud to captain the boys. Special to produce some fantastic performances in over an opposition line out,10 metres from our thanks must go out to all the boys who turned which the boys persevered and played well as own try line and, after a series of masterfully out to play for the 2nd 15 throughout the season a team in order to grind out results. executed rucks, which took us up the other end and of course to both Mr Jelski and Mr Wallis The season itself started with a tough of the field, Jake Obiora was able to power over for training us to be the best standard we could away fixture against Richard Hale School, in the line to win the game in the dying seconds. It possibly be because without them, this season which, after trailing throughout large periods, was a victory that demonstrated the heart of the would have been nowhere near as enjoyable as the team was able to turn the game around boys as we were able to produce such a strong it turned out to be. and come away with a 14-12 victory. However, performance, even after losing so many games Jonathan Waller (U6NAI) as good a mood as this put us in going into the prior to this fixture. This was one that made both rest of the season, it was not, unfortunately, my co-captain (Adam Woolf) and me proud to be Lewis Reynolds, Thomas Marsh(Vice-Capt), a standard we could maintain throughout the a part of the team. Pacalavan SivaharanAdam Woolf(Capt), Robert coming games as we went on to lose 8 of our Insisting that the victory was solely Angel, Jake Obiora, Jack Wagman, Zachary next 9 games including heavy defeats against due to Mr Jelski’s absence, we asked him if Banson, Marco Scozzafava, Conor Callanan, Hitchin and St Albans Schools. Our single he would politely stay away from our final Bradley Mitchell, Timothy Dunkerton, Sam victory throughout this period came again two fixtures but it was impossible to keep him Beeston, Matthew Wright, Luke Davies, Sean St George’s School in which we played some away. In the second to last game we managed Gordon, Rupert Woods, James Todd, Harry of our best rugby of the year but it would be another impressive victory, this time against Dinsdale, Niall Sharma, Alexander Pierce, wrong to say that we didn’t deserve to have Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Barnet, Charles Fern, Oliver Tanner, Daniel Bugler, more victories like this. away in some difficult weather conditions and Jonathan Waller(Capt), Dominic Wills, Aaron The highlight of the season came against (if we disregard our final fixture) this meant we Sharkey, Douglas McGregor Smith Daniel Park, Aylesbury Grammar School in November where finished the season on winning terms. George Noakes, Salman Hassanali, Marco the team fought back from a try down in the To conclude therefore, it was an absolute Goldsmith, Hamish Rawbone, Matthew Lally, final minutes to pull off a spectacular victory in honour to co-captain the 2nd XV throughout Mohammad Yunis, Robert Slade, Thomas front of a loud (If a little small) home crowd. A my final year at the school. Before each game Franklin, Robert Kennedy, Thomas Durn, well worked team try combined with impressive ,Mr Jelski would always tell the boys to “go out Luke Ashton, Peter Pickford, Sam Oguz, Jack kicking from Austin Bailey had given us a 10-0 there and have fun” and indeed with the level Hayes, Nathan Horsley, Hamish Rawbone, lead early in the game and meant that we of commitment that both the upper sixth and James Wood, Vithushan Ratnaraja, Nicholas entered the second half in front (a position we lower sixth boys showed week in week out, Lawrence, Alexander Eliad
76 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 U16 All in all, we had what can only be described vice-captain, Douglas Mcgregor-Smith standing as we defeated Queen Elizabeth Grammar as a very tough season, full of difficult in. A decent win against Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Barnet, 38-20 despite being 20-14 fixtures, which were only made tougher by a School followed, but, once again, we were down at half time with perhaps the greatest try horrendous number of injuries. This became unable to capitalise on the momentum and in our year group’s history being finished off by clear immediately when, before the season proceeded to concede 3 straight defeats in a former C team winger James Wright. had even started, one of our fly half options row over the following month as we ran into The year ended as it began with a heavy suffered a broken arm. Yet there was far worse half term. defeat to a very good Bishops Stortford side, to come. In our first real game, a difficult We returned from our week off with a despite a resolute performance by the mish- fixture against a very strong Merchant Taylors fresh mind-set and, following a week of fitness mash of A, B and C team players representing side, we sustained a further 3 injuries to A training, we went down fighting to Haberdashers’ us. All in all, despite a very hard season with team players including a broken thumb and Aske’s School 27-5 in a heated game. The a long injury list, we enjoyed a few excellent what appeared to be a broken collarbone. spirited performances continued and our hard victories and hoped to carry those experiences However despite these setbacks, we went work finally paid off with our heavily weakened into the following year as some of us make the on to register a convincing 31-12 victory versus side producing a huge result to beat University step up to 1st and 2nd team rugby. St Columba’s College which lifted the spirits College School 19-17. This was the one match of I’d like to thank all those who stepped of all involved. Unfortunately any celebrations the season that I missed and thus I maintained up from the lower sets and teams and those were short lived as we bowed out to a narrow a stunning win rate of 0% throughout my who have always been A team regulars too, defeat to Hitchin School followed by a thumping captaincy. We had hoped this would fuel a late but most importantly I’d like to thank Mr Beere by an extremely strong Berkhampsted School spell of form; however more injuries struck and and Mr Reeve for helping us at training and team in which our captain, Zak Flesch, was we could do nothing to prevent a defeat to generally sticking by us whatever the final side-lined from rugby for life with a shattered Aylesbury Grammar School in the next game. scores were in our matches. cheekbone after a collision with Jonas Kitadi. Nonetheless we had plenty of keen Tom Lees 11G We continued for the next 4 games with our players stepping up and this became evident
U15 This season was a brilliant season for the end to the season. We did just that, cruising half the team were unable to play. However the under 15s. After our extremely successful year through tough rugby playing schools, such boys didn’t stumble and treated the game with last year, every boy was keen and determined as Haberdashers’ Aske’s, University College the same fight and determination that they to do even better in the coming season. We School, Queen Elizabeth’s school and finally had done all season. It was a brilliant game started our season strongly with a close win Bishop’s Stortford High School. of end-to-end rugby and, in keeping with the over a strong Richard Hale side, narrowly In the home straight we managed to win trend of the season, Watford boys managed beating them 22-20. With our first win under 4 out of 5 games, which both the coaches and to seal a win of 22-10. Man of the Match was our belt, we felt confident coming up against the boys were very proud of. Over the season, awarded to Rohan Finnegan, who received a Cokethorpe School, comfortably beating them the under 15s proved again that they were one Kirkbie Kendal school tie. A brilliant end to 50-10. Our winning streak continued, making of the dominant teams playing at Watford Boys. an amazing season, and we can’t wait to start it seven out of seven; however we were still Out of the 14 games we played, we raked improving and winning again in year 11. to face our biggest rivals, St Albans. It was up a points total of 378, whilst only conceding Rohan Finnegan 10F extremely close and we were leading for most 159 and with a high average of over 27 points of the match until our defence broke in the a game. Both Mr. Dawson and Mr. Jacobs were Squad: Harry Pettit, Shahen Shah, Jay Thanki, last few minutes. We were, however, handed a extremely proud of how far we had come. Robert Russo, Keir Allen, Thomas Cooney, lifeline, through a penalty on the 10 metre line However our season wasn’t quite over; a tour Patrick Addison, Harry Devon, Johnny Kennedy, in the last minute. Unfortunately, the attempt match against Mr. Jacobs’ old school, Kirkbie Ashley Charles, Jake wall, Luke Benton, Hashim at goal narrowly missed the right hand post Kendal had been arranged. The boys were Jamal, Jacob Burnett, Rohan Finnegan (Capt), and the game went to St Albans. Nevertheless, excited to have the opportunity to play again, Keegan Scholtz, James Rich, Moses Mutalaga, the boys were determined to have a good but with a clashing of match dates with hockey, Raphael Thompson.
U14 The 2013/14 season for a vastly improving round of the county cup; a cup we had great points difference to plus 31. U14 squad was a tale of two halves, not aspirations for, cut away from us abruptly by a Many thanks to Mr Williams and Mr literally but metaphorically. From the outset powerful opposing side. So when we then faced Davies who did a superb job at coaching us of the season, as a rejuvenated side that had them again later on in the season, everyone’s this season and gave up their spare time, we had a successful season previously, we were aspirations weren’t particularly high but, as hope to continue this form into seasons to inspired to perform well. However this upbeat a close team we bound together and decided come. feeling took a rapid turn for the worse after we were going to avenge our previous loss. Craig Beeston 9P the first eleven games; we had been beaten And from then on, during that cold Saturday up physically and mentally in a number of morning, we switched on completely and Liam Green, Sam Boyce, Ben Plunkett, gruelling matches against tough opposition, fought hard. We fought so hard to the point George Wright, Adam Tucker, Aidan Sharkey, leaving us with a measly points’ differential we had a chance to beat them on the last kick Ronaldo Joslyn, Harry Clements, Euan Wiley, of -43. Although in a lot of these matches we of the game, the scores being 20-22, and we Craig Beeston (captain), Tom Milford, Robbie were unlucky to be the side travelling home had a reasonably kickable penalty. I stepped Troude, Rob Vangucci, Kiran Vyas, Micheal as losers in a close knit match, we had played up and comfortably slotted the kick, leaving Onyekuru, Gavin Lee, Tobi Odanye, Danny eleven games and won three. us to win 23-22 against a team who had a Russo, Jake Lees, Alex Foley, James Thomson, It had been a miserable season to that thumped us earlier on in the season. And this Haaris Malik, Deen Taj, Shenal De Almeida, point; including the 25-0 loss to Queen truly defined our turnaround season; we put Haroon Alishan, Tom Stock, Francis Appiah- Elizabeth Grammar School, Barnet. It was ourselves in motion and competently won all Danquah, Jamie Ivory a thoroughly disappointing loss, the first the remaining four games, turning around the
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 77 U13 After having a very good previous year of in training and needed a win in our next game, our way. We lost 15-17, this really summed up rugby we were confident that we cold emulate where we played Hitchin Boy’s, and won 36-10. our season, a very close game but the result the same success this year as well. Our Slowly starting to get our form back, we had not going our way. So overall we played 12, fixture list was full of some big names like one of the biggest games of the season, Dr won 3, lost 9. 180 points for and 321 against Haberdashers’ Aske’s and Dr Challoner’s. But Challoner’s. We knew they were very well a difference of -141. It was not a great season, we were confident that we could give them a drilled and would be a very good side. This but we will be wanting to have a better season good game and possibly get a positive result. clearly showed as we were outclassed by a next year. Our first game of the season was against much better side; we lost 0-60. Colm Finnegan 8C Richard Hale. We knew that they were a good After the Dr Challoner’s game we had side as we played them 3 times the previous lost our heads and this showed in our results. Squad: Matteo Ponzini, Nathan Tyson, Paarth year. Unfortunately we got off to a slow start Losing the next 4 games to St George’s (12-53), Patel, Lucas Dyson-Diaz, Zachary O’Malley, and Richard Hale made the most of this Magdalen College (7-10), St Albans (17-22), Ethan Meller, Max Brown (Capt), Thomas Walsh opportunity and beat us 10-15. But we were Haberdashers’ Aske’s (5-45) and Aylesbury (Capt), Owen Rackham, Max Baker, Louis determined to come back from this defeat (5-45). We wanted to come back from our run Harris, Angus Finnegan, Sam Netscher, Jack and we did this by beating Cokethorpe 51-0. of losses; we beat Queen Elizabeth’s School Aitchison, Joseph Hancock, Ayo Fasanya, Colm Feeling confident after our win we came up 17-15 in a very tightly fought game. It was a last Finnegan (Capt), Ryan Sin, Festus Mensah, against St Columba’s College and failed to game of the season against Bishops Stortford Connor O’Donnell, Aaron Manu perform again, losing 5-29. We worked hard and we wanted to win, but the result didn’t go
U12 Our first taste of rugby at WBGS was a very Two cancelled games after this gave us a chance of rugby, we couldn’t pick up the silverware. This exciting prospect for all of us, especially those to work hard, with Merchant Taylors being our next year has been thoroughly enjoyed by all of the boys who were new to the game. Many players had game. The boys showed great spirit in bouncing and we owe lots of this to Mr Wallis, Mr Jacobs and only had a few months of training before being straight back from these defeats to battle our Mr Beere. We are all looking forward to lots more thrown in the deep end for an away fixture against way to a well earned 22-14 victory. In this game enjoyable seasons at this school. Verulam Boys School. Unfortunately, this game we showed some of the grit and determination James Milford 7B was lost 44-12, and served as a bit of a wake that we had been lacking previously. This then up call to all of us. We went on to win our next led to a good win against St George’s in which we Squad: Sebastian Tempest, Tommy Wheeler, game against Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, managed to win by 44 points. Yasir Merali, Billy Balchin, Edward Stock, William Barnet, 24 - 14, and then went to a tournament Another successful tournament followed Bishop, Jack Shute, Josh Dawood (Vice-Capt), at Richard Hale School, where we suffered some as well as more wins against Tring School and Robert Curwen, James Simmons, Oliver Withell, more losses but finished with welcome revenge Queen Elizabeth’s Barnet (for the second time). Our James Milford(Capt), James Ryan, Ewan Cooney, over Verulam in the form of a 15-5 win. season was finished off with a 10s tournament at Ali Shah, Het Patel, Billy Balchin, Edward Stock, We were geting somewhere, we were Berkhampsted School. This allowed our boys to use Angus Forrest, Emmanuel Zewdu, Siraaj Shah, improving and sett off for our next game in positive all the skills we’d picked up throughout the season. Oliver Griffiths, Harry Kendal, Luke Dejager, spirits. Unfortunately we suffered the massive It was great to play some running rugby as we Oliver Tattersall, Aron Finkelstein, Kartigan blow of three consecutive heavy losses to Hitchin made it into the plate final where we faced Hitchin Navaneethan, Inesh Ahuja, Joseph Mohan Boys, St Columba’s and University College School. School. Despite a huge effort after such a long day
1st XV Rugby Squad 2013-14
78 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 2014/15 1st XV After a season in which we lost more games St. Benedict’s was always going to be defensive line and score under the posts in the than we won, there is a temptation to gloss a difficult ask. A team that contains two age final play, after we had slowly been moving up over the less flattering results and hold up group internationals and a drove of regional the field, was excruciating. the wins that we had as examples of what we and academy players is going to cause any side The title of “Best Match” of the season, could do when we set our minds to it. This, I problems. What we failed to anticipate was quite however, goes to the penultimate fixture against believe, does not do justice to the character how many problems they would cause, and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Barnet. We that we displayed in some of our losses, and whilst it is churlish to suggest that the scoreboard managed to win, which made it an exceptional day ignores the fact that schoolboy rugby isn’t flattered the opposition, it is also true to say that in its own right, but the event that earned QE the simply about the winning or the losing, but the losing margin was so wide that the All Blacks “Best Match” moniker came after the final whistle. about the people that you win and lose with. would have been flattered by it. There we were, celebrating our victory, The upper sixth members of the 1st XV deserve The first senior rugby social of the season, when into our huddle strides the impressive, a special mention I think, because they gave the as is the tradition, was a classy, enlightened and hulking man that is Mr Wallis. There were no coach rides to and from games an atmosphere that thoroughly highbrow affair; and the lower sixth words from the wise, gnarled mouth, and the was second to none and, despite the results, they contingent of the squad is eagerly awaiting the silence was moving. However as he attempted have all been a key part of everything good that has opportunity to extend the same courtesy and to articulate himself to his young charges, he happened on the field this season. respect to next year’s rugby cohort. shed a tear that revealed a kind-hearted and The official season opened with the match The best performance of our season, in my warm soul, kept under wraps until that day by against Richard Hale School, as it does every opinion, came in a loss (a near statistical certainty endless scrummaging and short shorts. year, and by the end of the fixture, we had unfortunately) against St. Albans School. I have But in all seriousness, that moment and lost the game, Douglas McGregor-Smith, Oliver refrained from using the oldest adage in sport countless other moments over the course of Tanner and Toby Brown. Douglas and Oliver were up until this point, but in all honesty, this was a the season reiterated the fact that Mr Wallis is both ruled out for the season, and were robbed game that we should have won. The performance a man that cares very much about rugby at our of an opportunity to play a greater part in it. The from the whole team, especially the halfbacks, school, and puts an incredible amount of time game was a reality check in more ways than the Robert “Dobby” Kennedy and Austin “Glass and effort into it. We were and are exceedingly injury toll – it made the point that there were not Ankle” Bailey, was honestly exemplary, and to lucky to have him coaching the 1st XV. going to be any “easy” wins this season. see the opposition scrumhalf duck through our Julian Manieson L6P
