Worcesterian | 2017/18 2 36 Contents

INTRODUCTION FROM 3 THE HEADMASTER

ENGLISH FACULTY 4

MATHEMATICS FACULTY 8

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE FACULTY 10

SCIENCE FACULTY 14

HUMANITIES FACULTY 18 45

CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY 30 SPORT 48 68 34 CAREERS 68

ENRICHMENT 72

DEBATING 74

HOUSE REPORT 76

COMBINED CADET FORCE 80

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD 84

STAFF JOINERS & LEAVERS 86

CHARITY 92 74 FOUNDATION 94 64 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND 96 92 SENIOR SCHOOL PRIZES

DESTINATIONS FOR LEAVERS 101 24 Worcesterian | 2017/18 3

Worcesterian Introduction (2017-18) There have been numerous other successes in team and individual sports as well as full participation in CCF, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the fiercely contested House competition.

RGS Worcester participated in the St Richard’s Hospice ‘Worcester Stands Tall’ project, supported by the AOOE Alumni Association, and the RGS giraffes stood tall in Worcester over the summer. The Arts have also seen further success with the ‘Big Draw’ involving over 1,500 people at the School, the Land Rover Challenge Team reaching the World Finals in Abu Dhabi and Textiles success in a national competition. Music and Drama have been superb, with the production of ‘West Side Story’ performed in front of sell- out audiences and concerts and plays that demonstrated the rich cultural life of the School. The Chamber Choir was invited to perform in St Paul’s Cathedral in London for the 34 first time. Former RGS pupils have reached remarkable heights with Alistair Ley featured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, The academic year 2017-2018 was truly exceptional with Jack Ruane achieving a place on the GB Shooting Team, achievements across so many areas of school life. Jenny Nesbitt competing at the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, and Imran Khan winning the national With major educational reforms implemented this election to become Prime Minister of Pakistan. year, RGS pupils rose to the challenge academically by achieving strong results at GCSE and A Level. We had We bade farewell at the end of the academic year to a very enjoyable Results Days in the summer, with pupils number of staff who have shown such commitment to RGS celebrating achieving their places at leading Universities Worcester. In particular, three Mathematics teachers, Messrs (including 5 Oxbridge places) and other courses including Wilkinson, Shorrocks and Ralfe, between them, amassed an competitive Higher Level Apprenticeships. At GCSE there extraordinary 109 years of service. Their contribution both were numerous success stories as the new number grades in the classroom and in so many other areas of school life appeared on certificates. has set them apart and they will be very greatly missed.

In the Co-curricular life of the School, RGS had its most My thanks to all those who have contributed to The successful year in Debating ever, achieving national success, Worcesterian 2017-18 and especially the Marketing team including reaching the National Finals in the Oxford and and our Designer, Mrs Su Savage, who has lent her artistic Cambridge competitions and winning the Birmingham and design skills to the publication. Schools competition. Girls’ sport reached new heights and could also claim its most successful year. In Netball, the We look forward to the opening of our Performing Arts Under 14 and Under 18 teams reached the Regional Finals Centre which has been a major building project at the and Hockey also saw its most successful season with the School this academic year and the chance to bring more Under 16s reaching the semi-finals of the National Indoor opportunities for our pupils as they aspire to even greater Finals and the Under 13s reaching the National Outdoor heights in 2018-19. Finals. The Senior Rugby team won the Modus Cup in front of 4,000 people at Sixways Stadium and went on tour to John Pitt 24 South Africa in the summer. Headmaster 4 Worcesterian | 2017/18

RGS BOOK CLUBS Variety, enthusiasm and a love of stories have again characterised the RGS Book Clubs, and we now have three weekly group meetings in Years Seven, Eight and Nine. Novels read include: Markus Zusak’s ‘The Book Thief’, and Malorie Blackman’s ‘Noughts and Crosses’. Year Eight had the opportunity to share Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Graveyard Book’ before exploring the works of H.P Lovecraft with Mrs Earle. Meanwhile, creative writing entries were submitted to Radio 2’s 500 Words.

POETRY SLAM One new addition to the literary calendar this year was the inaugural House Poetry Slam. There was a tremendous amount of interest in the event and a real buzz as teams MEETING NEW CHALLENGES competed to produce the most 2018 saw another busy and eventful year in English. dramatic readings of their chosen English was unique in being the only subject to take poems. The range of writing was on the challenge of both the new GCSE and A Level impressive and it was very pleasing specifications. While our pupils rose to these challenges to hear many poems written and admirably, it is clear that longer examinations, closed- performed by the pupils themselves. book criteria and more demanding texts will continue to There was some stunning work on test our pupils in the future. display, most notably by Zain Baig in Year Ten who produced a powerful and moving rendition of his own poem ‘I Don’t Know What Happened’ NATIONAL POETRY DAY AND with Ella Gibbs. The event was finally WORLD BOOK DAY won by Wylde House. The year began with our annual celebration of World Poetry Day, TRIPS AND VISITS and this became the focus for There were several new initiatives several events around School. Over this year. Most notable was the thirty pupils met to share favourite Department’s involvement in the poems and many read out their own Shakespeare Schools Festival where impressive work. The theme for this an adapted version of ‘King Lear’ was year was ‘Freedom’ and throughout performed at the Artrix Theatre. the week in English classes pupils had the chance to explore their own ideas As part of this year’s Summer Reading about what freedom means through Challenge at the National Trust’s creative and personal writing. Croome Court, the Year Seven Drama English FACULTY Worcesterian | 2017/18 5

Club performed a devised piece CURRICULUM DAY LITERARY SOCIETY of theatre based on ‘The Beano’ As Year Eleven prepared for 2017 saw the rebirth of the as part of the summer ‘Mischief their GCSE English examinations School’s Literary Society. Meeting Makers’ project. the School played host to Tom every Monday after school, Larkin and Larner Wallace- students from Years Eleven to DICKENS PRIZE Taylor, who were members the Upper Sixth delved into the One of the undoubted academic of the cast of the National exciting world of literature. highlights of this year was Theatre’s touring production The year started with pupils the achievement of Aodren of J.B. Priestley’s play ‘An exploring the murky depths of Clemit in Year Eleven winning Inspector Calls’. The play is Dystopian fiction and saw the the prestigious King’s Taunton one of the GCSE set texts and group unravel Orwell’s political School Dickens Prize. In order our Year Eleven students had a message in his famous novel to win the competition, Aodren unique opportunity to spend a ‘1984’. From Orwell, pupils had to read one of Dickens’s day studying the play with the ventured to Wilde, Rochester less-celebrated works, the 700- actors, who were ably assisted and Du Maurier, before finishing page ‘Barnaby Rudge’. Aodren by three Lower Sixth Drama the term with a competitive, yet then took a brief paragraph from Scholars Alex Edwards, Martyn festive, LitSoc Christmas quiz. As the novel and turned it into a Forrester and Beatrice Price. This well as literary seminars, pupils 4,000-word episode, full of vivid was an invaluable opportunity to took part in ‘Book 6’, a modern characterisation, comic dialogue see the play brought to life and twist on the book club. Later and fast-paced plotting. Winning our pupils gained many insights in the year the group read ‘The the prize requires not only into its plot, themes and aspects Vampyre’, ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’, the ability to read Dickens’s of characterisation. and Khaled Hosseini’s ‘The Kite novel with great insight and Runner’ understanding but also to write with flair, in order to capture and reproduce the inimitable style of Dickens.

‘Aodren’s entry demonstrated very successful fulfilment of The King’s Taunton School Dickens Prize - Aodren Clemit, Year very demanding Eleven presented with his certificate by Mr John Pitt, Headmaster RGS Worcester and Mr Nicholas Phillips, Head of English criteria’ 6 Worcesterian | 2017/18

Do you need to brush up on your Shakespeare? Do you know your Dickens from your Dick Francis? Test your literary knowledge with this English- based quiz. All questions are courtesy of members of the English Department.

1) In which Northern village did the Name the: 4) Byronic Hero in ‘Wuthering HOW WELL DO Brontës grow up? Heights’. 2) What were the male 5) ‘the madwoman in the attic’ YOU KNOW pseudonyms the three writers used in ‘Jane Eyre’. to publish their works? THE BRONTË 3) What was the name of the 6) Anne Brontë’s famous novel imaginary place that Charlotte about Helen and Gilbert? SISTERS? and Anne created when they were younger? 7) The ‘prequel’ to ‘Jane Eyre’ by Jean Rhys

10) One flew over the couscous 8) Which other famous female FOOD FOR nest writer published a biography about Charlotte Brontë in 1857? THOUGHT – 11) For whom the taco bell tolls 9) Name the Brontë novel 12) The lovely scones containing these quotations: ‘I am GUESS THE 13) Skittle Women no bird; and no net ensnares me’ and ‘Reader, I married him’. BOOK TITLE 14) War and peas

15) “When I’m out somewhere, I 16) Our appetites being NAME THE generally just eat a Swiss cheese sharpened by the frosty voyage, sandwich and a malted milk. It and in particular, Queequeg NOVEL isn’t much, but you get quite a lot seeing his favorite fishing food of vitamins in the malted milk.” before him, and the chowder being surpassingly excellent, we despatched it with great expedition...”

17) “Child as he was, he was 18) The Bennet family appear in desperate with hunger, and which Jane Austen novel? reckless with misery. He rose GENERAL 19) About which otter did Henry from the table; and advancing to Williamson write a 1927 novel? the master, basin and spoon in LITERARY hand, said, somewhat alarmed 20) What was the first name of at his own temerity, ‘Please, sir, I KNOWLEDGE Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple? want some more.’” Worcesterian | 2017/18 7

21) In which play does Lady 24) Who went on a 26) In which George Bernard Bracknell memorably say “A circumnavigation of the world Shaw play are Professor Henry handbag?” from the Reform Club as the result Higgins and Eliza Doolittle central of a bet? characters? 22) According to W H Auden, what was “bringing the cheque and the 25) Who wrote the Booker Prize 27) In which famous novel does postal order”? winning novel ‘The Life of Pi’? Edward Fairfax Rochester play a significant role? 23) What is the name of Andy McNab’s 1993 book about a patrol 28) Which writer created Inspector behind enemy lines in Iraq? Tom Barnaby?

29) Which John Steinbeck novel 32) How many of Shakespeare’s revolves around the characters SHAKESPEARE plays include the name of a king? Lenny and George? 33) Name King Lear’s three 30) In which book does an alien daughters. invasion commence in Woking? 34) What colour stockings are 31) Which British Prime Minister worn by Malvolio in ‘Twelfth was awarded the Nobel Prize for Night’? Literature?

35) Is Romeo a Capulet or a Name the play: 42) Complete the title of the Montague? collection of Shakespeare’s plays 38) ‘Conscience doth make published in 1623 by his fellow 36) Aldous Huxley’s novel ‘Brave cowards of us all’ actors? The First F______New World’ takes its title from which Shakespeare play? 39) ‘If music be the food of love, 43) In which country is ‘Hamlet’ play on’ set? 37) What is the name of 40) ‘All the world’s a stage’ 44) In ‘As You Like It’, Rosalind is the theatre where most of exiled to which Forest? Shakespeare’s plays were 41) This blessed plot, this earth, performed and in which he held this realm, this England’ a share as owner?

45) What is Room 101 famous for in 49) What are the lead characters’ DYSTOPIA George Orwell’s ‘1984’? names in 1984, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘The Maze Runner’, ‘A 46) What is the name of the Capital Clockwork Orange’ & ‘The Hunger City in ‘The Hunger Games’? Games’? 47) Along with ‘Room 101’, 50) In ‘1984 ‘residents are required to which contemporary television perform the two minutes of... programme takes its name from a. Happiness b. Oppression Orwell’s ‘1984’? c. Hate d. Celebration 48) Which British author wrote the novels ‘High Rise’, ‘Concrete Island’

and ‘The Drowned World’?

C. Hate C. 50. Katniss Alex, Thomas, Offred, 49. Ballard G. J. 48. Brother Big 47. Panem 46. fears worst their by tortured)

Where victims are confronted (& (& confronted are victims Where 45. Arden of Forest The 44. Denmark 43. Folio . 42 II’ ‘Richard 41. It’ Like You ‘As 40. Night’ ‘Twelfth 39. ‘Hamlet’ 38. Globe The 37. Tempest The 36.

Montague Montague 35. Yellow 34. Cordelia and Regan Goneril, 33. 14 or 13 . 32 Churchill Winston 31. Worlds’ the of War ‘The . 30 Men’ and Mice ‘Of 29. Graham Caroline 28. Eyre’ ‘Jane 27.

.’Pygmalion’ 26 Martel Yann . 25 Fogg Phileas 24. Zero’ Two ‘Bravo . 23 Mail’ Night The ‘ 22. Earnest’ Being of Importance ‘The . 21 Jane 20. Tarka 19. Prejudice’ and ‘Pride 18.

Twist’ ‘Oliver 17. Dick’ ‘Moby . 16 Rye’ the in Catcher ’The 15. Peace’ and ‘War . 14 Women’ ‘Little . 13 Bones’ Lovely ‘The . 12 Tolls’ Bell the Whom ‘For 11. Nest’ Cuckoo’s the ‘Over

One Flew Flew One 10. Eyre Jane 9. Gaskell Elizabeth . 8 Sea Sargasso Wide 7. Hall Wildfell of Tenant The 6. Mason Bertha 5. Heathcliff 4. Gondal 3. Bell Ellis and Currer Acton, . 2 Howarth . 1 8 Worcesterian | 2017/18 MATHEMATICS FACULTY

This has been a year of all change in the Mathematics Department with a new A Level specification after many, many years of stability, a new iGCSE course with lots of very traditional challenges and throw into that mix the retirement of 109 years of teaching experience as we say farewell to The Three Mathemateers!

The early part of the year always brings along the Senior Team used by airlines in seat Mathematics Challenge and the corresponding individual allocations and an in depth look competition. The Senior Team is always a very competitive at the way that medical testing event with a place at the National Finals up for grabs and, as is applied and used. These were always, the team pulled out the stops and came away with a really useful insights into the very pleasing 3rd place and, importantly, they really enjoyed the way this subject is used out challenge. Four Golds came in the individual competition and there in the real world. the ever-reliable Amy Rogers came away with an excellent Merit in the Kangaroo competition follow on round. We also went to Warwick University again this year with We had two visits to the Andrew Wiles Mathematics Institute a Year Ten and a Sixth Form in Oxford as part of their Women in Maths scheme. The first of group. The Year Tens had a day these was with a group of Year Nine pupils who had a day of of wide ranging material with hands on workshops and lectures. These are always very well a look at the use of shape used thought out days with challenging problem solving and then a in engineering construction really well put together programme of some very pure and very projects such as in The Shard. applied mathematics. This year they looked at the algorithms They also had a talk on the Worcesterian | 2017/18 9

occurrence of maths in such diverse topics as Nazi The summer term is generally where things ease code breaking and the waggle dance of honey bees, off during the critical external examination period including a fine demonstration of the movements in but our two fixed points of the House Team Maths this dance by Will Osborne much to the pleasure of Competition and the ever-popular Year Two Maths the 700 spectators. Day at RGS The Grange went ahead with great success. The Lower Sixth students who help run this We again had large entries of Lower and Middle event did particularly well this year making the day a School pupils in the Junior and Intermediate Maths huge success for the younger pupils. Challenges and we came away with excellent results in both of these. A total of 130 pupils achieved awards in these competitions with 17 pupils reaching a standard that got them through to the hugely The year saw us repeating some of our well- competitive international follow-on rounds. The established activities, welcoming back a few strongest result at this level was from Edward Smith, returning favourites from the past and some Year Eleven, which got him into the ferociously entirely new opportunities. difficult Olympiad round where he did really well to be awarded a Merit. 10 Worcesterian | 2017/18 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES FACULTY

This year has seen the MFL Faculty further increase the number of opportunities for pupils to engage in languages outside the classroom. Rather fittingly for a Department that constantly looks for inspiration at home and abroad, we have decided to summarise our year under the ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ headings below.

Domestic As part of the thirtieth poster celebrating European Day The year started with our annual anniversary celebrations of the of Languages. Following this European Week in September. Year Nine French Exchange success, in December we ran Pupils of all ages were able to this year, we welcomed the the Christmas Card Competition. take part in activities designed to headmaster, M. Guilbaud, of our In March, we appealed to promote a greater appreciation partner French school, l’Externat our future writers and future of European languages and des Enfants Nantais, to Worcester Oxbridge pupils to write a short culture. In the Dining Hall, there for the weekend of the Open story in French or Spanish for were European themed menus Morning in October. M. Guilbaud a competition organised by that were on offer throughout was incredibly complementary University of Oxford. French the week. The chicken and about RGS and enjoyed meeting linguists were even invited chorizo paella on Wednesday staff and pupils at the school. to the screening of a French seemed to go down particularly He left with renewed passion film in school and we received well! Thanks to Miss Gidon, and enthusiasm to ensure that outstanding entries from pupils there was also the opportunity the annual exchange between in Year Seven and Year Ten. Our to try handball and pétanque the schools continues for many final competition this year was at lunchtime. Mr Jackson gave years to come. to write a poem and, again, there a Billingham Society talk on were some fantastic entries. the evolution of language. The The Michaelmas Term also talk discussed the origins and saw the launch of the first of This year also saw the launch history of language codification, many local and national MFL of a new Co-Curricular as well as challenging modern competitions that pupils could initiative within the faculty, preconceptions of grammatical enter this year. One of our the MFL Council. This body is correctness. Year Seven pupils was selected consisted of pupils who take runner up for their design of a at least two languages at GCSE MODERN Worcesterian | 2017/18 11 FOREIGN LANGUAGES FACULTY

and A Level and who want to Finally, we have welcomed a Herefordshire and Worcestershire support the faculty with the number of visitors to the MFL Chamber of Commerce. We decisions that it takes relating Faculty this year. Our annual have also welcomed Ms Faustine to current provision. Thanks to Sixth Form Progression Lunch Peltret, a teacher from a French the suggestion of the council was attended by guest speaker school in Vienne, as part of our members, it was possible to Mr Mark Armitage, Director for work as an ADS School. offer taster Italian sessions to International Trade at the interested pupils before the Ski Trip left in February. The competitions that have been on offer were also a result of pupil feedback from the MFL Council.

