The Peterite 2016-2017
CONTENTS
The Peterite 2016-2017 Issue No. 434
Contents Commemoration 4 Salvete 9 Valete 10 House Reports 14 Visits & Exchanges 34 News, Events & Activities 54 Creative & Cultural 90 Sport 119 Leavers’ Destinations 159
The Peterite 2016-2017 1 From the Head Master
The Peterite once again brings together an uplifting and informative collection of images and reports of a year of high activity. During the course of the year we were anticipating the arrival of an
Editorial inspection team from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and they duly arrived in the first week of the summer term. The inspectors found that “all groups of pupils make rapid progress and achieve academic excellence” and “display excellent self-confidence and a commitment to achieve”. Their uniformly positive view of our School was formed by being amongst us for three days. The richness and diversity of opportunity, and the strength and values of our community shone through, as is the case in this magazine, which captures the spirit and events of 2016-2017. Readers and dippers-in will, I hope, sense that “camaraderie is present everywhere”.
My warm appreciation and thanks go to all those on the editorial ream and to our meticulous and beady-eyed Editor, Mr Keith Wright, for delivering another wonderful almanac of life at St Peter’s School.
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Heads of School
Heads of School 2016-17: Samuel Lightwing, Eleanor Caley, Thomas Dowdy and Emma Nelson
Editorial
This edition of The Peterite magazine marks the end of an era: it is the final issue in a long run for which the bulk of the photography has been done by Mr David Morris. The farewell article by Mr Edwards reveals some of the staggering statistics relating to Mr Morris’s work behind the camera, but the quality and range of the images themselves are much more impressive than the raw figures, and we owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for the way in which he has captured the spirit of school life over so many years.
This edition has been produced with a good deal of assistance from Josh Booth and Hannah Hamilton (Director of External Relations), and I would like to thank them for their significant contributions behind the scenes. I would also like to thank Lauren Watson and David Peach, of Hutton Peach Design Solutions, for once again finding a striking style for the presentation of words and images. Finally, I must thank all the contributors, both pupils and staff, for their faithful recording of the myriad activities which take place beyond the walls of the classroom.
Mr Keith Wright Editor, The Peterite
The Peterite 2016-2017 3 Commemoration 2017: the Head Master’s address
A council in Wales recently put up a bilingual road sign. The – the work of silver-tongued smooth-talkers? Has reasoned English instruction told drivers that they were entering a argument really been supplanted by hectoring bluster and residential area that was unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles. boo-hooray rhetoric? And, if this is the spirit of the times, Native speakers could see that the script underneath, in should we go with the flow; resist it; or step aside? Welsh, read: ‘I am not in the office at the moment. Please At times, the truth seems to have been lost in translation. attach any work to be translated’. Yet, as parents and as educators, we are wired to We live in an age where things are done very fast; and communicate a vision of hope. We want to see our children communicated even faster. The age of Google Translate and walk into their future with confidence. Our vocation is to Wikipedia: an ‘always-on’, data-rich world. ensure that our children are educated to think for themselves; Opinions are swiftly formed - and swiftly communicated. to engage positively with the wider world; to be seekers and They are ‘liked’ and ‘go viral’. Emotions become fact. Facts communicators of truth.
Commemoration 2017 Commemoration are half-checked, finessed or ditched in favour of more One of our school’s seven school values asks us to ‘speak with convenient post-truths. conviction and honesty’, and ‘to listen carefully and openly’. We live in a world where Presidents Tweet. True communication only happens when you have something meaningful to say; and when you are truly heard. True In such a world, it may feel as if authentic leadership is an communication is the art of being understood. endangered species: truth a rare bird. When I talk with Peterites, when I see what they do and how Can we still trust the version of events communicated to they talk, I am filled with hope. I believe in them. Educating us? Or is the popular narrative composed of hollow words
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children to be leaders with values is the best way to ensure that the I asked my colleagues to help me with this speech by suggesting world doesn’t end up being run by maniacs. their highlights of the year they responded with characteristic enthusiasm. Gathered together, their submission amounted to 5,627 The academic year began with a government Green Paper that words, which would take around 50 minutes to read. You’ll want me called on the independent sector to do more to create good school to be selective. places and help with social mobility. St Peter’s School is a key partner in the City of York Independent State School Partnership This has been a year of tremendous achievement in the field of which the Green Paper cited as a national beacon of excellence. learning. The class of 2016 delivered some stunning examination Having hosted Saturday masterclasses, and provided Latin GCSE results in August, with over four-fifths of all A-Levels exams passed for pupils from York’s state schools, we are adding Astronomy at A*-B; and over 75% of all GCSE passes at either A or A*. GCSE to our growing portfolio of activities which, it should be We all know that a truly rounded education goes well beyond said, we do because of our values, rather than any external political excellent examination results. The F1 in Schools team reached the imperative. We end the year with a minority government and an national finals at the first attempt, breaking the UK speed record Education Secretary keen to pursue a more collaborative dialogue on the way. Meanwhile the Physics and DT departments entered with independent schools. teams in the Bloodhound rocket car challenge, winning the regional Considering the political landscape now, and the wounded, wild and round. Our Mathematicians continue to dazzle in the United occasionally wonderful beasts that seem to populate it, my mind Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenge and we became regional harks back to the political giants that stalked the earth when I was champions for the second time in the National Schools’ Challenge. an 18-year-old, and leaving school. John Major, when he was Prime We scooped prizes in Spanish debating and Latin reading Minister, often used to criticise Neil Kinnock, the Leader of the competitions. Our physicists won both the Liverpool University and Opposition, for making long-winded and tedious speeches. They King’s School Chester Physics Olympics. A team of canny investors went on so long because, according to Major, the Labour leader reached the finals of the National Student Investor Challenge. had nothing to say – so he was never quite sure when he’d finished saying it. I shall try to avoid this pitfall. The Public Lecture Series has once again delivered some outstanding intellectual challenge as we hosted big-name speakers including Today is about communicating the values and achievements of the Bernard Cornwell, Ann Widdicombe, and Jonathan Dimbleby – all pupils of St Peter’s School. There is plenty to say. Indeed, when
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great communicators. The Christmas Science Lectures sparkled with together. A record number of grade eights were awarded this year, energy and over 200 students attended our Philosophy conference. with three pupils also securing diplomas, and one pupil making the The thriving debating programme was extended to include National Youth Choir. The musical diet has been wide-ranging, from competitive public speaking, and Global Perspectives now entails Cabaret and informal concerts to Evensong at Durham Cathedral presentation and communication training. and Westminster Abbey, and of course in this wonderful space. As ever, we are deeply grateful to the Chapter of York Minster for The learning has extended outside term-time. We have seen a allowing us to gather here for our Easter Concert, and today as we Politics exchange to Washington; Art Historians and Classicists mark the 1,390th year in the school’s long history. in Italy; skiers in Switzerland; linguists in Spain; a tennis camp in Portugal; rowers in Belgium and space enthusiasts in Florida. This In sport, the first eleven boys’ hockey team was unbeaten and once summer will see a boys’ rugby tour to Argentina; trekking in Iceland; again crowned county champions. The first eleven football also won a girls’ hockey and netball tour to South Africa; and a rejuvenated all their games: played eleven, won eleven. Our girls’ hockey teams CCF deploy a record number of cadets on annual camp in Sussex. reached the north-east semi-finals at all three age groups; and the The RAF section is flying again – literally and metaphorically – and netballers made the north finals at under-14 and under-19 level. In over 140 pupils are pursuing Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. racket sports, the girls’ squash team won their division of the York Ladies’ League and the boys’ tennis first team made the finals of the The cultural life has been enriched by some remarkable and diverse LTA National Senior Students Competition coming fifth out of 300 productions from Shakespeare to J B Priestley, as well as plenty entries. More recently, our cricketers made the north of England of original work. The whole school musical Grease was a rousing finals of the HMC T20 competition. The Boat Club turned in some and carefree romp. The pupil-directed A-Level piece, called fine team and individual performances at the National Schools’ ⧣TwentyMinutesOfAction, was so effective in tackling the issue of Regatta. consent that we arranged for it to be seen by the top three year- groups as part of our PSHE programme. Whilst the results are great, it’s the extraordinary culture of participation that is most influential. With wonderful participation We need to destigmatize the conversation on mental health by levels in girls’ and boys’ sport, few schools in the region can match encouraging open communication amongst pupils, parents and staff. us for depth. Our second and third teams often play up a level and This year we initiated a pupil wellbeing committee, monitors led our enjoy unbeaten runs. And, in a world where all of our competitors work on internet safety and we introduced a new system to track are offering sports scholarships, we continue to generate excellent and support pupils even more closely. performances through dedicated training, spirited teamwork and Volunteering and Community Action remain a vital way to reach outstanding coaching. out and connect. It has also been shown to improve wellbeing. These were some of the ingredients of the first fifteen rugby team’s Volunteering is good for our health. outstanding unbeaten season – our second in the last four years. Meanwhile, our music-making continues to communicate and bring St Peter’s School ended the campaign ranked fourth in the country,
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with only Wellington College, Sedbergh and Harrow above us, and plenty of well-known names below. The under-15 team had a cracking run in the National Cup, meeting the eventual winners at the quarter-final stage. We went on to have our best ever run at the Rosslyn Park national rugby sevens, reaching the semi-finals.
The success and health of the school is in huge part down to the dedication of the staff across all areas. They so often go the extra mile to provide the best for the pupils. Anyone visiting the school these days will appreciate the quality of the work they, and indeed colleagues right across the support staff do, to provide exceptional environment in which to learn and play. No real surprise then that our grounds team recently came second in the Grounds Team of the Year awards.
Colleagues new to the school have certainly had an impact. Warm congratulations to our fabulous Head of Art who has masterminded no fewer than five inspirational exhibitions of both pupil and staff work in her first year. Our new Head of Careers, and her full-time assistant, continue to expand and diversify the guidance programme. The appointment of an expert learning support specialist has extended our provision.
Sadly, each year brings departures and this year we say farewell to Mr David Morris, our Head of Science after 28 years’ service. Not only a wonderful teacher, and physics evangelist, David has created a string of science engagement events which will form part of his rich legacy to the school. Rarely seen without at least two digital SLR cameras draped around him, Mr Morris has captured school life and supplied copy for numerous editions of The Peterite magazine. The Bursar kindly allowed me to give David one of the beloved school cameras as part of his leaving gift.
Bursars sometimes get a bit of a bad press. I remember a rather jaded and ancient teacher remarking that if the headmaster is the shepherd of the flock, the Bursar is the crook he leans on. This is not so at St Peter’s, for we are blessed with a wonderful Bursar whose work ensures that our resources are carefully deployed.
We will be at full capacity in September with 570 pupils in the senior school. We are about to begin an exciting phase of campus development with building on the Maths and Modern Languages block starting in a matter of days. With applications up 20% this year, the school is thriving, in a climate that is seeing many schools in the north really struggle. We have to keep working hard to maintain this strong picture
You’ll expect me to indulge in a little collective celebration at our exceptional inspection report, which was published a few days ago. We were particularly grateful to parents for the very high response rate to the questionnaires. It was doubly gratifying that parents were ‘strongly appreciative’ of the ‘school’s leadership and management’; that pupils were found to be ‘very enthusiastic about
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the teaching they receive’ and that our pastoral care was rated Schools are mini-civilisations. In schools, we protect and excellent. The Independent Schools Inspectorate gave the communicate the values that hold us together. We govern and school the highest possible ratings. lead them carefully, with one eye on the present and one on the future. We are far from complacent; we want to continue But, the biggest cause for celebration was the comments made developing the pupil experience at St Peter’s School. about the pupils. The lead inspector spoke with genuine warmth
about the excellent behaviour and attitudes of the children from This year, as Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association, Salvete the nursery all the way through to sixth form. The evidence of which represents over 500 state and independent boarding the outstanding achievements of the pupils, inside and outside schools, I hosted the annual conference for heads, here, in York. the classroom, was overwhelming. In a packed three-day programme of speakers, my highlight came when I asked one of our pupils, Deputy Head Girl, Emma, The report concludes that: ‘the pupils play a major part in to introduce a panel session. Just a few words at the start, making the school an enjoyable place to be, where a strong I promised. On the panel were a GB Olympic hockey gold regard for one another prevails’. They ‘know, and take to medallist and a Strictly Come Dancing winner, and broadcaster heart, the school’s “seven values”and the modelling of moral Libby Purves, OBE. With minutes to go, Libby Purves said to responsibility by leaders and staff’. They ‘demonstrate an Emma: ‘Instead of just introducing us, why don’t you join the excellent moral undestanding ‘ and ‘appreciate selflessness and panel?’ Gulp. An hour passed, and Emma had taken questions kindness’. from the floor and was by far the most articulate panellist. These words speak powerfully of the attitudes and behaviours Unflappable, direct, absolutely herself: a typical Peterite. of the children in our care. They are words that give us great So, to our 124 upper-sixth leavers. I am very grateful to our hope. Because, as we know well, the pupils are the leaders of excellent Heads of School, Ellie and Tom; to their deputies, the future. Emma and Sam, the monitors, and to all those who have shown It is said that the great spiritual leader and communicator, dedicated leadership in house, sport, societies and a whole Mahatma Ghandi, was once asked what he thought of western range of activities. It is the most joyful of year groups, rich in civilisation. talent and endeavour.
After a brief pause, Ghandi replied: ‘I think it would be a good As the class of 2017 prepares to leave this wonderful space, and idea’. enter the next phase of their lives as Old Peterites, we hope that they take with them memories and experiences that will There have been many moments in the past twelve months fuel them for life; wisdom that will guide them and friendships when our faith in the fabric of civilisation has been battered. that will sustain them. Most of all, we hope that each of them The echo of Ghandi’s legendary response reminds us how far has found their own individual voice. we still have to go. To echo our guest of honour today, we hope that our leavers Leaders of successful and thriving organisations need to be feel proud, trusted and skilled. We hope that, wherever they go held to account. Our governors perform this role fastidiously in life, they live and communicate the values of their school. and I thank them for their diligent scrutiny. My job is to foster excellence: to keep us moving ‘over the ancient ways’. Mr Leo Winkley Head Master
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Mr Andrew Christian ‘jobs’ she did before coming to York saw Mrs Chisholm busking around Europe twice, funding her journey once Mr Christian arrived this year to take up the post of by fire-juggling, and then by making sculptures out Head of Learning Support. He grew up in The Wirral of found (the peninsula between the rivers Dee and Mersey, not materials. far from Liverpool) and was educated at Ridgeway High Salvete School. He read History and Politics (BA (Hons)) at She has two Manchester children: a Metropolitan grown-up University daughter before who lives taking a and works PGCE at the in London, University of and a much Reading and younger returning to son. She Manchester remarried for a last summer postgraduate to Will, and now has a ‘two-destination’ marriage, qualification moving between York and Cumbria. Mrs Chisholm in Special was initially attracted to St Peter’s by the magnificent Educational site, the reputation of the amazing Art department, Needs Coordination. He is currently studying in Chester and especially the Whitestone Gallery. The friendliness for an Assessor’s qualification. of the staff and pupils also stood out. The location was a big ‘plus’ for her: as she says, ‘it is easy to get Home for Mr Christian is on the north-western tip almost anywhere, which is important with a husband of Wales, in Anglesey: he lives there with his partner in Cumbria, a mother in Lincolnshire and a daughter in and a yellow Labrador called Max. The attraction of London’. Her impression so far is that the school is ‘very the post at St Peter’s was that it would enable him to down to earth, very caring, with inspirational teachers devote himself full-time to Learning Support, rather and great pupils’, and the school is already benefitting than splitting his time between that and teaching. Mr from her experience and enjoying her leadership of a Christian knows a former Chaplain, the Reverend vibrant and lively Art department. Steven Harvey, who gave it a big build up, including the line ‘you won’t regret moving to the right side of the The Editor Pennines!’
So far Mr Christian has found the school to be ‘an incredibly supportive and friendly place to work – SLT, Mrs Joy Loftus teaching staff and of course, the students’. Although Mrs Loftus, who has joined the school as Head of school life can be all-encompassing, in his spare time Careers, is quite local: she grew up in Knaresborough he confesses to being a fan of Star Trek, and to having and was attended a convention in Los Angeles where he was educated in ‘beamed up’ as Scotty on set! Harrogate The Editor attending St John Fisher Catholic High School. Mrs Charlotte Chisholm She went Mrs Chisholm arrived in September 2016 to succeed Mr on to study Darmody as Head of Art. She grew up on a dairy farm at the in Somerset before moving to Louth in Lincolnshire, University where she attended the local comprehensive school, of York, followed by the grammar school. She then read Fine graduating Art at the University of the West of England (the with a first- former Bristol Polytechnic). Amongst the more unusual class degree
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in Psychology. Mr David Morris Before coming to St Peter’s Mrs Loftus David was a member of staff at St Peter’s worked at the University of York, running for 28 years, having been appointed Head of a project for over 2,000 young people to Physics in 1989. He started his career in 1979 support them in making informed choices Valete at Bristol Grammar School, where he remained about their future. Before that she did a number of interesting things – the more unusual of those having been selling wedding dresses to wedding dress shops, and managing a snow sports store (during her three gap years before university). Now that she works in careers, she says that she can see the important things that her varied experiences taught her, and how they led her to what she is doing now.
Mrs Loftus says that she very much wanted to work in a school setting where she could give support and help pupils on a one-to-one basis, and that the school’s fantastic reputation was an important part of choosing St Peter’s. So far, she for four years before moving to King’s School says, ‘I’ve really enjoyed my first year: it’s Rochester as second in department. At a a welcoming, positive and energetic place recent meal honouring David’s retirement, that wants the best for everyone who some comments regarding David’s studies and works here.’ appointment to St Peter’s were shared with us. At interview, David had impressed the then Away from school, Mrs Loftus ‘absolutely Head Master with his smart appearance and loves’ yoga and would like to encourage motivation to concentrate on Physics. David’s as many people as possible to give it a try! smart appearance, in no small part, was a result She also surfs with her husband (whom of the large trench coat that he was wearing. she says is much, much better than David had not been to Yorkshire before and his her!): you’ll find them in Devon every only information about the county was gained summer with a collection of surfboards by watching The Last of the Summer Wine – and and wetsuits. She is from a really musical in all honesty, according to him, this was what family, so in the school holidays you he thought all of Yorkshire was like. David is might find her in the recording studio with still very pleased that this coat only cost £1. To her brother, working on some very cool complete the look David had bought himself music! the flat cap that many of us remembering seeing him wear at rugby matches. He was The Editor quite surprised to find that the lower sixth, in the first lesson he taught, didn’t speak like Compo, Foggy or Clegg.
David certainly had a challenge as a new head of department. His predecessor had a reputation as a formidable teacher and had stepped down to become Deputy Head of the school but still taught some Physics. However, David’s comments about wanting to concentrate on Physics were earnestly meant: when I joined him in the department it was immediately obvious just how hard David worked and how much he strove for
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excellence. I also remember, on many occasions, staying up all night On top of that for many years David ran the second XV rugby with him moderating coursework. David pushed the pupils to take team, was heavily involved in senior cricket, and coached the part in national competitions and successes were soon reported under-16 Colts hockey team. I helped David with the hockey and in The Peterite. The Oxford and Cambridge examination board remember the practice sessions in almost total darkness when all used to produce certificates for the top three marks in A-level the other games sessions had long finished. David’s enthusiasm was Physics each year. Invariably the department gained one of these infectious, making boys who had never played hockey before into a certificates and one year we achieved all three. On his watch we really good side, and many of these pupils are still in touch with him have had a pupil come top in the country in Theoretical Physics in to this day. After one year in The Manor, David served as a tutor the Olympiad competition and then go on to represent the nation in The Grove, under nine housemasters and housemistresses. He in the worldwide competition in South Korea. We have also had a took five sets of pupils all the way from the third form to the upper pupil come second in the world in a research competition with the sixth. This is probably unique at St Peter’s and it is typical of David finals taking place in Indonesia. and our pupils that he says that there was never anyone in his tutor
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groups that he didn’t get on with in all those years. many of our pupils.
In recent times, perhaps the main contact that pupils had with The impact that David had on St Peter’s, the local area and further David outside the classroom was a result of his ubiquitous presence afield is tremendous and his legacy will be felt for many years both on and off campus with his cameras. Being a physicist, I ahead, for which many people have enormous gratitude. He had an feel obliged to put some of the numbers associated with David’s extraordinary career and I am sure that there are many adventures photography into context. During his last three years in the school still to be had in the future. We wish him and Liz a very happy David took 135,357 photos, and since 1996 the total comes to over retirement. a million. I was very proud of the first computer I had when I came here; however, I would need 10,000 of these computers to store Mr Mark Edwards just those last three years of David’s photos. Often with three cameras around his neck, David was seen climbing the heights in the Minster, before running around with his kitchen stool to get to the Mrs Joanna Appleby next vantage point, or dashing outside to take photos of people Jo joined the Music School in 2009 and since that time she has leaving after a school service. He spent many a Sunday or evening at become a highly valued member of the music team. Starting as a school events, and was a welcome sight at the end of the Beverley part-time role, Jo’s post has for the past few years been given the run where runners knew that the end was in sight and they could full-time status that it deserves and this is a direct result of the compare before-and-after photos. The way David could appear breadth of Jo’s skills and her ability to manage a complex and varied anywhere with his cameras and the trust that pupils had in him to number of tasks from financial administration for over 40 staff to enable him to do that was nothing short of inspiring. We will not designing posters and programmes for our events that have been truly appreciate the contribution that David made in this area until widely admired, to name but two of the many elements of her role. it is no longer there. The vibrant ethos of the school is amplified through his dedication and he deserves an awful lot of our thanks. Jo has had two children through the department and both of them have made a significant contribution to our music with Alice singing After his children had moved beyond school, David’s formidable in the School and drive was focused on outreach work, for which he received an Chapel Choirs and Institute of Physics teacher of the year award. 2007 saw our first Sam in an excellent Physics Olympics for year-eight pupils – a competition that has Guitar Group. Jo grown and become renowned over a very wide region, with other decided to accept events for other age-groups being introduced by teachers who were my invitation to join inspired by what we do here. 1,270 pupils have attended these at St us on our music tour Peter’s, and some of these pupils have then come to this school as to Paris with Alice a direct result of attending the competition. On top of this, David’s in the Summer of organisational output produced an annual timetable of a stargazing 2015 and she looked evening, the National Technicians’ conference with delegates after a group of coming from as far away as the Isle of Man and Warwick, the York lower-sixth girls with Schools’ Science Quiz and eleven public lectures. her strong sense of pastoral care shining A colleague from another school was recently scratching her head through. as to how David managed to get so many things off the ground. Sheer persistence is the answer. The potential for this was certainly Jo has been a particular help in looking after the visiting teacher evident in his early career where David set up a staff cricket team in team and many of my staff will be indebted to her in terms of Rochester – a venture that lasted for at least 25 years after David dealing with practical issues such as timetabling or timesheets but left. In order to get this going, David went round all of Rochester perhaps more important has been her willingness to be available including the banks and the police stations offering them cricket whenever we have wanted to talk to her. Her door has always been matches and getting them to play, a behaviour mirrored when open and she has become more than just our administrator and is David went round all the local houses in York in 2010 posting leaflets considered a friend by many of the music team. advertising his first public lecture. Over 300 people came to that With Sam leaving the school this summer, Jo felt that it was a natural first lecture and some have come ever since. David has received time to move on. We will miss Jo, and we wish her every happiness many comments about how his work has changed their lives. In his and success in the future. outreach work, David forged links with the Institute of Physics, York Rotary Club, Nestlé and Taylor’s of Harrogate; he is a Teaching Mr Paul Miles-Kingston Fellow of the Ogden Trust, and a member of the external advisory board for York University, from which he has helped develop the Nuffield Research Placement Scheme which in turn has benefited
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you have said has Mr Harry Vann been honest and I A valedictory address given by the Chaplain suspect sometimes costly. By being like Harry, I was hugely touched that you asked me to put together that, though, you some thoughts to summarise your time here with us. I realise what have garnered the an enormous challenge you have laid down: to write something respect of our pupils that does you justice in just a few words. What I shall say here and their parents will inevitably fail in the task of fully saying who you are and what by taking a genuine you have been to this place, but I shall at least try to put together interest in them and something which is, entirely legitimately, part eulogy and part what’s important to character assassination. them. The children Harry, my first memory of you is on your interview day when a little here know what group of fresh-faced classics teachers turned up to look around you stand for, the school. Then I realised that you weren’t one. I don’t know what Harry, not because you were feeling that day, or indeed what you thought you were you say things but doing, you were every inch a barrister and we knew as well as you because you do them. did that your only experience of being in school was of having been And that even goes for the littlest of our community. You don’t pick at St Paul’s, an institution down south belonging to the wrong one and choose or only do the things that you have to, you are willing of Jesus’ apostles. Leaving the bar must indeed have been a scaly to look after those who are smallest, really engage with issues of decision but it very quickly became obvious that St Peter’s made mental health and look after the underdog – nothing is too much the right one in appointing you. trouble. And because you have done that, don’t be surprised when, Having sat through the Buckingham teacher training course, you in twenty years’ time, the boys and girls that you have taught come quickly realised that teaching isn’t about lesson plans and marking up you and say ‘sir, you’re the reason why I am where I am today.’ and target setting and report writing (of course, it is, just in case Over the last few weeks, it has gradually felt like you are anyone else is still listening in) and, rather pleasingly, teacher training transitioning back from the tweed-jacket of a schoolmaster and annoyed you, just like it would annoy any truly great schoolmaster: into the three piece pinstripe of a barrister again. Thank you for the for that is what you have become, never forget that. way in which you have shared of yourself over the last four years. In the Classics department you have played a central role in the Your time here as a schoolmaster may have only been four years, popularity of the subject. The pupils enjoy your lessons, and I Harry, but in that time you have accomplished things many teachers suspect this has probably rekindled your love of your subject too. never achieve in the whole of their careers. Please never think of You have also been impressive as a tutor and assistant in School your time here as a career break because you are now every inch a house. The pupils will really, really miss you and I know that the staff schoolmaster: you have the Latin, the Tweed, the cricket … will too … because the people who run classics and School house Having you around has been a breath of fresh air, so you know have told me so. They have valued your support and, as right as it that there will always be friends waiting you welcome you back to may be to go back to the legal profession, never be afraid to admit visit. I hope that you will take away many happy memories of this that the choice to do so is a great loss to the teaching profession. place. Please don’t lose touch: it has been a pleasure and a privilege I will miss the sound of your voice echoing down the main corridor teaching alongside you. … and through the chapel … and around the common room … The Rev Daniel Jones across the sports fields … over the hills and far away. We love you for it. And so do the children. No longer will they hear ‘COME ON, SCHOOL’ being bellowed on the touchline, or get generally told to ‘BUCK UP’.
You have been involved in so many areas in school life – many of them unseen – that a large number of our pupils will know and remember your care and attention. You have been an assiduous supporter of our sports teams and drama productions and music concerts – on occasion even singing in one or two yourself. You have joined in with rowing and debating with the staff against the pupils, coached rugby in those wonderful pink socks, and taught Latin as part of the ISSP. And I want to say a particular thank- you from me for the way that you have shared in chapel: what
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Clifton
It’s been a typically good year for Clifton house, with success in every facet of school life. We bolstered our tutor group as Mr Smith (head of chemistry) joined from Linton in a swap deal for Mr Battersby.
Heads of house Sam Elliot and Amelia Bell impressed both within and outside the house, the former being an integral part of the first team rugby, hockey and cricket whilst Amelia starred for the girls’ first XI hockey as well as on stage. House Reports House Freddie Heijbroek captained the first team hockey in a joint role with Alex Martin and was awarded the St Peter’s award for his outstanding hockey prowess, which has earned him international honours. The upper sixth boys, George Davis, Paddy Hayes, Angus Barrick and James Hanley – as well as lower-sixth Charlie Tannahill – helped the rugby first team to a hugely successful season that catapulted St Peter’s to fifth in the rugby schools rankings with an unbeaten domestic sports, although they put up a good fight as always. Finally season. Steven Jones and Freddie Heijbroek’s tennis first team Clifton girls showed their true talent and competitive nature doubles partnership was formidable as it contained both last when diving head-first into the swimming pool, pulling another year’s captain (Steven) as well as this year’s captain. Harry third out of the bag. Contreras, Jack Amsden (both lower sixth), Ben Lodge (fifth form) and Chris Wood (fourth form) all represented the As a strong academic house, the senior house challenge school in the first XI cricket team. team that lost last year in the semis to the eventual winners were disappointed that a rare logistical error led to an early Clifton girls have had a very successful year with the senior exit. Not so for the juniors however: spearheaded by India girls winning both house hockey and netball. This was largely Harrison and Hebe Turvill, they performed strongly, beating possible because of the number of fifth- and sixth-formers Linton and Dronfield. The senior boys were robbed of a great within the house who were part of the first X1 hockey and first opportunity to retain a trophy when the senior boys’ hockey team netball. The girls nearly completed a hat-trick; however was cancelled. The senior boys’ rugby team was knocked out they narrowly lost in the house rounders final, reluctantly by Linton (the eventual winners) thanks to a masterclass from taking second. The junior girls also had a good year, with them Charlie Rae, who spent his first year at St Peter’s in Clifton. supporting the seniors in the house hockey, but they just The junior boys experienced unrivalled sporting success, missed out on the netball final and comfortably took third. dominating both cricket and hockey for two-thirds of what However Clifton didn’t quite have the same success in racquet
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seemed a likely triple. However, having blitzed their group in house sevens they fell in the final against School in an encounter that could have gone either way.
House singing brought great fun and house spirit as it always does, and many felt we were robbed of a place. House dinner was a wonderful occasion as all year-groups enjoyed the food and company on offer. These two events show off the spirit of the house, further develop bonds between the year groups and live long in the memory. They are our personal highlights.
We look forward to another successful 2017-18 year.
Edward Turvill and Emilia Proctor, LVI
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Dronfield
The best things that happen in Dronfield are when we do things together. It’s very often the simple things, such as waiting for each other in the mornings before heading off out of the door to start the day. I love the spirit shown in house events and competitions; I admire the commitment and involvement in concerts and plays and other teams, and I feel privileged to watch the girls enjoy and challenge themselves. It shows courage when individuals opt to be a part of a house team – debating and cross-country to name just two – particularly when you don’t consider yourself good enough. It is the taking part that means the most. There are many other examples of the good things that the pupils do together, and the individual contributions they make to the school and to the house.
The Lister Trophy is presented annually to a girl in the house who has contributed to house sport during her time in Dronfield. Emma blossomed in these last two years. We wish all twelve of our upper- Nelson and Olivia Calvert have been passionate in their support sixth leavers the strength to meet the challenges of life after St of the house, and particularly through their sport. It was only right Peter’s, and all the happiness in the world. We thank them for all the that the Lister Trophy be shared between these two outstanding very great memories they leave with us. We thank our tutors and Dronfield girls. domestic staff for keeping the house on its feet, and we wish Mrs At the end of the year we said farewell to Mrs McKie as she takes Brough well as she starts her maternity leave, and we say a special up the reins in Queen’s house, and thank her for the kindness and thankyou to Anna Muirhead, who has done an exceptional job as support she has given to all of us in Dronfield. We also said goodbye head of house. to Margo, ManYi and Bethany who have chosen new paths for their It has been a good year in Dronfield. I leave the rest of the house sixth form. Our upper-sixth leavers in Dronfield this year have come notes to two of our new boarders. together over a period of ten years at St Peter’s, and from different parts of the world and different parts of Yorkshire. Old friendships Mr Jon Whitehouse have remained strong over the ten years, and new friendships have
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In September I joined Dronfield as a new third-former, moving from St Hugh’s where I had also been a boarder. I live in Italy so had already been a boarder for a year before to moving to St Peter’s.
One of my favourite parts of this year was the house dinner. I liked it because I got to sit and talk to some other people in the house who I don’t usually sit with. Also I liked the getting-ready part beforehand. Another part of my first year which I enjoyed is that compared to my old school, which was a tiny community, Dronfield feels like a big family and you have lots of new sisters. And just like sisters you have your moments, but they also comfort you and guide you when you are stuck. There have been many weekend activities, like going to the cinema and the trampoline park. I particularly liked the indoor skiing at Xscape, as you got to race each other.
Hannah Costin
In my upper sixth year, I both entered and left Dronfield which I believe gives me a pretty unique and yet bittersweet perspective on what it really means to be part of this house. Aware that my time was limited I sought to remember every moment, create as many memories as possible and, immersing myself totally in this community, take away as much as I possibly could. Becoming a boarder is an odd thing: day pupils enjoy fooling themselves about the reality of boarding life, pitying the curfews and the perceived lack of family and freedom and while for some this may be true, boarding life is so much better than I could ever have imagined as a day pupil. Your family becomes the people around you and home comforts become crowded, gossipy sofas and sleepy smiles. Leaving Dronfield will not be easy for me. Growing up I dreamed of leaving the bubble of school, I felt like I was too big for this small pond. It turns out I was just in the wrong pond! As this year draws to a close, hugs become longer, words carry more meaning and we are all filled with that uneasy excitement that leaving school brings. It is so easy to talk about the clichés of a girls’ boarding house, but truly Dronfield is filled with warmth and laughter, the young women who live here are witty, beautiful, intelligent and strong people. It has been a pleasure to live among them and a privilege to become one of them.