2nd XV
The 2nd team did very well this year, overcoming off after scoring the try to start the comeback. Squad: Sam Beeston (captain), Rob Angel the loss of players to the first team and car The final match was a 27-12 victory over Bishop (vice-captain), Lewis Reynolds, Michael crashes to win 5 of their 13 games. The season Stortford School including a ‘beautiful’ hat-trick Mensah, Tim Edwards, Daniel Gillen, Ranishka started slowly but eventually good wins were for Rob Angel. Special mention must also go Kumarage, Vyshnave Amaranath, Andy recorded including beating St Columba’s College to Lewis Reynolds for scaring the life out of Tunwell, Harry Dinsdale, Vithushan Ratnarajah, 36-17 with 4 tries from Charlie Staines when oppositions all season; Vithushan for doing most Atharva Abhyankar, Adam Anwar, Tom Lees, he found out where the try line was and a of the team’s tackling by himself and to Michael James Hayes, Chris Butcher, Sean Gordon, Jack 22-7 victory over University College School. The Mensah for solving the team’s front row crisis. McLean, Jonas Kitadi, Peter Shears, Cameron highlight of the season was coming from 19-5 Everyone is grateful to Mr Jacobs for putting up Simmonds, Matt Lally, Charlie Staines, down at halftime to beat Cokethorpe School with the team all season. Brandon Kato, Niall Sharma, Andrew Layton. 26-19 due to captain Sam Beeston being subbed Sam Beeston U6P
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 79 U16 This year the boys were determined to repeat Hill we knew we were champions! There were 3 good wins against St George’s, Beaumont the success of the season before. Under the standout performances from Luke Benton and and Magdalen College Schools. Yet again we guidance of Mr. Beere, we were hopeful that Rohan Finnegan, who bagged 4 tries each. came up against our rival, St Albans, and once we would have a brilliant and solid season This was exactly the start we needed to our again it was the same story. St Albans proved as a unit. Our season began with a brilliant season and gave us confidence going into the too strong and were too much for us on that tournament win at Mill Hill School. Over the first real game. cold, wet morning. We had a successful end summer, pre season training was put on for the An extremely strong St Benedict’s to the season, only losing 1 of out of our last boys to ensure that we were in prime condition School was our first match and with some 5 matches. Out of the 14 matches we played, going in to the tournament. Under Mr. Wallis key players out injured, St Benedict’s attack we managed to score 299 points whist only and Mr. Dawson we were sure we had a good was too much and we narrowly lost. However, letting in 169, which gives us an average of 21 chance. We started off with a bang, with a the boys were determined to bounce back points per game. Both the boys and Mr Beere solid win over Judd School, 23-0. Finally, only with a good win and that’s exactly what we were extremely proud of what we had achieved Mill Hill school stood in our way to victory. did, with a confident performance against over the course of the season. Every player We knew this would be a test of our fitness, St Columba’s College, winning 21-5. We then is excited about the idea of sixth form rugby and our pre season training really paid off. We went on to lose to both Merchant Taylors and next year and hope we can have a similarly came out of the tournament having only let in Berkhamsted, which gave a big blow to our successful season next season. 1 try. With another confident win against Mill confidence. However we bounced back with Rohan Finnegan 11F
U15 Statistically this season may not have gone we came so close in lots of hard fought grudge maturity and continuity, we can continue to completely to plan, as is shown by us only matches. But over the course of this year, under improve and ease into the senior rugby set a lot winning just under 20% of our games. Most the fantastic coaching of Mr Dawson and Mr more easily in future years. people would describe our season as a failure, Dyson, we have vastly improved personally and So, overall, our season may seem but in fact it is quite the opposite of that. Given wholly as an age group. We have been taught a disappointing to an outside eye, but in truth that we have a tough but pleasingly challenging better style of rugby; a slick style of rugby which the team has greatly improved. This is as fixture list, we did very well to lose by less than when we are big enough in further seasons, we a consequence of great coaching from Mr ten points to teams like St Benedict’s, Ealing, can use to beat teams who had beaten us before Dawson and Mr Dyson, of whom we are very and University College School and beat strong merely because of size. Our understanding of the grateful for not only coaching us so well but opposition such as Richard Hale and Bishops game in full is considerably better and having also giving up their spare time to aid us. Stortford High School. We were the ‘nearly’ team; been taught an intelligent game plan of intensity, Craig Beeston 10P U14 This was our third year of rugby at Watford marked the beginning of our mid-season finally showed our class. Early on in the first Boys, and having two previous years of strong slump. On the back of this defeat, we lost a half, we went 21-0 up through some brilliant results we were feeling confident going into further five matches on the trot, including: work from Max Brown and Waleed Malik. In the this season. a 45-5 defeat to Berkhamsted School; a second half however, UCS battled back and after On a cold and wet Saturday morning we frustrating 50-14 defeat to Bishops Stortford some players had gone off injured, the game made the long journey to Richard Hale School School in a field in the middle of nowhere. This became a close affair. We showed real character where, despite our best efforts, we lost narrowly defeat knocked us out of the quarter final of to maintain our advantage and the score line, 22-26 in a very even game. The week after we the county cup and left us feeling a bit flat. 38-27, was a real reflection of the game. faced the same problems and lost to St Benedict’s Despite these defeats, we carried on We then travelled to Aylesbury Grammar 7-45, but we were determined to come back and giving spirited performances against tough School with a change in captaincy. This change get a win the following week. And win we did, opposition. Unfortunately, even with the unfortunately didn’t pay dividends, and we 29-26 against a very strong St Columba’s team guidance of the masterful Mr Williams, we lost the game 44-12. With many games getting with outstanding performances from Tom Walsh were undone 30-12 against St George’s School called off towards the end of the season, coming back from an injury, scoring two tries and and suffered even worse defeats against St and our team desperate to end on a high, also from Paul Field scoring a hat-trick, his stand- Albans despite some unbelievable scramble Mr Williams provided a rare opportunity to out try being in the last play of the game. defence. A disappointing 19-0 defeat against face Queen’s School. We took this opportunity Next we faced Merchant Taylors. As Haberdashers’ Aske’s School followed. and had our best win of the season (points always we went out strong and were winning Things were looking bleak after this unlucky wise). 54-5 was the score at the full time by 11 points going into the second half. run of games; however, we were still determined whistle and we were all very buoyant about Unfortunately spirits dropped and the team to bounce back. When we finally got a home our performance. suffered an unlucky 46-21 defeat. This defeat fixture against University College School, we Max Brown 9P
U13 This season has been a real roller-coaster ride. we went down by 50 points in all of them. For holidays, we lost all our momentum and, We would like to thank Mr Davies and Mr our next three games there was a complete turn when we returned to school, we faced a well- Jelski for sticking with us for what has been a around, and we showed great spirit to come organised and well- fed St Albans team and we tough season. Results wise our season could back from such heavy early losses. So, we beat lost heavily 7-57. We lost our next four matches, certainly not be classed as successful, but we St Columba’s (where Ali Shah stormed to a hat a losing streak that finished with a 67 - 0 loss have shown lots of potential in our matches. trick down the wing), St George’s (where we away to Bishops Stortford School, whose well- It became quite evident at the start of the scored 29 unanswered points) and Magdalen drilled team took full advantage of a number of season that our defence would be our ultimate College School (where Billy Balchin set the tone key absences from ours. Overall we are all very downfall. It was not a case of not being able to with a storming run down the middle of their determined to do better next season. tackle, but we lacked the appetite to do so. Our defence straight from a kickoff). James Milford 8B first few games showed this pretty clearly, as Unfortunately during the half term
80 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 U12 It has been a fantastic year of rugby for the Semi-final and Verulam School in the final. Not evening. Congratulations to Tom Kennard for U12s; with the A team winning twelve games only that, but the A team also came runners up winning B team player of the year, Kaden Elsey and narrowly losing one to Richard Hale, 7-5. in the Berkhamsted Rugby Tens Tournament for winning most improved player of the year Although it wasn’t just the A team that was against some of the best rugby schools in the and Shay Rafter for winning A team player of the successful this year, the B team also had area and in the country, losing to a very good year. Well done to every boy who represented success, winning sixteen games out of twenty Bishop Stortford High School team in the final, to the school in Rugby for the U12s this season and against very strong opponents. The A team won round off a great season. On the evening of May thank you to Mr Jacobs, Mr Wallis, Mr Williams the Broxbourne Tournament for the first time 20th the A, B and C teams all went to Jimmy’s and Mr Gould for coaching us. in 9 years, beating Richard Hale School in the World Grill in Watford for an awards, celebration James Foley 7N
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THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 81 Year 8 Kendal Tour Report 2014
n the 14th February the under 13s rugby team did exceptionally well, winning handsomely 59-0. Our strong left for the North. Two mini-buses holding use of both forward and back play made our game fun and twelve eager and excited players each had a successful, even though the pitch was pretty wet and muddy. good few hours journey up to Manchester to After the match and a little free time to roam around the town, watch the Saracens versus Sale Sharks match. we went to the local bowling complex to play two games, some We arrived at the AJ Bell Stadium to watch a of us eventually trailing into the arcade. Ogood but tense match, Saracens marginally winning 15-10. Soon Unfortunately on Sunday our match against the club side after the match had finished, we endured another couple of was cancelled due to an unplayable pitch, so instead we played hours up to Kendal, where a very cosy and superb hostel awaited a mini-football tournament on the schools astro-turf. However us. We were welcomed by the staff and shown to our rooms in a the time soon came for us to leave and make our way back to matter of minutes. In next to no time at all, the hostel fell silent, Watford. Another several hours in the minibuses faced us. as every one was fast asleep after a tiring journey. Eventually we made it to Watford at about four-ish. Many Day two of the tour and we were up early and prepared for parents were waiting for their sons. The enjoyment and tiredness our own match against Kirkbie Kendal School. Soon enough kick on everyone’s faces was high as the first under 13s tour should off approached and not long after, Watford Boys were already a be one that our age group at Watford Boys shouldn’t ever forget. try up. To our surprise, we were in quite a wealthy lead at half Tom Walsh time. With many fresh legs coming on at time-to-time our team
Year 8 Kendal Tour Report 2015 he year 8 rugby team this year travelled to Kendal, we set off again for a night’s bowling. The bowling rounded off which was a great experience for us all. For many a great day and we were entertained on the way back by Mr of us it was our first rugby tour but the first Wallis’ sports quiz. flush of excitement soon wore off someway on The next morning we had another early game, this time our seven hour coach journey on which we were against the more experienced and well-drilled opposition of accompanied by Mr Jacobs, Mr Wallis and Mrs Kendal Rugby Club. After a shaky first quarter where we saw TCox. We arrived tired and weary at a small restaurant, where I little ball or territory, we scored a superb try due to excellent link drew the allocation of rooms out of the hat. After our meal we play between the backs and which was finished off in the corner made our way to our rooms next door and started the settle just before the half-time whistle went. This gave us lots more in. Once we were in bed, many of us suddenly decided that we confidence going on, as some players weren’t playing in their were no longer tired and, in fact, had the energy to stay up all usually position due to injuries and some absences. Despite this, night chatting, despite the fact that we faced an early game in and everyone’s lack of sleep, the team stuck at it - led brilliantly the morning. by captain Billy Balchin - and were unlucky to suffer a narrow The next morning, we had our breakfast and headed off to defeat to a side that on another day we would have beaten. We our game against Kirbie Kendal School, where we faced a side had a good meal in the clubhouse and then headed home after that was less well-drilled than us. In the first minute we were a very enjoyable and successful tour. Of course that would not sliced open in midfield and, as their centre strolled over the have been possible without the hard work from all the teachers line to casually touch the ball down, Emannuel Zewdu flattened who gave up their weekend for us to have a great tour, and our him and he knocked on. From then on, we thrashed them with thanks go out to them. a mentionable hat trick from Ed Stock and a Man of the Match performance from James Simmons who controlled the game. Squad: Het Patel, Joseph Mohan, Billy Balchin, Hayaan Khan, After a quick shower and change of clothes, we headed Edward Stock, Emannuel Zewdu, Inesh Ahuja, Harry Kendal, off to a tree top adventure centre which was great fun for all Robbie Curwen, James Simmons, James Ryan, Ewan Cooney, (including the teachers). We then went to Kendal Rugby Club to Will Bishop, Joe Page, Shun Asano, Charley Smith, Ben Adonis, watch the England game as well as the Kendal first team play. Siraaj Shah, Mohammed Yahya, Josh Pressler, Aaron Treon, Both games were very good: England and Kendal won. After Angus Forrest, Ali Shah that we drove back to the hostel where we were staying, and James Milford 8B had a few minutes to relax after such an eventful day before
82 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Cricket 2013/14 1st XI The 2014 cricket season was a tough one for and the MCC, the 1st XI bounced back with two Squad: Atharva Abhyankar Conor Callanan(Capt), the first XI, characterised by games postponed consecutive wins against the Old Fullerians and Matthew Rose(Vice-Capt), Robert Gaffney, Hamish due to rain and players missing games due the Will Jones XI. The season ended with a tough Rawbone, Vikesh Patel,Angus Ball,Sulaymaan to exams. The first game, against Aylesbury loss to Haberdashers’ Aske’s and an entertaining Ahmed,Gregory Sumpter,Thomas Stock, Thomas Grammar School, resulted in a disappointing loss trip to the Cotswold 5 over tournament. The final Durn, Jaxon Lloyd but this was followed by solid back-to-back wins game record stood at 4 wins and 4 losses, a against Dr. Challoner’s and University College respectable result but one that this year’s first XI School. Although this form wasn’t extended to will hope to improve on. the next two games, against Merchant Taylor’s Atharva Abhyankar 11F U15 It was a very successful season for the U15s, losing De Silva, Harry Pettit, Sebastian Plunkett, Greg Sumpter was awarded Player of the Season only 3 matches out of 12. We began the new season Jonathan Kennedy and Jesse Rist, coupled with for his impressive batting and bowling statistics, under the guidance of our new coach, Mr Welch. The exceptional bowling from Deil Patel, Conrad and Harry Pettit took the Most Improved Player of season was sparked with our opening match, being Pinn, Rahul Patel, Samir Patel, Thomas Mohan, the season. Thanks to Mr Welch for making our a County Cup draw against St. Columba’s College. Luke Jones and Mohammed Zarin. season the success that it was. Batting first we scored 196 for the loss of only 2 Helping us reach the semi finals of the Deil Patel 10T wickets, down to a well-deserved century from Greg County Cup, where we frustratingly came second Sumpter and went onto bowling St. Columba’s out to an equally matched Parmiters side, the for 56, resulting in an emphatic victory. game came down to the last ball. However we Squad: Greg Sumpter, Luke Jones, Harry Pettit, This led onto a run of victories against sides managed to bounce back, securing convincing Deil Patel (Capt.), Rahul Patel, Samir Patel, such as University College School, Berkhamsted victories right until the season’s close. Conrad Pinn, Sebastian Plunkett (Capt.), School, St. Albans School and Aylesbury Overall the season was extremely successful Ashan De Silva, Thomas Mohan, Jesse Rist, Grammar School as a result of outstanding with each player contributing on and off the field, Mohammed Zarin, Jonathan Kennedy. batting from the likes of Greg Sumpter, Ashan hopefully helping us lead onto senior cricket. U14 We started the season with a change of coach College School side slightly under-cooked. They win against Aylesbury Grammar School and our and captain. Mr Wallis took over after an excellent posted a good but not unachievable score of 138: traditional demolition of Parmiters. We finished year under Mr Samarasinghe, who guided us to this was a match played on Toy Town, famous for its on a high, beating Enfield Grammar School with our second consecutive county cup, and Tom small boundaries. However, nobody seemed to get a great performance. Milford took over the reins as captain