The Grovian 2019 The Grovian 2019 Contents

Official Reports 3 - 14

Brontë House 15 - 31

Boarding 33 - 35

Out of the Classroom 37 - 41

Trips and Tours 42 - 55

Performing Arts 56 - 71

Sports Reports 72 - 104

House Reports 105 - 111 Official Reports Headmaster’s Report The latest public examination reforms suggest that we are, in many ways, moving backwards, to learning based on retention, at just the time when we should be shifting our focus to more flexible learning for the It was a huge honour and privilege to welcome to future. Inspection has concentrated on things that are Woodhouse Grove our Prize Day Guest of Honour, Clive easily measurable. This is not what will be needed in Lewis OBE DL. Amongst his many interests and the next twenty-five years, as mundane jobs become achievements, Clive is the Founder of Bridge Builders; automated, and the ability to think creatively, with an organization that works nationally to provide genuine empathy, becomes critical. A broader mentoring and training for boys and girls from curriculum that inspires a love of learning but also disadvantaged backgrounds. In a previous life, I was appreciates and encourages different ways to learn is lucky enough to serve on the Bridge Builders Advisory not impossible, but I fear the independent school Board and have, therefore, witnessed for myself, Clive’s sector will have to fight hard to get this to the top of passion for increasing social mobility and employability our politicians’ education agendas. among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prior to the introduction of new, tougher, A-level examinations, the Chief Inspector of Schools, Amanda Through the work of the Woodhouse Grove Foundation Spielman, suggested she would challenge teachers not and the School’s partnerships with Royal Springboard to concentrate too much on exam results. She said, and and The One in a Million Free School, the Grove is also I quote, “Schools are getting it wrong if they are no working hard to increase social mobility by widening more than exam factories. A rich education is more educational opportunities in the local area and beyond. important than rising league tables”. This intervention As a former pupil of Woodhouse Grove, one of my seems to me to be the latest move in a debate which primary aims is to make a Woodhouse Grove education has been going on for as long as I can remember. available to as many local children as possible. In this What do we want from our schools; higher grades or regard, Bridge Builders and Woodhouse Grove share a rounded personalities? As parents, most of us want common cause. both, of course.

In the ever-changing political landscape, independent I was fortunate enough to go to a school which valued schools are facing unprecedented challenges; the a rich education; one which provided a varied and full nebulous uncertainty of government-driven initiatives; range of opportunities in which each individual could the implications of Brexit; the evermore demanding find their niche. It also provided a safe and nurturing push and pull of inspection and the growing incidence environment in which everyone could discover what of emotional ill-health in our young people all conspire they were not good at. Which, in my case, was not to give us headmasters sleepless nights. difficult. Looking back, I’m glad now, that I found out at

Page 4 I am Grovian school what I was bad at, as well as what I was good at. Whether we like it or not, social media has changed Testing is a part of life; we all need to strive against language and the way children see the world. At times, ourselves to discover who we are, and exams are like when dealing with some of these issues in school, I often signposts on the way to a greater goal. The philosopher think that society, as a whole, now requires a new code John Locke, in his book Some Thoughts Concerning of conduct, so that harmful misuse does not prevail. Education, published way back in 1963, argued that, “Of all the people we meet with, 9 parts of 10 are what Today’s children are the first to have the entire store of they are; good or evil, useful or not, because of their mankind‘s knowledge literally at their fingertips. The education”. advent of smartphones means that friends and relatives can easily be in touch with each other In such a rapidly evolving employment landscape, the wherever they are in the world. And social media has ability to anticipate and prepare for future skills also given people a new way to keep up with news, and requirements is not a concept the world of education a platform to express their opinions. has fully grasped. The successful school of the future will regard preparation for work as more important However, it is also the case, that screen addiction is an than preparing its pupils for examinations. Emotional issue of enormous and growing concern to parents and intelligence, reaction to failure, leadership, teachers. Children typically have access to as many as perseverance, resilience and the ability to improvise five different screens at home. On average, they are and adapt on one’s feet, are becoming increasingly spending nearly five hours a day in front of them. important. This is clearly having an impact on the way children As has been well documented of late, soft skills – behave and interact, with potential consequences for personal attributes that enable individuals to interact their mental health. Some experts have likened screen effectively and harmoniously with one another – are addiction to alcoholism, with online stimulation best instilled in schools such as the Grove. For the triggering the addictive release of dopamine in the most part, our young people leave this place as brain. There is also an obvious link between high levels confident and well-formed individuals, not just well of screen use and physical inactivity, which contributes informed ones. to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Woodhouse Grove School Foundation The Woodhouse Grove School Foundation is a charitable trust formed orf the purpose of organising and coordinating fundraising and development work with a specific and immediate focus on Bursary funding at the School. This funding offers life changing opportunities and also protects the unique ethos of the School. MAKE A DONATION

Every gift matters and with your help we can build an even better future for all our Grovians. Your help and support is invaluable and without it, we would not be able to assist the growing numbers of pupils who would not otherwise be able to enjoy a Woodhouse Grove education. Collectively, small contributions can make a big difference. One-off financial donations, legacy giving or regular amounts via standing order—it soon adds up! Here are all the ways you can help make a lasting and meaningful difference:

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Payments can be made by bank transfer or to set Woodhouse Grove School Foundation Please make cheques payable to Woodhouse Grove up a standing order to the Foundation account: Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, School Foundation and send to the Foundation Office. West Yorkshire BD10 0NR HSBC Bank Sort code: 40-02-06 GIFT AID Email: [email protected] Account no: 21352806 IBAN: GB63HBUK40020621352806 If you are a UK taxpayer and eligible for Gift Aid please complete our Tel: 0113 250 2477 Registered charity no: 1176406 gift aid form (found on the Old Grovian section of the School website) Please add your surname as the reference and Visit our Facebook page Old Grovian Association and return to the WGS Foundation office. Completion of this form email [email protected] to let means that we are able to claim an additional 25% from HMRC at no us know of your kind donation. Join us Old Grovian Business Network extra cost to you. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you too can benefit from tax relief and companies that make a charitable donation can reduce their liability for Corporation Tax using the Gift Aid scheme.

I am Grovian Page 5 In seeking to ensure that children strike a sensible community; the building of relationships between balance, parents and schools need to work together. parents, staff and pupils; and the value placed on each That means adults leading by example. According to individual. As President Jimmy Carter once reminded the Office for National Statistics, the average working us, “We must adjust to changing times whilst still parent spends only nineteen minutes a day interacting holding on to unchanging principles”. with their children. Yet on a typical weekday, adults spend six hours looking at screens. Children are well To my mind, community is one of the greatest aware of this hypocrisy, with more than two thirds antidotes to insecurity because it speaks to us of the complaining that their parents spend too much time assurance that we are all in it together. This is what online. As we seek to ensure the next generation makes the Grove such a special place; as the poem appreciates there is more to life than time spent goes, “We are all individuals, yet we are part of hunched over computers and smartphones, we should something incredible”. take a long hard look at our own screen habits. Winston Churchill once said, “To each there comes in On the plus side, in my experience, adolescents are their lifetime a special moment when they are essentially optimistic. They are full of talent and today’s figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the young people are less prejudiced and more principled, chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and with a healthy respect for those of different fitted to their talents. What a tragedy it would be if that backgrounds and beliefs. Such a realisation should give moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that us all infinite hope of a bright new dawn. which could have been their finest hour.”

When education is complete, the one thing that is Whatever happens in the fast flowing world of essential in schools is to build personality, develop education, we know that qualifications can only be a character and confidence, train resilience and promote part of the much broader educational experience courage through the attitudes and values inculcated. provided at Woodhouse Grove; one which I believe The youth of tomorrow know this and, for the most truly prepares our young people for their finest hour. part, are ready to contend with the complexities of an anguished world. Finally, I should like to record my thanks and gratitude to the team responsible for putting together another At its heart, the business of Woodhouse Grove will excellent edition of The Grovian. always be rooted in the people that make up our Mr. James Lockwood- Headmaster

Imo: Head Prefects’ Report CJ and I want to make change the focus of our speech, because Ashdown Lodge, Brontë and the Grove have been part of our lives for as long as we CJ: can remember, and together have shaped who we are Imo, can you remember our first day – walking hand today. Indeed, we can barely remember a time when in hand from the carpark into Ashdown Lodge with the school wasn’t in our lives. Mrs Hinchliffe? We were only around 3 years old, and since that day our friendship has continued to get In fact CJ – I can’t remember a time in my life without stronger and stronger over the 15 years we have been you or the Grove, we’ve seen each other every day at at school together. school since we were three and I don’t know what I’ll do come September ... CJ, I don’t think I can do this… However, our life as we know it is about to change for us and, all our friends in Year 13. CJ: Yes you can –it will be tough for everyone… What we have to accept is that change is inevitable; it is one of the few certainties of life and we have a Imo: choice whether to resist or accept the change, grab CJ – you don’t understand – I can’t leave; I’m not the opportunities that life gives us and to take ready to leave. Surely I could just… go round again? I personal accountability to shape our own futures, could join Year 7 in September, I’ve got that thing that however scary this may feel. Mr Howard has – you know, that look of eternal youthfulness? I’m only 5 foot 2 – put me in a green As this is our last ever Prize Day, today is a good blazer and nobody would even notice! opportunity to reflect upon change as we come together as a school, to celebrate the successes of CJ: the past year and look forward to all the new But Imo - change is a good thing. If we went back experiences that await us all in the future. fifty years at the Grove we wouldn’t see girls in any of

Page 6 I am Grovian the classrooms, whereas today there are almost 500 Imo: girls in this school from Nursery through to Sixth Seriously though, I will struggle to live without the Form. netball staff. I have always enjoyed netball at the Grove and feel very proud and grateful for having the And, look at us today - who would have imagined two opportunity to play my ‘small’ part in the growth of girls addressing the school as the Head and Deputy the sport over the last 7 years. Prefects. This is a moment we should be proud of and is just one example of how the school has changed CJ: over the years. The world is changing around us and we Overall, the sports department have achieved some have to embrace change and move positively forward. outstanding results this year including the 1st VII Netball Team winning the National Plate and the 1st As C.S. Lewis once said – ‘Getting over change is XV Rugby Team getting to the semi-finals of the U18 much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at NatWest Cup and winning 82.4% of their games. some point in order to move forward.’ In addition, the Swimming Team have only lost one Imo: home gala this year and the Cross Country team Whilst that is a great analogy, CJ, I’m still not continue to go from strength to strength with the U13 changing my mind. I’m not leaving – this change just girls coming top of the Leeds League and seven isn’t for me. individual athletes placing in the top ten. Triathlon is another example of how the school CJ: continues to change and develop; it is now in its Well, why don’t we take our final tour of the school second year and it is great to see how it is flourishing and maybe, by the end, you might have changed your as a sport with both the junior boys and girls teams perspective. coming first place in their first fixture of the season. The Grove’s second aquathlon takes place next week. Imo: Okay, but I wouldn’t count on it. This year has also seen the start of the Grove Athlete Education Programme – which many students have enjoyed and benefitted from. At the Bradford Sports Awards, we received nominations for Team Of The Year and Mr Howard was nominated for Coach Of The Year after 37 years of service. He is a great asset to the school and has supported many of these changes over the last decade.

Imo: … including a new state of the art swimming pool, the all-weather sports pitch (well almost all weathers!) and the climbing wall.

Continuing on our tour, walking through the Hastings-Long Gallery and through the double doors we reach the Arts Department. It is true to say that this is our safe haven here at the Grove and we have both enjoyed the community that has nurtured our passion for singing, dancing, performing and also for Imogen Amos you CJ – your enjoyment of playing the saxophone. Although for me – honing my skill on the French Horn was somewhat short lived. Why don’t we start here, in the sports hall, then? This building is certainly the hub of sport at the CJ: Grove, but in the last two years Grove athletes have One thing we’ve learnt during our time at the Grove is travelled further afield with netball players visiting that the best things come in pairs: Morcambe and New York, Trinidad and Tobago; our football teams Wise, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Batman and Robin, visiting Lisbon; rugby players visiting South Africa Mr Tedd and Mr Crawford… and cricketers visiting Barbados and St Lucia. Imo: CJ: This dynamic duo together with Doc Longbottom, the The sports staff at the Grove are so supportive, peripatetic music teachers and the drama teachers approachable, kind-hearted and the best role models, Miss Evers and Miss Lee - who joined us this year especially when demonstrating how to effectively use following the maternity leave of Mrs Priestley and Mrs tanning oil in the Caribbean and becoming slightly Cooper - have produced and directed some fabulous crisped…Miss Thompson. concerts, evening soirées and drama exam pieces.

I am Grovian Page 7 teachers here. I know Mr Bean breathed a sigh of relief when he realised I wasn’t taking Physics A Level (a near escape!)

However, the Chemistry Department weren’t quite so lucky in this respect! My fellow A-Level Chemists and I enjoyed a fond 2 years of Mr Davis’ scathing sarcasm and observing the flourishing bromance between him and Mr Hole. Thank you for your patience and support in Chemistry – I will never forget you both! One scientist that we cannot fail to mention today is Mrs Ainscoe, who is retiring this summer. As a biology teacher, Assistant Head and Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Ainscoe has worked tirelessly over the years to always do what is right by her pupils. Kind, patient and unbelievably knowledgeable about everything – not just biology! – we know she will be greatly missed.

Walking down the stairs and across the quad you reach something that I can’t go without mentioning… the school dinners. Whether under the management Charlotte Proctor of Mrs Frost or Mr Caroleo the meals have been exceptional and an experience I can continue to Special thanks must go to Kimberley Baker who has re-live, having sneaked the recipes for lemon and joined the Grove this year to direct three fantastic broccoli stir fry and chocolate brownies. school plays: The Importance of Being Earnest with Years 11 to 13, Our Day Out with Years 9 and 10 and Imo: the Junior play Double Dahl. That’s another thing I would miss – having three course meals made for me every day. Altogether, the staff have gone above and beyond to make the Arts Department at the Grove accessible to CJ: all, whether as a hobby or, for those like me, they Yes, I know - but living off a University diet of pasta, have helped realise career aspirations in the pizza, and re-heated curries from the night before is a Performing Arts. change you are going to have to embrace.

For those of you who haven’t embraced this part of Imo: the school yet, I would urge you to explore the CJ – you keep forgetting, I’m not going anywhere …. I opportunities and get involved as much as you am staying right here. possibly can. As well as looking to the future, we have had many CJ: opportunities this year to pay tribute to some of the I will also really miss their support, guidance and, people who have made the school what is it today. most of all… the cakes, biscuits and cookies they have Perhaps the most poignant part of the year for us as fed us over the years. a school was saying goodbye to Mr Cockshott – an Old Grovian and a greatly admired DT teacher and Imo: rugby coach. Many of us, including CJ and I, had the Well you will CJ … you forget - I’m not going honour of singing at his funeral as part of Grove anywhere. Singers, paying tribute to his life and his service to the school. It was a fitting and deeply-moving But - let’s continue with our tour. service that touched the hearts of all those who Walking through the Martin Hall you reach the English attended. Department. The thing I would miss most – if I was planning on leaving - is Birmingham’s favourite CJ: feminist export…Miss Oakley. Her contagious We have also performed at the memorial service held enthusiasm and witty sense of humour never fails to for David and Kathleen Miller to celebrate their lives inspire and amuse her pupils, whilst always and the contributions they made to the Grove during encouraging us to achieve our best and supporting us Mr Miller’s nineteen years of service as Headmaster. no matter what paths we’ve taken. We also attended the 25th Anniversary of Ashdown CJ: Lodge. It was lovely to meet up with the teachers and Walking up the stairs you reach the Science the receptionists – Mrs Richardson and Mrs Shaw. And Department and the same can also be said of the also to see Mr Hall again, who was the Headmaster of

Page 8 I am Grovian Brontë when we first started and Mrs Robinson - the CJ: then Headmistress of Ashdown. Both came back to Imo – as we finish our tour, I am glad you seem to be join in the celebrations with the current Heads, Mr more accepting of your future outside the Grove. Dunn and Mrs Hinchliffe. As we wrote this speech, it reinforced what we always knew – that Woodhouse Grove is an amazing school Imo: and we are so grateful to our families for the The Mrs Hinchliffe who walked us into school on our opportunity to attend here. For both of us Ashdown very first day …. Lodge, Brontë and the Grove are all we have ever known and all we can ever remember. They have been CJ: a constant in the dynamic world we live in. Yes – the Mrs Hinchliffe. Imo – do you remember our rendition of …. Imo: So far, every year we have always known where we Imo: would be the following year but we can’t say that ‘Walking on Sunshine’, singing to all the Pre-nursery, standing here today. In a way it is daunting, our Nursery and Reception children. Never mind all the Woodhouse Grove bubble is finally bursting but mums, dads and teachers… rather than approach the unknown with trepidation I … I certainly do! If I recall it correctly, they were know now that I must look at it from a different supposed to join in – but no-one made a sound – we perspective and acknowledge how exciting this new sang it alone from beginning to end ....one of my most chapter in our lives will be. cringe worthy moments! CJ: CJ: Over the years the Grove has prepared us for this. It Yes – one of mine too. Although it was lovely going has taught us to be ambitious and to believe in back and reminiscing and looking around the school ourselves – the future is in our own hands. It has to see how it has changed with the new dining hall, taught us to be inquisitive, embrace change and be reception area and classrooms. resilient. And it has taught us to accept, respect and tolerate others who are different to ourselves. Like Imo: the ‘outside world’, here at the Grove we are All I remember are the photos on display of us - and becoming more diverse. This should be celebrated many of our Sixth Form friends - performing in the and nurtured as it creates a much more enriched concerts and shows dressed as spiders, butterflies, learning environment. stars, donkeys, Dr Who and the Spice Girls. I had a feeling that they would come back to haunt us one Thank you to those friends and teachers who have day! played a huge role in making my time here at the Grove so enjoyable. And so to conclude our tour…we walk down the Hastings-Long Gallery stairs back to the reception To the younger generations that still have much of and pass through the doors into this room. Tonight their Grove journey ahead of them, make the most of will be one of the last times we get to make this all your opportunities here and do your best in all you journey, as we will be here at the Leavers’ Ball to do because, in the wise words of Mr Moffat: ‘if you celebrate all of the memories and opportunities this put rubbish in, you get rubbish out.’ school has given us. September will mark a fresh start for all of us, so we’d Looking back, I can see how the school and we like to leave you with the words of another profound have changed over the years. Some of the Englishman – T.S. Eliot: changes, we have had more control over than others but regardless, I know that we have ‘For the last year’s words belong to last year’s adapted, grown and become more resilient to language change and the Grove has given us the strength to And next year’s words await another voice. do this in the future. We made reference earlier to And to make an end is to make a new beginning.’ the changing roles of women at the school over the last 50 years, and this is perhaps best reflected We wish you all the best of luck in all your new by the two inspiring female role models that we beginnings – wherever they may take you. have had this year: Mrs Nott and Mrs Nulty, who have done a fantastic job following in the Charlotte Proctor and Imogen Amos formidable footsteps of Mrs Ainscoe. Thank you both for your support over the year and in preparing us for what is to come...And thanks also to Mr Jennings – without your endless supply of wisdom and more importantly SWEETS, I’m not sure that any of us would have made it through our A Levels…

I am Grovian Page 9 teaching English, Media Studies and a considerable Chairman’s Report involvement in boarding and Grove sport.

It is important to acknowledge how well Woodhouse Elizabeth Ainscoe served 21 years at The Grove, teaching Grove is doing in an incredibly challenging market. We Biology, as Head of Sixth Form and latterly as an strive to keep annual fee increases as low as possible, Assistant Head. Unfortunately, due to long term illness, whilst at the same time continuing to improve and Elizabeth was unable to be in school this year but I am upgrade our facilities, and broaden the curriculum. pleased to say that she is is making a steady recovery. We wish her all the very best for the future. Some costs are beyond the school’s control. In particular the latest actuarial review of the Teachers’ Pension And last but certainly not least, Ian Frost. Having served Scheme, with a significant increase in employer 33 years at the Grove, Ian has had a fine innings. Ian was contributions from 1st September 2019, is a considerable involved in the setting up and teaching of A-level and cost burden for the school which it cannot avoid. The GCSE PE and was a familiar face on rugby and cricket school continues to exercise very careful control of tours. His Saturdays were dedicated to the Cricket 1st XI overhead costs and raises additional income from the in the summer and the U12 rugby team in the winter. commercial use of its facilities, outside normal school During his time at the school he was also Vinter hours. This operating efficiency helps to offset cost Housemaster and Head of Year – and will be greatly increases as much as possible. missed.

I am delighted that, in spite of the challenging market The Governors would like to thank all leaving staff for place, the popularity of Woodhouse Grove amongst their great dedication to Woodhouse Grove and our parents seeking a place for their children continues to be students. very high. The school’s reputation is such that there is a great deal of interest in securing a place at Woodhouse Very sadly, we lost a longstanding Governor during the Grove, at every level. We cannot thank the entire year. Ian Small joined the Governing Body fourteen years Woodhouse Grove family – teachers, support staff, ago after his retirement as Headmaster of Bootham parents and pupils - enough for that being the case. School, York, where he served for sixteen years and was fondly remembered for his “generous leadership”. After Our commitment towards extending the Grove family retiring in 2004, Ian was free to indulge what has been and widening educational opportunities in the local area described as his “inner flamboyance”, becoming an and beyond continues. Our relationship with One in a actor, singer and director at York Theatre. His interest in Million Free School goes from strength to strength and the history of theatre earned him an MPhil from the we continue to be one of the relatively small number of University of York in 2012 and he continued to direct and school partners in the North of England who support perform until his final illness. Ian was an excellent Royal Springboard, the UK’s largest boarding school Chairman of the Education Committee and his gentle bursary charity. Our primary aim is to make a Grovian humour will be greatly missed by the Board. education accessible to as many local children as possible. Secretary to the Governors, Carol Davis, has retired after 28 years’ loyal and dedicated service to the Governing We very much hope that, in time, the Woodhouse Grove Body. I am delighted that she will continue to be Foundation will be able to help support this noble aim involved in Grove life through her work as an and Foundation Director, Roger Howard, is working examination invigilator and an enduring association with tirelessly to enable this to happen. Roger has recently the Old Grovian network. become the worthy recipient of a Services to Rugby award from the England Rugby Football Schools’ Union, We welcome Allison Cook to the Governing Body. A in recognition of his long standing commitment and former parent, Allison is Managing Director at York distinguished work supporting rugby in school and at Bioanalytical Solutions Limited. County and Regional level. This is a tremendous accolade. Congratulations Roger! I would like to thank all my Governors for their considerable efforts, support and expertise, given At the end of the summer term, we said farewell to five willingly and freely in order to enhance the school. long term members of the teaching staff with nearly 90 years combined service to the school between them. The school is an excellent place. The Governors and the school Senior Leadership Team are determined to Simon Dunn departed Brontë House after 11 years’ maintain high academic standards whilst remaining service to take on an exciting and challenging new role sensitive to the academic and learning needs of all our as Headmaster of St Martin’s School, Northwood in students. Our young people continue to be offered an Middlesex. We thank Simon for his passionate unrivalled range of activities across a host of academic commitment towards all things Brontë. Under his and co-curricular areas and are encouraged to recognize dedicated leadership the school has gone from strength the value of these activities as an integral part of school to strength. life. Pupils across all age groups are enjoying success in countless ways and at many levels. We also said goodbye to Grove Chaplain Reverend David Bonny, who for the past 10 years played a critical This is indeed a school that we should all be immensely role in the wellbeing and pastoral care of our young proud of. people and in fact the entire Grove community. And also to Richard Johnson who has left after 13 years of Alan Wintersgill BEM, FCA - Chairman of Governors

Page 10 I am Grovian We also seem to find change difficult. You might not expect this of younger people – they adapt to new technologies, changes in fashion, culture, language and expectations. Surely, they are engaged in change all the time?

Well, not necessarily so. There is a difference between change and novelty. A new mobile phone is really a novel version of something familiar, hopefully improved, but still recognisably the same. Music and fashion similarly provide updated versions of familiar styles and categories. They offer novelty.

Change, however, is much more deep-rooted and threatening. Change removes familiarity and replaces it with the unknown, and that can make us afraid. Change asks us to let go of something with which we have become comfortable and to take hold of the new. Mindset and Behaviour Researcher John Assaraf wrote, “One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of what they have to gain.”