Alice Jackson
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Hope
Hope house has enjoyed another successful year: tucked away on Ed Bottomley (football). Along with Livi and Katherine Spencer the edge of the campus, it’s rarely in the thick of it, and this year rallying the troops, our performance at inter-house events has was no exception. But, that said, there was still much activity and a been enthusiastic and in many cases successful. Hope came third regular stream of loyal visitors to swell the numbers, make full use of in football, and the senior sevens team fared better than the the kitchen facilities and join in with the odd game of common room juniors after beating School, drawing with Linton only to lose to football, which, despite the ever-increasing collection of confiscated Queen’s in the semi-final. The girls’ squash team came third, the balls of various shapes and sizes in Hope’s office, still remains a firm junior netballers came second and the girls’ badminton team were favourite at breaks and lunchtimes. overall winners, as were the girls’ swimming team. Inter-house cross Having been asked just days before country, a perennial favourite the start of the Christmas Term if I with the staff and loved and would take on Hope in Miss Ullstein’s loathed in equal measure by the absence, I was rather cautious about pupils, took place on a beautiful how best to proceed. Whilst running autumnal October afternoon. a house isn’t new to me, looking Runners dodged cyclists, after Hope most certainly would be. dog-walkers and cows to make I opted to speak with the old hands, their way round the Ings course Livi Whitehouse and Ed Bottomley. As with some notable individual newly appointed heads of house they performances from Hope pupils. offered sound advice and set me off in the right direction, for which I’m most Hope performed well in inter- grateful. house debating and made the semi-final in the junior With the new term, the upper sixth challenge, thanks to some sterling took control of the big common performances from – amongst room, which they dutifully shared for others – Henry Butters, who even without his socks proved to house meetings on Saturday mornings. Meanwhile, the lower sixth have the answers to some of the more obscure questions. The end took the room down the hall and up the stairs, newly furnished of the first half term saw Hope come a very respectable second with corner sofas (sounds better than it actually is) and, thanks to in the inter-house singing: thanks to Ella Day and Rowan Tait’s Charlie Higginbottom, a makeshift table tennis table, on which they choreography we gave a fair rendition of Trouble Maker that Olly played until people were either bored or irritated by it. The fourths Murs himself would have been proud of, supported by Harriet and fifths moved up, leaving the common room closest to the office Edwards on the trumpet, Katherine Spencer on the piano and Ed for the new third formers. They settled in quickly – very quickly, Morrison on the drums. Hope was the top day house; we were helped I’m sure by a trip with Livi and Ed to Mega Bowl, where Toby rightly proud! In the library, Hope’s library committee members, Search proved to be particularly able with a bowling ball and Paul Felicity Edwards and Jack Hargrave, helped put together a wickedly Townend enjoyed his chips. challenging literary quiz. Hope came second – by just one point! – Hope has once again thrown itself into house activities. This year we thanks to knowing rather too much about Harry Potter… have been fortunate to have so many (almost all) sports captains in Sports day was once again postponed because of poor weather, our midst: Ted Patmore (cricket), Jack Coulthard (rowing), Rowan but a junior event took place towards the end of the summer term. Tait (Tennis), Phoebe Phillips (netball), Joe Simpson (rugby) and Whilst the boys didn’t feature in the top three, the girls came a very
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respectable second. Particular congratulations go to Maddie Wylie loyal team of tutors. Mrs Lisa Middleton steered and cajoled the for her 300m run and long jump and Elicia Race who won both the third form, ensuring that their bags were packed, top buttons were high jump and 1500m. In rounders the senior girls were victorious fastened and shoes – not trainers – were worn for lessons. Mrs over Clifton and the junior cricketers beat The Grove but lost out Ella Mallard fed chocolate to the fourths to keep them keen and to The Manor in the semi-final. The girls performed well in tennis to merit-rich – with impressive results! Mr Howard Bowden’s daily come second overall. appearance in house was significant in seeing the fifths through the most challenging of years. The double-act that is Mr Keith Hope was well represented in the senior and junior music festivals: Wright and Mr Bob Shread helped the lower sixth make the smooth Harriet Edwards played the trumpet, Katherine Spencer and Jack transition to the sixth form. Assistant housemaster Mr Mark Hargrave both played the trombone, Katherine and Felicity played Edwards showed persistence with the upper sixth which will I’m sure the piano and Felicity also played the harp. In the juniors, Jennie have paid off as they move on to pastures new. Finally, many thanks Durham and Toby Search sang, whilst Sophie Clarke played the to Hope’s wonderful cleaners, Carol and Susan, who have ensured euphonium and Jodie Leon played the piano. Toby was winner of that socks stay in lockers, rubbish goes in bins and microwavable the brass section. popcorn becomes a thing of the past! I have enjoyed my year in The end of the school year saw the announcement of next Hope and wish Mr Noy Scott all the very best as he takes up the year’s roles and responsibilities. Congratulations go to Charlie mantle, ably supported by next year’s heads of house, Phoebe Hall Higginbottom, Jack Hargrave, Phoebe Hall and Annie Ellis who will and Charlie Higginbottom. be school monitors. Annie will also take on deputy head of school There is however, one other person who deserves a mention. Miss responsibilities and I wish her well. In music, Jack Hargrave is head Libby Ullstein, whose wisdom and calm demeanour have helped chorister, Phoebe Hall is head of band and Felicity Edwards is leader steer a generation of Hope pupils through St Peter’s. Despite her of the swing band. This time of year can prove to be a difficult absence, she has very much been a part of Hope this year, keeping course to navigate for all hard-working and aspiring individuals and I a watchful eye on the pupils – and me! After talking to current am reminded of Lt Col Caroline Lewin’s words at Commemoration pupils and old Peterites, it’s clearly apparent that she’s recognised – ‘it’s nice to be important, but far more important to be nice’. I as a caring and intuitive pastoral leader. Whilst Miss Ullstein leaves wish all Hope pupils with responsibilities this coming year all the very Hope, she most certainly is not leaving St Peter’s. I thank her best in their duties and leadership. sincerely for her support this year and wish her well as she returns to As housemaster of Hope house for just one year, I am aware just running Geography, supporting Community Action and mucking in how important to St Peter’s the house system is. May I thank Ed with the D of E. Thank you, Libby! and Livi for keeping things ticking over and particularly Livi, who Mr Chris Hall sustained her commitment to the very end. May I also thank Hope’s
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Linton
Linton house has had a very successful year: under the leadership of Brent, Isaac Burley, Ed Jackson, Kingsley Lou and Matthew Ng the upper-sixth boys many successes were achieved, for example: joined the third form, Francis Zhang joined the fourth form and Schepay Dong, Ethan Stone and James Ellis the lower sixth. Hanno • Inter-house senior rugby sevens winners Brach joined the fourth form for a year from Germany and Gideon • Senior boys third in inter-house cross-country Wakelin joined us from Clifton house. It never ceases to amaze me • Winners of the modern foreign languages quiz how quickly they adapt to the routines of the boarding house. • Winners of senior house debating The first term saw a host of successful events for Linton. In the • Semi-finalists of the St Peter’s Challenge event annual cross-country competition the senior boys came third and At the end July 2016 we said goodbye to our upper-sixth boys. The for the second year in succession Ben Hobbs came first in the junior last day of term is the hardest for everyone, and as we say goodbye event running an impressive race. Congratulations to the boys who to the leavers it is hard to imagine that they would not be returning were part of the modern foreign languages quiz: Rory, Hanno, Matt, to the house in September. Luckily for them their names remain for Ethan, Niall, Anthony, Gideon. To beat off the nearest opposition at least the first half of the Christmas by 40 points is a great achievement! term as we refer to their old rooms The final of the senior house sevens by their names – and, as you can competition was against Grove imagine, the new members of the house. The Linton boys showed house find this very confusing! The their true grit and determination, 2016 leavers moved on to a host of plus undisputable teamwork and different universities in the UK and house camaraderie, resulting in them abroad. It is always lovely to welcome beating The Grove 12-10. them back to the house and humbling In the annual inter-house singing to hear them speak so fondly of competition the boys performed a their time in Linton. At the house fantastic rendition of Five Years’ Time annual dinner I spoke of the qualities by Noah and the Whale. Sadly, and we expect from the boys in Linton surprisingly, they were not placed. and said that, whilst achieving a full Also at the end of the Christmas string of excellent grades is fantastic, term Matthew Ramalingam and it is only really half the picture. Joseph Raper performed in Grease. Importantly the boys who were They were both brilliant, with Matt’s kind, honest, respectful and good singing and guitar-playing deserving humoured are remembered long after special mention. Matthew Ng the A-level grades they achieved. On continues with the musical tradition and progressed to the final of a daily basis I am lucky enough to witness boys being kind to each the junior music festival. Also in the first term the St Peter’s Challenge other, as well as looking out for each and displaying both integrity competition takes place. Following from the success of last year’s and honesty. competition the pressure was most certainly on the Linton boys, but In September we welcomed ten new members to the house: James pleasingly they progressed to the semi-finals where their run in the
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competition was sadly halted and I would like to thank all the boys team who progressed to the quarter-finals of the NatWest Cup; who took part. In the inter-house debating competition the senior James Black and Charlie Rae represented the school at first-team boys progressed swiftly and skilfully to the final: Niall Collinson level for cricket and rugby; Jonny Jaworski captained the water polo proposed the motion This house believes that governments should team (I am delighted that Tom Charge will be taking over this role provide a guaranteed universal basic income and was ably supported from Jonny!) and Charlie Rae and George Ingall were part of the by Gideon Wakelin and Joseph Raper. Mr Vann commented on the team who reached the semi-finals of the Rosslyn Park rugby sevens professionalism of the boys and was impressed by their conviction competition. James Ellis and Charlie Rae were also in the first XI and their thorough planning: well done and thank you on achieving football team. On the river Elliot Millman had a successful season: the first place. I would like to personally thank Gideon for organising he trialled for the GB rowing squad and took part in the British the boys and ensuring that the team was well prepared: his help was rowing championships held in Nottingham. At the national schools’ invaluable. regatta the J16 quad, which Elliot was in, reached the semi-finals and Hanno Brach reached the semi-finals in the J18 double. Ben Hobbs Academic extension out of the classroom has also been popular continued with his training for the triathlon, was a member of the this year. Jerry Tam and Matthew Ng must be congratulated on Yorkshire Triathlon Academy and competed in the Super Series being chosen to represent the school at the UKMT mathematics events. competition. Jerry also gave a short presentation to the York Astronomical Society on the limits of space travel which was I would like to say goodbye to the upper-sixth leavers. They will be enthusiastically received by the audience. We were delighted that missed: George, Jonny, Titan and Will have been together for the Jerry was awarded the mathematics prize at Commemoration. Sean past five years and in that time I never witnessed them have a cross Shao also took part in the ‘F1 in school’ competition, winning the word with each other. I wish them well as they embark upon the regional round, and was placed fourth in the national final which next chapter of their lives and look forward to them visiting Linton took place at Silverstone race track. He was also part of the winning whenever they are in York. team at the Physics Olympics organised by the University of Finally a big thank you to all the support staff who keep the house Liverpool. At the end of term I was lucky enough to see the artwork (and the boys) functioning, day in, day out. Matron, Tracey, produced by a lot of the boys and am looking forward to having Georgina and Dawn keep the house spotless and their efforts are Jonny’s work adorning the walls of Linton. appreciated by all. Thank you to all the tutors: Paddy, Lee, Mr In the sporting arena a number of the boys represented school Battersby, Mrs Chisholm and Mrs Tooby-Smith. teams – Ethan Leigh-Howarth was a member of the under-15 rugby Mrs Justine Williams
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Queen’s
As another year passes we wave goodbye to our upper sixth and with a gutsy performance of Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the welcome in our new third- and lower sixth-form members to the Waves, although placing remains elusive. Many students also took house. This year the house was ably led by Eleanor Graham and part in school productions this year, and house tutors have done an Helen Ford, who helped to organise house teams and events and excellent job of helping their tutees to balance their workloads. lead the Queen’s pupil body. The summer began with the unfortunate cancellation of sports day Once again the house has participated eagerly in the St Peter’s because adverse weather conditions made the grass track unsafe. Challenge competition at junior and senior levels. The juniors had a However, the event was run for junior pupils later in the term, particularly successful run, narrowly missing out to School house in resulting in an excellent afternoon of sport. Activities continued the final. It has been great to see so many pupils competing in this despite the obvious emphasis on, and absence caused by, exam area, and hopefully this success will inspire future cohorts to take up season, with enthusiastic participation in inter-house tennis, the daunting challenge of flaunting their knowledge in public. rounders and cricket competitions.
There was a large turnout for the inter-house cross-country And so we come to the end of another year of activity, and look competition, with Queen’s winning the junior boys’ competition, forward with anticipation to what next year will bring under the and stunning performances by Charles Barry (first in the senior new heads of house, Clare Hornby and Jack Williams. boys) and Will Coggrave (second in the junior boys). The inter- house singing competition was once again a triumph of enthusiasm, Mrs Cath Hempsall
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School
As another year passes, it is quite amazing to reflect on the depth and breadth of experiences, progress and successes during another year in School House. As ever, the house has provided plenty of opportunity for pupils to thrive beyond the classroom and the highlight reel is long and full of success. On the European Day of Languages Lily Martin, Lucy Lovisetto, Cosmo Forbes, James Mahon, Lucy Lawrence, Mathis Piquiot and Harry Jones finished runners-up in a much enjoyed quiz evening of European knowledge. In the St Peter’s Challenge competition, the quartet of George O’Neill, Rose Gabbertas, Cosmo Forbes and Jamie Dunsmore successfully saw off The Grove in what was an excellent final to ensure School reclaimed the senior trophy whilst the junior team of Harry Jones, Rachel Padgett, Ben Dunsmore and Tom Hatfield also ran out as overall winners in the summer term.
The senior debating team bowed out at the semi-final stages against The Rise but it was fantastic to see the very high standard of public debating skills on display and particular credit to the squad of Chris Hall, James Guyer, Cosmo Forbes and George O’Neill for doing so well. The junior team included a number of new faces taking to the debating floor for the first time. Third-formers James Hatfield and Ed Fricker, alongside fifth-former Tom Uren, made their debuts alongside experienced ‘pros’ Jamie Dunsmore, Tom Hatfield and Sam Beighton. In the final against Hope house and in what was a terrifically high standard of debating, we successfully opposed the motion This House believes that after meeting their basic needs, individuals have a moral responsibility to donate their wealth towards poverty alleviation to become junior inter-house debating champions. In perhaps the best house event of all, we came together for the house singing competition to deliver Michael Buble’s Haven’t met you yet. Cassie Bythell and Charlie Corner led the singing superbly, but the judges didn’t place us in the top three; however, great fun was had by all.
On the sports fields, the cross-country competition was the first with good support from the other girls – meant we finished first house event in the calendar and the junior girls, led home by winner and took the trophy as winners of the senior girls’ cross-country. Phoebe Holmes, finished in second place overall whilst the junior The girls continued their success in the inter-house hockey boys, led by Joe Baker in 14th place, also finished as runners-up. competition, where we qualified comfortably from the group stages At senior level, Jamie Dunsmore (fourth place) brought the boys with particularly impressive debuts from third-formers Lucy-May home as they finished third overall, whilst a sparkling first (Maddy Robinson and Hannah Aubrey. After a good semi-final win we came Bennison), second (Nicole Moir) and third (Lucy Lawrence) – up against a strong Clifton team who ran out deserved 3-0 winners
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and we had to settle for the runners-up position. In inter-house until last. Led superbly by Tom Robins and other fourth-formers volleyball, our sixth-form team of Nicole Moir, Izzy Cotter, Rose Callum Prince, Harry Jones, Corey Ledden and Will Guyer and Gabbertas, Cassie Bythell, Vicky Brook, Anabel Chan and Lydia third-formers Joe Baker (who scored the winning try in the final), Palmer reached the semi-final stages to finish fourth. Success came Charlie Bramley, Joshy Bennison and Max Darbandi, they produced soon after on the squash courts, with the squad of Izzy Cotter, a real team effort, working incredibly hard for each other to become Ellie Spencer, Lucy Lawrence and Anabel Chan qualifying unbeaten junior house sevens winners. through the group stages before defeating The Rise in an excellent When the cricket season arrived, a youthful squad of Charlie final to become house squash champions. Although the senior girls Bramley, Joshy Bennison. Max Darbandi, Harvey Gration, Joe Baker, couldn’t reach the final stages of the netball competition, the junior Will Guyer and Corey Ledden reached the final of the inter-house girls (fourth-formers Amelia Blackburn, Rachel Padgett, Megan plate competition before losing to Temple and finishing as runners- Ford and Maisy O’Neill, with third-formers Lucy-May Robinson, up. The girls meanwhile were making excellent progress over on the Hannah Aubrey, Khushi Jain, Phoebe Holmes and Emily Barker) rounders pitches where the combination of fourth-formers Amelia made it to the final and a stunning victory over Hope meant Blackburn, Rachel Padgett, Abi Shaw and Megan Ford, and third- we became junior house netball champions. The girls continued formers Phoebe Holmes, Hannah Aubrey, Lucy-May Robinson, their success in the pool as collectively they put in a phenomenal Khushi Jain and Emily Barker, reached the final where we managed performance to qualify in every single event for the final rounds of to defeat The Grove and become junior house rounders champions. house swimming, and although we led at the half-way stage, strong performances from Hope in the relays saw them snatch the trophy In the penultimate week of term there was enough time to fit in a whilst we finished as runners-up. Nevertheless this was a fantastic junior sports day (the whole school event having been defeated by achievement by all the girls involved with special praise going to weather just before study leave). The boys finished in second place captain Nicole Moir who organised the team superbly and Maddy overall with some strong results across the events but particular Bennison who broke a school record in the 25m freestyle event: well praise should go to Callum Prince who won the discus event and done to all! Tom Robins who (again) leapt to victory by matching the school high jump record of 1.75m. The girls finished in fourth place on the Over on the rugby pitches, the senior boys of Charlie Corner, day, again with strong performances in most events with special James Guyer, George O’Neill, Charlie Hudson, Nathan Goyea, praise going to Amelia Blackburn for winning the javelin. James Mahon, Matt Ubhi, Zak Darbandi, Tom Hatfield and Sam Beighton gave their all but narrowly missed out on qualifying for At our final house assembly, I took the opportunity to thank our the semi-finals but the juniors managed to go one better. Facing a outstanding team of tutors and to pay compliment to Mr Vann’s much-fancied Clifton team in the final, the boys saved their best outstanding work in School house before he returns to the world of law. To Mandy and Fay who keep the common rooms so clean and tidy the pupils owe a great deal of thanks as well, and we passed on our very best wishes to our upper-sixth leavers, whom we will miss dearly. George and Izzy have led the house superbly and we wish Anabel Chan and Matt Ubhi well in their new roles as heads of house next year. As we say goodbye to such a strong year group, it is reassuring to know the future of School house is in such good hands – roll on September!
Mr Ben White
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Temple
It has been a turbulent year full of surprises. First came the aftermath of Brexit, then the shock election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and the calling of an unexpected general election by Theresa May. However, the biggest shock of all came in March 2017 when Temple won the inter-house football competition, our first victory in boys’ sport for a number of years. It should not have come as a surprise though, as our team featured a number of boys – most notably Cameron Burdass and Tom Hawksworth – who had enjoyed a very successful season with the first XI. Cameron Burdass went on to enjoy a fruitful cricket season,
the highlight being his nomination for Cricket World’s Performance of the Week along with Ted Patmore for their unbeaten 243 partnership against Hymers. Other individual sporting successes over the year included Will Fordy who played rugby for Yorkshire Carnegie, Alex Martin who was joint captain of the first XI hockey team, Will Andrews who won the hockey stick for commitment to hockey during his time at the school, Matty Roberts and Joe Bates new girls into the third form in September, the largest number who made appearances for the first XI and North Yorkshire cricket during my time in Temple. Special mention should be made of teams and James Bramley who played for East Yorkshire. Matty, Julia Crowther who had a very successful season as captain of Joe and James helped the junior boys to win the house cricket girls’ squash as well as taking charge of all the girls’ house sport for plate event having been drawn again against their closest rivals, me. I would also like to congratulate Sophie-Rose Haslam on her Clifton, in the first round of the main competition. Girls’ sport was appointment as captain of girls’ boats for next year. played once again in the very best of spirits with all girls having to Over the last few years, Temple has possessed considerable get involved at some point, because of the small number of girls in musical talent and this trend continued this year with the house the house. The goodwill and enthusiasm with which they do this represented in high numbers in the various choirs and ensembles as continues to impress me and we look forward to welcoming eight
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well as the senior and junior music festivals. Jasmine Brimmell should stage before losing to School. The junior team had a couple of wins be congratulated on her victory in the piano section of the junior and two narrow defeats before going out in the group stage but it competition and Fleur Booth (head chorister) and Amber Rose was great to see a large number of both girls and boys keen to put (deputy head chorister for next year) were highly commended in their knowledge to the test. the girls’ singing section of the senior competition. Highlights of There is much in the media today about the pressures young people the year were the beautiful solos of Fleur, Julia and Helena Reeds are under and it is good to have time to reflect on those things at the Cabaret concerts, along with Ellie Richardson who starred which bring balance to pupils’ lives and help them to develop as on the flugelhorn with the Swing Band. Both Fleur and Ellie have individuals outside the classroom. However, I welcome the increased been stalwarts of the Swing Band on the trumpet over the last few awareness of these pressures and I encourage all pupils, but years and will be sorely missed. Fleur and Helena also sang solo parts particularly those leaving Temple this year, to continue to maintain in the concert in York Minster in March. However, the year will that balance in their lives, to keep up their friendships and to value probably be best remembered for the production of Grease, which helped to turn thoughts to Summer Nights in the cold depths of the power of talking. The upper sixth have been a wonderful year-
winter. It was deservedly a sell-out and it was good to see so many group, who have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner pupils from Temple involved. House singing should be included in over the last five years and I will be really sad to see them go. I the music section of my report, even though it is not always one of would particularly like to thank Julia and Will for their support as the most musical of occasions. Temple was not placed this year with heads of house and congratulate Will Farr and Felicity Head on their rendition of Mysterious Girl but we were able to blame it not being appointed to continue their good work from September. We on our singing but on Will Andrew’s loud Hawaiian shirt. also say goodbye and good luck to Livvy Thew who is moving on to pastures new for the sixth form. Finally, it remains for me to thank Volunteering is another really positive way in which pupils can use my fantastic, supportive set of tutors and my assistant Mr Parr who their time effectively in school and I was really encouraged to hear are staying with me in Temple next year and are a regular presence from Mrs Robinson recently that Temple had the most volunteers, around the house. Next year will be a significant milestone for me: doing a variety of activities such as helping with Maths, Science, my tenth year in charge of the house, and I look forward to the Art and Rowing at St Olave’s. We also had plenty of volunteers surprises another year will no doubt bring. this year for the junior and senior St Peter’s Challenge teams with the senior team, ably led by Luke Dunsmore, reaching the semi-final Mrs Jenny Houghton
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The Grove
The end of the summer term marks a period of transition. In good food and a bouncy castle. We played ping-pong, ate ice houses, it is a time when one group of pupils leaves while another creams and were astonished at the gymnastic abilities of some in prepares to arrive. In between, everyone “shuffles up” as the third the creation of a human spider! This informal event served to help form becomes the fourth form, the fourth form becomes the integrate our new third form and, I am sure, will move from being fifth, and so on. Perhaps the most important shift is the group of inaugural to becoming a fixture in years to come. pupils who move into their final year and begin shaping the route Perhaps the most popular answer was the house singing competition to their exit twelve months hence. As they do so, they assume all and this year’s entry (Breaking Free from High School Musical) the positions of responsibility occupied by their forebears and so presented the usual challenges of melding 71 voices into some kind arise the agonising decisions over heads of house. In the process of unison while attempting to coordinate a tangle of actions. The of considering potential candidates, I ask lower sixth form pupils a rehearsals for our performance were again the highlight and the two simple question: “What is the most important event for The Grove hours we had together in the chapel saw initial chaos give way to each year?” The answers are varied and indicate how richly the eventual unison, even harmony. The enthusiasm for the competition house system adds to the lives of pupils St Peter’s. shows no signs of abating and my abiding memories are of shy The house barbecue is a frequent response. This year’s upper sixth brown jackets looking on as seniors sang with unabashed gusto. group decided that, to get people together early in the year for a Sadly the judges saw fit to perpetuate their injustice and we were social event, they wanted a barbecue and so, on the second Friday unplaced (again) when they announced their decisions. Along with of the year after games, we gathered for an evening of sunshine, other disappointed houses, I suspect, we assume we came fourth!
House sport remains an element of school life that both binds and divides us. We seem to strike the right balance between healthy rivalry and light-hearted involvement and try to view such competitions as chances to pursue participation rather than excellence. That said, our victories in the senior rounders, junior girls’ sports day and the girls’ tennis certainly allowed us to enjoy the prowess of The Grove’s female athletes. The Cass Cup, awarded annually in our final assembly to recognise the contribution to house life by an individual, was this year shared by Belle Blackburn and Jenny Elliott whose positive impact on red-shirted teams has been incalculable in their five years. We have also enjoyed a high degree of enthusiastic participation in the more cerebral activities of debating and quiz teams and this report gives me the opportunity to record my thanks to all those Grovites who have represented us, regardless of their level of success; as I always say to those arranging our teams, it is more important that many are involved than that we win … and I do mean it!
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Choice of some was the house dinner, an event enjoyed by us all, to Community Action and to shine a light on those in receipt of presenting as it does a chance for us to share our company and a merits for their work. It is fitting that the school year concludes good meal. It is my view that, aside from this, the event gives the with a house meeting when the house sits on our lawn and is usually opportunity for our heads of house to shape and organise the blessed with some July sunshine. This meeting is a chance to bid evening. In the hands of Laura Aspinall and Matthew Roberts, The farewell to all our leavers. This year’s upper sixth joined the house Grove has enjoyed sensitive leadership this year and, in having to with me in September 2012 as third-form pupils and I shall look back rearrange the meal in the last 48 hours, they showed impressive on our time together with a particular fondness; I literally don’t organisational acumen. In their own ways, they both have offered know the house without them. This year the final assembly saw authentic role models for younger members of the house and they us say goodbye to Mr David Morris, who has served as a tutor in concluded our dinner with a good speech … even I understood one The Grove for a remarkable 27 years: what a feat of patience and or two of their jokes! endurance! As he begins his well-deserved retirement, we send him on his way with our very best wishes. We hope that he will I think if I were asked the same question, I might bend the rules a be a frequent visitor to the house in the years to come and that little by suggesting our Saturday morning assembly. This brief but he will take a few moments to sit on the bench outside the house important weekly event allows us to gather and share the successes dedicated to his generous service. of members of the house and to recognise involvement in the wide array of activities Grovites engage with from drama to sport Mr Martin Lawrence
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The Manor
Seven is a lucky number and one with plenty of meaning. The other at this difficult time was tremendous. In particular, Charles school has seven values, Enid Blyton had the Secret Seven, there are Dunn showed excellent leadership as head of house. seven wonders of the ancient world and of course there are seven A real highlight yet again was the house singing competition. For the deadly sins …. Anyway this is now the end of my seventh year in third time The Manor proved triumphant and our well-rehearsed The Manor. And on the way there have been adventures, wonders, and well-performed rendition of Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Getting talk of values and just occasionally a boy has veered off course! Back Together (in part chosen because of Matthew Coe) deserved However they have been seven fun-packed years and I hope that to finish where it did. This was a great collective achievement and a the report below catches some of the recent highlights. strong reflection of the teamwork in house.
Christmas Term The inter-house cross-country was the year’s first sporting event Seven third-formers, one fourth-former (which brought that and it was great to see all taking part and giving it a go. The senior year group to seven) and two lower-sixth joined us in September house challenge led to lots of preparation but sadly we couldn’t and soon settled into life in The Manor. Each brought their own quite match the breadth of knowledge shown by one or two others personality and character, and the great joy of boarding is getting elsewhere. Inter-house rugby is always a highlight and both the to live alongside so many interesting people with such a range of senior and junior teams gave it their all. Great fun was had and it experiences in their lives so far. was the backdrop to an excellent house dinner that evening.
The first couple of weeks are always very full. The boarders’ dinner Easter Term on the Saturday night and the activities on the Sunday (paintballing or York boat trip) were great ways for all the boarders to get to Football continued to be a strong sport in house this term with know each other. Debating and public lectures occupied many a large number of boys representing the school first and second over the first month, and it was good to see the boys challenging teams. We reached the final of the inter-house football later on in themselves academically. The school musical, Grease, saw a few of the term, only losing narrowly in the final. Our inter-house hockey the boys playing starring roles too and it was heartening that there teams were less successful but it showed just how willing the boys were so many watching and supporting. Our house chapel played were to play for the house and be part of the team. The inter-house on this theme of community and got its message across clearly. water polo competition is very popular and our team lost only to the eventual winners. We did well in the senior house debating However the term had a very sad moment when we learned of the this year, reaching the semi-final, with some strong debating news of the death of Matthew Coe, who had left only back in July. performances shown. It really was a busy term! This hit the boys and the staff very hard and their support of each
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Summer term The People Our junior St Peter’s Challenge team competed really well this The upper sixth have proved really good fun in the time they have year as too did our junior cricketers who put in some excellent been with us over the last five years. To watch then grow from third performances to reach the tournament final. The whole school formers into young adults ready to move on to university or work is sports day was sadly rained off, but the junior version of this a real privilege. The other years in house are great to live with too: it for third and fourth forms was a terrific afternoon. It was good is they who make boarding the special thing that it is. to see the team spirit on show and there were some impressive performances in different events too. Dori and I are ably supported by a strong team of tutors and in-house support staff. This was Dave Ray’s last of fourteen years Inevitably exams were in The Manor, serving a focus at different under three housemasters. points in the term and Words cannot express the I remain impressed contribution he has made by the determined over this time and I know focus that the boys the boys will miss him hugely. show at this time. Laura Pearson has been There is a real desire helping with some Sundays, to do well and I was but she is now moving across very heartened by the road to Dronfield to take what I saw – even on a greater commitment Saturday nights saw there. David Robinson many with heads in continues to be excellent books working hard. as the live-out assistant and The desire to succeed it is great news that he will is clear. become the live-in assistant.
Throughout the year Colette, our matron, and the music continued team of cleaners continue to flourish with to keep the rooms looking many learning instruments and performing in various concerts and remarkably clean and tidy – something that parents always pick up festivals. Huge dedication is shown in practice, and the time put into on positively and remark upon. this work by a number of boys has really been impressive. My final thanks always go to my family. Without their wholehearted House pizza nights and the odd tapas night are now regular features support and commitment this job just wouldn’t be possible. through the year which are really enjoyed. Mr Steve Gwilliam
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The Rise
The year began with our fifth form - Alexandria Johnston, Lily Naylor Ksenia Trubacheva and Isabel Chen – relieved no longer to be the youngest girls, and they welcomed our new third form (Alannah, Olivia, Saebin and Elise) and fourth formers (Sophie, Amelie and Sofiya) with open arms. The fifths lost no time in tutoring them in their new responsibilities. The third and fourth form do the ‘food shop’ on alternate days and their tenacity and reliability is to be commended as is their good humour and chat when they return. We also welcomed our new lower-sixth pupils: Demi Xin, Cokkie Yang, Eliza Withall and Ellie-Mae Winstanley, who took to life at St Peter’s like a ducks to water. Very quickly it seemed as though they had been living in The Rise for some time! O’Shaughnessy in the Flute Group, performing Over the Rainbow Next on the agenda was the house cross-country competition. and The Typewriter beautifully. Later in the concert, Emily McDonald The day of race was bright and sunny and there were impressive joined them in the Wind Band for a performance of the theme tune performances from many of The Rise girls, including Ksenia from Pirates of the Caribbean. Trubacheva, Lily Naylor, Grace Moody and Alexandria Johnston. The Rise came in sixth place in the junior girls’ race and third in the We rounded off a very happy and busy Christmas term with our senior girls’ race. house dinner. The girls and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous soirée rounded off with Eve and Tamsin’s memorable speech, which Under Eve Bracken’s brilliant musical leadership, the girls committed displayed a sense of affection for the house, a knowledge of pupils, themselves to countless practices of One Way or Another by Blondie and a witty reminder of the highs and lows of life in The Rise. I for the house singing. Accompanied by Emily Mcdonald on the am always particularly proud of how elegantly the girls present guitar we continued with our own tradition of singing perfectly in themselves and most importantly what an enjoyable evening the unison without a conductor! They enjoyed themselves immensely guests have whom the girls have invited. and beamed throughout the performance, coming a close second to The Manor The senior house debating competition was particularly exciting in the Easter term. Toni Salami, Tiffany Tuhirmann, Cressida Killick, Eliza Withall and Ellie-Mae Winstanley engaged with a range of controversial motions. In the final, The Rise proposed That governments should provide a guaranteed, universal, basic income. Though pipped at the post by Linton all can be congratulated on their thorough preparation and the delivery of their arguments as well as their commitment throughout the competition. Elsewhere, Ksenia and Yulia Trubacheva, Alexandria Johnston and Lily Naylor played brilliantly to come second in squash. We were also delighted to learn that Yulia will be captain of girls’ squash for 2017-18.
Red Nose Day saw the appearance of The Three Little Pigs, the Cat in the Hat, some golfers, and an M & M. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz joined the girls in their fund-raising efforts; there was no sign of Mrs Gillies …
Exams loomed in May and the house became eerily quiet as the The production of Grease was undoubtedly one of the highlights girls went home, shut themselves in their rooms (or even in the of the Christmas term. Eve Bracken, Kitty Clapham and Maddie laundry) away from all temptations. Despite these pressures the girls Day gave memorable performances as Rizzo, Marty and Patty delivered a fine house chapel. Under the motivating leadership of respectively. Charlotte Hollinrake and Grace Moody transformed Eve Bracken, the girls explored the importance of appreciating the themselves into the most gorgeous “pink ladies”. I was so proud to present and not worrying too much about what the future holds – see Kitty and Eve receive their colours for Drama in the end-of-term an important message in the examination season. Emily McDonald assembly. performed Feeling Good which chimed perfectly with the central In the Autumn concert we were treated to a wealth of musical theme. talent. The Rise was admirably represented by Saebin Park and Elise
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The sun shone brightly for the senior tennis and rounders We also said early farewells to Isabel Chen who leaves St Peter’s competitions and it was a real treat to be a spectator at an event to attend Charterhouse so that she can be nearer to her family. where everyone showed such pride and enthusiasm. Well supported Isabel’s lady-like ways and kindly nature will be missed but we look by The Rise girls and Tess, the beagle, the girls gave the other forward to her visiting us in the North again. Special thanks must go houses a real run for their money finishing in third and second places to our brilliant head of house, Eve Bracken, whose help, infectious respectively. enthusiasm and wicked sense of fun has been much appreciated by us all and particularly those new to The Rise As the term rushed on, it would soon be time to say goodbye to our upper sixth – Tam, Eve, Cecilia, Cressy, Toni, Liv and Tiffany We are indebted to our tutors and particularly Lisa, Miggy and – as they began the next exciting chapter in their lives. I would Jenny who keep The Rise as ‘clean as a sweetie’. Most of all we like to thank them for being such a fabulous year-group and for must thank our matron Jane who does so much for everyone. Her contributing so much to life in The Rise and in the wider school efficiency, Yorkshire common sense, friendliness, sense of fun and community. They have supported the girls and me through thick sewing skills are so appreciated by us all. and thin and we have all enjoyed our chats, giggles and more serious discussions. We will miss them all and The Rise will not be quite the Mrs Dorothy Gillies same without their own brand of engaging cheeriness.