from Tom in and our soft dismissals were our downfall as we So, with a flourish of victories at the end of the Stock, who had been called up to the 1st team. finished short on 108. Next came Queen Elizabeth’s season, the team finished with statistics of played 10, Inevitably losing such a key player would be Grammar School Barnet, and a comfortable 20 won 6, and lost 4. Some disappointments along the a challenge for us, but, over the course of the run win, only to be followed a few days later way did not detract from a respectable season over season, the team managed to adapt, learning to by an extremely frustrating five run loss against all. Player of the Season went to Dhillon Dodhia, who take more responsibility on its shoulders. Berkhamsted School, where we came agonisingly was consistently brilliant behind the stumps, and the After spending the Spring term in the sports short of reaching their target of 84. A second round Most Improved Player award went to Shrey Parikh, hall nets, we were ready to go. We started the exit of the County Cup to St Albans, where a poor our opening bowler. Many thanks must go to Mr season against St George’s Weybridge. Early score of 88 was never going to be enough to win Wallis for all his hard work this season. wickets from Shrey Parikh put St George’s on the despite a superb fielding performance was quickly Thomas Milford 9N back foot and before long they were all out, having followed by a convincing loss to Dr Challoner’s. posted a well below-par score of 52. A strong Here our season changed. A superb 68* Squad: Thomas Stock, Thomas Milford(Capt), opening partnership set up our innings and we from Rohan Pau helped us to 157 off our 20 overs Rohan Pau, Benjamin Plunkett, Ralph Curwen, knocked off the runs with 10 overs to spare. A good against Hitchin Boys, and we managed to bowl Romario Ranabahu, Haaris Malik, Dhillon start, but with the following match lost to the rain, them out for just 66, immediately before the Dodhia, Shrey Parikh, Aushan Gosrani, Joshua we went into the game against a strong University rain came. We gathered momentum with a good Pickard, Divyam Arya, Hassan Sohail, U13 We came into our second cricket season as County Napier taking five wickets. Then we went to for the semi-final. The game was very high scoring Cup champions which brought high expectations. Aldenham School and smashed them by 107 runs; and we narrowly lost. In what was supposed to be an eighteen match Kailum Patel scored another 50 and Max Brown We finished the season excellently, winning season we only played thirteen due to the got well into the thirties. We then played in the four in a row including our last game, which was weather. We won eight of these and lost five. third round of the National Cup against Bancroft against Enfield Grammar School. We scored 167 In our first match, which was against Queen School, which was a tight affair in which a dropped and Paarth Patel chipped in with a magnificent Elizabeth’s Grammar School for Boys, we lost by catch was ultimately the difference. We lost our innings of 98. In truth, it was a disappointing six wickets. We quickly forgot about that loss and next match by 20 runs against St George’s College, season but hopefully we can work hard and went to Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, which we Weybridge in a below par performance. improve for next season. Most Improved player won by four wickets. In an inspired performance, Our next match was in the County Cup semi- went to Kailum Patel and Player of the Season was Kailum Patel got 5 wickets and a 50. Our next final against Haberdashers’ Aske’s. We deservedly Devang Arya. Kailum Patel 8C match was away to Aylesbury Gammar School, lost by 10 wickets. A week later we went to in the second round of the national cup, which Cokethorpe School to play in their tournament, Squad: Kailum Patel(Capt), Jack Aitchison, Max we were in after winning the County Cup the where three Year 7 boys: Edward Stock, Harry Brown, Paarth Patel, Devang Arya, Waleed previous year. We won this convincingly by nine Kendal and James Milford played up a year. We Malik, Jacob Culshaw, Jonathan Napier, Ali wickets. The star in that performance was Jonny won 2 out of the 3 group games which qualified us Shah, Varun Dodhia, Jack McRae, Sam Netscher
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 83 U12
The U12’s this season has been very successful 98 runs. The bowlers were very reliable all has worked well together through the fun and with 15 games played and a stunning 15 games season, but a special mention must go to tough times. Of course this season couldn’t won. Along the way we had some very close James Milford, James Ryan, Joseph Mohan and have been successful without our outstanding finishes including the County Cup semi-final Sahir Patel. Joseph Mohan and Sahir Patel coach, Mr. Samarasinghe. He kept us on the against Haberdashers’ Aske’s School where managed to take 35 wickets between them. ball, and frankly is unreplaceable and was a it came down to the last few balls of the Harry Kendal captained the team brilliantly key part of the season. The Most Improved game. James Milford managed to bowl the last all season particularly in the County Cup Player went to Sahir Patel for his brilliant over and Haberdashers only needed 5 to win. final. To get to the final we beat St Clement bowling with the new ball and Player of the Some brilliant fielding and bowling meant two Danes, St Albans, Roundwood Schools and Season to Edward Stock for his 530 runs in wickets in the last over secured victory. Haberdashers’ Aske’s. There were great 15 games. All the hard work throughout the The season witnessed a few champagne contributions from Ed Stock, Harry Kendal and year has earned us a well-deserved, Team of moments, like Edward Stock getting a century James Wheeler with the bat. The final of the the Season! against Dr Challoner’s Grammar School and County Cup was against Richard Hale School. Sahir Patel 8N a fantastic 500 runs throughout the season, It was a high scoring match. WBGS set 134, which is a new school record. Dr Challoner’s Richard Hale started their run chase well but Squad: Harry Kendal(Capt.), Edward Stock, was one of our best games with EdwardStock some tight bowling in the middle overs from James Milford(Vice-Capt.), Joseph Mohan, (100) and Harry Kendal (56) batting the entire Mohan, Ahmed and Ryan put them well behind Sahir Patel, James Ryan, Robert Curwen, Yusuf 20 overs with a partnership of 156 runs. We the run rate. Richard Hale were all out for 100. Ahmed, Zeeshan Rafiq, Amaan Manji, Charlie went on to beat Dr Challoner’s by a further We have been a successful team that Smith
2014/15
1st XI The first XI season was characterised by good Unfortunately, the first XI were beaten at the Will Jones Cup. Some lapses in the field bowling efforts let down by our batting. After Merchant Taylors’ by a mixture of squad meant that the old boys could set a strong total losing two games at the start of the season to unavailability due to exams and a great knock which, despite some strong hitting lower down the weather, the first team were up against it from one of their players. WBGS took a lean the order, we didn’t manage to chase down. when they were put in to bat against a strong run of form into the annual MCC game, and Although the season was disappointing in St George’s Weybridge side. Despite putting up while they did well to restrict them to 200, the terms of results, it must be noted that the vast a strong effort with the ball, WBGS’ score was first XI were unfortunately bowled out late in majority of the team, including the captain, are never high enough and Weybridge won with 5 the afternoon. As the season drew to a close, not in the upper sixth. The fact that that the wickets in hand. Despite a very disappointing our batting finally began to find its form, with players in the team have a lot of time to grow loss to Aldenham School, again solely due to a a score of 200 off 30 overs set for the Old into the roles of first team members offers a lot poor batting performance, the first XI did well Fullerians. Predictably, we were robbed of what of optimism for the future. to bounce back with a convincing win against was very likely to be a victory by the rain and A big thanks to Mr Needham and Mr University College School. the match was washed out. Samarasinghe for all their hard work over the As exam season set in, training sessions The last game of the season saw us take season. and matches were few and far between. on something of a dream team of old boys in Atharva Abhyanka L6F
U15 This year was a very successful season for the than 30 runs and win the game by 10 wickets. We total proved too much for St Albans, with a U15 cricket team. Following the pre-season carried this momentum through and comfortably great performance in the field, which included tour to Barbados, where we won 3 out of the won rounds 2 and 3 against St Columba’s Divyam Arya taking 5 wickets. Dhillon Dodhia 5 games played, we went on to win 13 out of College and Tring School respectively, with has consistently showed his excellent form 16 fixtures and picking up the Hertfordshire Joshua Pickard being the stand-out performer behind the stumps, particularly in this match County cup on the third occasion out of a in those games taking valuable wickets. We met with 3 stumpings. possible four - a record feat. our rivals, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, in the The final was played on the 30th of June The season started off with a comprehensive next round. Knowing this would be a difficult against Richard Hale School at St Albans on a victory against St George’s College, Weybridge, challenge, we batted first, posting a total of fantastic pitch in ideal conditions. Having won which included a 50 from Thomas Milford. This 95. We immediately started on the front foot, the toss and electing to bat, we saw Thomas set the tone for the matches that followed, with Shrey Parekh picking up the wicket of their Stock once again scoring prolifically with 63 including a 128-run win against University opener with the very first ball of the innings. This runs supported by Haaris Malik with 33 runs, College School where Ben Plunkett scored 50 set the tone early, with Aushan Gosrani proving taking WBGS total to 136 runs - a great score and Ralph Curwen took 4 wickets. There were what a brilliant off-spin bowler he is and we went for a final. This proved too much for Richard also terrific wins against Aldenham, RGS High on to win by 6 runs. Hale and they fell short by 54 runs. The U15 Wycombe and Aylesbury Grammar Schools. St Albans School (favourites for the team at Watford Grammar School were county These friendlies were capped off with a 9 wicket competition) was our next challenge in the champions again. triumph against Hitchin School where Thomas semi-final. This was by far the most intense This was the perfect way to say thank you Stock top scored with 103* (the third highest in game of the season so far. WBGS batted to our coach Mr Welch who retires at the end of the school this year) followed up by Jagrav Patel, first, and set St Albans a mammoth task of this academic year, and will be sorely missed. who took a 5 wicket hall. chasing 146 runs to win. This was achieved We wish him all the best. The County Cup began against Parmiters by match-winning performances from Thomas Rohan Pau 10C School who we managed to bowl out for less Stock (49) and Captain Rohan Pau (48). The
84 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 U14 Our first game was played against St George’s The first was against Merchant Taylors, a typically posted a good target of 132 in which I got 50 and Waleed College, Weybridge, which we had lost to last season strong sporting school after they posted an intimidating Malik got 20* and we set about defending it. In the but this time, thanks to some excellent bowling from score of 192. The highlight of the game had to be our process of trying to defend it, we had some excellent Jack McRae and a good innings of 65 by myself, number 11, Jacob Culshaw hitting a four straight down bowling including Jack McRae and Ali Shah. We thought cruised to a 25 run victory. From this match onwards, ground. What a great shot! In our next game against Dr we had won it when on route to taking 5 wickets, I got we won 8 games in row, including beating Queen Challoner’s Grammar School, we thought we had pinned a hat trick in one over but on the last ball of the last Elizabeth Boys by 60 runs; beating Aldenham School them down to below par score of 142, but then the rain over they managed a boundary and we lost. We won in a game which Jack Aitchison scored a superb 44* started to fall which made it very hard for our batsmen our final two games, in which the last one Max Brown on route to 10 wicket victory; and a 3 wicket win to score very much and one bowler in particular ripped scored a brilliant 58 and Paarth Patel got 23. In most against RGS High Wycombe, where Max Brown, with through our batting line-up taking 4 wickets in 4 overs. of the matches, Jack McRae our second leading wicket help from Paarth Patel and Devang Arya, won us the We managed a respectable 101 in response in which taker bowled brilliantly. He bowled the most overs out of game with Max scoring an unbeaten 50. I got 55 out. In our next match against Haberdashers’ everyone showing how well he has bowled this season. However we came unstuck in our next 3 games. Aske’s, by far the closest match of our season, we Kailum Patel 9C
U13 We started our long awaited cricket season We won our next few games with Abdulla the run rate – and Tommy Wheeler delivered with much to look forward to and plenty of Raja storming into the A-team with 6 wickets yet again! He hit a sublime 54 off very few confidence. In our first few games we started and another 50 from Tommy Wheeler who balls and nudged us up to 103. We knew we to show signs of last season’s success, winning was proving impossible to get out. Our next were going to have to work hard to defend this by 9 wickets in our first two matches with an competitive match was the quarter final of total. Excellent bowling from James Ryan and effortless 100 from Ed Stock carrying on his the National Cup (the final of west England) Yusuf Ahmed kept us in, slowed them down superb form from last year. We then faced Queen against Bede’s Prep School. We batted first but and gave us a chance. Two hours into the game Elizabeth Barnet, expecting to beat them easily struggled to find runs against some excellent and they needed 11 of 12 balls – neck and neck. but we fell short by 8 runs and it was a wake- bowling; we didn’t manage to bat all of our 30 Robbie Curwen and James Milford both bowled up call. Next we faced Haberdashers’ Aske’s overs and only reached 98. We were reconciled excellent final overs to give us the win: a great where we set a decent 119 with 56* coming from by the fact that coming so far meant that we way to finish an excellent season. A huge part James Milford aided by captain Harry Kendall and were the best state school side in England. of our success was down to the help of our Robbie Curwen. We won by 67 runs and we were Following great team winning coaches, Mr Jacobs and Mr Samarasinghe, who back on track. We then faced Latymer away in the performances in the quarter and semi finals of give up countless lunchtimes, Saturdays and National Cup for a huge match. Tommy Wheeler the County Cup our opponent in the final was afternoons after school to help us progress as scored an unbeaten 101 without ever looking the same as last year: Richard Hale and at the cricketers, and a big thank must go to them. troubled: a great innings in such a crucial match. same venue, St Albans. We called to increase James Milford 8B
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U13 U12
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 85 Barbados Cricket Tour A team arbados, the destination of the U14 and U15 cricket tour. Coleridge and Parry school for our penultimate fixture. This game was a After months of build-up and anticipation the group finally nail biter with Watford notching up a solid score thanks to contributions arrived on April 1st in a vibrant Barbadian environment. from Kailum Patel and a solid partnership between Tom Milford and Tom The first fixture was a tape-ball match, somewhat a Bajan Stock. At one stage in the chase Coleridge and Parry needed 12 of 13 speciality that none of us English folk were accustomed balls but they eventually saw it through. to. But we soon acclimatised and bowled the opposition Combermere School was our final opponent; one of, if not the B(Northern Academy) pretty swiftly as a result of smart wicket keeping best team on the island. Famous for nurturing big cricketing names like from Dillon Dodhia despite a few massive sixes from the opposing England’s Chris Jordan, we were going to have a stern test. Combermere batsmen. The target was successfully chased down and Watford had batted first and got off to an explosive start in reaching 104 of just 10 notched up their first win of the tour. overs! However Watford managed to peg it back mainly thanks to a The U15s were in for a shock in the second fixture with Grantley fantastic spell of spin bowling from Aushan Gosrani removing their best Adams racking up a decent total despite some ferocious short bowling batsmen (84 off 38 balls) and two others. Our fielding was sublime, with from Tom Stock, and clever spin bowling from Aushan Gosrani and Josh tactical nous provided by skipper Rohan Pau accounting for a number Pickard. Then we collapsed, losing wickets constantly to run outs and of run outs. The target set was a massive 153. We got off to a flyer, with other seemingly innocuous deliveries with the final result being Watford Ben Plunkett and Tom Stock constantly finding the boundary. They would losing by 85 runs. put on a century stand before Tom Stock (49) was run out. However Ben Our second victory saw us beating Alleynes School. The innings with an incredible knock 76* of 59 balls and some great support from began poorly for Watford as we lost the openers in quick succession but Romario meant that we chased the target comfortably and rounded off a Ben Plunkett and Romario Ranabahu put on a healthy partnership with brilliant tour in some style. Romario eventually reaching his half century. Watford got off to a good On the last night the we had an awards evening, Bowler of the Tour start with the ball with a wicket in the second over (Ralph Curwen) and went to Kailum Patel after producing some magical spells on spin and was some testing, economical bowling by Shrey Parekh. The game was won the leading wicket taker, Ben Plunkett, picked up Batsman of the tour, his in the middle overs with Divyam Arya and Kailum Patel tying up both unbeaten 76* to win the game was a brilliant innings. Fielder of the tour ends and grabbing a handful of wickets between them. went to Dhillon Dhodia, his wicket keeping was brilliant in every game. After spending a day on a wonderful island tour we travelled to Ralph Curwen 10B