The Faculty has also invested heavily in subscriptions to digital services for all pupils this year. Currently, our Year Seven and Eight pupils have access to Flash Academy, an app designed for iPads that tests pupils on a variety of vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. At GCSE, pupils have been taking advantage of the revision material that is accessed through ActiveLearn and all A Level linguists have access to Kerboodle. This allows pupils to work through a variety of independent tasks that can be set and monitored by their teachers. 12 Worcesterian | 2017/18

INTERNATIONAL At the end of the Michaelmas Term, pupils had the chance to go on the Cologne Christmas Markets Trip. Below are two accounts from pupils who went:

This trip started off with a long coach trip. I had never been in the Eurotunnel before, so it was a cool experience. After going though France, Belgium and Holland, we entered Germany. We then arrived at the hostel in Cologne. After dinner, as a whole group we walked along the bridge that was plastered with locks and ended up at the night markets. The next day, the majority of us went up the Cathedral. The view was breath-taking, I could see for miles. The architecture of the building was beautiful and ornate. We then got some lunch and went to the Lindt chocolate factory. I highly recommend this trip. It definitely tests your independence, as well as your self-control of spending money. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Emma Pickersgill 8E

On Friday evening, after we’d had a bit of time to settle into our rooms, we wrapped up warm to go down to the night market. On our way, we saw lots of amazing views over the lit-up city and the river. On Saturday, after breakfast we walked to Cologne Cathedral. It had a total of 533 steps to climb, which took a good 20 minutes. At the top, everybody took photos of the views. After we’d walked back down, we did some more shopping and wandering around. Then we walked along the Rhine to get to the Lindt factory. I had a fantastic time in Cologne. It was a great opportunity and there was so much interesting stuff to do. It would definitely be a trip I would recommend. Kristian McCabe 8E

Next year, we are looking to organise a Sixth Form French Exchange to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Pupils have already been contacted in relation to this trip and we hope that it will be the start of another long-lasting partnership between RGS and another French school. Worcesterian | 2017/18 13

The highlight of the Lent term was the opportunity for Year Nine French pupils to travel to Nantes as part of the annual jumelage (exchange) with L’Externat des Enfants Nantais. This year was even more memorable than usual as we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the exchange between the two schools. To mark this anniversary, we were invited to a reception at the town hall in Nantes. During the event, we received much praise for our determination and passion for this exchange and some pupils had the opportunity to speak in French in front of the audience to share their experience of the French lifestyle in Nantes with their host families. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed this trip and one even described it as “the best trip I’ve ever been on!”.

Pupils enjoy the Christmas markets in Cologne 14 Worcesterian | 2017/18

SCIENCE FACULTY It has been another good year for Science, but not necessarily a good one for mankind. 2017 was confirmed as the hottest year on record globally without an El Niño, and amongst the top three hottest years overall. I think 2018 will beat this. Whilst governments argue about global warming and climate change, scientists continue to explore ways to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and design more effective electric cars. RGS is also playing its part to encourage sustainability. There is a solar farm on top of the Design Centre, walls are fully insulated and the numerous boilers arranged around school have been upgraded to ensure maximum efficiency. In a time of climate change, we must remember, ‘Worcester Is Green’.

BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS This year saw success in both the Michaelmas term saw a Middle September saw sixteen Year Intermediate Biology Olympiad School team of Chemists Nine girls taking part in a Girls’ and the Biology Olympiad compete in the ‘Top of the Bench’ STEM Day at the University where Joe Corlett and Ben Elgar competition. It is a fiercely of Birmingham. The girls achieved prestigious Gold Awards competitive event, and sadly our participated in two workshops to in their respective competitions. team narrowly missed out on give them a taster of University progressing to the next round. life and an insight into the careers Other opportunities that the options available to those who Biology Department gave to its The Summer saw our Lower continue to study STEM subjects. students included a rat dissection Sixth students compete in the The first workshop involved an performed by the School’s former Cambridge Challenge. Question investigation into the breaking Deputy Head, Mrs Ceri Smee, one explored mining the moon in stresses of different types of with the Billingham Society. order to extract oxygen from the chocolate. Each group swung Highlights included seeing the minerals present, whilst question loaded pendulums towards white, digestive system in person, rather two explored the concept of dark and milk chocolate and than as an abstract diagram testing swimming pool water for gathered data to analyse. and appreciating that is not sugar sweeteners that have been significantly different from our excreted by humans as a way of The second workshop showed own. Mr Hugh Sykes organised determining the quality of water. the surprising effect of how the and led a trip to Bristol Zoo for temperature of the water affected Middle School students, where Our Lower Sixth pupils performed the properties of the steel hull they got the opportunity to see at a high level, achieving five of the Titanic which was an eye- red pandas, lions and gorillas, Silver Awards and three Copper opener to all. It also showed as well as many other exotic Awards. how straightforward classroom creatures. experiments and scientific theory can be to help explain major historical events. Worcesterian | 2017/18 15

ENGINEERING EDUCATION SCHEME It has been another successful year with the Engineering Education Scheme (EES). Six aspiring Lower Sixth engineers undertook a project with Worcester Bosch to design a jig that would bend the sides of a boiler to the precise angle required for riveting. From the initial brainstorm, through decision matrices to choose the most appropriate solutions given economic, safety and times factors, the team settled on a pneumatic-driven jig. The team spent time at School and at Birmingham University designing and testing their jig over the year, in addition to time spent at Worcester Bosch refining and subsequent testing. The EES finishes with a Celebration and Assessment day where the team formally present their project to a panel of Engineers and host a stand to discuss their project. Alongside 70 other schools from across the Midlands they were able to show their working prototype and explain the timeline of the project to other students as well as to assessing engineers. After initial nerves outside the presentation room, the team spoke confidently about their project and were praised for their technical skills, sensible evaluation and for answering questions clearly. The team of Emma Brinkley, Robert Hallam, Jonathan Burman, Mohammed Iqbal, Daniel Fellows and Lily Dugdale were all awarded Engineering Education Scheme Awards, Gold Crest Awards and Gold Industry Cadet Awards. Well done. 16 Worcesterian | 2017/18

DIGITAL LEADERS

WHO WE ARE... We are the Digital Leaders and our group started in 2015. We are a group of experienced pupils and teachers who help our fellow peers with their devices and the Digital Learning Programme.

WHAT WE DO... Our job is to help teachers and pupils with technology in school. We offer training sessions and drop-in clinics. We help with apps, websites, printing and much more!

OUR GOALS... Digital Leaders try to be innovators. We do this by reporting problems with equipment and auditing how often different software is used. We raise the profile of Computing & IT in the school and offer homework help using the DLP. We also run a lunchtime help centre and promote the importance of Computing & IT in all areas of the school. As well as this we offer in-class support to teachers and we also make helpful videos and presentations. . Sometimes we will talk in assemblies about eSafety and Digital Technology

Digital Leaders - looking forward to training new pupils to use their iPads DIGITAL LEADERS DIGITAL Starting with Digital Leaders, the Society has focused on supporting and raising important issues such as Internet Safety. The aim of the group is to raise the Digital Skills of all pupils and they have focused on developing their own Digital Skills. Members of the Society, Aaron Lad and Zara Morgan, have even become Apple Teachers and are looking forward to using their new skills while training new pupils to use their iPad. This year, pupils also marketed their skills and staffed a table during Open Morning. Prior to the event, they worked to develop a structured informative campaign, advertising their services and handed out business cards to prospective pupils. The group is looking forward to welcoming

DIGITAL LEARNING PROGRAMME LEARNING PROGRAMME DIGITAL Year Seven and are focusing on developing a Digital Leader skills programme for use by all Digital Leaders in 2018-19. Worcesterian | 2017/18 17 COMPUTING AND IT

In Year Seven, pupils have used Level in Computer Science and a Scientists to the evolution of Code Club resources in order new intake of pupils in the Lower technology. In November, Mrs to access higher challenges, Sixth, the skills-development Faulkner and pupils in the Sixth and have been motivated by has been noticeable. One Upper Form attended a ‘Computer challenging each other to Sixth pupil, Joshua Grainger, was Science in Action’ day at develop more intricate coded among the first group to have Imperial College, London. The solutions. During National started ‘Computing’ in 2013 after day offered superb guidance Code Week in December, it ICT was discontinued. He will on future careers, with was evident that we are now admit that his journey toward A inspiring talks on the future seeing greater numbers of pupils Level has provided him with many of automated cities and how arriving to the Senior School interesting avenues to pursue as cancer cells are coded from with higher coding abilities. a career. While he has not chosen specialists, including lecturers Particularly, we are now seeing to follow a specific Computer from Warwick University. The pupils in Year Seven attempting Science route, his experience in day certainly provided our Python challenges which last programming will be part of his pupils with higher aspirations, year, were introduced during future and he will even be taking in their ideas of how their Year Eight. The future is exciting, further programming modules in current skills could develop as a new generation have clearly his future degree course. into specialised and interesting ‘got the bug’ (sorry for the pun) future careers. and presenting greater progress We have also provided a great through their inquisitive and range of trips and activities resilient attitudes. throughout the academic year. Our annual trip to the History of Equally it has been another year Computing Museum at Bletchley of new challenges. With the first Park has, once more, inspired and Upper Sixth completing the A introduced future Computer 18 Worcesterian | 2017/18

HUMANITIES FACULTY

EXAMINATIONS CLASSICS Our external examination results were strong in 2017, with several 2017-18 has been another year of challenge and notable individual successes. Tom conquest for the Classics Department. New Peake and John-Jo Parkinson-Allsopp specifications at GCSE and A Level for both Latin and each achieved full marks on A Level Classical Civilisation have excited us and kept us busy; Classical Civilisation papers; Joe every so often we have escaped the confines of the Corlett, Imogen Still, James Allison, Classics classrooms to broaden our horizons too. Beth Rabjohn, George Beardmore, James Bell, Elle Mortimer, Harriet Rimell, Charlie Rushforth, and Toni Wittkopp all achieved full marks on GCSE Classical Civilisation papers, with Gemma Collins, Amy Rogers, Imogen Sinclair and Amber Warner- Warr all achieving full marks on Latin GCSE papers. Gemma and Amy both scored 100% for their full Latin Language GCSEs.

TRIPS+OPPORTUNITIES Early in the academic year, we took an enrichment trip to the Birmingham and Midlands Classical Society’s lecture entitled ‘Walking With Socrates’ delivered by Prof. Tim Whitmarsh from the University of Cambridge.

All change… After seven years as Head of Department, Mr Tanner is handing over the reins, and the password for the Twitter account, to Dr Thomas Russell (who in turn is passing on his Enrichment portfolio); they do, however, remain Assistant Examinations Officer and Master i/c Oxbridge respectively. Meanwhile Miss Binner is taking on further responsibility for House Competitions – we look forward to the advent of a House Classics Competition in the near future – and we welcome Mr Thomas Wallace who joins our Department part-time from September. Mr Tanner (Cantab) is feeling somewhat outnumbered by the three Oxonians! Worcesterian | 2017/18 19

For Activities Days in July, we took Our internet presence goes from strength to strength, with @ 10 intrepid archaeologists and RGSClassics now boasting 1500+ followers, making it one of the HUMANITIES ancient historians of the future, largest Classics Department accounts in the world. from the Lower Sixth, to explore FACULTY Hadrian’s Wall from end to end: working East to West, we looked at At the younger end of the spectrum, Year Six students have how it has been archaeologically participated in Taster sessions within the Department, and the whole explored over the centuries and focus for Humanities Day was again on the Classical World with all what the finds can tell us about the the Departments under the Humanities Faculty umbrella delivering people who lived in the area, both sessions around the themes of Greece and Rome. military and civilian, Roman and Barbarian.

A particular highlight was the walk from Housesteads to Steel Rigg, via Crag Lough and Sycamore Gap (the famous tree from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) for its tremendous views and perspective on the significance of the location for the purpose of the Wall.

We explored a series of forts (and their associated museums), as well as extant stretches of Wall and associated civilian and religious sites: Arbeia, Segedunum, Housesteads, Chesters, Carrawburgh Mithraeum, Vindolanda. Cramming these six sites into Monday to Thursday made for an intensive, immersive experience for the students. Native Northumbrian Mr Tanner endeavoured to impart a holistic sense of the history and human geography which surrounded the sites; students were struck by the contrast between the residential and post-industrial contexts of the Eastern end of the Wall, and the rural remoteness of the middle and Western sections. 20 Worcesterian | 2017/18

The Politics Department ran a trip to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court in the Michaelmas term. We were treated to a ‘How Parliament makes laws’ workshop and we were joined by MP Robin Walker who is a junior minister for Brexit. Mr Walker discussed about how different it is being a junior minister compared to an ordinary backbench MP. POLITICS

We gained admittance to the After lunch, we went to the In the Lent Term we attended public gallery and witnessed Supreme Court for a tour ‘Congress to Campus’, an an opposition day debate about its role and relationship event aimed at bringing the (there are only 20 opposition to Parliament. We discussed American political system to days in a parliamentary year) recent Supreme Court cases life despite being 4,242 miles on the NHS Winter Crisis in such as the Brexit case that away here in the UK. Our which Jeremy Hunt faced stated Parliament must vote first talk was on ‘Everything fierce questioning from to trigger Article 50, the HS2 we thought we knew about Labour MPs and various rail link and Donald Trump American elections and how experts. It was good to arguing that the Scottish Trump proved us wrong’. see how scrutiny works in government was not allowed Two former Congressmen practice and it was clear that to let a wind farm be built then gave us their views the political theatre that near his new golf course. It about important issues in surrounds Prime Minister’s is clear that the UK Supreme America today: they were Question Time was absent and Court has a growing influence Jim McDermott (Democrat, it was a heated and passionate on the life of UK citizens and Washington’s 7th district) debate. UK government. and Tim Murphy (Republican, Worcesterian | 2017/18 21

At ‘Home’ with the Home Secretary

I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to spend a week with Sajid Javid and see how one runs a Great Office of the State.

As I sat under the chimes of Big Ben I thought what a unique experience this is, a week’s work experience at Westminster, with my MP Sajid Javid. There are not many that can say they have walked ‘the corridors of power’ and it wasn’t even an election that got me there.

What a time to be in Parliament as the Commons’s timetable was inundated by Brexit and the EU Withdrawal Bill and what a sight it was to hear a slightly stressed and nervous David Davis try to convince a stern and intimidating looking opposition on the issue of a hard border. Although it is what we see on the TV, Westminster is not solely about debate. Much of the work completed by MPs and Lords is in committees and I had the chance to come face to face and talk to many MPs including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Phillip Hammond, Diane Abbott and Sir Vince Cable.

The Secretary of State made me feel very welcome and my week entailed various different aspects from attending the Speaker’s house to watch Sajid Javid collect MP of the Year, watching the notorious Prime Minister’s Questions, writing press releases to the BBC and Channel 4 and even creating Snapchat for the Home Secretary and running his social media!

Having braved a few days in a politician’s life, I can say it was one of the best experiences that I have ever had and has helped me set my ambitions of becoming an MP and maybe, just maybe… Prime Minister.

Since then, I have stayed in contact with Sajid Javid and his team, and have helped with events all around the constituency and cannot wait to return in the coming weeks.

I would advocate any pupil who is interested in politics to contact their MP and get involved!

Arun Sonksen

Pennsylvania’s 18th district). This seminar was inequality. Debate ensued over the suggestion very informative and provided us with real that President Trump was exacerbating racial insight into a range of political topics such as tensions. Whilst no consensus could be found, election campaigning, partisan polarisation and it was clear that both candidates agreed how they became congressmen. that more needed to be done to create racial harmony. It was a great conference and meeting Our second talk was based around ‘Civil congressmen really brought the American Rights and the Presidency’. This was a really system to life. fascinating lecture about the ever-changing civil rights scene and the role of previous presidents in producing legislation to combat 22 Worcesterian | 2017/18

GEOGRAPHY

The Geography Department have had an exciting year where there have been many field trips taking place to introduce students to collecting data in both the physical and human environments.

Year Eight had the chance to visit our local area which gave them a taste of Worcestershire. They visited different areas of the county including Warndon, Evesham and Broadway where they developed their geographical skills by completing a land use map as well as a survey and field sketch.