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Geography Field Trip to Arran, June 2017
Day 1: Travel day but were reassured that we would be finished before Love Island came on, which eased our clamour. On Saturday morning we gathered at school to begin our long coach trip to Ardrossan Harbour. We loaded our overflowing bags onto the coach and began the journey which included Day 3: Coast day what Mrs Tooby-Smith called ‘a two minute toilet stop’ but constituted a ten-minute stop for the boys to ensure their food Tuesday saw a slight drop in numbers from Monday on the supplies were fully stocked! When we arrived at the harbour optional morning run with Mrs Tooby-Smith; however, her we had some time in which we all took a quick trip to Asda stamina had not put everyone off. After breakfast we headed to, again, grab some snacks to get us through the final leg of to the coast where we collected some data before spending the journey. As you might have already guessed, food was a the rest of the day walking the many miles to Blackwaterfoot. recurrent theme during our trip! On our arrival at Brodick we Luckily the sun shone on us for the whole walk and we further took a final coach journey to our home for the next few days: added to our knowledge of geology and enjoyed a cairn- Lochranza fieldwork centre. Unsurprisingly, our first priority that building competition in which Ollie and Eddie came out on top. night was to suss out the best mobile signal spots (behind the That night when we returned some of us were sporting a slight equipment storeroom) and we received the good news that for glowing tan while others wore a more reddish flush and learnt the first couple of nights we were the only school in the centre, that even in Arran you can burn! which meant optimum seats in the common room for our nightly Love Island viewing. Day 4: Human Geography day
On Wednesday we found ourselves doing human geography. Day 2: Saltmarsh and Slope day However, this really meant being chased around Brodick by On the first morning we arrived into breakfast feeling slightly Mr Bowden! At least we were reconnected with civilisation sleepy from the boys’ late-night competition to who could for the first time in a couple of days. We had to fill out several bang the wall the loudest. Nevertheless, we fuelled up for the worksheets and talk to the locals (average age: 70 years) to day and were raring to go for the first morning of fieldwork on complete our questionnaires. It made a change from measuring the salt marsh followed by an afternoon collecting data on the rocks and counting grass types in a one square metre quadrant. hills. Here we learnt lots about the geology (and the midges) One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to buy of Arran from our two tutors Gayle and Hannah. Despite our more food. Some of the ‘lads’ decided to stock up on the best negotiation we did not have the night off classroom work, ‘Weetabix-on-the-go’ drink and protein shakes, as it was bulking
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season for the gym-goers. That night another school arrived at the centre, and we quickly had to show them that we were top dogs.
Day 5: Independent day
We were split up into small groups to collect data for our individual coursework investigations. Groups were on the salt marsh, spit, coast, slope and around various settlements for the human geography topics. The salt marsh boys levelled out 110 metres with a couple of metre rulers and a spirit level: it was not the most thrilling experience but we were repeatedly reassured it would be useful for our investigation! rest of us (a little more tired at this point) had mastered the art of Those of us studying the salt marsh and slope infiltration topics making ourselves look productive whilst we were actually twiddling found ourselves back at the centre by two o’clock, and so had the our thumbs. That night a special mention goes out to Jeffers who whole afternoon to get in some serious football with the other was dressed to kill in his slick bomber jacket on our trip to the school. The coast and human groups arrived back at around half notorious Lochranza pub, at Catacol Bay (a guaranteed mad night) past five. By this time the graft was well under way with certain where we had a pub meal rather than canteen food. individuals, choosing to prioritise it even over Love Island. We would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Tooby-Smith, Mr Bowden and Miss Ullstein for their help and making this excellent Day 6: the pointless day? trip possible. Initially we had not quite worked out the point of this day, but the Lucy Moss & Will Farr, LVI teachers did stress that it was important for us to start writing up some of our coursework. In the classroom for the last session, the keen geographers filled out several tables and graphs while the
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History of Art visit to Florence and Rome
Having lost our voices from inter-house singing the day before, we also lost our precious holiday sleep-in as the next day began for us at 1.00 am … So it was off to Manchester airport for our flight to the ancient city of Rome. Having rushed from the airport to our first venue, we managed to cram in our first taste of Italian cuisine with a ‘pizza to go’ outside the Vatican. With the help of Miss Matts’ confident strides, we managed to enter the Vatican and make our way through to the Sistine Chapel whilst marvelling at some of Michelangelo and Raphael’s most famous works. Soon after, we realised that we would have had to join the world’s largest queue in order to enter St Peter’s Basilica. The day, so far, was going well. A quick outfit change and showers were in order, to prepare ourselves for our first proper Italian meal out. Tired as we were, Miss Matts managed to tempt us to an experience of the Trevi Fountain by night.
We were up bright and early the next morning for a day filled with Roman culture including the Forum, the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. Mr Noy Scott and his famous arm gesturing did not disappoint when learning about the Roman civilisation and the barbaric forms of entertainment that occurred inside the group of nine girls. This had definitely been Colosseum. As Rome is an overwhelmingly large city, walking was thought-through and had a prominent place on the risk assessment. not the only mode of transport we took: Miss Matts was able to Seeing as the previous day had entailed a lot of walking, it was figure out the underground system of Rome, whilst managing a
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only fair to spend the next morning on a bus for a three-hour drive However, the most to the city of Florence. After dropping off our bags and having memorable moment a quick sandwich, we were whisked off to the Bargello Museum in that specific church for yet another experience of Italian art. During this trip, the art was in fact the little historians among us failed to remain calm when seeing Donatello’s tale Miss Matts David in the flesh, along with his St George. The second part of enlightened us with. the day called us to the Santa Maria Novella, a church containing The façade of this Masaccio’s Holy Trinity. church happened to resemble that of a humbug sweet, as it was built with a dark green and white stone. Somehow, Miss Matts managed to trick us that the humbugs originated from this church, in that if you tasted the stone, it resembled the taste of a humbug. We fell for her ploy, and giddily ran back towards the church, climbed its columns and began to lick the stone. Fools we were. The looks we got from passing tourists were beyond disapproving. The looks on our faces, however, when we discovered it was all a trick, were priceless. After all this extravagance, it was time to return to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
The final day consisted of a visit to the Medici family chapel which we had missed the day before – its opulent décor and mesmerising artworks were appreciated by all. The main excitement of the day however was a trip up Brunelleschi’s Duomo. Although the journey up it was incredibly cramped and claustrophobic, the view once we reached the top was breathtaking. However, the most exciting thing for a group of teenage girls climbing up the Duomo, was apparently bumping into the actress Rebel Wilson. It definitely made the aches in our legs worth it. Next on the agenda was the Museo
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dell’Opera del Duomo, for a his David and the unfinished Slaves. The final venue we visited viewing of Donatello’s Mary was the Uffizi gallery, where we all absorbed works by Botticelli Magdalene. Continuing and Leonardo da Vinci before we headed back to England. The with the sculpture theme, final morning began early, with a bus ride to the airport. We all left we then went to the with heavy hearts, longing for our time in Florence to be extended. Accademia di Belle Arti di On behalf of all the girls, we most definitely enjoyed the trip and Firenze, where some of embraced the culture. Michelangelo’s famous works are held, including Amber Rose & Madeleine Day, LVI
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Salamanca: a sunlit trip through history
The Spanish study trip to Salamanca began on a clear, cool morning the Italian habit of locking a padlock to a wrought-iron well in the in York as we set off at 9.00 am on Sunday 2 April towards Stansted gardens, to signify their everlasting love. None of the pupils could be airport. The drive passed without incident and the flight was just as persuaded to leave a token of their undying admiration for each other uneventful, which made me worry that something amiss was about to and preferred instead to strike model poses and take ‘action’ shots happen and that we were about to land in the wrong airport. I need and a few thousand selfies. not have worried as when we arrived our Spanish driver, Javier, was We had lunch and dinner on most of the days with our families, waiting with a smile to whisk us off straight to Salamanca where our and the majority of the group seemed to enjoy the meals as they host families greeted us with kisses and best wishes and escorted us to were given a real gastronomic variety of Spanish cuisine. Our hosts our homes for the coming week. collectively cooked every Spanish dish under the sun and gently tried The next morning was clear and dry but slightly chillier than to force-feed us every day, which we did our best to work off by anticipated and classes started at 9.00 am: the students were left walking miles around the city. My personal record was 32,000 steps in the capable hands of their teachers, whom they would be seeing (16 miles) so not only did we have culture and education but sport for over four hours a day for the next five days. After the first day’s as well. It is a positive experience for the pupils to meet people this classes we managed to explore the local area and discovered a city welcoming and our hosts were open and generous at all times in the similar to York which has the feel of a modern university town but homestay. All the other families and staff at the school were typically with a rich culture and history which you can explore at your leisure Spanish in their unreserved approach and showed a genuine welcome without the fear of being flattened by an HGV. There is culture at towards all members of the party. We did try to sample the local night every corner from the historic façades of the old university to the life when we took a trip out for tapas, a movie (La Bella y la Bestia) – very impressive – towers of the cathedral, but there was also the and a visit to the zona de los bares but the Spanish work on a different incessant succession of student and strollers who packed the inviting body clock so while they were venturing out we were already tucked terraces of historic cafés that once played host to writers like Miguel up with hot Cola Cao and galletas. de Unamuno and Ortega y Gasset. In the middle of the first day the There were many highlights on this trip: the usefulness of the classes, sun began to emerge so we were able to enjoy sitting in the sunshine the constant exposure to the language and the first-hand experience in the Plaza Mayor watching the world go by while stuffing our faces of Spanish history and culture, but I would say that the most with every flavour of ice-cream that we could get our hands on. important benefit that emerges from these trips is that our pupils learn Luckily the sun decided to hang around and we were blessed with more about the hospitality of a genuinely charming race of people and summer temperatures for the remainder of the week, which were that our Spanish hosts experience the warmth and charisma of our appreciated by all pupils – apart perhaps from Harry, who was slightly pupils, of whom we should all feel very proud. fatigued after helping his host family renovate their bathroom. As Thanks go to Mrs Robinson and the students for their full well as spending a lot of time in La Plaza Mayor there were many trips participation and good humour throughout the week. including visits to the cathedrals to search for la Rana de Salamanca, a visit to the Casa Lis to look at some very creepy dolls and a trip to Mr Mike Duffy El Huerto de Calixto, a lovers’ garden where couples have taken up
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Girls’ Sports Tour to South Africa
In July 2017, forty St Peter’s girls embarked on the hockey and netball tour to South Africa. With anticipation buzzing through the air, the long flight landed us in Port Elizabeth. We had a quick stop at a beach before continuing on to Westering High School where we were staying with the girls from the school and their families for two nights. We learned so much from the families regarding South African politics, their society and their rich culture. Before playing our matches against the High School, we were lucky enough to have a training session with ex-national players and coaches, preparing us for the closely-fought matches ahead.
After a successful round of games, our next journey was to South Africa’s Western District to go on Safari. We stopped at Kenton- with terrific university coaches stood us in good stead for our on-Sea for a swim (or a paddle for some) in the freezing ocean following fixtures against Rhenish and Pinelands High School where we further secured great wins. Following some intense matches, the excitement brewed for the proceeding venture into the breathtaking
and then continued our journey, arriving at Kariega Game Reserve. Undoubtedly this was one of the most incredible and thrilling experiences of the trip. We were within touching distance of elephants, had the opportunity to lie underneath giraffes and watch the intensity of a live lion chase, amongst so much else. Hugely saddened to leave, but eager to play our next set of fixtures, we left the game reserve and headed to Knysna via Bloukrans Bridge where we watched the highest bungee jump in the world. After abundant hair braiding and shopping in the centre of Knysna, our focus was set on our next rivals, Outeniqua High School. They were a tough opposition yet the first XI hockey remained unbeaten along with wins from the netball teams.
Following Knysna, we headed for beautiful Hermanus, where we were able to see some whales from afar, and then onto Stellenbosch. Another training session
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mountains of Cape Town for the Canopy Tour Zip Wire. Flying to some music and even got to partake with our own bongo drums. down 300-metre cables from platform to platform, the experience As the tour was coming to an end, our last day consisted of a trip was another that was unforgettable. Our next excursion proved a to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for lot more heartfelt. After an authentic African meal, with traditional 18 years of his life. Finally, the airport was our next stop for the long cuisine and a live African band, we had the opportunity to be return journey. The tour was incredibly successful, not only on the toured round Langa, one of the poorest townships in Cape Town. sports pitch but through the fantastic experiences we were able to An area which was undeniably rife with poverty yet filled with so have. None of this could have been done without our fabulous bus many delighted, excitable and loving children that spent their day driver, Hanlou, and of course our world-class sports teachers. The with us, braiding our hair, joining in on our warm-up and cheering South Africa tour was an exceptional trip which none of us girls will us on from the sidelines when we played their hockey teams. After ever forget. a wonderful day, we finished with another meal whilst we listened Charlotte Hollinrake
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Iceland
Our trip to Iceland was an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, with a three-day trek and tours of some of the natural wonders of the country very much the focus for our week. 21 pupils from the fifth form and lower sixth joined Miss Ullstein and Mr Whitehouse on this trip to our Nordic neighbours.
The southwest of Iceland has some of the most iconic, and frequently explosive landscapes. The Hengill and Hveragerdi hills were the backdrop to our three days with Ulli, Snowy and the team from Iceland Activities. Between June and August, the sun barely sets – and even when it does go down the sky remains eerily bright. It took some getting used to, but it meant that our days out on trek were not cut short by the night sky. On our first night in camp Ulli cooked six legs of lamb in a muddy geothermal hotspot whilst we bathed in the hot rivers. We used water straight from the hot pools for hot chocolate, and cooked eggs in the boiling waters.
The climate in the southwest is usually relatively mild, despite it being the wettest, windiest part of the country, prone to fog along the coast and potentially heavy snowfalls through the year on higher ground. The summer had been quite unsettled, and our week in Iceland was particularly grey and wet.
The weather didn’t stop us from enjoying being outdoors. With bin-bag skirts and ponchos on top of our waterproofs we remained pretty dry, and Ulli took us off the beaten track and into some of his favourite places, showing us some of the remarkable places that make Iceland so amazing. Hveragerði and Hengill is famous for hot springs and lava formations. We witnessed nature’s extremes, ranging from small gurgling hot springs to super-heated pools of water and steam, and the sounds of nature in a magnificent
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mountain environment. We spent one night under canvas, but the a high-carriage mountain bus, and were rewarded with spectacular weather at the end of day two led us to abandon the camp and glacier views, fields of wildflowers, pure glacial streams and forests seek the comforts of our hostel in Hveragerði. of birch. At the end of the valley we had the chance to walk on the edge of the retreating glacier. We visited the Seljalandsfoss We had a day trip to the valley of þórsmörk – literally, ‘Thor’s waterfall, fed by melting water from the famed glacier-capped Forest’, one of Iceland’s most spectacular but Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This powerful waterfall cascades into a inaccessible wilderness areas. We pretty meadow, but is best known as the only waterfall in the world travelled along the single that it is possible to walk behind. dirt road into the park in Our tour of the Golden Circle took us to Iceland’s best-known natural wonder: the waterfall Gullfoss (‘Golden Falls’). A path leads
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down to the deafening double falls, where the River Hvítá tumbles in no small part to the spirit and enthusiasm evident across the 32 metres into a ravine. A visit to Geysir was an opportunity to group of pupils who joined the trip. experience the Strokkur geyser, spitting up its column of water every five minutes or so to a height of around 20 metres (66ft). Mr Jon Whitehouse The whole Geysir area is geothermically active, with walking trails marked out among steaming vents.
We had a day in Reykjavik, visiting Hofdi House, best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. A tour out to Puffin island, Akurey, and some time exploring the shops and cafes rounded off our day in the city.
We had a great week in Iceland, and this was due
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Ski trip to Davos, Switzerland
So we went back and it really could not have been better. This year instructors, the days were as long (or short) as we wished, with we were fortunate to be the only group in the youth hostel, the breaks taken as and when we needed. Not that many looked for slopes and lifts were quiet and we had the most fantastic instructors this – the fitness and energy of our students amazed me as well as we could have asked for. Combined with some decent weather and the instructors! For some it was over 50 km each day with more good snow conditions this was undoubtedly the most satisfying trip than six hours of skiing. I have led. Davos/Klosters is spread across five mountains with some long Each day was a full one with wake-up at 7 am and a filling breakfast runs and a real sense of travel. The less experienced made quick before heading off down to the ski shop around 8.30 am. As I said progress and it was great to see their confidence and competence last year, the quality of equipment was very high and it enabled grow through the week. With four days of blue skies, we were able our better skiers really to enjoy their week. As we had our own to enjoy the excellent scenery as well as experience what being in
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the mountains can really be like on the two snowy days! Some good This year the journey home was less eventful than last (a good fun was had on the last day skiing together as a group, even if the thing) and we got back having had a week of great fun, no injuries 40-man snow chain was likely never to be repeated. and 33 students who were a delight to spend the week with.
After tea there were activities each night of the week. The Eau-La- Having been to Davos for two years it now seemed time for a La swimming pool once again was enjoyed by all (and the ice-diving change. So next year it is Bormio, Italy. was no less popular). Bowling, ice hockey and the ski demonstration filled other nights and each of these was a good way to spend an Mr Steve Gwilliam evening.
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A shining city on a hill?
The Washington Exchange
In October 2016 twenty-one St Peter’s students flew out to Washington DC arriving during the climax of the most polarising and controversial presidential election campaign in living memory. As Trump and Hillary battled it out we had a ringside seat in the nation’s capital.
Most of the families who kindly hosted us were supporters of Hillary and the Democrats so we were remote from the growing support for Trump in the Rust Belt. Nonetheless we enjoyed debating the election issues with our hosts and at Walt Whitman High School, with which St Peter’s has had a and furniture items for those in need. wonderful exchange relationship for nearly ten years. For most, though, the best parts of the trip were those spent with Over the week we gained a deeper understanding of American life our new American friends who were wonderfully hospitable and and culture as we got to know our host families and students well welcoming. We’re very grateful to them, Mr Mathis and all at Walt and spent time in the school. We were lucky enough to visit the Whitman High School who helped make our visit so successful and Capitol to see both the House of Representatives and the Senate. memorable. The central, National Mall in Washington, which was planned After nine days we returned to York to watch the closing hours of from scratch as the nation’s capital city, is nearly two miles long the presidential race and await the result. Charlie Higginbottom, and contains memorials of the United States’ great statesmen Cressy Killick and Mr Fuller joined the BBC’s Georgy Spanswick on and war dead. We had a guided bicycle tour of the area with Mr the Radio York Breakfast Show on the morning after the presidential Bob Mathis, the Walt Whitman teacher who has done so much election to talk over the result – as we now know, much more was to develop and support the exchange, and went on to Arlington to follow. National Cemetery to see the grave of John F Kennedy.
We were also able to take in many of the Smithsonian museums Whitman in York in the centre of the city – with the National Museum of Air and Space probably being the most popular. At the end of the week Having enjoyed nine days in Washington in October we were we joined some of the Whitman students at a community action delighted to welcome the American party to York in late June. Walt project, Wider Circle, helping organise and repair recycled home Whitman High School legend, Mr Bob Mathis, made his sixth visit
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to St Peter’s (despite having already retired from teaching) and was arrived for a meeting. Our party was greeted by Larry the cat who joined by Ms Laurie Safran and a party of students. later had a twitter conversation with Mr Fuller (the internet was made for cat pictures after all.) They arrived mid-morning after a transatlantic flight, and we began showing them York’s history straight away with a trail around the A favourite day for many saw us hiring bikes to ride to Beningbrough city’s highlights and a trip to the Castle Museum. Hall to explore the house and gardens. Friday saw another full day out, taking the train to Edinburgh to tour the Castle and Mary On the Wednesday we were joined for a day in London by the King’s Close to get a flavour of the Old Town, before crossing to lower-sixth Politics students and a group of prospective lawyers Princes Street for a taste of the modern city and its shops – the touring the Inns of Court and sitting in on a trial with Mr Vann and exchange rate being very much in favour of American shoppers! Miss Loftus. The main group enjoyed a full tour of the House of Lords and a chance to sit in on the final day of the Queen’s Speech Aside from the main programme the visiting and host students and debate as Amber Rudd and Diane Abbott went head-to-head on their families enjoyed a good time together beginning to understand Home Affairs matters. Following the debate, the first major vote our shared but different culture and attitudes. The ten-year of the new minority Conservative government backed by the partnership between the two schools and students and families on DUP was won. We then saw the work of Prime Ministers past and both sides of the Atlantic continues to be a very valuable one and present with a visit to the secure underground bunker from which has opened up wonderful opportunities and new friendships to Winston Churchill directed the war and a walk up Downing Street many. itself. We were scanned through the security gates and able to Mr Ben Fuller explore the street just after Theresa May and senior ministers had
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Visit to NASA, Florida
During the Easter holiday of 2017, 24 third- and fourth-form pupils Mercury spacecraft. And 50 years ago the Apollo programme to embarked on an inspirational journey into the heart of the world’s put a man on the moon found success in the flight of the Apollo biggest scientific and engineering venture, at the doorstep of humanity’s 4 spacecraft, which travelled around the moon. These launches, greatest achievement. The pupils had the chance to meet with some of as well as every mission to the moon and every one of the 135 space exploration’s elite on an exclusive journey behind the scenes of shuttle launches, were from launch pads at the air force base of the the NASA space programme with lots more besides. After a successful Kennedy Space Centre (KSC). The KSC is an enormous interactive trip in 2015, this was the second time that St Peter’s have embarked museum of all of NASA’s missions into space. Here the pupils spent on a space-related trip to Florida, which we hope will continue to be a two days learning the story of everything that has happened since biennial feature of the school’s tour programme. those incredible early space missions.
55 years ago, John Glenn became the first American to be launched At KSC the pupils were awe-inspired by the Saturn 5 rocket. into orbit around the earth, making three orbits in the Friendship 7 Gazing up at the huge F1 engines of the most powerful machine
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ever made was simply mind-blowing. Possibly the finest of the space shuttles is Atlantis, which now resides in its own exhibition space at KSC. Beyond the sight of the shuttle up close, another highlight here was to ride on a simulated shuttle launch which had been designed by ex-shuttle astronauts. There was a talk from a space shuttle astronaut Sam Durrance and the chance to meet with him afterwards. KSC is an enormous site and required a bus trip out to the launch pads of the cape. Pupils had a close view of the vehicle assembly building, which is so big that it has its own cloud formations on the inside; it is a single-storey building which has been used since the sixties to build rockets. The crawler which was used to transport rockets to their launch pads, with its four tracks each the size of the cricket pavilion, was simply an immense feat of engineering and a fascinating thing to see. The crawler, the VAB and launch pads are currently being upgraded ready for NASA’s future missions with the aim to put a man on Mars – this was a very strong message which was repeated by NASA during the visit.
Moving away from engineering and thinking about the astronauts themselves, one of the key aspects of an astronaut’s training is to learn to deal with a range of new and extreme forces. The group’s trip to the Aquatica waterpark offered an opportunity for the pupils the Cocoa Beach area and has also formed part of the astronaut to do so too. The vertical drop slides offered a zero-g effect, as well training in the past. Actually ‘astronaut’ is roughly translated from as other twists and turns providing a good range of acceleration and Greek words which mean ‘space sailor’. In all, a great excuse for exhilaration. the group to spend the morning out in the Thousand Island area Astronauts receive a lot of aeronautical training, which includes in tandem kayaks. Looking for wildlife, particularly dolphins and skydiving. This seemed like a good excuse to go to an indoor manatees, pupils were lucky enough to see an amazing sight: a herd skydiving centre. The pupils were given a briefing about how to of very inquisitive manatees, many of whom came right up to the skydive, before then jumping into the 100+mph airstream. It is pupils’ kayaks. It was a really beautiful area to visit on the water and surprisingly harder than it looks on TV. The instructors gave a few the pupils were exhausted, although they had lots of fun in their demonstrations afterwards and seemed to enjoy showing off their kayaks. awesome skills. Dining out in the evening included visits to some of the restaurants Future long-duration space flight will put a new set of demands which have been frequented by astronaut crews over the years. onto future astronauts in terms of working in close proximity. The In fact, there were few places that didn’t have NASA memorabilia Cocoa Beach Escape Rooms provided the opportunity for some on display. The Juno mission crew loved shrimps so much that teamwork in a confined setting. One of the challenges had a space the Dixie Crossroads Shrimp was the mascot for that particular mission theme. However the stand-out game was called ‘Jailbreak’ mission. The pupils had a meal with two NASA engineers, Ed and began with all pupils being handcuffed and locked in a cell. The Mango and Bob Linner. Ed was responsible for directing the pupils worked together very well in these activities and everyone development, production, test and supportability of the space did manage to get out of jail, free! shuttle fleet in a $750 million per year effort in his time at Johnson Space Centre. He also directed the programme to maintain services Kayaking is a great way to get around the still inland waterways of for the International Space Station. Bob is the chief engineer for
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avionics for NASA’s new Space Launch System. Pupils and staff shrimp – the list goes on. The pupils truly gained an all-round Florida were enthralled by Ed and Bob’s amazing first-hand stories about experience. launching spaceships. The fact that these NASA legends had given The pupils have truly been inspired by their experiences and the up their evening to come and talk to us was hugely appreciated by people they met in Florida. Space exploration is surely one of man’s all. finest achievements, behind which are some very talented people. It A range of different active-relaxation activities were enjoyed was great that the pupils got to meet some of these NASA legends, by everyone on the trip. There was body-surfing at the beach, who are outstanding in their field, but kind and down-to-earth volleyball, basketball and visits to Ron-Jon’s Surf Shop and to The too. There was a real sense of broadened horizons and greater Mall providing retail therapy for some (apparently new trainers aspirations for one and all on returning home – surely the hallmark are called fresh creps?). There was also a fairly relaxing trip to the of a great school trip. Florida University’s planetarium one evening. Everywhere we went, the food was terrific and everybody tried something new: corn Mr Andy Parr dough-balls, waffles with cream for breakfast, six different types of
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Rugby Tour to Argentina
After lots of travelling the boys started the tour in excellent fashion with the first XV being too strong for the hosts whilst the second XV were held out by some excellent defence, eventually losing. Two great matches to start the trip.
After a long journey the boys gather outside the ranch castle ready for a polo The whole squad together after the final gruelling matches: fantastic opposition lesson followed by gaucho show and a traditional Argentine BBQ!! followed by a fantastic reception – a great way to end the rugby!
The squad photo overlooking the city of Cordoba where the boys spent the morning Last night in the mega-city of Buenos Aries: the boys await the steaks! playing touch-and-pass before having some downtime shopping in the city.
Both teams line up against a very passionate hosting team in Rosario to sing What a way to finish this fantastic trip, by visiting the Iguazu National Park to the national anthems. After two very strong performances the boys enjoyed a see the falls – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the most amazing scenery wonderful reception at the club before spending the night with their hosts. and appreciate a very special place.
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This year there was a record number of 1,500 starters for the St Peter’s team Beverley 10k race. Scorching temperatures made conditions for had not run for running uncomfortable, and this, combined with a technical years, but the route, really made for a challenging race for all, from novices to Beverley event elite runners. However, all of the mighty St Peter’s runners dug had represented deep, did themselves proud, and completed the distance. a goal in returning to running. Several Mr Morris has been to every one of the Beverley 10k events runners have over the years, always in a couple of good positions to take really caught the great photos which appear in school publications. It is a real running bug and boost to see him just before the first climb when runners are have signed up for looking fresh and energetic, and then again in the market square further distance near the finish (where the condition of the runners can be events, which is variable). All our thanks go to Mr Morris for his support of the great to hear. In race over the years, particularly in this, his retirement year. We all a terrific effort secretly hope that he will be in the usual spot next year. was made by all In terms of results, of the 40 runners from St Peter’s there was a who took part at high number of notable individual performances. Charles Barry Beverley in May. News, Events & Activities Events News, was the first to finish for St Peter’s, in a superb time of 37:40, We returned to school for the traditional barbecue and ice- winning the under-18 category on the day. Well done also to creams on the Clifton lawn, as compensation for the morning’s Stephen Johnson, Tom Tam, Ethan McKinney, Kieran Whyte exertion. The runners concluded the day with a real sense of and Ben Hobbs, who filled the places from second to sixth, and pride in taking part, despite the tiredness and sore legs. all finished in under 41 minutes – a great team effort from St Peter’s. Quickest of the girls, finishing third in her age-group, Thank you to all the pupils, staff and friends of the school that was Lucy Lawrence in 48:52, closely followed by Lily Naylor in supported the event, again to Mr Morris for his support and fourth. photography, to Paddy and Chris Hall for their support and driving skills. This year we were collecting sponsorship money for There were many other satisfying personal achievements on the Martin House Children’s Hospice and at the time of writing the day amongst the pupils, staff and friends of the school the total raised stands at £600 with hopefully more to come. who took part. For some pupils, this was their first competitive 10k and a huge milestone in their running careers. Some of the Mr Andy Parr
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City of York Independent State School Partnership
The City of York’s Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) event was to attract students who had no previous link to ISSP continues to be successful in offering opportunities for secondary- courses and who might not have put themselves forward without aged pupils of York outside the normal school curriculum. Staff and encouragement. Teachers from a range of schools then gave mini- students from St Peter’s were heavily involved yet again this year in lectures on breakthrough events such as the discovery of fire and the plethora of events. the invention of numbers. The students then discussed these on their tables and were set various challenges and questions. Mr Harry Vann continued to teach the ever-popular ISSP Latin course to 30 pupils from schools across York. This superb venture March is always the busiest time of year for ISSP as it brings with sees ISSP offer Latin GCSE to pupils whose schools do not deliver it the annual ISSP Masterclass programme and this year ISSP the subject themselves. Year-nine pupils are selected from the eight created its most challenging and exciting programme yet. St Peter’s state schools in the ISSP to take part in the two-year course, during School hosted this event again this year with classes held over which they learn five years’ worth of Latin – and achieve a full three consecutive Saturday afternoons where the event sought to GCSE qualification at the end of the second year. This role will be challenge interested and able pupils aged 13-18 from schools across taken up by Miss Caron Downes next year. York. The question addressed through this year’s Masterclasses was ‘What is Beauty?’ Pupils were encouraged to explore this question The Maths Excellence Club ran again this year delivering classes in any way that interested them, whether they chose to follow a for talented mathematicians. The students are stretched on scientific, creative arts or humanities approach. Thank you to all mathematical problems that go beyond the national curriculum staff involved at St Peter’s in making this such a successful event. through a combination of meetings with maths teachers, a team of university student mentors and an online resource to let them keep ISSP York improves each year and is valuable in offering great in touch between meetings and to help develop thinking. opportunities to our students, not only to develop their knowledge outside the classroom but also in inspiring and enthusing them with October half term saw pupils from St Peter’s joining 60 others the love of learning. This year also saw Johnathan Taylor, York ISSP’s from schools across York at the ISSP’s annual residential course in co-founder, receive an MBE for his work and we look forward to Brathay, Ambleside. Pupils were given the opportunity to study a next year where we will also host GCSE Astronomy classes and an variety of courses and take part in a number of gruelling outdoor inter-schools art exhibition. ISSP York just continues to grow and go activities. from strength to strength. ISSP continued their very successful first ‘Breakthrough’ event in Mrs Ella Mallard November this year - held here at St Peter’s School. The aim of the Head of Academic Extension
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Combined Cadet Force
2016-17 was an outstanding year for the Combined Cadet Force. Almost 30 fourth-form cadets, completing their first full year with the contingent, took part in a packed year of activities with older pupils and staff. Army cadets completed three overnight exercises, and the RAF section flourished, with 17 cadets in total, and two days of flying training at Linton-on-Ouse.
The highlight of the year was the annual camp, this year at Crowborough, and attended by both Army and RAF cadets. Twenty-nine pupils and four staff made the five-hour journey for the week-long camp.
The first day of training involved four military skills activities at Pippingford Park (the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories): a platoon attack, assaulting enemy positions; a bushcraft stand, studying ways of igniting fire and building beacons, and creating emergency stretchers for casualties; stalking a sniper position; and a final stand learning how to stage vehicle check points and carry out searches – and deal with armed and dangerous drivers.
Tuesday was a very busy day of adventure training, featuring orienteering, mountain biking, assault boats and canoes and kayaks, while Wednesday involved an outstanding range package, including Laser Quest, the 25m outdoor range, firing .22 on the indoor range, shotguns, archery, paintballing and finishing with training on the obstacle course.
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Competition day on Thursday stretched the cadets on their military knowledge, fitness, survival, shooting, teamwork and military skills, before an overnight exercise – including an ambush by the enemy, and a return attack on the enemy position – put those skills to the test in the field.
The final presentation on Friday saw St Peter’s take the top slot in the timed march, the mountain biking, and survival skills, and come fourth overall out of thirteen schools – an outstanding achievement.