B team s we met at school in the early morning darkness, we enjoying the magical scenery that we passed. Finally we reached the waved our glad/ sad parents away. We knew this was hotel and were shown our rooms where we immediately relaxed ready where our holiday and tour began. On the journey to the for the next day when we had a cricket match. airport, many of us were just going through the early The next morning we were all ready to go as the teams were morning blues. As we got off the coach we headed into announced at the breakfast table. We shoved the large bags through one of the busiest airports around: Gatwick. After we had the window at the back of the coach and set off to play a 20-20 tape ball checkedA in and passed security, the wait was long but it gave us time to match against a local church team called Millwall Saints. Our captain get some rest and breakfast. Finally it was time we boarded the plane Jamie Ivory won the toss and decided to bat first. We ended up of 132 and began the long flight to Barbados. for 10 wickets. Jack Aitchison, Jonny Napier and Nevan O’Sullivan gave As soon as we landed, we were greeted by the warm Barbadian a good performance with the bat, scoring 58 runs between them. As we sun. We collected our bags and packed them onto the coach and went went out to field we won the game by 43 runs with a collective effort off through the small roads of Barbados in search of our hotel whilst from all our bowlers. The most economical bowler on the day was Jack
86 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 McRae who bowled a full spell and was hit for 10 runs and took a wicket. for an extensive 30 overs in the scorching Barbadian heat. Luckily for It was a convincing win and a great start to our tour in Barbados. us, our bowlers were up for it and all of them came out with astounding The next day bought us at the same pitch but against a different figures but the stand outs were Jonny Napier, Jack McRae, Ralph Curwen opposition called Northern Districts Academy. Kailum Patel stood up and Jagrav Patel. The amazing bowling and the fantastic captaincy from and took the skipper position and won the toss. He elected to bat first Rohan Pau restricted the Barbadians to 69 runs which was an easy so he and Jack Aitchison opened the batting. We ended up on 99 with target to chase down. It seemed like a walk in the park but with the contributions from Jonny Napier, Paarth Patel and Jack Aitchison. We inconsistency with our batting on the tour, it took us 7 wickets to chase knew we had to be spectacular in the field as the score was under par. a small total. Jack Aitchison was the provider of runs again with the top Unfortunately we were right and they chased the runs down in 18 overs score of 18. It was our second win in Barbados and it felt good. with some big hitting. The stand out bowler was Jack Aitchison who only The next morning we were given a tour of Barbados’s national went for 14 runs in 4 overs. Jonny Napier and Jack McRae also bowled very cricket stadium called Kensington Oval. This time we were up against well without leaking too many runs. a strong side, older than, us who were on their game. Jagrav captained Next morning was an early start as we had a game and it was to be played and won the toss and elected to bat first. We ended up on 75 runs after far away at Isolation Cricket Club against Isolation Cavaliers. This match was 19 overs, with Jack Aitchison getting most of the runs again ending up to be played in a 30-30 over format. The day would see Tom Milford take the on 26. We knew we had lost after the second ball was smashed for a captaincy and we were hopeful of victory. Sadly that wasn’t the case as we lost four. The bowling from Watford Boys was punished and within 11 overs the toss and put into bowling. Sensible batting was led out by the Barbadians, they had chased the runs down and won by 9 wickets. Unfortunately it which led them to a score of 157. Excellent bowling from Tom Milford, Jonny was a sad end to our tour as we lost our last game. Excitement about Napier and Jagrav Patel kept the runs to a minimum. Unfortunately they had the catamaran tour planned for the next day helped us get over our loss. a bowler who was rapid! His first ball went past Nevan’s nose and the second On awards night for the B team, the Best Bowler went to Jagrav one hit him on the head! We battled hard with Tom Milford showing excellent Patel. The batting award obviously went to Jack Aitchison and the Best application but, in the end, we fell 45 runs short. Fielder award went to Sam Netscher for his brilliant catches. The next day was a rest day in which we took a tour of the island As we set off for the catamaran tour on the last day we headed and visited the famous landscapes of Barbados. First we stopped off straight out to swim with the turtles. After that we went closer to the at a public beach and played and then went on to the rest of the island shore and swam over the coral reef, where we saw beautiful coloured where we saw exquisite scenery. The tour of Barbados was remarkable. fish and coral. After the swimming we were all hungry so we stopped and The evenings were always enjoyable as we sat near the pool and played ate our lunch on board. games of cards and poker. It was an amazing tour. The cricket was great and the teams we The next day bought us a comfortable win in a 30-30 over game played were really friendly. We would like to thank Mr Samarasinghe for which saw one side dominate another. We were up against Ignatius organising the trip. Byer school where Rohan Pau lost the toss and they put us into field Paarth Patel 9T
Barbados Tour Sponsors A big thank you to all for making this tour possible! MET Coaches Thanks to MET coaches for sponsoring one of the tour playing shirts. MET is the main transport provider for WBGS. Their continued support of all school sport is fantastic to see. The boys will be wearing their tour jersey’s with pride in Barbados. http://www.metcoaches.co.uk/
A.T. Bone and Sons Thanks to A.T. Bone and Sons for sponsoring one of the playing shirts. AT Bone sports solutions are a sports grounds management company who have worked with the school on a number of occasions. Company founder Alan Bone attended the school in the mid 1940s so there is a strong family connection with WBGS http://www.atbone.co.uk/sports-solutions
Spice Lounge Thanks to Ali and his team at the spice lounge for sponsoring the training tops. Spice lounge is an excellent local Indian restaurant in Market Street. The tour party had a meal there the week before we left! Thoroughly recommended! http://www.spiceloungewatford.com/
Help 4 IT Help 4 IT is an IT solutions company with a strong family connection to Watford Grammar School. We’d like to extend our thanks to them for sponsoring the tour hats. http://www.help4it.co.uk/
Synergy Thanks to Synergy for their donations which have gone towards the sponsorship of the training shorts. Synergy is a construction consultant with a long standing relationship with Watford Grammar School http://www.synergyllp.co.uk/
Barnett Waddingham Thanks Barnett Waddingham for their sponsorship of the tour training t-shirt. Barnett Waddingham is the UK’s largest independent provider of actuarial, administration and consultancy services. http://www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk/
Old Fullerians’ Association The Old Fullerians’ Association has made a very generous donation towards the tour and have provided all boys with a tour cricket bag. Their support of school sport is brilliant to see and we’d like to thank them for their help in making the tour possible http://www.oldfullerians.org.uk/
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 87 Hockey 2014/15
2014/15 proved to be a very successful term with on the continent. They were accompanied by Mr. Astros, including 3 water based pitches. The one hundred fixtures played across 15 different Dyson, Mr. Samarasinghe and Mr. Welch on his opportunity to train on the first team pitch with teams. C teams were fielded at both U14 and U 15 last official School hockey tour. its stadium was also a tour highlight. levels, and over 200 boys represented the school The trip was for hockey development Whilst on tour each team played two at hockey. The U16 and U14 teams qualified for and the focus was on training. We had four competitive fixtures. The U18 side drew a East Preliminary Finals, having been crowned training sessions, led by Dutch coaches and thrilling game 2-2 with our hosts, before County Champions and runners up respectively. the sessions were really interesting, focusing beating Berkel & Rodenhjuis 5-0 in their last The hockey season started earlier this year on individual skills and techniques – offering a fixture. The U16 team beat Rotterdam HC and due to a pre-season tour to Rotterdam at October slightly different perspective to those sessions Berkel in their fixtures for the School to finish half term. Twenty five boys from the U18 and we receive back at home. the tour unbeaten. U16 squads went for a 5 day trip to Rotterdam The facilities were also of an equally high Hockey Club to see how the game was played standard. Rotterdam HC has seven hockey
1st XI The School 1st XI had a very good season. We Forest School at the Olympic Park, was followed in both St. George’s and Kingston Grammar managed to progress to the quarter-finals of the up by our best performance of the season in Schools. However, there were some notable East rounds of the EH National Cup – visiting the beating local rivals Merchant Taylors 2-1. This performances, and the side does look capable Olympic Park on our travels. In total we played set up an away tie at Eltham College. The game of going onto bigger things in the next few 16 games winning and losing seven a piece. finished 3-3, having come back from 0-3 down seasons. Player of the Season was Captain There were some very strong performances and we were disappointed to lose the game on Simon Guest, who led the team admirably along the way, with wins over Haberdashers’ penalty strokes. throughout the season, and most improved Aske’s, Berkhamsted and Windsor Schools. After the disappointment of losing in the player was Andrew Cull. Our thanks go to Mr However, our best hockey was saved for the cup, our season petered out somewhat, with Dyson who coached the team this season. Cup competitions. An emphatic 8-2 victory over the side coming up against strong opposition Simon Guest U6P
2nd XI The second XI had a mixed season, initially and Charlie Armitage, who was awarded Most Squad: Andrew Tunwell(Capt): Zakaria Khan; proving to be very difficult to beat, unbeaten Improved Player. Charlie was also responsible Charles Armitage; Sharan Sanjay; Dominic in our first six games, then towards the end of for the most memorable moment of the season, Jones; Benjamin Wilson; Aaron Sharkey; the season somewhat easier to beat. Our best where he managed to knee himself in the face Alexander Crawford; Peter Shears; Pranav performance of the season was in a solid 4-1 attempting to make a base line cross, breaking his Patel; Matthew Chapman(Vice-Capt); Qiellor demolition of University College School first team. nose in the process! Our thanks go to Mr Beere Haxhiraj; Brandon Kato; Harry Baker The team were captained by Andrew Tunwell, who coached the team this season. Andrew Tunwell U6P who was also awarded Player of the Season,
U16 Following on from our performances over the over Royal Grammar School. Unfortunately our Competition where we scored 12 goals in the first last two seasons, we all had high hopes for next game against Dr Challoner’s was cancelled so three games and we did not let a goal in. Special this season. we went straight to the County Cup competition. mention to James Martin who scored 7 penalty We started our season in September with After a nervous draw against Hitchin School, the flicks that day. Unfortunately we narrowly lost Indoor Hockey. We beat the likes of Aldenham team finally clicked and we then went on to win the last game after an exhausting battle. and Bedford Schools to deservedly win the the next 3 games. Lewis Foley pulled off some Our Player of the Season was Lewis Foley County Competition. We then went off to the unbelievable saves and, with the help of our solid and our Most Improved Player was Jesse Rist. East Competition where we narrowly missed back line, we did not concede a single goal in the Thanks must go to Mr Moore for taking us so out on getting through but the whole team whole county competition. far this season and making this season the so played well. A big thank you to Mr Welch and Mr By half term, our team was unbeaten and successful. Hopefully we can continue this in Samarasinghe for helping us to be so successful. we had only conceded 3 goals. After beating the 6th form. The outdoor season started with a 5-1 victory Merchant Taylors we went to the East Outdoor Samir Patel 11B
U15 The U15 team had a remarkable season, going rubbed off on his compatriots. There were a a great chance in the County Cup next season. unbeaten and showing how much they had number of breakthrough performances with Player of the Season was the excellent Tom developed in the space of a year under the the likes of Aidan Sharkey, Tobi Odanye, Harry Watts, who has also made the JRPC squad, coaching of Mr Grinham. The side played a Clements and Craig Beeston and Nathan Kelion and Most Improved Player was the fearless high tempo, energetic pressing game with really upping their games this term. Their Nathan Kelion. few sides able to cope with their energy or enthusiasm and energy, coupled with the more Haaris Malik 10G dynamism. Haaris Malik captained the side elusive skills of Dhillon Dodia and Aushan superbly and his pace and energy in midfield Gosrani mean that the U15 squad should have
88 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 U14 The 2014 Hockey season saw the U14s having success into the County Cup, finishing 2nd in special mentions going to Waleed Malik who a successful term under the excellent coaching Hertfordshire and had a trip to Norwich and the finished top goal scorer, Max Brown, for winning of Mr Samarasinghe. The record was played 10; UEA to compete in the East Prelims where we Player of the Season and the award for Most successfully winning 8, and losing only 2 games, came a respectable 5th place. The season saw Improved Player going to Nathan Tyson. The team both against top opposition. We continued our us as a free flowing and high scoring team with was superbly captained all season by Max Baker. Louis Harris 1st XI U16
U15 U14
U13 A very successful season! For the B-team their star player was most of us, it was the first time Sameer Kanji who won the best picking up a stick let alone playing Player award at the end of season hockey. This year our squad has Hockey Dinner. In the A team we been developed and groomed by had Sahir Patel and Amaan Manji the trusted Mr Welch. As we are in who both picked up an award at Year 8, we play 7-aside games so the dinner as well. We also have to we can focus more on the ball. One thank our Goalkeeper Aaron Treon of the most impressive features who has tirelessly been stopping of our season was the fact that goals. we had over 50 players turning We couldn’t have been as up to practise every week, which successful as we have been without made selection for the fixtures the brilliant coaching of Mr Welch. very difficult. Our results have He is a fantastic coach and he will actually been quite evenly spread be deeply missed as he is retiring with 3 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws. at the end of the year. We wish him The highlight would have to be the best of luck and we thank him against UCS, a very strong side for his dedication to the team. The who we beat 5-0. In this game goalkeepers in the squad are also the boys showed their skills in action. Of the overall bode well for the future. The team also indebted to Zac Flesch’s (1st X1 GK) help, for he three games lost, two were very close and the performed well in the Herts Mini’s competition turned up to training every week and coached results could have gone either way. We were but unfortunately didn’t score enough goals all 5 GK’s expertly. only well beaten by a much stronger team to get amongst the medals. However you can’t Sahir Patel 8N (Beacon Prep) on one occasion, so the results have a great team without great players. In
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 89 Sail France 2014 and 2015
ail France has continued to run with huge success with boys Sailing sessions can be hilarious. Some people fall in the water for and girls from both Watford Grammar Schools travelling to fun (all safe as we have to wear buoyancy aids always when on water). And France for one week of fantastic sailing in May. as a treat we have been allowed to jump into the lake from the pontoon At Azu’Rivage, the Rockley staff greet us with a warm for a good 45 minutes! We have witnessed some incredible dives and and friendly welcome, as well as a hearty breakfast! After everyone has a lot of fun, even though everyone has a drenching! being shown to our allocated tents, we are ready for our The final day comes all too soon and we bid goodbye to the firstS sailing session in our groups; some go out onto the water straight instructors at the end of a terrific week – after the tent inspection. away, whereas some, like mine, do a thorough theory session. The I would recommend the trip for any sailors, anyone who would like instructors are very enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with! Most days, to try something new, anyone who wishes to make more friends, and to the routine is: wake up, breakfast, sailing, lunch, more sailing, relaxing, enjoy a week’s adventure away from home! It is a shame that I cannot dinner, evening activities and off to bed. There are a vast array of boats complete my hat-trick of trip next year! I have fond memories from both to sail including Wayfarers (also known as Wanderers), Darts (similar to the 2014 and 2015 trips. a catamaran) and Picos (which are very small) – my favourites are the Overall the trips are very well organised and the Rockley campsite Picos and Darts. resort is excellent with great friendly helpful staff, instructors and Everyone seems to enjoy the trip whatever the weather; I’ve even warm hospitality. This enables us to progress through our sailing levels managed to scout a few sailors who could be the next Sir Ben Ainslie! In and abilities, experience life and survival skills, experience the French free time the majority of us are either at the Astroturf playing football or culture, its beautiful countryside, towns, beaches and make new friends. table-tennis, or by a café-stall near the campsite having some ice cream. I would also like thank Mr.Creak, Mr.Gould, Mr.Siskin, Mr.Parks and It is good to nee new friendships being made. Mrs.Stokes from the Boys School, and Miss Sparke, Miss Aldridge and We practise several sailing manoeuvres, such as tacking and Miss Leonard from the Girls School, for their support and accompanying gybing. We also have theory sessions on tacking, (I in one session was a us on this truly fantastic adventure! tertiary instructor!) Soon, after consolidating our knowledge, we are on Deven Voralia 10N the water for some more practice.