The new GCSE has seen the introduction of two new field days, The A Level trip was to Slapton students in Years Ten and Eleven have had the chance to study how Field Studies Centre for five days river characteristics change downstream along the River Onny in where we visited just a couple the Carding Mill Valley. For this fieldwork students had to wear their of days after storm Emma had wellies and get stuck in to taking measurements in the river. The hit and we were faced with very second day students completed was a visit to the Diglis Basin in difficult weather conditions due Worcester where they investigated whether the regeneration of the to the large amount of snow area was having a positive impact. which had fallen. Some of the other schools chose for students not to collect data but RGS students remained enthusiastic A very successful year was had despite the difficult weather by all in Geography and we conditions and so the trip look forward to next year with remained successful as students the introduction of our GCSE returned with all of the data and A Level trip to Iceland. which was required for them to complete their Non Examined Assessment. Worcesterian | 2017/18 23

In January the RS team in Year Eight, Philosophical welcomed Dr Greg Barker into Investigations in Year Nine and the Department for a Revision new curriculums at both GCSE and Examination Skills Workshop and A Level have now been with our Upper Sixth Philosophy completed. These reformed and Ethics A Level students. examination specifications have Much to their surprise Greg’s covered, in depth and breadth, sessions included quizzes, jokes a whole array of philosophical, and prizes, as well as some very ethical and moral issues and gratefully received study notes, developed a deep understanding covering a range of ethical of religious and non-religious and philosophical issues, from responses to the issues of the arguments of Aristotle in the modern day, in particular Ancient Greece to the politically same-sex marriage, religious active and controversial New extremism, the abortion debate, Atheism of Professor Richard euthanasia and social justice Dawkins in the 21st Century. issues. RS lessons continue to be GEOGRAPHY The Upper Sixth relished the at the forefront of contemporary opportunity to question a cultural and global issues, university lecturer and Greg was raising social awareness and extremely complimentary about tolerance amongst our students, our students and the work that and enabling them to reflect the RS Department is doing. All upon and debate emotive and praise and flattery was most controversial questions in the welcome! safe space of the classroom. As Seneca said, “As long as you live, The Department also greeted keep learning how to live.” Year Five students to our Humanities Day in June. With a range of activities, centred Greg Barker - Gregory A. Barker, PhD around the theme of Ancient is a published author with Oxford Rome, Year Fives explored University Press, a former University the world of Roman moral Department Head and current Visiting philosophy and religion, finding Research Fellow at The University of out that there was some Winchester. He has delivered surprisingly modern wisdom innovative and engaging presentations from Romans such as Seneca to thousands of A level RS students who asked ‘How can we live a across the United Kingdom. good life?’ and ‘What makes a great friendship?’

This year across the Religious Studies curriculum pupils RELIGIOUS have covered the History of God in Year Seven, Ethical Issues, such as Human Rights STUDIES 24 HISTORY Worcesterian |2017/18 page. befoundcan the on next -the fullround text of this in second the regional achieving the vote, he came year of women centenary Debate in November. In the Association’s Great the Historical entered Sixth Alex Edwards in the Lower Gheluvelt (1914) andElizabeth I’s visitto Worcester in1575. John, industrialisation,the Battles of Worcester (1650) and reflecting the breadth andexcitement itself:King ofhistory a mapcentred around key momentsin Worcester’s and history year. Inspired by the Hereford Mappa studentscreated Mundi, Department wasThe History fully involved in the Big Draw this Worcesterian | 2017/18 25

History is not just the story of the past. To become a successful historian, you need to develop skills of investigation and rigorous research as well as an understanding of change over time. Year Seven set the tone at the start of the year with their study of ‘organic remains’ (actually a mixture of flour, water, oil and stock!). Using gloves and spatulas, their task was then to carry out a careful examination, recording any evidence of the diet of the time period and using this to identify whether it was from Roman, Viking or Tudor times.

In the Lower School over the Lent term, students entered the writing that she “couldn’t stop the Wall’ by Tanya Landman was Young Quills competition. This reading” Lucy Worsley’s ‘My a “totally realistic eye opener to award for historical fiction is Name is Victoria’ because it how the Romans treated their unique because the shortlist is was about one of her favourite slaves” and Rayyan Styles (Year compiled based on the reviews historical figures, Queen Eight) became ”immersed in one of students across the country. Victoria. All of the pupils felt of Russia’s darkest ages” when Our pupils rose to the challenge that they had learned something reading Theresa Breslin’s ‘The and produced thoughtful, new, even though the books Rasputin Dagger’, a novel set in interesting and critical reviews were fictional. Martha Burdon the Russian Revolution. with Kirsty Baker (Year Seven) (Year Seven) felt that ‘Beyond 26 Worcesterian | 2017/18

WAS THE EXTENSION OF THE VOTE IN 1918

THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT IN BRITISH

DEMOCRATIC HISTORY?

Nearly 100 years after the extension their own. Nearly 500 years later in of the vote in 1918 and what have the 1688 sovereignty extends yet further, effects been on Britain? now into Parliament as William and Mary sign the ‘Bill of Rights’ in the The past three years have seen two Glorious Revolution. Throughout the General Elections with more than 32 19th Century in 1832, ’67 and ’74 the million people voting and turnouts ‘Reform Acts’ allow power to trickle increasing to over 70% of our population. tentatively yet further out. However, Look at Number 10 Downing Street in spite of ‘Magna Carta’, the ‘Bill of and you’ll find a female prime minister, Rights’ and the ‘Reform Acts’, by 1874 watch debates in Parliament and you’ll only 25% of the adult population hear the voice of 207 female MPs and, could vote. All of them were male. All By Alex Edwards when observing a General Election, you of them owned or rented property. will observe half of the parties being This is not, therefore, true people led by women. I believe that what power. launched this Britain we see today was the extension of the vote in 1918 and The sheer size of Britain’s amended that this is, therefore, undoubtedly the electorate is proof enough of the most democratic moment in British magnitude of the 1918 ‘Representation history. What is democracy? In its of the People Act’. In the 1918 simplest form, democracy means “people power”. And what happened in 1918 is the most significant example of it. I believe this because of the number of voters introduced and because of the empowerment of the women of Britain.

Now, imagine Britain’s democratic history as a pyramid starting small and acute at the top with a single leader then broadening out through the years to create a wider, more inclusive base of many people - first, barons, then

ARTICLE middle-class men, then working-class men and women. In 1215 as King John, top of the feudal pyramid and exclusive in his rule, signed ‘Magna Carta’ we see authority spread slightly as feudal barons claim a part of Britain’s power for Worcesterian | 2017/18 27 election nearly 40% of voters were women as the largest ever electorate, both of women and men, turned out to decide on the new British government after the First World War. This huge leap in giving both women and men the decisive capacity to say who runs their country is for me the standout moment in democratic history. For women, gone were the days of requiring representation from their husbands. Gone were the days where only a select few were eligible to change their country. The floodgate that this Act opened allowed a tidal wave of new opinions, ideas and perspectives to enter British politics. To argue that a new gender, 8 million more people and the abolition of an exclusively middle-and upper-class electorate was not the most democratic movement seems incredible to me.

Furthermore, the extension of the vote is intrinsically the most democratic moment in British history because of the effect on women it brought and the momentum it gave them going forward. The huge democratic decision to allow women the vote has led to further challenges to the classic stereotype of women. This momentous rise of female empowerment has created an unstoppable force which has brought women to the forefront in the past 100 years in a way that was never done before - the exposure of the horrors of domestic violence, the crushing of the view of family having to be a woman’s key priority in life, legislative justice such as the ‘Equal Pay Act ‘of 1970 - and so much more.

The extension of the franchise therefore was the most significant moment in British democratic history. The size of the electorate and the wave of new thinking generated makes it stand out as the undisputedly most democratic moment.

So, nearly 100 years since this moment and where do we see Britain today? Women are now in positions of power and authority in all areas of life. Nevertheless, in the news in the past months it seems exploitation of women and misogyny slither around Britain denying power to women. This shows us that the power of the people should not be taken for granted and the story has not yet ended. However, the extension of the vote of 1918 laid the foundation upon which society has built the moral code with which we deal with our current crisis and has left a legacy of laws that has brought, and will continue to bring, power to the people. 28 read Economics. of the highestA*-B results ofrecent times with Head Girl EllaMcCoshan departing for Cambridgeto Department hadever achieved, andby somemargin. Economics,notto beoutdone, alsogainedsome the firstcohort whosatthe reformed ALevels. Infact, the BusinessA*-Bresults were the bestthe The year beganwith the Departmentachieving afantastic setofEconomicsand Businessresults from BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Worcesterian |2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 29

Fantastic results were matched by a now fully refurbished Department having had ‘Phase 2’ works completed over the summer break. The space is now a modern, clean environment which is well suited to the study of Economics and Business. The Department continues to develop its digital resource provision and there is a growing business and economics section in the School’s Library for students to access a selection of wider reading material.

There has been a good deal of success had by students taking either Business or Economics A Level. Nadiath Choudhury wrote a fantastic response to the question ‘If you don’t look after your health, you can’t expect free access to healthcare. Is this wrong? What are the economic arguments?’ for the Royal Economic Society Young Economist of The Year Essay Competition. She was one of a small number from over a thousand entries to be shortlisted and was deservedly awarded ‘Highly Commended’.

As ever, there was also the national ‘ifs Student Investor Challenge’ for students from Year Ten and above. ‘Too Shrewd to Collude’ (Patel, Potts, Choudhury, Chance) outperformed the rest of the student body and finished in the top 400 from almost 5000 entries. Future traders in the making perhaps.

This year culminated with the departure of Mr Evetts as Head of Department. He begins his new role as Head of Sixth Form at the School in September. In his place steps Mr Rattenbury who certainly has the drive, determination and inspiration to continue to forge the path for all future students taking Business and Economics.

Nadiath said, “One of the best aspects of Economics is being able to apply learned theory in a real-world context, so I jumped at the opportunity to discuss theories like moral hazard and the principle-agent problem. The free healthcare debate is an interesting one, I had to undertake a lot of research before I could justify my point of view. It was a challenging essay, but incredibly rewarding.” 30 Worcesterian | 2017/18

CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY

The 2017 cohort of Lower Sixth museums and soaked up the displayed their art at Worcester ambience of this great city. It Cathedral in February 2018 in was not all hard work, however, ART an exhibition entitled ‘Young and we enjoyed the statutory Visions’, held by kind invitation ferry across the Mersey and a from the Dean and Chapter. The ramble along Crosby beach to work displayed was a selection contemplate Antony Gormley’s’ of what the Lower Sixth had ‘Another Place’. The work is both created since their site visit to intensely serene and meditative, the Cathedral in early September conjuring up thoughts of for their first project called mortality. ‘Landmarks’. The show included impressive large-scale drawings In January, artists in Year Eleven Art has flourished this year by every participant, framed by and the Lower Sixth benefited not just in the high quality the Bevere Gallery with funding from a study day in Oxford’s of the pupils’ work in the from the AOOE Association. museums at the start of the Summer Exhibition and pupils GCSE ‘Fragments’ Examination continuing to produce good One highlight in the Art Component, whilst the Lower exam results but expanding Department calendar is the Sixth site visit explored the beyond the Department in annual residential trip that galleries at the onset of their the form of Co-Curricular inspires subsequent work. During ‘Connections’ Practical Course activities and Outreach events October half term, a dozen Sixth Work Component. such as the Big Draw. Form artists guided by Mrs Hunt and Mr Gilbert, visited Liverpool’s Worcesterian | 2017/18 31

Year Ten artists photographed CO-CURRICULAR ART This year RGS has engaged the local urban environment with several community art and visited Worcester’s Hive projects across all the years, as the starting point for the from Year Five and Six at Trinity Term studies, which RGS The Grange and RGS culminated in some impressive Springfield to Upper Sixth at oil painting. The Upper Tything RGS. These have included creating a mandala for House has a surprising architectural Art in collaboration with richness to the artistic eye and Meadow Arts; inventing map has never been so assiduously designs for the Big Draw photographed. This is a Campaign for Drawing that promising year group. included Outreach for the Rivers Academy of Primary Schools and painting giraffes Alongside the core staff, we have hugely appreciated Art Technician support for the Worcester Stands this year from Marianne Vincent and also Felicity Osborne, who have en- Tall project for St. Richard’s abled all the exhibitions and Outreach events to happen Hospice. 32 favoured collographic printmaking techniques. were heldfor the pupils,where they created awonderful range ofgiraffe designsusingPetr’s his wife Claire came to the School for two days to work with someofouryoung artists. Workshops trail, insupport ofSt.Richard’s Hospice. To provide astarting point for hisgiraffe design,Petr and the designandpainting ofthe RGS giraffe that would bepart ofthe ‘Worcester Stands Tall’ festival We were delighted wheninternationally published Worcester artist,Petr Horacek, agreed to take on U AROUND ARE ALL GIRAFFES Worcesterian |2017/18 ART S Worcesterian | 2017/18 33

With the pupils eager to see how their designs would be joined together to make GIRAFFES a whole, Petr then became RGS’ ‘artist- in-residence’ over three days. Speaking about his time creating the giraffe at RGS, Petr said, “I really enjoyed working on the ARE ALL final giraffe and was pleased to overcome the technical challenges working on a significant scale and with such an unusual shape. What really made the giraffe work AROUND was utilising the pupils’ designs which reminded me of how much fun we had doing the workshops. I realised that this was a really great opportunity for everyone U to be involved in. Being an artist is about S having fun and working with enthusiasm and it’s essential to never be scared and to try new things.”

There were a number of fundraising projects led by RGS teacher Mrs Joanna Marsh. Not least of which has been Jo undertaking an aerobatic loop-the-loop raising money for the Hospice as well as organising ‘Flourishing Fivers’ and 8B organised a Dance-a thon; the Year Eights raised over £3,000. During the three days painting the giraffe, charity sweet stalls and a giraffe copper mountain were provided by the Lower Sixth, organised by Helena Morgan. Remaining funds for the project were kindly donated by the Alumni Association, the AOOEs, so that RGS could be a sponsor for the ‘Worcester Stands Tall’ project. RGS has handsomely embraced the whole project and Petr’s giraffe is testimony to the hard work by all. The collective term for a group of giraffes is ‘tower’ and it can be truly said that Petr’s giraffe combined with Year Seven and Eight is a towering achievement.

“Being an artist is about having fun and working with enthusiasm and it’s essential to never be scared and to try new things.” - Petr Horacek 34 Worcesterian | 2017/18

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

This year has seen significant changes in the Design and Technology Department due to the government curriculum reforms coming into force. As a result, for the first time, GCSE Engineering has been taught alongside a new iGCSE Materials course and reformed A Level syllabus. These courses have proved an exciting opportunity for new projects and teaching materials to be used to engage and enthuse our students.

Having finished 3rd in the UK National Finals, the Land Rover 4x4 team consisting of George Beardmore, Harry Chaplin, Amy Murphy, Suvi Pathania, Fraser Sparks and Josh Warner competed in the International Final in Abu Dhabi, which was held at the Yas Marina Circuit. This event is truly global with the best teams arriving from all over the world. Each team had to negotiate their way around a previously unseen course driving their vehicle around numerous very challenging obstacles. The RGS vehicle had been designed and engineered entirely from scratch with many of the parts being 3D printed in the school workshops. The students, ably led by Mr. Michael Howard, finished a highly commendable 7th - in the world!

For the first time in many years the Greenpower team raced two RGS cars: Superformance and Mosquito on a number of race days across the country. This extra-curricular activity sees students maintaining, improving and racing hand-built cars powered by two 12V batteries for races at speeds of 30mph and more. The aim is to travel the furthest distance in the allotted 90-minute time frame within the strict design and safety rules. This activity represents numerous design, engineering and team challenges which allows our students to learn many new skills in a fast-paced and real setting. The team have done well to finish 7th and 13th at their latest race held at Rockingham. They are currently experimenting with carbon-fibre laying-up techniques in the hope of building a new car. Worcesterian | 2017/18 35

Fraser Sparks gained a prestigious invested in three new Computer Graduating students from the Arkwright Scholarship which are Numerically Controlled (CNC) Department enjoyed great success becoming harder and harder to machines. These allow students to with their A Level and GCSE win. This earmarks him as a high- experience cutting edge technology results. As in previous years, achieving engineer of the future. firsthand and open up an array many Design and Technology He joins a small, elite band of of exciting possibilities for the A Level students have secured students across the country Department. exciting apprenticeships with the and will benefit from one-to- likes of Jaguar Land Rover and one mentoring with an industrial Aston Martin or places at top sponsor. universities to further their studies in Engineering and Design fields. In a world that is ever changing All who go through the Department with new materials and are hopefully inspired and leave manufacturing techniques with a greater appreciation of how impacting our everyday lives and our everyday products work and the products we all so often take are made. for granted, the Department has 36 students; we couldnotbemore proud ofthem all. Sixth exhibited somany highly-skilled andcreative piecesdemonstrating the abilitiesofourtalented event provided aperfect backdrop on abeautifulsummer’s evening. Studentsin Year Nineto Upper The Fashion Show was specialoccasionfor avery thefirstever Department.Our outdoor catwalk TEXTILES Worcesterian |2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 37

This year our students have continued to Other events taking place this year have excel within the area of Fashion and Textiles encouraged our students to contribute to across all key stages. We are very proud projects outside of the classroom. of the achievements of all students and in particular those who have represented the The Lower Sixth students enjoyed a two-day School at a national level. residential visit to London in February. The opportunity to visit a range of art and The Lower Sixth students entered the designer exhibitions provided plenty of Wool4School competition in January. research for their coursework projects. Following success in Australia, the competition held in the UK for the first The Year Eight Bag Project has been a year provided an exciting opportunity to big hit, all of the students have created design a fashion outfit for a stage artist of computer-aided design ideas digitally choice. Jessica Oldnall successfully reached printed onto fabrics that have been kindly the shortlist and gained a Runner-Up Place donated to us by Concept Furniture. The with her stage outfit for the artist Rhianna. opportunity to work with more technical Her use of a strong colour scheme together fabrics has given the project a professional with a ‘heart pulse’ motif, combined with element that the students have thoroughly her excellent use of presentation skills were enjoyed. The success of this project has praised by the competition judges. led to the Year Eight students taking part in a film for the Design and Technology Anna Berry wowed the judges at the Fashion Association. Icon competition in March. She designed a sustainable outfit that included the use of recycled denim, lace and beading to create a highly innovative piece for the catwalk event held at the Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch Show at the NEC. Anna, one of the youngest competitors, gained Third Place overall; such a remarkable achievement and we are very proud of her!