Lt Hannah Hamilton
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Community Action
This year has seen Community Action pupils involved in a wide Pupils also showed good humour when carrying out environmental variety of fundraising and volunteering projects, some of which work in collaboration with York City Council. An area in Clifton was are regular features in the St Peter’s calendar and others which prepared for children from a primary school in York to plant shrubs they have been involved in for the first time. In all situations in to make a local public space more pleasant for local residents. our pupils prove themselves to have the qualities that make an Different skills are required for this type of work – physical strength excellent volunteer. They are reliable, positive and superb at making and resilience!
Comic Relief 2017 brought the usual varied selection of fancy dress outfits, with the addition of some staff dogs to add to the mix. Everyone was in good spirits and the Chaplain gave a fitting reminder at the start of the day that the main purpose of the day was to raise money for a very worthy and important cause.
The usual events in the Community Action calendar were a success as ever. Our pupils provided a cheerful welcome and enjoyable party games for the children from The Island, a local charity which mentors and supports young people. The ‘Under the Sea’ theme this year provided ample opportunity for themed games, face- painting and the design of invitations.
others feel welcome. The Community Action staff are continually Mencap Day proved another success and annually makes a big delighted with the dedication and enthusiasm of pupils in all year impression on pupils as they help visitors with learning disabilities groups. As they stood in York city centre one afternoon to do enjoy a variety of activities on school premises. As ever, it was a a charity fundraising collection for Barnardo’s they showed the really successful and enjoyable day with pupils helping and guiding resilience and positive outlook needed to persuade people to part the visitors in cycling, drumming, basketball and other activities. As with their money! After an informative session with a member of our pupils progress into adulthood our hope for them is that they Barnardo’s staff they had a greater awareness of the importance of carry an enlightened and positive view of people with disabilities, Barnardos’ work and how the money they raised is used. which benefits society as a whole. While the third form were
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helping the visitors with learning disabilities, a happy band of fifth- Congratulations to sign form volunteers were renewing and refreshing The Glen, a local language pupils who respite centre for children with severe disabilities. The efforts our successfully completed fifth form make there make a huge difference to the quality of life the Introduction to British for the residents and they leave the outdoor space looking tidy, Sign Language course. In vibrant and welcoming, despite working in some very inclement achieving this they gained weather. an awareness of issues surrounding deafness as well as a means of communicating to a wider range of Mention should also be made of our sixth form pupils who regularly people. visit charity shops, York Explore Library and SNAPPY play centre on Saturday afternoons. These placements require a high level of My thanks go to Mrs Robinson, Mrs Gillies and Mrs Middleton maturity, reliability and thinking on one’s feet. This year’s volunteers who continually help and support our pupils to gain these varied have shown all of these qualities. experiences. Community Action helps to ensure pupils are outward looking, with a willingness to proactively help others and support causes close to their hearts. Pupils gain a wide experience of different types of volunteering and fundraising, preparing them for making a contribution as they enter adult life. The upper sixth who participated heavily in Community Action this year were generous with their time and skills. We wish them all the best with their university studies, as well as all future volunteering they may do. They certainly have a lot to offer.
Mrs Laura Chapman
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Debating
Senior Debating Society The current upper sixth will be sad to leave and I’m grateful to Once again the Senior Debating Society has had an extremely Toby Johnston, Alice Jackson, Oliver Williams, Alistair Dodds, successful year whilst the ever-changing political climate has Louise Gould, Charles Dunn and Niall Collinson for their significant provided much stimulus for discussion and debate – it is strange contribution to the society, whilst the hard work of vice-presidents to think that we thought this time last year that the shock result Cressy Killick, Gideon Wakelin and Frank Jiang has been invaluable. from the EU Referendum in June would be the pinnacle of political uncertainty. Finally, I thank Mr Fuller and Miss Pearson for their tireless and continuous support and organisation throughout the year. I wish the Our weekly debates have ranged widely from ‘This House would society all the best for the future under their watchful gaze. make sports teams responsible for the actions of their fans’ to ‘This House believes that freedom of speech outweighs the right Elizabeth Martin, UVI not to be offended’ and ‘This House Believes that torture in war Debating Society President 2016-17 is justified’. The unwavering support of both staff and students in attending our debates really acts as the heart and soul of the society, and I applaud their contribution.
In the Easter Term teams competed in the senior house competition. The motion for the final between The Rise and Linton, in the week of the budget, was ‘This House believes that governments should provide a guaranteed, universal, basic income’. After some discussion the judges awarded the prize to Linton.
Our second debating dinner was a wonderful evening. We welcomed teachers and students to participate in the ‘dinner debate’, which this year stemmed from ‘the answer to life, the universe and everything is 42’. This motion allowed for much scope, taken up by the proposition of the Reverend Daniel Jones, Mr Vann and Mrs Hempsall. However, the students speaking in opposition were also inventive, consisting of Louise Gould, Alice Jackson and Dan Hicks. We also had the pleasure of welcoming back previous Society Presidents Jonathan Fry OP, Alex Woodruff OP and Ed Kettleborough OP for the unveiling of our new society honours board.
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Junior Debating of the fifth form. So good was the speech, that she was asked to deliver it again in chapel so the whole school could hear her valuable I know we say this every year but this year the standard of junior insights on the unexpected benefits of failure. The rapturous house debating was higher than ever. Motions tackled topics from applause at the end was testament to her excellent presentation selfie sticks, to vaccination, to adopting an official world language. and content. The final, between Hope and School, was a tough one: ‘This House Believes that, after meeting their basic needs, individuals In the junior competition Phoebe Stephenson harnessed the power have a moral responsibility to donate their wealth towards poverty of the flower and spoke on why we should be a bit more like the alleviation’. It seemed that the Hope house proposition, all third hippies to win ‘highly commended’. In total contrast, Iris Greaney formers, would be squished in an instant by the seasoned School challenged the audience with well-researched arguments in favour house crew of Jamie Dunsmore, Tom Hatfield and Sam Beighton. of the death penalty. There was certainly a lot of food for thought In fact, the third-formers (Henry Butters, Jennie Durham and from both speakers. The winner of the competition was Jennie Kitty Black) rose to the occasion, firing quick and pithy points of Durham with a personal and emotive exploration of dyslexia and information and delivering their own material with precision and the myths that surround it. Jennie drew the audience into her clarity. In the end, judges Mrs Mallard, Mr Vann and Mr Bateman speech with a well-structured combination of research and stories felt that the slick combination of School house’s team edged them from her own experience. into the top spot. In a joint initiative between the Debating Society and the English The junior society’s core fourth-form contingent debated well department an expanded dramatic reading competition was during the year and kept the life and soul of the junior society held for the juniors. Students were asked to select 600 words of alive. House debating brought a wave of interest from the thirds a favourite text and present it in a clear, dynamic and engaging and I think we will start next year strongly with a talented batch of way. Mrs Wright, who brought her expertise in drama to the third-form speakers moving into the fourth form, the senior society judging, commented on the high standard of presentation and the gaining an experienced group from the fourths. confidence displayed by all of the speakers. Beth Wheelhouse delivered a thought-provoking passage as Joan of Arc. She used Miss Laura Pearson her voice very well and was highly commended on the day for her moving interpretation of the text. Also highly commended was Public Speaking Kitty Black, whose passage from Junk was delivered with animation and humour. Kitty’s piece thoroughly entertained the audience and If there’s one thing that Peterites are good at, it’s talking! It has showed that she could command a room very well. The winner of been impressive to see a range of excellent speakers participating the competition was Jennie Durham. Jennie read a favourite passage in this year’s speaking competitions and we hope to see even more from Winnie-the-Pooh, bringing life to the piece with a range of participants in the future! character voices.
In the senior public speaking competition the Head Master, Mrs A big ‘thank you’ to the judges who gave up their time and spoke Lawrence and the Chaplain judged what was a very fine afternoon so helpfully about each participant. We hope to enter some inter- of speeches. Toby Johnston spoke on the environment, Alice school fixtures in the future and to expand the scope of individual Jackson (who wowed us with her dinner debate speech) took speaking opportunities. a feminist line and spoke on film. Charles Dunn, a regular at the lectern, was awarded a highly commended prize along with Marton Miss Laura Pearson Busa in his debut speech on bilingualism. In the end, the judges awarded the Senior Public Speaking plate to Georgina Edwards
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
In September 2016 pupils in the third form were able to start their DofE Bronze award, and 50 chose to take up the opportunity to start a range of DofE accredited skills, physical activities and volunteering opportunities.
In order to relieve a little bit of pressure around the time of GCSE examinations for those working towards their Silver award, the opportunity now exists to start the Silver award in the fourth form. The timescales for each section of the award are such that a pupil should be able to complete their Silver activities by the end of the first term of the fifth form. In September 2016, 99 pupils in the fourth and fifth form started working towards their Silver award.
Achieving your Gold Award is a significant challenge. It shows that you have the skills, determination and mentality to really succeed. 41 pupils in the sixth form have been working towards their Gold award in the last year.
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For many of those taking part it is the expedition that provides the greatest challenge and satisfaction. A practice expedition is followed up with a qualifying expedition, observed by a DofE accredited assessor.
Ten expeditions have been completed this year by 19 teams, with the generous support of many St Peter’s staff. Silver and Gold teams have ventured to the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, and North Pennines, whilst the Bronze teams have explored the footpaths and bridleways a little closer to York.
One team completed their expedition on two wheels, and plans are underway to take to the water next year!
Mr Jon Whitehouse
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Library
The library continues to shape around the needs of the pupils, and this year saw a very exciting development with the introduction of twenty tablets, each with a detachable keyboard and mouse. The flexibility of these devices has allowed pupils to use them in all areas of the library, rather than restricting them to the upstairs area. This was a great benefit during busy revision times and pupils excelled themselves in taking responsible care of the equipment. Ten desktop PCs remain in the library for those still attached to the more traditional set-up, providing the pupils with additional IT access when classes are held in the library. The Library Committee has also been adjusted so we now have a representative from each house from the third and fourth form alongside the representative for the fifth and sixth form.
In prize and competition news, National Poetry Day was celebrated with a poetry the CILIP Carnegie Medal by selected fourth form pupils with the competition open winners each receiving copies of the shortlist. Grove house scooped to all year groups the Christmas Quiz, returning the house to their previous winning with a theme of streak. Each team member won a Christmas stocking filled with ‘Messages.’ Daisy Christmas treats and, of course, the coveted trophy. Jack Hargrave Gilbert’s (third (lower sixth, Hope) excelled as quizmaster and our huge thanks go form, Temple) to him for such enthusiastic delivery. atmospheric gothic poem won an World Book Day was celebrated in fine style with a ‘book spine Amazon voucher poetry’ competition: pupils writing poems or short stories using for her stand- only book titles, stacking the books accordingly and taking a photo. out efforts. The The winners were Tansi Marshall (upper sixth, The Grove) and always-impressive Joseph Simpson (upper sixth, Hope) with their great joint effort Man Booker and Hannah Aubrey (School) leading the pack for the third form evening was a using an impressive eleven titles! The third form also received a visit heated contest this year with the introduction of a prize for the from Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2016 Winner, Alex Wheatle, champion of the St Peter’s winner: copies of the complete shortlist. who told us of his transformative experience with reading and how Esme Wright (upper sixth, Temple) won decisively with her spirited books helped to shape him into the writer he is. Alex had lunch with and convincing comments on Do Not Say We Have Nothing by pupils and delivered a creative writing workshop to selected fourth- Madeline Thien. This year also saw the introduction of shadowing form pupils.
The end of the academic year saw the twentieth anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the library held a party to celebrate. No detail was overlooked, with the library adorned in flying owls carrying invitations to Hogwarts, flying keys, Butterbeer, Sorting Hat cupcakes and of course, tabletop Quidditch. A Goblet of Fire raffle was held with lots of prizes going to pupils in every Hogwarts House.
My thanks, as ever, to the sterling efforts of the remarkable Library Committee this year, whose enthusiasm and commitment has known no bounds.
Mrs Amy Wong
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Exploration Week 2016
With exams completed and the academic year drawing to its Exploration Week 2017 gave opportunities for pupils to do exactly conclusion, our lower-sixth pupils were free to enjoy something a what it says on the tin – explore – way beyond the boundaries of little different – Exploration Week 2017. their usual timetable at St Peter’s and, as ever, they took on the challenge with typical Peterite gusto! Exploration Week introduces the pupils to a range of enlightening subjects and practical tasks, designed to complement all they have Mr Ben White learned during their penultimate year at St Peter’s. Essential UCAS and careers advice takes centre-stage as pupils begin to think about life after school, with workshops and talks focusing on personal statements, public speaking, creating an online brand and an introduction to university-style learning.
The week provides opportunities for staff to offer their own expertise on a wide array of topics, with sessions focusing on code- breaking, rat dissection, bike maintenance, stargazing, psychology, contemporary art, sports nutrition, flower arranging, survivalist cooking and even magic.
The centrepiece of the week was a team-building day for the entire year, in which pupils are required to work together in small teams
to complete a series of fun challenges – a particularly popular task is passing a baton to teammates over an ever-widening gap, which often results in some complicated human pyramids.
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Public Lecture Series Lecturers and visitors challenge, inspire and entertain
Our programme of public lectures, sixth-form lectures and informal lunches continues to bring a diverse range of outside speakers with great experiences, new ideas and different (and often witty) perspectives on life into school. We’re pleased that our evening public lectures are well supported by so many in the wider St Peter’s community and from the city and beyond: all are welcome, so if you haven’t already been along, do please join us!
In the Christmas term we welcomed the classicist Peter Jones, formerly of the University of Newcastle and a prolific author and columnist, who entertained us with new insights into the links between Latin and English and the Romans’ way of life and ours. In October the Shepherd Hall was packed to hear author Bernard Cornwell in conversation with the BBC’s Elly Fiorentini, talking about his life as a journalist and writer and the research needed to bring his Sharpe novels authentically alive. Chris Mullin returned to talk about his work as an MP, campaigner and diarist on publication of his autobiography, Hinterland. In a year of political maelstroms he brought a voice of calm and perception through his experience and anecdotes.
In the spring we hosted seven events over two weeks as part of the York Literature Festival. Gervase Phinn connected warmly with his audience as he regaled us with stories of Yorkshire and education. Beautiful photos and Dan Cruickshank’s irrepressible enthusiasm took us through A History of the World in 100 Buildings. Ann Widdecombe spoke about life as an MP and minister, and her reinvention as a writer, broadcaster and Strictly Come Dancing contestant. We brought science to the Festival with Professor Jeff Forshaw returning with his Guide to the Cosmos. The Rev Richard Coles was in conversation with Ben Fuller. As a former member of the Communards, now a broadcaster and Church of England parish priest, Richard had much to talk about. The BBC’s Jonathan Dimbleby gave an illustrated talk
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on the Battle of the Atlantic and explained why victory there was We welcomed Julian Sturdy MP (York Outer) to lunch to talk to so central to winning World War Two. We closed with a wonderful students about his work and answer questions from students about evening with the Yorkshire Rows, the four intrepid Yorkshire issues facing York and the country after Brexit. Having recently had mothers who last year became the oldest all-female crew to row the visits from two OP MPs, Neil Carmichael and Alan Mak, we were Atlantic. Janette Benaddi, Helen Butters, Frances Davies and Niki delighted to complete the set with a visit from John Healey (School Doeg published their story, Four Mums in a Boat, during the Festival, house,1976-1978, MP for Wentworth and Dearne), the Shadow and the TV and film rights have already been optioned. Secretary of State for Housing and Planning. Mr Healey spoke powerfully in Chapel about the opportunities given to him and all Our summer term programme brought two speakers from different Peterites through being at the school and what we can all do to sides of the world. Sir Ron Cooke, long-time York resident, spoke serve others in our life after school, and then met Politics students about the work of the York Civic Trust to improve the cityscape to answer questions. whilst Steve Biddulph visited from Tasmania. The Memorial Hall was packed for two consecutive nights as Steve imparted a lifetime’s insight into the tasks of Raising Boys and Raising Girls.
The year’s final lecture, in partnership with the Festival of Ideas, marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with Peter Stanford speaking about Martin Luther and his legacy today.
We had three excellent sixth-form lectures during the year. Our first was from the ever-enthusiastic Mike Hurst who gave his talk on the history of popular music, brought to life through his guitar. Carolyn Hodgson brought her experiences as a TV presenter to the needs of sixth formers trying to make a good first impression in the world of work or at interview – and went on to work with small groups during the term in the upper-sixth Global Perspectives programme. Gordon Tait OP, Professor of Sociology and Philosophy at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, made us think anew about the importance of different forms of study and ways of thinking, and introduced us to academic disciplines new to most sixth formers but which they might study at university – whilst being hugely entertaining and irreverent.
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Once again I have hugely valued the support and professionalism of all those in Estates, Catering, Housekeeping, IT, Marketing and the school office who have helped me enormously. This year’s monitors and heads of school have been great ambassadors as they welcomed our audience guests, assisted by a number of colleagues. In particular I would like to thank Sara Burns for her technical wizardry and professionalism, Sue Jenks who has run the box office with great efficiency for a number of years and David Morris who helped out front of house and took amazing photos – and will be much missed on retirement.
Mr Ben Fuller
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St Peter’s School Mock Election 2017017
St Peter’s has a fine tradition of holding mock elections, with a lively campaign in 2015 featuring strong student candidates for all the main parties and a mock EU referendum in 2016.
Theresa May called the 2017 election for Thursday 8 June which was a difficult date for a mock election, coming in the middle of exams. This called for a slimmed-down campaign. Three members of staff made the case for the three main parties standing in York Central at an assembly and all those students in school on the day were able to vote.
Our mock election turnout was high at 88% with a Conservative victory in all but one of the school groups or constituencies voting. Meanwhile, many in the upper sixth enjoyed the opportunity to vote, for real, for the first time. When the results for York Central were declared Rachael Maskell, first elected as MP in 2015, saw her majority soar from under 7,000 to over 18,000.
Mr Ben Fuller
National Schools’ Challenge
This year saw the St Peter’s Challenge team crowned regional In the final, they defeated Barnard Castle as a result of their champions for a second time. knowledge of Flanders and Swann, international currencies and Formula 1, but decidedly not English literature: apparently, ‘Murder After their preliminary match, our very impressive team of George in ... Grimsby’ is a title still available ... O’Neill (captain), Dan Hicks, Piyush Koorapaty and AJ Coates came through a very tense semi-final against Ampleforth, a match It should be noted that the other St Peter’s team of Cosmo Forbes decided in the very last minute by a single set of questions. (captain), Jamie Dunsmore, Josh Glyn and Ethan McKinney came through the ‘triad’ round with very hard-fought wins, against Bradford Grammar School (310 points to 280) and against Ripon Grammar (350 points to 150). In their semi-final, they lost by a single question to the Barnard Castle team whom the A-team defeated in the final.
This victory in the regional championship meant that St Peter’s progressed to the inter-regional final, missing out on victory by the finest of margins.
This match was fought against Manchester Grammar School and the team (now including Cosmo Forbes) was impressive once again with their knowledge of music, literature and politics – excelling particularly in a round on the middle names of American presidents!
They came up against an impressive Manchester Grammar School team in the final, and after a hard-fought contest, were beaten 570-510.
My thanks to all involved and I very much look forward to next year…
Mrs Ella Mallard
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United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenges 2016-2017
Senior Team Challenge Year 10 Mathematics Feast Luke Dunsmore, Jerry Tam, Jack Hargrave and Demi Xin competed Four fourth-form students made the short journey to Bootham in the regional final of the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust School to compete in the Further Maths Support Programme Year Senior Team Challenge, at Fulford School. The competition tests 10 Maths Feast. The competition consisted of several rounds, all mathematical, communication and teamwork skills, and students requiring teamwork and a range of mathematical skills, including compete against teams from other schools and colleges from their flexible approaches to problem-solving. The St Peter’s team of region. 22 schools from the county were represented and the St Laurie Carlyle, Matthew Shawcross, Lily Williams and Maddie Wylie Peter’s team was placed fourth. worked well together throughout a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Senior Mathematics Challenge Junior Team Challenge This challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision In the summer term, Matthew Ng and Tommy Hudson together of thought, and fluency in using mathematical techniques. In with Harry Tsang and Hugo Lange from St Olave’s, competed in the November forty-six St Peter’s sixth-form students took part: nine regional final of the UKMT Team Challenge, at the Mount School, received bronze awards, sixteen gained silver, and gold certificates alongside 27 other school teams. There was a group competition, a were awarded to Jerry Tam, Cecilia Duan, Luke Dunsmore, Lily crossnumber, a head-to-head and a relay race. They worked very Wang, Thomas Tam, Sam Lightwing, Steven Jones, Frank Jiang, Jack hard during the day on these activities and finished fourth overall. Hargrave, Demi Xin, Schephay Dong, Cecilia Zhang and Clare Hornby. Intermediate Mathematics Challenge This challenge is targeted at the top third of pupils in English Senior British Mathematical Olympiad and schools. The question papers are designed to make students think Kangaroo by using mathematical techniques to solve non-standard problems. Because of their high marks in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge In February, 49 St Peter’s middle-school students took part, with 26 eleven students were invited to take part in higher rounds of the pupils achieving a gold certificate, ten a silver and ten a bronze. competition. Cecilia Duan, Luke Dunsmore, Lily Wang, Thomas Tam, Sam Lightwing, Steven Jones, Demi Xin, Schephay Dong, 45th UKMT National Mathematics Summer School Jack Hargrave and Cecilia Zhang sat the one-hour Senior Kangaroo at St Anne’s College, Oxford Challenge. Jerry Tam was invited to take the British Mathematical Olympiad paper. The BMO lasts three and a half hours and contains Following his excellent performance in the Intermediate six complex and involved mathematical problems. Mathematical Challenge, Francis Zhang was invited to the 45th UKMT National Mathematics Summer School at St Anne’s College, Oxford which took place in August. British Informatics Olympiad 2016 Jerry Tam and Luke Dunsmore competed in this three-hour computer programming competition which involves solving problems against the clock, using nothing more than pen, paper and a computer.
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Intermediate British Mathematical Olympiad and Iris Greaney, Andrew Hanson, Oliver Tomalin, Katie Bonner, Maddie Kangaroo Wylie, Man Yi Lee, David Lyon, James Hanson, Ksenia Trubacheva, Isabel Chen, Amelie Lam, Barney Baker, Tom Hatfield, Lily Williams, Jamie Dunsmore, Matthew Ng, Matthew Shawcross and Francis Alex Harrison, Laurie Carlyle, Ilya Rzheznikov, Morgan Enoch, Ben Zhang were invited to sit the United Kingdom Mathematics Hobbs and Amelia Gray were invited to sit the European Kangaroo Trust Intermediate Maths Olympiad following their outstanding paper. The questions involved thought-provoking situations performance on the Intermediate Maths Challenge in February. This requiring the use of logic as well as mathematical understanding and is a national competition and only the best mathematicians are able pupils from over forty countries in Europe and beyond took part. to cope with the very challenging questions. Mr David Spencer As a result of their excellent performances in the Maths Challenge,
Maths Inspiration Lectures
Maths Inspiration is one of the largest maths enrichment 2. David Acheson: Mathematics, Magic and the Electric programmes for teenagers in the UK. It’s a chance for pupils to Guitar experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers live, in big Dr David Acheson looked at a number of exciting ideas including venues, presenting mathematics in the context of exciting, real- the mathematics involved in the vibrations of strings. His talk was world situations. In March a group of lower-sixth Further Maths inspiring and all appreciated his excellent guitar playing. pupilsattended the Maths Inspiration Lectures at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. There were three talks: 3. Colin Wright: Patterns, Predictions and Juggling In this highly entertaining talk, Colin Wright showed how spotting 1. Coralie Colmez: Maths on Trial patterns can help in a surprising number of situations, including the Coralie examined some of the mistakes that have been made by invention of new juggling tricks, and that patterns aren’t always as people trying to use maths as evidence in court by looking at cases predictable as they seem. in which the sums were wrong and the accused were innocent. Mr David Spencer
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Northern Eastern Schools’ Modern Foreign Languages Debating Competition
Grammar School at Leeds, Wednesday 8 February 2017 and Alice Jackson came first in the Spanish debates, beating GSAL in a tense final. This was the third year of the North Eastern Schools’ MFL Debating Competition and it is encouraging to see that the popularity of this The greatest satisfaction from a teaching point of view is seeing competition continues to grow. This year we changed the venue in the development in confidence of these young learners during the order to share the experience of running the competition and in an day of competition. They usually arrive full of nerves but they soon attempt to draw in more schools from the north-east. There were start surprising themselves and impressing their teachers through debates in three languages: French, Spanish and German, to give the language and the arguments that they are able to produce. We more pupils the opportunity to participate in their chosen language. would like to thank all students who participated on the day and their teachers who helped them prepare for the debates. Eight teams attended for the German competition, twelve for Spanish and fifteen for French. The standard of debating was Mr Mike Duffy excellent despite the difficulty of some of the motions: ‘It would be better for young people to study using the internet than go to school’, ‘We should close our borders to immigrants’ and ‘It is more difficult being a parent nowadays than in the past’. The unseen motion for the final was that ‘Money brings happiness’.
The debates offer students a brilliant opportunity to practise their languages in an intense but supportive atmosphere – excellent training for those who must sit advanced level oral exams each summer. We entered two teams this year: the French team of Jess Webster and Ellie Brierley debated well but narrowly lost out to RGS Newcastle (the eventual winners) and the Spanish team of Gaby Richardson
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Scholars’ Trip: GR8escape
St Peter’s scholars enjoyed a scholars’ trip to York’s famous ‘escape rooms’, where they were locked in themed rooms and given just one hour to escape. To do so they had to complete a variety of challenges and puzzles, testing both brains and teamwork. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Our most successful team was our sixth form (Steven Jones, Luke Dunsmore, Jack Hargrave, Clare Hornby and Chloe Wong) who were the only team to escape – with 53 seconds to spare! In doing so they became only the 59th team to have managed it from over 250 teams to have tried.
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Science Department Trips and Outreach
Ogden Trust York Schools Science Partnership We are now entering our fifth year of the Ogden Trust Schools Science (Physics) Partnership in York, with St Peter’s being the hub school. Vale of York Academy, Fulford School, Archbishop Holgate’s School, The Joseph Rowntree School, Manor CE School and (as of next year) The Mount School, work alongside the University of York Physics Department’s Outreach Officer/Ogden Officer, Katherine Leech. The aim of the partnership is to enhance the delivery and uptake of physics by promoting the subject within the partnership schools, encouraging collaboration between them and giving their teachers access to the best support and professional development available. They aim to inspire young people to take physics further. This is an exciting initiative and we look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships over the coming years. The partnership schools were encouraged to attend the public lectures and contribute to the Stargazing Live exhibition. We held the fourth York Schools Science Quiz, and the eighth Science Technicians’ Conference and the by the students in their research placements earns them a Gold eleventh Physics Olympics were also jointly attended events. The Crest Award and the presentation of the certificates took place partnership has funded the purchase of physics equipment for the in the Yorkshire Museum in a special ceremony prior to one of the partnership schools and we hope that it will be able to continue Yorkshire Philosophical Society’s series of lectures. The students to do this. We were also able to loan the demonstration cloud displayed their posters and were quizzed by members of YPS before chamber out to the university for their open days. the lecture on Explosives: the past, present and future by Prof Jackie Akhavan, head of the Centre for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield Nuffield Research Placement University, who presented Daniel Kondratiev and Frank Jiang with Presentation Ceremony their Nuffield Certificates and STEM Gold Crest Awards. During the summer of 2016 Daniel and Frank carried out their Nuffield In early October the Nuffield/STEMNET award ceremony was projects at the universities of York and Bangor respectively. Daniel’s held for the sixth-formers from local schools who had taken part project aim was to create software for taking low temperature in research placements in various institutions dealing with science, magnetoresistance readings and Frank’s project aim was to technology, engineering and maths. The body of work undertaken demonstrate and apply the photonics effect known as laser speckle.
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On Wednesday 9 November, we were delighted to welcome Professor Martin Elliott for the Guy Fawkes Lecture. In his lecture entitled Formula 1 May be Good for your Health Professor Elliott, who was until July 2015 Medical Director at The Great Ormond Street Hospital, explained how the principles used by Formula One teams to improve performance are being put to use across the world in life-saving heart surgery. Professor Elliott, now Professor of Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at University College London, described how the sport’s principles of teamwork, innovation and excellence, alongside the relentless pursuit of safety, have influenced his essential work and that of doctors and surgeons around the world, but also stressed that the medical profession could still learn much more from other industries.
On Friday 13 January this year’s Stargazing Live event (now in its seventh year) combined a science exhibition (including mobile planetarium and sun dome), telescope retailers and some hands- on things to do, a lecture and an opportunity to look through a host of telescopes. The lecture, The Beauty and Science of Nebulae,
Science Public Lecture Programme On Wednesday 21 September Professor Cobb of the University of Manchester delivered a talk entitled The Brave New World of CRISPR Gene Editing, in which he discussed the controversial process and its potential implications in the worlds of medicine, biology and even international politics.
On Wednesday 12 October, in a lecture entitled ESA’s Big Year in Space Science 2016 Professor Mark McCaughrean, Senior Science Advisor at the European Space Agency, brought his audience up to date with the latest findings from a year which has really pushed the frontiers of space exploration. Some of the most fascinating results presented included those from the celebrated Rosetta spacecraft, which only completed its mission at the end of September, whilst the lecture also looked forward to the ExoMars-2016 mission, which was set to land on the Red Planet later the same month.
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was delivered by Professor Carolin Crawford of the University of in some regions of Cambridge who showcased a series of spectacular astronomical the world. Professor images, explaining how a nebula – a frequently vivid collection of Ferguson’s own interstellar clouds and dust – is formed, and what we’re actually significant contribution looking at when observing the phenomenon. The event was run to this has been the in conjunction with the University of York’s Physics Department establishment of the and York Astronomical Society who once again turned out in force Drug Discovery Unit with an amazing array of telescopes. Thanks to the Friends of St at the University of Peter’s who again ran a raffle and manned a food stall. Demand for Dundee, at which 95 the event was huge, with all tickets going. The event is a particular scientists dedicate their highlight of the school year and it was great to welcome people of time to creating new all ages from across York and the region to make real observations and safer medicines of the night sky and to learn more about astrophysics. The for infectious diseases enthusiasm it generated was infectious and we are already looking and tackling the spread forward to next year’s event. of drug-resistant infections that aren’t On Wednesday 15 February a former St Peter’s pupil returned after prioritised by the pharmaceutical industry. 42 years: Mike Ferguson (School, 1975), Regius Professor of Life
On Wednesday 1 March we welcomed Professor Kevin Shakesheff to deliver a lecture entitled Growing and Regenerating Human Tissue: A New Frontier in Medicine. Professor Shakesheff, of the University of Nottingham, discussed the future of medical science, focusing on his work in regenerating human tissue and its utility in treating illnesses ranging from cancer to blindness – a relatively recent and highly exciting new development in medicine. The audience quizzed the speaker on a range of topics, including the commercial viability of cell regeneration as an available treatment, the potential applications of the process in plant life, and even the possibility of creating a whole human being with the technique.
Sciences at the University of Dundee, delivered a lecture entitled What are the Boffins doing about Infectious Diseases?, detailing what scientists like himself are doing to tackle diseases such as Malaria, African Sleeping Sickness and Tuberculosis, which is still prevalent
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explore new concepts and theories. Professor Randall elaborated on the idea that dark matter could in fact be responsible for the meteor the size of a city descending from space to wipe out the dinosaurs sixty-six million years ago, before concluding her lecture with the surprising connections to be found between science and art – something she has explored through writing a libretto for Hypermusic: A Projective Opera in Seven Planes and co-curating an art exhibit for the Los Angeles Arts Association. It was a wonderful experience to be able to welcome a physicist of Professor Randall’s standing to St Peter’s. She is a leading expert on the mysterious subject of dark matter and her theory of how it may have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs was truly fascinating. She was an On Wednesday 22 March Professor Jeff Forshaw from Manchester inspiration to the next generation of young scientists. University took the York Literature Festival back in time – all the In June we hosted two lectures as part of the York Festival of Ideas. way to the moments leading up to the Big Bang. Professor Forshaw, The Festival was launched in June 2011 by the University of York, who has collaborated with Brian Cox on his new book Universal: with the aim of enhancing York’s reputation as a city of ideas and A Guide to the Cosmos, explained how science has progressed to innovation. The Festival offers the highest calibre of public events such a point that physicists can now study how the universe was to local, regional and visitor audiences and thereby demonstrates behaving at the exact moment the Big Bang took place. Professor the transformative power of education. Now in its seventh year, the Forshaw detailed how the Higgs Boson particle, discovered in the festival has grown rapidly, and we at St Peter’s were delighted to be Large Hadron Collider in 2012, has enabled a whole new way of able to play our part in it. More than 150 events took place across a thinking about the past, present, and indeed future of our universe. thirteen-day period during the Festival. On Friday 19 May world- renowned theoretical physicist Professor Lisa Randall, of Harvard University, enlightened the audience on the unlikely connection between two spectacular phenomena. Discussing the theory behind her new book, Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding On Friday 9 June Professor Freemont from Imperial College gave a Interconnectedness of the lecture entitled Synthetic Biology – Designing the Future in which he Universe, Professor Randall examined the ongoing debate about scientists ‘playing God’, as they explained the role of dark matter in the origins of the universe, develop new ways of reprogramming cell behaviour. This ‘new era of its role in our solar system and the process by which scientists
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biotechnology’ has been brought about largely as it is now cheaper Eighth Ogden A2 Physics Symposium, The than ever to read and write DNA. Professor Freemont asserts that University of Durham: The Ogden Centre for there is no better time for governments to invest in a sustainable Fundamental Physics bioeconomy, as the applications of such engineering could be endless, revolutionising numerous industries, including energy, food, At the start of September Samuel Stanford won a place at manufacturing, medicine and security. The audience quizzed the this symposium which has the object of allowing students to speaker on the potential pitfalls and unforeseen hazards of this sample physics as it is taught and demonstrated to first-year revolution, considering whether there was potential for weaponising undergraduates at Durham and to encourage them to apply to the technology, or even if cloning and the ability to artificially design study the subject at degree level, whether at Durham or elsewhere. people was a real possibility. My visit to the physics symposium at Durham University was a Three days later on Monday 12 June medical doctor Beth Healey fantastic opportunity to understand what it would be like to study spoke on the subject of White Space. Dr Healey has recently Physics at Durham and gave me the experience of being a residential returned from a year-long mission to Antarctica, the earth’s student at university. The lectures covered a range of topics, from southernmost continent, where she has been examining the learning how to slow down atoms with lasers to deriving E=mc2. effects of this extreme environment on the overwinter crew at the The educational content was fascinating, and I felt very privileged to Concordia research station. She explained how the crew could receive a hands-on lecture from a group of PhD students about using expect to go more than 100 days without a glimpse of sunlight, and computers and virtual reality to explore the beginnings of the universe. that temperatures at Concordia would rarely creep above minus 80 I participated in a formal dinner at St Aidan’s College, and I enjoyed degrees Farenheit. Understandably, this takes a significant toll on staying in Van Mildert College. The activities run in the evenings by the the team of scientists who work there during the winter months. hosts were fun and socially engaging, and I particularly enjoyed the The station, nicknamed ‘White Mars’, due to its inaccessibility, quiz on the second evening. I would highly recommend this event to altitude and low light levels, is designed to mimic conditions on anyone thinking of applying for a science-based degree at university. the red planet, allowing Dr Healey to examine the physiological Sam Stanford, UVI and psychological effects of monotony, confinement and isolation on the thirteen crew members. Her findings cast doubt on Mars’ viability as a refuge for humanity, and Dr Healey argues that this is all the more reason for us to take better care of the planet we currently call home.