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n a cold, wet, drizzly Saturday 31st January, I woke up disappointingly. as we reached the end of the tapes at the start/finish with nervous expectation for the day that lay ahead. I area and started to climb to the summit of the course, other runners had been selected, along with Tom Gwynne-Evans and caught up and overtook us. For a while, I chased the leading group, Oliver (Ollie) Griffiths, to represent the school in the but as the race developed and we passed the 2.6km mark (close to the Hertfordshire Schools’ Cross-Country Championships at distance for most fixtures) I got slightly left behind. Verulamium Park in St Albans. The weather was already very cold, but, on lap two, the snow OI arrived at the park an hour early to have another look at the course started. However, this only made us more determined to finish, and (which I had checked out earlier that week) before the race. An icy wind provided the impetus to run even faster. Soon the finish funnel was whistled in my ears as I walked to the start and finish area. With about in sight and I sprinted in. Although none of us made the top twelve half an hour to go, I started warming up, with everyone else looking needed to go through to the National Championships, we all did well, annoyingly calm and experienced. After all, many of them had done it considering that we were competing against some of the best runners in before. How were we going to compete on a course 5.8km long – around the county. I came 16th out of 44 in a time of 21 minutes and 22 seconds, twice as far as the District event at Aldenham Reservoir, for example? with Tom technically finishing 26th, although unfortunately his number I have orienteered at the park in the past and was pretty confident fell off so this was not recorded, but there is a clear gap in the results with the terrain, but the long uphill climb at the back of the park still between 25th and 27th. Later in the day, Ollie finished 17th out of 68 in looked as though it could cause some problems. Unlike many of the a time of 16 minutes and 5 seconds. fixtures, we would be running multiple laps of the same course. For Tom I would like to thank the event organisers, and most importantly, and I, in Intermediate Boys, this meant one short lap of 1km followed by our parents and Mr. Beere who came to support us on that cold Saturday three laps of 1.6km each, while in Junior Boys, Ollie had to run the same morning. I am very grateful for the opportunity to run in the County event course but with only two of the longer laps (total 4.2km). and hope we will continue to do well in cross-country and other sports Soon, we were called up and the race began. Amazingly, for about in future. the first hundred metres, I led the field with Tom in second place but, Danny Figg 11P
Cross Country 2014/15 his season has been as enjoyable the junior and senior sections, finishing as It is for these reasons that, despite as any Cross Country season the first state school in pretty much every competing in cross country for around seven can be, helped by being one of event we’ve entered, while reminding the local years, both at a club and my old school, I’ve the most successful for a while. schools of our cross country prestige. There never been in a cross country team that is Being captain of the Senior Cross have been a few stand-out performers across as much of a team as Watford Grammar. The Country team has been a great the season, Oliver Griffiths (Junior captain) and boys just don’t know how lucky they are to be honour;T everyone I’ve run with this season Danny Figg (Year 11) both running consistently picked for the Cross Country fixtures! has been surprisingly enthusiastic about the well throughout the season. Thanks to Mr Beere and Miss Jones for sport and we never fail to be the noisiest However, the success this season hasn’t trekking down for the fixtures and giving up (male) team, having the most fun, while always been built around individuals that have stood their free time; thanks also to the whole team, getting fantastic results. out and single-handedly led the team to victory; from year 7 right up to year 13 who made The season started off brilliantly at the every relay team we’ve entered, particularly in turning up to all the fixtures a laugh and not District championships, every team from year the seniors, has been strong from the first leg just a miserable experience running through 7 to seniors finished in the top five with the runner all the way through to the last. What’s field after field. entire senior team finishing in the top ten. more, there’s always a group cheering on their Jonathan Hill – Senior Captain U6G We’ve had consistently good results in both mates for the home straight.
92 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Athletics Senior Cross Country 2014-15 Junior Cross Country 2014-15
Senior Athletics 2014-15 Junior Athletics 2014-15
Tennis Senior Tennis 2015 Junior Tennis 2015
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 93 Tennis Report 2014-2015 Season
he tennis season for schools these Watford Grammar once again had enormous days, continues all year round and success reaching the regional finals in both Key Team Players: began in the winter term with some divisions for a second year in a row. The Under wins in the group stage of the senior 15 division 1 team has really benefited from Senior First Team students’ cup sponsored by Aegon. the addition of Ali Habib in 7P who plays in the William Adeboye, Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Ali, Nick Hatcher, number 1 position for the Under 15 A team and, Christopher Tynemouth, Nick Hatcher, ChristopherT Tynemouth, William Adeboye, Jacob due to his national ranking and rating, won all Jacob Brunert, Greg Wood and Tom Watts. Brunert and Greg Wood all played and won 2 of his matches in his debut for the school team. Under 15 A Team matches out of 4 in the group stage of the event. The winning team of Ali Habib, Patrick Evans, Patrick Evans, Ali Habib, Dhillon Dodhia, However this was not enough to qualify for the Dhillon Dodhia, and Sam Pullen-Merriman won Sam Pullen-Merriman county semi- finals this year. all 4 group stage matches, before beating the Under 15 B Team In the Spring term, the new senior team very competitive St Clement Danes School in Toby Wilkinson, Vedant Gopolanathan, for the National schools competition lost their the semi-finals, followed by a marvellous win Alborz Modaresii-Fard, Nathan Burstow, first match against the highly rated and top against St Albans school in the county final, Antuan Saravanan, Jamal Hussain, Ayo seeded St Albans school, whose team boasted where no Watford Grammar School player lost Fasanya, Matthew Hives, Ayaaz Bukhari a player who was in the main draw at junior a set. Congratulations must go to the whole Wimbledon this year, so this loss was certainly no team, but particularly Sam Pullen-Merriman, Under 13 A Team disgrace. Next year’s senior A team will be even who played and won every match, and even Oliver Griffiths, Jack Shute, Sameer Kanji, stronger with Dhillon Dodhia joining the likes gave up his Wimbledon ticket to represent his David O’Brien of Jacob Brunert, Greg Wood, Nick Hatcher and school at tennis. Under 13 B Team Christopher Tynemouth. There will be enough The Under 15 Division 2 team also won Alex Cook, Irfan Chagani, Toby Benton, strength and depth to enter a senior B team too. through to the county finals, but were not so lucky Fred Roberts, Alex Richman, The Summer season of tennis began with in the final. There was a point for the team to win Matthew Field, Kushal Budhdeo the annual Road to Wimbledon competition this final, but in the crucial final tie-break doubles, which took place as West Herts tennis club for they missed a match point and Longdean school the year 7 qualifying event, followed by the main achieved its first ever county win. Congratulations many of their singles matches. Unfortunately draw event for years 7-9, which took place on should still go to Vedant Gopolanathan, Toby the team was not quite strong enough to the May bank holiday Monday. The winner of the Wilkinson, Alborz Modersi-Fard, Nathan Burstow, win through the group stage losing out to year 7 qualifying tournament was Irfan Chagani Jamal Hussain, Antuan Saravanan, Ayo Fasanya, Kings Langley School. Still, the team’s overall who beat Toby Benton 6-4 in the final. Matthew Hives and Ayaaz Bukhari. performance was very promising and with In the main draw, the top seed, Jack The Under 13 division 1 team also won practice and commitment, the players will be Shute, was knocked out by Ayo Fasanya the all of their matches in the group stage beating able to improve next year. 8th seed who subsequently lost his semi- final Aldenham, St Edmund’s college, Haberdashers’ Further chances to improve for all players to the 7th seed Ayaaz Bukhari in 3 sets. In the B team and despite losing to Haberdashers’ will take place during the tennis tour to the La other half of the draw, Sameer Kanji, seeded 3, A team in the semi- finals, went on to play Manga club in Spain next Easter where the boys beat David O’Brien the 2nd seed in 2 tough sets a consolation final, as Haberdashers’ Aske’s will be coached every morning before playing to advance to the final to face Ayaaz Bukhari. Under 13 teams were unavailable to play the competitive matches every day. So in school Sameer Kanji won the final in 3 sets, which final, against Bishops’ Stortford College, winning tennis terms, the future looks very bright. ended with a championship tie-break. He went on a championship tie-break. Congratulations The year’s Most Improved Player award on to represent the school in the regional Road must go to Jack Shute, Oliver Griffiths, David this year goes to Sameer Kanji who won the to Wimbledon knock-out competition. Thanks O’Brien, Sameer Kanji, and Alex Cook who all Road to Wimbledon competition and all but must also go to Angie Gunn and Mr Brunert at represented the school admirably well. one of his matches for the Under 13 division Cassiobury tennis club, for allowing Watford The Under 13 division 2 team included 1 team. Grammar School to play this tournament over new boys to year 7 and players like Toby Thanks must also go to colleagues the bank holiday weekend and also to West Benton, Fred Roberts, Irfan Chagani, Alex like Olivia Hockin, Jarek Budarkevicz and Ali Herts Tennis club where the boys can play on Richman, Matthew Field and Kushal Budhdeo Dawson who each took all or some of a fixture Monday afternoons. all contributed to some good wins for the this season. In the schools’ team tennis competitions school. Toby Benton and Fred Roberts played DR for the Under 15 division 1 and division 2 teams, particularly well as a doubles pair and also won
94 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Swimming This season saw the Senior Boys Swimming Team qualify for the ESSA National Relay Finals at the Olympic park, Stratford. The team comprised, Jack Pickford, Ross Calder and Freddie and Arthur Woodcock. The boys qualified for the finals after finishing second fastest from the East rounds in both the Freestyle and Medley relays. At the Finals, the boys managed to progress from their Heat with the 9th fastest time in the Freestyle relay and qualify for the final. A new school record of 1:43:86 secured 8th place in the final, which is a fantastic achievement for a school with no swimming facilities. The final was won by Millfield School, with Plymouth College coming in second place. This goes to show the illustrious company that the school is keeping and competing against. It was a fantastic day, at a wonderful venue. Very well done to those boys involved. DN Goalball Goalball is a Paralympic sport, played by those I play for Winchester Goalball Club. taught amazing skills to do with the game of with a visual impairment. It is played with Everyone in the team has a visual impairment Goalball. teams of three (with all players blindfolded) and our coach is a goalball player for Team I love playing Goalball; it has opened up on each end of a volleyball-like court (made GB. We train two to three times a month and, some many doors for me both socially and in with tactile lines), and the objective is to score as well as providing a leisure activity which sport. It would be great if Goalball UK could get a goal using a heavy, audible ball. Goalball is is enjoyable for those without sight, it is a more funding to raise awareness, and there are not a contact sport and was developed to allow great way to socialise with others who are in many players trying to provide money, through veterans of World War II access to sport for similar situations. It provides a way to make sponsored activities like a long-distance cycle pleasure. It is now recognised as a Paralympic friends across the country, and to improve ride, which I am participating in this summer. sport, and is played at the Paralympic games. independence skills. Goalball has indeed given I plan to stay involved with Goalball for a long In the UK, there is also a Domestic League, run me valuable skills and has changed my life since time to come - long live Goalball! by Goalball UK. I began playing back in July 2013. Not only am I Kelsey Trevett 8B Goalball UK is the group which organises, now more interested in sports, I have developed manages and directs Goalball within England, friendships and improved Scotland and Wales, including Team GB, which many skills like including plays in international tournaments. Funding communication, necessary to for national and international tournaments play the sport well. is limited, and this can make it hard to raise Over the last two years, awareness of the sport. However, in the I have participated in many Domestic League which has run for many Goalball-related activities. years now, There are three divisions: Novice, Besides training, I’ve competed Intermediate and Elite with around four to five in novice and intermediate tournaments in each division every season. tournaments in locations as far The season begins in September and ends north as Leeds and as far south in July - similar to the academic year, which as Kent. I’ve also participated is unsurprising considering many Goalball in two Goaball UK talent camps players are still in education, whether it be in Hereford, which I thoroughly secondary education, college or university. enjoyed as they have both Volleyball Team 2015 Table Tennis Team 2015
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 95 Basketball Year 10 2015 Year 9 2015
Year 8 2015 Year 7 2015
Badmington Senior Team 2015 Junior Team 2015
96 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Graeme Welch and difference. She has been such an asset to remember or look up about the school - although Graeme has been part of the fabric of the this school and an inspiration to all those who when it comes to his love of football and passion school for 37 years having joined the school she has taught, and she will be very missed, by for Peterborough United, just sometimes his in 1978. the History department and the school. memory can fail him – there are other in the During his time at the school, black Ballet, reading, cinema and travel are her department who can out-geek him. boards have moved to the other end of the passions after marathon running. Jane is an Robert became Head of Maths here in light spectrum, overheadSTAFF projectors came excellent athlete in her own rightLEAVERS’ and starts the 2006 after a spell as Head of Year 6. He and went, were replaced by digital projectors, day with a full cardio work out on the rowing quickly became a worthy successor to notable then by interactive whiteboards. The range of machine to get her going! Another attribute that predecessors – Peter Nunn and Geoff to name paraphernalia to confiscate has changed as she deserves a medal for is her commitment just two, and I imagine the high point of his the new invention of a Walkman has evolved to Graeme - and Hockey! She has unfailingly time as Head Of Department must have been into ipods, phones and pads. Fortunately, one attended Hockey fixtures at the New Field and the outstanding rating in 2010 – although not of Graeme’s many strengths is his adaptability, served up coffee and hotdogs in an effort to necessarily the photo the Watford Observer and he has taken all these changes in his stride. raise some much needed funds to replace the used to report this! His popularity was evident in the all-weather pitch. She has travelled the world His extensive knowledge of school history excellent turnout of old boys that came to with Graeme for Hockey and Cricket and seen and data is demonstrative of a man who has the Old Fullerian hockey games in March. His both played in India, Barbados and Sri Lanka. essentially lived and breathed this school in reputation as a hockey coach and player is Astute, conscientious and considerate are his many years here, both as a parent and such that everyone in Hertfordshire, if not the just a few of the words that students and teacher, just like others leaving today. A kind East of England has either played with him, staff have used to describe Jane as a teacher and thoughtful man, Robert genuinely cares or been coached by him. And Graeme is still and colleague. She will be truly missed in about every student in the school and the regularly playing Vets hockey for the East, and the department. Her attention to detail and staff he works with. Nothing delights Robert was invited to England trials this year! thoroughness in preparation has enabled us more than making links with the school which Graeme’s travels have taken him to the to challenge students at so many different he comes back to report to us. He has found Indian subcontinent, Asia, Australasia, South levels and promote History for the brightest that his new GP in Bampton, Oxfordshire, has America, the Caribbean, Africa, and countless students at the top universities. She has been a vague and distant link with Watford Boys and travels stories and mischief within Europe. so dependable and fearless in her teaching his new librarian has a link with Watford Girls! I He’s missing out only on North America, and that when called upon, she managed to make am sure Robert will continue his links with both Antarctica for the full continental set – which, a whole course on Liberal Democracies from schools as he settles into life in his new village. if penguins played hockey, I’m sure he’d have scratch and became an expert on such disparate Watford Boys and the Mathematics toured! Graeme’s love of sport and hockey periods from the American Constitution, to department in particular are going to miss in particular seems to make him friends the Great Reform Act and on to the French Robert in so many different ways. We wish him everywhere he goes and, whilst on tour in Sri Revolution. Jane has been a great support for all a long and happy retirement. Lanka, he was offered the job of running the our recent changes and has helped strengthen CG National Hockey Centre in Matale. the department in many ways. His dedication to hockey in particular Jane’s presence on trips was always will surely be the lasting legacy that Graeme calming and sensible, particularly our three Margaret Wort Margaret had left teaching after a considerable is remembered by, but he has contributed so epic visits to Russia where she had to endure time of working in a variety of schools, including much more over his time at the school. Running communist style cuisine, dancing bears and local ones such as John Penrose, Ashlyns rugby teams, cricket teams, athletics team is students sneaking off for “water” at any and Bishophsholt, and schools in more exotic par for the course with the life of a PE teacher opportunity! We never made the Bolshoi Ballet, places such as Nigeria and Taiwan. To this day at WBGS, but the enthusiasm, commitment which Jane would have loved, but did endure she is not quite sure why she applied to