Most recently, Estelle Welch was selected as one of eight finalists for the Midlands & North Region of the Young Fashion Designer UK competition. She exhibited her Personal Investigation piece based on the theme ‘Politics in Fashion’; a combination of tailoring techniques, slogan designs, tartan and a crinoline construction was a real talking point gaining a Runner-Up place overall. 38 Worcesterian | 2017/18

Chamber Choir sang Evensong at New with its combination of traditional College, Oxford and performed at the and brand new Carol settings by our Lights of Love service at Worcester choirs, and our brass section adding Cathedral. The RGS Choir has become zest to the congregational carols. The a permanent feature of this City-wide two standout choir items this year service now. At our Open Morning must surely be Britten’s ‘Hymn to the strings and soloists came together Virgin’, featuring a Sixth Form solo for a memorable performance of group, and the final carol, Lauridsen’s Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’ at the setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’, end of the morning. A packed School which was just one of the most concert in November featured the magical pieces we have ever sung. usual wide range of ensembles at RGS, including an 80 strong Junior Choir. LENT TERM ‘Christmas with Big Band’ was a new The Music Department chalked up concert for this year. After the first quite a milestone at the beginning of MICHAELMAS TERM MICHAELMAS half of regular Big Band favourites we the Lent Term with our first visit by welcomed soloists Ben Hughes, Grace Chamber Choir to St Paul’s Cathedral Moseley and Ella Cleary to the stage in London to sing Evensong. If you to sing ‘Have yourself a merry little have never been to St Paul’s then Christmas’, ‘All I Want For Christmas is you definitely should go there – it You’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. is enormous; so much bigger than Worcester Cathedral and a huge A real highlight of the term was ‘West space for the choir to fill. Side Story’ of course. There will be Chamber Choir sang extremely more about this in the Drama report well, so much so that we were but the Music Department was pleased immediately invited back next to be able to put out a really superb year. band of senior pupils sitting alongside visiting professionals. The band ripped The Senior Piano Concert this through numbers like ‘Mambo’ and year welcomed the Bulgarian pianist ‘Officer Krupkie’, allowing our pupils Marina Stenova as guest soloist, on stage to really shine in a show that playing her recital in the second half few other schools could pull off in the of the concert after our own pianists way we did. played their pieces. Players have to be over Grade Six standard to be invited The musical term was brought to a to take part and we currently have lovely conclusion in the Carol Service eight pianists playing to this standard; at Worcester Cathedral. This service many of them at or beyond Grade has garnered quite a reputation now Eight level. We also had tea time MUSIC Worcesterian | 2017/18 39 concerts for Years Nine and Ten and TRINITY TERM of course our annual Choral Concert Trinity term saw the usual Tea Time in the Cathedral. This year the main concerts for Years Seven and Eight work was Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’. This and a Chamber Choir Evensong at concert is a real showcase for RGS Worcester Cathedral, moved there music – very few schools locally from its usual February slot to allow can mount a full-scale choral work for our St. Paul’s visit. This service like this. The orchestra comprised of was notable in the beautiful solos visiting musicians sitting alongside sung by Beth Rabjohn and Ben our own pupils and this year it was a Hughes in the Stanford setting of particular pleasure to invite former the canticles but also in our student pupil Nikki Martin back as a visiting conductor, Jenna Martin stepping up soloist. Nikki is in her third year at to conduct Parry’s ‘I Was Glad’ - A the Royal Northern College of Music huge piece for double choir which now and it’s just amazing to hear Jenna pulled off with aplomb. The a former pupil return but with an Commemoration Service is always incredible, fully trained voice. something of a musical review, with the Parry making an appearance next Just one week after that concert to Hagenberg’s beautiful flowing Perrins Hall was turned into a jazz piece, ‘The Music of Stillness’ before club for Cabaret Evening; a real Ella Cleary stepped forward for a contrast to the choral concert. This reprise of ‘This Is Me’ from Cabaret popular concert features the RGS Evening. The Creative Arts Evening Big Band and Senior Jazz Ensembles ended with Big Band performing on as the ‘house band’ accompanying the lawns outside Main Hall with a stream of excellent vocal soloists. Georgia Padbury as guest vocalist, There was quite some variety this while the final musical act of 2017-18 year, with a couple of Motown was Lower School Prizegiving when numbers, Boys vocal group (the our younger pupils performed to dancing boys) before Ella Cleary crowds on the lawns outside Clock led the final number ‘This Is Me’ Block. A very enjoyable evening in featuring the ‘electric strings,’ with this unusual hot spell and a lovely all of the soloists coming together as way to end the musical year. a chorus. 40 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 41 42 the challenge and itwas fantastic to see the Lower School beating the to Seniors the top spots! pupils to compete againsteach other. Atotal of 250 pupils from Year Seven to the UpperSixth took part in celebrated the launch ofthe newly refurbished fitnesssuite by holding afitnesscompetition that allowed all events andtripsthis year. Highlightsincluded: National FitnessDay, Wednesday 27 September, whenwe the Sport, Physical EducationDepartment haveAlongside Co-Curricular beenbusyarranging anumberof PHYSICAL EDUCATION Worcesterian |2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 43

Another highlight was our Sixth Form classes, including RGS Worcester’s first BTEC cohort, visiting the Universities of Worcester and Bath. On Tuesday 28 November students visited the University of Bath, experienced their world class facilities and got a taste of the opportunities available to elite athletes in Higher Education. The group took part in a physical testing session on the indoor sprint track, where they saw Great Britain 400m sprinter Theo Campbell. They then visited the recently refurbished gym and the cutting edge aquatic centre that is equipped with underwater cameras and was used as the practice pool for the 2012 London Olympics. A tour of the University’s other facilities that include a skeleton bob starting track, a shooting range and a beach volley ball court, left the pupils inspired by the opportunities available to those who want to combine high level sport with their undergraduate studies.

The ‘Sport Relief Challenge’ week proved another highpoint. Every day throughout the week pupils of all ages worked together in small groups to complete a challenge. The aim was to give each pupil a fun, challenging activity that required team work and communication to complete whilst raising awareness of the charitable aims of Sport Relief. Congratulations to the courageous members of staff who took part in the ‘Bleep’ Fitness Test. Over the course of the week the School raised a total of £1,905 for Sport Relief. A big thank you to all those who participated and made a contribution to this worthwhile cause. 44 Worcesterian | 2017/18

The Drama Curriculum at GCSE and A Level was reformed in 2017, and our students sat the new exams in Summer 2018. There were also changes of venue to contend with, with the building work taking place on the new Performing Arts Centre, each Year Eleven monologue, duologue and group piece were performed on their own bespoke stages set up in Perrins Hall. In January

CURRICULUM 2018, The Sixth Form chose an extract from ‘Macbeth’ to adapt and present using the techniques of practitioner Antonin Artaud, treating peers and parents to a dark, theatre in the round, production. Later in Lent term, Year Eleven completed their Devised group performances and Upper Sixth gave a superb ‘Kneehigh’ styled piece based on the Miners Strikes of 1984. Our Year Seven pupils were examined on their physical theatre performances of ‘The Jabberwocky’, their Devised ensemble piece on the Myths and Legends theme, and Year Eight on their Dance Drama War themed pieces, including Devised work on the theme of Isolation. We have a large number of very enthusiastic and talented Drama pupils in our Lower School which is exciting for the future. Finally, the Year Nine pupils were able to put their year-long study and exploration of different theatrical styles into practice when they performed their Scripted exam pieces, which tackled a range of issues from War and the effects of PTSD to male anorexia. These were all hard-hitting topics which were dealt with maturely and sensitively. DRAMADRAMA Worcesterian | 2017/18 45

CO-CURRICULAR

Drama’s Co-Curricular provision challenging but each put their performed but ran a workshop goes from strength to strength, own spin on the dark piece and for all of the visitors. The with performance opportunities enjoyed the transformation of Department has arranged a large available to every child in the Perrins Hall into a deserted number of theatre visits over School. The 2017/2018 school island, seemingly littered with the course of the year, where we year began with one of our A parts from an aircraft crash. have travelled to see productions Level students, Cathy Lunn, all around the county and directing our younger pupils Our summer 2018 production surrounding areas. in the Shakespeare School’s of ‘Flash Gordon’ was a huge festival for her EPQ. The chosen contrast and the traverse style Our outreach has continued and play was ‘King Lear’ and the was used effectively. The brilliant we have worked in collaboration cast rehearsed weekly, the cast transformed Perrins Hall into with St Richard’s Hospice; culmination of their hard work Earth and the different planets, speaking at conferences as well being a performance at the Artrix and upon entry the audience as The Hay Festival and working in Bromsgrove. This was closely were treated to a montage of at RGS The Grange running a followed by the Senior School classic `80s television adverts, `Play in a Day’. The summer production of ‘West Side Story’, providing a retro flashback to brought our residential trip, this one of theatre’s most challenging days gone by. An excellent run time to San Francisco and Los musical productions. it was and great fun. Angeles, where we were lucky performed superbly by our Senior enough to see professional students and the run of six shows Our Year Sevens have had their productions, take part in was compared to a West End own bespoke Drama Club and workshops run by practitioners production. A mere week later, this culminated in a ‘Beano’ and really explore the two cities. the DIY Drama Company took themed performance at Croome part in an afternoon workshop Court for the summer Reading where two separate casts were Festival, where they not only chosen to perform a production of ‘Lord of the Flies’. Performing The Senior School production of ‘West Side Story’, was performed as two separate casts was superbly by our Senior Students and the run of six shows was compared to a West End production. 46 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 47 48 Worcesterian | 2017/18 SPORT The Athletics season opened this year with our annual fixtures vs. King’s School Worcester, in Years Seven and Eight. The highlight in the Year Seven events was Isabelle Thompson, who won the 100m in a new School record that she later beat again at the City Championships. In the boys’ events, Daniel Halkon won the Javelin by an impressive 5 metres. The Year Eight event was a close affair, with both schools winning an even number of events. The highlights of this fixture were Ben Atkins and Ollie Blunt coming 1st and 2nd in the 100 metres, and Alex Houchin claiming 2nd place in both the 200m and 300m, showing the strength of our sprinters.

Next up was The Worcester City Championships for the Year Nine to Upper Sixth pupils in order to qualify for the County Championships. An impressive 24 RGS athletes qualified for the County Championships, where they can gain selection for the Mason Trophy and go for the English schools qualifying standards. Abigail Timmington went on to qualify for the English Schools’ Mason Trophy and competed in Birmingham in June. Abi came 5th out of 20 in the Under 15 long jump with a new Personal Best of 5.05m, setting a new School record. Worcesterian | 2017/18 49

ATHLETICS

Following the City Championships was the first round of the English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field Cup. The Junior (Years Seven and Eight) and Inter (Years Nine and Ten) Girls had a great afternoon, managing to come First and Second respectively, and putting them both through to the A finals in June. The top points scorers from the Junior Girls were Isabelle Thompson with 52 points, and Elyssia Letori with 46 points. In the Inter Girls, the top points came from Lottie Atkinson with 44 points, and Maddy Mcleod with 38 points. The Junior and Intermediate Boys managed a respectable 2nd and 3rd place finish respectively. The top points scorers from the Junior Boys were Ollie Blunt with 52 points, and Ben Atkins. The top points scorers from the Inter Boys were Darian Moore with 49 points, and Freddie Edmonds with 33 points. 50 Worcesterian | 2017/18

What a way to finish a year – and a career! The Upper Sixth and I can leave with very CRICKET happy memories of our last week at RGS. The RGS Festival at Lancaster was special in a number of ways: Firstly, the weather. It was a scorching week and, although it gave beautiful playing conditions, it also took its toll on the boys who stuck to their task magnificently. And then there was the cricket: as holders we wanted to put up a good fight and after falling just short in the first match against the hosts, the boys dug deep and produced some magnificent wins in the last four matches. This put us equal top with Lancaster who took the trophy as they won our head-to-head.

The overall playing record for the 1st XI was 14 wins and 7 losses, which represents a very successful season. The two major contributors to this were an excellent bowling attack but more importantly a knack of finding ways to win close matches. The final match against RGS Guildford was a case in point when, with wickets tumbling and the run-rate increasing, Luke Allen and Ben Hawkes battled to victory with two balls to spare.

Ben Sutton and Luke Allen took most of the wickets (39 and 32 respectively) whereas the Ben Sutton took the Young Player of the Festival award for his 14 batting was a real team effort wickets (including two 5 wicket hauls) and excellent support batting. with everyone contributing at some point. George Cook Worcesterian | 2017/18 51

captained well with good support from Louis Dear and the Upper Sixth can It just leaves me to say a massive thank you to all the cricket leave with happy memories of a good coaches who have put in a lot of time and effort – but especially season. to Phil Newport who continues to be a top-quality coach. I wish him all the success as he takes over the reins. - Mike Wilkinson James Mann and Niall Southwick performed well for the 2nd XI and got their opportunities for the 1st XI. The Under 15s had a good year winning more than they lost, Ben Hallam, Cameron Taylor and Sam Ford being the leading lights, Ford making an impressive debut for the 1st XI against the MCC, bowling very tidily and hitting the winning runs. Harry Vesty has scored a lot of runs for the Under 14s and Will Godwin and Joe Hallowell have shown great commitment and team spirit. The Under 13s have progressed to the Semi-Final of the County Cup with Ben Whitton captaining well, supported by excellent bowling from Ben Allen, Haseeb Tariq and Kristian McCabe. Mr Tanner is always enthusiastic about his Under 12s and this year is no different! Also progressing to the Semi-Final of the County Cup, there is a promising mix of players. Hadeed Ahmed took an amazing hat-trick against Dean Close – and normally this would be a candidate for the Tim Curtis Prize, however, an astonishing performance by Jacob Flowers for the Under 15s against Sir Thomas Rich’s has usurped that – Jacob taking 5 wickets for no runs including 4 wickets in 4 balls!

Girls’ Cricket continues to grow and there is an enthusiastic group of Year Sevens keen to learn. The three Year Eight stars, Eleanor Fawcett, Menna Sutton and Hebe Walsh are all showing tremendous promise as well as helping develop the girls’ game. 52 Worcesterian | 2017/18

The fixtures calendar has RGS Football teams included Saturday matches against Malvern College, have played nearly 90 Marlborough College, Princethorpe College, matches this year which Monmouth School, Pate’s Grammar School, and is quite remarkable given Wolverhampton Grammar School and we have also our very changeable and played a wider range of local State schools who cold weather. traditionally are stronger at Football than Rugby. A girls’ Football Club for the Lower School has been introduced which at its height has had over twenty girls attending, as well as an early morning Strength and Conditioning Club open to all years. RGS Football from Under 15A- 1st XI have led by example this season, with the 1st XI, 2nd XI and the Under 15As winning all but one match FOOTBALL during the term. The Lower and Middle School teams have also showed a lot of promise in developing the brand of football that we would like to play and see throughout the School. The Lent term was rounded off with another exciting ‘Challenge Cup’ match at Sixways Stadium (with the spoils deservedly being shared 2-2), and a debut for the Senior Football Dinner.

It was excellent to see so many RGS supporters at The Challenge Cup Football match at Sixways Stadium. We all enjoyed an exciting match played by two very competitive teams. The spirit in which the game was played and the supporters were impeccable and a really positive advertisement for our school. Worcesterian | 2017/18 53

Another fiercely contested Alumni six-a-side tournament with some 70 or so old boys attending. 54 Worcesterian | 2017/18

The first competitive fixtures of the season were for the Under 16 team at the Cheltenham Ladies College Under 18 pre- season tournament. It was clear that the summer tour to South Africa clearly had a positive effect as they won all games to secure the winner’s trophy. The Under 16 team went from strength to strength, winning the County Tournament and the Regional Zones competition to qualify for the Regional Final, in which they won all their group games, beating Rugby, Repton and Oakham. They were knocked out on penalty flicks after drawing with Nottingham Trent. The team won the Indoor Hockey, the County tournament and finished runners up at the Regional Finals, enough to qualify them for the National Finals! The girls were HOCKEY exceptional in the group stages, beating Blundell’s School 8-2, St. Lawrence College 5-3, Wakefield 5-3 and drawing with St. George’s, Weybridge 3-3. RGSW finished as top goal scoring school and Sophie Thompson was overall lead goal scorer of the national tournament. As the Seniors merged into two teams, the 1st XI won fixtures against St. Peter’s School, Princethorpe College, Redmaids’ High School, Hereford Cathedral School, Hereford Sixth Form College, Prince Henry’s Grammar School, King’s School Worcester, King’s The Under 16 team went from strength to strength, winning High Warwick and Solihull the County tournament and the Regional Zones competition to School. qualify for the Regional Final, in which they won all their group games. Worcesterian | 2017/18 55

The Under 14A team have embarked Many RGS players have represented local clubs at County and on their first season as an eleven- Regional levels. Sophie Thompson, Lottie Atkinson, Izzy Nott, a-side team. Grace Francis and Lucy Hawkes won the Under 16 Regional Indoor and Outdoor finals as part of the Stourport Hockey Club The Under 13A team went Under 16 team, going on to compete at the National Finals. undefeated in 27 games, scoring Sophie and Lottie also played for the Ladies 1st team, winning 156 goals and only conceding 6. the Investec National Conference West League. A large number Winning our own RGS tournament of our girls have taken part in the England Hockey Player and the Cheltenham Ladies College Pathway, at various levels, with Lottie Atkinson reaching the Tournament were particular National Age Group squad for England Under 16. highlights. They finished 7th in the county at the National Finals.