In one way or another, we have regularly targeted our attention in Chapel on change and on focus, where we put our attention. When change comes, welcome or not, if we pay attention to it, we will find the things we have to gain, and hopefully they will motivate us to participate in the ongoing transformation of life in this world. This is the major goal of faith and spirituality, and, therefore, the goal of living. God invites us to embrace change and seek change, not the sake of novelty, but the sake of growth, of fullness of life.

So we need to approach the changes that come to us with curiosity, the characteristic that overcomes fear Chaplain’s Report and stimulates courage. As I return to work in local Methodist churches, I am not going back to When the Headmaster announced to the school that I something familiar, but to different people and new would be leaving the Grove in July 2019, there were a places and into a community that has changed in the number of reactions. No one said, “Thank goodness last ten years. I am not going with a blueprint for the for that!” though one or two may have thought it. A next five years, I am going with a mind open and large number of students said things like, “It won’t be inquisitive enough to ask questions, to look for the same without you”; some said, “I don’t do options and to experiment with possibilities, knowing change!” and a few wanted to know why I was that failure is sometimes a necessary stepping stone abandoning them. I’ve taken this as a largely positive to success. I would like to think that I have passed on reaction – if people feel that way, you must have had the same curiosity and courage to risk failing to some some impact along the way. of my students at least.

Of course, it is hard to say goodbye. We become Thank you to all of you who have let me walk the path attached to people and places, and we don’t know of life beside you. You have made life more how much they have got under our skin until they worthwhile. And my best wishes to the Revd. Vicky start tugging at our heart strings. But in the school Atkins, who comes as your new Chaplain, as she environment, we say goodbye to 15% of our starts her new adventure here at Woodhouse Grove. membership every year, so we know it is never the end of the story. There are new adventures for people Rev D Bonny to go on, and this year I am off on one of my own. I School Chaplain will leave with precious memories of people and events of all sorts, pleasurable, traumatic, funny and difficult. It has been a privilege to have time for others, and to play a part in the maturing of young people and in the supporting of colleagues.

I am Grovian Page 11 Year 13 Results

Grade A (or equivalent) passes are marked with an asterisk and Grade A* passes are marked with two asterisks.

S Abbas - biol, eng lang & lit A Mohammed - biol, chem, phys A Abimbola - maths, phys, phil R Munro - eng lit, maths*, psych* A Amin - chem, maths, phys C Ng - chin, design, sport* N Amini - biol, chem*, maths M Nicholas - bus, psych, sport I Amos - eng lit, geog* K O’Brien - bus, sport**, fin H Appleton-Gregg - biol, chem, geog* L Paul - phot**, eng lang & lit*, geog H Beckwith - design, maths, sport** J Pearson - bus, sport** F Best - bus, geog, sport* E Perry - psych, sport**, ent* J Binns - chem**, maths**, frth maths**, phys**, fin* M Pollard - sport*, ent A Brook - art*, eng lang & lit**, psych C Proctor - biol**, chem*, geog** J Carpenter - biol, geog, sport** J Rika - sport*, ent N Chauhan - biol, chem, eng lit C Robins - sport*, ent F Cosme - hist, pysch, sport* W Robinson - geog, maths, phys A Dalton - chem**, maths**, frth maths**, phys** O Shackleton - eng lang & lit, phil, pol P Davison - bus, comp, maths M Sheard - bus, geog, sport** J Denby - biol, chem, phys P Shen - biog, chem, chin, maths, fin* L Dodd - eng lit, hist*, pol*, gen st G Smallwood - bus, sport, fin C Fairbank - chem, geog**, maths*, fin* K Smith - art**, biog**, chem** L Fairbank - biol, econ*, geog, fin* M Soomro - bus, econ, pol, fin* J Gao - art, chin, maths N Strauss - bus, design H J Green - bus, psych, sport**, gen st E Stubbs - art, bus, eng lang & lit H Green - sport, ent L Sutcliffe - eng lit**, mus*, psych Y Gu - chin, maths C Tam - biol*, chem*, chin*, maths, phys* R Guo - art, chin, maths A Tarleton - phil, psych, sport**, fin S Halstead - maths**, frth maths**, phys** O Tennant - biol*, econ*, maths* A Haq - geog K Thomson - biol*, eng lit, psych* N Hinchliffe - chem*, maths**, frth maths, phys* T Thorpe - design, geog, sport G Hughes - chem, maths*, phys W Tolley - hist, maths, psych*, gen st M Ivanova - maths**, frth maths, phys W Toplass - bus, geog G Judson - business, media st, sport** J Trinder - bus, sport* T Kaznowski - design, sport* G Waddington - bus, sport*, fin W Kelly - bus, ent J Wainibuli - geog, sport H Kennedy - bus, sport*, ent*, fin* P Wang - maths, frth maths H Khan - bus, phil, psych J Whitcombe - bus, geog, sport** E King - bus, geog, sport** J White - art*, biol, eng lit, fin J Lenton - biol, bus, sport**, fin E Wiles - design, eng lit & lang, geog*, pol M Leslie - maths**, frth maths, phys* F Wilkinson - chem, maths*, frth maths, phys* J Magee - media st T Wood - chem, maths*, mus tech** M S Malik - biol*, chem*, maths* B Wu - art, chin*, econ, maths M F Malik - biol, chem, phys H Yoo - art, chem*, maths** F Malir - bus, sport**, fin D Marker - comp*, maths*, frth maths, phys M Meer - biol, hist, mus, gen st R Midha - biol, chem, span G Migliaccio - fren, sport**, ent C Mills - design**, fin, gen st R Mitchell - geog**, maths**, span**, fin*, gen st**

Page 12 I am Grovian GCSE Results

The number following the student’s name represents the number of GCSEs attained at Pass grade or better.

Z Abbas 9 F Kavuru 8 E Williams 5 S Abudullah 3 J Kelt 9 J Williams 8 W Ackroyd 8 A Khan 9 M Williams 5 F Ali 4 S Kildunne 9 J Wood 9 N Amrat 9 K Leighton 7 Z Yang 7 L Anderson 9 O Maiden-Lumb 8 CL Yeung 3 E Armitage 8 S Malik 9 MH Yu 5 P Benito Martin 4 H Marsden 9 X Zhang 7 B Bobak 7 L Martin 10 B Boffin 9 J McCann 9 A Bowdler 7 E McLelland 7 O Bowling 8 Z Memon 8 L Burke 8 T Merali 8 O Burrows 9 W Metcalfe 5 O Butterworth 7 A Mian 9 B Carpenter 6 E Middleton 2 C Clark 9 D Muchechetere 8 F Clark 8 C Myers 9 W Cockerham 8 S Myers 9 W Collinson 9 M Nazir 7 G Dale 4 H Ormerod 6 A Darren 2 A Pyrah 9 M Dixon 7 A Ramsay 9 C Donegan 8 R Randall 9 E Driver 9 A Ranson 9 H Dutton 9 A Roche 9 O Eastell 9 M Sajjad 4 G Fawcett 6 A Seib 9 M Firth 6 M Shakespeare 4 N Foley 8 O Silverman 7 D Glossop 9 C Smith 9 J Goodison 7 CH So 2 H Green 8 S Spence 9 J Hall 8 J Stephenson 9 O Hall 7 L Sugden 9 C Hartley 7 J Swarbrigg 9 E Hawker 9 N Swinnerton 10 A Hinchliffe 9 M Tanner 2 B Holland 8 L Tarleton 9 L Hudson 8 M Teasdale 8 R Hussain 4 G Thornton 7 H Imran 9 A Van Ek 8 C Jackson 9 O Wade 9 K Jamieson 6 E Walker 2 B Jepmond-Senior 8 O Walton 7 W Johnson 9 A Williams 5

I am Grovian Page 13 Colours & Credit Awards Credits Autumn 2018 Summer 2019 School Colours 2018/19 Year 7 Year 7 1st Scarlett Swinney 1st Phoebe Turner Academic 2nd Charlie Wright 2nd William Grey 3rd Kira Grahamslaw 3rd Jessica Strudwick U6 Naaima Amini, Harry Appleton-Gregg, Joshua Binns, Year 8 Year 8 Alex Dalton, Chloe Fairbank, Luke Fairbank, 1st Lucy Lund 1st Rory Henderson Samuel Halstead, Nathan Hinchliffe, George Hughes, 2nd Mary Murphy 2nd Lucy Lund Maimoona Malik, Robert Mitchell, Charlotte Proctor, 3rd Oliver Defurey 3rd Mary Murphy Kaitlin Smith, Laura Sutcliffe, Eddy Tam, Owen Tennant, Finlay Wilkinson, Thomas Wood Year 9 Year 9 1st Peter Hellyer-Whitworth 1st Peter Hellyer-Whitworth 2nd Oliver McCann 2nd Evie Hamer L6 3rd Molly Richardson 3rd Andrew Salvador-Medina Holly Barber, Esther Bean, Maisie Bickerton, Isaac Birdsall, Molly Bradshaw, Michael Cavaliere, Year 10 Year 10 Daisy Culyer, Joshua Firth, Jakob Fletcher-Stega, 1st Elsa Beese 1st India Appleton-Gregg Rory Gallagher, Edward King, Florence Lawson, 2nd Beth Jenkinson 2nd Isabella Lawson Andrew Mettrick, Abigail Nott, Eleanor Nott, 3rd Alexander Broome 3rd Daniel Cheng Thomas Pratt, Evie Sugden, Scarlett Reilly, Georgia Young Year 11 Year 11 1st Nicole Swinnerton 1st Nicole Swinnerton 2nd Annabelle Darren 2nd William Metcalfe Creative Arts 3rd Benjamin Holland 3rd Oliver Wade Isaac Birdsall, Amy Brook, Samuel Halstead, Emma Illingworth, Florence Lawson, Matiyah Meer, Platinum Awards Abbie Nott, Ellie Nott, Scarlett Reilly, Will Robinson, Kaitlin Smith, Jessica White Year 8 Serena Ahmed, Yasmin Amrat, Summer Anderson, Sports Niamh Armstrong, Callum Atkins, Hritik Bhangoo, Lalita Braithwaite-Shroff, Edward Bywell, Harvey Cheng, Cricket - Ali-Hasan Ahmed, Luke Fairbank, Ruby Clark, Oliver Defurey, Jacob Eaglestone, Ethan Horne, Thomas Kaznowski, Owen Tennant Kokolo Finn-Hirose, Emily Greenwood, Maya Griffiths, Thomas Haddock, Rory Henderson, Benjamin Hill, Emily Hinchlife, Rowan Horton, Evie Hunter, Archie Hurford, Football - Fraser Best, George Judson, Lialah Hussain, Unaisah Hussain, Callum Hyland Dugbo, Thomas Kaznowski, Will Kelly, Josh Rika, Isobelle Jennings, Maidie Jennings, Jessica Jones, Owen Tennant, Louie Williams Mimi Jones, Summer Lawrence, Abigail Lewis, Ciara Long, Lucy Lund, Mary Murphy, Bella Noscoe-Rose, Winnie Offland, Netball - Imogen Amos, Holly Barber, Esther Bean, Naomi Partridge, Samuel Pickles, Lena Plein, Hugo Poole, Jessica Beckley, Maisie Bickerton, Molly Bradshaw, Amy Sherlock, Thomas Steel, Lila Stoner, Grace Thirkill, Sofia Garber, Isabella Hill, Molly Leslie, Nicola Trimby, Philip Wright, Sumaiyah Yusuf Rebecca Munro, Amelia Tarleton, Isabelle Teale, Year 7 Kirstie Thomson Alicia Ayub, Isla Bagshaw, Mia Barker, Harry Bates, Sophie Bates, Hugo Baxter, Libby Bennett, Oscar Binns, Laaibah Bostan, Emma Burrows, Lexie Cadman, Leyla Cohen, Rugby - Matvey Aliev, Harry Beckwith, Charlotte Collinson, Amelia Cooper, Harry Davison, Joe Carpenter, Freddy Clark, Luke Fairbank, Ellen Dawes, Maisie Dobbins, Daisy Downs, Georgina Dutton, Harry Green, Edward King, Frank Malir, Kobe O’Brien, Evie Edgley, Toby Farndon, Jacob Fawcett, Catriona Fay, Joseph Pearson, Jack Popely, Luke Punton, Kaia Felipe-Scargill, Thomas Fell, James Flynn, Harley Robertshaw, Will Robinson, Matthew Sheard, Kira Grahamslaw, William Gray, Finley Hainsworth, Samuel Hall, Thomas Thorpe, George Waddington, Rudy Halliday, Ella Hamer, Lucy Hanson, Kitty Hawker, Leo Eddie Wainibuli, James Whitcombe Horsley, Daisy-May Hurford, Anna Jarvis, Aneka Kaushal, Matilda Lawrence, Daniel Littlejohns, Lily Lucas-Hooton, Swimming - Jacob Head, Andrew Mettrick, Isobel Manning, Caitlin Marshall, Emily Marshall, Lilly Miller, Lisa Paul, James Shoesmith-Evans Eilidh Molloy, Daniel Morgan, Melissa Ng, Ishen Parekh, Anna Parsons, Dhilan Patel, Archie Pierson, Arun Rai, Tilly Raj, Georgina Rayner, Georgia Rhodes, Erin Robb, Maia Robb, Squash - Robert Mitchell, James Shoesmith-Evans, Matthew Roberts, Grace Ross, Benjamin Saia, Finlay Wilkinson Natalie Schoeman, Natasha Simpson, Annabel Smith, Ayomide Solaru, Maria Speed, Leah Spence, Barnaby Steere, Tennis - Sayf Abbas and Aaron Yang Jessica Strudwick, Scarlett Swinney, Francesca Tartaglia, Jack Tattersall, Ravneet Toor, Eimer Treanor, Phoebe Turner, Special Recognition - Harrison Green representing GB Mabel Walker, Charles Watterston, Jessica Weir, Gymnastics in Trampolining Charley-Megan Whiteley, Ruby Wighton, Charlie Wright

Page 14 I am Grovian Brontë House amount of £8286.03 raised for this amazing cause. Headmaster’s Report One of the saddest aspects of dementia is that it robs its sufferers of their memory: without these memories It is my pleasure to present my final report as they become gradually less and less of the person Headmaster of Brontë House. As I was writing this, I that we know and love. did think of all my colleague Heads who are engaged in similar activities looking for the apt quotation, So the question is then: what memories do we make clever remark or even a joke, to embellish their for the children and for the adults whilst at Brontë account of how busy and successful their school has House. The answer of course, is huge: memories are been over the last year. I intend using only two being made all the time – not just in lessons and in quotations which are both from the same source and the formal side of school; but in making relationships; come from an American writer, writing at the end of achieving goals having happy times and occasionally the last century. It has to be said that, in these times, I sad ones; of trips away; of friendships made, do not always look towards America for words of strengthened and celebrated. A superb speech from clarity and wisdom, but I do think these thoughts are Liam and Nicole at Prize Day will have made our Year helpful and relevant. He wrote: 6 children think back over their time and recall moments that made them learn, laugh and love and “Every person passing through this life will these need to be treasured. They may also have felt unknowingly leave something and take something that time has really gone very quickly and that, in away. Most of this “something” cannot be seen or many ways, on leaving the primary phase of their heard or numbered or scientifically detected or education, things are really never quite the same counted. It’s what we leave in the minds of other again. Not necessarily better or worse - just different people and what they leave in ours. Memory. The - as these young people continue their journey census doesn’t count it. Nothing counts without it.” towards adulthood. As parents, you may also think that time is travelling far too quickly and to you and Memories are important to us all, especially when to your children, I would say: treasure every moment they concern our time at school. I have vivid along the journey and never be too busy to enjoy the memories of my own time at school, both positive present moment. and negative, which remain with me and shape me even now. I also clearly remember being at Prize Day eleven years ago when, as a guest of Mr Hall, I was contemplating starting my headship of Brontë House the following September. I remember little of the speeches that were made on that occasion, but I do vividly remember a young man on the front row who had been awarded a highly coloured book fairly early on in the proceedings; he was fully engaged in examining this wonderful volume and the rest of the proceedings were completely lost on him! I also remember who this boy was and followed their successful career though Brontë House and Woodhouse Grove ending up as one of the two Heads of School. I remember also, a year later, in 2009, at the first of many such prize giving events and seeing for myself the excitement and support for As for my memories of the school, what will I take each other that the children so readily display. More away from here and what will I leave behind? The recently, one year ago, I was again standing in the latter is less tangible and is really for others to think same place, having found out some 40 minutes and to say; however, I am quite clear about some of earlier that this current year would be my last. That the many things that I will take away. These memories was certainly a time of mixed and strong emotions make up many of the aspects that I speak to parents which have continued throughout this year as events about when I show them round the school. continue to unfold and the school successfully moves forward. As the book of Ecclesiastes tells us so Above all else, the school is a happy place with clearly: there is a time and a season for everything children at its very heart. Being happy at school and it is my time to move on as it was my time to should not be an aspiration; it should be a basic right. arrive eleven years ago. Happy children are effective and engaged learners and are able to make the most of the opportunities In many ways we are what we remember: our that school life offers. You do not have to spend long memories shape us and the way that we look at the in the school to find plentiful evidence of this. Brontë world and what has happened in the past has the children have an infectious enthusiasm for school; power to affect our future. This year the school has they are welcoming and tolerant; confident but not been busy supporting the work of Dementia brash and have an abiding pride in their school. Our Revolution and we were delighted with the total job of instilling self-belief is crucial to their eventual

Page 16 Brontë House success and all the staff work very hard to achieve make this school as successful as it is. They really do this. Happy children learn – it is simple as that. ‘go that extra mile’ and I consider myself so fortunate to have worked with them all. The school values success and achievement in all its forms: academic endeavour is rewarded but so too is I shall certainly miss our Friday assemblies: for many achievement in so many other spheres. With the these have become quite a focal point for the week variety of opportunities available to the children, all and are significant in the weekly celebration of what can find something that they are enthusiastic and feel has been good in the previous seven days. The good at. Memorably the sport and music feature support and interest of the parents is valued in this, highly on my list: in sport the inclusivity of what we as is the varying achievements that they bring to the do means all children get a chance; however table. From animal husbandry to taekwondo, we excellence is still pursued for those who show a really have seen it all! particular talent or skill. From questionable tactics in the sack race for the little ones to individual and On a more formal basis, I shall always remember our group achievements at the very highest level, there is times in Chapel. Harvest and Founders’ Day have something for everyone. As a musician myself, some made their mark, but what I will really remember is of the most memorable moments have been when the look on the children’s faces as they hold their the children have sung, played danced and spoken at candles, shining brightly in the darkness towards the all the different events, superbly coached by Mr end of the Carol Service. My thanks go to Mr Bonny Phenny. All children need to feel they are achieving – who, like me, is setting off for pastures new, and I it is our job to make sure that they do. I can know everybody at Brontë, would like to wish him remember sitting in the Grove Theatre during the and his wife Chris, every happiness as they move to performance of Eighty Years of Music, thinking that Staffordshire and resume full circuit ministry. Two nothing could really get any better than this. other members of staff who are also leaving us are Mrs Firth and Mrs Wilkinson. Between them they have We are so lucky with our buildings and site and the clocked up a quarter of a century service to the environment in which the children learn as these have school and we are grateful to them both for their a significant effect on them. During the last decade, commitment and hard work. Our best wishes go to we have added to and enhanced the school; firstly Mrs Firth who is relocating to Weymouth and Mrs with the wonderful Music Department which was Wilkinson who is retiring and looking forward to opened in 2011 and represents, in the prep school spending more time with her grandchildren. world, quite outstanding facilities, and of course the opening of the Brontë Project in 2017 which was the For many, the food is something that we remember culmination of over five years planning and a major from our school days – good or bad! I can still financial investment of nearly two million pounds. remember the smell of overcooked cabbage and the This has transformed not only the dining experience texture of lumpy custard from my own education! but also so much more and was a major piece in the Such horrors don’t affect our children; the food at jigsaw of ensuring that all areas of the school were as Brontë is legendary and is a major contributor to my good as they can be. When you add the new canopy current corpulent status! They say an army marches at Ashdown, the Eco Garden and Potting Shed (built on its stomach and, given what we expect of our by the parents) and many other smaller initiatives, I children, it is important that school food is good and take great pride in the current condition and offering plentiful; my thanks go to Mrs Johnson and her team of the school. who produce such delicious food each and every day.

Teaching and learning is at the heart of all that we do: Many people look back and say that they miss a a decade in curriculum development is a long time particular place. What they actually mean is that they and during that time the offering at Brontë has miss the people and the relationships that they changed considerably. Topic based learning enjoyed in a particular place. The people that throughout the school engages the children in what populate Brontë make it what it is. I shall certainly they are really interested to learn; developments in miss the pupils; getting to know so many young ICT have allowed us to keep our teaching up to date people and having some influence in shaping their and focused and the creativity of the staff in lives has been a huge privilege. Their behaviour, embracing the challenges of outdoor learning was manners, attitude towards each other and constant amply evidenced at our recent extravaganza. The key good humour is an inspiration to us all and I shall miss is striking that purposeful balance between academic each and every one of them. I shall miss my rigour and trying to expose the children to a great colleagues in all areas of the school; teachers, variety of learning experiences in different contexts. classroom support, cleaning, caretaking and office The good news is that you can do both: our staff. I cannot possibly mention everyone, but I would monitoring of academic standards amply evidences like to thank Mr Perfitt for all that he does for the this. The staff have a key part to play in this and we school and has done for many years now; to Debbie are so fortunate to have such a committed staff body and Sheila our morning cleaners who polish my office in this school and I want to take this opportunity to to perfection every morning and to Mrs Richardson thank them all for all that they do day in day out to and Mrs Shaw who, quite simply, look after us all!

Brontë House Page 17 “All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. These are the things I learned:

• Share everything. • Play fair. • Don't hit people. • Put things back where you found them. • Clean up your own mess. • Don't take things that aren't yours. • Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. • Wash your hands before you eat. • Flush. • Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. • Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. • Take a nap every afternoon. I would like to mention four people in particular who • When you go out in the world, watch out for have been at my side for all of this journey and have traffic, hold hands and stick together. been a tremendous support during this time. They are • Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed my Senior Team; they all have differing gifts but they in the polystyrene cup: the roots go down and all share an unwavering commitment to the success the plant goes up and nobody really knows of this school and I wish to express my thanks for how or why, but we are all like that. their work and support. • Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the cup - they all die. So Firstly Mrs Hinchliffe who works so hard in making do we. Ashdown Lodge such a vibrant and happy place. Also • And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books to Mrs Simpson who joined the school at the same and the first word you learned - the biggest time as me and has been a constant source of word of all - LOOK. support and encouragement to me and Mrs Woodman, our Director of Studies, who has a Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. wonderful eye for detail and an excellent The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. understanding of all things academic. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Finally: Mrs Chatterton. A late addition to the team in Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into 2015 following the departure of the ever stylish Mr sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family Peacock. Nobody can have failed to notice the life or your work or government or your world and it tangible difference that Mrs C has made to our holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better school; her energy commitment and knowledge of world it would be if we all - the whole world - had the individual is second to none. I feel that I am giving cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon her a gift that is not mine to give at all; in handing and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if over the job of running a school that is so very special all governments had as a basic policy to always put to me - a job I have loved and a job that I know she things back where they found them and to clean will enjoy and cherish as much as I have. up their own mess.

Thanks also to all our parents as we would not be And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when able to do what we do without your support. It is very you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and much a partnership with the wellbeing of the children at the centre. Thank for placing your trust in me and stick together.” the school to educate and care for your child and especially to the very select group of parents who Thank you. were here in 2008 when I arrived and are still with us! To the Governors and Senior Team at Woodhouse Grove for their constant support and encouragement Mr Simon Dunn - Headmaster and to the children for simply being what they are.

I promised you two quotations and here is the second from the same author and I think is a good way to end:

Page 18 Brontë House Ashdown Lodge

Young children love a blend of music, movement, rhythm and dance. Music and movement together provide many benefits to the social, mental and physical development in children - as well as with social interaction, language growth, fluency of speech and thinking skills. It stimulates the senses and helps children to learn, as well as being lots of fun. Mr Wears’ weekly music lessons have helped us enhance our provision of this in Ashdown Lodge this year. Every week the children are introduced to a different instrument (the favourite was the double bass), they learn a new topic related song and form and perform in the band! A big thank you to Mr Wears and all the effort he puts into the planning of this every week.