WBGS, and professionalism that Graeme has put into the overnight train journey from St Petersburg but she did and immediately fell in love with his 111 terms at the school is extraordinary. to Moscow and crazy Russian circus. the school and teaching again. Within the department, Graeme has acted as Everyone will miss Jane at school and we Margaret joined the school in September colleague, mentor, friend and guiding hand hope she will come back to visit us on one of her 2000 to teach Maths. She made an immediate to those teachers fortunate enough to have extended holidays. We wish Jane all the best for impression at interview when she taught the worked with him. the future here in Watford and further afield in the first half of a double lesson and then just We will miss Graeme, especially as he is extensive travels with her husband, Graeme. carried on when the teacher covering the taking his wife too, but we wish both Jane and JM second half failed to turn up. What was as Graeme a very happy retirement, hope that impressive in that lesson as her ability to teach they will enjoy their planned travels - and find Maths, was her ability to deal with some of our time to check in and see how we are doing. Robert Chapman Robert has been teaching at Watford Boys for more ‘individual’ students. JD twenty three years – he’ll tell you that’s 8400 days In spite of not seeking high office, she or 201,600 hours, or 1,209,600 minutes even! was soon made head of year 11 where she He is a consummate statistician – loving was hugely successful. There was a terrified Jane Welch numbers and sorting data – and is the school’s silence when Margaret entered the room, but Jane Welch joined Watford Boys in 1978, “statistics supremo” to quote an old boy. When students also gave her a friendly greeting as she where she joined her husband Graeme. Jane it comes to who got what grade – GCSE, AS, crossed the quad. Students knew that though is reluctant to appear in the spotlight, but A2 – or even the Year 7 arithmetic test – ask she was firm, she wanted what was best for cannot help but be noticed for her extreme Robert. He can tell you not only how many them and that she was determined that they effectiveness in and commitment to all she pupils in the same year group share the same would produce their best for her. As a result, does. Jane is and always has been a truly name, but also what those names are. Margaret subsequently became Assistant Head wonderful colleague, calm in scenes of chaos After a spell working in the NHS, Robert with responsibility for years 10 to 13. like the old History Office or Room 4; an came into teaching through the HATS scheme As a maths teacher Margaret was excellent practitioner who has a real thirst (Hertfordshire Action on Teacher Supply) in equally happy teaching the weakest and most for learning; and she has been an excellent March 1990. His interest in statistics, even on his unenthusiastic year 7 student as she was role model for the NQTs and GTP/Teach first training course, was immediately obvious. There teaching further maths to our most outstanding graduates who have flourished under her were some talks on classroom control by an mathematicians. She is a very accomplished tutelage. She has never failed to offer practical ex-head from East London. I could go on because mathematician, a fan of mathematical rigour, who help and advice that has made a real impact there doesn’t seem to be anything Robert can’t inspires her students to excel.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 97 Throughout her time at WBGS, Margaret’s five workshop colleagues who all remember were always well-planned on the basis of students achieved excellent exam results at all levels him fondly. The one thing all held in common forensic analysis of what the students needed and in addition a number of fortunate graduate was a love of gently winding him up, of which to learn, and full of creativity to engage even the trainees benefited from her thorough mentoring. there were two guaranteed ways to succeed, most reluctant learners. Several generations of Margaret leaves us after 14 years (her firstly to refer to his ‘Geordie’ accent and WBGS students have respected and loved her longest spell in any school) to take up full secondly to mention Newcastle football club. for her teaching skills. Both as an English (and time quilting, site management at her house in To this day I am not sure how Josh Taylor and latterly Latin) teacher and as a Form Tutor, boys Northern Ireland, and taking care of her many Dave Anderson survived switching the fixture know they always get the best from her; they grandchildren. We are sure that she will enjoy list on his office wall for the Magpies’ dates. know that she really cares about them and how her retirement and not waste a moment of it. This passion for football in a rugby school they will develop. MA remains legendary. It saw him serve on the As Head of English she has been a staff team as part of John Malcolm’s famous revelation in taking what was an unruly bunch dream team and referee sixth form matches on of teachers doing their own thing within a Martin Monks Wednesday games afternoons for many years. somewhat loose framework, into a wonderfully Martin joined the RS team in 2001 and was He has been impossible to replace, indeed it coherent structure but with a lot of freedom quickly popular with staff and students for his has taken two people to fill his role, and we for individual teachers to be themselves engaging enthusiasm, which has encouraged all wish him well in his new life back up in while improving themselves as teachers. I the confidence of many a student. As a result ‘God’s country’. We will try to fill his shoes, and think her greatest legacy to WBGS will be he rose ‘through the ranks’ as head of year whilst we might come close, we will never quite the overarching structure she has developed and then as assistant head, initially in charge manage it with such a North East gentle charm! which sees a student through from Yr 7 to sixth of pastoral care of Key Stage 3. Martin has N B form in English, designed to ensure that every been involved in the promotion of RS and student achieves his best. The personnel of the Philosophy and Ethics both in and out of the department might change but everything is in classroom. He has also been known to help out Michael Taylor place to ensure consistency for years to come. Michael first arrived at Watford Boys in 2007 as on Classics and Geography trips as well as the Emma is someone who always wants to teacher in charge of German and immediately more sombre visits to Auschwitz and Holland develop herself and widen her knowledge. showed himself to be an outstanding teacher that the RS department ran. Martin has been One of the lesser known facts about her is that with excellent leadership ability. Throughout a vital part of the RS team, running the team she has the most amazing cultural knowledge. his time at Watford Boys, Michael has shown us during two maternity leaves and spearheading She has read virtually every novel and book of his limitless talents by teaching German, French the very successful A Level course. poetry we have studied in school and I don’t and Italian. Michael was quickly promoted to In addition to his skiing skills (which a think there is any play (ever!) she hasn’t seen Head of Modern Foreign Languages and has number of boys have seen him demonstrate), performed on the stage at least once. The demonstrated nothing but German efficiency members of the school Big Band will know that delightful counter to that is that she is also a ever since. Martin is a very good saxophone player and his fund of low-brow cultural knowledge and is an He has accompanied several trips and skills will be missed in the Autumn and Spring aficionado of many soaps: from Eastenders to famously cheated in an eating competition concerts. Corrie; Grange Hill to Brookside; as well as an against sixth formers when away on the Martin is off to be deputy head at Hitchin avid reader of OK and Hello magazines! German exchange by trying to hide hotdogs Boys School. He will be missed and what Emma’s departure has been a significant under his feet, which he very nearly got Hitchin’s gain is most definitely our loss! loss to the school and personally I miss her a away with. Michael has always had excellent great deal. However, we are all acutely aware that TC relationships with students and they she’s done all she can here. She has developed undoubtedly appreciated his attendance and rapidly from a newly Qualified Teacher to an commitment to extra-curricular activities and outstanding teacher to an outstanding Head of Ian Crozier trips. What he has contributed to languages is Department and she has given support to other Ian Crozier joined the school in September 1991 immeasurable, building a strong department English Departments, been UCAS coordinator at as Head of Department and following years with a fantastically positive ethos and leading a time that has seen WBGS move to become the of successful growth (and the loss of ‘craft’ the way with hard work and going the extra top state school in terms of students going on from the subject title), he oversaw the rapid mile. The consistently outstanding results of to Russell Group Universities, and undertaken integration of CAD CAM into the curriculum, the the department are a reflection of his own whole-school strategic projects. introduction of Product Design A-Level and the personal hard work and also of the strength of The end of the academic year 2013-14 was significant growth of GCSE into a credible path the team he has worked hard to develop. the right time for Emma to move on. I know that to access the best Architecture and Engineering Michael is leaving us to deservedly move St Clement Danes are lucky to have, and staff University courses in the country. onwards and upwards, for an impressive there have told me that she has continued the The lower years used to enter the school promotion at another strong school. 9B were trajectory she began here at WBGS in 2004. struggling to understand the broad Sunderland not impressed with the news when they heard We wish her every success in her future career, accent (though at least two were brave enough about his change of allegiance to Queen E a career that I will follow closely as I believe to own up to being Magpies’ supporters) and lizabeth’s School Barnet; they along with the she will continue to make vital contributions to yet left the school half a decade later full of awe rest of the school will miss him greatly and we the lives of her students, continue to lead and and affection for the motivational Mackem. are all secretly hoping that he will change his inspire her colleagues and will one day be an His sixth form tutor groups had a wonderfully mind and come back as soon as possible. outstanding headteacher. informal yet thoroughly respectful relationship RC MH with him. The myriad of gifts he received as he moved on in the summer of 2014 reflected the special place this man held in their educational Emma Brogan Ana Burne experience. When Emma Brogan was appointed in the Ana Burne joined the MFL Department at Staff were a little the same! He built summer of 2004 we knew we were getting Watford Boys in 2004 as a fresh-faced NQT and a reputation over many years of mentoring someone who would be good. Her academic has been both French Key Stage 3 co-ordinator junior department staff who rapidly climbed record was exemplary – BA in English from and Head of Year 6 at various points during her the teaching ladder, becoming Heads of Year, Brasenose College, Oxford and a Masters in ten years at the school. Assistant Heads and Heads of Department Mediaeval Literatures from York. However, what Ana has a love of everything to do with French themselves in this or other local schools. In his we got was someone who was outstanding. language and culture which she transmitted to time Ian worked with at least six technicians and From the start of her career here her lessons pupils successfully. Ana particularly enjoyed
98 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 teaching boys in the lower school where she club for the past four years, taking the year 7 Emma Hensman always tried to make lessons as fun as possible group to exotic locations such as the Leicester Emma Hensman has been with the Modern to promote the language. Space Centre. Along with being a big asset in Foreign Language teaching German and Another of Ana’s strengths was the way the Science department, Katie has also made Spanish for only a short time, but her cheerful in which she brought the curriculum to life many contributions to the wider life of the compassionate character and willingness to and promoted French by organising trips to school, taking part in trips and producing the contribute to the department has made her France, such as to Lille, Chateau Beaumont school magazine for staff, PedEx, for the last very popular. She has enthusiastically taken and even the Europa Centre in Essex, as she year. part in a number of trips and has a multitude of viewed contact with the target language Katie is an outstanding teacher and, entertaining stories to tell. As well as teaching country to be an essential component to any during her relatively short time at Watford students, a number of staff benefited from modern language learning course. These Grammar School for Boys, has progressed Emma’s successful weekly Spanish lessons. trips were always well received by the boys from NQT to KS3 coordinator, a job that she Emma’s presence will be missed and we wish and undoubtedly contributed to the French has really made her own and excelled at. She her well in her move to the West Country. language’s popularity in school. will be greatly missed here by staff and pupils SW Ana has also been Head of Year 6 and alike and we hope that she comes back to visit has worked closely with the Head of Year 7 to us when she returns from her new life in Spain. ensure that boys have had a smooth transition LW from primary school. Ana often “disappeared” Peter Franklin in the summer term as she attempted to visit as Peter Franklin joined the school from Ovaltine many primary schools as possible so that she Sam Howe and was known for his ability to fix anything could gather information about the new intake Sam first arrived at Watford Boys during his that came through the technology doors, and allay any fears that the new boys may have. PGCE year and despite being mistaken for for example the Head Master’s tables and Ana has left us this year to go on to work a sixth former by Matron, he was clearly a chairs, numerous musical instruments and a closer to home at Heatherton House School. This teacher of outstanding promise. Even before large number of bicycles and electrical items will be a new challenge for Ana as she will be he joined the staff full time as a newly qualified generally worn out or accidentally mistreated teaching French and Spanish to primary pupils teacher, Sam had accompanied a Year 7 by staff and students alike. there. We wish her all the best for the future. activities week and so enjoyed it that he went His incredible practical skills evidenced MT on to accompany students on two more of themselves in his ability to create woodwork these weeks. Possibly as a reward, he was masterpieces from the most uninspiring off-cuts invited to enjoy trips to more exotic locations of timber (mainly old science bench worktops). He constructed the front reception desk John Croft such as Rome and Malta where his presence was always appreciated by the students. (otherwise known as Mrs Goad’s Bar), display John started here in September 2011 as a Newly Sam has only been in the English cabinets across the school, adjustable white Qualified Teacher in the Physics Department department for two years, but he leaves a boards, plaques and countless play sets for the and quickly established himself as an integral wealth of resources, wonderful spreadsheets, theatre. In addition Peter’s incredible range of member of our team. He is a brilliant teacher, and an engaging enthusiasm for the job of home projects completed during downtime in with a real gift for communicating physics in a teaching. The promise he showed when we the department or after school hours inspired clear and uncomplicated manner which means first met him has certainly been realised, so generations of students to explore the limits the students in his classroom are inevitably much so that, in his second year here, he was of their own DIY creativity. The collapsible boat going to learn, and clearly students appreciate appointed Second in department, a role that called Trifle, the summer house, the Spanish the time and energy he puts into helping them. he stepped into effortlessly. guitar, the engine lifting jig, as well as a myriad As a colleague, John has made a massive During his time here, he has run a variety of beautifully made retirement presents for contribution to our department, with ideas, of extra curricular activities including reading various members off staff. resources, schemes of work and consistent groups, speaking competitions, the poetry He could be found working faithfully enthusiasm. Probably his greatest strengths recital competition and a very memorable and after school on a Wednesday, inspiring pupils as a colleague are his unflappable manner and successful Junior School production of Sherlock attending the Key Stage three Product Design his persistently cheerful personality. During his Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Club. As he neared his final weeks, one attendee time here, John has also taken responsibility Sam is leaving us to go and teach in of the club summed up his sense of foreboding, for running the Extended Project Qualification Spain, (which explains his weekly forays to stating emphatically that Mr Franklin ‘simply for Sixth Form students and has developed our lessons in the Spanish department) and we could not retire - as he was awesome’. links to the Ogden Trust who fund and sponsor wish him the very best of luck. We hope that But although he was such a fantastic initiatives to support Physics education. John one day we might see him back. craftsman, the main thing he will remembered has also been a highly supportive form tutor GA for here was being such a thoroughly nice in the Year 7 pastoral team and more recently gentleman, full of enthusiasm for the subject, in Year 12 as well as being a regular member always spearheading the integration of new of staff on the German exchange each year. technology, overflowing with creative solutions John is moving on to be Head of Physics at Stefan King Stefan joined us a year ago to teach French. to problems, regularly found sketching and Wallington County Grammar School and we His calm manner has made him popular with thinking alongside the GCSE and A level wish him every success in his new role. boys, but not many people know that he is a students at lunchtimes, the go-to man for JH Real Tennis coach. That doesn’t mean that he Health and Safety in the school with such a is a really trained tennis coach with certificates common sense approach to navigating the to prove it, but that he is one of the few people minefield of bureaucracy. Katie Watson who can coach the sport of tennis that is The little job that was to see him through Katie joined us as an NQT in 2011 having called ‘The Sport of Kings’ by some and seen to retirement went on for longer than he completed her training in Nottingham and as the precursor to modern tennis. The rules intended to the school’s lasting benefit. His since then has become an integral part of the are more complex, the racquets wooden and passion will thrive in the pupils he inspired Science department; Katie is well known for the balls made of non-synthetic materials. and his practical legacy will be utilised in the her cheerful nature, colourful PowerPoints and In addition he is another WBGS keen cyclist school for many years to come. Thank you her love of Biology. having ridden a section of the Tour de France. Peter. You will be missed. From the beginning, Katie was always Stefan leaves us to teach at The Beacon School N B keen to take part in activities outside of the in Buckinghamshire. We wish him well. classroom and has helped to run Science NT