The Under 13B team won fourteen, drew one and lost one, including being crowned County champions. The Under 13C and D teams have both enjoyed playing friendly matches and have made excellent progress with some positive results. The Year Seven girls have played in A-D teams, with every girl having the opportunity to play in at least eight competitive fixtures. The Under 12A team were County champions, retaining the trophy for the third consecutive year and at Regional Finals they reached the semi-final game.

In addition to competitive Hockey, players have attended the annual MT13 Junior and Senior Coaching Conferences, and took a school trip to the Copper Box Arena to watch the England Hockey Super 6s Finals, in which the girls got the opportunity to hold the winner’s trophy after our very own Head Hockey Coach, Miss Sally Walton, won the tournament with her club, Bowdon High Town. 56 Worcesterian | 2017/18

Off the court, RGS Worcester Following a successful summer pupils have taken part in a tour to South Africa, the season Wasps Community day, a Severn Stars trip, acted as Severn Stars started with news of individual court attendants and observed success with Alexandria Smith, the Commonwealth Games winning England team preparing Maddy McLeod, Hannah for their successful campaign. Middleton and Evie Beardsley Year Ten pupils also umpired a Primary Outreach Netball gaining places in the Wasps tournament for 120 pupils from twelve teams and RGS Hubs and Emily Seymour-Perry also hosted a coaching course and Jemma Moseley being delivered by Tracey Neville, the current England Head Netball selected for the Severn Stars Coach. Nova. Highlights of the season included the Under 12A team winning the Worcester District City round, followed by representing Worcester District in the Winter School Games and becoming champions with a total of 87 goals to nil scored NETBALL against them.

Other notable triumphs included the Under 14A team winning the Worcester City Cup and finishing as runners up in the County Rounds. This success earned them a place at Regionals, the first time an RGS Under 14 team has qualified for the tournament, where they won all but two of their pool matches.

Following the tremendous achievements at junior level, the seniors also gained significant success this season, including touring Surrey University where The Under 13A team won the Worcester City District title, were they were coached by superstar County Champions and came runners up in the Cheltenham netballer Jo Tripp, as well as Ladies College tournament. playing games against two Worcesterian | 2017/18 57 top schools, Epsom College and Wellington College. The Under 18 To conclude the season, on Saturday 24 March 2018,at team also qualified for the West ‘Superball’ over one thousand spectators entered the Midlands Regional Tournament University Arena to see RGS Worcester showcase girls’ sport. in what has been Netball’s most The performance itself was nothing short of brilliant with the successful season to date. They 1st VII displaying all of the values we promote here at RGSW won their pool convincingly, – every player was Resolute throughout, Gracious in their winning all of their matches and narrow defeat by one goal, Selfless in nature and Willing to in the Semi-finals lost against do everything in their power to bring the game back after a Wrekin College side, finishing being nine goals down at the end of the first quarter. These agonisingly one win away from characteristics are what we continue to promote on and off qualifying for the National Finals. the court here at RGS, demonstrating that ‘RGS Girls Can’. 58 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Rounders The Rounders season was unfortunately disrupted by the weather conditions, resulting in many of the scheduled matches being cancelled. However, this did not dampen the girls’ spirits, with attendance at a high level for practices. When they did have an opportunity to play, the girls showed high levels of self-organisation and determination but above all, played the game with smiles on faces. Worcesterian | 2017/18 59

The Under 12 teams showed much promise, winning the majority of their matches. Teyah Farmer and Annie Hallowell led from the front and are both great role models for the year group in terms of their effort, determination and level of ability. The Under 13s played some highly competitive matches and managed to put out four teams across the year group which was a tremendous achievement. The Under 14 age group has a significant amount of talent, with Sadie Hingley, Amelia Lane and Lucy Ball excelling in particular. When the Under 15s came together they were a real force to be reckoned with and there were also some positive performances at Senior level, with our England Rounders player, Imogen Sinclair, setting the example. Well done to all those who played for the School through the season’. 60 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Rowing 2017-2018 A YEAR OF FLOODS AND SNOW!

The Beast from the East, Storm Emma and rising river levels, decimated our winter training and fixtures. We emerged blinking into the April sunshine wondering if our rowers would remember how to row, having spent so little time on the water!

Before the winter storms hit, RGS notched up three wins at Worcester Autumn Head and a further two wins at Avon County Head. With most of our late autumn and winter fixtures cancelled our next event was the Worcester Indoors at King’s School in January, where RGS won three Gold, nine Silver, and five Bronze medals in the individual and team events. In March, six crews (five quads and an octuple) raced the National Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake. For most of the crews this was their first water outing for six weeks!

The Easter Rowing Camp at Marlow reverted to Plan B after the Thames at Marlow remained on Red Boards for the week. Our 27 rowers, relocated to Dorney Lake for training and put in some serious mileage in preparation for the summer regatta season. We say thank you and farewell to our captains Francine Bath, Alec Berry and Matthew Hill, and look forward to the new In April, an RGS crew season – and, hopefully, fewer floods! qualified to represent the West Midlands at the Junior Worcesterian | 2017/18 61

Inter-regional Regatta at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. Adam Smith, Edward Smith, Ben Walker, Jack Beasley and coxswain George Garrity, raced the J16 coxed four and qualified for the B final where their first place contributed to the West Midlands coming third overall – the highest placing for the region in a decade.

Evesham Regatta saw four wins – our highest total at this regatta in many years. The girls’ coxed four (Darcy Simon, Two senior crews raced the 1,750m time trials then 2k multi- Francine Bath, Amelia Fish, lane event at National Schools. The J16 coxless quad (Adam Emma Little, and coxswain Ellie Smith, Ben Walker, Ben Jarvis, Alex Owen) qualified in 17th Jones) beat Bewdley Rowing place for the C final. The championship girls’ coxless four Club and Brasenose College for (Francine Bath, Darcy Simon, Amelia Fish, Emma Little) the win in a superb display of qualified in 15th place. Both crews retained their time trial technique and effective power. positions in their respective C finals. Other winners were Drew Dixon and Alex Owen in the men’s Mrs Jane Sullivan double; J15 boys James Larkin, Head of Rowing Malachy Larkin, Daniel Hall, Harry Lord and coxswain Olly Bailey in the boys’ quad; Alec Berry in the men’s open single.

Our main event of the season, National Schools’ Regatta at Dorney Lake saw RGS crews reach three C finals – our most successful results for several years. The J15 quad of James Larkin, Malachy Larkin, Harry Lord, Daniel Hall, and coxswain Olly Bailey, raced the 1k time trial to 17th place, a massive improvement on the 32nd placing they had achieved at the National Junior Sculling Head. They came fifth in the C Final – retaining their 17th placing. 62 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Rowing 2016-2017 The highlight of Michaelmas Term was the visit from RGS old boy, Tom Dyson, Chief Coach of the GB Paralympic Rowing Programme. Tom performed a naming ceremony on the boat named in his honour, coached the senior rowers during their Games session and then inspired students in a packed Main Hall with a talk about Rio 2016 and gave some inspiring tips on how to combine studies and sport.

On the water, the first fixture of the season, Worcester Small Boats Head, saw wins for the J15 boys’ coxed quad, the Intermediate 3 single (Harry Smith) and the J18 double (Ben Thomson and Ashley Nock).

Rowers moved indoors during the worst weather of the Lent Term. Olivia Fletcher stormed the South of England Indoor Rowing Championships in Abingdon, to pick up Gold in the WJ14 four-minute row, with Ben Walker taking Silver in the J15 event. The J15 boys then took the Gold in the team event.

There was a win for the Novice quad of Joe Murray, Felix Haynes, Harry Chaplin and Fraser Sparks, at Head of the Severn. At Gloucester Spring Head, Amelia Fish and Elle Mortimer won Women’s Novice double, Ashley Nock and Harry Gemmill won Intermediate 2 men’s double, Harry Smith took the J18 singles win, and the J15 boys’ quad (Ben Walker, Jack Worcesterian | 2017/18 63

Beasley, Alex Owen, Adam Smith and coxswain Will Rigby) also won.

The Easter break saw 27 rowers head to Portugal for the annual Easter Rowing Camp. Based in Figuiera da Foz, the team trained on the nearby 2k championship lake and enjoyed beautiful weather and no floods this year!

With 10 to 14 training sessions during the week those who attended saw a huge improvement in their rowing, which was reflected in wins Darcy Simon), Intermediate 2 The final ‘whole club’ fixture of during Trinity Term. single scull (Josh Crump) and the year was Stratford Regatta, J18 single sculler Harry Smith. where our beginner rowers Two girls, Harriet Holyhead and won the J14 double (James and Amelia Fish, represented the RGS sent a number of crews to Malachy Larkin) and the J14 West Midlands at the Junior the National Schools’ Regattas coxed quad (Jon Edgson, Ben Inter-regional Regatta, racing where the boys’ Championship Wastie, Daniel Hall, Malachy in a composite eight with girls Quad (Harry Gemmill, Ashley Larkin, coxed by James Larkin). from Worcester, Birmingham and Nock, Harry Smith and Ben There was also a win for Drew Ross Rowing Clubs. Thomson) missed out on a semi- Dixon in novice single. final place by 0.4 seconds. They At Evesham Regatta the girls’ went on to storm the C Final and The End of Season regatta on quad of Darcy Simon, Francine won by seven seconds in a time the last weekend of the Trinity Bath, Emma Little and Amelia that would have placed them 9th Term saw mixed crews enjoying Fish excelled with some overall. A great improvement on some fast and furious racing. stunning racing against Avon their 28th place at the Schools’ Over a hundred parents and County and City of Bristol to win Head earlier in the season families watched the racing and the Intermediate 3 event. The (albeit an event that was marred enjoyed a barbecue organised J18 coxed four (Ben Thomson, by very bad weather and a by the Pullinger Boat Club Ashley Nock, Harry Smith, Alec shortened course). (the Parents’ and Friends’ Berry, coxed by Guy Milton) beat Association). crews from Pangbourne College and Monmouth Boys’ School for the win.

Worcester Regatta was similarly successful with wins for the J18 coxless quad, the Mixed Intermediate 2 quad (Alec Berry, Francine Bath, Matthew Hill, 64 also madehuge progress this season,drawing againstKing’s School their 40-20 winagainstKing’s School Worcester. The Under 13B team in Year Eight,winningnineoutoffourteen matches. Ahighlight was three out often matches in Year Seven, butthey cameinto their own improved their skilllevel over the summerbreak. The team won The Under13 boys seemedto have developed physically and single pupilin Year Seven played Rugby for the School. Seven Rugby was against Hereford BlueCoat School, whenevery keeping allplayers motivated andchallenged. Ahighlightinthe Year dozens. There was plenty ofmovement between A-B-C-D teams The new Year Seven boys worked hard intraining, attending intheir School inpreparation Birmingham for the seasonahead. week ofpre-season training, andalsoplayed atournament atKingEdward’s School term hadofficiallystarted, the RGS Rugby players hadexperienceda at the endofAugust,with over 100 boys attending daily. Bythe timethe The seasonstarted with intent and focus atFlaggeMeadow andSt.Oswald’s RUGBY Worcesterian |2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 65

Worcester with a score line of 10-10 in 2016 and The First XV had a difficult start to the season but 20-20 in 2017. this was a team full of promise in previous seasons and they knew they had stronger performances The Under 14A team had a very well-balanced in them. At the Modus Cup the rub of the ‘green’ season, the highlight of which was their 52-50 try seemed to be with RGS after Joe Thomson’s penalty fest win over King Edward’s School Stratford. It was hit the posts and bounced over. The game was in the great to see two young teams playing with such skill balance at half time until Tom Matthews broke the and energy in attack. deadlock with a well worked try. The icing on the cake was a 40m drop goal from Joe Thomson after The Under 15A team turned around three years of big some very intelligent and controlled play from the defeats to King’s School Worcester to win at home RGS boys, which shows how the quality of coaching at Flagge Meadow. They were given the honour of has empowered the team. Benn Llewellyn sent the playing on the 1st XV pitch and they did the Flagge ball off the pitch and over the stands to seal the win Meadow faithful proud, winning a nail-biting game 13-10. 19-14. This was an incredible display of skill, game management and passion from all the boys, showing Next season will see a change in coaching when Mr that there is always something to play for and Simon McGarry-Cross (previously the breakdown nothing can be taken for granted. coach of the Worcester Warriors 1st XV) takes the helm. This is an exciting new opportunity for RGS The senior teams saw a change in approach during Rugby and we are sure that Simon will continue to Games afternoons, with all teams training together at develop the culture and talent throughout the School. times to help the development and transition across Year Eleven, Lower and Upper Sixth. Highlights for the Under 16 boys was the 20-17 win away at King’s School Worcester. 66 Worcesterian | 2017/18

FENCING PUPILS IN REGIONAL FINALS Seven fencers from RGS competed at the West Midlands Regional Finals for the British Youth Championships at Packward Haugh School in Shropshire in January. At Under 14 level, Lucas Hancock, Jack Pitt and James Robinson (Year Eight), all fairly new to competition at this level, went out in the last sixteen. Year Nine pupil, Will Fallows demonstrated his greater experience getting to the Semi-Finals and earning both a Bronze medal and a place in the National Finals in May. At Under 16 level, Will Osborne and Tom Ehlers, who were both fencing in this competition for the fourth successive year, got through the semi-finals, also earning Bronze medals and places in the National Finals in May. Guy Anderson, fencing at Under 18 level, went out in the last eight to the eventual winner of his age group.

CROSS COUNTRY RGS competed at Abberley Hall and into the Cross-Country Cup and the ESAA Schools’ Cross-Country although they did not qualify for Cup this season. The Abberley Hall the next round, they performed relays were a fun event where the well considering the team were school competed as a team, with competing a year early. Jodie Ruane each runner completing a lap of the finished third individually. course in an attempt to record the lowest time possible. It was great George Beardmore in the Lower to see so many pupils competing Sixth had a fantastic Cross-Country and enjoying running in what is season, with three consecutive a fantastic location. In the ESAA National top 50s and a 10th place Cross-Country Cup, RGS finished in the British Athletics Cross- 5th overall in the Boys event, Country Series. Finishing 49th with Alex Cook finishing third in the English Schools’ Cross- individually. The Girls team finished Country Championships really was third overall, with Alice Atkinson a fantastic effort and highlights finishing 5th individually. For the the significant progress George is first time in quite a few years, RGS making with his running!

NICHE SPORT NICHE entered an Under 15 Girls team Worcesterian | 2017/18 67

GOLF RGS were able to put both an A and B team in the ISGA Matchplay Competition this year. The Bs were unfortunately drawn against Malvern A team in Round 1 but the team of George Beardmore, Will Dancox and Ed Griffiths competed admirably nevertheless. The A team of George Cook, Brandon Sarfo and Guy Anderson faired a little better with a convincing victory over Cheltenham College in Round 1. Brandon and Guy won their matches 3&1 and George Cook finished the job, winning on the 17th with a good up and down from behind the bunker. This meant that RGS played Rougemont School in the Area Cup Final for a place at the National Finals. Despite all the matches being tightly contested, unfortunately the team just missed out. Special mention must go to Brandon who has won all of his matches in the last two years and is still involved in the England Golf Programme. 68 Worcesterian | 2017/18 Careers After last year’s successes, the Careers Department decided to take on a further challenge this year by working towards the Nationally recognised ‘Quality in Careers Standard’. With the new National Careers Strategy launched at the beginning of 2018, I am pleased to report that RGS is at the forefront of Careers Education, Advice and Guidance and the Gatsby benchmarks are fully embedded in our Curriculum.

We have continued to be supported by our excellent Enterprise Advisor, Jennifer Appleton who works closely with the Careers & Enterprise Company. Her expertise in finding local businesses to engage with our pupils and attend our events has allowed RGS to continue to develop outstanding links with Industry, both locally and nationally.

