Old Aylesburian News
No 19 WINTER 2016
Dear Old Aylesburians, the review document sent to all parents and students in Welcome to the Winter the respective year groups. 2016 Edition of the OA Newsletter. As this term On 28 November we welcomed two assessors into draws to a close we can School for the day. They used the outcomes from the reflect on what a full and review and the School’s Self-Evaluation document, exciting term it has been. School Development Plan and key government level Always a busy term with data to establish lines of enquiry during their visit. They rugby and senior football, visited lessons, spoke to a group of staff, a group of squash, swimming and parents and a group of students. Meeting with the cross country – all our Senior Leadership Team and the Chair of Governors, teams have played with the day was intensive and thorough. We are pleased much commitment, drive to announce that we have been awarded the and enthusiasm. We ‘Exceptional Schools Award’. have enjoyed House Art, Senior Public Speaking, the ever popular PTA Arts and ‘Aylesbury Grammar School is a truly “Exceptional Crafts Fair and over the last few weeks several School”, it is a highly ambitious and forward looking Christmas concerts which have been enjoyed by many. school and puts the attainment and well-being of In November we once again welcomed back Mr Eric students at the heart of all it does. The school is held in Miller, Old Aylesburian, who laid the wreath on the high regard by all its stakeholders and the students school memorial during our Middle School assembly themselves are its best ambassadors and the School and Wing Commander Lee Cobley, Old Aylesburian seeks to raise the aspirations of and opportunities for and Campaign Chairman of our Inspiring Science young people in the community through its out-reach Campaign, who returned to address us. Our thanks go work.’ to both OAs for joining us for this important event in the School calendar. ‘Throughout the school there is a sense of shared purpose and common endeavour reinforced through We are delighted that our new science centre is the House System. The ‘can do’ culture is reflected in complete and the students are benefitting daily from the way that boys are encouraged to extend the wonderful science facilities we now offer at themselves and work outside their comfort zone.’ Aylesbury Grammar School. Many of you who kindly donated to the campaign will have joined us on 12 We are incredibly proud of the whole Aylesburian December when the centre was officially opened by community and all those that enabled the assessors to Professor Winston. More about this event will be see a real reflection of the School during their visit. included in the first OA newsletter of 2017. Thank you especially to our OAs for making our school a wonderful place to learn. Finally, as part of the School’s ongoing self-review, we With my very best wishes to you all and your families for engaged with the Best Practice Network to externally Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New verify our practice through the ‘Exceptional Schools Year. Award’. Developed with ‘outstanding’ schools in mind, M J Sturgeon, Headmaster the award stands to exemplify both high achievement and the continuous drive for improvement. The process involved a comprehensive online review document distributed to all staff and governors. Two year groups were chosen (Year 10 and Year 12) and
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT
£500,000 PLEDGED AND OUR SCIENCE FACILITIES ARE TRANSFORMED
You will have heard by now the fantastic news that, less than a year down the line, we have hit our fundraising target for the Inspiring Science Campaign which is the final phase of the Science refurbishment project. It is with thanks to a number of successful bids to local and national Trusts and Grants, and to AGS families, alumni and friends, we have received a total of £500,000 in gifts and pledges.
The contractors worked extremely hard over the summer to complete the refurbishment of the final seven laboratories and it is wonderful to report that all 15 refurbished laboratories are now fully operational. Our thanks go to the premises team who have worked tirelessly to complete this important project.
There will be an official opening of the facility on 12 December, when we will welcome all our benefactors to the campaign. Further details of the evening will be shared in the next newsletter.
To remind you, the transformation of the 13 vintage, disparate science labs into 15 modern laboratories fully equipped to provide inspiring learning and teaching spaces is the most significant refurbishment project we have undertaken in modern times. In total £2.3 million has been raised over six years which has been broken down into seven distinct phases. Not only have the old laboratories been completely refurbished but we have built and fitted a new Biology building, replaced the roof on the current Science building and we updated and created new preparation rooms, staff areas and our Lecture Theatre. Thank you to everyone who has supported us!
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
INSPIRING SCIENCE
Another initiative for the Campaign was to engage Professor Robert Winston, Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies, Imperial College London, in our plans. We were extremely privileged and honoured to welcome Professor Winston as a guest lecturer at the School at the end of September to help us celebrate the success of the Campaign. Professor Winston spoke to 400 guests including students, staff, parents and governors in The Rothschild Lecture Theatre on the subject of genetics with an intellectually stimulating lecture. He spoke with great humility and a real sense of humanity covering topics ranging from Art, History, Biology and Politics. Staying after the lecture to sign books and meet the students and their parents. The Professor very kindly offered to formally open the Science Centre on 12 December. We look forward to sharing information about this event in the next newsletter. Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to the Campaign Board, who have worked alongside the Development Office to help to make this Campaign a success. The Board, consisting of a number of parents (Paul Aston, Carol Kennedy Filer, Colin Hatfield, Alec and Lisa Kemp, Lucy Parkhouse and Nick Sara) and Old Aylesburians (Lee Cobley, Richard Belger and Stephen Shipperley) gave their time and expertise to the School and it is very much appreciated. This has been a long but essential fundraising Campaign and we are very much aware of the number of asks we have had to make. It is out of absolute need that we have to do this and once again we would like to thank everyone who has made a gift or made a pledge to the Campaign. Most pledges have been made over a 30 month period and we will continue to keep all the benefactors up to date as it is important that all pledges are met. Every single donation is valued and as you can see, has been put to work immediately. Our sincerest thanks again to all our Old Aylesburians who have supported us.
OLD AYLESBURIANS CAREERS GUIDANCE SUPPORT
Over the next few months we are planning to set up a number of societies that support specific careers and university applications and we are encouraging our Old Aylesburians to support the school by volunteering their time and expertise if they are able. Going forward there will be many ways in which you could possibly help us including, submitting profiles of your careers, volunteering for mock interviews, participating in careers guidance events and hosting work experience placements for current students. There will be further information to follow but there are two specific areas we are looking for support for at the moment and these are: AGS Medical Society. Planned to start in January and we would very much appreciate hearing from Old Aylesburians who are now doctors, vets or dentists or who have studied related degrees and are working in these fields who have the time to come and visit us here to speak to a group of aspiring current students. This specifically targets our Sixth Form students but may include GCSE students. Banking and Finance. We are looking for Old Aylesburians who are able to offer a number of current Year 12 students a placement in banking or finance during the school holidays. This could take the form of a simple work placement or an opportunity to ‘shadow’ an OA who works in the field of banking or financial services. The aim is for our student to get an insight into what a role in banking or financial services entails. Please do get in touch with us at [email protected] if you can help with either of the requests or would like further information.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
THE PROFESSOR WILLIAM MEAD LIBRARY LEGACY
FUNDING You may remember earlier this term we updated you on various school developments which took place over the summer break. One of the major developments was the relocation of the Library from the Sixth Form area into a central position within the school. Located in the Headmaster’s quad, the new library is the heartbeat of the school providing reading, study and learning space for the whole school. It is a wonderful new space for learning and was entirely funded by a legacy left to the AGS Foundation by Professor William Mead. Most of you are probably aware of Professor Mead. He was an Old Aylesburian, a former Foundation Governor, Chairman of Governors at AGS and a wonderful friend to the School, as well as Emeritus Professor of Geography at University College London.