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St Peter’s School in York has put itself forward as the STEM Hub for the York area and was host to a teacher training session for ten teachers from York and from further afield, led by the BLOODHOUND SSC support team. At this, pupils and teachers at the school have been learning all about the science behind the 1,000 mph car and building their own miniature prototypes. Everyone tested their cars on the School’s tennis courts, hitting speeds in excess of 50 mph. All schools from the area were invited to register for their free allocation of foam model rocket kits and could then attend the Hub race day in April 2017. To be involved with such a ground-breaking project is hugely exciting for everybody at the school. It’s great to see pupils engaging with the STEM subjects in Bloodhound Race for the Line Competition such an interactive and dynamic way. The UK is in need of future engineers and what better way to inspire pupils down this career BLOODHOUND SSC is the fastest car ever designed, with a top path. speed of 1,050 mph. It will begin its supersonic run programme in 2017, targeting 800 mph. 500 data channels on the car will tell Bloodhound engineers and school students how the design of the car is performing as it gets increasingly fast over 30 runs on the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa. The BLOODHOUND Project is using this 1,000 mph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In support of this project is a Race for The Line Bloodhound Micro:bit Model Rocket Car Competition for 7-16 year olds. The goal of the competition is simple: the fastest car through the timing gate, set so cars enter it at the 15-metre mark, with a functioning micro:bit on board able to gather acceleration data and upload it into the leader board, wins!
A-level Science Live At the end of November our lower sixth Physics pupils attended the A-level Science Live event in Manchester, to hear what some of the country’s most eminent physicists have to say about the universe’s big questions. The event encourages young scientists from across the country to engage with top physicists, including the author and star of multiple documentaries, Professor Jim Al-Khalili. Professor Al-Khalili invited pupils to consider one of life’s great questions: do we live in a deterministic universe? Other discussions focused on particle physics, fluid dynamics and the mysteries of gravity, and Professor Lucie Green, from the BBC’s Stargazing Live, offered an insight into the sun and the next generation of spacecraft that are going to be going ever closer to its surface to measure the Coronal Mass Discharges. The other speakers were Dr Helen Czerski,
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Dr Tom Whyntie and Dr Michael Brooks. Alongside hearing the distinguished speakers, pupils also got to grips with the fine detail of their A-level curriculum, with help from an experienced chief examiner. Engaging with these renowned scientists, each working at the cutting edge of their respective field, will have given our pupils plenty of food for thought about pursuing careers or further education in physics. All of the speakers were hugely passionate and were chosen for their great communication skills. Being able to couple this enthusiasm with an insight into what A-level examiners are looking for will no doubt prove invaluable for our pupils in their studies and beyond.
GCSE Science Live At the start of December we took the whole of the fourth form to the GCSE Science Live event which took place at Leeds Town success with Science GCSE. The scientists appearing during the day Hall. During the course of the day the pupils saw and heard five at Leeds were Professor Lord Robert Winston, Professor Dave Cliff, of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their Dr Jamie Gallagher, Dr Ben Garrod and Professor Lucie Green. specialisms. The scientists were carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with students of this age in a direct and exciting way. The day was fast-moving, exciting and thought-provoking, and York Astronomical Society Student Presentations gave the students the chance to raise issues with the scientists and On Friday 20 January five of our upper-sixth physicists gave short allowed them to see that science really does offer solutions to many presentations to the members of York Astronomical Society at of the world’s great problems. Each pupil received a well-produced one of their bi-monthly members’ meetings. The students chose booklet with details about each scientist, the lectures and some and researched their own topics and spoke for 12-15 minutes each, general articles about studying science and working as scientists – as taking questions from the floor at the end. About 20 of their friends well as a number of pieces from an experienced chief examiner on from St Peter’s went along to support them and helped to make up an audience of about 60 people. Cecilia Duan spoke on The Colonisation of Mars, Daniel Kondratiev on From Gagarin to 2017: a Brief History of Russian Cosmonautics, Jerry Tam on The Limit of Space Travel, Frank Jiang on Intermediate Black Holes and ULXs Starter Pack and Sam Stanford on Computers in Space. We were delighted and honoured to get the invitation from our friends at York Astronomical Society and all of our pupils more than rose to the challenge. They spoke with confidence and it was clear that a lot of preparation had gone in to their talks. They even managed to
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also the York Schools Ogden Partnership, with a large thank you to the Rotary Club of York Vikings for the water bottles and the Ogden Trust for the 8GB memory sticks and Amazon Voucher prizes. Each member of the winning teams won £20 Amazon vouchers.
The quiz was put together and presented by Mr Andy Parr, from St Peter’s School Physics department, and consisted of Biology, Chemistry and Physics rounds alongside an observation challenge and a ‘hitting the headlines’ round, amongst others. At the end of the quiz the teams waited with bated breath for the results to be announced.
Schools without sixth forms:
1st ‘Geeky Gooks’ Bedale High School
2nd ‘The Lab Rats’ Millthorpe School
3rd ‘Team’ Manor Academy
Open competition:
1st ‘Bootham B’ Bootham School
2nd ‘S=T/P’ St Peter’s School
3rd ‘Jo Rovers’ Joseph Rowntree School
I was delighted with the positive support from the schools of York, with this year’s event being the biggest so far, and I hope that the competition will continue to grow. Many of the schools that were unable to take part this year have indicated that they will come on board next year. A good number of the questions were very demanding, and the answers from the pupils were impressive: no doubt much science would have been learned on the evening. Congratulations to Bootham School and to Bedale High School for their success. add a little humour along the way and their efforts were warmly recognised by everyone present. This was the first time that we had done something like this and I was very proud of our pupils and the NE/NW Science Committee for Science way in which they represented themselves and St Peter’s. We hope to Technicians’ Conference be able to repeat the experience with some of next year’s upper sixth. In May, for the eighth year running, St Peter’s hosted the North East North West Standing Committee for Science Technicians’ Fourth York Schools Science Quiz conference. This was attended by over 90 technicians largely from the leading independent schools across the North of England, and On Monday 6 March twelve schools from in and around York it continues to grow and provides a focal point for the technician came together for the fourth York Schools Science Quiz. Twenty- community. There was a fantastic range of activities, exhibitions four school teams competed along with four teacher teams (put and workshops available throughout the day for the delegates, together from the teachers who brought the pupils along from the various schools) for the trophies and prizes. Each team consisted of two lower sixth- and two fifth-form pupils or four fifth-form pupils for those schools without sixth forms. The schools represented were The Joseph Rowntree School, Archbishop Holgate’s School, Fulford School, The Mount School, Manor CE Academy, Millthorpe School, Bootham School and St Peter’s School from within York, and Bedale High School, Harrogate Ladies’ College, Pudsey Grangefield School and Archbishop Sentamu Academy from outside the city. The event took place as part of the York ISSP and
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delivered by education consultants, university outreach officers and fellow technicians among others.
Thanks to all of the St Peter’s technicians for helping to make the day such a big success, particularly Mark Robinson, who again led one of the most popular workshops entitled Don’t Believe Your Eyes! which contained a miscellany of illusions and ‘magic’.
King’s Chester Physics Olympics On Tuesday 20 June eight of our third formers took part in the second King’s School Chester Physics Olympics Competition. After an early start and lengthy minibus journey, during which we practised some Fermi Quiz questions, we arrived at our destination and organised ourselves into two teams of four. Team Heisenberg consisted of Hannah Aubrey, Jodie Leon, Andy Hanson and Tommy Hudson, whilst Team Watt featured Jenny Durham, Poppy Steenberg, Ben Dunsmore and Oscar Hawes. During the course of the day the teams tackled five practical challenges, including constructing a solar-powered boat, making an electromagnet, firing a rocket at a target, building a boat out of plasticine and plotting a calibration graph to find an unknown mass. Alongside these was the Fermi Quiz which requires estimates of quantities to be made to the nearest power of ten. Both of our teams focused well in all of the tasks, recording consistently competitive values, giving them the chance of being successful. We were all delighted when Team other teams from a range of different schools. In the competition, there Heisenberg were announced as Silver Medal winners, followed by were five challenges as well as a Fermi Quiz. The Fermi Quiz involved Team Watt as the Gold Medal winners. estimating (and quite a bit of guessing) which all the teams had to complete throughout the day. For instance, we had to work out how The first challenge of the Physics Olympics was having to get to school much the global sea level would rise when an oil tanker was placed in it. by 7 am. This was because it was being hosted at The King’s School Chester. The stakes were raised this year as King’s had won the Year The first activity for us involved trying to make the biggest temperature 8 Physics Olympics at St Peter’s the previous week. There were two difference from some water. By splitting the water into two beakers, teams from our school (Watt and Heisenberg) competing against 22 we attempted to keep one warm whilst cooling the other one down.
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This was our most successful event (we came second). After this, our second challenge was to create a catamaran. This involved designing a boat from two water bottles acting as hulls, and a propeller. In the end, we posted quite a good time but this was after some high-pressure, last-minute changes to the design and some confusion over which way the propeller spins. My favourite event came next which was designing a rocket to get as close to a flag as possible. We could affect the trajectory of the rocket by altering the pressure, angle and direction of the launcher. After unsuccessfully trying to find the mass of plasticine with springs, we moved onto the final challenge. This required us to induce an electromagnetic force from a piece of metal in order to pick up as many paper clips as possible.
Although we all wanted the winning t-shirts, we had reconciled ourselves to a middle-of-the-table finish. Surprisingly, the St Peter’s Heisenberg team were read out as the runners-up. Even more surprisingly, St Peter’s Watt team were the overall winners. Even though we didn’t win any events, we were consistently high. This concluded an enjoyable and interesting day. Thank you to Mr Morris for a great trip!
Ben Dunsmore, III
achievement, together with parents and teachers, were invited to the celebratory event, at which everyone was invited to try out hands-on experiments in the Department of Physics’ teaching laboratories. This was followed by an awards presentation by the Head of Physics, Professor Sarah Thompson, and a keynote lecture by Dr Laurence Wilson on salt lakes, Malaria, and Molecular Motors. Schephay Dong won the Year 12 award with Maisy O’Neill and Andrew Liang being the Year 10 award winners.
Liverpool University Physics Olympics Competition Two teams of four of our upper-sixth physicists have taken part in the Liverpool University Physics Olympics Competition, which School Physicist of the Year awards this year was celebrating its 25th anniversary. The teams competed The Ogden Trust and the University of York held their School against a total of 35 schools from across the North of England in six Physicist of the Year Award ceremony on June 27. The annual separate challenges throughout the day. These included determining awards ceremony recognises the most promising A-level and GCSE the density of a ‘fly’ by timing its descent through a viscous liquid, physics students in their region with each prizewinner receiving releasing a car from a sloping track at the right height for the car a book token to the value of £25. The students who had been to jump a gap and land on a target and communicating by code nominated by their teachers for their outstanding effort and the identity of four elements between one pair of team members
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and the second pair of team members with only an empty can of Pringles crisps to work with! The teams also had to find the area within the outer perimeter of a symbol suspended high on the side of a building and identify five absorption lines in the spectrum of a star. Both of our teams came first equal in one of the games, but it was team Barkla that also went on to come out on top in the Fermi Quiz and amass enough points to make them the overall winners of the competition. The Fermi Quiz had a theme of silver with one of the questions being: what is the potential energy due to the electrostatic repulsion between all of the protons in a silver nucleus? The winning team consisted of Daniel Kondratiev, Cecilia Duan, Sean Shao and Steven Jones and they are to be congratulated on this tremendous achievement in what was a very competitive field.
Mr David Morris
The Liverpool Physics Olympics was a great event to attend, and I am certain that all the eight pupils who represented our school, including myself, had a very enjoyable day. On behalf of all of us, I would like to thank Mr Morris for all the effort he put into taking us there.
On the day, we met early in the morning when it was still dark and chilly to take the two-hour bus journey to Liverpool. Following a sleepy start, whilst still on the minibus, we began looking at previous all the winners announced. Our team was proud to have achieved years’ Fermi Quizzes, trying to cram in as many useful facts as we the first place in the whole event, although it was a great surprise could in the time left: the average atomic radius, planet distances, at the time. Returning to York, we were all exhausted after such and even equations we have not studied yet. Some of these were a brimming day. Although Mr Morris objected to the idea of crucial to the questions we got! During the time we had in Liverpool celebrating by drinking champagne from the Winners’ Cup, we all before the scheduled start, we visited the Metropolitan Cathedral – had a pleasant meal to conclude the experience. an immense and fascinating masterpiece of architecture! Daniel Kondratiev, UVI The Olympics took place at the University of Liverpool. There was a total of five events to complete alongside a Fermi Quiz, where we had to estimate the order of magnitude of various physical quantities. Some events were slightly more straightforward, but they all required intense collective thinking from the whole team due to strictly limited time and resources. The pressure was high since we had hardly any time to rest between challenges. During lunch, we were rushing to complete the Fermi Quiz, cross-checking each answer multiple times and trying to recall all the physical constants we couldn’t remember.
Finally, it was the time for the awards ceremony. Anticipation and nervousness were almost palpable in the air. Soon, it was over with
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British Physics Olympiad A2 Competition In the British Physics Olympiad for Year 13 students Cecilia Duan received a Gold Award, Frank Jiang, Daniel Kondratiev and Luke Dunsmore (not in picture) received Silver Awards, Gideon Wakelin and Jerry Tam Bronze I Awards and Samuel Stanford a Bronze II Award.
Front row: Frank Jiang, Cecilia Duan, Jerry Tam; St Peter’s Physics Olympics Competition 2017 Back row: Daniel Kondratiev, Samuel Stanford, Gideon Wakelin 140 pupils from across York and the north of England travelled to St Peter’s School, York, for an annual physics competition. The British Physics Olympiad AS Competition competition, now in its eleventh year, brings together teams of Year In the AS National Physics Competition for Year 12 students 8 children who compete across a variety of challenges including Schephay Dong and James Mahon received Silver Awards, Zaki a Fermi Quiz, constructing the highest tower and building the Ward, Marcus Brown and Ben Chamberlain received Bronze I fastest solar-powered boat. The standout team on the day was Awards, and Matt Ubhi a Bronze II award. Schephay also received Team Gamow from King’s School Chester, who finished in the top an Emerald Award Certificate for outstanding performance at Isaac ten teams in each of the six separate challenges to run away as Physics. Gold Medallists, with Cundall Manor School second and Bradford Grammar School third.
Winners
This Way and That: Team Röntgen, The Grammar School at Leeds Highlight: Team Chadwick, Bradford Grammar School Solar So Good: Team Weber, Millthorpe School Mind Over Matter: Team Thomson, Cundall Manor School Hippopotomas: Team Kelvin, St Olave’s School Fermi Quiz: Team Becquerel, The Holy Family Catholic High School 5th Team Kepler, Beverley Grammar School 4th Team Dirac, St Aidan’s Church of England High School 3rd Team Chadwick, Bradford Grammar School
2nd Team Thomson, Cundall Manor School
Front row: James Mahon, Schephay Dong, Matt Ubhi; 1st Team Gamow, King’s School Chester Back row: Zaki Ward, Marcus Brown, Ben Chamberlain It was fantastic once again to welcome so many schools from across
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Science Society Christmas Lecture: Medicine through the ages The Science Department’s Christmas Lecture 2016 covered the topic of Medicine through the ages. We saw how the application of science has enabled medicine to develop from hacking off limbs very quickly on the battlefield to very precise targeting of individual sections of DNA today. Coupled with medicine’s ever-increasing power, is the rise of medical ethics and the pupils were sent away with the idea that their generation will be faced with some very difficult decisions regarding the application of our rapidly gaining knowledge.
Mrs McKie and Mrs Hall enjoyed imparting the gory details about battlefield barbers: ‘treating the war wounded was one of the main tasks of the barber-surgeon, as well as extracting teeth, performing enemas, selling medicines, performing surgery and, of course, cutting hair.’ The battlefield was the ideal place for the inquisitive anatomical scientist. The anatomists had a problem during times the region. To finish the tasks required focused team work and the of peace or when there were a lack of public executions, however pupils were stretched throughout the day. Everyone competed – hence the development of professional grave-robbers. Much of with enthusiasm and it was a pleasure to see so many budding medical treatment, such as bloodletting and trepanning, was based young physicists rising to the challenges and enjoying themselves on superstition or incorrect understanding of concepts such as the along the way: they were a credit to their teachers and schools. I four humours, although some traditional apothecarial remedies would like to thank all of my colleagues, the support staff and the do have some scientific basis. Mr Mallard then introduced the dedicated sixth-form helpers who helped on the day to make this development of the scientific method to furthering medicine (if not year’s event the biggest and best so far. In particular, Mr Robinson the development of medical ethics) by talking us through Jenner’s showed his willingness and expertise in the designing and making of work with vaccinations. much of the equipment for the games and Mr Edwards once more displayed his ‘wizardry’ on the computer in collating and presenting Chemistry took on the challenge of sampling traditional remedies all the competition data. Clearly the competition could not happen when Mr Smith chewed on willow bark. We realised that it really without any of them. doesn’t taste too good. This was the origin of aspirin and we were taken on a journey through its development from a fairly The event is sponsored by the Ogden Trust, the Institute of Physics, unpalatable substance to the drug with minimal side effects that the Rotary Club of York Vikings, Nestle and Taylors of Harrogate. we know today. The sixth-formers filmed how aspirin can be made
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in the lab although sensitive information was left out just in case anyone wanted to emulate Walter White. An ongoing issue in medicine today is the onset of infection and it was made clear how the use and development of mundane materials such as soap and iodine have had such a huge impact on successful prognoses.
After a quiz where we had to identify the possible use of some fairly gruesome pieces of equipment (anyone fancy a cowpat of conditions such as liver disease without the need for invasive poultice or a haemorrhoid clamp?) it was the turn of Physics to talk biopsies. Mr Parr also demonstrated that he was very much a living about imaging techniques. We were lucky enough to borrow some person by showing the Doppler Effect image of his carotid arteries. state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment which has only recently been Another piece of equipment that was kindly loaned to us was a box introduced in hospitals. Some basic A-level Physics combined with that surgeons use to train for keyhole surgery. Two members of the very fast computing power is leading to a revolution in diagnoses
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audience competed and struggled to place one sugar cube on top of the other whilst we all watched via a webcam. When we realised that proper medical students are expected to cut the heads off jelly babies and then sew them back together, the skill of surgeons was very much appreciated.
Targeted treatment was the final topic of the lecture. The increasing precision of radiotherapy was introduced by Mr Bateman and then Mr Stephen outlined the amazing development of nanobots and CRISPR where we are able to cut out precise sections of DNA and replace them. Watch out for a future Nobel Prize! Soon we will have the power for people to donate their genes as well as their organs. We have come a very long way from the barbers!
A huge amount of work goes into the Christmas lecture and my thanks go to all the staff involved – particularly Mr Gant, Mr Gill and Mr Robinson, our fantastic lab technicians, and Mr Morris for procuring the loaned equipment.
Mr Mark Edwards
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St Peter’s Challenge
Enormous thanks must go to Mr Vann who gave up a great deal of his time to help with the Challenge competition. Especial congratulations to the two teams in the final, who not only provided the closest but also the highest quality final that there has ever been in the competition.
Junior Competition In the summer term it was the turn of the third and fourth form to display their talents in the junior competition. Once again we witnessed some superb matches, displaying our wonderful house spirit and the breadth of our pupils’ knowledge.
The semi-finals and final were much anticipated (as we had to wait until exploration week and exam week to conclude the competition). The final was played out in the last week of term on a very hot Tuesday lunchtime. We saw very impressive teams from School and Queen’s houses battle it out in the final with the final score reading: School 330 points, and Queen’s 260. Senior Competition The interest and participation in this competition is a credit to the The Christmas term saw the welcome return of the ever-popular St school, as all houses managed to get a large number of their third Peter’s Challenge competition. Each week pairs of houses competed and fourth forms involved (many teams swapped players each against each other, answering an array of general knowledge week to allow many students to participate). It not only displays a questions. The competition saw great house spirit and many great house spirit but also shows off the diverse (and numerous) impressive displays of knowledge and quick buzzer skills. talents of our pupils. The final of the senior inter-house challenge was contested by two exceptionally able teams, from The Grove and School houses. The Staff versus Monitors teams – made up of Matthew Roberts, Polly Moss, Zaki Ward and Daniel Hicks for The Grove, and George O’Neill, Rose Gabbertas, The end of term brought with it the entertainment that is the Cosmo Forbes and Jamie Dunsmore for School – provided an Staff versus Monitors match. The monitors put up a very strong absolutely nail-biting match, in which School prevailed by the team, but they were defeated 390-170 by the staff ‘dream team’ narrowest of margins, 400 points to 350. of Miss Jones, Mr Grant, Mr Gwilliam and Mr Vann. Thank you to all involved – and a special thanks to Mr Lawrence for writing the The Grove demonstrated a huge breadth of knowledge, from the questions. name of the composer of the Monty Python theme tune and the foundations of Mormonism, to the Romanov dynasty, and this was Mrs Ella Mallard met by the School team’s knowledge of Roman months, the value of Scrabble letters and cake.
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Drama department’s first play of the year was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed in October as part of the annual nationwide Shakespeare Schools Festival. The festival invites pupils to perform a thirty-minute version of a Shakespeare play at a professional theatre, alongside other schools. This year eighteen St Peter’s pupils performed at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York. We were delighted to perform on the same evening at St Olave’s with their fantastic version of The Merchant of Venice.
Creative & Cultural Creative This was the Shakespeare Schools Festival director’s appraisal of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: ‘I was impressed by the passion with which the cast portrayed their characters: from Egeus’ (Benji) anger with his daughter to the affection between Hermia (Vicky) and Lysander (Mathis); the determination of Helena (Milly) to win Demetruis’ (Owen) love; the mischeviousness of Puck (Ava); the petrified reactions of all the Mechanicals to the transformed Bottom (Felix).
‘The comedy was very strong thoughout. I particularly enjoyed the characterisation of the Mechanicals with their hilarious gestures and the contrasting relationships between frustrated director Qunice (Olly) and each of his actors. was turned into a donkey; and the ‘In addition, the drama was played effectively. The conflict perfectly timed fight scene with the lovers were all a pleasure to between Titania (Rachel) and Oberon (Ewan) was very realistic watch. and reminiscent of a custody battle. This encouraged Oberon’s cruelty, which the ever-obliging Puck was happy to serve. All ‘This was a well-developed, hilarious production of A the fairies had an ethereal quality that really felt as if they were Midsummer Night’s Dream from a talented and passionate cast, manipulating the natural world. who understood the all nuances in the text. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this superb production. I hope ‘Strong physicality was present throughout – the Mechanicals’ to see your school in the Festival again next year.’ preparations for rehearsal; the way Puck puppeteered the lovers; the confusion of Bottom in the movement sequence after he Nadia Nasif
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Grease
In November Grease was the word. The second production of the term was performed by a cast and crew of sixty-one pupils, making it St Peter’s largest production in my time here.
Full of foot-tapping tunes and snappy one-liners, this well-known musical was always going to be a popular choice and this proved to be the case with sell-out crowds on all three nights of the run. There was a real buzz throughout the cast and crew and this produced a show with great energy, underpinned by a band of staff and student players who were also really enjoying the experience. The principals all performed strongly but this was very much a team effort on the part of all the pupils and staff involved and the production was warmly received by all who attended.
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Trip to The Great Gatsby
In December sixth-form Theatre Studies pupils dressed up for an evening in 1920s style and went to see the Guild Of Misrule’s acclaimed version of The Great Gatsby. This was an immersive production where the audience are invited to one of Gatsby’s parties, taught how to dance the Charleston, play poker with the characters and are taken around many rooms in Gatsby’s world as the actors need their help to continue the plot.
#20MinutesOfAction
In January 2016 the world lost the great actor Alan Rickman. One of Rickman’s quotes is ‘Actors are agents of change … a piece of theatre … can make a difference. It can change the world.’ This year more than ever I believe St Peter’s pupils have been making political theatre which can really make a difference.
In February the A-level Theatre Studies group created and performed a piece of theatre titled #20MinutesOfAction. One of the assessments in Theatre Studies is to collaborate to create a ‘unique piece of theatre.’ This can be a re-imagining of an existing play or completely created by the group themselves. This group chose the hard option and did the latter. Their piece was centred on a real-life event: on 18 January 2015 a Stanford University student named Brock Turner was arrested, and later found guilty of sexually assaulting an unconscious 22-year-old woman on the university campus. There were a number of factors that made this particular case so widely-known: • the extremely short sentence given to the perpetrator (a Stanford athlete) by Judge Persky (a former Stanford athlete) • the victim-blaming culture that ‘Doe’ and women in general experience • an eloquent, honest and passionate 18-page letter written by the anonymous victim ‘Emily Doe’ to Brock Turner himself
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• It re-addresses the concept of consent • Brock Turner’s father’s misplaced priorities and dismissive phrases including that a jail sentence was a steep price to pay for ‘20 minutes of action’, which is where the title came from. The majority of the text used in this piece was verbatim, meaning the real words spoken by the real people involved as the result of an extraordinary amount of research. The piece was originally performed to an audience of 40 in the Whitestone Art Gallery as a small-scale exam piece. It was site-specific in a gallery because of the way the group felt evidence had been collected and exploited and the fact that every part of ‘Emily Doe’ was laid bare, like an exhibition. However, it was felt that the piece raised such strong relevant points for discussion, such as consent, rape education and alcohol consumption, that it should be seen by a wider audience as part of the PSHE programme at St Peter’s and was therefore shown to the sixth form in assembly.
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GCSE - If Not Me, Who?
The GCSE groups also intended to show the need for change. They were tasked by the exam board with the overall brief of ‘looking forward/looking back’.
One group decided to devise a play which spanned from women campaigning for the vote in 1917 to #WomenWhoVoteTrump in 2017. It focused heavily on three particular real women who inspired them.
Emmeline Pankhurst (played by Freddie Cowman-Sharpe)
The group found that Emmeline Pankhurst’s great-granddaughter Dr Helen Pankhurst made a speech about what Emmeline would have felt at the 2017 March4Women. The audience looked back at one of her inspiring speeches, and contrasted this with the 2017 ‘policies regressive in terms of feminism’. (Dr Helen Pankhurst.)
Emma Watson (played by Rosie McLeish)
One of the women who stood out to the group for her use of the word ‘feminism’ was Emma Watson, and they used her UN speech from 2016. This was also where the title of the play came from: ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?’ This speech showed the group the necessity of looking forward and continuing to question gender- based assumptions and equality.
Malala Yousafzai (played by Margo)
The Taliban attempted to murder Malala in 2012 and as she recovered she became famous, and this enabled her to speak for equality in education in Pakistan, her home country. The reason they chose Malala was the way she represents places in the world where gender equality has further to go.
GCSE-The Second Amendment
Another group began by looking at gun-crime facts: in 2014 the USA had 59 school shootings and 12,570 people killed in gun incidents, whereas in the UK there were no school shootings and 30 people killed in gun incidents. They decided they were lucky to live in a place where it is NOT ‘the right of people to keep and bear arms.’ This was why they called their piece The Second Amendment and decided it would be based on real-life events in America.
When devising they decided to focus on the 1999 Columbine High School shootings and the 2014 Isla Vista shootings. Their play used the brief ‘looking forward/looking back’ because it presented these events in chronological order and followed it with a third, fictional, American high school shooting in the near future which has not happened yet and could be prevented.
They found a series of adverts by ‘Moms demand action for gun sense in America’ which show children holding a gun and a banned object asking which one is banned? One of these is a Kinder Egg and they used this to shape the play at the beginning and end.
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GCSE - Look Up
As part of their practical coursework the groups explored the poem Look Up by Gary Turk which discusses our reliance on technology and social media. They used this stimulus to create varied pieces which looked at indoctrination through social media, the use of robots in the home being closer than ever, bullying through social media and the idea of lack of human connection and interaction.
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GCSE Drama
We were really happy to see two pupils taking the design route for their GCSE Drama qualification, Elliot Milman did the lighting design for the production of 100 and Shania Wong did the costume design for the macabre storytelling piece Once A Tail Is Told. Mathis, Farah and Joe performed a physical and hard-hitting performance Pool (no water) in front of the visiting examiner, all gaining full marks for performance, which is very rare. Well done to them.
An Inspector Calls
Studying the set text An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley saw St Peter’s dining room transformed into The Birlings’ home in 1912 where two fourth-form GCSE groups collectively performed the three-act drama, which takes place on one evening. This enables them to consider the play practically, in order to write about in their final examination.
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London Trip
At the end of the summer term lower sixth pupils made a trip to London. There we visited the Globe Theatre to see Kneehigh’s Tristan and Yseult, and the Old Vic Theatre to see a new production of Buchner’s Woyzeck staring John Boyega in the title role. They also took part in a workshop with The Guild of Misrule to explore immersive theatre.
Miss Helen Lindley
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Art
There have been changes in the Art department this year. A new Head of Art, as well as changes in exam board for GCSE and a totally new qualification at A-level was reflected in the work exhibited at the end of year show, On Your Marks... Emphasis was on the achievements of both examined year-groups, and although the whole of the Art block was, as ever, bursting with work from students across all year-groups it was the fifth form and the upper sixth who are represented here.
The A-level in particular is now also a two-year course, and builds on the skills acquired in the GCSE years. First-hand observation through drawing and visual note making is at its core and is a focus during the lower sixth year in particular. Informing their practice through in-depth research into artists and trends in art helps to develop the students’ visual and artistic fluency and the nurturing and ‘bringing on’ of an individual voice. The theme of the examination unit this year was ‘Environment’ and this theme was their starting-point for a very rich and varied body of work. Upper sixth students have all trodden a very individual path and this was evident in the wide variety of work shown in this exhibition.
Mrs Charlotte Chisholm
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Upper Sixth - A Level
Iva Sharp
Helen Ford
Anna Muirhead Mia Morris Ed Bottomley
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Upper Sixth - A Level (continued)
Livi Whitehouse
Emma Nelson Jonny Jaworski
Nicole Moir Ben Maher
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Upper Sixth - A Level (continued)
Jonny Jaworski Yana Martirosova
Emma Nelson
Liv Calvert
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GCSE Coursework and Exam
Olivia Thew
Clara Wright Ella Meere
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GCSE Coursework and Exam
Josefien Heijbroek
Tiff Spink
Kieran Whyte
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GCSE Coursework and Exam (Continued)
Alice Whitaker Benji Denison
Sophia Johnson Ellie Spencer
Lily Naylor
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GCSE Coursework and Exam (Continued)
Ksenia Trubacheva
Rebecca Dowson Albert Pollard
Georgie Lawrence Jay Davies
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Music Autumn Concert
The pupils made a very encouraging start in our Autumn Concert, known anthem Greater Love closed the service with accomplished which is the first major concert of the academic year. There were solo singing from our head choristers supported by strong ensemble a number of polished ensemble performances, including from the singing from the choir. It was certainly among the best services that Clarinet Choir, Flute Group, Brass Ensemble, the Chapel Choir and we have sung since I became Director of Music, and my thanks go the Chamber Choir, performing a wide variety of music in multiple to all the pupils and staff involved. parts with fluency. We were also treated to some advanced solo performances from our upper sixth musicians. In the second half Christmas Concert we moved through to the Memorial Hall to hear our Wind and It was a fun show this year with a warm, festive atmosphere in the Swing Bands play lighter repertoire, the Wind Band’s performance Memorial Hall. The Wind Band set the tone from the beginning with of Pirates of the Caribbean being a particular highlight, with great A Christmas Festival and this was followed by strong performances enjoyment clearly evident from the 66 players involved. by the String Orchestra and Chamber Choir. In the second half, we returned to ‘Cabaret’ format with the Swing Band playing well and polished close harmony sets from the Barbershop and Barbieshop. The Little Big Band provided a good contrast to these vocal performances and we closed the show with a Christmas Medley involving both the School Choir and Swing Band. It was a pleasure to direct the show and see all the performers really enjoying their music-making.