A new all weather facility was created at Ashdown this Spring. The canopy area was formally opened by Mr Brian Greenwood in June and has transformed the front of the building and the playground. The canopy provides shelter from the elements so that the children are still able to learn and play outside all year round. It includes a large walk-in sand pit, water pumping area, decking and ‘grass’ to build, sit and play on and has proved a big hit with the children and the teachers. This build has coincided with Ashdown now taking children from the earlier age of two years old. This is an exciting time in the life of Ashdown Lodge and means little Grovians can now start their Woodhouse Grove journey a little earlier.

In Ashdown Lodge we want to help children to develop a life long love of learning, to be determined, resilient and to achieve success. You might recognise these terms relating to Growth Mindset, which is something we have been developing here throughout this year. Young children are very able investigators, they love having a go, making mistakes and trying again. During Science week the children took part in a whole range of experi- ments and activities to encourage these skills.

Mrs Ali Hinchliffe

Brontë House Page 19 Performing Arts

This has been another busy year for the Performing gives our pupils more opportunities to perform with Arts at Brontë House. others and to prepare pieces for school events. These ensembles include: Clarinet Group, Flute Group, The school orchestra and choir continue to flourish; Junior Recorders, Senior Recorders and Brass Group. providing a high standard of music for school events. I would like to thank the visiting instrumental staff As in previous years they have performed at the who lead these ensembles. Without their continued Harvest Festival Service, Christmas Fayre, Founders’ enthusiasm and commitment we would be unable to Day, the Summer Garden Party and Prize Giving. offer such a range of instrumental opportunities. The members of the choir and orchestra enjoyed two Our team of instrumental staff also continues to ably days in London in the Summer Term. Pupils on this prepare our pupils for music instrumental exams. In trip enjoyed a visit to Madame Tussauds, an evening the Summer Term alone we had over forty entries performance of ‘Wicked’, a dance workshop at across a variety of exam boards including: ABRSM, Pineapple Studios and a flight on the London Eye. Trinity College London and Rockschool. Mr Archdale’s Our children were a credit to the school, with many Speech and Drama pupils have maintained his 100% members of the public commenting on their good pass rate, with over half of them achieving a behaviour and manners. distinction.

To maintain our high instrumental tradition we have continued to hold extra weekly rehearsals for younger, less experienced instrumentalists. The number of ensembles has increased this year. This

Page 20 Brontë House All pupils in Years 3 and 4 have continued to receive instrumental and dance tuition as part of their music curriculum. Looking forward, we have decided to extend the Performing Arts provision into Years 5 and 6 by timetabling Drama as a discrete subject for the first time. We hope that this will help develop confidence, collaboration, self-discipline and an enjoyment of performing in all our pupils.

Mr Paul Phenny Director of Performing Arts Gillam’s

There have been many small and large scale productions and concerts involving pupils from all Butchers year groups in the school. Christmas is always a highlight for the Performing Arts and this year we were treated to: The Nursery Nativity, (Nursery and Unit 7, Industrial Estate, Reception), The Inn-spectors (Years 1 and 2), Children of the World (Years 3 and 4) and the Annual Carol Road, Yeadon, Service in the school Chapel (Years 5 and 6). LS19 7BN Our year ended with our Year 6 leavers presenting a stunning performance of ‘The X Factory’. This show told the story of a failing school where the governors decide to take drastic action by employing talent Tel: 0113 250 8818 show judges to help improve standards. This team of new ‘teachers’ lead by Simon Trowell included Bruno Macaroni, Cherrie Cola, Craig Rebel Cardboard and WHOLESALE & CATERING Will.I.Was. However, their motives prove to be BUTCHERS financial rather than educational.

We are proud of the achievements of all our pupils Suppliers of quality home but I would like to congratulate Aurelia Ingleson-Laur produced meats to who was successful in auditioning for the role of young Cossette for the touring production of Les Woodhouse Grove School Misérables. She performed in this iconic musical at the Alhambra in July and August.

Brontë House Page 21 Trips Year 6 French trip At the end of May, Year 6 had an enjoyable residential week, staying just outside Paris at Le Chateau de Grand Romaine. After a short flight from Manchester, we travelled to the centre for an evening meal and outdoor activities.

The next morning we set off for the local town of Brie le Comte where each group took part in a town trail quiz and used their French skills to interact with the market stall holders, purchasing the ingredients for a healthy meal which was assembled back at the centre. After an enjoyable lunch we headed into the centre of Paris to Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe. For many, the highlight of the trip was our visit to Parc Astérix! The weather was beautiful and so many of the children really pushed themselves to step out Year 3/4 Ford Castle Trip of their comfort zone and try something new; some managed to go on almost every ride! On Wednesday 15th – Friday 17th May 2019, Years 3 and 4 travelled to Ford Castle in Northumberland for On Thursday morning there was a wide range of their long-awaited residential. After much excitement outdoor activities at the chateau. The children on the journey, seeing the ‘Angel of the North’ and enjoyed archery, climbing, abseiling, and team crossing the River Tyne, the children arrived at their challenges before a hot lunch. We had a lovely 700 year old home for the next three days - Ford afternoon climbing up to the second level of the Eiffel Castle. After a brief lunch, it was straight into the Tower to admire the views of Paris and then had a activities which included: archery, nightline, a tour of fantastic evening at Aquaboulevard water park. A the castle and grounds, potions, zip wire, crate sightseeing boat trip on the Seine occupied Friday stacking and low ropes. During each activity, our morning and it was particularly poignant to pass excellent instructors made the children feel secure close to Notre Dame Cathedral. enough to push themselves outside their ‘comfort zones’ which is where real personal growth happens. Well done to all who made the Year 6 residential such a fun and memorable experience! It was amazing to see our young pupils achieving goals and reflecting on how they could use these Mr Mark Graham experiences in other areas of their lives. All members of staff were incredibly proud of the behaviour, manners and attitude of the children. Well done everyone, we will remember this trip for a long time to come.

Mrs Fiona Pearson

Year 5 Lake District Trip to the heavy rainfall - practised their river crossing skills in the lake! Despite the cold weather and rain, Year 5 had an amazing adventure in Grasmere in everyone had a fantastic time and it was a chance for October. The children participated in many challeng- all of our new children to bond. ing activities including a journey to an island in canoes, a fabulous walk in the countryside and - due Mrs Fiona Pearson

Page 22 Brontë House Sports Reports Netball

U9s A

U9s B

The U9 netball girls have had an impressive I couldn't be prouder of the U9 girls this year as they season competing in 14 fixtures including 4 have all progressed and developed their skill set in festivals. Most of the matches were played with preparation for the competitive matches ahead of "High 5" rules which is the junior version of them in Upper Key Stage 2. netball. As the season progressed the girls were ready to make the transition to traditional netball Most Improved: Molly Ripley and Olivia Jones rules. With a mixed bag of results, the progress Coaches’ Players of the Year: made throughout the season has been Caragh Jemmett and Amber Khan phenomenal. Player of the Year: Ellie Beanie

U10s A

The under 10 netball teams have made excellent At the start of the season there was a lot of hard work progress this year with many of the girls playing a to do transitioning from High 5 netball to full variety of positions. seven-a-side.

At the start of the year we welcomed quite a few new A lot of our results were close against other schools, players who soon settled in and became a real asset unfortunately not always in our favour. to the squads.

Brontë House Page 23 The girls showed great determination and resilience I am looking forward to continuing our progress this and put in the hard work in games lessons and season, with Thalia Felipe-Scargill captaining the practices. Their enthusiasm and love of playing has team. Well done Year 5. never faulted, and towards the end of the season that progress was clear to see. Players of the Season: Thalia Felipe-Scargill and Betsy Raj Thank you to all the girls for their efforts and the Most Improved Players: manner in which they have represented our school. Megan Atkins and Daisy Marshall

U10s B

U11s A

With 25 girls in the year group I am delighted to say I am really excited for the girls and what they are that every single girl has represented the school capable of achieving as they become U12s at competitively, often putting out 3 teams in many of Woodhouse Grove next season. the fixtures and festivals throughout the season. The girls competed as U11 A and two simultaneous B The B team girls are also showing great potential, teams. with great strength and depth across the court, standards are higher than ever at Brontë House. The highlight this season was undoubtedly our netball The expert knowledge and enthusiasm of Old Grovian residential weekend to Condover Hall in Shropshire, Ella Williams has undoubtedly strengthened the where the girls took part in a variety of netball coaching team and the girls have thoroughly enjoyed coaching sessions. The icing on the cake was the learning from her expertise. concluding tournament where A and B teams competed against Year 7 club teams from the Overall, an amazing season, I look forward to Shropshire region. continued success in Year 7. Well done girls!

The B team held their own with a steady balance of wins and losses, whilst the A team finished as tournament winners. A fantastic result against all Year U11A Most Improved Player: Scarlett Williams 7 opponents and an optimistic start to the season U11A Special Achievement Award: Belle Nimmo ahead. U11A Players of the Year: Pippa Green and Nicole Cater With an almost unbeaten record for the A team, only losing to Yarm, we’ve had a phenomenal season, the U11B Most Improved Players: quality of play and athleticism within the team proved Lorna Kerr and Helaina Lamb to be invaluable. U11B Player of the Year: Thea Hayes

Page 24 Brontë House U11s B

Cricket

U9s

The cricket season opened for the U9 A and B teams regular lessons, clubs and even practice at break back in May with a tough opening fixture against times! The season was rounded off with an GSAL. It was evident immediately that the boys had entertaining performance against Ashville College in considerable potential, but needed to look after their Harrogate, in which we fielded well and showed an wickets so they did not lose runs. This they began to increase in bowling accuracy. Well done to everyone do in their next three fixtures against QEGS, St. who represented the U9s this season. Olave’s and BGS, winning the latter match comfortably and being very competitive in the other Player of the Year: Seb Cadman two fixtures. The boys were now benefitting from Most Improved Player: Thomas Halstead

U10s

After an intense season of cricket, the boys have Olave’s the boys batted really well and started playing really improved, finishing off the season with two some solid strokes to accumulate runs. This shows the good wins against Bradford Grammar and Silcoates. strength in depth that the team has. In the first game However, they have performed well throughout the of the season against GSAL, the weather was terrible, season, with good performances in both fielding and but the boys managed to bowl really well and push batting against really good opposition. Away at St. GSAL all the way in what was a really high-quality

Brontë House Page 25 match. Reflecting on the season, the boys have they should all be looking forward to their last year of worked really hard in training and cricket club. There cricket at Brontë in Year 6. has consistently been good turnouts for practice, which has helped the boys develop significantly. I Player of the Year: Theo McLelland hope everyone is proud of their work this season and Most Improved Player: Sam Johnson

U11s The U11 cricket team have made good progress this We had a difficult match at home to Bradford GS, season with some talented individuals within the who had some excellent players, losing by 6 wickets. group. Noah Thirkill has captained the team Phillip Trimby (14) and William Moxon (10) top scored excellently and he has grown in confidence. The boys with the bat. However, we managed to finish the got off to a good start with a pairs match against season on a high with an excellent win against GSAL in the rain and a good win against Ashville. The Silcoates. boys restricted them to 86 in 20 overs with some good bowling from Noah (3-9) and Ben Vernon (1-2). The team developed nicely and the boys showed Noah then made 30* Retired and Jesse Gordon and great team spirit throughout. Henry Hinchliffe bowled Freddie Kalbasa finished the run chase with 4 overs accurately and Henry Murphy is technically good but left. Tough fixtures then followed against quality will improve further as he develops physically. A very opposition, Aysgarth and QEGS but the boys didn’t enjoyable season, well done boys! let themselves down and bowled particularly well. 48 boys from Year 5 and 6 represented the school against Aysgarth and thoroughly enjoyed it. A couple Batsman of the Year: Henry Murphy of fixtures were lost to the weather, Birkdale at home Bowler of the Year: Henry Hinchliffe and unfortunately the HMC 6-a-side tournament that Player of the Year: Noah Thirkill we host was cancelled due heavy rain all week. Most Improved Player: Phillip Trimby Swimming

This has been a prosperous season for Brontë House 152, Ashville College 113. This undoubtedly reflects the with again, more swimmers representing the school dedication and progress made throughout the season. than ever before. Team Captain Nicole Cater did an outstanding job leading the team by example. Thank you to all the enthusiastic swimmers who have trained regularly and represented the Brontë House All age groups performed well, gaining speed and team this season. strength throughout the season. A total of 34 children represented the school, which meant Brontë House U9 Swimmer of the Year: Ellie Beanie were regularly able to field A and B team swimmers in U9 Most Improved: Simeon Tedd and Belle Kerr all individual and relay events. U10 Swimmers of the Year: Thomas Edgar and William Thornhill The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the U10 Most Improved: Thalia Felipe-Scargill well-deserved win against Ashville College during the U11 Swimmers of the Year: Nicole Cater and Oliver Goodison Spring Term with an impressive score of Brontë House U11 Most Improved: Lorna Kerr

Page 26 Brontë House Rugby

U9s A

U9s B

With a talented group of boys, this was always going However, the proudest moment of the season came in to be an interesting and exciting season in Year 4. The the tough away fixture at QEGS. Although we lost the early signs were good with a win against GSAL at match, the commitment in defence and refusal to give both A and B team level in the first game of the up, giving 100 percent was remarkable in boys of 8 season, in a super defensive effort. Another highlight and 9 years old. Well done to everyone who has was the tremendous performance at the Ashville represented the U9s this season, and to the award festival in November where the boys scored 21 tries in winners at Presentation Evening. 4 matches without conceding a try. This was followed by good wins against St. Olave’s at A and B team level, and Richmond House and meant that by February the A team were unbeaten. The boys were Coaches’ Player of the Year: Roman Morgan now combining better passing with their usual Most Improved Player: Seb Cadman tackling skills, making them not only hard to beat but Players’ Player: Thomas Howcroft and Lewis Riley great to watch as well! Special Effort Award: Oliver Simpson

U10s A

Brontë House Page 27 U10s B

The 2018-19 season was one that I particularly The team put in a very good display against Birkdale – enjoyed. always a really tough fixture and were unfortunate not to win the game at the end. There were also really The fact the boys went nearly unbeaten all season is good performances against Pocklington and Hymers very impressive, however, in the grand scheme of in a triangular festival, as well as an excellent things it isn’t that important. For me, it is crucial that performance away at St. Olave’s. the boys are having fun, making progress and Overall, I think the boys made fantastic progress and developing values and skills such as teamwork, there is plenty of potential there. I am sure Mr Bedford respect and enjoyment. If we are getting these things will enjoy coaching them next season and I look right, then the score will take care of itself. forward to working with them again in a few years’ There are a few games that stand out for me as time when they come to The Grove. highlights. First up, we played GSAL away. In very difficult conditions, the boys executed their skills very Players’ Player of the Year: Jenson Wade well to score 9 tries, however, their defence was Most Improved Player: Archie Wallace equally impressive. Coaches’ Award: Harrison Riley and Sam Johnson

U11s A

U11s B

Page 28 Brontë House It has been a thoroughly enjoyable season coaching then beating them 6 tries to 3 later on in the season. the Under 11s. The boys have developed so many Bradford Grammar, Silcoates and Hill House to name a aspects of the game but most notably they have few, all provided tough challenges and close score improved their handling skills, before and out of lines either for or against. contact. This is mostly because this group are not the biggest physically yet so they have had to evolve their The HMC festival and Harrison Cup were great events game. There is a big player pool developing in this as always with the boys gaining as much from losses year group with the B team also showing great as wins. A number of shorter matches allow for great promise and pushing for places. This meant that 16 learning opportunities and time between matches for boys represented the A team throughout the season. reflection. The team also capped the season off by playing some free-flowing rugby in the HMC 7s The team was led admirably by the Rugby Captain, festival at St. Olave’s. Oliver Stoner and he set a great example both on and off the field. There were some outstanding Overall, the boys enjoyed roughly a 50% win rate. performances during the season, starting with a However, the success in terms of personal and rugby convincing win over GSAL, 6 tries to 3. There were development was far greater than that. The boys were two excellent matches against Birkdale as always. We a pleasure to coach and they made immeasurable lost at home to Birkdale by 3 tries in a triangular with progress throughout the year. Yarm, who we then beat 4 tries to nil in another great performance in November. However, the boys nearly Players’ Player of the Year: Henry Hinchliffe overturned the result in the away match in February, Coach’s Player of the Year: William Gaffney just losing out to a late try. There were some other Most Improved Player: Jude Gordon high quality matches against a strong Richmond All-Round Effort Award: House team losing 5 tries to 4 in the first encounter Phillip Trimby and William Moxon Rounders & Girls’ Cricket

U9s

The U9 girls had a very energetic developmental something we will be looking to developing in the rounders season with many showing great promise coming season. Well done to all for your enthusiasm for the future. The transition from “Big Foot” to and commitment throughout the Summer Term. traditional rounders proved to be smooth and painless with most of the girls confidently hitting the ball and Batsman of the Year: Lottie Welding fielding effectively. The girls will next be introduced to Most Improved Player: Amelia Cross learning skills and tactics involved in cricket. This is Player of the Year: Amber Khan

U10s

Brontë House Page 29 U11s

This year has very much been a transitional year with developing their skills and expertise at Woodhouse the U10 and U11 girls playing some rounders matches Grove in the Summer Term. whilst learning new skills and competing in girls’ cricket fixtures. As many of the skills in rounders and Well done to all the girls! cricket are similar, the girls had no problem with progression and development. The biggest challenge was to develop their cricket bowling technique; this U10 Batsman of the Year: Tilly Sugden proved to be a challenge which was embraced and U10 Fielder of the Year: Isla Eaglestone achieved with some elements of excellence U10 Most Improved: Gracie Boffin throughout the teams. U10 Player of the Year: Grace Manning U11 Batsman of the Year: Macey Holmes-Moxon It has been a pleasure to see the amount of progress U11 Fielder of the Year: Harlei-Jade Isles-Binns made in the newly introduced sport this summer and I U11 Most Improved: look forward to seeing them competing in further Candela Vidal-Barker and Isabella Defurey cricketing adventures. U11 Player of the Year: Natalie Flynn and Belle Nimmo

Captain Harlei-Jade Isles-Binns has lead by example in Girls Cricket what has been a positive and encouraging season. U10/11 Batsman of the Year: Lucy Bedford The girls are now in a position to build on their initial U10/11 Bowler of the Year: Ilaria Walton experiences at Brontë House as they move on to U10/11 Most Improved: Lorna Kerr

Athletics & Cross Country

There were three excellent athletics events this against children from other schools in preparation for season for the children to compete in. The first was at the HMC meeting at Gateshead. The Year 5 and 6 girls Thornes Park in Wakefield where 30 children from also took part in an event at GSAL, competing against Years 4 – 6 took part in a variety of events. This was a GSAL and Wakefield Girls’. Once again the girls great start to the season with a number of children demonstrated their ability with some excellent performing well. It was an opportunity to compete performances.

Page 30 Brontë House The highlight though was the HMC event at The cross-country season was a very successful one, Gateshead International Stadium. 28 children again with the Brontë House team running once again in the travelled and gave their all. Belle Nimmo (Y6) and North Bradford League. The boys finished the season Roman Morgan (Y4) won gold medals in 100m and in 3rd position and the girls in 4th, this was very 80m respectively. Oliver Stoner also won bronze in creditable considering there were 14 and 18 teams in the Year 6 high jump. A number of finals were also the league respectively. Well done to everyone who reached in both the individual and relay races. It was a trained so hard and ran so well at races this year, and great experience for the children to compete against congratulations to all the colours winners. so many schools in an excellent arena.

Girls Rugby

Tuesday lunchtimes saw the start of a new club at As ever with the Brontë girls, they trained with the Brontë House; Year 6 girls’ rugby. We embarked on a biggest smiles and their behaviour was impeccable. I journey with the girls exploring new skills, new rules sincerely hope that some of them will continue to and new challenges. The base level of the players was play, either at the Grove or at one of the many local unsurprisingly high and, after some confusion around clubs that offers this wonderful sport for girls. sideways and backwards passing, the girls were soon looking like a rugby squad. Their willingness to pass Special Award for Effort and Enjoyment: and support quickly led to try scoring success and Olivia Lockwood. within a matter of weeks they were playing a lovely, flowing brand of rugby.

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Brontë House Page 31

Boarding Boarding Review

Boarding at Woodhouse Grove has had another Baking in Miller House has been a regular theme, with exciting and busy year. Several boarders have both houses enjoying the use of the kitchen. The represented the school in rugby, basketball, athletics, pupils have also taken advantage of the great netball, football, swimming and cricket teams where facilities on offer on a daily basis as part of the there have been some brilliant results and exciting weekly programmes; swimming, basketball and events. badminton in the sports hall, using the climbing wall, playing football on the 4G pitch and going head to There have been weekly trips to sample the cultural head on the squash courts. experiences and social activities on offer here in Yorkshire and the North of England. These included Miller welcomed the staff from White Rose Beauty the trip to Alton Towers, skiing at Snozone, watching College for relaxation and stage make up - where the Leeds Rhinos, ice skating, our very own Easter aromatherapy, bullet holes and bruises made up an Egg Hunt and a grueling test of wit against the clock interesting combination! at the Great Escape Rooms. One of the main highlights of the year was Chinese We have welcomed temporary boarders from around New Year. The boarding community celebrated in the globe – China, Italy, Spain and Japan - to style with an amazing spread laid on by the Grove experience life in an English school, and have loved kitchen, lessons in cooking Chinese dumplings in learning new languages and cultures from them. house, watching films and taking part in other traditions to bring our cultures together. Christmas is always a fabulous occasion with the annual formal event – a sumptuous three course meal Overall, the boarders have had a busy but very under candlelight in the dining room, with dodgems rewarding year. and a disco, and all of our boarders dressed up in their finest.

We were treated to a traditional Burns Night in Mr Alex Whitlam - Brodwell Houseparent January with a full Scots band and dancing - and a taste of haggis! Mrs Caroline Pearce – Miller Houseparent

Page 34 Boarding Boarding Page 35

Out of the Classroom Outdoor Education at the Grove

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has continued to go from strength to strength at the Grove, with over 60 “It has been very Year 10 students undertaking their Bronze Award. It encouraging to has been very encouraging to see 66 students making a difference in their community through their see 66 students volunteering section which saw students undertake activities such as dog walking, charity work and making a sports coaching. Students have also picked up new skills and improved their physical fitness through a difference in their variety of activities such as climbing, martial arts, badminton and rugby, to name a few. Pupils had to community...” undertake a practice and an assessed expedition across the Yorkshire countryside, carrying everything they needed for two days: food, tents, cooking equipment and clothing. For a number of the students this was the first time they had walked for 6 hours and camp craft, as well as developing their resilience. carrying a heavy pack. The practice expedition The assessed expedition was completed unaided and started from Baildon Rugby Club, with students students set off from Ilkley, walking around the moor walking through Guiseley, across Otley Chevin and and camping overnight in Baildon. The next morning camping at Bramhope Scout Camp. On day 2, students journeyed around Baildon moor, down to students set out from the camp towards Eccup Saltaire and finished at Bingley St. Ives. Many reservoir and finished at Harewood House. During the congratulations to those who have successfully expedition students practised their navigational skills completed the Award!

Page 38 Out of the Classroom Adventure Days 2019

Every summer Years 7, 8 & 9 undertake an adventure day. This day takes advantage of the beautiful scenery we have on our doorstep and helps push students to achieve success with activities they may “...helps push never have experienced. Over 300 students participated in these days, with activities designed to students to achieve stretch them physically, emotionally, socially and mentally and which were spread across the region success with from Gisburn Forest, across the Yorkshire moors and activities they may down to Rother Valley in Sheffield. never have Year 7 students were scattered over the Dales completing a variety of activities such as mountain experienced.” biking, climbing, abseiling, caving, ghyll scrambling and kayaking. For many this was their first taste of being underground in a cave or feeling the thrill of standing high on a cliff face.