A legacy donation is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. It is also one of the simplest and most flexible ways of giving, and it allows you to support the school in a way in which you may not be able to during your lifetime. Whatever their size, legacies directly benefit the School, its students and staff. I know many of you are indebted to the Aylesbury Grammar School for the start it gave you and acknowledge the influences that have shaped your life. After protecting the interests of family and friends, a few Old Aylesburians have chosen to remember Aylesbury Grammar School with a legacy, reflecting their support and affection for the school in a unique way which will go on to benefit the boys for generations to come. Professor William R. Mead is just one such example, and it may be that you might consider joining him in making the decision to support your former school. If you would like any further information please contact Alison Cox, Development Director ([email protected]) or 01296 480276. Thank you.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
SIXTH FORM CENTRE
The refurbishment and remodelling of the Sixth Form Centre is now complete. The facility provides a University style environment for our senior students with The Common Room and patio area as a social space, a study room for up to 40 students downstairs and a Learning Centre upstairs for 140 students. The new Sixth Form Learning Centre (below left) is being used for silent study and provides much needed space to our students. The group study/seminar room (below right) is used by students who would like to be able to discuss their work or for them to hold meetings (for example, Young Enterprise). It is a fantastic space and was totally funded by a grant from the Government.
Above—the Sixth form Common Room and Cafe
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT AGS 2016-2017
Our congratulations go to Oli Brown (Pa12) who was appointed Head Boy of School and Joe Kearney (Pa12) and Michael Ng (Ri12) who were appointed Deputy Head Boys of School. The following students were appointed Head of House: Ben Haigh (Denson), Rob Paripovic (Hampden), Alex Wilson (Lee), Callum Eley (Paterson), James Sterry (Phillips), Jay Patton (Ridley).
Left to right: Michael Ng, Headmaster Mr Mark Sturgeon, Oli Brown and Joe Kearney
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
OA DRINKS RECEPTION AT THE SAVILE CLUB
OA Stephen Fitzjohn (Hampden ‘80) has very kindly offered to host our next London OA event which will be held at The Savile Club in Mayfair on Thursday 2 February.
Stephen writes “I started at AGS in September 1972, joining Hampden A, in what was then Room 1 – now the smart conference / meeting room next to Reception. Our Tutor – also brand new that year – was Mr Iain McLeod (known, though not in his hearing, as “Spike” because of a spike of hair he had when he started), an English teacher who remained our Tutor until the end of the 5th Form. I left the school in 1980, to go to Manchester University. I had retaken my A levels, after failing to get my expected grades the previous year – due entirely to my own academic indolence and the alternative attractions of school plays and operas (with the High School), our own amateur dramatic company that a group of us had formed a couple of years earlier, and “Friars”. I don’t recommend this as an academic route, I merely record it! Over the years I have kept in sporadic touch with the school, but my closest friends remain those I made at school. One now lives in New Zealand, another near Bristol and the third is still in Bucks. Social media and the internet mean it’s much easier to stay in touch than it once was, although we used to simply write letters or postcards. It was through Facebook that I was directed to the Old Aylesburians’ site and saw the request for venues in central London. Over the years I have become a member of a couple of Clubs in London - through personal and professional contacts – including the Savile Club. There is a perception that these Clubs remain the preserve of the public schools, but I can safely say they are not – at least those of which I’m a member. Nonetheless I know it can be a daunting prospect, when you are starting out after school or higher education, to feel comfortable in new and different social surroundings – whether a university Common Room, a Service Mess, or whatever. If I can give the opportunity to introduce some younger OAs to the mysterious world of a London Club then maybe the next few generations of OAs will feel more confident than I did when starting out, and will make a name for themselves. Or, Old Aylesburians of any generation can just come along and enjoy a drink and a chat in a very smart central London venue.” Please do get in touch by 2 January ([email protected]) if you would be interested in joining fellow OAs and former members of staff at The Savile Club on 2 February. Right: Stephen Fitzjohn in 1973
THE PRINCE’S TEACHING INSTITUTE MARK
Aylesbury Grammar School Art Department is pleased to receive The Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark for the second consecutive year.
This award recognises the Art Department’s commitment to increasing teachers’ subject knowledge, and to furthering the students’ understanding of and enthusiasm for the subject, regardless of their background or ability. To achieve the PTI Mark, departments have to demonstrate that they have increased the challenge within their subject curriculum; developed their staff’s own specialist subject knowledge; developed subject-based links outside school; and enthuse their students through subject-based activities beyond the curriculum. Congratulations to Louise Tangi, Jane Pearson and Nicola Saunderson.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER SENIORRAMBO PRIZE RUNS GIVING THE VIRGIN GUEST LONDONSPEAKER CHARLIE MARATHON BUSH
Senior Prize Giving was once again a wonderful event in our School’s calendar. This year, we were delighted to welcome back as our guest speaker Mr Charlie Bush, retired Headmaster of Oundle School and former mathematics teacher at AGS from 1975 to 1978. Mr Bush extolled the virtues of starting his career at AGS, of the imposing and fearsome Deputy Head, Mr Lloyd-Jones and he left the students, staff and parents with a ten-point plan for the future, which included; maintaining integrity, remembering that all Deputy Heads are fearsome, always doing your best within the rules, understanding that times will be tough but to maintain your resilience and to be proud of your achievements and be proud of AGS. He reminisced about the School in years gone by; the staff room that was the library, the science rooms that are the new library, the cricket field that is a little smaller, the Tower Block (‘tin can’ he called it) and the tired, but ‘still there’, Dining Hall. Mr Bush was presented his OA tie by Oli Brown, Head Boy of School. We also heard an excellent, and at times quite emotional speech, from our outgoing Head Boy Sean Donaghue and also from the Headmaster who, between them, summarised the past year at AGS. It was particularly good to see so many of last year’s Year 13 return to collect prizes for excellence in their subjects, for their A levels, for Sportsmanship, for Musicianship, for Enterprise, for Community Service, for contributions to theatre and much more.