Evensong in York Minster
The Chapel Choir sang a beautiful Evensong service at York Minster on Monday 21 November. Starting confidently with Humphrey Clucas’ bright set of responses, the choir achieved good ensemble and phrasing in Psalm 106. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Charles Wood were performed with a wide dynamic range and real accuracy, with a dramatic finish to the Gloria. John Ireland’s well-
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Carol Service Brass: Katherine Spencer Harp: Felicity Edwards We are fortunate to be able to hold our Carol Service in the Strings: Rosie McLeish majestic surroundings of York Minster and there was a warm atmosphere this year, with strong congregational singing supported Piano: Carl Leighton by our School Choir and Brass Ensemble. The Chapel Choir The winner of the Senior Music Festival Prize for the outstanding performed two pieces, with the tranquil Iona contrasting well with performance of the festival was Sam Lightwing for a sophisticated The Seven Joys of Mary, which had been specially arranged by Dr and beautifully shaped performance of the first movement of the Richard Shephard as a gift to the choir this year. The Chamber Hot Sonate by Schulhoff. Choir sang Walton’s well-known All this time and the School Choir the bouncy Victorian carol Jacob’s Ladder and Richard Lloyd’s witty arrangement of I saw three ships. The readings were very well Durham Cathedral Evensong communicated by pupils and staff and it was a joyful occasion. Our Chapel Choir travelled to the beautiful cathedral in Durham on Monday 13 March to sing Evensong. It was very much a team Evensong in Westminster Abbey effort with our chaplain singing the office, Mr Wright accompanying on the organ and committed singing from everyone throughout Our Chapel Choir were invited to sing an Evensong service at the service. The choir successfully navigated their way through Westminster Abbey on Thursday 5 January and it was a special a challenging Lenten programme, with Gibbons’ Short Service occasion with a congregation of over 500 present in the building. followed by Purcell’s masterful verse anthem Jehova quam multi sunt The choir sang confidently throughout, with a warm, open tone in hostes mei. The pupils did very well to cope with the split parts in the the canticles by Charles Wood. The pupils then produced a suitably Purcell and we had stylish solos from Daniel Hicks and Tom Dowdy. bright, joyful sound for the anthem, The Seven Joys of Mary, arranged The Dean of Durham was very complimentary about the choir and for us by Richard Shephard. It was a wonderful way to mark the invited us back to sing again next year. last day of Christmas and a very memorable trip for the pupils. My thanks to the staff who helped to supervise the choir and to Mr Wright in particular for his organ-playing during the service. Junior Music Festival
This was an enjoyable and worthwhile evening with many Senior Music Festival promising performances. Our adjudicator was Clive Harries, a very This was a very enjoyable evening this year, with performances of experienced adjudicator and senior examiner for the Associated a high standard in all the classes. Our adjudicator was Anthony Board. There were a number of performances commended, and the Krauss, the Assistant Director of Music at Opera North. He spoke winners of the classes were as follows: with real authority and provided some excellent feedback to the Percussion: Tom Storey performers that praised positive aspects of each performance whilst Girls’ Singing: Abigail Brown also offering guidance on areas to improve. Piano: Jasmine Brimmell The winners of the classes were as follows: Brass: Toby Search Boys’ Singing: Daniel Hicks, with Tom Dowdy highly commended Harp: Iris Greaney Woodwind: Sam Lightwing, with Rosie Stephens and Felicity Woodwind: Annabelle Stanford Edwards highly commended Boys’ Singing: Oscar Hawes Girls’ Singing: Gaby Richardson, with Fleur Booth and Amber Rose Strings: Marion Akhurst highly commended
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The winner of the Junior Music Festival Prize for the outstanding performance of the festival was Annabelle Stanford for a beautifully phrased performance of the Cantilena from the Flute Sonata by Poulenc.
Orchestral and Choral Concert, York Minster
This year we began with an impressive performance of Schubert’s Third Symphony, conducted by Mr Wright. The String Orchestra had worked very hard over a six-month period to learn the entire symphony and this also gave some of our senior wind players an excellent opportunity to experience a full symphonic texture. Following this was a delicate performance of Fauré’s famous Pavane in a chamber orchestra arrangement with four vocal soloists conducted by Dr Harrison. This was a great opportunity for six of our upper sixth form to take on solo roles and to involve our Senior String Ensemble. To finish the concert the School Choir and Choral Society sang Rutter’s well-known Requiem. This was an atmospheric performance with support from Mr Wright on the organ and a small instrumental ensemble that featured lower sixth-former Felicity Edwards on the harp. The soprano solo was beautifully sung by our head girl chorister, Fleur Booth.
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Summer Concert
This was a very enjoyable event with a wide variety of music on offer. The Wind Band had their main performance of the academic year under the direction of Dr Harrison, starting the concert with two substantial medleys from the famous West End shows Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. There were plenty of opportunities for the band to show off their impressive dynamic range and a number of solos were incorporated, including some fine trumpet playing from the head of band, Ellie Richardson, as well as solo debuts from some of our fourth form. The Clarinet Choir played some complicated repertoire, including a Puerto Rican dance with lots of pauses to keep the audience guessing! The Flute Group and Chapel Choir were on fine form and we enjoyed four high- quality solo performances from lower sixth-formers Izzy Crook, Felicity Edwards, Jack Hargrave and Carl Leighton. A highlight of the concert was to see the combined double bass players from St Peter’s and St Olave’s, numbering nine in all, playing two arrangements. The concert finished with a joyful rendition of Oye Como Va from the Percussion Group.
Cabaret 2017
I had a wonderful time directing Cabaret this year. 19 members of the upper sixth put themselves forward for solos and they all really rose to the occasion with some super singing and playing. There was a fine pair of pieces from the Chamber Choir and some crowd- pleasing character in the Barbershop set featuring a memorable rendition of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire arranged by Tom Dowdy. The Barbieshop included an arrangement of Say Something by Katherine Spencer and their performance of It’s raining men will remain long in the memory. The pupils made a lovely presentation to my colleague Jo Appleby and the School Choir then finished the show with a medley from High School Musical. This was sung with great energy and I was grateful to all of them, and our staff, for their support in a very rewarding show. Congratulations also to the Swing Band on their playing behind the soloists.
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National Youth Choir Jasmine Brimmell Violin Hannah Bilton Flute Merit We congratulate our Head Boy Chorister, Sam Lightwing, on Kitty Clapham Singing Merit being invited to join the main National Youth Choir following his Isabella Crook Violin Merit audition last November. This is the flagship national ensemble for Julia Crowther Singing Merit young singers aged 16-22. Sam has been singing in the training choir Tom Dowdy Double Bass Merit and this step up into the main choir takes him into a very select Jack Hargrave Clarinet Merit group of young singers. The choir numbers around 100, with eight Sam Stanford Piano Merit sections, and Sam will be singing first bass within a small group of Cassie Bythell Singing Distinction ten baritones. Ellie Caley Singing Distinction Tom Dowdy Singing Distinction The National Youth Choir routinely participates in events such as Ben Dunsmore Piano Distinction the BBC Proms and Snape Proms and at venues including the Royal Felicity Edwards Piano Distinction Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Barbican and Birmingham Symphony Louise Gould Singing Distinction Hall. The choir tours internationally every three to four years, and Jack Hargrave Singing Distinction makes frequent recordings and broadcasts. Daniel Kondratiev Singing Distinction We are also pleased to see Carly Jackson (fourth form) and Isabella Rosie McLeish Singing Distinction Crook (lower sixth) being accepted into the National Youth Rosie McLeish Viola Distinction Training Choir. Edmund Meredith Clark French Horn Distinction Gaby Richardson Singing Distinction Sam reports: Katherine Spencer Trombone Distinction When I got my place in the main choir of the NYCGB I felt really Sam Stanford Saxophone Distinction anxious: I was one of the youngest people in the choir and I wasn’t studying Music at university, like the majority of the members. Diploma Successes Despite this, it turned out to be a tough but manageable challenge Katherine Spencer has been awarded the Associate diploma of and a lot of fun. Trinity College London (ATCL) in piano performance. This involved The rehearsals were hard work at times, especially in the evenings Katherine performing a 35-minute recital of challenging piano when everyone was tired, but rewarding because of the sounds repertoire, including a complete Mozart sonata and concert pieces we could produce. Repertoire consisted of Prauliņš’ Missa Rigensis, by Chopin and Debussy. This is a nationally recognised qualification the premiere of Eriks Ešenvalds’ Salutation commissioned by NYC, that is used as an examination target for undergraduate students at and many more. The culmination of the week was a live-streamed Trinity College for the end of their first year of study. concert in Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge under Stephen Daniel Kondratiev and Man Yi Lee have both been awarded the Layton as conductor which was a magnificent end to the week. Associate diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools Aside from the music I had a great time getting to know so many of Music (ARSM), also in piano performance. This is a brand-new interesting people, with social activities every night and breaks post-grade-8 qualification involving a half-hour recital of concert throughout the day. repertoire, which is assessed both in terms of technical assurance and performing skills. Daniel and Man Yi are amongst the first I thoroughly enjoyed my time and would recommend it to all singers students in the country to be awarded this diploma, with Man Yi who enjoy singing in choirs. being awarded a merit in the qualification and Daniel a distinction.
Sam Lightwing, UVI It is always special to be awarded a diploma whilst at secondary school and reflects the hard work and dedication of these three Instrumental and Singing Examination Results pupils. We hope that these successes will inspire many more of our 2016-17 musicians to take on these qualifications in the future and we have now had 19 diplomas achieved by St Peter’s students in the past ten It has been a very positive year for the pupils with much success years. in our graded music examinations. The following are to be congratulated on achieving the highest grade: Mr Paul Miles-Kingston
Grade 8
Fleur Booth Trumpet Eve Bracken Singing Ellie Brierley Singing Jasmine Brimmell Piano
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Creative Writing
Down to Earth you.” Oh how I pleaded for that elevator to hurry up.
I heard it before I saw it, a high screeching wail that shuddered “Yes, Mark? What is it?” I muttered. down the tracks to the platform. Up ahead, coming out of the “I’d just like to let you know that, from now on you’ll be working for numbing morning fog, the train was slowing down to pick up the me. I’ve been promoted for my work on those fire station designs.” next batch of commuters. Quickly, I grabbed my bitter coffee and “What?” I stammered, unable to believe what I was hearing, “that’s hefty bag before springing to the platform edge in order to force unfair! Those designs were a group project – you can’t take credit my way through the doors as soon as possible. The train stopped. for them!” Those steel panels groaned open and I barged my way through to Mark, sniggering through that gaping hole he called a mouth, grab a seat before the rest of the solemn crowd could beat me to proceeded to revel in my frustration. it. Deliberately, I let my bag roll over onto the seat next to mine to “Listen Edward, we both know that I was head of the group and so I hopefully ensure that most of my fellow, semi-conscious travellers am the one responsible for the project’s success.” wouldn’t bother to make me free up space for their own backsides. I was right! A dozen glowering pairs of eyes went by but no words The bell rang and the doors pried themselves open. I hefted my bag were uttered from those grinding teeth. Feeling just a bit proud I onto my shoulder and began to march out into the office when I laid back, opened my laptop and began to work on tomorrow’s heard that low-life make one last gleeful remark. presentation. “And so, Edward Smith, as your new head of department, I want a Today, like every other working day, I have gotten up early and report on the project’s work in half an hour. Be quick about it; I’m caught the 6.30 train to London and most likely will not get back having brunch with the chief executive soon.” home until eight. I work as an architectural design editor, spending With this I turn and glowered in Mark’s direction, staring with a entire days cooped up in my little office and facing a glaring monitor. resentment that bordered on hate, and remained in a stance of I work six days a week, constantly putting my nose to the daily defiance until the elevator doors groaned shut once more. grinder and taking my working life one excruciatingly dull hour at a time. I am sour, I am demoralised and I am tired, but I still get up For the following, dismal hours I slaved over my keyboard, enduring almost every day to go to work and crawl back into the hole from the endless racket of hundreds of fingers striking keys around me which I earn my salary. And today was to be no different. and the relentless ticking of the cheap, mounted clock at the end of the office floor. I produced, after tremendous strain and hard work, After about an hour my cramped chariot rolled into King’s Cross. A an evaluation for the group project and handed it over to my new bleak dome of grey cloud hung over my head as I pushed through boss. Having to work for my mortal opponent, the man that had onto the platform and into the hectic streets. I soon arrived at my beaten me down and stepped over me in the company, was the final work’s building and, trudging rather than strolling, passed through nail in the coffin. My mood plummeted down to Satan’s basement the automatic doors. Proceeding to the elevator, I glumly nodded at and I was left to rant and complain in my cubicle-sized office whilst the receptionist and soon found myself packed in with several other Mark, being the hard-working soul that he was, laid back in his new employees. There was Carl with his synthetic and cheesy grin, Cindy leather chair with a view over the Thames. and her unbreakable upper lip and, of course, there was Mark. The macabre cloud that hung over me must have attracted the You see, in life there is always an enemy. Whether it be a bully from attention of my co-workers, who promptly veered out of my way your school playground, a neighbour that scowls on a morning and whenever possible. With even Carl’s stupid, fake grin straightening grumbles in the evening or even a steely father-in-law that never as my snarling figure passed by, I was more than ready to leave at gave you his blessing. Mark was just that to me, he was a street lamp the end of the day. I went home, at last I went home. Retracing my that smothered the starlight of my life. Whenever, wherever and morning trudge to work I headed straight for King’s Cross and soon however it was possible he would be there to climb the corporate fell into a cramped little corner of a train carriage, feeling just as ladder, clambering over me as he went. weary as I had been over ten hours ago.
Mark had been a driving force for me in my early days at the You’ll find me to be a gloomy, lethargic and overall miserable person, company but, as the months had ground on into years, he was now most of the time. But at home I am different. The walls, roof and just a cattle prod to keep me working. He was taller than me, funnier people there shield me from life’s hurricane. It is my family that than me. He was a ‘rising star’ in the company and I was just another drives me, I realise. It is my wife, who meets me at the platform with loyal servant. Mark was perfect. a warm embrace, and my two beautiful children that keep me going. Nothing, not Cindy’s implanted grimace or Mark’s bolstered ego, The jerk turned to face me. can drag me under when I have the people I love to keep me afloat. “Listen Smithy,” he slurred, “I have some news that might interest
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I am adrift in my life, I will lose sight of what’s important and favour As people begin to seep through the wrought iron gate, hinges to focus on the insignificant and stressful. Yet, no matter how much stubbornly reluctant to open in the cold, the crow is disturbed. life churns my world around me, I keep above the waters. Even The frozen figure leaps in surprise, feathers bristling, and takes off, when the spray blinds me and current grips me like a vice I cannot displeased; its territory has been rudely stormed. It soars into the be lost because I have my anchor. I have home, and that’s what distance and eventually bleeds into its surroundings, swallowed by a keeps me down to earth. vast mass of milky clouds, comparable to a careless wash of colour on canvas, with violet shadows that dance serenely on the surface, Adam Dalton, IV threatening snow. The clouds become bloated over time – full and heavy and fit to burst, feeling much like many of the forlorn figures gathering and assembling themselves in a remote corner of the Down to Earth landscape.
I want to be down to earth, Georgie Lawrence, V It’s my dream to be calm and undisturbed. But my head is in the clouds, My heart scattered in the sky. Beyond the chaos of the traffic, there can be found a surging mass of pedestrians forever in a hurry down this long street. From those My body is in shreds, who have tiredness etched in their faces hair dishevelled and suits My soul is lost. crumpled, clutching their cold coffees in their hands as they push My mind drifts into outer space, their way to work, to the tourists. These roam in pairs or groups, Past the milky ways. large cameras poised in hands to capture moments of their visits. They may even notice a pillar of stone, may register the flags and in Where galaxies upon galaxies, that moment will snap a picture that will carry no meaning for them, Dance with secrets long forgotten. for they never really looked at the statue and without even a break The empty moon looks down on me, in stride, they will continue on their way. Sealing my scars and my fate. Tom Hatfield, V All the stars are burning bright, Piercing through the darkness. I thought I could catch a shooting star, At night, everything seems different. The array of autumnal hues I wanted something to stay forever. dissipates into charcoal silhouettes etched upon a sapphire sky. I might not be down to earth, Metallic shimmers of holographic beetle-backs glisten in the dim starlight as they scuttle up tree-trunks, higher amongst the lofty But the earth will come down to me… branches. One day. Clara Wright, V Molly Smith, IV
A momentary sonic boom fills the pitch-black air and shakes me Down to Earth to the core like an earthquake. The sky wakes up as streaks of multi-coloured light like a paint palette coat the abyss. A scent of The floor of the plane instantly turns into cold night and an gunpowder settles in the atmosphere, growing stronger with each inevitable drop awaits. My shirt becomes an extra layer of skin, eruption of colour. Used rockets from above fall to their inevitable fused by the fear translating into sweat. The beep of the buzzer fate. As the display draws to a close, a wave of disappointment sounds and I drop. The wind swirls and rushes past me as I plummet floats over the previously avid spectators and a black blind is drawn. down. Too fast to see, I simply close my eyes and wait. I reach out The crowd forks and floats in different directions, much like the for the cord in a bid to gain back some control. My fingers, enclosed pearly haze hanging intermittently amongst it. in the warmth of the gloves, fumble to get a grip. I finally grasp the ring of the metal and tug. My muscles ripple and scream with the Ellie Pyrah, V force. My head spins as the parachute is released and my body is wrenched backwards. The sudden change of direction causes a moment of confusion and my head, oblivious to the change of pace, Outside the window, the earth lies spread out before me, wrapped lurches forwards sending a searing pain through my neck like the by a thin film of atmosphere and lit by a gleaming sun dipping crack of a rifle. below the horizon. Illuminated is a canvas of azure blue interspersed Sam Beighton, V with puffs of white in the sky. Of the sun itself, only a fierce white
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semi-circle is visible, surrounded by softer shades of orange and The station floated in the gloom of space like a lighthouse on a yellow. Nearest the capsule, innumerable specks of light are visible shore, throwing out the only brightness for miles. Inside the station on a surface which is revealed to be dark green, rather than the blue sat a man peering out of a porthole into the inky blackness beyond. coating the rest of the world. Space had swallowed up the horizon like some great dark leviathan from the depths of the ocean. Suspended as the only visible object Jamie Dunsmore, V for many millions of miles, the great sphere of Earth hung. It spun lazy pirouettes across the black dancefloor that was space.
The city is riotous (in the rush hour particularly). The people of James Smith, V Paris spill out of their office buildings and their dreary shades of grey band them in unison. Despite that, they’re oblivious to one another as they dance like enchanted shoals of fish. The crowd blurs into an To my left, under the sombre shadows of the lifeless hazel trees, unfocused streak of bland formality. Cars squeal among the bustle lay a small, derelict graveyard. Long, dark shadows stretched over of the street and drivers cry out in frustration as horns are vigorously the dilapidated graves. To my right lay a deserted village memorial. pressed and the sound cuts through the rush hour chaos. The city The battered writing seemed neglected and forgotten. Above the comes alive with the exotic chatter of languages I don’t understand. plaque of writing stretched a stone cross, as if grasping to catch the clouds. It stood, withstanding the countless years of pounding from Ellen Storey, V the brutal English weather. Under the memorial’s gaze lay a small, solemn wreath adorned with bright scarlet poppies.
This countryside in particular is dominated by a gentle, humble valley: Paddy Livings, V a valley backed by a shocking, sheer-faced cliff moulded from the deep of silver-greys of steel and the stubborn lighter greys of granite. The monstrous cliff stands to the far left of the painting, towering Despite the close proximity and environment, the tree on the right above its peers. Down this cliff, the skyline seems to thunder, piling was completely different. After the first initial jut of growth, the over lead into waves and waves of the clearest blue. This blue hollers leaves only continued to cover the skeleton of it for half of its down to a clustering herd of buildings: buildings with frost-bitten height. A spindly hand reached up to the sky with its many fingers, walls and windswept roofs, tired from the battle against the elements. on which only a few leaves, like bats, hung. They shimmered and flapped until they flaked off pathetically before wafting tiredly to Jack Mayfield, V earth.
James de Planta, V I try to locate the noise but all I can see is trees, trees and more trees. Loving trees, whose branches try to reach across the path to each other; proud trees that stand alone, are too tall for anyone to Out of the corner of my eye I see the ever-present flight-attendant imagine seeing the top of and the other trees don’t grow too close who is wearing a little bit too much make-up. Her cherry lips are to as a sign of respect; stringent trees which line either side of me pursed into a threatening smile, hiding her too-white, lipstick- like regimented soldiers, not one daring to step out of line, lest it stained teeth. Her neck, that is a slightly different shade to her left a gap for someone to break through the barricade. Grass-green face, is wrapped tightly in a sky-blue, smooth silk scarf. Outside, the leaves cover their twisted branches, contrasting with the golden- landscape is clothed in a bleak coat of mist. brown of the rough bark. Tara Jones, V Harriet Edwards, V
An impenetrable layer of thick, dark cloud choked each entity it In the forest, the leaves are still spring-green and lush. The first dark came across, grasping each with its vine-like tendrils. Exhaust pipes spots appear on some of them as a warning that summer is fading. sputtered with the effort of pumping more and more of the heavy Winter buds poke through the hazel trees. There is an opera of gas into the air. The steady whirs of the queuing cars were now birdsong tumbling through the air. October is the month of fire; the familiar to me, the low hum part of my nightly evensong. Mingling leaves turn to magma-red, hot-oranges and fever-yellows. The sun is with this is the shrill screeches of intoxicated women, each harpy- cold and pale, throwing down weak lances of light. The sun-spears cry piercing the night air. The men, in retaliation, respond with their do not reach the sooty heart of the forest which is rayless and eerie. own unique calls: cries of ‘oi – oi’ pervade every street corner that When squirrels return to their mossy beds, there is no sound in the I turn down, sexist remarks flung at every passing female, as if this forest. There is no insect-hum, no leaf-rustle, no whistling wind. blatant peacocking could actually woo.
Ella Meere, V Anna Geddes, V
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I stand alone yet surrounded all at once by vast open horizons lying at the sides were the stone railings, same colour as the brick but flat around me. An odd cloud, passing over the high sun accompanies different material, curving such that the gaps between the pillars me as I walk to the entrance of an old copper mine, once paired with looked like pieces of bread, the entirety of the barrier looking like a warehouse of corrugated iron. Now all that remains are wafer-thin battlements from a castle. There were no ornaments at the vertices walls of rust and the memory of miners that once worked there. The of the bridge, no lamps or extensions or small decorative pillars; just entrance of the mine, hidden in the cliff face, is now just a void of the steep incline at the beginning and end - an industrialist’s motif. darkness held up by feeble wooden frames. The actual curvature of the bridge defied realism, yet it remained unassailably strong. The power it pertained was awe inspiring but Evie Cowans, V erroneous; never before had existed such a monsoon of unadorned grandeur.
Suddenly I am out, the freezing air cutting through my clothes, the The stream which ran under it came from House Mountain some sky ablaze with anti-aircraft fire; everywhere, planes are burning 30 miles north and separated just beyond the bridge to pervade and wherever I look I see hundreds of billowing parachutes. Mine throughout the whole town. Stretching out SW to the school and has fully opened, jerking me upwards, the harness digging into my allotments, west towards the festival dome and the Dew Mill; east thighs. Ploughed fields and thick hedgerows rush up to meet me, towards Siller’ mall and the rest of the shops, and down SE to the dotted with fires and parachutes, gunfire erupting everywhere. I Old Folks club and the Livery. The town curved up to the church in prepare to meet my destiny, music provided by a chorus of bullets the north, and the stream stopped just east of it. Cassie had often and engines. strolled up to the church, not only for Sunday mass but because she liked gazing at it. She would often look at the church from the park Alex Phillips, V and try to grab it with one eye closed. How tickled she would be if she could walk round with it in her pocket, how extremely happy she would be. The feeling of fuzziness and warmth like when a Looking mindlessly down through the dewed window, the morning butterfly lands on the back of one’s neck. She longed to have a pet light glinting on the pregnant drops, I saw no movement to disturb butterfly. Mrs Sanders says it would be boring and callous to have the dawn’s peace save a solitary shape contracting then extending a creature locked up in a cage, their job is pretty self-explanatory. in a regular rhythm: the neighbour’s young daughter attending the But she wouldn’t have it locked up, she would build a wood shed garden. Her stocky frame bent determined over the sodden earth; outside. James said he would line it with film so that she could see she thrust her dented, aged spade into it once again. Her burgundy into and watch her fly around all day. She could grow plants in jumper, though tired from love and wear, still showed up brilliantly there, strawberries, raspberries and everything that she could eat. against the muddy backdrop in front of which she acted, like a holly Hopefully she would eat, not like Dune who only eats buttered berry against a Christmas wreath. meat from the Longsdale farm. She has grown so very thin. Are butterflies cannibals? Rosie McLeish, V The bell at the top of the room sprang into life. The tassels beneath it wriggling like a playful worm underfoot. She got up and made her Tennessee gardens way to the study. She knocked on the open door. Her father didn’t turn around. She picked up the spade on the left of the door, ran ‘Where the tailor may go, and the doctor may meet, towards him and jumped on his back whilst clenching his chest. He In the garden of Tennessee. let out a rush of air and screamed with laughter as she started to Where the workers may be and the farmer will sow, hit him on the head with the pink plastic. He struggled as she tried In the garden of Tennessee. to tickle him but then got a hold of her hand. Before he knew it she Where the teacher may teach and the preacher may bleach, was out the door squealing. She ran up the small set of stairs and In the garden of Tennessee. through into the kitchen. Lanalie was there making apple custard Where the herald may cry and the slaves do all die and black tart crumble. She turned to look at her and with one In the garden of Tennessee’ smile revealed she knew exactly what Cassie had been doing. She laughed and flipped the neighbouring pan upside down and held The Bridge across the stream connected the town like a vein it to her head. Cassie let out a giggle. Lanalie pointed towards the through a tree. Brushed silver coated the outskirts of the gritty top right cupboard. Cassie walked to it, waiting eagerly, Lanalie cobble sides, fervently inactive to the summer light and entirely made a drippling motion with her hands. Cassie grabbed the syrup plain. Darker silver coated the cobbles, the thick paint smoothing and put it on the counter next to her mother, but was immediately the irregularities; as if in the centre existed a depression, such caught in an embrace. She hugged back, wishing that she never that the pull made it warm to touch even in the coldest months. had to let go. Her father came into the room, picked up a paper The lower side beams mirrored that of a Chinese antiquity, as the and started reading, smiling at Cassie. She went to sit down next perforated red stone curled in on itself like a human hand. Mounted to her father, reading the back of the paper; it was a behind picture
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of a German shepherd trying chase the ball at the last week’s Colts She would do it again, but was stopped by a noise coming from the game but was being held back by the leash. Under it marked ‘ Man edge of Chandler Street. A figure emerged. It was a man. He wore a vs football, A dog’s game’ Her father shook his head and made a dark rainbow sweater with reindeers on it. Visibly sweating. He ran pulling motion. Cassie gasped and glared. Her father looked over to towards her, running with purpose. But why at her? Suddenly they her mother. She couldn’t make out what he was saying because of collided, Cassie sprawled onto her back and hit her head ... the angle but she smiled as he mother laughed wiggling the spoon Nathan Goyea, LVI in an authorising manner. She loved it when her mother became all demanding. It made her father nervous. She remembered the time he mother got him to drive all the way to the mill just because they left her blanket. They probably think she was too young to The Dwelling of Frost remember but she has a surprisingly acute memory. Factual recall The Dwelling of Frost comes with ease too her. She still can remember the lessons she had with her mother about the history of the gardens, its coat of orchids Spires of grey rock towered above the clouds, stretching for miles. When people came to try and renovate it into Monumental Gods robed in snow. a factory complex because of the supposed nearby oil abundance, Their majesty fascinated man, there was much uproar. They dug up all the land to get to the From times before memory, reservoir underneath. No one knows if they found oil because We’ve stared in awe for ages. before anything the pungent smell of methane released drove the plantations away. The orchids grew back soon enough and the smell We may never truly understand them, disappeared. Now no one comes here unless they live here. She But we must never forget, likes it like that. A small but tight community, bounded by the ass To respect these ancient giants, and cheek, her father says. Although she does hope people come From whom the great rivers come. over the bowl some-day. Not everyone can handle the glare of the garden sun. She’s never been over the hills but if it’s anything like The dwelling of frost, this she can’t wait to go. Tower above the children of the earth, And will do so throughout the ages. Her mother beckoned towards the counter. On it lay a folded envelope. Cassie looked at it questionably. Her mother pointed to Sometimes flakes of water fall upon their heads, the wall next to the table. The dew mill was that direction. It must These delicate arts of the sky lace their snowy cloaks. be the money they owed Marcus for the wood he delivered last Their snowy peaks, filled with man and flake, month. She got up and picked up the envelope. It was heavy. Her Will always be the dwelling of frost. mother smiled a delicate smile. 3 fingers she held up, then made a cycling motion, tongue out body swaying. Cassie laughed and Piyush Koorapaty, IV nodded. Apparently she pulled stupid faces during exercise but she wasn’t so convinced. She slid into her boots and headed for the door. Her father didn’t look up as she left. The Sand Swordsman
Cassie walked out of the cul de sac and down onto the market The relentless sun began to descend, a cold chill now upon the soft street. She knew if she took the bike she’d be back in time but she desert floor. To the east, far off into the distance, small flickers of wanted to see Mark outside the school. He said he would meet her lights could now be depicted, dancing on the horizon. A pale figure there and he’d bring cinnamon buns. She loved them. She glanced covered in torn cloth rags proceeded towards them, stooping low, down the cobble street as she cut across. The mill was on the other keeping quiet, and all the time keeping their hand hovering above a side of town so she had to cut across Chandler road and the bridge leather sheath at their waist. to get there. There were hordes of people passing, looking at the months collection. Everyone kept stuff they didn’t want and then Screams of agony and pleas for death disturbed the silence in the sold it at the end of the month. Hopefully there were some raisin air. Fires and torches littered the Roman camp, lighting up the arena biscuits. She wanted them every time. As she cut into Chandler in which the captives were tortured. Bodies lay wasted on the floor, street, she couldn’t help but notice the figure next to the bollards. a covering of sand obscuring their wounds. Unceasingly, Roman Shaded by the tire shop but not completely obscure. It looked like soldiers rode in chariots, swaying from side to side as they drank Tyler. The negro from Texas. He was sweet. Funny in an adorable bitter wine in one hand, and annihilated fleeing victims with a blood way. Another thing she wanted to put in her pocket. Most of the soaked sword in the other. boys made fun of him, some called him freak. But she liked his laugh, Silent and agile, swift and effortless, the cloaked figure walked to and he had a beautiful smile. She approached the Bridge, many the edge of the camp, careful to keep close to one of the tents, times she had stood at its peak, looking out over the town despite deep within the shadows. He seemed to scan the arena, searching it being lower than other parts of the area. The feeling was divine. for something, wandering, until suddenly he tensed. He gripped the
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wooden handle of his blade, trembling as he did so. His shoulders foreigners, but other than that they lived a fairly simple life. Cows were now pushed back, a violent rage beginning to build within him. lazed in the sun, penned up for most of their life, swatting at flies His eyes were transfixed on a small boy, leaning against a wooden with their ears every once in a while. A soft drumming could be felt post. The boy’s eyes were closed, but he was breathing heavily, on the dampened sand, the vibration pulsating through the animals his sand covered lips dry and cracked. A streak of red covered bodies, unnerving them. The townsfolk lingered at their doorways, his chest, blood cascading down onto his legs. His face was chalk interested in the sound that was growing closer and closer. On the white, beads of sweat arranging themselves on the arch of his brow. horizon a horse could be seen carrying two passengers, the sun’s Tiberius stepped forward. streams of warmth transfiguring their look as if an artist had gone *** over in watercolours; hazy and blurred.
Tiberius jolted the horse to a stop and descended from the horse. The boy that had stepped into the light of the arena was slim and athletic. A piece of black cloth covered his mouth wavering “My brother is dying,” he exclaimed, “please, someone help him!” in the mild wind, but brilliant green eyes reflected the fire of the A man and a woman rushed over to the body on the horse and lay torches, adding to the ferocity of his stature. The noise slowly died him down. A soft whistling could be heard through the cracks in down, most of the soldier’s eyes now engaged on the boy. Several lips, and his hair clung to his shirt, drenched in sweat. The couple advanced towards him, sniggering to themselves slightly, like hyenas inspected his wounds quickly and carried him inside, muttering to approaching their prey. The breastplate of one of the soldiers each other hastily. Tiberius followed them to a small hut, but was reflected the moonlight, spots of blood here and there. He had told to stay outside. He waited for three long hours, feeding the a scarred face and a sly grin that showed his overconfidence. His sand on the ground through his fingers, mulling over the last things hand reached out to grab the boy’s shoulder, aiming to bring him he had said to his parents. At last the woman came outside. to his knees. Instead, a flash of colour caught his eye moving in the direction of his abdomen, just under his armour. The blood drained “He will be alright,” she said calmly, “but he needs his rest. You do from his face as he sensed a warmth spreading across his stomach. too.” Tiberius thanked the couple and walked inside. His brother Looking down, he was able to catch a glimpse of the boy’s fist lay on a stone table, asleep and breathing smoothly. His chest was enveloped around a wooden handle, before he dropped to the floor covered in white cloth, wrapped around his back and looped over in shock and agony. and over again. His clothes were changed, the torn blood-ridden ones discarded. An old man wandered round behind him, tall and Tiberius removed the knife cleanly from the body, took two swift cloaked, wrinkles showing the vast amount of time spent in the strides, and propelled it towards the nearest soldier, a soft thud as blistering sun. it plunged into his chest. The next had caught onto the situation and made for the boy. He coiled back his arm to swing his sword at “He is a very lucky boy,” he said, his deep voice echoing in the room. the boy’s head, but Tiberius ducked and swept a cloud of sand into the air with his foot. This distracted the soldier for a few seconds, He then turned to face Tiberius and asked, “Why did this happen enough time for him to grab a sharp tipped tent peg and slice the to him?” man’s throat, blood spurting down his chest. Tiberius explained the feud between his home village and the The wind became more apparent now, howling in the night, Romans. That his brother was captured and taken prisoner, and that drowning out shouts of the drunk men. The tents endured waves they were torturing him. He told him about the Romans he killed in after waves of sand, slicing across the skin and blinding the eyes order to do so, and the horse he stole to flee. of nearby men. Horses frantically searched for cover of some sort, The man’s eyes were stone, wide open and fixed on the boy. yelping when they were forced to calm down and fleeing from their charioteer. Through all the commotion, all the panic, Tiberius could “You killed Roman soldiers?” be seen carefully prying the small wounded boy off the post, lifting him over his shoulder, and walking towards one of the escaped “They would have killed my br…” horses. Dozens of men swarmed out of the weapons tent, shouting “Do you realise what you’ve done?” The man grabbed Tiberius by and cursing, charging towards the small boys. The wind grew the throat and threw him against the wall. “Do you realise what peril stronger, the waves of sand became more immense, all the while you’ve brought upon everyone here?” Tiberius never looked back, never squinted to look through the sandstorm. He simply lay the boy over the back of the horse, and Ben Hobbs, IV faded into the night. Nothing would stop him saving his brother.