Year 8 students journeyed to Rother Valley Year 9 students were also scattered over the Dales for Watersports Park and had the opportunity to try their their adventure day and took part in a variety of hand at windsurfing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking, activities such as mountain biking, climbing, caving sailing, zorbing, raft building or mountain biking. The and kayaking. For many this was a chance to try a raft building was particularly competitive, however new activity and for others an opportunity to not many rafts made it back in one piece, with plenty challenge themselves with increased difficulty from of capsizing taking place across all disciplines. This the Year 7 day. was a fantastic day, with everyone wanting to go back again! Miss F Alimundo

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Page 40 Out of the Classroom Some of the members of Bramble and Bee. From left to right: Raihan Younis, Zarar Khan, Dhanyal Khan, Rohan Patel

This year’s LEAP team, as always, faced a number of the ‘LEAP Xmas Fayre’. Instead, they took the major highs and lows as the programme unfolded. constructive criticism offered by the judges on board Innovatively named ‘Bramble and Bee’ the company and showed determination to improve. This resulted took rather a long time to finally decide on the in them being highly commended in the ‘most products that they were going to sell. Days before the improved business’ category at the annual awards. ‘Woodhouse Grove Xmas Fayre’, they decided to sell home-made body lotion which proved to be Despite not coming away with a trophy, all of the successful to that particular audience. Alas, they did students that took part are winners; they now have not fair so well when selling this at the Merrion Centre plenty to write on their UCAS forms about at the ‘LEAP Xmas Fayre’; they had not appreciated transferable workplace skills, or to cite in job that this would be a totally different target market. interviews for apprenticeships. Ultimately, they successfully ran a profit making business for a year; In February, it was the ‘LEAP Valentines Xmas Fayre’. there are not many 16/17 year old students that can Many improvements had been made to not only the boast that on their CV! product, but the marketing at the point of purchase, especially the back board which was now attractive Mr Oliver Mantle and highlighted the unique branding that the students had designed. This was testament to the Mrs Louise Watmough resilience that all of the group showed; it would have been easy for them to have thrown the towel in after

Out of the Classroom Page 41 Trips & Tours Uganda

At the start of the summer holidays, 20 students and 5 We played football with lots of the boys there and in staff had the privilege to travel to Uganda to work with particularly made friends with two of the youngsters: various charities associated with Shirley Emmanuel and Edmonde. It was incredible to see the Crawford. Students spent their time in Gulu, equipping a kids being able to actually be kids for a couple hours new nursery for the children of sexual abuse victims and rather than having to be responsible and grown up. helped set up a primary school and nursery in a very remote village in Northern Uganda. We also took time Aakash and James out to go on safari through Murchison Falls National Park. Towards the end of the trip students trekked Baby Watoto & Solterre Rainbow Cancer Centre through plantations around the base of Mount Elgon, visited a number of stunning waterfalls and experienced Waking early, our team emits excitement. With a a boat ride along the Nile. Their experiences, thoughts quick breakfast we were off to Baby Watoto – a and feelings were documented via a daily blog: home for orphans which are attached in a group of four to a Mamma who has lost their opportunity to Gulu – Remand Home & Village Fun Club experience parenthood with a child of their own. The children were divided into several age ranges. We went to the Remand Home this morning. The The team experienced each range from baby to Remand Home is where kids accused of crimes wait toddler. We represented the school well with an until their case has gone through court. The Remand excellent approach to handling the children and Home has recently been taken over by the government, making them laugh and smile. We were thanked so it was quite shocking to see how bad the conditions thoroughly by all of the Mammas and blessed for were. When we got there, Fiona gave the microscope our long morning with some cheeky youngsters. she had brought to the nurses on site, which had been on the top of their wish list for years. It was amazing to Another of our great moments today was our visit see how grateful they were for it. We went to see the to Solterre Rainbow Cancer Centre. It gave us kids who were in there and we gave them all great pleasure to put smiles on the faces of toothbrushes, toothpaste, milk and biscuits. It was nice children who haven’t had much to smile about. The to see on their faces that they were appreciative as they experience was thoroughly enriching, and we knew people outside cared for them. They performed a appreciated the wholesome welcome provided by dance and song for us and then we left; the overall the carers. morale within the home was left on a high and we will The morale continued to thrive today with several never forget the experience as it was such a wakeup call. chants on the bus being belted out, such as: “Can’t Help Falling In Love With Shirley”, “Mamma Shirls In the afternoon we went to go and help Mama Shirley Is Wonderful”, “Walking In Uganda Wonderland”, with her village kids’ fun club. It was amazing to see “There’s Only One Shirley Crawford” and “Shirley, how much they value the fun club and we were all She’ll Take Us To Uganda”. ecstatic to be part of it and help out. The group all played and interacted with the kids. Eddie and Jake Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 43 Christine’s House & Kirombe Primary School Project Work – Day 2

The day started early with the cockerel’s call waking Today we all went to the project site, which some of us up at 5am and a quick breakfast of porridge. We the team visited yesterday. Everyone got stuck in with were shown around the Sports Outreach Centre we mixing concrete and laying the floors, transporting are staying in by two of the locals, Grace and Richard. timber, and creating the blackboard in the classroom. They showed us the farm animals and the After another cheese sandwich for lunch (if you were demonstration plots of land they use to help teach lucky enough to be given any cheese), topping up our the younger generation how to farm the land. We water and getting some sunburn (Oscar!), we all came were also shown how the older girls of Christine’s back still cheerful - probably because Kenny said we House learn. Christine’s House is a place for young could go to the western supermarket for goodies (yes teenage girls who have been sexually abused. These lad!). girls are inspirational, strong and moving. We saw the room that we are going to be turning into a nursery When we came back after a long day, having all had for the girls’ babies so they can go back to school or our showers, we were very grateful for Rose’s learn a trade, and the team can’t wait to get started chapattis and our best tea yet. on it. Holly and Maisie After lunch we headed to Kirombe Primary School under EduKid, a charity that helps bring education to Project Work – Day 3 kids who otherwise wouldn’t have had it. When we arrived, we were met by an amazingly Our last full day in Gulu! On the last day of project cheerful crowd of primary school kids and their work, we split up into different teams to finish off the parents and teachers. When we got to the gate there jobs we had started. I volunteered for the role of was a ribbon that I cut to start the dancing off. It was hauling bricks, which turned out to actually be very energetic to say the least, as they led us down to the fun, as we all discovered the art of catching and school dancing to one of their traditional dances and throwing bricks and singing ‘noughties’ classics at the songs. Overall it was an amazing day with the team in same time. high spirits at the end of it. We would 100% do it again. In the afternoon, we continued to haul bricks, before presenting the two oxen we had donated to the Lillian and Sophia village. We then headed back and prepared for our final meal in Gulu! We had our showers and set off to Project Work – Day 1 the Iron Donkey. There was food galore… After food, the night then turned a little emotional. Not only was At 8:15 we split into groups, some of which were it our last night in Gulu, but it was time to leave going to the market and others helping at Christine’s Mamma Shirls! She gave us a cake to say thank you House. Those going to the market split into further (although we thought the real thanks should go to groups to go to the store to buy food, and also to her), and we posed for loads of pictures. After a lovely collect wood to build cots for the nursery and the night we headed back to base and distributed our primary school at the project site. After doing this we donations amongst the many amazing charities. We regrouped at the supermarket, heading off to waved off Mamma Shirls and then headed off to bed, purchase even more wood to transport into a large ready for an early morning the next day. vehicle. This was then manually hauled into a remote primary school, leaving individuals physically and Jen mentally tired. Meanwhile the other group were hard at work using their artistic abilities to renovate what Murchison Falls & Safari – Day 1 was once a derelict shell into a vibrant haven for toddlers or babies while their mums are away learning An early start to the day as we set off to Murchison new skills. In addition to this strenuous effort, Falls National Park. It was the first day travelling in our individuals were also sweltering in the Ugandan heat new buses, one of which was infinitely better than the outside as they replenished the outer space to its full other. We arrived at the gates to Murchison Falls potential, through gardening and planting flowers. National Park, greeted by a number of giraffes which Others were braving the dusty conditions of the hut we all gazed at in awe. We travelled through the park outside as they sanded and planed the materials for to get to our home for the next few nights; Red Chilli the baby bunk beds. We then left our imprint on Rest Camp, seeing hundreds of antelopes and impalas Uganda at the end of the day when we engulfed our along with some elephants and buffalos. Much to Miss hands in green paint to make leafy hand-prints on a Alimundo’s delight, there were also many warthogs tropical tree trunk mural. Then at 19:30 the group spotted along the way. In order to reach Red Chilli, we reassembled for a well-deserved curry and rice meal. took a ferry across a tributary of the Nile. On our Another fulfilling day in the Pearl of Africa. arrival at the camp we set up our tents and had a light lunch, before embarking on the next part of our Mattie and India expedition. Tours and Trips Page 44 Tours & Trips On the water safari up the Blue Nile to the base of Once we had eaten, we had to quickly rush off as the Murchison Falls, we saw a variety of animals such as heavens opened, to get back down the bumpy muddy hippos bathing in the water, elephants at the water’s road and to our camp site. edge, sea eagles perched on branches and crocodiles both on rocks and in the water. Two hours into the Evie and Alicia water safari, we arrived at the base of Murchison Falls, which is the most powerful waterfall in the world due Mbale – Day 2 to the narrow avenue the waters of the Nile have to go through. We then headed back to camp, spotting Another lovely breakfast prepared by Rose, with warthogs lounging around the campsite on our pancakes, puff-puff and fruit again (we will never arrival. With nothing more on our itinerary for the day, get bored of them, they are so good). After this, we we finally had the chance to relax, spending the rest headed out for another day of trekking, but this of the evening playing card games and sitting around time to Sipi Falls. I actually think that this particular the campfire. waterfall was even more spectacular than Sisiyi Falls (if that was even possible). I’m pretty sure that Georgia and Fiona Uganda is pretty much the most picturesque country in the world. After a light period of trekking Murchison Falls & Safari – Day 2 through coffee and banana plantations, we arrived at the top. Then, we got the opportunity to jump in It was 05:30 when we awoke on this day, for a sunrise the little pool underneath a mini waterfall at the top. safari. We clambered onto the top of our buses and Most of the boys and a few girls took the plunge held onto the rails as we tore up the trail into the and it was terrifying, but very fun! After jumping in wilderness. We started the safari with an early and out for a while, we trekked further and got the sighting of a lioness, hundreds of impalas, elephants, opportunity to purchase coffee beans that had been giraffes, and a substantial amount of dust flying at us. grown in the area we had walked through some 20 Afterwards we saw yet another lioness ready for a minutes ago. After a little more walking, it was time hunt and a huge herd of elephants which got to head back, but not before having a delicious extremely close to the bus. When everyone else had meal of rice, chicken stew and beans overlooking gone inside the bus to de-dust, Jake and Oscar clung the gorgeous sights of Sipi Falls. No wonder this onto the top as the driver sped through the sunrise. waterfall is one of the biggest attractions in Then we went to the top of Murchison Falls and saw Uganda. When we got back, we had our showers, a the biggest and most powerful waterfall we’ve ever lovely meal of beef stew with rice and then we seen. Every rock glittered with mica particles and it danced… The staff at Rose’s and a few others gave looked like diamonds were everywhere as the sun us the most exciting, energetic African dance, reflected on every single piece. It was really beautiful, surrounded by music and a great atmosphere. but our day wasn’t over yet as we would soon depart Everyone on the expedition joined in and it was for a sunset safari which was just as amazing as the lovely to see us all having an amazing time together. other. Then it was time for bed, before a drive to Jinja to go shopping! India and Oscar Jen Mbale – Day 1 Jinja – Day 1 We are now at the base of Mount Elgon, a huge extinct volcano on the border with Kenya. We woke Another bright and early start, taking down our up to beautiful cuisine cooked by Rose including tents to get ready for a bus journey to Jinja; the pancakes, puff-puff (small doughnuts) and fruit, home of Ugandan souvenirs and the source of the before setting off on a short, yet very bumpy, bus ride Nile. After 5 long hours we finally arrived and got a to Sisiyi Falls. Here, we were greeted by stunning choice to stay in dorms or tents. Obviously, we scenery and were taught some of the local language picked dorms. We then ventured out to eat a buffet by our tour guide called Lawrence. Soon we headed lunch in the centre of Jinja and to look around all the up to the bottom of the falls where myself (Evie) and street shops and the market. Bartering was a key many others climbed up the rocks and were within skill here and we bought loads of interesting touching distance from the water and got absolutely paraphernalia. After finishing up and travelling back soaked. After that we climbed higher to the middle of in our rickety bus, we had some Ugandan cuisine the falls and got even more wet by the mist given off and sorted out our sleeping bags. We then went to a the glistening falls. We headed back down to the campfire to be serenaded with another of Kenny’s bottom for a quick break before heading across a famous Scottish songs and various others, next to rickety old bridge to hike up the other side right to the woodland mansions on the reflection of the the top. Once we arrived, we sat and took in the rippling Black Nile. A great way to end the panoramic views which flooded over the horizon, penultimate day in Uganda. before the short, steep decent back down to the bottom for another incredible meal cooked by Rose. Oscar and India Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 45 Condover Hall Trip

On Saturday 23rd March we took over 70 Year 7 and 8 students to Condover Hall in Shropshire. Jinja – Day 2 The weekend involved netball tournaments for U12A, B A 05:30 wakeup for a sunrise river cruise on the Nile; and two C teams and U13 A, B and C squads, as well as where we would see many different species of many different outdoor activities such as archery, high animals, dams and varieties of birds. Unfortunately, ropes, abseiling, laser quest and leap of faith. The because of the cloudy weather we never saw the evening activities included a silent disco and escape sunrise, which was disappointing, but morale was still room. high and we had lots of fun. Once docking we scrambled up a dusty steep track for breakfast. We On both Saturday and Sunday, the girls played soon packed up our kit and headed into Jinja for schools from other parts of the country in a league, another round of shopping and snack buying for with semi-finals and finals being played on the lunch, before setting off on our 3-6 hours journey to Sunday. Entebbe (this is Africa!). On route we passed through Kampala where we were greeted with hectic driving, U12C red team played 6 games and unfortunately lost which ended in a collision with a moped and our car. 6 but acquitted themselves well against other schools’ Later, we arrived back at Entebbe Backpackers A teams. (where we stayed on our first night) and felt a little U12C green faired slightly better with 1 win from 6 de-ja-vu. We set up our tents and soon got the matches. surprise that we were going out to a restaurant for U12B played 6, won 3, drew 1 and lost 2, finishing 4th our final night. We played pool, cards, danced and overall. sung as our final night here in Uganda soon closed, U12A won all their games, to win the league with a arriving back at camp site late and headed off to bed goal difference of 93 points. as we were all tired and had a long few days of U13C played 6 games, won 1 of these but, like the travelling home ahead of us. U12s, played some strong A team opposition from other schools. U13B won four of their games and came 3rd overall in the league. U13A won all of their games and won the league with a goal difference of 97 points.

This was a really positive end to the season, with so many girls taking part in the event. It catered for participation, fun, performance and gave many players the opportunity to play in different positions.

A huge thank you to all the staff who gave up their weekend to support this trip.

Miss G Thompson Tours and Trips Page 46 Tours & Trips Scotland Music Tour

At the end of the Spring Term, 16 students travelled to In Edinburgh, students visited the Scottish Parliament Scotland for two concerts at the City of Edinburgh and the graveyard made famous by J K Rowling who Methodist Church and Methodist Central Hall, Paisley. incorporated names found there into her Harry Potter novels. In Glasgow, they saw Dippy the Dinosaur at The concerts consisted of various solos and ensem- the Kelvingrove Museum. A hardy few more cultured bles as well as the Tour Choir and Tour Band in which students (notably Messrs Binns, Dalton and Halstead) all participants performed together. The tour party also visited beyond the gift shop and dinosaur bones was warmly welcomed by former chaplain, Robert in the Kelvingrove, viewing the world-famous Christ Morton, who assisted in the organisation of the of Saint John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí, missed by concerts. Particular highlights of the tour were Alex many as it was on the top floor. Dalton on clarinet and vocal performances from Catriona Cochrane and Josh Binns. Mr A Crawford

Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 47 Iceland

Another action packed Geography trip to Iceland took place in October half term, as 47 students and 6 staff headed off to Reykjavik and then across the south coast of Iceland, taking in the awe inspiring geographical features along the way. Over the course of the trip a number of students documented their experiences in a daily blog:

Upon arrival in to Keflavik, we were treated to a well deserved soak in the Blue Lagoon, complete with swim up bar and complimentary mud packs. This was a great way to relax after our journey from school to this amazing country.

On our first full day, we started off our day at the Lava Centre where we learnt about the different volcanic eruptions in Iceland, as well as the effects they had on the country. Next, we continued our journey to Skógafoss waterfall, where we climbed the steps to the top and admired the spectacular views of the Icelandic countryside.

Our next stop was the Sólheimajökull glacier. Walking on the glacier was like nothing we had ever done before; we were given an ice axe and crampons to trek through the ash covered ice. At the top of the sunlit glacier, we climbed a sheer wall of ice, which proved to be very difficult and a little bit frightening! However, it was good fun and some of us even conquered our fear of heights.

We woke up, ready for another spectacular adventure into the amazing Icelandic landscape. First we began the day with a hearty breakfast in a brilliant hotel; there was so much to choose from! Then we travelled across Iceland's beautiful coastline, absorbing the moss-covered lunar landscape. As we travelled Iceland, we witnessed the terrific weather; travelling from freezing snow and sleet into glorious sunshine. Tours and Trips Page 48 Tours & Trips We approached the South-East corner of Iceland towards the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón at the foot of the 8300km icecap Vatnajökull. We enjoyed our packed lunch sitting on the diamond beach, its name reflecting the shimmering ice blocks that scattered the coastline above black sand coming from various volcanic eruptions.

Next, it was time for a boat trip across the icy lagoon. Using an amphibious vehicle we took to the waves, weaving between the vast turquoise icebergs that poked out from above the water. We even had the opportunity to try some thousand year old glacial ice; some of the freshest, purest, tastiest on the planet. Late on Thursday night a few intrepid observers braved the freezing cold to look for the Northern Lights. We were treated to a spectacular display. We also unexpectedly caught a glimpse of another display while walking back from the swimming pool in Reykjavik on Friday night.

We spent the day driving around the Golden Circle – a route close to Reykjavik which takes in a number of breathtaking geographical wonders, from the continually erupting Geysir to the Mid Atlantic Ridge. This was a great opportunity to visit all the things we’d learned about in the classroom and see them first hand!

We headed home, driving back through sunset skies, tired but happy – what a fabulous trip!

Iceland Tourists

Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 49 Battlefields Trip

Day 1 - Friday 5th April

Leaving school at 0500, we were all very tired, but excited at the same time. We picked up our guides at Maidstone and crossed the Channel at 1355, arriving in France at 1625. A beautiful sunny day and we were reminded of the soldiers who had made the self same journey over 100 years earlier. We visited a Belgian cemetery at Lijssenthoek and had our first look at the work and ethos of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). We recognised troops who had fought from all areas of the Empire, and we also looked at the role of women in the Great War. We then headed to the Messines Peace Village, in Belgium where we stayed for 2 nights. The accommodation was chalet style and we all enjoyed having our own living areas, and enjoyed the wide range of facilities in an evening, after we had enjoyed our evening meal.

Day 2 – Saturday 6th April

We left our accommodation at 0830 after having breakfast and we took packed lunches with us. We had a full day tour of the Ypres Salient and visited numerous places including Bayernwald, which showed the German trench system and where we saw the development of trench warfare, looking at the daily trench routine, the technology used and the problems with trench fighting. We then had a morning visit to the Menin Gate, which we would visit later that evening. It was nice and quiet in the morning and we could fully see and appreciate Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Memorial to the Missing on the Ypres Salient, which has been the site of the daily Last Post ceremony Essex Farm CWGC and advanced dressing station, since 1928. We enjoyed some obligatory chocolate We were all shocked at the young age of Pte V J shopping (as you do in Belgium!) and then went to Strudwick; and we looked at the treatment of casualties, and understood more about the work of John McCrae and what had inspired him to write the poem 'In Flanders’ Fields'. We read this poem out as we stood at Essex Farm. We then moved onto Langemarck German Cemetery where we had lunch. This was very different to the other cemeteries we visited and had the added significance of being the site of Hitler’s 1940 visit. We then moved a short distance to Vancouver Corner where the first use of poison gas occurred on the Western Front. We got the chance to see the development of gas warfare, as the guides had brought equipment and some of us got the chance to dress up and try this equipment out! We then went to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum where we were able to see more trench warfare as well as having the opportunity to see how the Great War uniform worked. We followed this with a moving trip to Tyne Cot CWGC which gave us all a chance to reflect. Afterwards, we had dinner in Ypres, at a restaurant on an island and then we attended the Menin Gate Last Post ceremony where Joe Lawson and Aaliyah Mian presented a wreath on behalf of our school. This was a very moving ceremony. We returned back to the Peace Village, after what had been a very full day. Tours and Trips Page 50 Tours & Trips Day 3 - Sunday 7th April

After breakfast we checked out of the Peace Village and travelled to the Somme where we walked on the Sunken Lane and we went to Redan Ridge where we learned more about Kitchener's Army and the Pals Battalions, as well as recruitment and the plan for 1st July 1916 and ‘Going over the top’. Afterwards, we had our picnic lunch and then went to Newfoundland Memorial Park and looked at the preserved trench system and had an opportunity to walk across the battlefield. We then headed to Mansel Copse which is the Devonshire Cemetery and shows the attack of the 8th & 9th Devons. We read the poem by Lieutenant W N Hodgson ‘Before Action’. A short walk from here took us to the Lochnagar Crater where the first use stop of the day was Wellington Quarry. We had a of Mine warfare in the Great War took place. It was guided tour of the underground tunnel. It was used said that the detonation could be heard back in 102 years ago to attack and tunnel underground London! We followed this with a visit to the Ulster during the lead up to the Arras Offensive of 1917. We Tower, which gave background to the Irish situation, then visited Vimy Ridge which was an attacking point and the role of the 36th Ulster Division. We enjoyed a for the Canadians during the Battle of Arras in 1917. visit to the café here. We concluded our day with a There was also a huge Canadian memorial to the visit to the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and missing there, which was located on the high ground. many of our group found family relatives, which was We then travelled for the rest of the day and got the very moving. Our accommodation was in Albert, ferry from Calais to Dover. On the journey back to hostel style, and we enjoyed our evening meal at Le school, we stopped at the service station and got tea Corner’s. and said goodbye to our French bus driver and tour guides. We arrived back at school at 11:30pm. Day 4 - Monday 8th April

On Monday morning, we packed our things, had Sam Binns, Amy Cavaliere, Martha Fellows, breakfast and departed the accommodation. The first Annabel Gracey, Lily Sugden and Emily Tang Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 51 1st/2nd XI Cricket Tour to Barbados and St Lucia

24 boys and 4 staff enjoyed a fabulous Cricket Tour visiting the Caribbean Islands of Barbados and St Lucia. The tour comprised of 5 matches for the 1st and 2nd XIs, with 3 matches in Barbados and 2 in St Lucia for each team.

The 1st XI performed very well winning 4 of their 5 games against some tough opposition. The 2nd XI did not fare so well in terms of results but there was clear development and improvement in the play throughout the tour.

As well as cricket, the tour party enjoyed a Catamaran Cruise in Barbados, including some opportunities for snorkelling and an island tour of St Lucia, including the opportunity to trek to a waterfall in the rainforest and to bathe in Volcanic hot springs.

The tour also ended with a very enjoyable meal in the Coco Palm Hotel where the large number of parents joined the tour party for a celebration of the tour.