Left: incoming Head Boy of School Oli Brown, right: outgoing Head Boy Sean Donaghue. Sean has gone onto study Medicine at UC.
SENIOR PUBLIC SPEAKING
We were delighted to welcome back Stefano Imbriano (Phillips ’09) as adjudicator at Senior Public Speaking on 29 September. The speeches were on a wide range of topics, from the impact of smiling to the risk of mass extinction. All the speakers showed great courage and poise when addressing their peers. Stefano is currently adviser to the Home Secretary. He graduated from Leeds University with a degree in English and began working in the civil service for the Department of Health and subsequently in the Home Office working for Theresa May before the appointment of Amber Rudd to the role in the recent government change earlier this year.
We are delighted to share that Phillips was the winning house with Denson, Paterson, Ridley, Hampden and Lee in descending order.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PLACED 4TH
NATIONALLY FOR SPORTS
We are delighted and very proud that Aylesbury Grammar School has been placed 4th in the School Sports Magazines chart of school sports performance for 2015/16. This is the 4th time that the magazine has published their chart and the first time AGS has been in the top 10 of state schools for competitive sports. This chart reflects competitive achievement in a range of sports throughout 2015/16 and it honours those schools that take competitive sport seriously and encourage wide engagement in sporting activity. The chart is based on 20 different sports and more than 120 national competitions with extra weight given to success in a range of sports, rather than in a single sport, as well as competitions and those with a larger number of teams competing. As an indication of how difficult it is to reach the list, it is important to understand that reaching the top 30 on the chart places a school in the top 1% of sporting schools and being in the top 100 places the school in the top 3%. The winning school this year was Coopers Company and Coburn School, with Northampton School for Boys placed second and South Hunsley School placed third. Well done to them. This commendation comes as a real testament to our PE department and all those staff who support sports at Aylesbury Grammar School and it validates the school’s efforts to offer our students the opportunity to compete in a wide range of sports. This award reflects the great achievements during the last academic year across age groups in rugby, football, cricket, basketball, squash, tennis, handball, cross country, athletics and swimming last year. We would like to thank the very many staff who make it possible for us to offer such a wide range of sport as without their expertise and time this would not be possible. Thank you also to the many hundreds of boys who turn out on a regular basis to train and compete for the school. We know that they do this with great commitment and pride in their school. Thank you also to our parents who support their sons and the school in their endeavours.
NEWS FROM OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Several events have taken place since the last OA Newsletter involving musical students both inside and outside of the school. In September AGS Jazz Band played for the Stoke Mandeville Hospital Scannerappeal Ball, held in Tyringham Hall. Then in November they also played for the event to celebrate our local sports people of the year, regional awards night. This was a prestigious event held at the Waterside Theatre and our band once again played for a couple of hours. More recently our two Christmas concerts were a great success and this was an opportunity for parents to hear the wide variety of groups and ensembles that take place on a weekly basis here at AGS. As we go to print we are looking forward to the soloists evening and the Service of Nine lessons and Carols at St Mary’s Church which is always a truly magical evening that warms the spirit and prepares us all for Christmas.
Each year we warmly invite our OAs to Cabaret Night and we are always looking for new ideas and events to engage our many musically talented OAs—please do get in touch if you have an ideas for such events. Cabaret Night next year will be held on Friday 28 April.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS PROGRAMME 2016/2017
Monday 26 September saw the start of our innovative Inspirational Speakers Programme for our Sixth Form Students. Our plan is to offer our senior students a series of short lectures followed by a Q & A session in areas that are relevant and of interest to them. This series of lectures will include inspiring topics and building awareness of how the world works. This is not a careers programme, but it may include a number of key careers talks of generic interest. Importantly we plan to include topics such as general well-being and potential, coping with illness, international careers and working abroad, tax, pensions and finance, defence and nuclear policy, achievement, determination and success, airline, driving and road safety, interview techniques and effective public speaking. A number of prominent Old Aylesburians have offered their expertise and we look forward to an evolving and engaging series of lectures for our Sixth Form. Our first lecture was delivered by Old Aylesburian, Richard Moat (Denson ‘83). Richard has a rare breadth and depth of skills, knowledge and experience in the arenas of peak performance, optimal wellbeing and human potential. He delivered an upbeat and emotive lecture entitled “What I Didn’t Realise I Learnt at School” and encompassed the messages of finding something that ‘makes your heart sing’ and finding the people who can help you to do that. He talked about identifying and acknowledging concerns and worries and encouraged our students to research two areas that he believes will benefit them; Pronoia and Equanimity. He argued that the challenge is to ‘be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else’. Our plan is in place for this academic year but if you feel you have something to add to this pioneering programme going forward then please contact Alison Cox, Development Director.
SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE
The Senior Maths team consisting of Michael Ng, Dan Barlow, Richard Chappell and Fred Phillips are through to the National Final of the Senior Team Maths Challenge in February after winning their Regional heat earlier this month. They worked very hard to prepare for the competition and were thrilled to get a place in the final after narrowly missing out last year. Our congratulations to all and good luck for the final!