Once again the Lower Sixth has had academic enrichment sessions intertwined with their curriculum. The Careers Department was part of the programme and as such the Enterprise & Employability Course was born. With support from the Economics and Business Department we entered a competition run by Smile We have offered new and exciting opportunities for business Education and the University engagement this year and have particularly enjoyed engaging of Worcester, that enabled the pupils in Year Eight with a fun Dragons’ Den day. We had six pupils to get used to the idea of Dragons from Industry come in and mentor the pupils through Entrepreneurship and develop a business planning process and then become the nasty their own business idea. It was so Dragons in the afternoon. It was hugely successful and all successful that an RGS team came participants had a great time. runners-up in the finals with their phone App that facilitated Vets services. It really was a genius Worcesterian | 2017/18 69

At the Careers Expo we had over one hundred delegates ranging from Healthcare and Engineering, to the Creative Arts and the all-important Finance, Law and Entrepreneur sectors guiding and inspiring the next generation.

idea and given they were up pupils from Year Seven through COA organisation and Leadership against real Entrepreneurs, the to the Sixth Form are welcome. training from 3WWW to learn RGS team did the School proud. Seminars have included Web about their skills and qualities. Design, Radio broadcasting, We have worked closely with In the Lent Term, we teamed up Finance and accountancy along COA this year as RGS was the with the Careers and Enterprise with MI5! venue for their regional training company, a government day in November. Around 30 initiative that facilitates business Now in its fourth year, the schools came and benefited from and education engagement. annual Careers and Higher sharing best practice regarding The pupils were provided with Education EXPO in April was a CEIAG and learning about Higher an excellent Q&A session with resounding success. This RGS Apprenticeships and it was members from Industry such event is now offered to all wonderful to see that Careers as former pupil Ben Mannion, Worcestershire secondary school Education is at the top of the Hewett Recruitment and the pupils and this year saw an education agenda in neighbouring Young Apprentice of the Year. increase in the external visitors schools too. Each pupil had the opportunity we had. The sun shone and to visit the NEC Skills show, the star of the show, a Gazelle attend CV and interview helicopter was a sight to behold. workshops and the course We welcomed back many former culminated in a very successful pupils and delegates from last Mock Interview day which was year and it was wonderful to staffed by members of industry see them inspire another wave who put the pupils through a of keen pupils. This year also rigorous Mock interview. saw new faces to the EXPO with the Lead Exhibitor being The monthly Careers seminars the Army with the Infantry. The are now part of the fabric importance of Higher Education of the School and we have a and Degree Apprenticeships variety of different speakers. A were showcased within Cobham working lunch and cake in Eld Sports Hall, and Central Hall Hall, means that we get a very allowed pupils to have a Drop-in good turnout for Seminars and Careers Advice session with the Year Nine Year Eight Some ofthetripsoffered thisyearhaveincluded: 70 Worcesterian |2017/18

Qinetiq Insightday Next Generation Innovators Malvern CAREERS

Sixth Form Year Ten Skills Show, Industry visits Aston Martin STEMlecture Worcestershire SkillsShow, Worcesterian | 2017/18 71

Engineering and STEM based careers continue to be an overriding pull for our pupils and with the Land Rover 4x4 challenge trip to Abu Dhabi, the annual Yamazaki Work Experience, trips to Aston Martin and lectures from Dyson – I have no doubt that this trend will continue.

RGS pupils completed Work Experience in numerous and very different companies ranging from medical placements, to HS2, to the Whale and Dolphin Centre and the Houses of Parliament. We continue to offer support and strongly recommend that all pupils complete relevant and worthwhile work experience before they leave RGS.

March also saw the Study Abroad Midlands Tour come back to RGS with over 20 universities ranging from America to the Netherlands. Pupils’ eyes were opened up to the wealth of opportunity that is waiting for them beyond RGS and on an international scale.

The month of June saw the whole of Year Ten sitting a Careers Profiling assessment which has been kindly donated by the AOOEs. This will enable the pupils to make an informed decision about their A Level choices and help them see a clearer pathway for their future.

This is just a snapshot of what the Careers Department has been up to this year. Every year confirms what we have always believed, that the future is bright for our RGS pupils and that there is a wealth of opportunities waiting for them.

“I am pleased to report RGS is at Year Ten Worcestershire Skills Show, Aston Martin STEM lecture the forefront of Careers Education”

Sixth Form Skills Show, Industry visits 72 Worcesterian | 2017/18

SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT

This year the Sixth Form have benefited from Enrichment lessons every Wednesday, as well as sessions every other Friday. A number of students made the most of the chance to work toward recognised qualifications, and many of the Sixth Form have completed Extended Project Qualifications, for which they have researched a topic of their choice in depth. A small number also took up the chance to take part in the Community Sports Leadership Award, and have developed their sports coaching skills.

The remainder of the Sixth Form took part in Short Courses during their Enrichment sessions every Wednesday, which have allowed them to experience a range of subjects beyond their regular curriculum. These have ranged from the artistic ‘Synaesthesia: seeing sound, hearing colour’, the ‘Musical Mystery Tour’, the academic ‘Medieval Britishness’, to the practical ‘How to Give Effective Presentations’.

On Fridays, the Lower Sixth have this year embarked on the Enterprise and Employability Course. As part of this, their entrepreneurial skills have been challenged as they have been tasked with designing their own business plan to pitch to potential investors. They have also worked Sixth Form students were very successful organising on effective job application technique, events with local schools, and welcomed groups of Year mock interview practice, CV writing, and Five and Six students to RGS in order to take part in a other careers-oriented activities. quiz competition and, most spectacularly, to take part in a ‘Murder Mystery’ tour of the School. association with Worcester Roots. awareness ofEarth Hour, in run a charity event designedto raise planned andorganised ‘Wattfest’, Worcester ArtGallery. group One visits to Worcester Cathedral and more abouttheir community with while other groups have learned sustainable, educationalgarden, Pitchcroft OldNorth Stables, a have chipped into helpoutat Groups ofSixth students Form community around their school. with aboutthe and learned local this, they have beeninvolved on Friday afternoons. Aspart of Community Enrichment course part inRGS Worcester’s own The UpperSixth have taken

THE BILLINGHAM SOCIETY ready for nextyear. enrichment, with more stimulating talks andactivities year. This hasbeenasuccessfulyear ofacademic to somemodifications to the programme for next year review ofthe pupils’ ideasandopinionshasled when andwhere future meetingswillbe,andamid- Society board inMainHall, allpupilsare able to see Henry VII. With the introduction ofthe newBillingham highlights included coinsfrom Pontius Pilate and when hebrought insome ofhisrare coincollection, Dissection’ Hallett’s andMr ofMoney’, History ‘The her tuba to helpillustrate herinterest; Smee’s Mrs ‘Rat ofBrassHistory Bands’ from MissJakeman, whoused their subject;memorable topics have included ‘The from seeingtheir teachers beyond the confinesof of various membersofstaff, pupilshave benefited to contemplate subjectsinanewway. With the help wider educationalcontexts, beyond the classroom and designed to promote thinking anddiscussionwithin been attending meetingsonavariety oftopics, all ‘Bills’ seminars.Pupilsfrom Year Seven to Ten have of talks, interactive activities andthe newlynamed The BillinghamSociety hashadanother excitingyear Worcesterian |2017/18 73 74 Worcesterian | 2017/18

DEBATING

The past academic year has seen remarkable success for the RGS Debaters. RGS Debating Society teams have competed in numerous national competitions, having probably our best season ever.

The season started with RGS teams finishing second, third and fourth at University of Cardiff Schools. Furthermore, Upper Sixth student and Head Boy, Alec Berry and Harry Smith, did an amazing job in their first senior competition, winning the Novice Final.

Elsewhere, RGS debaters from the Senior Society were also experiencing success. Jordan Barnes, Dan Banks, Isaac Baker and Nick Fearon all made it to the Novice Final at the University of Nottingham Schools competition, meaning that RGS had two schools out of four in that round. The Upper Sixth pairs of Head Girl, Ellie Carey and Ruby Lower Sixth students, Amber Warner-Warr and Felix Haynes, Potts and Holly Chance and have had a particularly outstanding run this year. Qualifying for Heloise Messervy-Whiting all the EU Mock Council at the Law Society in London in October, qualified for the Finals Day they took on the role of Czech Republic in the issues that were of the University of Oxford debated by the 32 school delegations. They are now English Schools competition: with only Speaking Union West Champions, University of Birmingham eight places available from the Schools champions, also coming second at the University of Midlands, RGS was the only Bristol Schools and qualifying for the University of Cambridge school to go away with two Finals Day, one of only three teams from the Midlands. teams qualifying. Worcesterian | 2017/18 75

DEBATING

Ultimately, Ellie and Ruby ended up 22nd out of 108 teams on Finals Day, a remarkable achievement considering that they were up against schools such as Eton and Westminster as well as the champions from Canada, Slovenia and Greece.

The younger debaters have also been in action. The Year Eleven RGS team of James Reynolds, Isaac Baker and The debating year ended with a superb black tie dinner where Khadija Bashar won the English we were entertained by our guest speaker, Tim Askew, of Speaking Union Public Speaking St. Pauls Girls School. It was the perfect opportunity to say Worcestershire Cup, with thank you to our outgoing President, James Thomas, and his James also awarded the prize Committee and welcome the new team led by President-Elect, for Best Speaker and Isaac for Felix Haynes. Roll on, 2018-19! Best Questioner. In March, three Year Nine and Ten pairs Miss J Waller travelled up to Sheffield for the Head of Debating North/Midlands round of the International Competition for Young Debaters. With only eight places available at Finals Day in April and up against schools like Manchester Grammar and Repton, our young debaters held their nerve, with all three pairs qualifying and going on to enjoy a fantastic Finals Day at the Oxford Union. Zain Baig and Max Houchin in Year Ten then capped this coming third at Solihull Schools with Max awarded joint best speaker from 72 debaters. 76 Worcesterian | 2017/18

HOUSE REPORT “In 1987 (when many of your fathers were pupils at RGS) a nice young man called Jon Shorrocks became House Master of Wylde. After one year his Wylde House report in the Worcesterian finished with, “The adventure is only just beginning.” Over the next 30 years, ‘Shozz’ has led generations of Wylde House members on an inspirational adventure, the memories of which will stay with them for ever.

I have had great fun in nine years as House Co-ordinator. I have relished the experience of seeing RGS students fighting to do the very best they can. Thanks to you all, past and present students.” Mark Ralfe.

The first event of the new win after the final match. Wylde year was a completely new Art comfortably won the Junior experience. Each of the four Badminton. 98 students turned Houses contributed one quarter out with pride to represent their of a Mandala. Many asked, House in these events. “So what is a Mandala?”. By the end of Field Day we had a In the Senior Chess, Ottley and fabulous answer to this question Wylde were evenly matched. decorating the lawn. All Houses Wylde claimed the victory due can take credit for this dazzling to having had one more player result. Whiteladies were awarded taking part. In the Junior Chess, first place. Whiteladies won all three matches and were clear winners. In the Senior Badminton, Ottley led from the front by Fiona The Senior General Knowledge Power, eventually squeezed a Competition saw a record Worcesterian | 2017/18 77

attendance. For seven rounds fun. Led by their formidable pulling to give them the nod. the four Houses were closely captain Ruby Potts, Ottley All the signs were that this year matched and were all in with crushed Wylde and Whiteladies group would be a great asset to a good chance of winning. but faced a much tougher the system. Geography turned out to be the challenge from Elgar who they decisive factor. Ottley gained eventually overcame to earn A strong Whiteladies team an advantage which they were the title of first ever Benchball comfortably won the Junior never going to relinquish. champions. Rowing. In the Intermediate Whiteladies won the Junior Rowing Ottley, Wylde and General Knowledge Competition. In their first House Event, Year Whiteladies all seemed to finish Seven boys and girls gave their at exactly the same time. The House Benchball was a all in the Tug-of-War. The huge recorded times had to be checked completely new event and was roar from the crowd crammed to confirm that Wylde had just initiated by a group of Senior into Cobham Hall pushed on squeezed ahead to win. The pupils. You may not even have the House debutantes. Ottley depth of proven talent among heard of it. It is a bit like Netball and Elgar finished equal on Senior Elgar rowers carried or Basketball but without the points. It finally came down to them to a narrow victory over goal posts. It looked like great Elgar having one more member Whiteladies. 78 was a spectacular achievement. both of which were judgedbetter than from any entry any other house.Considering the highstandards this winners afew years ago. The judgeshadadifficult task.Ottley made two entries in Senior competition the beforehand meant that Houses were ready to dazzle.Any ofthe performances Senior would have beenclear we must have reached the higheststandard possible andcouldn’t go higher. Ahugeamountofpractice Over the past few years, the House competitions have Dance just becomemore andmore spectacular. Surely, HOUSE REPORT Worcesterian |2017/18 Worcesterian | 2017/18 79

RGS is a high achieving Debating On the eve of Sports Day, school so it comes as no surprise that Whiteladies were just half a point the House Debating is of a very high behind Wylde. standard. The Senior competition contained some very polished The weather was so hot this year performances. It was well worth that, as a precaution, the 1500m watching the winning performances races were cancelled. There were from the Whiteladies pair of Felix so many enthusiastic pupils in Haynes and Amber Warner-Warr. The bright House colours trying to younger age groups are learning skills run faster, throw further or jump from their elders and put on a range higher than their rivals, knowing of interesting debates. Elgar won both that every point counted. Over the the Junior and Intermediate Debating course of the day the distribution competitions. of winners in races looked even.

We saw the first ever House Poetry Total scores on the day were: Recital. Many of the audience had little experience of competitive Poetry Wylde 1140 and had no idea what to expect. The result was a whole range of Whiteladies 1120 experiences from irresistible humour all the way to mesmerising emotion. Elgar 1007.5

The five House Cricket competitions Ottley 950.5 provided good weather, excellent umpiring by senior pupils and plenty of excitement for the players. Matches were unpredictable. Often The Final Championship the winner was decided by close run- table was: outs, dropped catches or an inch difference between scoring a six or 1st 1650 Wylde nothing. Whiteladies won the Year Nine and Ten competitions. Wylde 2nd 1590 Whiteladies were triumphant at Year Eight and Year Seven level. Ottley’s highly 3rd 1360 Elgar talented Senior Cricket team were clear winners. 4th 1180 Ottley

Houses were keen to give as many pupils as possible a chance to compete in the Tennis competitions. A huge spread of abilities amongst the participants saw Ottley, Elgar and Whiteladies win one each of the three competitions. 80 Worcesterian | 2017/18

COMBINED CADET FORCE

The Army Section enjoyed a wide variety of training this year.

THE ARMY SECTION September saw the Section visit Nesscliff for July saw the Section developing their skills Field Training, building on the skill set cadets at Summer camp in the Lake District. Cadets acquired from the previous summer’s adventure were taught a certified first aid course, enjoyed at Pennally. Setting up camp, 25m range work a range of adventurous activities and were and how to set an ambush are just a few of immersed in ‘green’ activities. Highlights of the the skills the cadets practised. March saw the week included: Section re-visit the Isle of Man for adventurous and leadership activities. From coasteering TIBUA (TRAINING IN BUILDINGS AND to abseiling down a 160ft cliff, from a treetop URBAN AREA) confidence course to kayaking and canoeing, This part of our training revolved around much was achieved in a very full, hands-on fighting in and around urban environments, weekend. and learning how to overcome the unique challenges presented by such a claustrophobic Cadets also visited the Defence Academy at and chaotic environment as presented to us by Shrivenham and were introduced to simulated our instructors. tank warfare and talks on how tanks and artillery developed over the years, alongside a very Over the day we were taught the drills and impressive talk by the armourer on different callouts relevant to assaulting and then clearing makes of rifle, their development over the years enemy occupied buildings, culminating in an and how and why different countries adopt intense blank firing exercise where we burst into different models. and swept a house of its occupants, rescuing a hostage in the process. Worcesterian | 2017/18 81

COMBINED CADET FORCE

CQB (CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE) DRILL The CQB section of the trip was an ambitious yet fun-filled day, with our favourite instructor, Pete, whose chants definitely relieved the testing atmosphere of the Close Quarter Battle training. We started by learning the basic stance and six shot defence technique upon locating the enemy. After all had mastered the drill we were put into our platoons, and later successfully pinpointed our mission target to rescue a hostage from a simulated chemical warfare attack.

My thanks to our Senior NCOs, WO1 Ralph, Nelson and Harris and Sgt Challoner for their help and support over the years, and to the adult instructors who have made this year very successful indeed. 82 Worcesterian | 2017/18

THE ROYAL NAVAL SECTION The Royal Naval Cadets have had an exciting and busy year. In September, the Section visited Aztec Adventure where the cadets enjoyed kayaking, cat-canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. In November, ten cadets journeyed to HMS Excellent in Portsmouth where they spent the afternoon on HMS Blazer, learning about life aboard a patrol vessel and having a turn at the wheel. The snow did affect a couple of Section meetings in the winter, but by March the whole Section again travelled south and spent the night on HMS Bristol, the first time sleeping on a ship for some of our cadets. The cadets spent the following day at Combat South where they learnt basic bushcraft and the day culminated with the whole Section having to save a hostage in the midst of gunfire and grenade smoke! After Easter we welcomed 19 new recruits to our number who were soon settled in by our Senior rates. The Section spent Activities Week at TYF near St. David’s, in the beautiful sunshine undertaking adventurous activities including cliff climbing, coasteering, fishing, horse riding and surfing.

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE SECTION It has been an extremely busy year for the RAF Section with flying days, Field Days, RAF Camp and the annual visit to the Forest of Dean for the Year Nine cadets.

As the year progressed, all of the cadets continued with their exciting flying lessons at RAF Cosford, in spite of the best efforts of the notorious English weather! Worcesterian | 2017/18 83

Our cadets learnt how to fly in the Grob Tutor aircraft. This aircraft has great visibility, a great sense of acceleration and is agile enough to allow cadets to perform full aerobatics, something everyone enjoys.