The boys were an absolute credit to themselves, their families and the school in the way they conducted themselves throughout and I am sure the tour will set up both teams for a hugely enjoyable and successful season. Tours and Trips Page 52 Tours & Trips 1ST XI Tour Results: 2nd XI Tour Results:

Played: 5 Won: 4 Lost: 1 Played: 5 Won: 1 Lost: 4 Barbados Barbados v Wanderers CC v Grantley Adams School

Woodhouse Grove 184-5: R. Newman 31, O Tennant WGS 129-9: Z. Khan 22, J. Bhangoo 17, J. Firth 16, W. 56, H Hart 26 Toplass 16,T. Pratt 16 no Wanderers CC 131: R Newman 5-15 Grantley Adams School: 131-1

Won by 53 runs. Lost by 9 wkts. v Coleridge & Parry School v UWI Barbados

Woodhouse Grove 168: M Sheard 27, H Hart 63, E UWI Barbados 153: O. Guymer-Gairn 2-18, L Anderson Tennant 19 3-18, T Pratt, W. Toplass and Z. Khan 1 wkt each. Coleridge & Parry 80: T Kaznowski 2-12, J Swarbrigg WGS 122: L. Anderson 24, W. Toplass 29, J. Firth 17, Z. 2-14, R Newman 2-17 and J Stephenson 2-9 Khan 12

Won by 88 runs. Lost by 31 runs. v Rubis CC v Cric Mechanic

Passage CC 88: T Kaznowski 2-14 Cric Mechanic 133-5: T. Pratt, O. Guymer-Gairn, M. Woodhouse Grove 90-0: L Fairbank 31no, O Tennant Sajjad & L. Anderson 1 wkt each. 42no WGS 135-3: M. Sajjad 26, L. Anderson 41, J. Firth 28no.

Won by 10 wkts. Won by 7 wkts.

St Lucia St Lucia v John Eugene Cricket Academy v Northern Grass Roots XI

Woodhouse Grove 141-9: O Tennant 36, J Stephenson Northern Grass Roots XI 279-8: O. Guymer-Gairn 3-27, 20, D Gallagher 20 T. Pratt, L. Anderson, M. Sajjad, Z. Khan & J. Bhangoo 1 John Eugene Academy 144-4: J Swarbrigg 2-50 wkt each. WGS 112: J. Bhangoo 26, J. Firth 21, J. Popely 21. Lost by 6 wkts. Lost by 167 runs. v Mabouya Valley District CC v John Eugene Academy B Team:

Woodhouse Grove 274-4: R Newman 23, O Tennant John Eugene Academy 190-8: 68ret, M Sheard 36, L Fairbank 19, J Stephenson 40no L Anderson 5-42, J. Bhangoo 2-38, J. Popely 1-15. Mabouya Valley 111: D Gallagher 2-12, M Sajjad 2-12, R WGS 83: L. Anderson 22. Newman 2-11 Lost by 107 runs.

Won by 163 runs. Top Performances: Batting- Top Performances: Will Toplass- 29 v UWI Barbados. Owen Tennant - 56 v Wanderers CC Louis Anderson- 41 v Cric Mechanic (highest scorer Rhys Newman – 5-15 v Wanderers CC on tour with over 90 runs). J. Firth-over 80 runs on tour. Hayden Hart – 63 v Coleridge & Parry Partnership of 50 Mustafa Sajjad and Louis Anderson v Cric Mechanic Undefeated opening stand of 90 v Passage CC between Owen Tennant (42no) & Luke Fairbank Bowling- (31no) Louis Anderson- 5-42 V John Eugene Academy and 3-18 v UWI Barbados Owen Tennant - 68ret v Mabouya Valley CC Oliver Guymer-Gairn 2-18 v UWI Barbados and 3-27 v Josh Stephenson – 40no v Mabouya Valley CC Northern Grassroots. First wkt stand of 132 between Owen Tenant (68) and Matthew Sheard (36) Mr R I Frost/Mr A M Cadman Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 53 Football Tour Before lunch both teams had team talks where they were able to speak about team tactics and targets for the match ahead.

The match against Sport Clube de Frielas was located a short 15-minute bus journey from the hotel. It was in a good setting with a mini stadium and the students were excited to play.

The U15s played first and for the first 5 minutes they were taken aback by the occasion and it just exemplified why this tour was going to be beneficial as they were stepping outside their comfort zone. However, the team soon got to grips with what the game was like and started to play how they knew they could, which was rewarded with two goals scored by Faris Khan and Ben Turpin. The heat was The first Woodhouse Grove Football Tour set off to strong, but the team worked hard throughout the Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday 14th April and returned match. The match was split into 4 quarters (20 on Saturday 20th April. In total there were 37 minutes each) and this meant that there could be a students that were spread across Y9 and Y10 (21 Y10s regular rotation of players. The team finished the and 16 Y9s) and 4 staff. match well with a good team goal finished by Alfie Bottomley. Sunday 14th April – Travel / Arrival in Lisbon 1st Quarter – Lost 3-2 – Goals: Faris Kahn / Ben Turpin It was an early start from Woodhouse Grove to travel – MVP Harris Hussain to Manchester for a 10:30am flight to Lisbon. On 2nd Quarter – Lost 1-0 – MVP James Tate arrival, there was a short stop off at Estadio de La 3rd Quarter – Lost 4-0 – MVP Joe Myers Luz, the home of Benfica FC, before getting to the 4th Quarter – Lost 3-1 – Goal: Alfie Bottomley – MVP hotel. Once unpacked, the students and staff had a Alfie Bottomley short walk to the supermarket for fluids and food for the training/matches in the week and the evening The U14s followed, and they had time to get used to included some excellent food at the hotel before an the surroundings and the standard of football. They early night ready for training the next day. had a good warm up and felt organised. However, again the occasion got to the U14s and they had a Monday 15th April – Training and exploring Lisbon tough start to the match before they started to get It was an 8am start to fuel up on a breakfast buffet into it. Throughout the quarters the team improved, before getting ready for a 2 hour training session and they started to cause the opposition problems. which started at 10am. The training facility was 1st Quarter – Lost 3-0 – MVP Ned McCormack impressive where we had a full 3G pitch which included 2nd Quarter – Lost 1-0 – MVP Ollie McCann a stadium and a running track around the outside. The 3rd Quarter – Lost 1-0 – MVP Connor Elliott students worked very hard for the full 2 hours. The first 4th Quarter – Lost 3-1 – Goal: Alfie Bottomley - MVP hour of training included some specific goalkeeper Max Mackenzie work delivered by Mr Robb and for the outfield players, Mr Softley, Mr Barr and Mr King worked on specific After the matches the students and staff enjoyed skills and technique. For the second hour the hospitality from Sport Clube de Frielas and the goalkeepers joined their age groups for some attack vs captains for the day, John Emmott and Ollie McCann, defence work before finishing the session with 2x15 exchanged gifts with the captains as a gesture of minute matches between the U14 and U15 squads. thanks.

For the afternoon it was time to explore Lisbon. There The evening finished with some dinner and watching was a short walk to a park to eat lunch before walking the Champions League where the students deserved into the city centre where the students were able to the rest after a good day. explore and take in different parts of the city. The evening consisted of a quiz where the students Wednesday 17th April – Match day 2 vs Escola were in different groups and there were some testing Futebol Benfica Olivias rounds but this helped with team bonding. The morning followed the same format as the This was an excellent start to the tour and set the previous match day but this time the team talks standard in terms of what was expected. The training included a breakdown of the match the day before session was a good experience for the students to along with setting more targets as a squad. This was a understand how the heat can impact performance great exercise for the students to be involved in as and to help set targets for the two fixtures. they started to show more of an understanding of how they can tactically improve. Tuesday 16th April – Match day 1 vs Sport Clube de On arrival, the facility was good with a bigger stand Frielas than the day before. However, this did not phase the The aim of both match days was to give the students teams due to the experience of the day before. the experience of what it was like to be involved in The U15s played first, and they were determined to performance sport. The morning involved a good have a good start and build on how they finished the breakfast followed by a walk where they were able to match the day before. This was also the last match pick up some nutritional food and fluid for the match. the students would play together as one team before Tours and Trips Page 54 Tours & Trips going into senior football next season. The first 15 minutes was very equal with the U15s coming close through some good play. As the game progressed both teams were having chances but could not find the back of the net. However, just before half time the opposition took a 1-0 lead which was unfair on the players. After a positive half time team talk, the U15s started strong again but conceded after 10 minutes. As the second half progressed, the U15s started to tire and this let the opposition get a couple more goals before Teddy McDonald finished the match with a well-deserved goal for the U15s. This came through determination and resilience to stick to the game plan which was pleasing to see. 1st Quarter – Draw 0-0 – MVP Sam Middleton 2nd Quarter – Lost 1-0 – MVP James Hopwood 3rd Quarter – Lost 1-0 – MVP Aakash Naik 4th Quarter – Lost 2-1 – Goal: McDonald - MVP Teddy McDonald Friday 19th April – Benfica Stadium tour – Estadio de La Luz The U14 team were raring to go for their match and The final full day involved an exciting trip for the again warmed up well. They looked more organised in students and staff to the Estadio de La Luz, the home the first quarter of this match and looked like they of Benfica FC. The tour included a short history on had learnt a lot from the match the day before. Both the stadium, views from the stands, visit of a dressing teams had chances to score but unfortunately the room, visit to the press conference room, walking out U14s could not find the back of the net. However, the through the tunnel, seeing the American Eagles on opposition did and at half time the score was 0-4. A pitch side and time to spend some Euros in the club positive half time team talk followed by a quick start shop. A lot of the students purchased Benfica FC by the U14s helped the team and it took the shirts with their names on the back or smaller bits of opposition by surprise. A good finish by Louis Worrall memorabilia. half way through the second half was well deserved. Once back at the hotel we had our final tour meeting The U14s kept pushing for a 2nd goal and they were where it was time to review the tour as a group and rewarded with it when Charlie Popely scored a header give out some well-deserved awards. at the back post from a good delivery from Ned U14 Top Tourist – Ed Dixon McCormack. Although the match finished 7-2 to the U15 Top Tourist – John Emmott opposition, the determination from the U14s was U14 Best Goal – Charlie Popely pleasing to see. U15 Best Goal – Teddy McDonald 1st Quarter – Lost 0-2 – MVP Louis Worrall U14 Football Moment of the Tour – Max Mackenzie 2nd Quarter – Lost 0-2 – MVP Ed Dixon (Penalty save) 3rd Quarter – Draw 1-1 – Goal: Louis Worrall - MVP Joe U15 Football Moment of the Tour – Alfie Bottomley Lawson (Goal) 4th Quarter – Lost 1-3 – Goal: Charlie Popely - MVP No Nonsense Award – Mortiz Rahic Teddy McDonald Football Guru – Ollie McCann Most Resilient - Sam Middleton After the matches both teams had a debrief before a An excellent finish to the trip and although 9 students transfer back to the hotel for some dinner and to were awarded something, all 37 students have worked watch the Champions League match between hard and progressed on the tour. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, which proved to be a thrilling match. A great end to a successful day. The day concluded with a last walk into Lisbon before packing and getting an early night before a 4am start Thursday 18th April – Shopping mall and Praia de the following day. Carcavelos Beach This was a day of leisure for the students and staff. It Saturday 20th April – Travel back / End of tour included a well-deserved lie in, as the training and A 4am start followed by a 2 hour 50 minute flight fixtures had taken its toll on the students. There was a meant that we were able to land on time and get short walk to a local shopping mall before getting onto back to Woodhouse Grove for midday. the metro and travelling into Lisbon centre to take the train out to the Praia de Carcavelos beach for the Overall, the tour has been a great success and all the afternoon. The students enjoyed themselves on the students and staff enjoyed the experience. All the beach where there was lots of football played and body students were given an equal amount of time on the surfing in the sea. It was a good time for the students pitch and there were lots of lessons learnt and to relax, enjoy the weather and have an ice cream. progress made.

On the way back in from the beach the students were There were memories made for all and it is pleasing to given some time at the Time Out Food Market which have had the first Woodhouse Grove Football Tour. included a wide range of food and was a good Thanks to the staff and parents for giving the 37 experience for the students. On arrival back at the students this opportunity. hotel there was a late dinner and time to watch some more football which included Benfica on the TV. Mr C L Softley Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 55 Performing Arts Performing Arts Review

Drama

The Pauline Quirke Academy continue to use the Miss Lee and Miss Evers (our two drama cover school facilities on Saturdays and the PQA Director teachers) started Musical Mondays, a club dedicated Mrs Baker has been engaged directing co-curricular to everything music-theatre for junior pupils. Each drama performances for the school this year. Monday they met to act, sing and enjoy scenes from musicals, building their dramatic and stage skills and, Visit of Wesley College, Australia by the sound of it, having an excellent time throughout the year. Wesley College visited the Grove on their biennial European tour with their head of student theatre The Importance of Being Earnest David Dunn masterminding two performances from a slick rig carried in a few flight cases. Wesley actors The Importance of being Earnest by Oscar Wilde on performed one show for the juniors; ‘Red Riding 29th and 30th November was Mrs Baker’s first Hood’ - a typical all-singing, all-dancing number with production for the school, in which she had the characters leading the entire audience on to stage for pleasure of directing students from Year 11 and the the finale. The Year 5 and 7 pupils were royally Sixth Form. The cast consisted of ten senior pupils entertained. The ‘Stand Up Speak Out’ piece for with Brodie Boffin in the lead role as Jack/Earnest, seniors was thought provoking, high-quality and Isaac Birdsall as Algernon/Earnest and Mati Meer as somewhat dark in places and gave the Year 10, 11 and the unforgettable character of Lady Bracknell. The Sixth Form actors in the audience plenty to consider first striking point was the students’ commitment to as they prepared their own pieces. the play, with many attending rehearsals 4 evenings

Perfoming Arts Page 57 throughout the two hours of the show. We were also especially pleased to welcome a number of students for their school debuts, in particular Laura Sutcliffe (Miss Prism) and Rory Gallagher (Rev. Chasuble) gave tremendous performances. It is notable that Laura also showcased three Elgar violin pieces before the show to set the mood for the waiting audience in the gallery.

The senior students set a great precedent for the other students to follow during school production rehearsals throughout the year, with many also going on to assist in later productions.

Our Day Out, 28th and 29th March

Our Day Out by Willy Russell was performed by the Year 9 and 11 students in March 2019. The play is a hilarious, chaotic and lively drama where Mrs Kay’s student class get up to a host of mischief during a day’s coach trip to visit Conwy Castle.

The performers worked tremendously hard towards this production, particularly as the play requires many of them on stage throughout the whole show. Students were once again required to attend rehearsals numerous times throughout the week to prepare as an ensemble and many had a great deal of lines to learn. per week and learning a huge amount of lines in an extremely short space of time, with many being Stand out performances came in particular from completely ‘off-book’ in just a few weeks. With just ten Andrew Salvador-Medina, who made an exceptional students carrying the whole production, they really did Mr Briggs, showing his fantastic versatility as an actor a fantastic job of filling the stage with their presence and perhaps channelling his inner Mr Carter. Chidera and entertaining audiences on both evenings. Ikechukwu and Bella Lawson also gave extremely entertaining performances in their roles as the ‘Bored Stand out performances came from Brodie Boffin and Girls’, keeping the audience laughing every time they Isaac Birdsall, both of whom hardly stepped off stage appeared on stage.

Page 58 Perfoming Arts Double Dahl, 18th and 19th June

Our third theatre production of the year Double Dahl years and in that time has been responsible for many - a performance of both Roald Dahl’s Matilda and tech-based innovations including magic lantern Charlie & the Chocolate Factory - required our largest projection and the purchase of a raft of new kit for junior student cast to date, with over 50 eager the theatre and drama studio. He will be missed and students from Years 7 and 8 taking part. Students we wish him all the best as he spends more time with rehearsed each evening after school in the lead up to his family. the performance, with everyone working exceptionally hard to bring the production to life, Music learning song lyrics and choreography and even contributing to set design. 2019 marked Mozart’s 300th birthday, not that Mozart but his father, also called Mozart (obviously) Stand-out performances came from Winnie Offland, and Offenbach would have been 200. It is strange whose kind Miss Honey and wonderful solo that neither of them are really as famous as they performance of the song ‘My House’ provided a should be, although one schooled perhaps the most touching quiet moment in a busy production. famous musician of all time and the other wrote the Choreography from students Maidie Jennings, can-can. Likewise in the music department we Summer Lawrence, Winnie Offland, Ruby Clark and veered between the poignant and the faintly absurd Lucy Lund for ‘Naughty’ was also fantastic and as the Grove’s answer to Jayzee and Beyoncé (to well-rehearsed by the team of students. Special quote former Head Prefects) directed operations with mention must go to Abigail Lewis and Lena Plein who too much flamboyance and a strange idea of sartorial stepped in to fill roles at the last minute to cover flair. Two poignant funerals/commemorations, more illness: both gave fantastic (completely off-book) jazz and rock gigs than ever before and the launch of performances with only a few hours notice. the Year 7 Sing-Off are probably the headlines from The Year 7 and 8 students were a brilliant cast to this extraordinarily ‘busy year in the music work with throughout the production process and we department’ whilst the faintly absurd could describe look forward to welcoming them all back to perform any number of day-to-day happenings within Team next year! Davy.

Mr Middleton left the school at the start of the However, under the surface there were the customary summer holidays; after a lengthy battle with illness he plethora of top performance grades, another new decided that he should leave the team to focus on his member of peripatetic staff, much coffee and cake health and time with family. Mr Middleton has been a and a little bit of music, well probably quite a large key member of the Performing Arts Faculty for six amount of it actually…

Perfoming Arts Page 59 To start with a mundane but vital piece of news, the festive music, once again, to popular acclaim and with music department upgraded the first of its well-aged the addition of festive head gear for nearly all the pianos this term replacing one of the top floor pianos players. which had started to become rather vagrant with its tuning and action. A new Kawai E200 upright piano The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday in Satin Black was installed, from Leeds dealer ‘The 10th December Pianoman’, to provide more advanced pianists with an instrument befitting their techniques. Reports that Grove Singers led the Grove Carol Service with items Georgia Marker’s ghost was seen weeping at the loss from an old English Adam lay Y'bounden to a modern of the former instrument she monopolised are version of the Sussex Carol which mainly had seven somewhat exaggerated (mainly as she is alive and beats per bar. Year 7 to 9 Pop Choir sang new well). arrangements of Away in a Manger and In The Bleak Midwinter before joining with Grove Singers for the Remembrance Day, Sunday 11th November Nativity Carol (this year's Festal Rutter item!) Girls’ Choir continued to impress with the dolorous Grove Singers once again led the service opening Coventry Carol. The chapel was resplendent with with the Introit Thou Knowest, Lord by Purcell and seasonal foliage and candles whilst the congregation following with the ‘Sanctus’ and ‘In Paradisum’ from were in good voice, even in the tricky arrangement of Faure’s Requiem before Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing as Joy to The World. the Benediction. Joshua Firth once more gave a poignant delivery of the last post and reveille duties The Grove Singers were responsible for leading music following on from doing the same at Brontë House on for two slightly unusual services for the school chapel, Friday and before a third iteration in the something which the pupils delivered well despite the Headmaster’s assembly on Monday morning. occasions. The first of these, Mr Cockshott’s funeral, took place in Chapel on Tuesday 25th September with Later, on Remembrance Sunday afternoon, six pupils Grove Singers leading the musical tributes. Rutter’s and five staff formed the brass group for the Rawdon Gaelic Blessing and Goodall’s The Lord's My Shepherd Remembrance Service with Mr O’Farrell providing the were the evocative and wistful anthems for the event last post and reveille. It was especially pleasing to followed by heartfelt tributes from Mr Howard and note the number of people attending which one Charles Cockshott. The quality of the music was very member of the parish council put at several hundred. high despite the emotion, and occasional tears: many During the year, Grove Musicians continued to head of the choir had been taught by Mr Cockshott, some ‘out and about’ leaving the comforts of concert until quite recently. That the choristers were able to settings, starting with the Friends of Woodhouse pay their respects and lead the music was proof of Grove Christmas Fair, Saturday 24th November. A their maturity and musicality. small group of instrumentalists and singers moved out of their comfort zone to try and entertain Former Headmaster, David Miller and his wife shoppers at the fair. Based around the Trad Jazz and Kathleen both died this last year and their memorial Fake Jazz bands, this provided a light-hearted service took place in chapel on Friday 22nd March re-arrangement of popular Christmas tunes. with Grove Singers leading the musical tributes. The choir sang Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You Fountains Abbey Carol Singing Saturday 1st along with (former Second Master) David McCarthy’s December God Be in My Head and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. David and Kathleen Grove Singers and Pop Choir launched into Advent Miller’s service was actually a joyful occasion with with a carol singing trip to the World Heritage site of much humour from the former staff who led the Fountains Abbey performing for an hour underneath tributes. the vaulted ceiling of the cellarium. The drizzle didn’t dampen spirits, in fact the low mist made the Both services were fitting tributes to key members of Cistercian Abbey an evocative setting as the choir ran the Grove and it was a privilege to be involved in both through some of its well-known and less known items of them. in the recent Christmas repertoire. Jesus Child by John Rutter and Hark the Herald Angels were The Leavers’ Service on Sunday 30th particular highlights of the set. Mr Crawford treated the choir to hot chocolate in the café afterwards, as June closed the chapel services for the year in fine promised midway through the set. The return journey style. A record crop of leavers graced the choir and took almost an hour longer than planned as Pool once again it looks almost impossible to replace the Bank was the site of a serious crash and then the X84 musicians from Year 13 (until a new crop inevitably decided to try a three-point turn in front of the WGS does). Mr Crawford’s typical understated choice for charabanc. the introit was a rollicking arrangement of Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit by Bob Chilcott which must have The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on blown the dust off some leavers after the previous Tuesday 4th December saw the Brass Group supply night’s largesse. The introit was followed by Philip

Page 60 Perfoming Arts Stopford’s anthem Christ is Our Cornerstone, a piece match to perform immediately, just after his item had which also made use of the loudest stops on the been announced as being delayed. organ although with more conventional melody and less syncopation. The service ended with a large crop The Christmas Concert contained exceptional of leavers from the choir successfully navigating the performances, notably from Girls’ Choir (Carol of the emotional minefield that is Rutter’s The Lord Bless Bells & Jingle Bells in a new arrangement) and You and Keep You. Barbershop (California Dreaming) before the two combined for Run to You in a delightful arrangement Concerts from Pentatonix which was delivered with éclat by the massed voices. Concert Band and Junior The Informal Concert on 18th October was very brief Orchestra were the largest groups of the night with this year with only two debutantes: Annabel Smith both delivering tight and accurate performances. playing Rondo alla Turca by Mozart on the Flute and Swing Band's close to the concert was impressive and Kitty Hawker playing Talking the Talk by Cornick on ebullient with the seasonal readings adding a touch of the clarinet, alongside a smattering of regulars. literary magic to proceedings. As ever, if you missed Despite this, a further six ‘first years’ debuted in the it you certainly missed out on truly a festive start to break-time concert shortly after the half-term holiday the holiday. with a strong showing for Year 7 in the various ensembles. The Easter Concert was on Thursday 4th April and contained the usual mix of large ensembles and The Autumn term’s Chamber Concert took place on smaller senior groups. Junior Orchestra launched the 5th December showcasing a cornucopia of soloists concert whilst wearing masks, not due to chronic and small ensembles with Ned Hawker adding to the shyness but to give the audience the true glory of drama and suspense by returning from his rugby seeing 34 Batmen performing the eponymous theme.

Perfoming Arts Page 61 Chamber Orchestra beat the film release by several months to deliver Lunn’s Downton Abbey Theme with Abbie Nott providing the famous piano theme. String Trio and Guitar Group revelled in Dvorak and Ravel whilst the Scotland Tour singers gave a preview of repertoire in ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ from Blood Brothers.

Summer Concert

A full summer concert took place on Thursday 4th July, to close the term (as ever). Highlights of the concert included showpieces from various leavers including Matiyah Meer performing the solo guitar part for Classical Gas with the Concert Band, Laura Sutcliffe and Mr Gillett keeping the audience spellbound (particularly in the latter sections) with Halvorsen’s fiendish Passacaglia on a Theme by Handel. The American connections provided rich thematic material with New York, New York from the combined junior and senior orchestra, I Got You by Soul Band, Beach Boys medley from Concert Band and The Blues Brothers Revue by Swing Band. Meanwhile the vocalists spread out to Sweden with Year 9 Rock Band’s Abba tribute, 7 to 9 Pop Choir shimmering in A Million Dreams and Girls’ Choir with Barbershop reviving ‘the music from that bank advert with the pearl diver’ Adiemus by Jenkins.