Were you involved in maths competitions at School? Please let us know as we’re keen to build a history of past competitions.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
AGS LEARNER INITIATIVE
We recently asked our OAs for feedback on what characteristics have supported them in their learning and careers to date. Our students enjoy hearing about OA experiences highlighting the need to develop skills beyond just exam requirements to give them a greater appreciation of the challenges (and rewards) they may face. Here are two such examples from OA Guy Gratton (Head of Airborne Science and Technology for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and OA Alastair Harrison (Deputy Head of English at
Guy Gratton (Lee’88) Some years later I had the enormous satisfaction Guy wrote “In the past I’ve been a when learning to fly a new aircraft type, of realis- military flight test engineer, light ing that the flying instructor was teaching me aircraft test pilot, a university lectur- something straight out of my own PhD thesis. At er, and headed two government the end however, I can’t deny that getting my the- research facilities. At 46 and likely sis written, and getting through the viva – the to retire nearer 70 than 60: I’m hours long verbal examination at the end of a arguably “mid career” so still think a PhD – took pure bloodyminded determination to lot about how to develop that career. reach the finish line. In my experience, employers value you for both your And that vanity project opened doors for me. experience and your qualifications, and it’s only for Without the PhD I wouldn’t have been appointed relatively junior jobs – where you might not stay long – a university lecturer, and without that, I wouldn’t that you can be overqualified. However, I’ve also have found my way to what I’m doing now – learned that most employers, if they are prepared to leading research into aspects of aviation and support your education and training at all, will be very climate change. Without the Commercial Pilots utilitarian about it. They’ll support things that’ll make Licence I later studied as a personal project using you better at your current job, but most will be reluctant my own time and money, I would never, for to support things to help you be a more rounded per- example, have once been paid to deliver a son or develop your career for the future. That said, replica Spitfire across Europe or find myself on most are much more helpful if you are prepared to Discovery Channel or Newsnight talking about air study in your own time, than if you ask for study time in crashes. The day I realised, overhead working hours. Friedrichshafen, that I was flying a Spitfire, looking through the gunsights at a Zeppelin was Learning takes time and energy, the willingness to one of the best working days of my life, if a change, and money: once you’ve left school, usually complete historical anachronism. your own money. I’ve found that to keep going, as well as the time and money, I’ve needed a passion for the Which brings me neatly to the far end of learning, subject and a determination to finish what I’ve started. and for me, the best bit. When you’re at school you are being taught things by people who One of the biggest things I ever did was my PhD. I already know those things; if they’re good was working as Chief Engineer to a flying association, teachers they will work a lot through finding it for and realised that I was increasingly doing basic yourself, but it was still already known by research in how to make these little aeroplanes safe. somebody. There comes a point however, where So, I persuaded Southampton University, where I’d you reach the scary, beautiful point where nobody done my BEng, to take me on part time, and my then knows the answer – you look over the edge of the boss that this would be good for the association and cliff of human knowledge and find something that that he’d pay the fees. For 8 years of evenings and nobody in the world already knows. That can be weekends, and a little bit of borrowed time at work, I something relatively trivial like inventing a new researched, wrote, learned, flew, and wrote more. I recipe (I’m pretty certain that nobody before me didn’t need the qualification – I was already a made my recipe for seedless blackberry and Chartered Engineer and that was quite adequate for apple jam), or it can be far bigger. When I was the job I was doing. But I developed a real passion for doing my PhD I discovered the reason that a the subject – why aeroplanes crash and how to stop particular type of air crash was happening – and I them is fascinating, but was also motivated by too was privileged to be able to publish that so that many times I found myself picking apart blood stained other people could learn from it. There are far wreckage or attending pilots funerals. I learned a lot, fewer of those crashes now, so presumably they and ploughed that back into my work, and the statistics did learn – and what I did is justified on every say that what I did saved lives, although I’ll never know level. whose. something straight out of my own PhD thesis.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
AGS LEARNER CONTINUED
Right at the moment I’m working on another research project and think that I’ve found something Alistair Harrison (Lee’03) about the stratosphere which could have a Alistair wrote “Attending AGS was a life-changing significant impact on our understanding of climate experience for me; I was fortunate to leave with top change; my colleagues and I are researching that grades, however, it further, and starting to tell the world about it. A few is the love of days a year you’ll still find me in a university lecture learning which has theatre teaching aircraft certification. At the same been the school's time, I’m currently studying for an upgrade to my greatest legacy for pilots licence in the evenings, and am regularly me. The son of a going to conferences and courses to learn more market trader and a about both climate science and aeronautical library assistant - engineering. the grammar school And this is at the root of it for me. If you want to system was a bless- thrive in the incredibly complex modern world, you ing. It was in the need to always be a student, and you want to aspire main corridor, in an to also be the best teacher you can be to those who English classroom, can learn from you. If you can, add to this the role of that I decided that the best way I could accept this researcher – the student of unknown knowledge. gift would be to become a teacher myself. I am so inspired by the AGS Learner initiative - this What I wouldn’t tell you to do is to be too utilitarian; foregrounds the humanity of education. As a teacher, of course learn what you need for your present or marks and grades are one matter, but character, future job. But there is always room to learn a sport, curiosity and soul mean so much more. These are a craft, an area of history just because it fascinates just the sort of traits that I want to see in my students you. That combination has certainly made me -they will bring lifelong happiness. happier and more rounded, and I believe can anybody else. Werner Von Braun – the inventor of I have drawn on all of the AGS Learner dispositions the modern space rocket was at one point running in my education and career: without ownership of my Germany’s rocket programme, flying as a reserve studies, I would have struggled at university and pilot in the Luftwaffe, and a concert pianist: he went work where you need to be independent and on to design the rockets that put man on the moon. self-disciplined; my motivation to learn was nurtured I have a friend: Dr Rosi Sexton who learned martial by the outstanding teaching staff at AGS (I'm delight- arts whilst getting her PhD in maths, then became a ed to know that Mrs Thomas, Mrs Venning, Mr professional fighter. Towards the end of her Ramsbottom and Mr Crapper are still there - such professional fighting career she retrained as an inspirational figures!); resilience is fundamental - how osteopath – she’s now practicing osteopathy whilst I remember wilting in Physics and Mathematics learning rock climbing, and I look forward to seeing lessons, feeling that I would never understand the what she does with that, but maybe it’ll just stay her content - thank goodness I persevered as these hobby alongside her music, and give her a lot of challenges taught me to be resourceful and know I satisfaction as such. could make it through; I thrive on innovation and You do still have the option to not learn, and to not creativity - no student will thank a teacher for being teach. But the rest of the world also has the option prosaic, life is all about capitalising on the best of the to decide that you have very little to offer them. For old and bringing some originality and flair to the all of us, those choices will always be there. table; courage perhaps is the greatest asset, you will face obstacles in the wider world, but you need to be Finally you’ll notice that I’ve not mentioned an- brave, open your heart and be of service to others to ywhere what grades I got in anything. That’s not find happiness. because grades don’t matter – they do. But, they do matter most if you have nothing else to offer; the What I admire about the AGS Learner is that person with a large breadth of experience, skill and happiness, curiosity and strength are being achievement, but average grades: will win in every advocated - these are not priorities of examination important arena against the person who came top of boards, so thank goodness your teachers are pro- the class but learned nothing else. Of course, if you moting this. Gentlemen, embrace this spirit - it will came top of the class as well – you’re definitely in a keep you going for a lifetime! good place.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
AGS 1st XI FOOTBALL V OLD AYLESBURIANS
The traditional curtain-raiser to the AGS 1st XI Football Team’s competitive season is a match against the Old Aylesburians which this year was held on Friday 9 September 2016. The OA XI is a combination of those players who left AGS in the summer of 2015 and 2016 – in other words our 1st XI team from the 2014-15 season (one of our strongest in recent years).