***
The village to the west of the caverns was the home of two hundred people. They sold clothes and milk from their cows to
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Little Gran
I don’t want to think of you dead in a coffin. I want to remember your warm hands worn down with work. Making me breakfast aged 10 before I went to school with the cream from the top of the Eshott milk poured onto Weetabix. Nothing tasted sweeter at 4 years old than snapping rhubarb sticks and dipping them in sugar.
Remember fishing on the mill? With my new green rod and March brown fly. We caught 4 rainbow trout out of the Coquet and lost 2 on the way home, we laughed for hours.
Raspberries, strawberries and honey from the hive at the top of the garden, the smell of tomatoes in the greenhouse and the vines hanging above. Walking along the road into Felton, lying on the green next to the road side as the jets flew over low and loud.
Remember being slapped by your mother? When she became pregnant for the thirteenth time and you said ‘… not another one’. You had to leave work early every day, pushing the pram with your daughter in, on the way home to look after your twelve siblings. You smiled when the doctor told you your daughter would be alright. Grandad Tot would have her pram on a rope, sat on the bench, pushing and pulling it back and forth after a shift at Woodham Colliery.
I don’t want to think of you dead in a coffin, I won’t because you’re always there, warm in my heart. It’s good to laugh; you had a good life you would always tell me. Reaching ‘99’ then curling up to sleep, your unconditional love forever blessing my life.
Charlotte Hollinrake, III
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Rugby Sport
First XV
An excellent season from the first XV saw the school some defeats. A tight game against Pocklington saw us unbeaten in regular fixtures and achieve fourth place in victorious. Ted Patmore and Sam Elliot at half-backs were the country in the Daily Mail Trophy league. The season controlling play nicely and a back line of James Hanly, Will started positively with a good win against the OPs Fordy, Charlie Rae, Angus Barrick, Max Courtis and Oli followed by a determined performance to overcome a Fryer were solid in defence and asking questions in attack. very strong Woodhouse Grove team. We moved on to Probably the best performance of the season was against convincing wins over Durham, Ampleforth and Hymers. QEGS away: we dominated territory and possession Our front row of Charlie Corner, Adam Brown, Paddy to come out on top, with some outstanding individual Hayes and Angus Wilson were starting to dominate set- performances, our second rows George Davis and James piece and provide dynamic carries in open play. We then Black providing a continuous supply of lineout ball. moved into two of our toughest fixtures, against QEGS We were going well in the cup and confidence was high and Pocklington. Pocklington had always been very when drawing QEGS in the next round. Unfortunately strong at this age-group and we had over the years taken after half-term we had lost some continuity and fitness
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and QEGS took advantage. This loss spurred the team on to continue the rest of the season unbeaten. Wins followed against St Ambrose, Barnard Castle and narrowly over RGS Newcastle. Our back row of Alex Ingham , Grayson Maguire and Jo Simpson complemented each other well and provided strong ball-carrying, excellent support play and outstanding defence. Our final two wins came against Bradford and Pocklington to complete the undefeated season in regular matches. This was an excellent season from an outstanding team, brilliantly led by captain Joseph Simpson. They were excellent to coach and always gave their all.
The first XV squad was: AngusWilson*, Adam Brown*, Patrick Hayes*, George Davis**, Charles Corner**, Alex Ingham*, Joseph Simpson (Cpt)**, Grayson Maguire**, Ted Patmore*. Sam Elliot*, Ollie Fryer*, Will Fordy**, James Hanly*, Max Courtis*, Charlie Rae**, James Black, Alex Liley, Angus Barrick*, Ben Raubitschek, Charlie Hudson, James Guyer, Jack Williams, Adam Freshwater, George Ingall. Sevens *Full Colours **Cap The under-14s performed well at our own St Peter’s tournament, reaching the final and losing to a strong Woodhouse Grove side. Representative honours: They continued to improve and reached the semi-final at Hymers Charlie Rae, Will Fordy, Adam Brown, Max Courtis: Yorkshire and Mount. Unfortunately at Rosslyn Park they did not manage to Carnegie get out of the group stage. Grayson Maguire: Yorkshire under-18s, North of England under-18s The under-15s reached the final at Barnard Castle and the semi-final at Hymers. This was an excellent achievement given the fact that they had reached the quarter-finals of the NatWest Cup in the 15-a-side game.
The under-16s were unfortunate to have two tournaments cancelled and performed well at Sedbergh but could not qualify out of the group at Rosslyn Park.
The first VII had another excellent season: they reached the final at Hymers only to lose narrowly to Sedbergh. At Rosslyn Park we qualified from the group, winning every game, then played a play- off game which we won to go into the second day. A round-robin quarter-final saw us draw against Berkhamstead and then beat Felsted. We then had another round-robin semi-final where we narrowly lost to Cheltenham College and then beat Bromsgove. Unfortunately this was not to be enough, but it was an excellent result to reach the semi-final, equalling the best the school have achieved in this competition.
Mr Steve Williams
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QEGS Wakefield, Sedbergh and Barnard Castle fit this description. Second XV The game against Sedbergh must rank as the season’s high point as the team had almost been written off before the game had even By all accounts the second XV rugby team had a superb season begun. Faced with a hugely physical, well drilled and highly regarded this year. Playing ten games and winning nine, the players should visiting side it would have been very easy for them to roll over and be absolutely delighted with their all-round commitment as well concede victory. However, this was far from the case: instead the as the massive contribution they have made to the team’s success. team went toe-to-toe with their Sedbergh opposition for seventy There was a distinct sense of camaraderie amongst the players in minutes. They threw everything they could muster at the visitors. the second XV and a genuine feeling that every player would give Despite being camped in their own half for much of the game, the their all to ensure the team experienced continued success. Players St Peter’s team managed to create two excellently worked tries to selflessly put their bodies on the line during tackle and breakdown keep themselves in the lead. When the final whistle blew it became situations and from a coach’s perspective it is very difficult to ask clear just how much the players had given physically to secure the for more from one’s team. In attack we were lucky to possess some win and it was wonderful to see the players deservedly celebrating ruthless and talented finishers and as the season progressed it was a triumph over arguably one of the best second XV sides in the great to see players in the squad running with ball in hand with a country. confidence and belief that they could make it across the line. If there had to be a low point in such a fantastic season it must While some of our matches were relatively easy victories such as have been the first game of the season against Woodhouse Grove. those against Ampleforth, St Ambrose, RGS Newcastle, Bradford, Despite being the better rugby side, we played far too loosely, Durham and Pocklington, in other fixtures every player on the lacked precision and consequently lost the fixture by 20-19, with field had to dig deep in order to secure the win. The games against
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them scoring a drop-goal in the last minute to secure the victory. Barker, Rory Winterburn and Marcus Thomson playing pivotal There is no doubt that a loss at this stage of the season is difficult roles in the squad. The architects of the team, Jack Williams and to swallow but it was hugely encouraging that all the players in Alex Liley, orchestrated every game masterfully, using the powerful the team went away, reviewed their personal performances, and centre combination of Spencer Ingall and Harry Contreras to arrived determined to secure a victory the following week against create space out wide for the pace and flair of the likes of Ben Ampleforth College, a game they won 60-0! Raubitschek, Felix Van der Borgh and Charlie Hudson to produce some magnificent running rugby week-in, week-out. A truly Rory Winterburn, second row and second-XV stalwart, wrote the memorable season for everyone involved. I hope next year’s second following statement about the team’s performance this season: XV will be equally successful. Overall, it was an extremely successful season for the all the gents involved in the second XV squad. Despite falling short in the first Under-16s fixture 19-20 to Woodhouse Grove, the team dug deep in training and with the powerful presence of James Guyer leading from the No endeavour is in vain; its reward is in the doing. front, managed to finish the rest of the season unbeaten. With Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. several key players being brought up to the first XV during the term, It was hugely encouraging to see the numbers of the squad who our squad depth was truly tested, as many influential members attended pre-season training during the summer holidays. The lads had to play out of position. Nevertheless, we treated every game got fitter, worked very hard at their basic skills and as the new as our cup final. Special mention should go firstly to the dominant season approached, looked at patterns of play. I am indebted to the forwards pack who took hold of every game up front, with players members of the first XV who came and raised the bar in training. such as Charlie Tannahill, Adam Freshwater, Kevin Williams, Henry
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The squad was not that big, which was a positive, in that almost all players were able to play each week. However it did have the downside that we were not able to rotate the A-team and B-team players as much as I would have liked. Colin Clark was particularly impressed as the season went on with the ball skills and determination of these so-called B-team players and reminded them that their future in senior rugby will ultimately come down to their desire , accuracy in training, physical stature and self-belief. We were fortunate to have two tremendous captains with Ben Lodge looking after the As and Jack Mayfield the Bs. I should also mention Harry Booth who stepped in so well during Ben’s absence, due to injury. Both sides had settled and effective packs and this gave the backs the opportunity to play with good patterns and with confidence. The A team were blessed with some real dogs of war who simply put their bodies on the line all season doing the dirty work at the break down and carrying the hard yards. Alex, Albert, Tayo, Steeny and Henry provided ball for Zac, Henry and Ben to thrive off a little wider. This excellent ball-carrying and link between the forwards and the half-backs, Ben and Freddie, gave us real go forward and enabled us to develop phases of play and not simply
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bash the ball up the field. The levels of intelligence required to role with real aplomb. The final game of the season at Pocklington bring these patterns of play to fruition in the heat of battle cannot saw all of the hard work bear fruit and in a wonderful game the lads be underestimated and we were blessed in midfield with Nana played the sort of rugby you would pay to watch. From the last- and Tom who gave direction in both attack and defence. Brains minute win at Kirkham Grammar in the first game of the season, to without competitive hearts are rudderless. We had both in abundance. the loss at St Ambrose, the lads learned lessons and were prepared Alongside this midfield we had a fine back three of Barney, Sam to listen in training so they could improve, not only their own skills, and – until injury – Marcus; subsequently David and Oli filled this but also their patterns of play and when to use them. Freddie was at the heart of this at No 10, understanding that sometimes he needed to get others to take responsibility so he could have the time to give the strike runners the ammunition to fire. One of the greatest strengths of this team was that it was a team, not a set of individuals and this showed very clearly in the way they defended as a group, never allowing players to become isolated. They became much better communicators and grew in confidence, learning to use their own abilities to complement the others on the field. The season comes to an end as the players are reaching the point where they have truly got to grips with the game. It is gratifying to note that many continue with the game at their local clubs and at representative level. This exposure, especially in the cup competitions, certainly does us good as the lads move into senior rugby. There were real highlights for me during the season with wonderful tries scored and tremendous defensive performances given. To single any one moment out would negate the efforts of the group as a team. However there is one area that I would like to compliment and that is the support from our parents who came and watched fifteen lads on the field, not just one! This support gives the lads the opportunity to thrive as they never play under a fear of failure and can express themselves with confidence. They were hugely competitive but always within the spirit of our great game.
The objective is to win: fairly, squarely, decently, win by the laws, but still win. Vince Lombardi
Many thanks to Gareth Sharp, Colin Clark and Eddie Bradshaw whose support, advice and enthusiasm were tremendous all season.
Mr Paddy Stephen
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personal disappointments to one side for the benefit of others. He Under-16Bs always led from the front and enjoyed the respect of his team-mates, opposition and the referees. Starting this coaching season with a collective coaching unit of Paddy Stephen, Gareth Sharpe and Eddie Bradshaw it became To all the players who represented the ‘B’ XV, thank you for a obvious that with limited numbers of players available to enable us successful season in your individual development. Thanks also to the to fulfil our fixtures and obtain meaningful games, that an early split ‘A’ XV squad who supported and challenged the ‘B’ squad players of resources would best benefit the players and coaching team. throughout the season’s practices and finally the parents who travelled and supported the team for our matches. Eddie Bradshaw and I would focus on the ‘B’ players and build the available players into a team unit with the ability to adapt and Colin Clark, Eddie Bradshaw rotate as necessary. Our main focus for the players would be on individual, unit and game understanding skills based around high- energy pressure scenarios.
With the growing success of the school, several games took us away from the normal local fixtures and this season saw us take on new venues and the challenges of longer distance travel and unfamiliar surroundings. New fixtures included Stonyhurst College and Kirkham Grammar School.
Our results were: won five, lost four. Our final game of the season proved to be the most challenging, taking on a strong Ampleforth ‘A’ XV away. This game typified St Peter’s rugby and the benefits of working with a squad of players who have bought into the season’s philosophy and progressive development. Although running out 20-7 against, this game showed how all the players had progressed in all aspects of the game and showed the commitment beyond expectation, and from a coaching perspective was the most satisfying game and one of which all the players can be really proud.
Although it is difficult to single out specific players, I wish to give special mention to Jack Mayfield, our captain for the season. Jack could and should have enjoyed ‘A’ game time had we had a wealth of players available to the under-16 group. Jack showed outstanding captaincy skills both on and off the field, always being able to put
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Under-14 Sevens
In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose? Jesse Owens
The lads played some wonderful sevens this term and in the end only lost as a full team to two sides; Woodhouse Grove and Wimbledon High School. They lost in two finals to Woodhouse Grove and in the group stage at Rosslyn Park to Wimbledon. It is frustrating to note that Woodhouse Grove won the Plate at Rosslyn The lads were a pleasure to coach and understood the Park and Wimbledon the Cup at the same event – small margins!! fundamentals of sevens very well. As they all grow they will find it Competitive sports are played mainly easier to absorb pressure from the good sides and to score from on a five-and-a-half inch court, the turnover possession themselves. Against the best sides it was space between your ears. turnover possession that killed us off. With ball in hand the lads Bobby Jones did so well and frankly proved too good for most of the sides they played. The key for the future is to transfer these skills into the I think this is the real message for games with the best sides. They have the potential to be very good the lads: success is really up to but must learn from defeat in order to improve. them and their willingness to turn the disappointment of defeat You have to have the mentality of executing your game when you don’t into victory. We were 14-0 up feel like there’s a lot of hope. I think the best feeling is when somebody with a three-man overlap against pushes you to the limit and you dig down a little bit extra. By the Wimbledon and failed to convert same token, you also need a little luck. Sometimes they come together. the chance. Against any other side Andre Agassi we would have played the pattern and scored. The key is for us to Mr Paddy Stephen play better sides more often so that when the pressure moments arrive we make the correct decisions on the field.
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Boys’ Hockey
overstate this pair’s contribution to St Peter’s Hockey. The senior pros certainly set the standard for the squad! They played with talent and enthusiasm and demonstrated the level of commitment necessary in training to ensure success in matches. It has been a pleasure to be associated with this group of players, and I hope that they continue to play and enjoy their hockey for many years to come.
Over one hundred and twenty players have represented the school, playing one hundred and ten matches. Many fixtures were played by our second-string teams against other schools’ ‘A’ teams and this is a credit to the standards reached by our players. One of the highlights of the term was fielding under-14 A, B, C and D teams simultaneously. Thank you to all who have played, coached, and This has been another wonderful season: the first team scored 54 supported this season goals and conceded only 8, and became county champions for the second season. The first XI: Freddie Heijbroek, Alex Martin, Adam Freddie Heijbroek was outstanding in midfield: he played for the Freshwater, Will Andrews, Matty Roberts, Alex Liley, Oliver first team for five years, being one of the finest – possibly the finest Hughes, Max Courtis, Alex Ingham, Robbie Greenall, Sam – players ever to represent the school. Alex Martin completed four Elliot, Jack Williams, Seth Williams, Charlton Higginbottom, years in the team’s defence and was excellent. It is impossible to Marcus Taylor, Chris Wood.
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Freddie Heijbroek and Alex Martin were re-awarded first XI caps.
Caps were also awarded to Will Andrews and Matty Roberts.
The stick for contribution to St Peter’s hockey was awarded to Will Andrews.
The Mark Burn trophy for the most improved player was awarded to Seth Williams .
The Pandas cup for middle-school player of the season went to Marcus Taylor.
The Hubbard cup for junior inter-house hockey was won by Clifton.
The lads who represented the second XI this season were a pleasure to coach and to umpire. They played other schools’ first teams and lost without complaint, they beat other schools’ first teams, and also played their normal second XI games. At all times they were as competitive as they could be and yet always had fun whilst playing. We were blessed with a very good goalkeeper in Marcus Thompson who gave real structure at the back alongside the defensive might of our captain, Tom Dowdy, Jack Lawrence, Will Fordy, Niall Collinson
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and Ethan Thubron. Our strong midfield was complemented by our ever-present and very hard-working man up front, Max Boswell, who gave real bite all season. The day that summed these lads up so well was at Newcastle Grammar School where we played their full first team, in truly horrendous weather: despite being well beaten, utterly drenched and frozen they worked for each other and retained a sense of humour.
The under-16 boys had a successful season, playing a number of first-team squads and producing some pleasing results. In their first game, against Hall Cross, the team were taken by surprise by the pace and, despite regrouping, lost the game 2-1. A much more organised and tactically aware team won their subsequent matches against Worksop College and Pocklington, 2-0 and 7-0 respectively. In the national schools’ competition, the team were unlucky to lose 2-1 to QEGS Wakefield in the county round of the competition. the squad deserves great credit for the way they performed. The Despite the defeat in this match, the whole squad left with their majority of the teams we faced this term were opposition under-15A heads held high, having organised themselves and defended with sides and we even played a second XI side. maturity and commitment throughout. Early in the season, the St Peter’s under-15Bs played Worksop It was impressive to see players such as Toby Mayfield, Owen College, providing a good opening win for the St Peter’s team. Pudsey and Sam Wordsworth stepping into new positions with Silcoates under-15As possessed some skilful county-standard players confidence and focus. The improvements made during the season so, despite losing our second match, we could be pleased with had a huge impact on the number of goals scored and led to our performance. We achieved a 2-2 draw against Scarborough pleasing wins against Barnard Castle 3-0, Ashville 6-2, Yarm 3-2 and under-15A, followed by an unfortunate one-goal loss against RGS Ampleforth 6-0. Newcastle’s under-16Bs, then a win at home against Pocklington under-15Bs. We lost our toughest game of the season 3-0 at Barnard The 2017 season proved to be a great success for the under-15As. Castle, but we played in a committed fashion for the full hour, Resounding victories against Worksop and Ampleforth, valuable keeping their scoring to a minimum. The last game of the season lessons learned against Egglescliffe, Yarm, and Pocklington’s first was against Hymers under-15As away. This was a well-played match XI, squad rotations, use of squad players and working through with some incredible attacking from the St Peter’s team. It resulted, difficulties of the term were all part of the development and however, in an unfortunate loss as we just could not block Hymers’ improvement process. A wonderful and hard-fought final against powerful and organised breakaway attack. The team faced a range Harrogate Grammar in the county tournament went to extra time of opposition, and can be proud of working well and maintaining a and then to penalty flicks – somewhat controversially – and we had strong team camaraderie. The boys did remarkably well to hold their to settle for second place. own against skillful and often more physical teams. The under-15B hockey side had another successful season and
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Girls’ Hockey
The first XI started their season with the annual tournament at Rugby School where a squad of 15 competed hard to manage a very strong 3rd place overall. The new fifth form provided a positive addition.
With a loss of four key players to university the girls knew the match against the retiring Old Peterites would be tough and with a closely fought match the first XI were pleased with a 3-3 draw.
Although we were prepared for a tough first match against Grammar School at Leeds we were disappointed with our performance, but we worked hard in training and we were prepared to put the effort in to play a great season. The next match was the first round of the Nationals against Queen Margaret’s. At half time it was a nail-biting 0-0, but the team played a very strong game of hockey and a last-minute goal scored by Lucy Lawrence secured their place in the next round.
Three consecutive wins against Ashville (7-0) Barnard Castle (5-1) and Giggleswick (6-1) showed great teamwork and determination, and gave the girls the confidence to win the next round of the National Schools’ Hockey competition and qualify from the North East round. The next two matches against Worksop and RGS. Newcastle were both unlucky with two 1-1 draws.
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It was clear that the team were really gelling and these strong a very tense game: the girls fought hard, but they were unable to relationships made the girls’ performances a joy to watch. Two defend a short corner, resulting in their first loss of the season. comfortable wins against very competent teams from Ampleforth The season concluded with a match against Pocklington and a 2-2 (4-2) and Hymers (5-2) emphasised the improvements within the draw. This score did not reflect the performance and it was a very squad and put the girls in great stead for the next round of the positive end to the season being able to see the improvement and National Schools’ Hockey, in which the girls made it to the semi- development from the beginning. finals where unfortunately they were knocked out by Greenhead College. This disappointing result did not affect their next The highlight of the season was a visit from Alex Danson, Olympic performance against Durham School, securing a 1-0 win. gold medallist, who provided an inspiring presentation and engaging training session to all the girls involved in hockey. This The penultimate game of the season, against Sedbergh, was by opportunity gave the girls insight into professional hockey and the far the most exciting match. Three goals from each side created vigorous training needed.
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Once again, for the fourth consecutive year, the 3rd team have proceeded to win the next match with a smashing 6-0 score made it through the hockey season unbeaten. As a team, the against Barnard Castle. This vein continued for the first half thirds grew and thrived, playing many 1st and 2nd teams from various of term, including a very well fought game against Bradford, schools this season. Although some matches were extremely drawing 2-2. All the girls should be credited for their consistently challenging, the girls all maintained high spirits and always gave enthusiastic and polite behaviour, turning up to training and 100% to put in some pressured performances. The thirds have matches not only on time, but also with the right attitude to play developed and executed some new tactical play, and developed and learn. A huge well done to: Ella Huckvale, Freddie Cowman- their unity in applying it into game situations. Sharpe, Immy Matthews, Eliza Withall, Daisy Greenwood, Georgia Edwards, Lydia Palmer, Emily Both, Annie Ellis, Libby Some highlights of the season include wins over Pocklington 8-0, Kimpson, Grace Moody, Hannah Bilton, Alex Johnson, Alice Sedbergh 3-0, GSAL 6-0, RGS 7-0, and Barnard Castle 5-0. Whittaker, Amelia Fennel, Tiffany Cheung, and Farah Mckenzie- With only two losses, the 4th team kept up high standards and Lieu. vastly improved their play throughout the term. Starting with The U15 teams set about their craft with the usual measure of a brilliant game against Scarborough, the girls showed real enthusiasm and energy that has characterised this group of team spirit right from the start and managed to draw 1-1, then individuals throughout the season. Speed, great composure and
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vision ensured the A squad won all their fixtures bar one, and achieved a tremendous 6-0 win over Pocklington on the final game of the season. The U15B team’s efforts also came to fruition on the final game of the season to reward their equal effort and commitment.
The step up to 11-a-side level is always a challenge for the girls moving up to St Peter’s as they embark on their U14 season. Their previous experience has been just 7-a-side on half a pitch. Learning new positions and adapting to the sheer size of the pitch can be particularly daunting – fitness levels have to be high and new positions understood. For the U14B side a lot of their matches were against other schools’ A teams – consequently their performance improved greatly. The first match of the season for the A team took place after just one training session on the first Saturday of the term. In glorious sunshine the girls very quickly learned how to defend on a full-sized pitch and adopted a very strong press. As usual all the girls learned to adapt to different situations very quickly and their technical and tactical play progressed.
In the National Schools competition the A team progressed to the county round and, following on from a close-fought final (involving penalty flicks), reached the North East finals.
Hockey 1st team
Results: Ashville won 7-1 Barnard Castle won 5-1 Giggleswick won 6-1 Worksop College drew 1-1 Ampleforth won 4-2 RGS Newcastle drew 1-1 Queen Margaret’s drew 0-0 Hymers won 5-2 Durham won 1-0 Sedbergh lost 2-3 Pocklington drew 2-2
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Hockey 2nd team Hockey 4th/5th team
Results: Results: GSAL won 5-0 Ampleforth won 3-2 Scarborough College 1st won 7-2 Barnard Castle won 6-0 Barnard Castle won 5-0 Giggleswick 3rd won 1-0 Giggleswick won 7-0 Worksop drew 0-0 Silcoates won 4-1 Worksop won 11-0 Ampleforth won 2-0 Bradford Grammar drew 2-2 RGS Newcastle drew 1-1 Ampleforth 3rd lost 0-4 Queen Margaret’s won 5-2 Ampleforth won 2-1 Hymers U16 drew 1-1 Hymers lost 0-2 Hymers drew 1-1 Durham won 7-0 Hockey Under-15As Sedbergh won 2-0 Results: Silcoates 1st won 1-0 Silcoates won 3-0 Pocklington won 7-0 Giggleswick won 6-1 Ashville won 7-0 Ampleforth won 4-1 RGS Newcastle drew 1-1 GSAL won 1-0 Sedbergh lost 1-2 Pocklington won 6-0
Hockey Under-15Bs
Results: Barnard Castle U15a lost 1-4 Worksop U15a lost 0-5 Silcoates lost 4-5 Yarm lost 1-3 RGS Newcastle drew 2-2 GSAL won 5-1 rd Hockey 3 team Sedbergh lost 0-2
Results: Pocklington won 6-0 Ashville 2nd won 2-0 Worksop drew 0-0 Bradford Grammar drew 1-1 Yarm 1st drew 1-1 RGS Newcastle won 7-0 Sedbergh won 3-0 Bootham won 6-0 Sedbergh won 3-0 Pocklington won 8-0
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Hockey Under-14As
Results: Ampleforth won 3-2 Giggleswick drew 3-3 GSAL drew 3-3 Ampleforth drew 2-2 RGS Newcastle lost 0-1 Sedbergh lost 1-2 Pocklington won 2-1
Hockey Under-14Bs
Results: Giggleswick drew 1-1 Worksop drew 3-3 GSAL drew 1-1 Ampleforth lost 0-2 RGS Newcastle lost 2-3 Pocklington won 2-1
Inter-house hockey
Results: 1st Clifton 2nd School 3rd The Rise 4th Dronfield
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Girls’ Tennis
Eight teams, four of them senior, have been competing this term Inter-house tennis: and our tennis is at an all-time high. Helped by our all-year-round 1st training, and also with new player Sofiya Aleksandrova arriving in The Grove the fourth form, it has been an excellent season. The highlights for 2nd Hope the seniors have been winning the Bradford invitational tournament outright, and also winning the majority of their matches on the local 3rd The Rise circuit. At Eton, Sofiya and her regular partner, Ellie Caley, went 4th Queen’s through as winners of their round-robin group, only to lose to a strong Bedford pair. Our second senior pair at Eton, Lucy Dabbs and Alex Wood, did well against some very talented opposition. Congratulations must go to the second and third teams who were unbeaten this season, reflecting the standard throughout.
The Shepherd Cup was won by Sofiya Aleksandrova, beating Eleanor Caley 6-2, 6-0 in the final.
In the juniors we held our second tennis festival with 96 players entering in the under-15 and under-14 age groups. The under-15s emerged as winners. We also won the under-15 AEGON national competition for the area and will continue the campaign in September on a knockout basis. Congratulations to the under-15 pairings who competed at Eton this time: Katie Bonner, Lily Williams, Leah-Grace Gath and Amelia Blackburn. The under-14s won the Chapman Cup at the start of the season and also were joint winners of the under-14 York junior team tennis league.
Mrs Margaret Whitehead
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Boys’ Tennis
across both groups, St Peter’s finished fifth in the country – the furthest we have ever gone in the LTA National Senior Students’ Competition. Special mention goes to Sam Tsui, who was singled out by the tournament referee for his sportsmanship.
The regular first team summer season was shortened by wet weather. There was a notable win at Ampleforth College by 7 sets to 2, but this was followed by defeats at the hands of the University of York, Poppleton men’s and Rowntree Park men’s teams. However, in the North of England Independent Schools’ Tennis Championships we finished third out of twenty schools at under-19 level. The St Peter’s first team enjoyed another successful season. The In the National Independent Schools’ Tennis Championships at Eton highlight of the season was the AEGON LTA National Schools College, the first IV’s first-round match was against Reeds School competition where the team finished fifth out of the 300 entered (who were seeded third) in the Youll Cup. Our first team lost two school sides. matches to love. All four of Reeds’ players are scholarship players The first IV including Sam Tsui, Robbie Greenall, Steven Jones and who are going to different American universities to play tennis in Captain Freddie Heijbroek, won the regional qualifiers, defeating September, and their number one played Junior Wimbledon last Pocklington School, Egglescliffe School and Greenhead College on year, so the defeat stings less than it might have done. the way. The team then beat the Scottish champions Strathallan In the Clark Trophy (under-19) Plate we defeated Eastbourne School in the knock-out stages, where Marcus Taylor replaced College: Robbie Greenall and Steven Jones won 6-2 and 6-0; Barney Steven because of an unfortunate injury. Baker and Freddie Heijbroek won 6-4 and 6-4. This took us through In the final, eight schools battled it out at the Bolton Tennis Arena. to play RGS Newcastle in the quarter-finals. After the doubles we The first IV played some exquisite tennis, in particular Robbie were one match all, our first pair winning and our second pair losing. and Sam who impressed by both winning two out of their three This resulted in a deciding set, with a new doubles combination of tough singles matches. The team tied in first place at the top of the one player from each of the two original pairs. Robbie Greenall and group, but narrowly finished third in the group on sets lost in the Freddie Heijbroek were 4-2 up but eventually lost to a very good middle match, missing out on a place in the final. With the results pair, 6-4.
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The under-15 boys had a most successful run in the Eton against Cranleigh 6-4, and in their last match of the day they won competition. In the Thomas Bowl the boys’ first pair of James against The Leys 6-3. The St Peter’s boys got better and better Hanson and Tom Harpin had the following pool results: lost 3-6 to throughout the day, playing seven sets. In the following day’s play, Sevenoaks 1, lost 5-6 to Rugby 1, won 6-1 against Merchant Taylors’ in the last 32, Charlie and Tom beat Colston’s 8 games to 4. In the 2 and won 6-1 against RGS Newcastle 2. In the plate competition, quarter-finals they eventually lost 2-8 to Merchant Taylors’ 1. James and Tom defeated Merchant Taylors’ 1 by 6-3, Hymers 1 by 6-3 The second VI played well this season winning two out of their and then Loughborough 1 by 6-1. In the knockout stages of the plate three matches. – their eighth set of the day – the boys lost to Charterhouse by 6-1. The under-15 VI had an outstanding season, winning ten of their The St Peter’s 2 pair of Charlie Blackburn and Tom Robins in the eleven matches, with the match against RGS Newcastle being a Thomas Bowl lost 4-6 to Bradfield 1, lost 4-6 to Loughborough 1, three-set-all draw. They also progressed to the knock-out stages of won 6-4 against Yarm 1 before losing to Sevenoaks 2 by 3-6. In the the AEGON competition in September. plate they defeated RGS Newcastle 1 by 6-3, followed by a win
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The under-14 VI, in their first season of full-time tennis, won four out of seven fixtures.
The Alcuin Cup again attracted a big entry this year of 32 students. There were some great matches along the way, particularly in the semi-finals where Robbie Greenall defeated last year’s winner Sam Tsui in straight sets. However, the final was contested between two former winners in Robbie Greenall and his doubles partner Steven Jones. The match itself was a high-class affair with powerful hitting from the back of the court from Robbie and some wonderful changes of spin and variation of tactics from Steven. However, the greater power and control on both forehand and backhand of Robbie Greenall told in the end in a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Colours and Caps
Caps were awarded for the first time ever in boys’ tennis to the captain, Freddie Heijbroek, and to Steven Jones and Robbie Greenall. Colours were re-awarded to Sam Tsui, Barney Baker and Marcus Taylor.
Mr Bob Shread Frederik Heijbroek (Captain of Tennis)
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Cricket
St Peter’s 1st XI Cricket
‘Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, some don’t turn up at all.’ Sam Ewing
The first XI enjoyed a season full of triumphs as a team, and excellent achievements as individuals in cricketing accomplishments and in life lessons.
The season began on a blustery weekend in April with two pre- season fixtures at home to an exceptionally strong Sedbergh side. However, there are never any winners or losers in pre-season and the boys took away some valuable lessons and many positives.
Defeat to Worksop in the opening game of the summer was disappointing. A simple, but profound message to the players: stop doubting yourselves, work hard and make it happen. Strong, dominant wins against the Yorkshire Gents, Ampleforth and Durham, and two 80-run victories in the first round of the National T20 against Ashville and Bradford, sparked the belief and confidence required for success.
Friday 26 May will live long in the memory for everyone who was there: after comfortably beating RGS Newcastle in the north-east semi-final we came up against Worksop for a place in the North of England Final. Worksop were left needing six to win from the final over. After singles from the first two balls, Cameron Burdass held his nerve to take the final wicket, caught by Alex Liley with the third ball of the over. Ecstasy and elation – a thrilling and memorable game, all down to the hard work and confidence of the boys.