January Scholars’ Day

As part of Music Scholars' Day, we welcomed Mr Kundo, a Tabla (Indian drum) player, into school for an information workshop. A selection of our music The Spring Chamber Concert took place on scholars were introduced to the world of Raag (Indian Wednesday 6th March with 16 soloists taking the modes/scales), Tala (Indian rhythm patterns) and the stage. The standard was outstanding with 11 sixth Tabla drums. Mr Kundo led an informative and formers shining in their various pieces, ably enjoyable event, although disappointingly uptake of supported by Annabel Gracey (Year 9 - drumkit and tabla or harmonium lessons has continued to be low piano items), Annabel Smith (Year 7 - flute), Kitty since the visit! Hawker (Year 7 - trombone), Max Warland (Year 8 - xylophone) and Nicole Swinnerton (Year 11 - clarinet). House Music William Robinson (Upper Sixth) continued to demonstrate his vocal talents which were an asset to Thursday 14th February saw the House Music the team throughout the year. Competition in the recital room with judging from Mr Lockwood, Mr Carter (Head of History and Year 9) and Mr Annual Arts’ Dinner, Friday 10th May Hole (Head of Day Houses). Annabel Gracey (Southerns) won the junior solo competition with a confident and This year the Arts’ Dinner saw the usual semi-serious complex drum solo to a backing track, Alex Dalton awards and prizes distributed, whilst pupils and (Southerns) on clarinet, Laura Sutcliffe (Towlson) on violin Mr Pickles summed up the artistic year with some and Sam Halstead (drumkit) were very close for the humour. This year the event was catered for by Mr senior solo but adjudged to finish in that order and Caroleo’s in-house team to extremely positive Towlson won the ensemble with an ensemble reviews. performance to live band from The Greatest Showman. Leavers’ Soirée, Wednesday 14th May The Year 7 Sing Off was jointly won by forms 7E and 7V. 7E sang the Emily Sandé classic Read All About It The annual leavers’ soirée commenced with a debut with confidence and accurate vocal harmony and on the Grove Stage for Amy Brook and Bow her were the best of week one despite being first on performing dog in a heelwork to music routine. stage whilst 7V were the best form in terms of Fifteen other items followed, covering all genres, as volume/commitment and clear winners of week two well as self-composed items by Joshua Binns, Thomas with their rendition of Rachel Platten’s Fight Song. Wood and Joe Magee before Imogen Amos and All in all, the entire year were superb and show that Charlotte Proctor closed the evening with the duet the future of school choral music is promising. ‘For Good’ from Wicked. There was a rumour that

Page 62 Perfoming Arts Imogen and Charlotte may reprise this duet instead of A group of former Ashdown pupils introduced by a speech at Prize Day; however, the speech which Imogen Amos and Charlotte Proctor played and sang they did deliver was well worth hearing and this duet for the 25th Anniversary of Ashdown Lodge, also in was definitely a key part of the leavers’ concert so the first weeks of term. Mr Wears ably marshalled perhaps a wise decision all round. Reception and Nursery pupils in playing a range of instruments (often utilised in new and interesting The String Players’ Concert, Wednesday 26th June ways at the hands of the three and four year old pupils) and singing inventive arrangements of The Mr Gillett’s charges delivered a selection of pieces Wheels on The Bus and Happy Birthday. The group of including Grove Strings and the Senior Quartet Grove musicians were integral to this celebration of performing as a swansong for Mr Gillett before he Ashdown’s key anniversary. leaves us for South Africa. Year 9 Rock Gig Rock, Pop and Jazz On Wednesday 30th January, Thomas Wood (Upper The Senior Fake Band were the first group out of the Sixth) set up and ran the amplification for the Year 9 traps playing their first gig of the year to entertain Rock Gig. The Year 9 band played a set of over an Brontë House parents on Friday 21st September. Mr hour covering many rock and pop favourites from Wears (piano) and Dr Longbottom (saxophone) with recent years. Thomas was using the occasion for an Alex Dalton (saxophone), Eddie King (bass) and Sam assessment for his music Technology Course with Halstead (drums) delivered two forty-minute sets which he has just gained a place to study music broken by a short interlude. The standard was production at university. The band of Ella Manogue excellent and well received. (vox/trumpet), Chloe Cater (vox/trumpet), Will Wood (bass), Lily Sugden (keys) and Annabel Gracey Sports’ Ball Saturday 1st December (drums) delivered a tight and enjoyable 45 minute set. Alex Dalton (saxophone), Eddie King (bass), Sam Halstead (drums), Dr Longbottom (saxophone) and Trad Jazz Soirée Mr Tedd (piano) launched the Sports Ball with a 60-minute set of jazz. The boys were on fine form as The Senior Jazz Fake Band played for Let The they solo’d their way through a number of items Evening BeGin on Friday 15th March. Upper Sixth including a memorable White Christmas, Girl from pupils Samuel Halstead (drums) and Alex Dalton Ipanema and Georgia. These three sixth form students (saxophone) were joined by Lower Sixth Eddie King have been superb jazz players and one ball-goer paid (bass) along with Dr Longbottom (saxophone) and them perhaps the ultimate compliment, “Í didn’t know Mr Tedd (piano) for a selection of jazz favourites and it was you, I thought it was a CD”. the odd jazzed up pop melody.

Perfoming Arts Page 63 The newly formed Dixieland Trad Jazz Band played a way of playing to what is already and rich tapestry of soiree on Friday 22nd March at 16:30; this was the musical styles in the department. One of Laura’s own first gig by the band and is in preparation for the compositions was premiered at the acoustic night Music for Youth competition. Mr Wears drilled the showing a typically lyrical approach to melody and a band, who are all sixth form students, to a very clear understanding of the folk harmonic language. high-level as well as writing and arranging traditional jazz pieces for them to play. The usual filter coffee Night of Rock, Wednesday 3rd July and WGS catering team’s legendary biscuits sustained the audience. Billed as ‘The Mr Carter Tribute Night’ was an unusual event, missing the founder and eponymous organiser At Leavers’ Weekend the Fake Band provided in chief. The Year 7 band ‘Neon Envy’ opened the effervescent entertainment for the Summer Ball’s night which ran in age-group order leading to Senior sparkling reception. Unusually leavers were keener to Rock Band headlining with Pour Some Sugar On Me play than socialise, which was great news, meaning by Def Leppard and What You Know by Two Door that Alex Dalton and Sam Halstead were still available Cinema Club. Josh Binns and Eddie King rocked out for one of the last gigs of the year. on guitar; Mati Meer laid down the bass-lines and Sam Halstead typically held it all together with an Drummers’ Concert, Thursday 6th June understated but tight drum part. The audience participation moment of the night perhaps went to Mr Brickel’s usual battery festival was held on ‘Jilted Jake’ with Hi-ho Silver Lining, including Mrs Thursday 6th June, with 11 drummers from Sam Nulty as guest vocalist before a very subtly edited Halstead in Upper Sixth to several Year 7 pupils. The Killing in The Name by Rage Against the Machine. highlight from a theatrical perspective was Eddie King and Mr Brickel performing an impressive Leavers’ Weekend improvised drum duet. This year’s Woodhouse Grove Summer Music Festival ‘Unplugged’ Acoustic Night, Friday 21st June (aka Grovestonbury) included performances from the school’s Senior Rock, Soul & Swing Bands as well as The Grove’s first Acoustic Night took place in the the newly formed Traditional Jazz and Dixieland Recital Room featuring performances of Jazz, Pop Band. Tom Wood, Will Robinson, Eddie King and Mati and Blues on acoustic instruments. The Trad Band Meer rocked the mainstage as Senior Rock Band for and Folk Band headlined this event supported by the last time whilst Swing Band inevitably battled the several soloists and small ensembles. The Folk Band wind with excessive pages of sheet music. Trad Band directed by Laura Sutcliffe was a fantastic addition to closed the festival in fitting style; what’s more fitting the school’s music this year, adding a new style and than a banjo to get people to go home?

Page 64 Perfoming Arts Leaving Staff On the strength of her competitions this year, Imogen will attend the Scholarships in February 2020 in We bade farewell to Mr Gillett as he left to take up a Manchester, the World Cabaret Performers Final in teaching position in South Africa, following several Blackpool and in January will compete at the years of working there during vacation time and via ‘Champion of Champions’ Competition with her Skype in the interim. Modern and Tap routines.

Individual Achievements Imogen has also received Distinction in both Intermediate Modern Jazz and Advanced 1 Tap - Drama scoring 95 and 94 marks respectively.

Andy Salvador-Medina, Year 9 auditioned for the Tilly Raj, dancing for Armley Dance Studios, was Worldwide Stagecoach production of The Sound of nominated for an IDTA International Theatre Dance Music and has now been cast as Rolf Gruber. He will Award for Grade 4 Ballet, Tilly will attend the be performing at The Rose Theatre in London on 16th Scholarships in February 2020 in Manchester. and 17th August 2019. In January she will compete at the ‘Champion of Champions’ with her Modern routine after winning a Catriona Cochrane, Year 10 has been performing as Junior UK Regional Championship title. Udalbo Piangi in the Diva Youth Production of Phantom of the Opera performed at The Eavie Amos, also dancing for Armley Dance Studios, Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds in June. Catriona and won Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both Maddie Syree, (also Year 10) took to the stage of Her Tap and Song & Dance routines and so will compete Majesty’s Theatre, London to perform Trouble's a at the ‘Champion of Champions’ Competition in both Brewin’ with the Pauline Quirke Academy. As well as disciplines. Eavie has also qualified for the World meeting Pauline herself, they had the fantastic Cabaret Performers Final in Blackpool, with her experience of performing on a West End stage and Acrobatic Dance routine. were awarded a distinction by the Trinity Exam Board.

Connor Elliott was signed up for another season of the CBBC television series Class Dismissed before leaving the Grove himself for pastures new.

Music

Annabel Gracey, Year 9 came 10th in the international ‘Hit Like A Girl 2019’ contest. As a result of her performance, American drum company TRX Cymbals have offered Annie an artist’s endorsement to use their cymbals and products.

Annabel later qualified to compete in the semi-finals of “Drum-Off Global 2019” which took place in Singapore in August and involved performing and creating a four-minute drum solo for a panel of judges and a live audience. Annabel was the only girl and the only British performer in her age group. She had an incredible experience, being inspired to develop still more of her technique and repertoire.

Dance

Imogen Amos, dancing for Armley Dance Studios, competed in the Miss Dance GB finals 2019 along with completing a host of other competitive victories during the year. She then qualified for the Final of Miss Dance GB 2020 in June, after winning the Ellesmere Port Spring Festival Competition (the first heat of the year).

She was nominated for an IDTA International Theatre Dance Award for Intermediate Modern and Advanced One Tap. She won the Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both Modern and Tap.

Perfoming Arts Page 65 Instrumental and Vocal Examination Results

Practical Examinations: Associated Board Examinations, London College of Music, Rockschool Examinations, Trinity Board

119 pupils took and passed music practical examinations during the year with an impressive 24 of these classed as distinction. The highest results were as follows, headed by Alex Dalton (Upper Sixth) who gained two Diplomae (beyond Grade Eight) with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music on Clarinet and Saxophone, closely followed by Nicole Swinnerton (Year 11) with a brace of Grades Eight (interestingly on the same instruments as Alex).

Name Instrument Grade Board Category Alex Dalton Clarinet DipABRSM ABRSM Pass Alex Dalton Saxophone ARSM ABRSM Merit Tom Wood Music Theatre 8 LCM Distinction Nicole Swinnerton Alto Saxophone 8 ABRSM Distinction Joshua Binns Voice 8 Trinity Merit Isabella Hill Voice 8 ABRSM Merit Charlotte Proctor Alto Saxophone 8 ABRSM Merit Charlotte Slater Music Theatre 8 LCM Merit Nicole Swinnerton Clarinet 8 ABRSM Pass Oscar Bowling Electric Guitar 8 Rockschool Merit Matiyah Meer Guitar 8 Trinity Pass Evie Sugden Music Theatre 7 LCM Distinction Maisie Bickerton Clarinet 7 ABRSM Merit Isabella Lawson Flute 7 ABRSM Pass Scarlett Reilly Singing 7 ABRSM Pass

The highest percentages of the year were achieved by Eilidh Molloy and Georgina Rayner (Year 7) who both scored a truly incredible 100% in Grade One Music Theatre. Aside from these two rare perfect scores the high-flying ninety percent club was joined by more Music Theatre stars in Tom Wood (Upper Sixth, Grade Eight), Hope Gilbert (Lower Sixth, Grade Five), Isla Swarbrigg and Maidie Jennings (Years 9 and 8, Grades Four) and Frankie Green (Rockschool Drums, Grade Five).

Speech and Drama Results In Speech and Drama 55 pupils took and passed certificated exams with 16 of these at distinction level and a further 24 at merit. Ellie Young (Lower Sixth) gained her Professional Certificate - a diploma level qualification - whilst Louis Moorhouse (Lower Sixth, Distinction), Scarlett Reilly (Lower Sixth, Merit), Jake Fletcher-Stega (Lower Sixth, Merit) and Isaac Birdsall Lower Sixth, (Pass) all gained their Grades Eight.

Highest marks in Speech and Drama were gained by Georgia Rhodes with 91 (Year 7, Grade One) and Louis Moorhouse (see above), closely followed by Georgina Dutton, 89 (Year 7, Grade 1), Tilly Raj, 89 (Year 7, Grade 4).

External Representation Despite their busyness in school some of our top musicians also contributed to local, regional and national ensembles. Laura Sutcliffe (violin) and Alex Dalton (clarinet) played once more with the City of Leeds Youth Orchestra. Alex also played in the City of Leeds Youth Wind Orchestra whilst Laura Sutcliffe played fiddle in the National Folk Ensemble and Ella Manogue (trumpet) completed another season in the Northern Children's Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly (soprano) continues to train and sing with the Opera North Youth Company whilst Georgia Young (soprano) sang with the Leeds Youth Choir. Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and represents Armley Dance Studios in competitions regionally and nationally.

Performance Log Grove Musicians continue to put in the extra hours not only during rehearsal but with performances and leading the way it was unsurprising to have members of the Trad Jazz and Fake Band who were also in Grove Singers. Alex Dalton (23 events) and Sam Halsted (21) headed the lists, being involved in all the senior music events of the year. They were followed closely by Ellie Nott, Matiyah Meer, Abbie Nott, Joshua Binns and Flora Lawson. The most prolific performers in Years 10 and 11 were Catriona Cochrane (13 performances) and Ned Hawker (10), whilst Chloe Cater and Ella Manogue topped the list for junior pupils with nine performances apiece.

Page 66 Perfoming Arts Arts

Amy Brook, Y13 Hannah Dutton, Y11

Hana Yoo, Y13

Perfoming Arts Page 67 Rui Guo, Y13

Page 68 Perfoming Arts Nicole Swinnerton, Y11

Kaitlin Smith, Y13 Lisa Paul, Y13

Arts Page 69 Jessica White, Y13

Page 70 Arts Lisa Paul, Y13 Rui Guo, Y13

Abbie Abbie Hinchliffe, Y11 Hinchliffe, Y11

Arts Page 71 Sports Reports The following week our Junior & Inter teams went to Athletics the Mount St. Mary’s Invitational Competition. Once again, acquitting themselves fantastically on the first day of competition were the Inter Boys and Girls teams. This resulted in both teams coming first overall on points. The positive attitude from everyone and acceptance to have two athletes competing in every event made the win possible.

Day two and the Juniors were in action. They had the same attitude as the Inters and ensured every event was filled; the overall results were the Girls team were 1st and the Boys a close 2nd.

The final event of the season was the Year 7 Super 8 Team competing at the West Yorkshire Schools’ Games. Some great individual performances saw the team finish 2nd overall.

Unfortunately, some poor weather played a part in the Bradford Team League competitions this season being The first fixture of the season was the very first day of cancelled, despite 60+ athletes being prepared to the Summer Term, where 22 athletes made the trip to compete. Gateshead for the HMC North Championships. As ever, the standard provided some of our most talented Congratulations once again to Emma Wood who has athletes with some high-quality competition. Emma stood out in every competition she has competed in Wood won an impressive three 1st places in the Inter for the school. Moving up an age group to U17, she is Girls 300m, high jump and 80m hurdles, with Emma now competing in the heptathlon. In her first Okpala taking 1st place in the Junior Girls javelin. competition, competing for West Yorkshire at the Emma Okpala, Will Eastell, Archie Hurford, Lewis North East Championships, she came 3rd overall, with Hyland Dugbo all coming 2nd in their events. 3rd 3 PBs and a season’s best in the high jump. She has places were won by Harriet King in the Junior Girls now qualified to represent the county in September at shot and the Junior Boys and Girls relay teams. the English Schools’ Championships.

The next event was the Bradford Schools’ My thanks to all of the coaching staff, who have Championship, which ran alongside the Year 7 Super 8 helped this season: Mr Dobson, Miss Filtness, Mr Bradford Championships. An impressive 45 students Howard, Mr Barr, Mr JK Jones, Mr R Jones, Miss from Years 7-9 competed for the school. Some Pearce, Mrs Wickens and Mr Brown. My thanks also to notable performances came from all of the Year 7 the support from the parents at all of the events this athletes, who competed superbly as a team and year. finished in 1st place, 100 points ahead of 2nd and this ensured they qualified to represent the district at the Mrs K Jennings West Yorkshire Schools’ Games later in the term.

The Year 8 and 9 athletes did very well, with particular congratulations to:

1st Lola Henderson JG 300m, Chloe Cater JG 800m, Robbie Higgins JB 800m, Ben Hill JB 1500m, Harriet King JG Shot, Lalita Braithwaite-Shroff JG discus, Emma Okpala JG Javelin.

Another seven 2nd places and seven 3rd places were achieved on the day.

From this competition, 12 of our athletes were then chosen to represent Bradford District at the West Yorkshire Schools’ Championships. These were: Lola Henderson, Annabelle Hudson, Harriet King, Emma Okpala, Emma Wood, Thomas Rowe, Archie Hurford, Ben Hill, Will Eastell, Ivan Lau, Lewis Hyland-Dugbo and Ed King.

Top 3 places went to: Annabelle Hudson, Emma Wood, Lewis Hyland Dugbo, Lola Henderson and Ben Hill.

Sports Reports Page 73 year. Georgina Rayner and Grace Ross dominated the Cross Country Year 7 Girls race, coming in at 1st and 2nd respectively. Eilidh Molloy (5th) and Phoebe Turner (8th) were not far behind them – also qualifying to represent Leeds. For the Year 7 Boys event, Findlay Hainsworth – in his debut race for the school – qualified in 5th.

- Other athletes who qualified to run for the Leeds Schools Team included Ben Hill, Robbie Higgins, Lola Henderson and Isla Swarbrigg.

- 12 runners represented Leeds in the West Yorkshire Schools’ Trials at GSAL in February. It was particularly good to see some of our senior runners – Robert Mitchell, Alex Dalton and Fraser Best – compete in this event. Ben Hill qualified in 5th position to represent West Yorkshire at the Nationals. The Grove Cross Country Team’s achievements in the 2018-19 season were record breaking in terms of the - Junior and Inters House Cross-Country had an school’s more recent success in the sport. Here are excellent turn-out this year – with 79 pupils some highlights of the season: representing their house in total. Findlay won the Junior competition and Vinter won the Inters. Senior - 34 Grove athletes ran for the school at the Bingley House Cross Country was rained-off due to inclement Harriers Schools Cross Country race in September – weather. our biggest number of participants to-date. - The fourth Leeds League race took place at - Three new cross-country captains were chosen: Middleton Park in March. Our athletes’ success in this Robert Mitchell (School Captain), Ben Hill (Junior final race secured some excellent overall positions in Boys) and Lola Henderson (Junior Girls). the league, including: Ben Hill (Year 8 and 9 Boys), who was League Champion, and our U13 Girls team, - In the opening fixture of the Leeds League at who were Team Champions in their age category. Middleton park, ten WGS athletes ran and all of them There were other notable individual successes too, finished in the top ten. A particularly strong race for with Imogen Idle (3rd), Georgina Rayner (5th), Ben Hill and Imogen Idle, who came first. Robbie Higgins (6th), Grace Thirkill (6th), Lola Henderson (9th) and Eilidh Molloy (10th) all coming - The Grove hosted the first regional round of the within the top ten. English Schools’ Cross Country Cup in October. There were some excellent performances in this race: At the end of the Summer Term the following WGS The Junior Girls team, came in second (Grace Thirkill, Cross-Country awards were presented: Georgina Rayner, Grace Ross, Mabel Walker, Lola Henderson and Eilidh Molloy). Best Junior Boy: Ben Hill The Junior Boys team, also came second (Ben Hill, Best Junior Girl: Georgina Rayner Robbie Higgins, Ayomide Solaru, Harry Bates, Best Inters Girl: Imogen Idle Cameron Bojas and Joey Hall). Most Improved Boy: Harry Bates and The Inters Girls team, came first (Isla Swarbrigg, Robbie Higgins Imogen Idle, Chloe Cater and Amilia Newsome). Most Improved Girl: Mabel Walker Best Team: U13 Girls - The second regional round of the English Schools’ Most Dedicated Athlete Joey Hall Cross-Country Cup, was hosted at Mount St. Mary’s in (Training) Sheffield. The three qualifying teams ran with real resilience but just missed out on qualifying for the Well done to all! National Cross-Country Cup final. Our gratitude to all of those parents (and - In November, our athletes had the privilege of grandparents) who give up their Saturday morning running with Olympian and fellow Yorkshireman, Jonny lie-ins to bring our athletes to races. Brownlee, prior to our ‘Evening with the Brownlees’ event. Not bad for an after-school training session! We look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead for us next year, and to all the new records that are - The Second fixture of the Leeds Cross-Country yet to be broken. League at Cardinal Heenan school saw more strong performances, including Ben Hill in 1st and Robbie Miss L Hughes Higgins in 5th (Junior Boys), Grace Thirkhill in 5th, Grace Ross 6th, Eilidh Molloy 9th, Phoebe Turner 10th and Georgian Rayner 12th (Junior Girls). Imogen Idle came in at 11th (Inters Girls).

- The LSAA Trials race was particularly dramatic this

Page 74 Sports Reports Triathlon Climbing

We started the year with some words of wisdom from This year the climbing club entered the Yorkshire the country’s two most successful and recognisable Schools Bouldering Competition, held at the Depot in triathletes as, on Thursday 22nd November, the Grove Pudsey. The competition comprised of 25 climbs Theatre played host to Jonny and Alistair Brownlee. throughout the Depot, with students having 3 200 pupils, parents, staff and guests turned out to attempts at each ‘problem’ – points were scored for a take part in a question and answer session with the ‘flash’ (climbing up in one go) and were reduced for brothers. each subsequent attempt. WGS fielded a strong team with Matiyah Meer achieving a medal for winning her Before the evening event, Jonny Brownlee even group by over 40 points and Nathan Hinchliffe joined us on a dark and misty run training session coming 2nd in the men’s category. Overall the team down the canal with 20 members of the Woodhouse came 3rd out of 20 schools, only 30 points behind Grove Cross Country and Triathlon teams. The pupils second place. were extremely excited to ask Jonny for training tips en route whilst avoiding falling into the canal and Miss F Alimundo trying to get to the front at the same time.

Training continued throughout the year, including our monthly training sessions alongside Leeds Bradford Hockey Triathlon Club’s youth squad at the Brownlee Centre, the UK’s only purpose-built triathlon training centre. During these sessions, Grove triathletes have been drilled in cycling, running and transition skills.

Of course, there were also several opportunities to put all the training into practice. Many of our triath- letes took part in the new triathlon event at the Hanson School Summer Games. This involved attend- ing events across two days; the swim was completed at Eccleshill Pool and the cycle and run components at Hanson School. Our pupils enjoyed their first experience of competing on static bikes! It was an extremely successful event for the Grove, with our Year 7 and 8 girls team and Year 7 and 8 boys team both achieving first place. Our Year 9 and 10 girls team came in second. There were some notable individual results, with Georgina Rayner (7/8 Girls) and Matthew Roberts (7/8 Boys) both coming first in their races, Chloe Cater (9/10 Girls) achieving second Hockey has continued to grow at the Grove, with over place and Imogen Idle (9/10 Girls), Mabel Walker and 25 girls from Years 7-9 attending hockey club regular- Eilidh Molloy (7/8 Girls) all achieving third place in ly on a Wednesday. Next year we are looking to grow their respective races. An enjoyable event all round! hockey further, providing more opportunities to represent the school, as well as developing links with We finished the year competing on home turf, with local clubs. the second annual Woodhouse Grove School Aquath- lon taking place on Tuesday 2nd July. We had a great There has also been some fantastic individual success number of both Grove athletes and external athletes within the sport. Both Cara and Maddie Liptrot were take part in this GoTri swim-run event. The beautiful selected to play county hockey for West Yorkshire, at weather and the cheering supporters certainly added U15 and U13 level respectively. On top of this, Cara has to the upbeat atmosphere. We had some superb progressed into the senior section at Leeds Hockey results from our own athletes: both Hermione Roe Club, as well as completing her Level 1 umpiring (9/10 Girls) and Ben Hill (7/8 Boys) came first in their course. Congratulations girls! races, with visiting pupils winning the other two races. Silver went to Sam Lund (9/10 Boys) and both Geor- Mr M Dobson gina Rayner (7/8 Girls) and Chloe Cater (9/10 Girls) took bronze in their age categories.