This was the third game of a hectic week for the 1st XI, so there were some heavy legs in the AGS team. In comparison the OAs were fresher, but perhaps lacking some match sharpness.
The game burst into life in the opening ten minutes when OA Ed Richards cut in from the left wing and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The OAs had other chances with both Jake Appleton and Liam King going close with shots from distance. The 1st XI perhaps had more chances, but keeper Joel Hopkins made several sharp saves to preserve a 1-0 lead for the Old Boys at half time.
In the second half the game opened out and the 1st XI began to dominate – perhaps as the benefits of regular football began to tell. With a full bench, AGS were also able to make a series of substitutions. Luke Priestley in the 1st XI goal, who had been kept on his toes in the first half, was now largely untroubled. Leo Blackman equalised for AGS and for a period it looked like the match might end in a draw. However, in the last quarter the 1st XI scored a further 3 goals (Leo Blackman again, Sam Nicholson and Will Robinson). The pick of these was a great Will Robinson header from a pinpoint Charlie Smith cross.
We have a very strong 1st XI squad this year, so hopes are high for a successful season. The game was undoubtedly competitive, but played in a great spirit and we are very grateful to the OAs for coming back to Fairford Leys to play against the next generation of AGS Senior players.
Joel Barrie 1st XI Coach DE-
Back row left to right: Jake Wilson, Matt Robinson, Matt Glover, Joel Hopkins, Jake Appleton (Captain), Ed Richards, Harry Gollins, Ed Morton Front row left to right: Alex Bharadwaj, Liam King, Jordan Davis, Neel Slatter, Tom Flint
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
REUNION OF 1959 STARTERS
On 14 October 2016 we welcomed back to AGS a number of OAs and staff from the 1959-1966 cohort of stu- dents. The event was well attended with many OAs returning for the first time and reminiscing about their school days. Jeff Lemon (Ridley ‘59) co-ordinated the day and wrote the following:
“Whilst looking out some information for my grandchildren about where their grandpa had gone to school, I came across the details of the reunion held at the school in 2015 by Old Aylesburians who had started the school in 1965 to mark their 50th anniversary. Reflecting on this, I realised that in 2016 it would be 50 years since my year group had left the school in 1966. We had started at the school in 1959. This was a significant year, as with opening of the new Aylesbury High School our cohort were to be the first since 1907 to pass through the school in its boys-only mode.
I started with a request to the school for help. Nikki Taylor was very helpful in encouraging the idea of a reunion and outlined the idea by e-mail to those Old Aylesburians from our year group who were registered on the school website and in an article in the OA Newsletter asking for those interested to contact me if they wished to take this venture forward. The response was reassuringly positive. We were able to build on the contacts that had been made in 2012 when six members of our year had arranged to attend a dinner at the school in order to surprise our historian colleague Fred Taylor who was headlining with his recollections of the school. We also used back copies of The Aylesburian and some old school play programmes to compile lists of the year group. Using a mix of Google, personal contacts, phone calls and even the old fashioned letter, we managed to establish contact across a group of twenty of the Class of ’59 who had either started the school that year or joined the year group later. Inevitably the passage of time had taken its toll and we sadly noted the deaths of six of our colleagues.
After settling on a date which suited the group and the school, a period of e-mail exchanges followed. A highlight of this was when Richard Cave managed to produce photos of each member of the group using the full school photograph from 1965/1966. Another of the group, Norman Lattimer then used up to date photos of each of us and some “magic” morphing software to show how the years had changed us. This was indeed a salutary experience but a really useful way of helping us to recognise each other when we eventually met.
When the small group had met back in 2012, Chris Bown had proposed the idea of each member presenting a brief summary of life since 1966 embellished by a single Untruth. In the event, it did not happen then but, in order to share how life had unfolded for us in the 50 years since leaving school, we adopted the idea and each wrote a brief Nine Truths and One Untruth. These were circulated in advance so that we could try to identify the various Untruths when we gathered on the day. Sadly, Chris himself had died in October 2014 so our Nine plus Ones acknowledged his creation of the idea.
Left to right: Roger Davey (Denson), Brian Roberts (former Director of Sport), Arthur Taylor (former History teacher), Jeff Lemon (Ridley), Fred Taylor (Hampden), Keith Bowden (Ridley), Alex Wilkie (Hampden), Will Silsby (Denson), John Birtwell (Phillips), Steve Marsh (Ridley), Steve Allen (Phillips), Martyn Sheriff (Denson), Ian Ashworth (Phillips), Godfrey Small (Ridley), Ken Packer (Denson), Ian James (Denson), Richard Cave (Hampden) and Mike Griffin (Denson).
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
REUNION OF 1959 STARTERS CONTINUED
So after finalising arrangements we gathered at the Millwrights on 14 October 2016, just 50 years on from when we had last met as a group at our final Speech Day. In a very short time, once we had determined who each of us was, we quickly slipped into happy recollections of our days at AGS. Each Nine plus One was briefly reviewed enabling us to establish amongst other things that: Richard Dorrance is not a national dance champion Alex Wilkie really was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, mainly for his paper Model completeness results for expansions of the ordered field of real numbers by restricted Pfaffian functions and the exponential function (on which he kindly offered to take questions). Godfrey Small really did get into an argument with Margaret Thatcher at a Buckingham Palace presentation Ian James doesn't play golf – but really does support Grimsby Town. Ian Ashworth really did once lose a game of squash to a guy who hadn’t taken off his track suit bottoms, which Ian had found disrespectful until, in the showers, he realised it was because his opponent only had one leg. John Birtwell really did help to rescue a safari camp kitchen when it was invaded by a marauding elephant – but has not become obsessively tidy in his garage. Keith Bowden really did get screen credits for his work as a BBC sound supervisor for programmes including Eastenders, Dr Who, Tomorrow’s World and the Terry Wogan Show. Martyn Sherriff really is a Visiting Professor in the School of Oral and Dental sciences in Bristol – although he is not a dentist. Mike Griffin has never actually organised a group of Big Issue sellers - although he was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of his charity work. Steve Allen really did only give up motor-cycle racing when he was 60. Steve Marsh had been instrumental in setting up one of the first Safety Camera Schemes and one of the first Speed Awareness Workshops in the country – he hoped that none of us had fallen foul of any of these – he had himself! Will Silsby really did learn to unicycle by practising between the filing cabinets in the accountancy office where he worked as a tax specialist when it was closed at weekends. Heading across the road to the school, we resisted the chance to re-enact how we had crossed Walton Road in the days when school dinners had involved walking in crocodile formation along to the canteen at the old technical school. We were warmly welcomed by Headmaster Mark Sturgeon along with Nikki Taylor and Alison Cox and gathered in the boardroom where we were able to look through a mix of photographs, school magazines and school play programmes. We were delighted that two members of staff from our time were able to join us. Brian Roberts (PE) and Arthur Taylor (History) were able to confirm, deny or correct many of our memories.