In September, our cadets were able to get involved in many of the activities organised for the Section by link officer Sergeant Taylor at RAF Cosford. In March, we undertook adventure training at Warped COSFORD where cadets navigated a very muddy and challenging assault course working in teams. Cadets also engaged in an outdoor laser combat event, practising previoulsy learnt bushcraft skills. The day was finished with a visit to the Cosford RAF Museum.

The wonderful Summer Camp, at RAF St. Mawgan, gave the Senior cadets the opportunity to put into practice the skills learnt during the year. I was delighted with how fantastically our cadets collaborated during the camp, from range work to drill, they performed extremely well in their new sections, achieving some personal bests. At the same time, in the Forest of Dean, Year Nine cadets learnt how to cook with their ration packs and developed important leadership skills.

The perfect end to an exciting year! 84 Worcesterian | 2017/18

®

RGS pupils who participate in the DofE Award Scheme have opportunities to do something completely new as well as improve on things they might already be doing.

We encourage pupils to take on challenges that This year we were blessed with fabulous move them out of their comfort zone and into weather for our summer expeditions. The a place where they will push themselves and Bronze Groups headed up to Wyre Forest, enjoy some amazing new experiences. We hope the Silver Groups to the Peak District, and through participation in the scheme our pupils Gold Groups paddled down the Spey. Training will build confidence and resilience and start for walking expeditions took place on the to appreciate the need to plan and manage Malverns, and the Brecon Beacons, whilst activities, culminating in the organising and Canoers trained on the Wye and the Dee managing their four day long expedition in the (paddling over the Pontcysylite aqueduct was Sixth Form. exciting!). Sea Kayaking groups trained around Anglesey and then spent a week paddling around North and South Uist and Berneray in the Outer Hebrides. Worcesterian | 2017/18 85

Paddling along side a dozen porpoises and being able to watch sea eagles hunt was amongst our highlights of the year.

I salute each and every RGS DofE pupil who has participated in the DofE this year, and congratulate you all on your achievements.

My thanks also to the parents of the pupils for their support, provision of camp rations and of course dropping them off at RGS at insane times in the morning on occasions.

We are fortunate enough to have a very special collection of RGS staff who run and participate in the DofE Award at RGS. We welcomed Julie Gidon to the DofE fold last year, and wish her every success this year running the RGS Silver DofE section.

Special mention this year goes to Mr Shane Blincoe-Deval, who has so ably, so enthusiastically and so professionally run the Silver section for over a decade at RGS. In that time he has helped hundreds of RGS pupils obtain their Silver Award. We wish him well as he embarks upon his new adventure overseas. 86 Worcesterian | 2017/18

WARM WELCOME TO NEW STAFF RGS appointed 13 new members of teaching and coaching staff for the new academic year.

MRS HANNAH CLARKE

Mrs Clarke joins RGS as the new Head of Learning Development for all three RGS Schools. Mrs Clarke has been a SENDCo and dyslexia specialist for several years, most recently working as Assistant Headteacher at a school in Birmingham. Parents can receive updates, parenting tips and tricks, research and guidance to support learning, by ‘liking’ our new RGSW LD Facebook page. You can access this through the School website and by searching on Facebook.

DR ABIGAIL DAVISON Dr Davison completed her undergraduate degree in History at King’s College London, before immediately going on to study for her Master’s then doctorate in Medieval History. Having enjoyed her teaching work with seminar groups at King’s College, Dr Davison decided to move from academia to the classroom, completing her PGCE at Worcester in preparation for this. The History and Politics Department was delighted to welcome Dr Davison to the team last September, impressed by her enthusiasm, erudition and creativity in the classroom. She is very excited about her role as Head of Wylde House.

DR JULIAN DEEKS During my University degree I enjoyed volunteering at a youth club in Bermondsey which inspired me to investigate teaching and so I pursued a PGCE. I’m glad to have a job that won’t allow me to stop learning, for the opportunity to contribute to a Science curriculum that will furnish children with a lively and thorough ‘life of the mind’ that will prepare them from a young age (Year Five and Six onwards) for the renewed challenges of the reformed GCSEs and A Levels, and to make contributions to problem solving in the future.

MISS DEBORAH GOLD After a long and varied career within Manufacturing Engineering and Management, I joined RGS because of its great reputation for fostering interest and success in STEM and because the facilities and class sizes enable all pupils to learn by experience and hence spark their interest early in their school careers. My wish is to encourage as many as possible to explore where STEM could take them…and where they could take STEM. Worcesterian | 2017/18 87

MR SIMON GRAEME Mr Graeme joined RGS in September 2017 as part-time Drama Technician. He splits his time between here and Theatre on the Steps in Bridgnorth where he is Stage and Technical Manager, in addition to working occasionally at other local venues such as Malvern Theatres and Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Simon trained at Guildford School of Acting on their Stage Management Course before working in London for a company supplying scenic hardware to scenery builders and production companies. During this time he was fortunate to work as an automated scenery operator on the original West End Production of ‘Aspects of Love’ at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

MRS RACHEL HARLING We are delighted to introduce our School Counsellor, Mrs Rachel Harling. Mrs Harling started at the School in September 2017 and has proven to be a real asset as a Senior Accredited Counsellor and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health. She has worked extensively in this field in a variety of settings including NHS, private practice and education for over 20 years and has a huge amount of knowledge and expertise. She primarily works with pupils individually and offers a range of therapeutic interventions evidenced to be very effective. Mrs Harling also provides supervision and support to staff and advises on the broader issues affecting the community, to promote an environment that continues to encourage optimum psychological health for all pupils.

MRS KATE HYNDMAN Mrs Hyndman joined the RGS English Department in September 2017, having previously taught at Birmingham Ormiston Academy. Born in Hertfordshire and raised in Suffolk, Mrs Hyndman came to the Midlands to do a Classical Literature degree at the University of Birmingham. This led her to train to teach English with the King Edward’s Consortium in Birmingham, later converting her Post-graduate Diploma in Education to an MA in Teaching Studies at the University of Birmingham. Mrs Hyndman will also be sharing her enthusiasm for the natural world by taking on the role of Environmental Officer in the 2018-19 academic year.

DR LARA JAMES Dr James joined the MFL Department of German from Wycliffe College, where, in her first position as an MFL teacher, she had been on maternity cover for the Head of German. Prior to training as a classroom teacher, Dr James combined a busy career as a professional violinist with that of instrumental teacher. She performed around the world with orchestras such as the Academy of Ancient Music, The Hanover Band and The English Concert for many years alongside teaching violin and piano at Wycombe Abbey. Dr James graduated with a First- Class degree in German and Music, a PhD from the University of Bristol and a postgraduate certificate from The Royal Conservatory, The Hague. She is delighted to have moved to RGS Worcester where she is able to combine both her passions for languages and music. When not teaching German or French part-time, she helps out with the School’s music ensembles. 88 Worcesterian | 2017/18

MRS SARAH LEEDS Having been educated at St. Mary’s Convent Worcester, coming to work in the Mathematics Department at RGSW in September 2017 marks a return for me to Worcester. I gained a First-Class Degree in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics from Exeter University before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with the Birmingham branch of Ernst and Young. Having completed a six-month placement with the firm in Abu Dhabi, I then decided to take a career change and studied for my Secondary Mathematics PGCE at Nottingham University. There followed 17 years at Alcester Grammar School, and during my time there I undertook many different roles, including Assistant Head of Middle School and Second in the Mathematics Department.

DR KATE NICKSON Dr Nickson joined RGS as a part-time role as Second in Chemistry from the Perse School in Cambridge where she taught for six years, having previously taught for three years in the state sector, where she was Head of Department. Dr Nickson completed her undergraduate degree and PhD in Chemical Biophysics at the University of Cambridge. Her love of undergraduate teaching led to her studying for a PGCE, which was soon followed by an MEd in Science Education. She is passionate about using her research-based interests to enhance teaching and learning. Dr Nickson is taking on the role of Head of Chemistry from September 2018.

MISS RACHAEL WELLS Miss Wells joined RGS as Head of the Geography Department. Having completed her PGCE at the University of Gloucestershire, working in schools in the local area, she then subsequently went on to spend the next eight years working in two London based schools. She was awarded different roles during this time, working for three years in the post of Head of Geography, followed by another three years as the Head of Upper Sixth. She enjoys being involved with co-curricular activities, especially the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as she believes it helps to build character and resilience in students. Miss Wells holds the role of a Duke of Edinburgh Assessor and she will be working at RGS with the Year Ten students to help them complete their Award.

MISS KATIE GEORGE MR DANIEL BAYLISS GRADUATE SPORTS ASSISTANT GRADUATE SPORTS ASSISTANT

WE WELCOME ALL NEW MEMBERS OF THE RGS TEAM AND WISH THEM EVERY SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN THEIR NEW CAREERS AT THE SCHOOL Worcesterian | 2017/18 89

A Fond Farewell RGS would like to thank the following staff for their contribution to the School and wish them well for the future.

MRS CERI SMEE A Deputy’s role is always about ‘being prepared’ and our Deputy Head, Ceri Smee, has certainly always ensured that we plan ahead and are ready for the next challenge at RGS. Appointed as Academic Deputy in 2012, Ceri became lead Deputy following Nigel Lowson’s retirement in 2014. Ceri’s knowledge particularly of the academic side of the School has been so valuable in our academic focus over the last four years. She has masterminded Inspection across all three schools so well and our classification as ‘Excellent in all areas’ was a triumph in the last full ISI Inspection. Ceri has never forgotten her roots which lie in the classroom as a Biology teacher. She is an excellent teacher who embraces new challenges and has decided to take a step back from Senior Management in order to return to the classroom that she loves and to run the Biology Department at Pate’s Grammar School. She is, of course, vastly over-qualified for the post and I am sure she will do a superb job. She will also appreciate not having to take on the M5 commute from Cheltenham every morning! I would like to thank Ceri on behalf of all of us for all that she has done at RGS over the past six years in this very challenging and crucial role. We wish her and her family all the very best for the future.

DR MEGAN BOWDREY You always knew where you stood with Dr Bowdrey, either as a pupil or as a fellow teacher. Her honest approach ensured that you knew what needed to be done in order to make progress. She taught with enthusiasm, knowledge and used practical activities well: you knew you would be getting an excellent chemistry education if you had Dr Bowdrey as your teacher. Her role and feedback as an external examination marker was very beneficial to all. The results of her pupils were amongst the best in the Faculty. As a traditionalist, she was initially a sceptic of the Digital Learning Programme. However, lately she represented the Department in the Digital Learning Group sharing best practice. I will miss her homemade cakes that were brought to Department meetings, tales of her cat bringing grass snakes into the house, but most of all her no nonsense approach to education. We wish her well in her new role of full- time teacher at Malvern St James and hope that she will not be a stranger to RGS in the future. WE WELCOME ALL NEW MEMBERS OF THE RGS TEAM AND WISH THEM EVERY SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN THEIR NEW CAREERS AT THE SCHOOL 90 Worcesterian | 2017/18

MR SHANE BLINCOE-DEVAL Mr Blincoe-Deval joined the School in September 2006, pre-merger, from Camp Hill Girls’ School in Birmingham. I still remember his interview lesson: he was full of cold and trying to make infrared spectroscopy interesting to a Lower Sixth group, which he did very successfully. The rest they say, is history. For twelve years he has been an integral part of both the Science Faculty and the School. As with all that he does, he taught with energy and enthusiasm which the pupils really appreciated. He was always willing to give of his time outside of lessons to help pupils. As a Form Tutor in the Middle School, and lately the Sixth Form, his caring and considerate nature ensured that his tutees received an excellent level of pastoral care. Mr Blincoe-Deval was also heavily involved in the co-curricular side of school life, initially with Rugby teams and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, before successfully running the Silver Level of the Award Scheme. I know that his DofE team are very sad to see him leave, as is the Science Faculty, but we wish him all the best on the next leg of his adventure in Kazakstan.

MRS KAREN MICHAEL Although Mrs Michael has only been at the School for two years, she has made an impact. Her lead role in organising RGS’s BBC Schools’ Report, which coincided with National Science week, has been significant. I will always remember trying to avoid being interviewed whilst large swathes of Year Five pupils were attempting to engineer bridges out of straws and paperclips. With the aid of Mr Deeks, the Billingham Observatory is now operational and some fantastic photographs of the moon have been taken. Mrs Michael has also instigated, with the able assistance of Miss Gold, the Electronics club which has provided a home for the less sporty pupils of the school. This has proved to be a very popular with Year Ten boys. She has also been a Sixth Form tutor, ably guiding her tutees through the UCAS process. We wish her and her family all the best in the relocation to Manchester, and in her role as Head of Science at St. Bede’s College.

MR MARK RALFE We are perhaps entering an era when the role of teachers is slowly changing from the traditional view of the all-rounder schoolmaster and schoolmistress to one where we look for more specialism. Mr Ralfe is most definitely of the former mould with his ability to turn his hand to a bewildering range of activities, some of which he was actually qualified to do. Those in school at present will be fully aware of his dedicated years of professionalism within the Mathematics Department as well his approach to running the house system which has seen every ‘t crossed and every i’ dotted. They will be less familiar with his years as weightlifting coach or A Level Computer Science teacher. In the Mathematics Department he had a well- deserved reputation as the ultimate safe pair of hands and his teaching has always been of the most rigorous and thorough standard. Every student who will have been through his external examination preparations will have known that they had covered every element of the course. In addition, they will have experienced very focused past paper preparation, with every paper backed up by instructive and highly detailed power-points to guide students through the correct techniques. We shall miss his high energy, high speed approach to life and his ready smile and sometimes funny jokes! Worcesterian | 2017/18 91

MR JON SHORROCKS One of the standard points of conversation amongst groups of friends is the reminiscences about the teachers that have had greatest impact on each of them as individuals. I am absolutely confident that Mr Jon Shorrocks (or perhaps more often, Shozza) will feature very highly indeed in these conversations amongst those who have been through the School in the years since he arrived in 1981. He brought an individual passion to all that he did which was infectious for those he taught, coached and commanded and this also applied to those members of staff fortunate enough to work with him. His approach to his teaching in Mathematics was designed to build confidence and the belief that success was everyone’s goal. On a personal level I could not have asked for a better colleague to accompany me on an Ecuadorian Volcanoes climbing expedition where his boyish enthusiasm for the whole experience swept all of us along. Who else would organise a fully competitive volleyball game deep in the Amazonian jungle? The emotion of standing together on the 19,500 feet summit of Cotopaxi as the sun rose on a July morning will not be forgotten.

MR BEN TAYLOR Mr Taylor started at RGS as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2007, the year of the merger with the Alice Ottley School, and look how far he has come. He has thrown himself into life at the School and although most of you will know him for his prowess on the Rugby and Athletic fields, he has organised many ski trips, three Rugby tours and A Level sports analysis trips to various Universities. There is not much that Mr Taylor does not know about Strength and Conditioning training; he leads by example and he is a specialist in Exercise Physiology for the A Level PE course. Mr Taylor was Eld House Master, a form tutor and 2nd Lt. in the Army CCF section. He is an exceptional teacher and coach with two Modus Cup wins under his belt and has taken four teams to National English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field Cup Finals, placing us in the top ten teams in the country. He is moving on to become Director of Sport at Wycliffe College and we will miss his expertise, commitment and positive approach. We all wish him the very best for the next step in his career.

MR MIKE WILKINSON Margaret Thatcher was not for turning, John Lennon was shot and died in New York, Jimmy Carter lost to Ronald Reagan in the fight for the US presidency, Ian Botham and Geoffrey Boycott scored eight apiece against the West Indies in the 2nd test and Viv Richards and Desmond Haynes replied with a combined 329. Amongst all this a bright young thing from Loughborough University joined The Royal Grammar School Worcester to teach Mathematics and Physical Education and, in what seems like the blink of eye, Mr Michael Wilkinson is now retiring some 38 years later. This is not the place to list all that he has done but the headline figures must include 32 years as Rugby coach, 38 years as Cricket coach (also over a decade as Master i/c Cricket), Housemaster of Yewle House for 16 years, survivor of 15 ski trips to the Alps and 32 years as a Middle School tutor. In all of this he developed a warm respect from his charges. His confidence in what he was doing and his desire for all his pupils to achieve their full potential meant that parents and pupils alike backed and supported him in all that he did. We shall not see the like of him again. 92 Worcesterian | 2017/18

CHARITY

From an RGS record of over £2,000 raised for BBC Children in Need, to nearly £4,000 made for St Richard’s Hospice’s ‘Worcester Stands Tall’ Giraffe Project by Year Eight’s ‘Flourishing Fivers’ initiative, it has again been a very successful year for charity fundraising at RGS. Over £15,000 has been donated to charities including Year Seven’s support for the NSPCC, Sport Relief, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Worcester Snoezelen, the Myriad Centre, Place2Be, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Acorns Children’s Hospice. A lot of fun was had in the process, with very brave and sporting members of staff taking part in ‘Sponge the Teacher’ and a military-style ‘Bleep Test’ for BBC Children in Need and Sport Relief respectively. Lower School Harvest Festival donations were taken to Maggs Day Centre and we have also supported the Worcester Food Bank. Huge thanks go to our pupils, the Charity Committee, members of staff and parents for all their support over the year. Worcesterian | 2017/18 93

WORCESTER STANDS TALL CHILDREN IN NEED CHILDREN IN NEED ARM WRESTLING SPONGE THE TEACHER

FOOD BANK & HARVEST FESTIVAL MACMILLAN NSPCC CHARITY DONATIONS TO MAGGS DAY CARE COFFEE MORNING FULL STOP CAMPAIGN

MOVEMBER NSPCC SPORT RELIEF 94 Worcesterian | 2017/18

THE FOUNDATION

2017-18 was a year of consolidation for the Foundation which was partly determined by the GDPR legislation which took effect in May 2018. It was also time for expansion when we welcomed former pupils Emma Bentley-Hughes, Gary Rouse, Jonny Arr and Tim Curtis onto the Board as Trustees. Very sadly, we lost a good friend and valued Trustee, Richard Sutcliffe, who died unexpectedly in December 2017.