We scored further wins against Pocklington, Bradford, RGS Newcastle, and Hymers. The only blips in the second half of the
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National T20 at the hands of the mighty Sedbergh, who went on to Our final match of the season was against Bradford, away. With a win the competition at a canter. depleted side of players from third form to lower sixth, things did not go to plan. It was a disappointing finish to an enjoyable season, The last week of term saw the start of the new first XI festival with but the boys and Coach Battersby left with their heads held high. Repton, Epsom College and Warwick. The annual OP classic clash was one of the most equally contested games in recent times, with The under-15 lads started their season right back in January with the school winning by one wicket to round off a wonderful summer pre-season nets. It was good to see a little more grass on most of for the team. the pitches that we played on so the seamers could get some life out of the pitches. First XI 2017 (+ cap *colours #half colours): Ted Patmore *+ (Captain), Cameron Burdass *+, Sam The B-team played the majority of their matches against very strong Elliot *+, Chris Wood *+, Alex Martin*, Alex Liley*, Harry sides. They achieved a good level of individual and team success Contreras*, Jack Amsden #, James Black #, Matty Roberts, during the season. Because of the high quality of the opposition at Jack Williams, Charlie Rae, Ben Raubitschek, Oliver Tomalin, times, some hard lessons were learned, most notably when batting, Joseph Bates, Amman Mulla, Ben Lodge to really concentrate and defend good balls.
The second XI season started off with a thrilling encounter against In the T20 competition we had a main squad of thirteen that Worksop and our closest loss of the season. Against Ampleforth at rotated as the competition progressed. We played some very good home, we finished the day with a magnificent 67- run win, the first cricket and learned a great deal about playing under pressure in of the season. In our next match, Durham were waiting to put us to these competitive games. the sword! With a 43-run loss, it was a very quiet and sombre drive We entered the North Yorkshire final with considerable confidence back to York. and lost it off the last ball, with ourselves and some great batting Hymers at home returned the second XI to their usual fine form. from Lady Lumley`s middle order to blame. The development side Five replacements from the under-15A side lived up to the standards started well with a fine pre-season coached game against a selection set by the more senior players, and one of our super subs, Isaac of Ampleforth first-team and under-15 cricketers. It showed that we Giannini, hit a superb 40 runs to see us clear and seal our second had real strength in depth with Harvey Gration, Flynn Southgate hard-fought victory. and Charlie Bramley all coming into the mix well with the rest of the under-15s.
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The Norwich festival was a great end to the school season in which we beat Trent on the first day, lost by one wicket to Cheltenham College on the second and lost to Norwich in a T20 match on the last day. The other coaches and umpires highlighted our competitiveness and sportsmanship throughout.
Chris Wood represented the North of England at under-15 level at the Bunbury Festival at Stowe School.
The under-14A side had an excellent season, winning six matches, with one loss to North Yorkshire Select. In our first match, Worksop were bowled out for 22: a convincing start to the season, reiterated when Ampleforth were bowled out for 46. Sterner opposition came from North Yorkshire under-14s, who amassed 191-7 in 40 overs. We struggled in reply to 112 all out. It was, however, a good experience for the team showing them what to aspire to.
Durham were bowled out for 100, Hymers for 66, and Pocklington for 70. In the final match of the season against Bradford, once again our bowling was too strong for the opposition, who were all out for 57.
The team is to be commended for their understanding of how difficult it is to ensure everyone is involved, especially when we are consistently stronger than the opposition.
The under-14B cricket team had a good season with around 25 in the squad and the team rotated most weeks. They played five matches, winning three and losing two, with notable victories against Worksop and Ampleforth.
Thanks to the ground staff, George and Andy, for their tireless and determined preparation of the facilities; to David Foster, for his continued energy and enthusiasm with all the St Peter’s cricketers; and to all the boys for their continued commitment, good humour and effort throughout the season. A special thanks and the best of luck to Ted, Cam, Sam and Alex for their combined services to St Peter’s cricket.
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Netball
The level of netball being demonstrated across the whole senior preparation from programme has been exceptional. It has been pleasing to see the through-court, high levels of participation this year and the overall success that has and centre pass been achieved across the board. attack enabled them to capitalise This season has seen the senior teams take a clean sweep against on the opposition’s challenging opposition including Queen Margaret’s, Ampleforth, error rate and Sedbergh, Yarm, Pocklington, RGS Newcastle, Giggleswick, Ashville successfully and Barnard Castle. The 85% success rate is an extremely impressive transition to goal, figure considering the stronger opposition added to the programme to finish the game this season – a real testament to the breadth and depth of talent with a comfortable across the school and the commitment shown by all. victory.
In the National School tournaments the under-19, under-I6 and Yarm was another under-14 teams were all unbeaten in their area rounds, and went challenging game on to represent York and Selby in the county tournaments: a great of netball. The achievement with all tournaments being played out of season. versatility of the The under-19 and under-14 teams both reached the regional rounds girls helped them of the nationals convincingly, for the second year in a row. Both secure a 32-27 age-groups contested throughout the competition, displaying win. In attack the team played with a high tempo to move their advanced techniques and principles of play to a consistently high opposition around the court and to produce some very impressive standard with accuracy, control and fluency. Well done to all shooting stats to take the lead early in the game. Yarm fought back involved! in the latter stages of the game, but the lead from the first VII was too much for Yarm and it ended with a proud victory.
First Team The defensive unit this season have used their experience and composure in team defence to utilize on set principles of play; this The first VII worked collaboratively with enthusiasm, dedication has exploited some successful sides including Ashville, where a 29-23 and commitment to achieve one of the best netballing seasons to win was achieved. Overall a brilliant season of netball. date. There was a sense of solidarity, to act decisively in committing to the game-plan with real intent, and executing this across all A special mention should go to Phoebe Phillips – a true leader games with the utmost confidence. The players demonstrated that on and off the court. Her drive to succeed and determination to they are building a platform for success and performance, showing commit wholeheartedly to tactics rubbed off on her teammates and a mature approach to evaluating their game-play and making played a major role in their success. adjustments to this in response to challenge; this has been key to their success this year. First team: Phoebe Phillips (Captain), Madeleine Bletcher, Rebecca Green, Jessica Webster, Katherine Robinson, Sophie They accomplished some remarkable results against high-class Wilson, Harriet Kirkwood, Amy Webster, Jenny Elliott. opposition, including beating Sedbergh 39-31 in an end-to-end game of intense netball. The willpower of the girls and the early Miss Stephanie Wilson
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Second Team
Without having played or trained together beforehand the second team faced Newcastle High away for the first match of the season. The result was, to say the least, disappointing with a 10-50 loss! If we ignore that result, the second team had a fantastic season and won all their remaining matches.
Our squad consisted of three different year-groups and although we didn’t know each other initially we quickly gelled as a team. Maddie Wylie and Lucy Moss. We fought hard in all areas of the High-scoring wins against RGS, Pocklington, Barnard Castle, Yarm court and were unbeaten, going on to win the whole tournament. and Giggleswick demonstrated the experience and high standard of all the players with 203 goals for and 43 against. Ellie Brierley, Laura In total thirteen matches and one tournament were played and won. Aspinall, Emily Booth and Grace Freshwater defended brilliantly in these matches. Although we had a successful season it is not just down to the squad as we have also had fantastic coaching from Miss Wilson and Matches against GSAL, Woodhouse Grove, Ashville, Ampleforth Mrs Sellars and would not have had such a great season without and Hymers proved slightly more challenging with 141 for and 74 them. Thank you! against. Again defence played well enabling Annabelle Blackburn, Emilia Proctor and Amelia Bell to feed the ball through court and Frankie Chapman, V into the shooters Liv Calvert and Frankie Chapman.
Rain stopped play against Hull Collegiate as the home courts Third and Fourth Teams became too dangerous to play on, although we were leading 7-3 Impressive strength and depth in the senior squads meant that both when the match was abandoned. the third and fourth teams were able to field strong players which led to an impressive match record. Continuity of team composition Queen Margaret’s away was one of the toughest matches we and dedication to training saw a good improvement in individual played but we still managed to win 23-18. The most difficult match skills and match play during the season. was towards the end of the season against Sedbergh at home. We knew this would be the most challenging as they have a strong team Mrs Cath Hempsall and had beaten us in the past. Despite this we were confident as we had played well up to this point with everyone working as a team. The match was very tight, but the determination of the whole St Under-15s Peter’s squad proved successful and although the results could have This group of talented girls approached their netball with as much gone either way the final score was 29-25 to St Peter’s. energy and enthusiasm as they have all their sporting commitments. An absolute joy to coach, with a strong work ethic and a large The last event of the season was a tournament at Queen Margret’s. measure of enjoyment, this was a successful term in relation to The team was depleted through injury but the squad showed individual improvement and team cohesion. enough versatility to cover the missing players, with the inclusion of
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The A-team was particularly strong, with attacking fast play at every opportunity. Within the school circuit they lost just one of their nine fixtures and in the area competition were crowned winners without the loss of a game.
The B-team achieved this as well within their area tournament, again remaining unbeaten across the afternoon. Within their fixture programme they lost just one fixture out of ten, to complete a tremendous season also.
We also played a string of C-team matches which served to illustrate the tremendous strength in depth across this group of performers. Well played all!
Carly Jackson, IV
Under-14s
Pleasingly many third-form girls opted to play netball this year which enabled us to field three very competitive teams. The under- 14As, who enjoyed a very successful run in the national schools competition, trained on a number of occasions with the senior girls: they needed to be pushed and to learn very quickly how to play a highly contested and physical game, but pleasingly they rose to the challenge. Unfortunately their run in the national schools competition ended at the county round. The fact that 90% of the team were ill may have been a contributing factor!
In the regular school fixtures there were many outstanding matches: the under-14A team began to settle down and play a more structured, less frantic, game. Their skill level was extremely high from the outset and as play patterns emerged they began to trust each other. There were many impressive games – particularly worthy of mention were their wins against Woodhouse Grove and Sedbergh. In these matches they remained focused and resolute throughout.
The under-14B and C teams had a number of challenging contests: they were sometimes matched against other school ‘A’ teams. This experience was invaluable to them and will most definitely help them develop as they progress through the school.
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Football
The St Peter’s first XI of 2017 have completed a historic season after going unbeaten across all matches with a phenomenal 100% record of playing, and winning, all nine matches.
With the squad having maintained a strong core of upper-sixth players from last season, expectations were high as we began the season attempting to defend our trophy in the now-traditional St Peter’s Sixes - a six-a-side tournament hosted at Playfootball York. A strong squad swept all before them defeating Barnard Castle (4- 0), Bootham (7-1), Woodhouse Grove (5-2), Hull Collegiate (6-1) and Ampleforth (6-1) to top their group and become champions for the second year in a row.
This perfect warm-up for the regular season and a convincing 5-0 win over the Old Peterites meant we were fully set for the run of games ahead. We opened our account with a 1-0 win away to Woodhouse Grove with Cameron Burdass getting the key goal
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and Ben Raubitschek making some outstanding saves to ensure our clean sheet. Two big wins followed as our pacy attacking play was too good for Ampleforth (5-0) and Ackworth (5-0) as we turned the Colts pitch into a fortress. RGS Newcastle were the next to visit and with the score 1-1 at half-time in a tight game, it took two poacher’s goals from Tom Hawksworth to take the game away from RGS as we finished 4-2 winners. An away trip to GSAL is always one of the biggest challenges of the season and despite missing several key players due to rugby 7s duty, the boys who came in played superbly and again it was two Tom Hawksworth goals that gave us a 2-1 win. A hard-fought 3-1 win away to Barnard Castle followed before we dispatched Bootham 4-1 to win the local ‘derby’ convincingly. Returning to Ampleforth for our final fixture, we saved some of our best football until last as we constantly played some excellent ‘pass and move’ football to win 4-1. This concluded an incredible season and full credit should go to all players who pulled on the 1st XI shirt and represented St Peter’s so well for this 100% record.
However, after such a season we struggled to maintain the intensity going into the ‘Hull 8s’ in an end of season tournament where wins against Birkdale, Fulneck and Scarborough but losses to GSAL, Bootham and Hull Collegiate meant we finished
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in seventh place out of twelve teams. Before enjoying an afternoon Players’ Player - Peter Konstantynov of ‘footgolf’ to finish the season, we celebrated the term’s work on the football pitches with the end-of-season awards where the Player of the Season - Ed Bottomley following trophies were awarded: In the final assembly of term full colours were awarded to Ben Top Goalscorer - Tom Hawksworth Raubitschek, Charlie Rae, Ted Patmore, Edmund Meredith Clark, Adam Brown, Charlie Hudson, Felix Van der Borgh and Peter Goal of the Season - Cameron Burdass Konstantynov for their significant contribution to first XI football. In recognition of their outstanding performances in first XI football First XI Goalkeeper - Ben Raubitschek over the past two years, Ed Bottomley, Cameron Burdass and Tom Manager’s Award - Ted Patmore Hawksworth were awarded their school cap whilst we look forward to the captaincy of Peter Konstantynov in 2018. Most Improved Player - Matt Ubhi Mr Ben White
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Athletics
This year’s planned athletics programme sadly fell victim to wet weather, and a couple of meets which we were due to host were cancelled.
The girls entered the Track and Field Cup, and also had a very successful meet at the independent schools’ competition at Barnard Castle School, competing against a number of schools from the North of England including Sedbergh, RGS Newcastle, Newcastle High, Pocklington and Carmel College. As well as a number of excellent individual performances, which saw Angel Norza place first in the 100 metres, Maddie Wylie second in the 100 metres and 300 metres, and Elicia Race first in the high jump, the girls put in some impressive overall team performances. The under-14 team scored 70 points, and the under-15s 63 points, earning them both second-place finishes.
Elicia Race was also selected to represent York and District at high jump.
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Rounders
Thankfully, the summer of 2017 started off in glorious sunshine The following girls represented the senior first team: which enabled us to undertake the first few fixtures of the term. All Harriet Kirkwood, Charlotte Hollinrake, Sophie Wilson, the girls trained hard and were keen to participate in the matches. Madeleine Hunter, Victoria Brook, Lucy Lovisetto, Kitty Using only one person on base enabled us to set a tight field which Clapham, Amelia Fennell, Emilia Proctor, Lydia Palmer, Emily meant that the passing between bowler, backstop and first base had Booth, Katherine Robinson. to be accurate. Senior inter-house rounders: All the girls in the under-14 and under-15 teams who opted to play rounders were given the opportunity to represent the school. It was 1st The Grove very pleasing to see the under-14 team make great improvements 2nd Clifton during the season and I hope that they continue to progress at under-15 level. The under-15s had some particularly demanding 3rd Dronfield matches: their effort was commendable but unfortunately, at times, small errors in fielding cost them runs. 4th School
Yet again the senior team encountered a lack of continuity, Junior inter-house rounders: especially in the latter half of the term because of study leave, school examinations and open day visits. However, as usual, we 1st School were able to fulfil all our fixtures because of the flexibility and nd helpfulness of the girls. On many occasions we proved too strong 2 The Grove for the opposition: the trio of Sophie Wilson, Charlotte Hollinrake 3rd Clifton and Katherine Robinson stopping batters from progressing past first base time after time! 4th Hope
Girls’ Squash
What a fantastically successful season for the girls’ first squash team this year, finishing top of their division in the Ladies York and District league.
With an unbeaten season in the league from Lucy Lawrence and Yulia Trubacheva, the girls team had strength at seeds four and five. Izzy Cotter and captain Julia Crowther both lost just once in the league and Livi Whitehouse, playing at the extremely challenging number-one position, had some excellent matches with probably some of the best squash being played at this level for many years. A committed group of girls helped the success of the team and this is especially an achievement as the matches are played in the evenings.
Lots of team spirit, fun and determination culminated in a thoroughly fine year of squash. I would like to thanks all the girls involved in squash and wish them lots of luck in the future.
Louise Moss
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Girls’ Swimming
The swimming team had a fantastic season this year, winning Inter-House Swimming seven out of eight matches and being part of a successful trip to Stonyhurst for the annual John Parry Relays. Hope once again won the inter-house swimming, for the fourth year running, although it has to be noted that the winning margin A small but strong team of under-14 girls came up from St Olave’s, wasn’t quite as large this year so maybe the other houses are finally all very competent and always willing to help out in the higher catching them up! As ever the event was fantastic and the girls age-groups if they were required. This is often hard to do when they entered into the house team spirit wholeheartedly. Five new records are all coping with the extra demands required of them during the were set: one in the juniors for Jazz Nixon, and in the senior age transition over from the junior school. The under-15s were a very group Maddy Bennison gained one record with Kat Bonner setting capable group of girls who, again, always gave their best and never another three. This means Kat now holds seven school swimming left the team short if anyone was off due to illness or injury. It is the records in total, which is an incredible feat in itself. senior age group, though, who never fail to impress me with their ability to juggle the many aspects of school life alongside studies 1st Hope 124 pts and sporting commitment. It is something that is hugely evident in 2nd School 111 pts the team and the girls have a great work-ethic in all these areas, always working together and getting the best out of each other. 3rd The Grove 101 pts Alongside the girls mentioned below who represented the school, I must also mention the core group who continued to come down to 4th Clifton 90 pts training not only to increase their fitness and improve their wellbeing As ever, I would like to give huge thanks to the captain Nicole for but also to help me on poolside and generally add to the tight-knit the dedication and commitment she has always given to school community that we have down at the swimming. So those thanks go swimming, and in this last year the particular help she has given to to Gaby Richardson, Cassie Bythell, Holly Drake, Katy Colthup and both me and the team. Evie Cumberland. Finally, I would like to thank all the girls who have swum in the teams Girls representing the school: since I started coaching at the school nine years ago, and all those Under-14s: Olivia Bone, Jennie Durham, Phoebe Holmes, Jazz pupils in the five years before that when I helped out with Clifton Nixon, Phoebe Stephenson School swimming. Some of the girls who are 2017 leavers are the Under-15s: Sophie Adeley, Sophie Bone, Katie Bonner, Molly same ones that I started helping to swim when they were in Year Smith, Maddie Wylie 1 – very many lengths have been swum since then! It has been a pleasure watching them all grow up and I have very many wonderful Seniors: Katarina Bonner **, Sophie Green, Abi Harrison*, memories. Throughout the whole of this time the girls’ swimming Lauren Moir, Nicole Moir**, Ellie Richardson, Gaby teams have always been a credit to the school and I shall miss them Richardson, Katherine Spencer**, Lydia Theos** greatly. I wish every single one of them all the best for the future: *Full colours awarded they made my job an absolute joy. **Full colours re-awarded Mrs Karen Burdass The Fowler Cup, for the best performance in swimming in upper sixth, was awarded to Nicole Moir.
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St Peter’s School Boat Club
Ancholme Head York Small Boats Head The Boat Club had a successful first away trip of the year at the The Boat Club had a small but dedicated core of rowers competing Ancholme Head in Brigg. Racing over two divisions there were in the annual York Small Boats Head on Sunday 21 November. wins for the fifth-form boys coxless quad whose time of 10mins The fifth- and sixth-form boys combined to produce three 10 secs for the 2,700m course placed them second overall. Equally competitively-matched boats, racing in a category dominated by impressive were Jack Coulthard in the J18 single sculls and Katarina university rowers. Despite not winning, their times showed they Bonner in the women’s novice sculls. Not only did they win their have moved on with more to come. individual categories but both proved to be the fastest male and female single scullers of the day. The day was completed with wins The sixth-form girls double of Sophie-Rose Haslam and Katarina for both the senior women’s double scull of Sophie-Rose Haslam Bonner. however, proved too much for their competition. A and Maddie Day and the fourth-form boys’ double scull of Joe combination of their experience and dedication produced a winning Johnson and Andrew Liang. Across the boat club many other good margin in excess of 30 seconds that was well deserved. performances were registered – an encouraging start to the year. After a difficult year last year the fourth-form boys and girls took the opportunity to gain valuable ‘water time’. The quad of Joe GB Trials November Johnson, Guy Jenkins, Andrew Liang and Nick New coxed by James Boat Club captain, Jack Coulthard, represented St Peter’s at his Connolly, the double of Freddie Dorling and Alexander Coates and first GB rowing trials in Boston, Lincolnshire. Up against 120 of the the girls double of Lottie McKelvie and Valentina Cross experienced country’s top junior oarsmen, Jack raced hard, placing 44th, a strong at first hand the competitive nature of head racing. Despite their performance in this new environment and less than 15 seconds away inexperience they performed well in a strong field and returned to from placing in the 20s. row again.
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Newark Head Yorkshire Head On 3 December 27 pupils returned to Newark Head after a ten-year Saturday 11 March saw the Boat Club again competing on our home break. All the crews gave a good account of themselves on the water in the Yorkshire Head. The weather was perfect for the event, challenging twisty course, with six from twelve St Peter’s crews seasonally warm, low wind with sunny spells. emerging victorious! Scullers Jack Coulthard and Kat Bonner were Sixteen crews represented the school and all continued to show followed by winning crews in boys’ J16 coxless quad, boys’ J15 coxed great improvement with competition coming from as far as quad, women’s intermediate 3 double and boys J16 double. Hampton School. The boat club recorded two wins, an impressive feat against tough opposition, with numerous second and third South Yorkshire Head placings in very large categories. Elliot Millman and Grayson The Doncaster weather was typically mixed with occasional sleet Townend won J16 doubles and Sophie Haslam, Alex Johnston, and rain but the biggest challenge of the day was trying to stay Katarina Bonner and Maddie Day won the open women’s coxless warm with temperatures barely making it above two or three quads. degrees.
Jack Coulthard set an excellent example with wins in both his J18 Schools Head of the River Race single and open single. Jack was the fastest single sculler overall on As in last year’s Boat Race, the weather had a major effect on the day which was great preparation for the forthcoming trials at racing and as conditions deteriorated the organisers shortened the Boston. course to just under 2 km. Undeterred, the senior boys racing in the championship quads put in a solid performance against some of the The senior girls of Maddie Day, Alex Johnston, Katarina Bonner and top quads in the country. They maintained their focus despite being Sophie Haslam also rose to the occasion and sculled with control to hit by waves breaking over their heads only two strokes into the win the WJ18 quads by over a minute from their nearest rivals. Later race. in the day the WJ18 double of Maddie Day and Sophie Haslam and WJ16 double of Alex Johnston and Eve Gilbert also claimed victories.
The J18 boys’ quad continued to show progress whilst the J16 quads had to battle against each other as their opposition failed to show up. Grayson Townend and Elliot Millman took the victory in the J16 doubles with a display of determined sculling.
The development squads consisting of the J15s and J14s, some of whom raced for the first time, showed just how far they have come in a short space of time. Not only did they defeat the unrelenting cold but they also demonstrated great spirit both on and off the water.
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deteriorate throughout the afternoon. Many crews struggled to make headway but the St Peter’s crew stuck to the task and finished in 17th position overall.
Junior Sculling Head The Boat Club’s first appearance at this event was blessed with bright skies and a tricky headwind. Five St Peter’s crews made up of girls and boys from the third and fourth forms competed in the coxed quads events racing two legs of 1800m on the famous Eton Dorney course.
The fourth-form boys quad of Hanno Brach, Joe Johnson, Adam Dalton and Ethan McKinney, coxed by Paddy Renwick, rowed with purpose and overtook three other boats out on the lake to finish comfortably in the top third of their event. For many of our crews this was their first experience of Eton Dorney and in true St Peter’s spirit they made the most of it both on and off the water.
On the water they may have been divided by age and gender but off the water there was no such division. Seldom has the Boat Club seen such an excellent display of cohesive teamwork throughout the day.
The J16 boys’ quads had similar experiences and were forced to dig Ghent Rowing Camp and deep and drive their boats hard to finish fifth and tenth overall. International Regatta The results were a vindication of their hard work and commitment Fourteen seniors made the trip across the North Sea to Belgium in throughout the term as a whole. order to train and compete in the Ghent International Regatta. For the second year in a row the weather was fabulous which allowed The senior girls’ quad also demonstrated tremendous grit, the St Peter’s crews to gain the most from their experience. determination and skill in the hostile conditions that continued to
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Jack Coulthard raced in both the J18 and matter which combination went out to race as the senior girls’ crews U23 single sculls and produced some of his raced hard and showed tremendous determination against the fastest times of the year to date. His pace off international field. the start pontoons was particularly impressive and gave him an advantage that many of his competitors Tees Regatta could not close down. The Tees Regatta in May has proved to be a popular event with our Nine of the J16 boys’ squad travelled to Ghent and raced in junior rowers. For the third form this was their first experience at the various combinations of doubles and quads in both J16 and J18 regatta but they were not overawed. Both the girls and boys dealt categories. There were strong performances across the board with well with everything that regatta racing throws at you and came one memorable race on the Sunday afternoon where two of the away stronger for the experience. quads battled all the way down the course with the outcome only The fourth form however were back for the second time and were decided in the last ten strokes of the 2 km race. determined to make amends for last year. The boys’ quads raced Not to be outdone the senior girls also raced various combinations well but met stern opposition as they had been drawn against of doubles and quads in the WJ16 and WJ18 categories . It did not student rowers from Lancaster University. The double sculls
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however were matched with their own year-group and took full advantage by taking first and third places in the final.
Equally determined were the fourth-form girls who were similarly mismatched in their first event but dug deep and took a fantastic win in the women’s novice coxed quads by a length.
National Schools’ Regatta The National Schools’ Regatta returned to Eton Dorney and is one of the highlights of the rowing year. The third and fourth form were the first to take to the water on the Friday with the time-trials. The glorious blue skies could not disguise the strong head wind that was blowing over the 1,000m course. St Peter’s crews battled hard and performed to the best of their abilities but with such a high standard across the board qualification was tough. Despite not making it through to the final stages all the crews gained valuable experience that they will hopefully draw on in the future.
Day two saw Jack Coulthard compete in the championship single sculls. His progress across the year was evident when he secured thirteenth position in the time-trial, earning him a place in the semi-finals. An unfavourable lane draw meant that and Sophie Haslam were unfortunately at a disadvantage before the despite his efforts he could not secure a place in the final. first stroke was taken as they were having to compete against girls The third and final day brought greyer skies but more importantly in older years. Giving away such an advantage at a national level is the wind had dropped and the racing conditions were near perfect. hard but they stuck to their task and were rewarded with a well- Both the senior girls and senior boys made it through their time- deserved place in the ‘C’ final, finishing in fifth place. trials. The senior boys in two coxless quads made the ‘B’ final in the ‘A’ The senior girls’ quad of Maddie Day, Alex Johnston, Eve Gilbert category and the ‘A’ final in the ‘B’ category. The ‘A’ crew of Kieran
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Whyte, Grayson Townend, Elliot Millman and Sam Gowland finished sixth in their semi-final, whilst the ‘B’ crew of Tom Raper, Will Foster, James Smith and Harrison Smith finished fifth in their final.
Hanno Brach teamed up with Jack Coulthard to race in the championship double sculls. Once again this crew saved the best for race day and secured a place in the semi-finals. Having Peterborough Junior Championships only a limited period of time together this was a tremendous result which placed them in the top fourteen doubles in the country. Only Thirteen third- and fourth-form crews travelled to Peterborough, nine seconds separated the crews in the semi-final with Hanno and and four made it through to represent the school in their finals. Jack just being on the wrong side of the cut. The J14 quad gained a bronze medal which is an encouraging result
from a crew in their first year of St Peter’s rowing. 2016 Destinations Leavers’ Henley Women’s Regatta Hanno Brach and Joe Johnson raced in J15 ‘A’ doubles, winning a A fabulous weekend of racing in June saw the senior girls’ quad of fantastic gold medal, followed soon after by Hanno racing again in Maddie Day, Sophie Haslam, Alex Johnston and Eve Gilbert fight his single, losing out on a second gold by the smallest of margins. hard. Unfortunately they were unable to progress beyond the time- trial after coming up against top-class opposition. Guy Jenkins and Adam Dalton raced in J15 ‘B’ doubles and were rewarded with a bronze medal.
York Summer Regatta The Boat Club has enjoyed a successful season and is looking The senior boys swept to victory at the York Summer Regatta forward to 2017-18 with renewed enthusiasm. registering wins in four events, two of which were in open competition against non-junior rowers. Mr Ian Doyle
158 The Peterite 2016-2017 LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
Tamsin Abbott Northumbria University Built and Natural Environment with Foundation Year
William Andrews King’s College London History and International Relations
Samuel Appleby Newcastle University Computer Science
Laura Aspinall University of Edinburgh Chemistry with a year abroad
George Avery Gap year
Angus Barrick Gap year
Joseph Bates Swansea University Computer Science
Amelia Bell University of Nottingham English
Annabelle Blackburn Northumbria University Applied Sciences Foundation Year
Fleur Booth University of Manchester Zoology with a Modern Language (4 years)
Edward Bottomley Gap year
Eve Bracken University of Edinburgh Psychology
Eleanor Brierley University of Nottingham Medicine
Edward Brook University of Liverpool Business Economics
Victoria Brook Gap year
Cameron Burdass Nottingham Trent University Sport Science and Management
Cassie Bythell University of Leeds English Literature
Leavers’ Destinations 2016 Destinations Leavers’ Eleanor Caley Durham University Psychology (Applied)
Olivia Calvert University of Edinburgh Business Management
Naomi Carey University of Bath Computer Science and Mathematics
Nathan Chapman Nottingham Trent University Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Niall Collinson Employment
Alice Connelly-Bosson Norland College Early Years Development and Learning
Charles Corner University of Leeds Civil and Structural Engineering
Isabella Cotter Gap year
Jack Coulthard University of Nottingham Product Design and Manufacture including an Industrial Year
Julia Crowther Newcastle University Classical Studies
George Davis Gap year
Ella Day York St John University Physiotherapy
Ravin Dhesi University of Liverpool Business Economics with a Year in Industry
Alistair Dodds University of Manchester Biosciences with a Foundation Year
Thomas Dowdy Gap year
Chenyang Duan University College London Engineering (Biomedical)
Charles Dunn University of Reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Luke Dunsmore University of Cambridge Computer Science
Samuel Elliot Gap year
Jennifer Elliott Northumbria University Psychology Foundation Year
Emily Elsey University of Birmingham History
Helen Ford Gap year
William Fordy Durham University Earth Sciences
Adam Freshwater Loughborough University Product Design and Technology
The Peterite 2016-2017 159 LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
William Fryer University of Reading Business Economics
Rose Gabbertas Gap year
Sophie Gill University of Edinburgh Economics
Alice Gilman University of Leeds Psychology
Louise Gould Gap year
Eleanor Graham University of Glasgow Veterinary Biosciences
James Guyer Herriot-Watt University International Business Management with Year Abroad
Christopher Hall Northumbria University Law
James Hanly University of Bristol Medicine
Abigail Harrison Gap year
Elizabeth Hartley Newcastle University Economics
Thomas Hawksworth Newcastle University Economics
Patrick Hayes University of Aberdeen Business Management
Frederik Heijbroek Utrecht University Economics
Yuk Ho Ian Ho University of Nottingham Industrial Economics
George Ingall Gap year
Alexander Ingham Durham University General Engineering
Alice Jackson University of Edinburgh Spanish and History
Sebastian Jackson University of Sheffield Economics and Mathematics
Rohan Jain Newcastle University Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Tilly-Mae James Gap year
Jonathan Jaworski Nottingham Trent University Furniture and Product Design
Hongyuan Jiang University College London Physics
Tobias Johnston University of Exeter Geography
Steven Jones Gap year
Emily Kelly Durham University English Literature
Cressida Killick Teesside University Law
Daniel Kondratiev Durham University Natural Sciences
Lucy Leedham Newcastle University Psychology
Cheuk Li University of Essex Mathematics and Statistics
Samuel Lightwing University of East Anglia Medicine
Grayson Maguire Gap year
Benjamin Maher University College London Management Science
Tansi Marshall University of Stirling Psychology
Alexander Martin Gap year
Elizabeth Martin University of Manchester Politics and Modern History
Yana Martirosova University of Edinburgh Architecture
Edmund Meredith Clark Gap year
Nicole Moir University of Liverpool Marketing with a Year in Industry
Tsz Mok Gap year
Mia Morris Newcastle University Marketing
Polly Moss University of Nottingham English
160 The Peterite 2016-2017 LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
Anna Muirhead University of Reading Art and Psychology
Emma Nelson Norland College Early Years Development and Learning
William Newitt University of Nottingham Geography with Business
Edith Norvor University of Essex Business Management with a Modern Language
George O’Neill University of Warwick History
William Owen University of Glasgow Psychology
Edward Patmore Nottingham Trent University Business Management and Marketing
Jia Yue Peng University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science
Phoebe Phillips Gap year
Tom Pycock Keele University International Relations and Politics
Charles Rae Gap year
Matthew Ramalingam Newcastle University Economics and Business Management
Helena Reeds Gap year
Eleanor Richardson Gap year
Gabrielle Richardson Durham University Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad)
Matthew Roberts University of Reading Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year
Oluwatoni Salami Durham University Business and Management with Business Placement
Yuquan Shao University of Aberdeen Engineering (Mechanical)
Iva Sharp Gap year
Joseph Simpson Northumbria University Built and Natural Environment with Foundation Year
Katherine Spencer University of Nottingham Mathematics (4 years)
Samuel Stanford University of St Andrews Computer Science
Rose Stephens Durham University Music
Archie Stephenson Gap year
Olivia Surtees Royal Holloway University, London Human Geography
Rowan Tait University of Glasgow Human Biology
Kin Fung Tam University of Cambridge Natural Sciences
Pok Tam University of Manchester Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Experience
James Taylor University of Sheffield Medicine
Ethan Thubron University of Roehampton Sociology Extended Degree
Lok Him Tsui University of Hong Kong Medicine
Karmelia Tuhirman University of Bristol Medicine
Felix Van der Borgh University of Liverpool History
Thomas Veysey Gap year
Gideon Wakelin Southampton University Chemistry
Haodong Wang University of Manchester Mathematics with Financial Mathematics
Jessica Webster University of Oxford Economics and Management
Olivia Whitehouse Leeds Beckett University Events Management
Oliver Williams Richmond University Political Science
Aimee Wilson University of Cambridge Medicine
Esme Wright University of York English/Philosophy
The Peterite 2016-2017 161 St Peter’s School • York • YO30 6AB Tel: 01904 527300 • Fax: 01904 527302 Email: [email protected] www.stpetersyork.org.uk
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