A tour of the school followed, led by four prefects. No blazers with red braid on this occasion as the school was holding a “blue mufti” day to raise money for medical treatment for a local boy. We marvelled at the superb new science block and the sports hall standing where the lovely old cricket pavilion had been. The main hall brought back memories of how our Deputy Head, Mr Lloyd-Jones (LJ), had ensured that all classes were neatly lined up for assembly and also of each end of year assembly when our Headmaster, Mr Tidmarsh, always read the Gospel account of the ten lepers when the murmur from many boys of the question “But where are the nine?” could just be heard. Recollections of school orchestras, school plays (including the construction of a false front to the stage so that Hamlet’s Ophelia could be realistically buried), ballroom dancing lessons and school dances all flooded back. When we described what is now a small music room as the prefects' room, today’s prefects expressed courteous surprise at anything quite so elitist.
The long main corridor appears to have changed remarkably little although the sports team photos have long gone. We were surprised that Denson and Ridley have now changed colour! The library, remembered by some as the venue for pontoon games, is now the staff room. The prefects showed great respect but the Old Boys were happy to push open the doors much to the delight of the prefects who took the opportunity to have a glimpse of this sacred space.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
REUNION OF 1959 STARTERS
After the tour we returned to the boardroom and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea generously provided by the school. In thanking the school at the end of our visit, it was noted very tellingly that, if in 1966 some of us had been asked to show an equivalent group of returning Old Boys around the school, the Old Boys in question would have left the school in 1916!
Still enjoying shared memories and stories from half a century earlier, we left the school and adjourned until dinner at the Broad Leys. There, we shared the Latin grace always used by certain masters before school lunch and spent a few moments to quietly think of those of the class of '59 who were sadly no longer with us. In the 1966 edition of The Aylesburian, you can read in the Denson House notes that “The duo of Davey and Packer managed to win the Music Festival.”
So, a superb day was appropriately rounded off as Roger Davey and Ken Packer produced guitar and clarinet and entertained us with a wonderful reprise of their winning duet. With Roger’s help, we then “treated” the other diners to an assembled (and nostalgic) voices rendition of the Beatles’ You’ve got to hide your love away (a favourite from school dances in the mid-60s). We then went our separate ways with mem- ories of happy school days awakened and celebrated.”
Jeff Lemon (Ridley ‘59)
REMEMBER THE AYLESBURIAN MAGAZINE?
We now have PDF copies of most years of the Aylesburian Magazines. If you would like a copy of a particular year via PDF then please let us know. [email protected]
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
MEMORIES FROM OA DENNIS HIGGINS (’40)
“As a pupil at your school from 1935 to 1940 I thought you would be interested to know what followed after 5 years in the RAF (ground staff). I have 2 photos in front of me. One is the last photo Ronnie Barker sent me (about 2 years before he died). On it is written: to Dennis in memory of times gone by. The other photo is of Ronnie’s statue by the theatre and I am alongside him. A civil servant friends with Ronnie? I can explain (nearly 92, my sight and writing are terrible). My first job after the war was in a tax office at the top of Market Square. The theatre was about half way down. I was familiar with it. When the Manchester Rep Company arrived I strolled down after work and walked into the empty bar. An angry man walked in and after a while he said he was Jack Persich. He has been lured in by Armitage Owen out of retirement for a year in Aylesbury. He said he had been (front of house) manager in several big theatres in London. “Look at this place” he said. (Ronnie said it was tatty), “I’ve got no help could I help?” he said. “No” I answered, I was working 5 and a half days a week, I lived in the village of Wingrave some 6 miles away and the last bus home for me was 9pm. He paced up and down still very angry. “Could I pop in on 2 or 3 days after leaving my job?” I gave in and was told if there was no work to be done I could see the show (for nothing of course!) Why had he picked on me? After a time I said I could come in on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The manager Armitage Owen offered me £2 a month. A week or so later I was in the office on my own and there was a tap on the door. The young lad said that Mr Wentworth had agreed to see him. I showed him where to go and he called in 10 minutes later to say he was successful. Ronnie Barker and I we both employed by the Manchester Repertory Company. Both of us had spare time and we had great fun and were reluctant to return to Rhyl where the company were based but eventually we went our separate ways. Years later on a television programme Ronnie was asked where he really started and he said Aylesbury. I managed to get him on the phone and he was very excited. No one else had phoned. A week or so later he invited me to lunch at the BBC. Afterwards he sent us tickets for three shows. Subsequently Ronnie was really busy but he kept in touch. By the way, in his book of sketches there is a HIGGINS in some of them. Ronnie Barker and I were good friends thanks to Jack Persica who turned out to be very friendly. He died suddenly a month before the company went to Rhyl.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 1955
Our thanks to OA Reverend Ivor Cornish who kindly got in touch to fill in the blanks on the photo printed in the last Old Aylesburian Newsletter. Back row left to right: Warrick Bailey as Lane, David Luxton as Merriman, John D Barker as Canon Chasuble, David J S Marchant as John Worthing, JP and John W Bottoms as Algernon Moncrieff. Front row left to right: Marylinn A Clark as Miss Prism, Angela T Case Angela Billingham, (Baroness Billingham) as Hon Gwendoline Fairfax and Carol A Curtis who brought the house down as Lady Bracknell. Missing is Janet H Crease as Cecily Cardew.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
OA NEWS
ALEX VENESS ( PHILLIPS ’11)
We got in touch with Alex recently and we asked him to update us on the path he has followed since leaving AGS in 2011. Whilst at LSE he secured a training contract with Jones Day, a US global law firm, to train as a lawyer in London. After studying the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for one year and then the fast-track Legal Practice Course (LPC) for six months he took five months off to travel before starting work as a trainee solicitor this September. LUC HINSON (PATERSON ’13)
On Thursday 10th November OA Luc returned to School to talk to current linguists about studying languages at university. Luc is studying modern languages at the University of Leeds. Our sincere thanks to Luc for return- ing to AGS and talking to our students.