Mr P Tedd

Sports Reports Page 75 Swimming

It has been another strong year for the swimming committed and reliable throughout the season. It has team at the Grove, winning five and drawing one of been fantastic to see five more of the seniors our nine galas. After a slightly slow start to the awarded half or full swimming colours this season season, losing the first three galas against GSAL (half colours to Sophia Emmot-Spanton and full (home and away) and Harrogate Ladies’ College, it colours to Lisa Paul, James Shoesmith-Evans, Andrew was then onwards and upwards for the team, winning Mettrick and Jacob Head) which sets a wonderful all remaining galas against Ripon, Prince Henry’s, example to the younger members of the team and Horsforth, Harrogate Ladies’ College and Bradford shows what commitment to training and team spirit Grammar. can achieve.

Team spirit is stronger than ever with a large influx of Lastly, we would like to thank our coaches; Shane talented juniors and a number of strong boys Dudley, Miss Barron, Miss Pearce and Miss Holloway stepping up to the senior age group. A special who have enabled us to train and compete regularly mention must also go to our captains, Ben Hill, throughout the year. Isobelle Jennings, Evie Burns, Charlie Plein, James Shoesmith-Evans and Lisa Paul who have been Lisa Paul & James Shoesmith-Evans

Proud to support Woodhouse Grove School

Page 76 Sports Reports Basketball

U12s With the introduction of England Basketball’s new participation scheme, the Junior NBA, many of our Year 7s got the opportunity to try the sport and to represent the school.

As part of the initiative, we were assigned to the New York Knicks and were placed in the Central Division of the Jr. NBA Yorkshire Co-ed Eastern League. After a very successful season, the team finished 2nd in their league, qualifying for the playoffs. The post season was just as successful, winning the first two rounds and qualifying for the finals day. A huge achievement considering that all pupils were complete beginners at the start of the year.

As the only mixed team sport at the Grove, the U12s have been a credit to the school and have done The fixtures have been competitive against GSAL, themselves very proud. I hope that they all continue llkley Squash Club and new to the fixture list this playing basketball throughout their time here at the season were Bradford Grammar and Ampleforth. Grove and that their efforts encourage more people to These were played home and away which helped the play the sport. A special mention must go to Sixth students experience playing in different environments Former Aka Ng, for assisting to coach the team this year. and the new heating system in our own courts has been a good addition and helped improve the stand- ard of squash across all ages.

Finlay Wilkinson was the Captain of Squash this season and he led a strong senior team which consisted of Robert Mitchell, James Shoesmith-Evans, Henry Blakey, Allaid Howe, Jay Bhangoo and Benja- min Holland. It was also encouraging that Naomi Partridge in Year 8 was able to represent the senior team where she held her own.

We had a total of 26 juniors and 17 seniors playing squash this year and it was pleasing that a majority of these players were able to gain experience against outside opposition in a competitive environment. However, we had an internal squash ladder that helped the students prepare for representing the school. U18s The U18 basketball team have had another successful All seniors and juniors this season have progressed season, with lots of new boarders joining the team. well technically and tactically on court and they are The team has played several friendlies throughout the showing a wider range of shots and knowledge of the season. A highlight being a 35 – 30 win over Beckfoot game. Hopefully, squash at the Grove will continue to in a nail biting encounter. The team have worked hard grow and thanks for all the effort from the students to develop their skills and fitness and have made a lot this season. of progress to their style of basketball and team efficacy. We are looking to develop the fixture list for Mr C L Softley and Miss K A Webb next season, playing a 3 match series against schools to increase the level of competition. Finally, a massive thank you to the boys who are leaving the team at the end of the season for all their hard work and efforts; Aka Ng, Josh Binns and Jacky Pan. Mr M Dobson Squash This season we have continued to have a junior and senior team who trained once a week with their own age groups. There has been a big uptake in junior squash, and this has resulted in a more competitive environment which has helped progress the students across the year.

Sports Reports Page 77 Netball 1st Team

The 2018/19 netball season was filled with ups and In our quarter final for the National Plate, we played downs. Starting with a very close match against Cheadle St. Albans School for Girls, where all girls took to Hulme School, where we lost by one point. As we were a court, beating them 49-31. This meant that our new team, working with new combinations and different semi-final game found the team travelling down to players, we went to the Alex Reid Tournament with open Leatherhead to play against St. John’s School. In the minds hoping to work on these combinations and first two quarters of this game it was very close with improve together. This tournament was a high-speed little room to make mistakes as we knew it would tournament which was brilliant preparation for national mean we could potentially lose, but in our third and rounds as these games were short and we had to put fourth quarters we came out fighting. This extended our all into them. We played our best but sadly didn’t our lead hugely which meant that we successfully win. attained another win 61-37.

Later on in the season we travelled down to Silcoates As we were coming up to the end of the season, we School where we had our first round of School Nationals. knew we only had a few more matches left plus our In order for us to get through, we had to beat teams very important Plate Final match against Royal such as GSAL and Greenhead, who both had very strong Russell School. These matches consisted of three sides which we knew were going to be difficult to beat. amazing wins against Ashville Harrogate, Hymers Knowing this, our first team played unbelievably well, College and Queen Margaret’s School. Our Plate Final winning all the games at this tournament and securing a game was a home game, which meant that we had a place in the next round. Alongside this, we were massive number of supporters and the atmosphere competing to win the National Plate, where our second was electric. In our first quarter both teams played round of this tournament placed us against Ampleforth astonishingly, meaning that there were only a few College, where we won 77-12. In preparation for the next goals in it and the win could swing either way. In the round of the Plate and the second round of Nationals, second and third quarters, Royal Russell were turning we played matches against Bradford Grammar School more ball than us meaning we were losing going into where we were successful, beating them 41-15, and a the fourth quarter. However, our determination and closely fought game against Stonyhurst College, where passion to win exceeded that of Royal Russell’s team we secured another win, 31-26. meaning we came out with a worthy win of 49-43. The whole team played exceptionally well on and off On the 27th January, we played in the Regional the court and the support was remarkable. Round of School Nationals against some very strong teams such as Wyke, GSAL and Queen Ethelburga’s. Overall, I would say we played as a team throughout All the girls played with their hearts and gave it their the season and made lifelong friendships which were all but unfortunately we placed 4th, which meant our clearly shown during our amazing Plate Final win. journey to Nationals had to stop there. As a team we should be very proud because all the girls gave 100%. Jess Beckley

Page 78 Sports Reports Netball 2nd Team

The 2nd VII has had a really successful season this (24-19). Unfortunately, our first loss came in year. We played 12 games and the results were as November after a 6-8 defeat against Prince Henry’s. follows; 10 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. We participated in 3 With some strong opposition following this game, we local area tournaments competing against other had a run of losses but managed to turn it around schools’ first teams and we put up some great again and finish the season strong with wins against: performances against this opposition. Sadly, our first Fulneck (25-19), Hymers (31-5), Ashville (16-13) and match of the season we lost but it was onwards and Queen Margaret’s (36-13). upwards from there as we won 2 games in a row and drew 1. After the draw we had a long winning streak, We have all had such an enjoyable season, even beating Leeds Grammar (24-19), Stonyhurst College through the snow and Monday night fitness sessions (20-10), Harrogate Grammar (24-12), Bootham School and we couldn’t have done it without Miss Pearce - so (12-7), Hymers (36-28), Ashville (22-13) and Queen a huge thank you must go to her. Margaret’s (28-21). The commitment of the team was great, which allowed us to train together and work on Sophie Littlejohns weaknesses in training.

This year the team consisted of: Chloe Fairbank (Captain), Isabella Worthington, Netball U16s A Jessica Lenton, Emily Perry, Jessica white, Eleanor Stubbs (Vice Captain), Charlie Slater, Naveena Amrat, Abigail Roche, Charlotte Procter and Harriet Green.

We would like to thank Mrs Curtis for her dedication and commitment to the 2nd VII this season.

Harriet Green

Netball 3rd Team

The 3rd VII squad had an usually large team this season, which allowed for many different combinations to play and meant we were able to field a strong squad week in week out. This year we were entered into the Senior Leeds League which ran from September through until March. This league provided us with many fixtures but it often meant we were It was a mixed season for the U16s this year. After a facing other schools’ 1st VII or 2nd VII teams. This tough first game against Cheadle Hulme, the U16A only spurred us on to work harder in training. secured a 29-17 win against Stockport Grammar. Early into the season we had the U16 Nationals which saw After a strong squad turn out at pre season training, wins against Rastrick, Brooksback, Rishworth and we hit the ground running with our first 4 matches, Silcoates, a draw against PHGS and losses to BGS, with convincing wins against; Cheadle Hulme (21-0), GSAL and Gateways. A good day with lots of Rodillian (11-8), Wakefield Girls’ (28-18) and GSAL challenges and overall we finished in 4th place.

Sports Reports Page 79 Although coming 4th wasn’t a high enough finish to see us progress into the next round, we learnt a lot Netball U15s B and took this into the next block of training. Unfortunately, we finished the season off with a run of tough games resulting in losses against GSAL (5-11), BGS (8-31), GSAL (23-34), St. Peter’s (16-30) and Sedbergh (21-35) and a final win over Bootham School (12-7). We are looking forward to returning to netball next season and developing our game further to challenge senior teams.

Naveena Amrat

Netball U15s A

This season was a particular challenge for the team, with some tough opponents and coming up against many A teams. We started the season well with 3 consecutive wins against Stockport (14-4), Harrogate Ladies’ College (18-13) and Garforth (17-10). As the season progressed, we had a little dip in terms of our performances and were unsuccessful for the next 3 fixtures. Although we did not win fixtures against BGS (8-30), HGS (14-17) and GSAL (10-29), we learnt a lot about our strengths and what we needed to do to improve. The rest of the season involved wins against Stonyhurst (24-11) and PHGS (8-4). This season provided us with many challenging fixtures and training sessions. Even though we didn’t win all our fixtures, we have definitely improved as netballers and learnt many skills that we can continue to work on again next season.

Millie Howe

The 2018/2019 season was a season of two halves for Netball U14s A the U15As. Our first Saturday provided us with a tough challenge against a strong Cheadle Hulme School, unfortunately they proved too strong and Playing with these girls has been a privilege and an they took the win. Straight back into training the next amazing experience. We have won 17 games in total week we had to prepare for the first round of the and lost only 3, not including Nationals. It has been a Independent Schools Cup and we faced Bedford great season for our shooters, scoring 344 goals and Girls’. A great team performance from the whole thanks to defence, only letting 136 goals in. squad saw a 36-29 win. We continued this form into our second round against Loughborough High School I think that the girls would agree that every player has for Girls which saw us continue through to round 3 been outstanding this year. At our shooting end, Ruby with a convincing 40-22 win. Drawing local rivals and Annabelle worked well together in and around GSAL in the 3rd round saw our Cup run end. the D. They stayed calm under pressure and still Unfortunately, we experienced a few more tough managed to get their shots in. They have been great matches in the run up to Christmas with losses attackers and defenders all throughout court, turning against BGS, Harrogate Grammar School and GSAL. over lots of ball. After the Christmas break we managed to find our form again and won all but one fixture in the second Chloe has shown brilliant determination, especially in half of the season. Some really positive performances holding her space. Evie has made lots of surprise against St. Peter’s, Stonyhurst, Hymers, Ashville and interceptions and worked hard down court despite Queen Margaret’s. A great end to the season and we her constantly injured ankles and knees. Isla’s quick all look forward to returning to netball next season as movement everywhere she is needed has been seniors. exceptional and her height has not stopped her from getting lots of interceptions. The attackers have had Pearl Jepmond Senior an amazing season.

Page 80 Sports Reports We also have to thank Amelia, Catherine, Lola and Eimhir, who chipped in when we were short of players, thank you so much. They feel like part of the B family. At our defensive end, the girls have been excellent at turning ball over and making it almost impossible for Of course, we have to thank our phenomenal coach, the other team to get the ball into the D. Miss Filtness. Her match play pointers have helped us reflect and improve our game play and she is to Emma’s aggression turns into determination to take remain our coach next year. her player out of the game, quite literally, and Scarlett has amazing knowledge of the game and covers all This year, we did lose more than we won, but only by areas of the court, even though she spends half the a few goals. Despite a few early losses, we time on the floor. But we can’t forget Harriet, who has persevered, improved our skills, match play and been an amazing Captain this year, supporting the cohesion as a team. We did our best and were girls on and off the court, her amazing interceptions rewarded with more wins in the second half of the and shutting down of her player has been amazing. season. We’ve enjoyed every minute of it, through We would like to say a special thank you to Maddie varied weather conditions, match play, ball drills and and Summer who have been a great asset to our tiring fitness. team and have made a major impact on us getting so far this season. Thank you to Harriet who has been a splendid Vice-Captain. It’s been an honour to be Captain of We can’t forget our amazing coaches who have such a committed, caring group of girls. supported us throughout this entire season, getting Looking forward to next year! us to the National finals where we placed 9th in the country. This was a massive achievement for us all. Ella Manogue (Captain) Without Miss Thompson and Miss Dudley pushing us in every training session and believing in us and Mrs Jennings’ knowledge of the game, none of this would have been possible, so thank you for an amazing season. Harriet King (Captain) Netball U14s C

The 14C team have had a good season and have had some exciting matches. We started the season with a win against Cheadle Hulme (4-2) which gave us lots Netball U14s B of confidence and was a great way to start the season. We then had a really strong run during We all get on very well, so we work hard at October and November when we won against GSAL communicating on the court and are supportive of (4-3), Corpus Christi (13-4), Garforth Academy (13-4) each other. and Harrogate Grammar (12-7). We have won 6 out of our 11 matches altogether, achieving our most notable In defence were Molly, Megan and Izzy, who are always win against St. Peter’s (20-2), which we were really ready to intercept and return the ball back up the pleased about. We are a small squad but have worked court. In mid-court were myself, Imogen, Lily and hard together to improve our game and have all tried Aaliyah and my team mates were here, there, and new positions, which has made us a more flexible everywhere. And our shooters Harriet, Olivia, Claudia squad, which we think makes us more adaptable as and Jasmin, whose precision was ‘on point’ in the circle. players. We are also very grateful to our friends in the Each member of the team has their own part to play, 14B team who helped us make sure that we always and our camaraderie and team spirit wouldn’t have had a full team available for every match. One of our been the same without each and every one of them. highlights of the season was playing in the Leeds

Sports Reports Page 81 We also had an amazing experience as we got to enjoy a residential trip to Condover Hall. We all had a fantastic time and there were lots of activities to do. We also competed in the tournament and managed to reach the final against Ipswich High School. Winning the tournament just topped off what a great weekend it had been.

Overall it has been a great season with so many experiences and fun memories.

Summer Anderson

Netball U13s B

Netball Tournament where we played against some teams that we might not have done so otherwise. We have all enjoyed playing netball this season and look forward to next year.

Catherine Potter (Captain) and Eimhir Robins

The whole season has been incredible with Netball U13s A everybody playing their very best netball. There has been some amazing shooting, attacking and defending and everyone has improved over this season.

As a team we scored over 214 goals (not including the goals from the tournament).

I think the best matches of the season were playing GSAL and winning 16-10 after being beaten earlier in the season and also playing a very close match against Harrogate and also winning!

The highlight of the year was our trip to Condover Hall and coming third overall, enjoying and having a fun netball trip weekend.

As a team we have learnt a lot from this year, but more than anything we had fun playing too. All the teachers have helped us become better players by This season has been a strong one for the U13A squad, helping our techniques and correcting us on our with many victories against some tough opposition. mistakes and we have all taken on the advice. We We had a strong start to our season with wins against have also won 12 games and only lost 6 games BGS, PHGS, Wakefield Girls’, Hymers and GSAL in the during the whole season, with everybody Leeds Schools’ Area Tournament. We have also had contributing to the wins. Everyone continues to make some amazing opportunities this season; including the an improvement and knowledge of the way they play SMILE Cup, where we travelled down to St. Edmond’s and I think everyone is more confident. To sum up the College for our first round. A tough match but we whole season, I would say it has been an amazing came out with the win but unfortunately lost our experience from the shooting to the attacking and second round match against a well drilled side. the defence. Towards the end of the season we competed in the Leeds Schools’ Area Tournament. We faced many Sienna Craven schools from Leeds and faced GSAL in the final. Although we were drawing at half time, we managed to pull ahead and take the win at the full time whistle.

Page 82 Sports Reports Netball U13s C

The 2018/9 season for the U13C squad was a good screaming ‘I came in like a wrecking ball’. The netball one! part of the trip was also amazing. We won all of our matches that we played. We were the winners of the We started the season with a dominant win against a tournament and to top it all off, Mrs. Curtis bought us strong Cheadle Hulme School (17-1), with strong all donuts on the way back. The Regionals defensive pressure we managed to keep them just at tournament was extremely tense and I am so proud of one goal for the full 40 minutes. the whole of the A team - without any one of them we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we did. Next up we faced local rivals GSAL, who we actually We ended up in the finals with Gateways School but came up against 3 times this season. Unfortunately, it unfortunately lost by one point. At the netball awards was a loss the first time (4-11) but as the season evening, the winners of the three awards were Ella, progressed, so did we, with a 4-4 draw mid-way Lexie and Erin. Ella has worked so hard this season to through and finally a 4-3 win at the end of the season become a player. She started off at the beginning a and a 3-3 draw against their B team. shooter, then further on in the season she started to play in midcourt. Ella won the Most Improved Player. Throughout the season we came up against some Lexie, who is an amazing and energetic midcourt strong C and B teams but focusing on our own player won the Coaches’ Player and Erin - who keeps performances, we worked hard to cut down our errors our spirits up in even the hardest of matches - won and build on our tactics. the Players’ Player. Last of all I want to thank Mrs. Curtis and Miss. Thompson for organizing matches The second half of the season was mixed with some and helping us improve our game this season. wins and losses but some highlights were Stonyhurst (8-3), St. Aidan’s (16-2), Bradford Grammar (11-6) and Lucy Hanson Hymers (11-2). Such a successful season finished with a visit to Condover Hall, which was a great celebration of the season and so much fun. We are Netball U12s B already looking forward to the next season! This season was a very eventful way to start off our Niamh Armstrong netball journeys as individuals and as a team. We started the season with a loss to Cheadle Hulme 7-8. They were a very tough team and a hard way to start Netball U12s A the season but taught us how to communicate very early in the season and that is how we managed to The Year 7 netball A team didn’t have the best start succeed in very many matches. Our next win was a to the netball season, as we lost to Cheadle Hulme very big win as we won against Stockport 20-2 and it School. But we brought it back and won the next few was a big achievement for us as a team. We won 13 matches. After that it was a series of wins and losses matches and lost 7 altogether. Our favourite matches (mostly wins). Altogether we won 15 matches and lost as a collective team were playing Gateways and 2, an absolutely amazing way to begin our netball Bradford Grammar due to the memories and wins we journey together as a team. We also participated in a made in those matches. few tournaments. This included the Bradford School Games, Leeds School Games (hosted by Woodhouse Later on in the season we went on a netball Grove), Condover Hall and Regionals. Condover Hall residential at Condover Hall that us Y7s and Y8s was an overnight netball trip and by far one of the participated in. It was for the whole weekend and was best residentials ever, we made so many memories. absolutely jam packed. There were many events on You could participate in a range of different exciting the site like abseiling, climbing, caving and having a activities such as a gladiator climbing wall and an go at the trapeze. We made so many memories like aerial obstacle course. Although it was quite an early Mrs. Vernon coming in every morning screaming “I start, Mrs. Vernon definitely made it better by came in like a wrecking ball!” or the Maccies we got

Sports Reports Page 83 Netball U12s C

on the way back and how I was throwing chicken nuggets at people and Mia Barker was throwing squashies at everyone in the bus. This netball season has been busy for the U12C team, having more than 25 girls regularly attending training Every single player has made amazing progress this and being available for fixtures. This season has been season and it was such a lovely way to end the challenging with a variation of wins and losses. A real season with the netball awards evening. The awards highlight for us this season was our successful win given out were Players’ Player, which was attained by against Guiseley A team. We often faced other newcomer Melissa Ng, who has been here for a short schools’ A + B squads and competed well in these while but has impacted the team impressively and her matches. Training was great fun, especially as we role was worthy of an award. Another award was the have Mrs. Vernon as a coach. We have all made some Most Improved, which was attained by Lilly Miller. Lilly great friendships and memories this year. has played as a shooter throughout the season and Our residential to Condover Hall came at the end of towards the end started playing more defensive like the season and allowed us to enjoy one final weekend positions. She has wowed me and all her fellow team playing netball and getting involved in many different members throughout the start of our netball journeys activities. This was such a great end to our season and she was definitely worthy of this prize. Our last and our progress was shown as we almost beat our award was the Coaches‘ Award, that went to own B team. Georgina Rayner. George is such an enthusiastic, loud yet supportive team member. In training she is always In our team we had great defenders such as: Kitty, focused, however half of the time she is dancing and Evie, Caitlin, Izzy, Charlotte. We had champion centre doing her little ballet routines but we still love her. court players such as: Mia, Isla, Ruby, Amelia. Leading She has been such a happy member of the B team on to the shooters: Eilidh, Emma, Ravneet and many family and she 100% was worthy of this award. more. This season was fun for all the girls and a great opportunity to find what positions we are We would like to thank as a team all the teachers who comfortable and confident playing in. I look forward have taken time to coach us, especially Miss Web. She to playing with these girls again in the future. has taken us to matches and trained us to our full potential and best abilities. I would also like to thank Sophie Bates the parents, grandparents and all the family members that have supported us throughout the netball year.

Last of all I would like to thank the U12B team squad for being such an amazing family. We have made many memories and it has been such a great few HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • ELECTRICAL • months with all you girls. ENERGY CONSERVATION •DESIGN & INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS

Kirsty Muchechetere Are pleased to be associated with Woodhouse Grove School

Watson House, Howden Road, Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 0HD Tel: 01535 652338 Fax: 01535 656851 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.watsonsbs.com

Page 84 Sports Reports Tennis

Boys Girls

A thoroughly enjoyable season where we have had A wholly successful and enjoyable season for the girls over 30 boys representing the school against a variety this year. Although the weather has somewhat held us of opposition. Although we lost some matches to back in the friendly fixtures, the league games have all poor weather, we managed to compete well in the been played and the girls representing the school Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 Aegon league. The Year 7/8 have been fantastic. The Year 7/8 girls have come out finished 2nd in their group and the Y9/10 finished 3rd. victorious in the league winning all of their games and Every age group had the opportunity to train at least will go through to the playoffs in September! once a week and play matches either during the week or on a weekend. It was pleasing to have a range of Girls in all age groups have been reliable at attending students play for the first time this year and they training and have made themselves available for all gained a lot of experience playing against opposition fixtures. It was great to have some new additions to schools. the teams this year including Melissa Ng (Year 7) playing up for the Year 8s and also Ishaa Malik, new to The season finished well with the Year 7 boys winning the school. We have even managed to fit in 2 trips to the Yarm Invitational tournament where they saw off watch the Ilkley Trophy Competition and experience a Yarm A and B, Manchester Grammar and Bradford tennis workshop delivered by professionals. Grammar. Additionally, there must be a special mention to this year’s captain, Sayf Abbas. Sayf Well done to all girls who have taken part in tennis finishes this year after playing tennis for the Grove for this year, and a special thanks to our senior girls the past 7 years. captain Chloe Fairbank who leaves us to go on to university this year. Here’s to another successful Well done to all the boys that represented the school season next year with even more girls representing or attended training this season. the school.