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 99 Old Fullerians and The Antarctic
n February 2015, a monument was unveiled in Stanley, Falkland his resourcefulness in difficult conditions were an inspiration to many of Islands, in remembrance of twenty nine British scientists who us. His sense of humour and his musical versatility will be remembered lost their lives in Antarctica in pursuit of science to benefit us all. round many a camp-fire.” One of them was an Old Fullerian, my younger brother, Jeremy After his death, the Scout Troop was installed in a new hut which Bailey who attended the school between 1952 and 1960, a year was named “The Jeremy Bailey” hut. His portrait was painted by the art after me. I was present at the unveiling. teacher at the school, Mr. J.R.Smith. The scout troop closed down in 1992 IJeremy was not an obviously outstanding pupil, quiet, retiring, no lover and when the hut was demolished, Killa gave the portrait and the plaque of sport or popular music, but a keen member of the school Scout troop and describing it to me. In 2014 I gave it back to the school and it now hangs school choir. By the time he was in the sixth form and a school prefect, he in the Fuller Memorial Library. was an Assistant Scout Master and one of the strengths of the troop. In 2006, I was invited to attend a reunion of the personnel who had On leaving school he went to Bristol University where he gained an worked at Halley since it was first constructed fifty years earlier. There I upper second in Physics and was awarded a place at Downing College met several of Jeremy’s former colleagues including Rod Rhys Jones who Cambridge as a research student at The Scott Polar Research Institute. had been on the expedition when the accident occurred and had been He was working on a project involving the development of the technique a good friend of his. Rod discovered that during the time that British to measure the thickness of ice in polar regions by the use of Radar scientific research had been carried out since 1944, twenty eight men waves to assist in mapping the terrain beneath. The same principle is and one woman had lost their lives in Antarctica. Many of these have no still being used today although much more advanced. known grave and all but one remain in the Antarctic. A project to provide In the summer of 1964 he was in a party which carried out its first a Memorial Orchard in the grounds of British Antarctic Survey was field trials in Greenland and at the end of that year he travelled to Halley underway, but Rod and a few others considered that this was not public Bay in Antarctica to use the equipment on the ern polar ice sheets. enough and that there should be a more public tribute to them. He was Whilst on an expedition in The Tottan Mountains in Queen Maud proposing to launch a Trust to achieve this and invited me to become a Land, over two hundred miles from Halley Bay, the tractor in which he was founding Trustee, which I gladly agreed to do. travelling, with two companions, fell into a crevasse and they were all killed. The Trust was established in November 2006 with generous grants from Tribute was paid to him in the “Fullerian” in December 1965, by his The Commonwealth Office and from The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage form master Mr. J B Rigg. Trust, followed by many donations from families, friends and supporters. It would be easy to over-dramatise Jeremy’s school career, for in many respects he was the antithesis of the future explorer, popularly conceived. Small in stature, he never attempted to make good this deficiency by self-assertiveness at the expense of others. A moderate scholar when compared with his contemporaries in the “A” stream, he was engaged at the time of his death in research which those with better paper qualifications may well have envied. It might have been expected that life at Bristol and Cambridge Universities, in Greenland and Antarctica would have carried Jeremy intellectually as well as physically far from his old school. Yet one recalls the boyish enthusiasm with which, during a recent leave, he showed his photostat echoes from the rocks beneath the Greenland ice; and the excitement when there arrived from Halley Bay a letter with every current Falkland Islands stamp upon its cover. (This was, at his suggestion, later sold for charity.) Alan “Killa” Collins, the Scoutmaster also penned this paragraph for the Fullerian. “Jeremy Bailey will be remembered by the School Scout Group chiefly for his unfailing cheerfulness, his tremendous enthusiasm and his capacity to enjoy life to the full. In camp, on expeditions or in the usual activities of School life, his consideration for those around him and
100 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Rod had met Oliver Barratt, a distinguished sculptor who had previously designed and erected a monument on Mount Everest to those who had perished whilst attempting to scale the peak. Rod and Oliver developed the idea of a sculpture in two parts, one to be sited in Cambridge, which is the centre of Antarctic research and the other in The Falkland Islands, being the Gateway to Antarctica, through which all travelled on their way. The Cambridge sculpture, which is sited in the grounds of The Scott Polar Research Institute consists of two oak pillars 3 metres high, forming a mould the shape of the stainless steel “flame” which surmounts a bronze plinth. This stands serenely on Dockyard Point in Stanley pointing towards “The Narrows,” the entrance to the harbour, through which all who worked in Antarctica sailed on their way . By 2011 enough money had been raised to provide a memorial plaque in St Paul’s Cathedral. This was formed of riven Welsh Slate,1.4 metres in diameter and 50 mm thick. Around the edge are engraved the words “For those who gave their lives in Antarctica in pursuit of science to benefit us all.” While the manufacture of the Cambridge Sculpture and the slate plaque were in progress, my role was to try and locate the families of those who had died to inform them of the activities in progress. As the earliest deaths had occurred in 1948, this was by no means an easy task. With the help of appeals to former colleagues and local press we were able to invite over three hundred to attend the dedication of the plaque in St Paul’s Cathedral in May 2011, and many also attended the unveiling of the Cambridge Sculpture two days later. Fund raising continued and the manufacture of the ern sculpture commenced. Oliver Barratt constructed a full size model of the sculpture and Pangolin Structures Ltd. were contracted to manufacture the monument. The names of those who had died were to be inscribed on two faces of the plinth and maps indicating the locations of both parts of the sculpture on another, this layout being carefully prepared by our designer, Graeme Wilson, who had prepared the design for the slate plaque. The formation of the bronze plinth was by means of a unique process developed by Pangolin, using 3D printing and a series of rubber moulds before sand moulds were made to cast the four panels. The structure was completed in September 2014, just in time to be loaded on one of British Antarctic Survey’s ships to be transported to Stanley. It was unloaded, two months later and erected in Stanley by former employees of British Antarctic Survey and the surrounding area was prepared and paved. Meanwhile, the trust decided to organise a Voyage of Remembrance. In February 2015, eighty five family and friends, former colleagues and supporters were present at the dedication of the monument, and then journeyed to Antartica, attempting to visit as many of the former research bases on the Antarctic Peninsula, to pay tribute to those who had died. Antarctica Research Base WBGS At the dedication of the ern Sculpture, which took place on 25th February phone link up 2015, I was given the privilege of speaking during the ceremony. I stressed the importance of a lasting memorial to those who had died, partly as a point of In the week leading to the talk from Antarctica, many teachers reference for those who would never have the opportunity of visiting a grave. promoted the event in lessons and form times and when it came to This has enabled me, in some sense, to come to terms with the loss of my it, we all gathered in P1 in the science block. The room was packed brother, and was a most fitting conclusion to many years work by the Trust. full of students from science and other subjects such as Geography. Brian Dorsett-Bailey. It was exciting to see an application of what we were learning and how subjects worked in conjunction with one another. This was Much more detail of the work of the trust and those who died can be especially relevant to me as a student who studies both Physics found on the website: www.antarctic-monument.org and Geography. There was a phone on loud speaker sitting on a chair in the Editor’s note: At the unveiling of the memorial to the scientist in St Paul’s Cathedral, middle of the room. The audience were listening to the British Antarctic Professor John Dowdeswell, Director of the Polar Institute said ‘It is fitting that there Survey scientist, who had spent 1.5 years on base, who was speaking should be a monument for those who died, names unknown to the outside world, but to us live from the Halley Research Base. It is crazy to think that they can who have helped create the enviable polar reputation that the UK enjoys. Jeremy Bailey just call us from where they are, 10,000 miles away, with relative ease! made a very significant contribution to that reputation. The presentation was interesting and spoken in a way that Whilst weather conditions and working conditions have not improved at the we A-level students could understand. He spoke in conjunction to a British Antarctic Survey, scientists are now enjoying significantly better living conditions. A brief modest article from the chief designer of Halley 6 (another ex Watford Boy) PowerPoint presentation that our own Mr Hensman, was in control of simply does not do justice to the complexities of creating this new base. in the lab. The talk was about the work they do at Halley 6, the life on I’m extremely grateful to Brian Dorsett-Bailey and Michael Wright for allowing us the base, and in his own story of how he got there, he reflected that it to include their connections with the ‘other side of the world’ in this issue. was a mixture of luck, skill, and personality. A few weeks later, Michael Wright came to give a lecture to the Opposite above: Kista, Jeremy and Above: Sculpture in Stanley, Falkland Sixth Form about the engineering side of construction of the base penguin. Islands, with plinth face showing that the scientist had spoken about. names of those commemorated. Opposite below: Jeremy and Brian James Wright L6C on board the Kista, prior to Jeremy’s sailing to Antarctica.
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 101 Life in the Freezer
ichael Wright, Regional Director with AECOM and Michael Wright gave his talk, Halley VI-Life in the Freezer, to the whole former pupil of the school and parent of 3 boys of the sixth form which described his design of the new base, the currently at the school, was at the British Antarctic conditions the design had to overcome and its construction together Survey (BAS) Research Base, Halley VI in Antarctica with some recent photographs of the base in use following his visit from December to the beginning of March. Whilst there. It was made even more remarkable when so many boys raised there he arranged a live link up with the school, their hand when Michael asked who had been present at the link up just Mspeaking to a number of pupils and staff – quite a unique experience for a few weeks earlier. any school to directly communicate with an Antarctic Research Station. Halley VI, the British Antarctic Survey’s new ‘space-age’ Antarctic A group of 56 A-level students were given a presentation from BAS Met research base, is one of the most technically challenging projects ever Scientist Richard Warren describing the type of science undertaken delivered. Halley VI is designed to lift itself out of rising snow to prevent at Halley and how this relates to global weather systems and its it from being buried by the ever increasing snow accumulation and has importance to life on earth. This generated some interesting dialogue the ability to be relocated to avoid an unstable ice shelf it sits on that between the students and Richard and gave a rare insight into the detail could potentially break up during its lifetime. of the science conducted on this frozen continent. Richard and I were in Since opening, it has won a series of major awards, has appeared the Upper Observation Laboratory, the upper deck of the end Module on a British stamps and coins and even the UK Government is using in the photo, talking by phone to students at WBGS 10,000miles away. Halley VI to promote British innovation. Less than three weeks following this link up from Antarctica, Michael Wright
102 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Friday Afternoon Lectures
The Friday afternoon lecture is one of many traditions in Watford Boys that certainly provides many memorable moments, some life changing for some students.
he Friday afternoon lecture is one of many traditions in die, been detained and interrogated by the Syrian Secret Service, been Watford Boys that certainly provides many memorable put on trial in a jungle clearing by an African guerrilla leader, been in a moments, some life changing for some students. Outside plane crash and a rail crash, been swept down rivers, been bombed by speakers are invited, often eminent in their own field, attacking aircraft, crossed frontiers clandestinely on foot, walked many sometimes Old Fullerians, but usually fascinating to most hundreds of miles with guerrilla armies, walked through minefields at boys. Perhaps the most entertaining are those that have night, endured the terrible killings and deaths of close friends. theT students on the edge of their seats ready to get up and question All this is true, but like Harry Rée I’ve been supported by some and assumption. Any speaker arriving and expecting an easy afternoon wonderful and unassuming people who have greatly enriched my life and will be disappointed, but any open-minded student may walk away made it a journey of deep fulfilment and real wonder. I have been very lucky. with their own ideas developed and shaped by what they have heard. I’ll start with Angola, where at the height of the Soviet-era Cold War, Perhaps this year, one of those speakers to have an impact was Erwin I was assigned to report one of the competing liberation movements, James, a man who had served a jail sentence having been convicted for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, UNITA. It was murder, and spoke about the criminal justice system. led by one of the most charismatic individuals I have ever met, Jonas Savimbi, who, I was later to discover and reveal, was a truly monstrous This year too, Watford Boys had its own hustings, with Watford’s mass murderer. Labour, Conservative, UKIP and Liberal Democrat candidates trying to From a chance meeting, I began the pursuit of a story that changed persuade those of voting age which way to use their vote. history in that part of the world and showed, among much else, that South Africa, encouraged by Western governments – including our own – 2014-2015 Speakers and intelligence agencies, had launched a secret invasion of Angola that Swaziland Choir dragged in also a Cuban Army. Madani Younis (Old Fullerian) A career in theatre And so began a lifetime’s work, including two books. But there is and theatre management a third book that has to be written. A very close friend of mine in the Erwin James Criminal Justice UNITA movement was a brilliant young man named Tito Chingunji, who Mark Bhagwandin How do we value human life became much loved by my family. Savimbi was killing his own officers and throwing their wives and children to their deaths on to bonfires in Dr Greg Strain Why I am a Christian public ceremonies in huge jungle clearings. Tito, I also discovered, had Dr Omar Malik Being a Doctor in the NHS been threatened with death and though I worked behind the scenes in Fred Bridgland (Old Fullerian) Journalist and Writer Britain and the United States to try to persuade top officials to intervene James Beere The Army to ensure that Tito did not die, it was to no avail. I eventually learned John Levy Middle East in Crisis that my friend, his wife, four children, including one-year-old twins, his Susan Watts Science Journalism mother, father, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles had all been executed in Alex Lowe Barry of Watord and the life of an actor appalling circumstances on Savimbi’s orders. Michael Wright Life in the Freezer I wrote the full story of what I knew had happened in a number of Fire Service Road Safety for new drivers newspapers and as a result received death threats and threats to mutilate Professor Kurt Journalism my wife that were so serious that we were given special protection by Jane Marshall Writing an excellent personal statement Special Branch in London. Savimbi had written denying the killing of Professor Leigh The Law Tito and others to the then American Secretary of State James Baker and accused me of plotting to assassinate him. The allegation was untrue and I believe that letter sealed the United States’ abandonment of Savimbi The Extraordinary life of a who eventually died in a hail of bullets on the banks of a tributary of the Zambezi River after being tracked by some of his former generals and Foreign Correspondent South African soldiers who had once fought in his support. From 1988 onwards, I was based in South Africa to cover the big Fred Bridgland changes expected to the racial apartheid system including the release of Nelson Mandela and his subsequent election as South Africa’s first During my years as a Watford Grammar School pupil we were lucky to black head of state. have a particularly unusual and outstanding individual as headmaster. But in October 1991 I returned to Zambia to report the first multi- Harry Rée, who had been a pacifist until the Second World War, party parliamentary and presidential elections in a quarter century. It was recruited in 1940 into the Special Operations Executive and was there, I learned of the activities of Winnie Mandela’s crimes. was a remarkably brave and unassuming man who, despite some It formed the basis of a critical biography I wrote of Mrs. Mandela terrible experiences, never talked much about his experiences in public and for a related hour-long BBC-TV documentary. The revelations forced explaining that it was not so much through modesty as a feeling that he South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission to stage two weeks could never explain adequately the importance and bravery of the vitally of hearings into the activities of Mrs Mandela and her Football Club important people who supported him and other agents. These people which terrorised Soweto. In addition, I uncovered stunning new facts were running just the same risks of arrest, torture, concentration camp including Nelson Mandela’s role in the attempts to prevent Winnie and death and the courage of such supporters was often more worthy of Mansela’s crimes coming to light. the acclaim than that of some of the more spectacular heroes. Not a cheerful note to conclude on, I realise, but this kind of human It’s important that I pay tribute to the huge cast of unacclaimed, drama is part of the life of any foreign correspondent who does his job unostentatious characters who made possible my privileged working life conscientiously. However, I have also encountered many people who, in spite in India, the Middle East, Africa and mainland Europe. of everything, were among the warmest, kindest and sweetest on earth. “You must have had quite an exciting life,” is sometimes what Abridged version of lecture people say when I first meet them. And yes, I’ve been shot at, seen men