DAVID GURR (RIDLEY ’75)
David attended AGS from 1967 until 1975 and during this time represented the school at cricket at all ages and captained the school first XI in 1974. David also represented the county at all age groups and captained the county U/18 team. In 1975 he was awarded the Bucks County Badge for services to schools county cricket teams.
David went on to study at Oxford University and made his first class cricket debut for Oxford University in 1976. Following his time at Oxford, David played for Somerset County Cricket Club until 1979 and after leaving professional cricket he joined the Financial Services industry, covering a number of roles including European Sales Manager for Axa Equity & Law International and Managing Director, Head of UK Financial Intermediaries at Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. David retired from Deutsche Bank in December 2012 and now has his own Management Consultancy business and also volunteers with the Prince’s Trust as a Business Mentor.
BEN HOWARD (HAMPDEN ’15)
We were delighted to hear that Ben was selected to play in the GB U21 handball squad in Kutaisi, Georgia last month. GB won through to the semi-finals after wins over Armenia and Albania in the group stages. They faced Kosovo in the semis but unfortunately lost this game 22-32. This result saw them pitched against Georgia and despite many outstanding performances from GB they were unable to secure victory against a strong side with the final score 27-40. It was at school that Ben was introduced to the sport. He first represented England at U16 level when he went to the Partille Cup in Sweden and more recently has played for the England U20 team. Ben is in his second year at the University of Nottingham and is studying Sport Rehabilitation and Exercise Science. He currently plays for the City of Nottingham Handball Club which is in the Super 8 league for the top 8 teams in the country. He is also President of the University Handball Club.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
DAVID ORCHARD (1982-2005)
Old Aylesburian and Veteran Bucks tennis player David Orchard (AGS 1982 - 2005) has written a book about Bucks tennis. A very well known OA, David was second in Chemistry, Head of Year 10, Head of Paterson House and master i/c for Tennis and Squash during his time here at AGS. Inspired by the 2013 success of the Bucks Ladies county team when they became the overall winners at County Week, one of the oldest and most prestigious events in British tennis, Ninety Years to the Top focuses on the Bucks senior county teams and deals with every aspect of the game in Bucks since the formation of the Bucks LTA in 1923. The rise and fall of all closed competitions, both team and individual, junior and senior is fully documented together with the changing role of the Bucks LTA alongside some fascinating historic detail. Including a record of the performances of the senior county teams in all competitions together with full details of closed county tournaments at every level, Ninety Years to the Top is the most comprehensive book on the Bucks tennis scene yet published. Buckinghamshire Lawn Tennis Association has published the book and copies can be obtained from them. Contact [email protected] for more details or telephone 01494 462513 On another note, we are also delighted to let our OAs know that Dave was awarded the Meme Griffiths Award for outstanding contribution to tennis in Buckinghamshire at the recent AGS of the Bucks LTA.
PAUL DAWSON (PLINCKE) (LEE ’90)
I read with great interest that Mr Piggford has retired. He was always one of the best teachers for me, generous and firm. Barely wearing a tie and there for fun as well as to teach, he will always stay as one of those teacher memories. I can remember him telling us how if we wanted we could just leave the classroom. After all one man would not stand a chance against 30 odd 15 year olds if they all felt they wanted to go, and he wouldn’t stop us. No one did. He took us for our first year of Latin as he had done it at O level. I remember him enjoying the phrase ‘multi sanguis fluit’ for a good few minutes.
A sad loss to the teaching staff, but I’m sure he will have reached and enhanced so many people’s experienc- es at AGS over those many years.
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
AGS HOUSE SYSTEM
As part of our application for the ESA we asked our OAs for thoughts on the house system at AGS. A number of you responded and we wanted to share a few of these with the OA community. Stephen Fitzjohn (Hampden ’80) wrote to us with his memories and thoughts about the house system. “I joined Aylesbury Grammar School in 1972, when it was run on very traditional, disciplined grounds. We were the last intake that was required to wear school caps (which had been compulsory for all boys in their first year until that time), and the masters wore gowns. All of that changed during my own time at the school, and it would seem like something from The Ark for the current generation! However, the House system that existed then, and which continues to this day, is – I believe – the backbone of the school. When I joined there were just over 700 boys at the school – half the number today but, for me as an 11-year old coming from a school of only 70, an unimaginable number. By being placed into Houses, and within them the Year forms, it gave us a sense of belonging to a recognisable and manageable “family”. I think that is extremely important when any child joins a new school. My closest friends were in my House (Hampden) and, more than 40 years after we started, I remain friends with several. The sense of loyalty to the House was, at times, unbeatable: I vividly remember when the Head Boy of Hampden announced to us that Mr Glover – who had been Head of Hampden for dec- ades, was retiring. As a leaving present for Mr Glover we were, he told us, going to win both School trophies – for Sports and Academic achievement: something that no House had achieved before. And we did. We simply went out and did it. This probably sounds like “Goodbye Mr Chips”, but the sense of achievement that I know I, and others, felt as we increased our tally over the months, was immense. There is a considerable body of psychological material available that shows identification with, and loyalty to, a unit of manageable size (manageable to our minds) is one of the most important factors in successful operations. This is true in the military and other uniformed Services, in business and in almost every other walk of life that involves close co-operation with our fellows. I very strongly believe that the House system at AGS is a vital factor in the school’s continued success.”