The Foundation Trustees took over the responsibility for the A R Wheeler Bursary Fund and the Alice Ottley Bursary Fund both of which provide bursary support to RGS pupils through voluntary donations. The ambition is to secure significant long- term support from the alumni community that will enable more children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the School.

Through the Foundation Office a number of alumni, past parents, ex-staff and current parents have chosen to sponsor seats in the new Performing Arts Centre. RGS Rowers were delighted to receive two new boats generously donated by a former pupil.

Significant voluntary support has been secured from an alumnus donor for an exciting capital project that will greatly enhance the facilities at RGS Worcester. The Foundation Office looks forward to publicising details as soon as possible.

Throughout the year a number of former pupils from RGS and The Alice Ottley School were welcomed back to the School as visitors and when attending events at School. Enjoyable gatherings were also held off-site including at Sixways Worcesterian | 2017/18 95

DID YOU KNOW – IMRAN KHAN ATTENDED RGS? During the summer holiday, RGS Worcester watched the international news with interest as former RGS pupil Imran Khan (1971-72) was declared victorious in the election in Pakistan and became the country’s new Prime Minister.

Born in 1952, the only son of a civil engineer, Imran was sent to England and educated at The Royal Grammar School Worcester before attending Keble College, Oxford. Imran was a boarder at RGS Worcester in Whiteladies boarding house and he played cricket for the School as well as for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Imran even completely re- worked his bowling action in the RGS Worcester gym, turning his bowling into the potent force that would make him the ultimate all-rounder. Imran was known to be a relatively quiet school pupil who was academically able and who worked hard, achieving the A Level grades he needed to achieve his place at Oxford in just one year. His cricket career is recorded on the School’s Honours board at Flagge Meadow, now Worcestershire CCC’s second ground.

Stadium, Worcester Golf Club and Henley Royal Regatta. All of these occasions serve to reinforce the bond shared by all who are part of the RGS and AOS family.

Intriguingly, during the year two members of the 1972 RGS Cricket team featured on television at School. Imran Khan’s election victory prompted media visits including a news report with the Headmaster. The Prime Minister of Pakistan’s erstwhile teammate, Philip Serrell, was filmed in the Art Department selling This picture was taken on the day Imran the Headmaster an easel as part of his television show, ‘Flipping Khan was announced as the incoming Profit’. Proof that an RGS education really can lead to all sorts of Prime Minister for Pakistan. opportunities! 96 Worcesterian | 2017/18 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS & SENIOR SCHOOL PRIZES

YEAR PRIZES

YEAR NINE PRIZES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Niall Byrne Maia McCrindle Mia Andrews Olivia Middleton Jack Cheney Maia Roncal Montini Lucy Ball Grace Odell Kasia Czyrko Oliver Nixon Elizabeth Carter Matthew Powell Freddie Davies Josh Oldnall Ethan Farmer Kathryn Shaw Ben Gaubert James Preece Imogen Holmes India Southwick Aaron Lad Abi Timmington Isabella Hulbert Harry Vesty Katy Marsh Kim-Ly Weaver Jensen Lee Sophie Wilkinson Elizabeth McCabe Madeleine McLeod

YEAR TEN PRIZES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Fatima Ali James Larkin Lily Ashmore Ben Sutton

Zain Baig Malachy Larkin Rubi Bown Seb Thompson Darcey Chambers Liam Leonard Timothy Haggitt Sam Thomson Eleni Coutsiouri Will Osborne Lyra Hancock Ella Waites Rhiannon Davies Daisy Price Frankie Healey George Wareing Maxim Eddy Tess Rabjohn Max Houchin Thomas Ehlers Josie Taylor Lizzie Rhoden Charlie Smith

YEAR ELEVEN PRIZES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Isaac Baker Emily Caldwell Lydia Faizey Emma Little Brandon Sarfo Tazmin Barnes Sam Chamberlain Elizabeth Fearon Jemma Moseley Jack Beasley Aodren Clemit George Garrity Alex Owen Rees Bonham Isabelle Davies Ella Gray Alex Peake

LOWER SIXTH PRIZES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

George Beardmore James Dipple Sam Healey Amy Rogers Padraig Wheeler James Bell Alexander Edwards Paddy Lawton Imogen Sinclair Holly Cooper Daniel Fellows Joe Neale Fraser Sparks Joe Corlett Robert Hallam Blake Parker Joshua Warner Charles Devereux Felix Haynes James Phillips Amber Warner-Warr

Worcesterian | 2017/18 97

SCHOOL PRIZES Named prizes and cups celebrate the contribution made to the School by the named person. The person and the dates of attachment to the School are given when known.

COMBINED CADET FORCE AWARDS

THE HARVEY CUP FOR THE SENIOR ARMY CADET In memory of Lt. Henry Burnett Harvey, former pupil, RGS (1908- 1911) Rory Nelson

THE WITCOMBE RAF TROPHY Timothy John Witcombe, former pupil, RGS (1979-1986) and Philip Russell Witcombe, former pupil, RGS (1981-1988) Toby Middleton

THE SEAMANSHIP CUP Captain H M Spreckley, Chairman of Governors,RGS (1950-54) Thomas Lloyd

ACTIVITIES AWARDS

THE KIRSTY CUBBERLEY ROSEBOWL FOR BEST FEMALE ACTOR Former pupil, The Alice Ottley School (1981-1987) Catherine Lunn

THE EDYNBURY CUP FOR BEST MALE ACTOR Former pupil, Mark Edynbury, RGS (1981-1988) Ben Hughes

THE DEBATING CUP Amber Warner-Warr

THE STEFAN PORTER PRIZE FOR VOCAL SOLOIST Former pupil, RGS (1996-2006) Ben Hughes

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR OVERALL CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC James Thomas

THE CATHERINE COWTON PRIZE FOR ORCHESTRA Cattlin Connell 98 Worcesterian | 2017/18

GAMES AWARDS

The individual sport prizes were awarded at the Sports THE ERIC ORTON PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT Presentation Evening last term. The awards listed here are Former Head of Modern Languages, RGS (1947-1979) the major sports awards given. Holly Chance

THE ALICE OTTLEIANS AND OLD THE RGSPA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ELIZABETHANS’ PRIZE FOR SPORTING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE EXCELLENCE James Thomas, Ben Hughes and Ellie Carey Abi Watkins and Guy Anderson THE SCHOOLTOGS AWARD FOR THE REYNOLDS CUP (MALE) CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE Former pupil, Derek Reynolds, RGS (1938 - 1945) Catherine Lunn Ben Hughes THE MAYOR’S PRIZE FOR ALL-ROUND THE JANET GREENE CUP (FEMALE) CONTRIBUTION Former pupil, Derek Reynolds, RGS (1938 - 1945) Hanna Sykes Holly Chance THE SCHOOL AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE THE WOOTTEN CUP FOR ALL ROUND SPORTSWOMAN Emily Taylor Former pupil, Philippa Belding, The Alice Ottley School (1974 - 1978) THE RGSPA PRIZE FOR GENERAL MERIT OR ACHIEVEMENT Imogen Sinclair Anand Patel

THE GREENWAY CUP FOR ALL ROUND THE GORDON WALKER CUP FOR CHARITABLE SPORTSMAN WORKS Former pupil, Philippa Belding, The Alice Ottley School (1974 Former Governor, RGS (1985-2012) - 1978) Lauren Wilkins Ben Selby

THE W D WILLIAMS PRIZE FOR ALL-ROUND PRIZES FOR CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION Tabitha Bradley

THE CHAIRMAN’S PRIZE THE ALICE OTTLEIANS AND OLD ELIZABETHANS’ ARTS PRIZE Johnny Cotterell Olivia Sparks

THE ALICE OTTLEIANS AND OLD ELIZABETHANS’ PRIZE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY Frankie Crawley

THE ALICE OTTLEIANS AND OLD ELIZABETHANS’ PRIZE FOR CREATIVE WRITING Aodren Clemit Worcesterian | 2017/18 99

UPPER SIXTH NAMED SUBJECT AWARDS

THE VICTORIA WRIGHT PRIZE FOR SCIENCE THE LEA & PERRINS INTERNATIONAL PRIZE Former pupil, The Alice Ottley School (1994-2006) and RGS FOR BUSINESS (2006-2008) Max Hawksworth Wilfred Jenkins

THE WILDE PRIZE FOR DESIGN TECHNOLOGY THE HILLARD PRIZE FOR PHYSICS Michael George Wilde, Chief Designer of Concorde (1935- Frederick Arthur Hillard, Headmaster, RGS (1899-1928) 42) James Thomas Harry Smith

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR BIOLOGY THE BREWER PRIZE FOR CREATIVITY Ellie Carter Former Deputy Head, Quentin Brewer The Alice Ottley School

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY Olivia Sparks Nicola Ralph

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR TEXTILES THE PULLINGER PRIZE FOR MATHEMATICS Estelle Welch Henry Robert Pullinger, Headmaster, RGS (1928-1950)

Alec Berry THE STALLARD PRIZE FOR ENGLISH LITERATURE THE EMILY JORDAN PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS Col William Stallard, Six Master & Chairman of Governors In memory of Emily Jordan, Former Pupil The Alice Ottley (1893-1916) School (1997-2004) Chloe Long Nadiath Choudhury

THE MARGARET MOORE PRIZE FOR CLASSICS THE CARTER-DOWNS MEDICAL PRIZE Former Head of Latin, The Alice Ottley School Incorporating the names of Dr G E Downs, RGS (1900- Ruth Brewer 1905) and Head of Science and Second Master R J Carter

RGS (1906-1942) THE MARGARET SPURLING PRIZE FOR Wilfred Jenkins RELIGIOUS STUDIES Former Headmistress, The Alice Ottley School, (1912–1934)

THE CLAINES PRIZE FOR APPLIED PHYSICS Lewis Cook In memory of Gordon Packman, former pupil, RGS (1939-

1946) THE MISS CORMACK PRIZE FOR MODERN Alec Berry LANGUAGES Former Head of Modern Foreign Languages, The Alice

THE BENJAMIN LEADER PRIZE FOR ART Ottley School Former pupil, RGS (1841-1845) Kate Horsburgh Indira Creedmiles-Naraine

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION Lauren Wilkins 100 Worcesterian | 2017/18

THE MALCOLM YOUNG PRIZE FOR GEOGRAPHY UPPER SIXTH PRIZES FOR In memory of John Malcolm James Young former pupil, RGS (1949–1954) CONTRIBUTION Will Reading THE ALICE OTTLEIANS AND OLD ELIZABETHANS’ SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE THE JANET PEARSON PRIZE FOR HISTORY Alec Berry and Nicola Ralph Former Senior Mistress and Head of History The Alice Ottley School (1988-2006) THE THOMAS BLASSON PRIZE Ruby Potts Legacy gift to the School from a former pupil RGS (1922-1928) Nadiath Choudhury and Wilfred Jenkins THE J AND M BURTON HISTORY PRIZE

James Burton, former pupil, RGS (2001-2007) and Mark Burton, THE CHARLES MYTTON SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE former pupil, RGS (2007-2012) Legacy gift to the School from a former pupil RGS Holly Chance (1922-1928) Ben Hawkes, Heloise Messervy-Whiting and Ruby Potts

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR POLITICS THE STANLEY WILLIS PRIZE FOR THE PAST Heloise Messervy-Whiting SCHOOL CAPTAIN Former pupil, RGS (1914-1916), Six Master, Chairman of

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING Governors, RGS (1954-1967) Alec Berry ACHIEVEMENT IN EPQ Evie Boyle THE ALICE OTTLEY MILLENNIUM PRIZE FOR THE HEAD GIRL Ellie Carey Worcesterian | 2017/18 101 DESTINATIONS FOR LEAVERS

Surname Name Course University/Employer/Gap Year Allen Luke Gap Year Bailey Thomas Classical Literature and Civilisation Birmingham University Banks Daniel Chemistry with Mathematics Southampton University Barnes Jordan Medicine (Phase One) Sheffield University Bath Francine Film Studies Lancaster University Beasley Amy Economics Nottingham Trent University Bell Julia Physical Geography and Geology Plymouth University Bell Katie Health and Social Care (Cert HE) Worcester University Berry Alec Engineering Balliol College, Oxford (2019) Bevan-Smith Rose Social Policy and Politics Bristol University Boyle Eve Geography Newcastle University Bradley Tabitha Gap Year Brewer Ruth Classical Studies Edinburgh University Broster Henry Gap Year Brown Louisa Food Marketing and Business Economics Reading University Buchanan Verity Psychology Liverpool University Caldwell Alice Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Exeter University Abroad Carey Eleanor Engineering Design with Study in Industry Bristol University Carter Eleanor Physiotherapy Liverpool University Challoner Benjamin High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Sheffield Hallam University Chan Sum Materials Science and Engineering Manchester University Chance Holly History Exeter University Choudhury Nadiath Economics and Politics with professional placement Bath University Clarke Harriet Gap Year Connell Caitlin Music Nottingham University Cook George Gap Year Cook Lewis Biomedical Sciences Southampton University (deferred) Cotterell John Mathematics Cardiff University Crawley Francesca English Nottingham University Creedmiles Indira Working towards becoming a paramedic St John’s Ambulance Naraine Dear Louis Geography with Economics Loughborough University Elgar Benjamin Biological Sciences Pembroke College, Oxford University Elsey Zachary Politics Cardiff University Fox Ryan Information Management and Business Loughborough University Galvin Rhett Entrepreneurial Business Management Reading University Grainger Joshua Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology Swansea University Griffiths Edward Management (Marketing) Manchester University Griffiths William Apprenticeship Rolls Royce Hall Cameron Marketing with a Year in Industry Swansea University Harper Ethan Physics Swansea University 102 Worcesterian | 2017/18

Surname Name Course University/Employer/Gap Year Harris James Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year Swansea University Hawkes Benjamin Physics Manchester University Hawksworth Maxton International Business and Management Reading University Healey Jessica Psychology (2019) Gap Year Hewitt James Criminology and Psychology Royal Holloway University Hill Matthew Economics and Business with a year in Industry Swansea University Holden Nicholas Biology Nottingham University Horsburgh Catherine International Management and Modern Languages Bath University Hughes Ben Gap Year Ibrar Faiz Mechanical Engineering Aston University Jenkins Wilfred Medicine Somerville College, Oxford University Jonczyk Chloe Geography and Urban and Regional Planning Birmingham University Lawson Edward Mechanical Engineering /Automotive Southampton University Lehner Annabella Gap Year Lewis Isabel Marketing Newcastle University (deferred) Lloyd Thomas Navigation and Maritime Science Plymouth University Long Chloe Law Worcester University Lunn Catherine Drama and Theatre Arts Birmingham University Mann George Biomedical Sciences Cardiff University Meek Olivia Law Liverpool University Messervy- Heloise Law Selwyn College, Cambridge Whiting University Middleton Toby Engineering with Foundation Year Swansea University Mockford Olivia History Cardiff University Muckle Georgina Psychology University of West England, Bristol Murray Grace Law Reading University Nelson Rory Marine Biology Bangor University O’Leary Maxwell Gap Year Mullock Oram Thomas Civil Engineering with Foundation Year Swansea University Patel Anand Business Economics with Industrial Experience Exeter University Platts Edward Florida State University Potts Ruby History St Hugh’s College, Oxford University Pritchard Lucy Business and Management Reading University Punton Samuel Ancient History York University Ralph Nicola Medicine University of East Anglia Reading William Human Physiology Leeds University Rowe Leah Gap Year Selby Ben Gap Year Shahid Safa History with French Nottingham University Worcesterian | 2017/18 103

Surname Name Course University/Employer/Gap Year

Simon Darcy Art Foundation Plymouth College of Art

Smith Harry Mechanical Engineering Nottingham University Sparks Olivia History of Art Warwick University Strange Morgan Pharmacy Wolverhampton University Sykes Hanna Fashion Design and Technology - Womenswear Manchester Metropolitan University Taylor Emily Biochemistry Swansea University Thomas James Physics Manchester University Thomson Joseph Gap Year Thurgood Jane Environmental Sciences with a Year Abroad University of East Anglia Trobe Oliver International Relations and Politics Cardiff University Troughton Lawrence International Politics and Policy Liverpool University Turner Robert Apprenticeship BMW Wareing Tessa Politics and Economics Reading University Watkins Alexander Mechanical Engineering Birmingham University Welch Estelle Arts Management Goldsmith’s University, London Wilkins Lauren Gap Year Williams Jacob Apprenticeship Aston Martin Leavers 2018 !

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