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 103 Leavers List 2014
UniversitName Course University/Collegey &Name collegeCourse University/College entrants Adnan Abbasi Applying 2015 Thomas Durn Sport and Birmingham University Exercise Sciences Vamsi Akinepally Applying 2015 Sayan Dutta Chowdhury Astronomy, Kent University Amar Ali Chemical Engineering Manchester University (2016) Space Science and Astrophysics Pranav Amaranath Economics Edinburgh University Alexander Eliad Mathmatics Warwick University Christian Amos History St Catherine’s College, Oxford Mustafa Farishta Economics and Business University College London with East European Studies William Ashford Philosophy, Wadham College, Oxford Politics and Economics Charles Fern History Birmingham University Dilakshan Asokakumar Accounting and Finance Durham University Alexander Finn Politics York University Amar Bains Accountancy Nottingham University Eoin Finnegan Engineering St Johns College, Oxford Ishan Bairoliya Law York University Myles Finnegan Economics Swansea University Russell Barnett Zoology Exeter University James Foulger Civil Engineering Bristol University Daniel Barrett Politics Nottingham University Thomas Franklin Physiotherapy Brighton University Mark Beglan Environmental Science Manchester University Elliot Freer History Birmingham University Daniel Bell Sound Technology Oxford Brookes University Robert Gaffney History Nottingham University and Digital Music Vinay Gandecha Economics and Politics Essex University Hassan Bhandari Economics/French Cardiff University Dillan Ghelani Business Bournemouth University Steven Binns Computer Systems Birmingham University Information Technology Engineering Aryeh Glover Economics Birmingham University Laurence Bisdee War Studies King’s College, London and History Tomas Greene History Nottingham University Charles Blake Economics Trinity College, Cambridge Christopher Griffin Law Hull University Thomas Bolton Ancient History Cardiff University Jerzy Griffiths Medicine Aberdeen University (2016) Harrison Bradford Business Management Brighton University Christopher Haines Mathmatics Imperial College London with Economics Liam Hall Information Management Loughborough University Jamie Brenner English and French Warwick University and Business Studies Jonathan Brighton Politics and Bath University Kieran Hansford Politics and Kent University International Relations International Relations Daniel Bulger History and Politics Warwick University Shivam Haria Mathematics, Warwick University Statistics and Economics Elliot Burford Physics and Astronomy Durham University Joshual Harper English Literature Durham University Douglas Campbell Industrial Economics Nottingham University Jake Harvey French and Italian Swansea University Robert Carpenter Physics York University Salman Hassanali James Carruthers Mechanical Engineering Sheffield University Jack Hayes Accounting and Finance Durham University Bikram Chaggar Philosophy, Politics Warwick University and Economics Jian Hong He Asian and Robinson College, Cambridge Middle Eastern Studies Timothy Chau Medicine King’s College, London Glen Hempenstall Economics Birmingham University Shyam Chauhan Engineering Warwick University Max Hiley Engineering Heriot-Watt University Bradley Cheeseman Economics Bath University Max Hill Broadcast Technology Ravensbourne University Kian Chong Finance, Accounting Nottingham University and Management Tobias Hill-Summers Economics Birmingham University Benedict Cross Graphic Communication Reading Univeristy Sam Hillman Politics and Economics Nottingham University Joshua Curtis History and Politics Nottingham University Alexander Hiscock Historical Archaeology York University Edward Daniel Mathmatics Brasenose College, Oxford Michael Holohan Hispanic Studies Nottingham University and History Dev Darbar Economics and Finance Surrey University Nathan Horsley Computer Science Bristol University William Dare History Exeter University Thomas Hughes Mechanical Engineering Southampton University Alasdair de Costa History Trinity Hall, Cambridge Ussama Hussain Chemistry Heriot-Watt University Giorgio De Lucia Geography Leeds University Lavandan Jegatheeswaran Medicine Nottingham University Raphael Debnath Criminology West of England University with Psychology Kelvin Kan Economics York University Arth Desai Economics Birmingham University (2016) Vishal Kaneria Dentistry King’s College, London Timothy Dunkerton Geography Nottingham University Kishan Katwa Medicine Trinity College, Cambridge with Business
104 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Name Course University/College Name Course University/College Benjamin Keenlyside Physics Southampton University Arjun Riyait Medicine Leicester University University & college entrantsCyrus Khan Politics and West of England University James Russell Geography Royal Holloway University International Relations James Scott Neuroscience Leeds University Kourosh Khodabakhsh Physics University College London Marco Scozzafava Politics with Economics Bath University George Knight American Studies Manchester University Chanak Shah Chemical Engineering Birmingham University Kiran Kotecha Economics Bristol University with International Study Priyesh Kotecha Management London School of Economics Miraj Shah Natural Sciences St Catherine’s College, Cambridge Rohin Kotecha Economics and French Cardiff University Hasan Shaikhali Medicine Queen Mary University of London Adam Kowalewicz General Engineering Durham University Yusuf Shaikhali Medicine Imperial College London Hui Fung Kwong Medicine University College London George Smith Politics and I Bath University nternational Relations Frederick Lazar Engineering Oxford Brookes University Rajiv Solanki Materials Engineering Loughborough University Sam Lees History York University Stanley Speel Engineering Hertford College, Oxford Jacob Leighton History Girton College, Cambridge Dhruv Suji Electrical and Hull University Alexander Lever Chemistry Warwick University Electronic Engineering Douglas MacDonald Geography Leeds Beckett University Prasann Sumaria Chemistry Nottingham University Aarun Malhotra Accounting and Finance Bristol University Jon-Luke Summerfield Sport Performance Bath University Daniel Malik Finance, Accounting Nottingham University Joel Sutcliffe Psychology Sheffield University and Management Jeremy Swanwick German and Spanish Leeds University Mostafa Mansour Dentistry Queen Mary University of London Robert Sykes Classical Civilisation Warwick University Joshua Marks Business Management Nottingham Trent University and Economics Anees Taj Law West London University James McBride-Wilson Geography Birmingham University Mudit Taldar Statistics, Economics University College London and Economics and Finance Manojkumar Mistry Economics York University Anthony Tarabe Economics Lancaster University Aaron Mitchell Geography Brighton University Elias Taylor Business Management Birmingham University Bradley Mitchell Psychology Leeds Beckett University Dominic Texeira Medicine St George’s, University of London (2016) Joshua Mottram Law Exeter University Felix Thompson Chemistry Imperial College London Alexander Mullin Mechanical Engineering Southampton University Callum Till Economics Portsmouth University Viruben Nandakumar History and Politics Nottingham University Luke Tunstall Aeronautics & Southampton University Yajin Nathwani Business Mathematics London School of Economics Astronautics/Spacecraft Engineering and Statistics Vivek Vanza Economics Warwick University George Noakes Psychology Aberystwyth University James Vettese Philosophy Edinburgh University Krister Noren Spanish and Arabic Exeter University and Mathematics Ayush Oza Mathematics London School of Economics Sebastian Walker Music Cardiff University and Economics Jonathan Waller History Warwick University Akhil Parekh English Bristol University Lawrence Weinrabe International Relations Birmingham University Daniel Park Sport and Coventry University with Economics Exercise Science Cameron Wells Chemistry Bristol University Nilen Patel Geography Regent’s Park College, Oxford Sam Whiteman Medicine Newcastle University Rishi Patel Accounting and Finance London School of Economics Dominic Wills German and History Nottingham University Dylan Patel-Vathvali Chemical Engineering Birmingham University James Wood Engineering Trinity Hall, Cambridge Jason Patterson Mathematics Warwick University Adam Woolf Natural Sciences Girton College, Cambridge Samid Pervaz Applying 2015 Matthew Wright Geography Leeds University Alexander Pope Neuroscience Sussex University Yue Yu Mathematics York University Joshua Powell English Literature Glasgow University Mohammad Yunis Accounting Kent University Jamie Pyrke Philosophy Nottingham University and Management Adiel Radia Economics Nottingham University Aaron Zolnai-Lucas Mathematics Warwick University Vishal Raniga Accounting and Finance De Montfort University Anojan Ratnarajah Law York University Prathap Ratnayake Chemical Engineering Aston University Hamish Rawbone Economics Durham University Archie Ring Acccountancy Birmingham University
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 105 Year 11 Lower Sixth Upper Sixth For excellence, effort and progress during the GCSE course For excellence, For excellence, Art John Ibabao effort and progress during the Lower Sixth course effort and progress during the Upper Sixth course Biology Ali Manji Art Rupert Woods Applied Dilakshan Biology William Adeboye Economics Robert Silver Prize Asokakumar Chemistry Prize Pearson Prize Maisam Merali Applied Science Eoin Finnegan Classical Civilisation Richard Raineri Chemistry Joshua Shemtob Art J R Smith/Southern Prize Benedict Cross Computing Chetankumar Mistry Computing Joshua Blake Biological Science E J Slinn Prize Albert Knight Design Technology James Wright Economics Harshil Patel Biology Russell Barnett Drama Jack Butler English Language and Literature James Dutton Chemistry W R Carter Prize Felix Thompson English Language Patrick Noren English Literature Charles Staines SCHOOL PRIZESClassical French Darius Tehrani-Vahid English Literature Timothy Bush Civilisation Norman Marrow Prize Alasdair De Costa Games Rugby Sam Oguz French Le Vesconte Prize Jorge Leitao Computing Nathan Horsley Cricket Robert Kennedy Games Rugby Julian Manieson Debating William Ashford Hockey Simon Guest Hockey Matthew Sears Economics Myers Clark Prize Shivam Haria Cross Country Jonathan Hill Cricket Sulaymaan Ahmed English Language Geography Kenzo Motohashi Athletics Matthew Lally & Literature F H Vince Prize Marco Scozzafava German Jannik Pedersen Geography Daniel Gillen English Literature F H Vince Prize Joshua Harper History Daniel Blake German Maisam Merali French R F Smith Prize Rishi Patel ICT Alexander Robson History Oliver Lee Geography P E Posner Prize Nilen Patel Latin Daniel Blake ICT Devan Bulsara German William Sullivan Prize Jonathan Waller Mathematics Shreyas Vora Latin Matthew Shaw History Sir Fredk. Pedler Prize Alasdair De Costa Mathematics Muhammad Manji Music Alexander Waygood IT Vamsi Akinepally Music Shivaike Shah Physics Joshua Shemtob Latin Christian Amos Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Alexander Lewis PE Casey Hanson Mathematics Keith Turner Prizes Alexander Eliad, Physics Soham Garg Politics Thomas Gibson Aaron Zolnai-Lucas Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Atharva Abhyanker Psychology James Dutton Music F W Thomas Prize Robert Carpenter Spanish Darius Tehrani-Vahid Physical Science Philip Proffit Prize Adam Kowalewicz Science (double award) Ahsan Sabir Spanish Matthew Shaw Sport and PE Austin Bailey Physics Loydell Prize Benjamin Keenlyside Tomlinson Prize Nimrod Kasper Young Engineers Gokulan Kannan Politics Brearley Prize Kiran Kotecha Joel Landshaft-Singhe Hertfordshire Scouts Zi Ning Ning Psychology Giorgio De Lucia Duke of Edinburgh Award Kenzo Motohashi Excellence in GCSE examinations Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Aryeh Glover Atharva Athyankar, Eugene Chang, Soham Garg, Spanish Krister Noren James Hamilton, Dominic Jones, Sport Stanley Rous – Rugby Giorgio De Lucia Mohammed Kazin Kanji, Mohammed-Jaffer Khaku, Stanley Rous - Hockey Jeremy Swanwick Oliver Lee, Ali Manji, Muhammad Manji, Luke McGee, Maisam Merali, Patrick Noren, FH Openshaw – All round Thomas Durn Benjamin Quinney, Shivaike Shah Tommy Thompson - Cricket Matthew Rose Exceptional Performance Zain Ali Athletics Jonathan Brighton Sport and PE OFA Prize Thomas Durn Neil Hart Prize Discovery Club Ishan Bairoliya Workshop Michael Holohan/Krister Noren School Council Kiran Kotecha Community Councillor Rabi Martins Prize Krister Noren Duke of Edinburgh Hertfordshire Scouts Adam Woolf Award Alastair De Costa Governors’ Prizes for Services to the School Jonathan Waller, Jeremy Swanwick, Guest of Honour Kiran Kotecha, Jonathan Brighton, Russell Barnett Woollams Prizes for Excellence in the A Level Examinations Richard Harrington MP Alasdair De Costa, Christopher Haines Exceptional Performance Eoin Finnegan Richard was elected as Member of Parliament for Watford in May 2010. He works hard for the people of Watford both here and in Westminster, fighting on the issues that matter most. As our MP he has secured £50m for our schools, hundreds of millions of pounds of Senior Prefects investment in our transport infrastructure and new health facilities. Unemployment has halved in the last four years and thousands of new apprenticeships have been created 2014-2015 for local youngsters. Richard was born in Leeds in 1957, the eldest son of a shopkeeper. He worked in Head Prefect the family shop at weekends and school holidays from the age of 10. This gave him what he sees as the most significant values in his life, hard work and enterprise. After leaving J. Shemtob Leeds Grammar School in 1975 he was awarded a scholarship to Oxford University to study Law at Keble College. Deputy Head Prefects Upon graduation Richard started working in the Trewins Department store in Watford (now John Lewis) and eventually left to start up a business with two friends. R. Angel Richard ran the business for 20 years before going to work full time for the Variety Club Z. Arain Children’s Charity. He was selected to stand for Watford in December 2008. Richard is married to Jessie and they have two sons. G. Kannan A. Tunwell
106 THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 Animal Behaviour ive years ago, pretty much to the day, I left Watford Boys with a good number of GCSEs and A Levels to my name. I was heading towards something that, to be honest, I did because everyone else was; I was going to university. A large number of my friends had achieved places studying Engineering, Economics or Business. I, however, was taking aF bit of a leap into the unknown and had secured a place at Exeter University reading Animal Behaviour. This was met with a large amount of bemusement from friends and teachers alike “Huh?” “Are you going to be a zoo keeper?” “So, will you be able to read my dog’s mind?”, questions that I would hear every time I met someone new for the next three years… the last one wasn’t, and will never be, funny. What did I actually do? I spent the next three years in lecture theatres, labs and in the field discovering the mechanisms in which animals make complex life decisions; for example I now understand how wildebeest move in herds a million strong as if operating under one collective mind. The lowest point of my course was when I tried to beat a pigeon at a cognitive test and failed. A highlight was flying to the Bahamas and recording the habitat use of juvenile fish. I snorkelled on coral reefs for five hours a day; it was awesome. I really enjoyed my three years at University, but for the whole of away, asking them to support research, or use their buying power to third year I had been secretly worrying about my job prospects; is there support sustainable practices. As a team, if we can change the views and a graduate scheme working with animals? Turns out there’s not unless behaviours of a few people every day, then we’ll be, ever so slightly, on our you work for a pest control company. No thanks. way to achieving a more balanced relationship with our world’s wildlife. Instead I looked towards charities. I won a European scholarship with The reason why I was asked to write this small piece was a charity researching the behaviours of whales and dolphins in Tenerife because passion and my job are different to the typical Old Boy’s. I for three months, not a bad start. And then soon after I started working don’t earn a lot of money, it’s not very white collar, but it is no less at The Zoological Society of London, one of the world’s most influential important. Wildlife conservation is fast becoming a growing concern wildlife organisations. I am a Presenter at ZSL London Zoo where I speak to for governments the world over, and in the next ten years everyone will visitors about the animals we house, and communicate the importance of know the word ‘conservation’ and what it stands for. This is evident with the conservation work we carry out across the globe. For the most popular David Attenborough meeting with the most powerful man in the world, talk, Penguin Beach Live, audiences exceed 1,000 in the summer every day, Barack Obama, to discuss the future of our planet. which is just a fraction of the 1.2million people the park hosts every year. What’s in store for me next? My end goal is to end up working in My job is way more important than telling people a few odd facts; wildlife programming producing documentaries. So a move to Bristol, each talk carries with it a conservation message for the audience to take the world hub for wildlife documentaries, is definitely on the cards. Sam Ginger
Prefects The Watford Fuller W. Adeboye J. Jackson V. Ratnarajah M. Ali A. Karet H. Samudrala Foundation D. Anderson R. Kennedy R. Shah would like to thank D. Bail Z. Khan S. Shah S. Beeston A. Lewis A. Sharkey D. Benson J. Manivannan N. Sharma Peter Angel & Co J. Burke R. Masters S. Shrinanda Chartered Accountants N. Chandarana K. Motohashi S. Singhal Finance House M. Chapman C. Muraleedharan C. Staines 77 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, T. Chen L. Muraleedharan J. Taylor Essex IG9 5BW A. Crawford W. Ning D. Tehrani S. Guest A. Pandya S. Versi for their help in J. Hartley R. Patel A. Waygood submitting the Foundation’s W. Hasan N. Patel R. Woods HMRC gift-aid return over the G. Heracleous G. Ramesh past seven years. J. Hill V. Rastogi
THE FULLERIAN 2014-15 107 The Governors, Headmaster and Staff of Watford Grammar School for Boys wish to offer their warmest thanks to the parents, alumni, friends and organisations who have supported the school during the year. THANKThanks also to the many families that make regular contributionsY to theOU school. Their gifts of time, expertise and money to the school continue to make a real difference to the education of our students.
Friends of Watford Grammar School for Boys Old Fullerians Association The Watford Fuller Foundation The ES Household Family John Taylor Pabulum Mr Roy Hayes Mr Adam Parsons Lord Robert Winston Councillor Ian Brown Shirley Greenham Stone Computers David Lloyd Warner Brother Studios Moor Park Golf Club Aubrey & Finn Estate Agent Watford Mercure Mr & Mrs Hudson Mrs Kachela Mrs Bishop The Watford Observer Selex ES Hyder Consulting AECOM - Young Engineers and Sixth form lectures Engineering Development Trust Young Enterprise Affinity Water PROFESSIONAL WILL WRITING
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