Lee Cobley (Hampden ’76) wrote “ I am an avid supporter of the House System at AGS. The sense of belonging, camaraderie, and team spirit that is created as you and your house-mates grow up through the school and play House Rugby, House Swimming, House Shooting, House Athletics etc is vital to your develop- ment as a team player and to hone your competitive instinct. I am still close to many of those boys who I ran, swam and shot against. It is not just for sport either: I recall House music and House Public speaking, and the Trophy for the House which got the most Merit Marks. I recall ‘House Assemblies’ when each Tutor Group took their turn in taking assembly – an opportunity for imaginations to run riot as senior boys would act out short scenes/play music/do presentations to get their message across. Furthermore, many students had the oppor- tunity to become Captains of House Teams, or full House Captains with a variety of responsibilities to further challenge and develop their man-management and inter-personal social skills. Finally, there was the pastoral side: your House Tutor, who not necessarily taught you, was there as your mentor and advisor…. Almost 50 years later, I still recall my tutors Mr Brook (Mike) and Mr Rutherford, who were like father-figures, and I especially remember with great fondness my House Master, Mr Glover, who provided such a positive influence through-out my school years, I remained in close contact with him and Madame Glover long after I left school. The House system was indeed an important facet of my development, and you will not be surprised to learn that it immediately transferred across to my 30-year military career where team spirit, leadership and winning are so important.” Peter Carleton (Lee ’03) wrote “ The house system at AGS was quite a significant part of school life and served to create a great sense of community that overlapped with some other social units like year groups and sets in certain subjects. The school calendar had a good sprinkling of house-specific activities (relating to the Watson/Brodie trophies) that helped to foster good-natured competition and camaraderie. During my time at AGS, our house had a rather dubious sports record (until I was in 6th form and the lower years started to make up for our incompetence in that regard!) but we performed quite well in the more artistic pursuits. Unfortunately I was more involved in the former than the latter. Day to day, the houses helped to add variety; house assemblies complemented school and year assemblies nicely. While overall, the house system added a sense of history about the school. It seemed an odd thing to be proud of but even at the time it inspired just that little bit extra confidence (arrogance, perhaps?) to know that our house was named in honour of Sir Henry of Ditchley, the founder. It only added to our perception of the stature of AGS.”
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
OA CRAIG ROBINSON (HAMPDEN ’82)
Craig got in touch with his news since leaving AGS in 1982 and wrote; “I left AGS to read mathematics at Oxford University where I achieved a 1st class degree. After my time at Oxford, I trained as a chartered accountant and then lectured in the private sector for a while as well as taking up roles in Financial Services Regulation in the City of London. I fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [otherwise known as ME] in 1993 and this changed the direction of my life. I have been working closely with my specialist doctor, Dr Sarah Myhill, since then, on her website, and also on 3 books as detailed below. ''Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - it's mitochondria, not hypochondria!'' - ISBN - 978- 17816-10343 - I edited this book and contributed a chapter ''Catastrophe theory and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'' - which looked at the mathematics of recovery from CFS. This book won a Highly Commended Award at the British Medical Association book awards 2015. ''Sustainable Medicine - whistle blowing on 21st century medical practice'' - ISBN 978-1-78161-032-9—I was editor of this book and it recently won the Beryl Bainbridge Best Achievement Award at the Peoples Book Prize ceremony 2016. ''Prevent and Cure Diabetes - delicious diets not dangerous drugs'' - ISBN - 978-1-78161-00-0 - I am co-author of this book, released this year. What influenced you to write? “I believed that CFS/ME [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephaolmyelitis] is probably one of the worst treated illnesses there is and that sufferers are still often dismissed as malingerers by some doctors, despite the plethora of evidence for a physiological cause. The initial book on CFS was an attempt to help sufferers believe in themselves and to find their own answers if they met with resistance from their doctors. After that I got the ''bug'' and just enjoyed writing! By the way I am far from recovered from this illness and still need to pace my activities carefully to avoid relapses. Who influenced you to read Maths? Undoubtedly there were 2 teachers who inspired me to read Maths. Jeff Aspinall, who taught me Pure Maths, had an intuitive [almost unprepared!] style of teaching and was so quick-fire, and often tangential, that I was almost mesmerised into keeping up! Tim Hancock, who I am still in touch with, and who taught me Applied Maths and Statistics, was a truly massive inspiration to me. Tim has such a friendly way about him and peppered his lessons with his well-known jokes. The lessons were so gentle and one learnt, without even realising! Tim showed me the human face of Maths! What other subjects did you enjoy? Latin was my second favourite subject - what writing ability I have I credit to my 2 Latin teachers, Mr Gibson, and especially Mr Ferris, whose grasp of the use of English taught me so much. [ASIDE - Mr Hancock and Mr Ferris both taught my son, Conor, Latin and Maths respectively about 30 years after teaching me! Parents' evenings were odd as I sat opposite 2 former teachers of mine who were now discussing my son's progress! Mr Ferris, in his leaving speech, I believe, referred to the fact that he had looked back at his mark book to compare my scores with Conor's - Conor came out top!] How are the School Facilities now and compared to your school days During parents' evenings and other events at AGS, I was amazed at both how the facilities had improved and yet how some had stayed exactly the same as when I was at AGS. It was that classic mix of old and new that defines a school that has both a history and a future. The improved science labs, and sports hall stood out.
General thoughts and memories When I joined the new boys still had to wear caps [just for the first year] - I still have mine but only because I fought for it! On coming back from the church services we went to in Aylesbury town, it was the tradition for older years to grab our caps and throw them in the canal. Somehow I managed to keep hold of mine! Geography Sixth Form school trip to Wales - I remember that my room, shared with 2 other boys on the ground floor, was used as a thoroughfare for other sixth formers to find a route out of the hotel to the pub at night. One night when we all arrived at the pub, we walked in and sitting opposite us were the 3 teachers on the trip!!
AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WINTER 2016 OA NEWSLETTER
OA EVENT CALENDAR
Listed below are the planned events for the rest of this academic year and as we continue to build the thriving OA community, we would value your thoughts and ideas on what type of events you or your friends would like to attend. Please do give us some ideas as we would be happy to organise other types of events into the calendar. For example, we have had feedback that Decade Events would be interesting but where should they be hosted and are there any volunteers that are happy to help us pull year groups together?
DIARY DATES
OA London Drinks Thursday 2 February 2017 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm Savile Club, Mayfair, London
OA Dinner Friday 17 March 2017 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm Foundation Hall, Aylesbury Grammar School
1980s Decade Event Saturday 22 April 2017 from 4.00 pm Partners most welcome Headmaster’s Quad and Foundation Hall, Aylesbury Grammar School
OA Cricket Match Wednesday 28 June 2017 2.00 pm Foundation Hall and Headmaster’s Quad, Aylesbury Grammar School Memories Afternoon Tea Monday 3 July 2017 2.00 pm Foundation Hall, Aylesbury Grammar School
5 a side Football Tournament, Basketball Match and Squash Tournament Friday 14 July 2017 4.00 pm Aylesbury Grammar School
CONTACTS
Alison Cox, Development Director Nikki Taylor, Development Assistant [email protected] [email protected]
Aylesbury Grammar School, Walton Road, Aylesbury Bucks HP21 7RP. www.ags.bucks.sch.uk
We don’t want to lose you, but if you want to unsubscribe to this newsletter, please email or write to the Development Office. If you know of any other Old Aylesburians who would appreciate a copy of this newsletter please do let us know.
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