Mr C L Softley Mrs K Curtis

Sports Reports Page 85 Rugby 1st XV

The 1st XV made history this year by making it backing this up with a solid home win against GSAL through to the semi-final of the Schools’ Cup for the (34-19). first time ever. This was fully deserved following an outstanding season, winning 14 out of 17 matches. A squad of 24 were rotated against Durham away the The team finished in 5th place in the Daily Mail Trophy following week in preparation for the rematch at RGS which is an excellent achievement, with over 100 the following week. The boys came through schools entering the competition and a very unscathed and were fully prepared for the task. The competitive fixture list. The team hit the ground boys repeated the feat of a few weeks earlier, again running on the back of an intense tour to South Africa winning (21-13) and making it through to the NatWest with a bonus point win away at St. Peter’s York Cup Schools’ Cup for the first time in the school’s (12-31). This was followed by good wins over QEGS history. Wakefield, Pocklington and Barnard Castle. There was little time to celebrate however, as The team had not been really tested and there was no Sedbergh were coming to the Grove on the Saturday. tougher test than travelling up to Newcastle to play This was one bridge too far for the team and they RGS. The Grove got off to a flying start and were in recorded their first defeat of the season (7-35) control at half time. However, RGS were a strong team against what turned out to be the best team in the and came back strongly in the second half but our country. The match against Hymers was cancelled defence was too strong on the day as the boys which allowed for 10 days recovery time and recorded a fantastic win (27-12). This was backed up preparation for the biggest game in the school’s the following week with a super win against Denstone history, away at Wirral GS. The odds were stacked at home. Joe Carpenter raced the length of the field against us for the quarter final at Wirral. Not one to put the Grove in front with 5 minutes to go and a match in the cup was played at home and this one Luke Punton penalty, with the last kick, sealed a nail was to be played on a very wet back pitch at Wirral biting victory (27-19). Rugby Club. After going behind, the boys came back strongly and ran out 27-16 winners in difficult Somehow, in between the games, the boys were able circumstances. to record a memorable 48-0 victory over QEGS Wakefield in the second round of the cup on the This meant that the season continued into the New Wednesday. The boys enjoyed a rest at half term but Year and we had to find more fixtures. The boys lost came back recharged to take on King’s Macclesfield to a last minute try against Mount St. Mary’s (19-24) away in the next round, winning 31-7 and then when at least 8 players were missing due to Academy

Page 86 Sports Reports League and County commitments. However, wins The boys played really well considering their lack of were recorded against Wharfedale RUFC (10-7) and tournament practice and training. They got by on Bishop Burton (27-12) in preparation for the talent alone for most of the day with excellent semi-final. performances from key players. The Grove won every match in the group stages fairly comfortably and The team travelled to London on the Friday before drew Ashville in the Cup quarter final. Another strong the semi-final of the National Cup at Allianz Park, performance meant that we were to face a Saracens on the Saturday. It was a great occasion for formidable Sedbergh team who looked well prepared the players and staff to play at a professional stadium. and physically developed. Unfortunately, we made too many unforced errors and showed them too The boys started strongly with an early score from much respect. The final tournament was the Rosslyn Eddie Wainibuli but Warwick showed their quality and Park National Schools’ 7s. The best schools and experience to build a lead at half time. We started colleges in the country enter and we continue to well in the second half but again Warwick hit back enter the Cup competition despite a number of other and the lead was too much to overcome. Losing in schools opting to play in the Vase to avoid the AASE the end 24-36. A great effort from the boys and a Colleges. We have built up a good reputation at fantastic achievement for the school to reach the last Rosslyn Park over the last few years and it’s good to 4 nationally. It was a superb season and one which be able to test ourselves against the best. We were will be remembered for many years to come. Well under prepared but were going to give it our best. done boys! We played a very physical Hampton team first and lost heavily (12-36) but responded well with a hard Mr J Bedford fought win over Stowe (14-7). We only needed to finish in the top two to progress to day 2 so this put Results us back in contention. The match was perfectly poised against Northampton School for Boys and St. Peter’s York – Won 32-15 could have gone either way but the boys ran out of energy losing 33-14 and with it the chance of QEGS Wakefield – Won 31-12 qualifying. The last chance for the Upper 6th boys to represent the school was against Neath Port Talbot. It Pocklington – Won 45-5 was an evenly matched contest, very physical and the boys gave their all one last time to cap off a brilliant Barnard Castle – Won 36-12 school rugby career. It was a pleasure to coach the group but following the 1st XV Cup run the boys had RGS Newcastle – Won 27-12 simply given their all.

QEGS Wakefield (Cup) – Won 48-0 Mr J Bedford, 1st VII Head Coach

Denstone – Won 27-19 7s Player of the year – Frank Malir

King’s Macclesfield (Cup) – Won 31-7 Played: 9 Won: 5 GSAL – Won 34-19 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 Durham – Won 29-5

RGS Newcastle (Cup) – Won 21-13

Sedbergh – Lost 7-35

Wirral GS (Cup Q/F) – Won 27-16 Rugby 2nd XV

Mount St. Mary’s – Lost 19-24 All in all, a pretty impressive season; to win over 80% of the games that you play in a fixture list as strong as Wharfedale RUFC – Won 10-7 ours, Mr Moffatt and I look back at this season with a real sense of pride and success. When we reconvened Bishop Burton – Won 27-12 after the long summer break, it was clear in pre-season that this team was going to be based Warwick (Cup S/F) – Lost 24-36 around a talented set of Year 12 students, with a spluttering of Year 13s. As relatively experienced coaches at this level now, that always fills you with a Rugby 1st VII bit of trepidation as you can often come up against older, bigger sides. However, any worry was put to one side for the first two games of the season, with The 1st VII’s season was cut short due to the success strong wins against St. Peter’s York and QEGS of the XV a side team hindering preparations. As a Wakefield. We had a slight scare at Pocklington, result, we only played in two tournaments this year. possibly down to complacency, but this focused us The first tournament we could enter was at Mount St. for strong wins before half term against Barnard Mary’s following the 1st XV’s Cup semi-final defeat. Castle, Ripon Grammar School and Denstone College.

Sports Reports Page 87 Rugby U15s

Sandwiched in-between these fixtures was the one and his team for preparing superb surfaces that disappointing game of the season; away at RGS allowed us to play free-flowing rugby. Also, the Newcastle. The long bus journey, followed by the long medical staff who were always on hand to fix the walk to the ground, the lack of a warm-up and a inevitable injuries you get in a contact sport. It would slightly one eyed referee, are all excuses that we be wrong not to thank the band of parents who could use. But we won’t, we simply were not good travelled all over the North of England to support us enough that day; the boys learnt a tough lesson, but and in particular Mr Gallagher who kept a record of we were stronger for it and we went marching on the ups and downs with the use of his hi-tech camera! after the mid-term holiday. In the second half of the Finally, I would like to thank our Captain, Peter Autumn Term, excellent performances followed Davison, who led the team by example and could against GSAL and Durham, with the 2nd XV racking always be relied upon. up cricket scores against decent opposition. Mr O Mantle Sedbergh 2nd XV are always very tough opponents; they say that you learn more about people in defeat End of Season Awards: than in victory. Despite losing heavily, not one of the boys ever stopped running, we simply did not give up, Coaches’ Player of the Year: Peter Davison which is testament to their character. The season Players’ Player of the Year: Owen Tennant finished with a comfortable win against Hymers Most Improved Player of the Year: Canice Robins before the weather took our remaining fixtures.

I would like to thank the boys who did the badge proud, Mr Bedford and Mr Ryder for helping Mr Moffat Played: 11 and myself prepare the team for Saturday. To Mr Won: 9 Moffat for being the Ant to my Dec, motivating the Drawn: 0 boys with rousing half-time team talks as I was Lost: 2 catching my breath after 35 minutes of For: 334 whistle-blowing. Also, the catering staff for some Against: 161 excellent food after the game and to Simon Wood Difference: 173

Page 88 Sports Reports Rugby U16s A Rugby U16s B

The under 16B’s season was disrupted by a number of oppositions cancelling matches, but despite this, the boys put in a huge shift throughout the season and proved that this year group has a real depth of talent.

At the start of the season we went to St. Peter’s York. Unfortunately, we lost this game last year, but this year we won with an excellent 38-14 victory, with big tackles from Ethan, Damo, turn overs from Saad and powerful runs from the Spanish unit Pablo. But unfortunately, one of our props, Jude suffered a back injury that put him out for the rest of the season.

With regular training and gym sessions we continued improving our skills and team co-operation, even The U16A team enjoyed a fairly successful season, winning though Mr. Vernon was having a blast recruiting 8 out of 11 matches and using 29 players in the process. boarders in China and Thailand. There was an emphasis on player development and trying to challenge the boys in different ways. Averaging over 33 Our first match at home was against a massive points a game showed that the boys were capable of Fulneck 1st team which had players from Years 12 and playing an attacking brand of rugby where backs and 13. Besides the age difference we put in a huge effort forwards could interlink effectively. and I am proud to say that, by the end of the match, we only lost by one point. This could have easily Defeats against St. Peter’s and Sedbergh were gone our way and if we could have made some minor disappointing for the team, however, with key players improvements to our basic handling in attack, then missing, it was always going to be extremely difficult. The we would definitely have won this match. effort and endeavour were faultless and the boys definitely learnt some important lessons from these games. Sadly, in one of the training sessions, Sam proved his enormous strength when going into a tackle on Josh There were some performances that stood out, most and ended up dislocating Josh’s knee and ended his notably QEGS and GSAL with 50-5 and 40-0 victories season early. Also, sad to say that we all missed out being recorded. Whilst the score lines were impressive, the on the next 4 games due to oppositions cancelling, manner of the performances were really pleasing with the obviously because they were scared of our talented team showing excellent defence and clinical attacking play. and dominant team.

Whilst the Sevens season was brief, the team showed their Next came GSAL, which we won by 28-14. This win natural ability in this format by comfortably winning the was achieved from all players putting in big shifts group at Rosslyn Park. The results were 31-5 against including Damo’s big slap tackles, Alex running Stowe, 61-0 against Bro Edern, 47-0 against Kings Taunton straight down the wing and Orson smashing through and 35-5 against Plymouth College; four excellent the opposition. Our motivation for this game was Mr performances against four very good sides. Unfortunately, Vernon FINALLY returning from his international we came up just short in the first knockout round, losing recruitment trip to witness our victory in all its glory. by a score in the last play to Clifton College. Despite the Sedbergh then arrived. A team known for their skill defeat and the obvious disappointment, the team played and a team we knew was going to bring a tough some scintillating sevens and with better preparation, game to us. By the end of the match the score was could have gone a lot deeper in the competition. 19-7 to a strong Sedbergh side. However, I believe this was one of the best matches for the team due to It was a pleasure to coach the boys during the year and it some players like Bennie having to fill the role of is very satisfying to see so many of them playing for the 1st scrum half, Jacob throwing himself into tackles and XV as well as playing JDS and super league rugby. My Pablo screaming across the pitch as he drove into the thanks go to the boys for their efforts and to the parents opposition at every opportunity. for their support over the year. The lads played brilliantly this season, put in huge Mr N Barr efforts and I would like to thank all of them for their commitment. And thank you to Mr Vernon for the Awards: motivation and his knowledge of this brilliant game.

Most Improved Player: Will Collinson Marshall Dixon Sevens Player: Will Metcalfe Coach’s Player: Louis Anderson Played: 6 Players’ Player: Sam Kildunne Won: 3 Drawn: 0 Lost: 3 For: 92 Played: 11 Won: 8 Drawn:0 Lost: 3 Against: 110 For: 338 Against: 122 Difference: 216 Difference: -18

Sports Reports Page 89 Rugby U15s A Rugby U14s A

A season of great progress for the whole squad, who gained momentum and confidence as their fitness, strength and game understanding developed. This is a team that will continue to grow in strength. Ben This season was by far the hardest season for us as a Turpin and Freddie Ziegler were both selected for team. Some tough games throughout and one of these Yorkshire U15A and B respectively, while several being the St. Peter’s first game! We don’t really need to go players were accepted onto the Yorkshire Carnegie over that game, let’s just say it was a tough one. ERDPP scheme. We recorded our first win against Ripon which was one of the best games of the season for us. Narrowly knocked out of the Nat West Cup by Crossley Heath, the team enjoyed success in the Plate After another week of Mr King’s defense training sessions, competition, progressing through to the final 16 which everyone loved, we played the local derby against before losing out away at Hymers. Nevertheless a QEGS. Always a hard game and playing away at QEGS great achievement which included a memorable win made it even more difficult, we came second in that game. by the narrowest of margins at Mount St. Mary’s and a season turning victory at Ashville, where the game That brings us onto the Pocklington game, which was plan started to “click” with the whole squad and there another highlight of the season after some hard games. was greater collective unity evident. We played superbly and won 48-19 for our second win of Other strong performances incuded victories against the season. Denstone and Newcastle. Several defeats were at the hands of more accomplished opponents and only on We had some hard games against Barnard Castle and a couple of occasions did the team’s resolve waver. RGS Newcastle, games which we always find very tough. We will not talk about them. We played a midweek game As confidence grew and the training ethic improved, against Horsforth, which we won comfortably. all were looking forward to the Sevens campaign. Disappointingly though, several competitions were With 11 games played, we had won 6 and lost 5 of them, cancelled. The tournament at Ampleforth found the with good wins against Durham, Mount St. Mary’s and Grove in a difficult group from which we progressed Harrogate. We finished the 15’s season. Our record was P18 through to the “Bowl” competition, resounding W9 L9 victories against Yarm, RGS Newcastle and Pocklington ensured the Bowl was won and self belief The 7’s season was tough with 2 tournaments cancelled; soared. In the next and sadly final tournament, the we had our first tournament at Hymers. In our group we team enjoyed success against Ampleforth, Mount St. drew against Wolfreton 19-19 and had good wins against Mary’s, Bradford and Durham to qualify for the final Mount St. Mary’s and Birkdale. We lost one game against against Sedbergh, which was narrowly lost but RGS Newcastle, which meant we couldn’t qualify for the nevertheless indicated the improvement made by the knockout stages. Sevens squad and the value of outstanding contributions from George Hammond, George Another cancelled tournament meant we went to the Worthington and Ben Turpin. biggest one - Rossyln Park! A very tough first day with tough defeats against Wallington, New Hall and a Welsh Well done to all the players involved throughout the school meant we couldn’t qualify for day 2. season. Coaches Jones and Howard, with assistance from Messrs Ryder, Bedford, Barr and King enjoyed It was a good season and I would like to thank all the boys working with the group and see great potential for for their hard work and Mr King, Mr Softley and Mr Jones continued improvement in the future. for being superb coaches. And putting up with us!

Mr R Howard Charlie Popely – Captain Played: 18 Won: 10 Drawn: 0 Lost: 8 Played: 18 Won: 9 Lost: 9 For: 457 Against: 402 Difference: 55 For: 309 Against: 581 Difference: -272

Page 90 Sports Reports Rugby U14s B Rugby U13s A

The 2018/19 season was a challenging one, but we scored lots of very good tries and worked very well as a team even though we have not been the most successful in terms of matches won. It is fair to say that the 2018-19 season was successful for the U13 team. The playing record was unblemished Overall, we played 8 games and scored a total of 12 tries. despite some very stern challenges along the way. Other A lot of these tries came in the middle and end of the teams certainly know that this group are the ones to beat season, which showed our progression as a team. We on the circuit and, as I kept telling them, they have a had more of an understanding of how we should be target on their back! organised in attack and defence and we wanted to work harder for each other. As the saying goes, it is harder to stay at the top than to get there. I hope the boys won’t rest on their laurels and We had some very close games against teams like that they continue to work hard in order to stay at the Hymers College, where we lost 17 – 24 and also Barnard top. That has to be the challenge for them next season. Castle, where we unfortunately lost 22 – 26. The match The 13 a side season saw us unbeaten in regular fixtures against Barnard Castle was one of our best games that with some outstanding rugby throughout the season. we played all season, as we scored quite a lot of very The games that spring to mind as the most satisfying good tries and defended very well against some of their performances were both fixtures against QEGS better players. Wakefield, the excellent performance at home to Denstone and a narrow 1 try victory at GSAL. In the At the start of the season, we were playing more like 15 GSAL fixture and the win against Rodillian, the boys individual players, however by the end, we were playing really stood up to be counted and ground out two fine more as a team. We believe that we have developed victories. individually in terms of our skills and tactical awareness but also as a team, so we work together to help create Our 7’s season was also very enjoyable. We played some attacking opportunities. We can only get better and if superb rugby throughout, with highlights being the we keep training and continuing to grow as a group of undefeated day at our own tournament and the fabulous players over the following years at the Grove, then we game against Whitgift at Rosslyn Park, which ended in a will see more success on the pitch. draw.

Thank you to the coaches, Mr Softley and Mr King, who Occasionally the boys can lose their heads a little and made the season better and helped us progress. play rugby that looks like they are panicking. This is certainly an area for the whole team to work on. As they Sam Farndon (Captain) and Harry Stratford get older, game management and being patient in (Vice-captain) possession become more important as teams will not let them score at will.

Played: 8 I would like to thank the players for all their efforts, and I Won: 0 would like to include the boys who played for the B team Drawn: 0 too. The group were great fun to coach. Thank you also Lost: 8 to Mr Eaglestone for his support and good humour. For: 71 Against: 346 I look forward to following the fortunes of the team as Difference: -275 they move through the school.

Mr A Cadman

Played: 14 Won: 14 Lost: 0 For: 490 Against: 120 Difference: 370

Sports Reports Page 91 Rugby U13s B Rugby U12s A

The U12 rugby team enjoyed an excellent season winning ten out of their 13 fixtures. The whole squad trained extremely hard throughout the season and made some It is often said that a good A team equates to a good B very good progress. A number of impressive victories team. I, however, totally disagree! I would suggest that a were achieved with the highlight being the 20-10 good B team definitely equates to a good A team… success against a powerful GSAL team.

I have said many times that our fixture list, particularly at Henry Barton proved to be an excellent captain and B team level, is very hard so, in fact, the result is strong ball carrier who was equally determined in secondary to player enjoyment and development. defence. Jack Tattersall also worked hard and made encouraging progress during the season. Matthew I challenged the boys in every game to ensure that after Roberts, Joe Salter, Joe Slater and Tom Hirst all playing they had given their all to the team and had performed well in the forwards and should be proud of individual areas to improve upon and areas where they their performances during the season. were pleased with their performance. This led to some fantastic contests and looking forward, some of those In the threequarters Oscar Binns proved to be an losses this season, should equate to wins next. accomplished fly half with an excellent dummy and step and, in addition, was a most determined tackler. Danny Finally, I would like to thank all the players and the army Morgan also tackled with great commitment and of parental fans for their support over the season showed very good distribution skills at inside centre. especially due to the fact that, of the 10 matches we Ayemide Solaru was equally impressive at centre and played, 7 of them were away. Once again, I look forward scored a number of crucial tries during the season. Toby to seeing all the players carry on representing the school Farndon adapted well to his new position of scrum half next year. and Sam Batty, Barnaby Steere and Oliver Howes all ran strongly with the ball in hand. The Most Improved Player could, and should, go to all the players, since if any player hadn’t then we were not doing This was a most enjoyable season and I would like to our job properly. So, I thought it fitting to list every boy thank Mr Jones for his significant contribution to the A that played regularly for the B team… team and Mr Johnson for his enthusiasm and Ollie Atack, Jonathan Beese, Hritik Bhangoo, Ashley commitment to the B Team over many years. I wish him Broome, Harvey Cheng, Thomas Craven, Charles Culyer, well in his new teaching position in Poland Harry Fearn, Frankie Green, Dom Horne, Hussam Hussain, Jamal Hussain, Alexander Johnson, Zak Khan, Olly This talented group of young men have the potential to McDonald, Kian Priestley, Finlay Robb, Karanjeet Singh, achieve a considerable amount of success during the Oscar Speck, William Tate. next few seasons at Woodhouse Grove. I look forward to seeing them develop as individuals and as a group in the My Most Improved Player of The Year, goes to Frankie future. Green. Squad: Henry Barton (Capt), Jack Tattersall, Matthew The Coaches’ Award is for a player who, not only Roberts, Danny Morgan, Oscar Binns, Sam Batty, Oliver performed on the field, but was omnipresent at training Howes, Ayomide Solaru, Toby Farndon, Joe Slater. Joe and did all that was asked of him. This goes to Ollie Atack Salter, Tom Hirst, Barnaby Steere, Cameron Bojas, Harry Davison, Oscar Constantinou, Rudy Halliday, Trey The Players’ Player of The Year was voted for purely by Halliday, Justin Crowther, Sami Malik, Musa Malik. the B team squad. Their chosen player was Oscar Speck.

Mr K D Eaglestone Mr R I Frost

Played 10 Won 3 Drawn 1 Lost 6 For 115 Against 305 Difference -190 Played: 13 Won: 10 Lost: 3

Page 92 Sports Reports Rugby U12s B Great choice of • Roman • Roller • Venetian • Vertical • Wooden

All blinds are practical, easily maintained and fl ame retardent MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

We have two main aims at U12B – enjoy the game and T improve as a team and as individuals, and in both aspects the 2018-19 season was a tremendous success. Our playing record of played 10, won 5, lost 4 and drawn 1 was pretty impressive also, especially given that it was

(as always) a scratch team, containing not an YLIGH insignificant number of boys completely new to the game. DA

To an extent it was a season of two halves: we won our Visit our factory shop at: Low Moor Business Park, first five games, with some really impressive Common Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD12 0NB performances, especially away against Denstone and or call us on: Newcastle, plus fairly resounding victories against Pocklington, Barnard Castle and Fulneck, and the coach at half term had heady dreams of going through a 01274677225 season unbeaten. However, reality bit as autumn turned to winter, and tougher fixtures against GSAL, QEGS, www.dmsblinds.co.uk • E: [email protected] Dame Allan’s and Hymers redressed the balance a little, even if the games against Dame Allan’s and Hymers were decided by the odd try. Even during this lean spell, the boys continued to play with commitment, energy and enthusiasm, and never once did heads drop nor spirits flag. They were throughout the season a credit to themselves, their families and to the school. It was particularly pleasing, therefore, to break our losing streak for the last game of the season against Rodillian, a well-fought and well-deserved 25-25 draw.

As always, many thanks to players, parents and not least staff for all their invaluable support in what was such an enjoyable season. The ground staff, as always, worked long hours in often poor conditions to produce excellent playing surfaces, and the whole season certainly couldn’t have been achieved without the indefatigable Mr Frost, the indomitable Mr Jones, nor even the neophyte Mr Dobson….

Mr R Johnson

Played: 10 Won: 5 Lost: 4 Drawn: 1 For: 320 Against: 220

Sports Reports Page 93 Cricket 1st XI

The 1st XI cricket season was significantly affected by runs at 39.1, Rhys Newman 295 at 26.8 and Hayden rain this summer with six matches being abandoned Hart 223 runs at 24.7 and all contributed positively without a ball being bowled. However, 12 fixtures were during the season and should provide the backbone played and excellent victories were achieved against of next summer’s batting. Samson Sola also showed Bradford GS, QEGS, Ampleforth College, Lancaster great potential and scored two excellent fifties but RGS, St. Peter’s and the Old Grovians. unfortunately saw his form and confidence fade during the second half of the season. One other The match against the Old Grovians proved to be batting performance of note was the remarkable 70 perhaps the most exciting finish of the season with run partnership of Tom Kaznowski and James the school achieving the narrowest of victories by a Swarbrigg in the final innings of the summer at single wicket. The Old Grovians batted first and Greshams. Tom scored 51no including 7 fours and a having looked comfortable at 120-4, collapsed to the six, his maiden 1st XI fifty, and James added a relatively modest total of 148. Unfortunately, the 1st XI confident 32 in the most unexpected but brilliant lost wickets at regular intervals and all looked lost at batting display of the term. 87-8. However, Josh Stephenson and James Swarbrigg put together an excellent ninth wicket The bowling attack was rather inconsistent this stand of 54 and then number 11 Sam Kildunne Summer with only two bowlers getting to double survived several Jack Hartley deliveries to allow Josh figures in terms of wickets taken. Off spinner Rhys Stephenson the opportunity to score the eight runs Newman led the way with 16 wickets at an average of required for victory. In the tightest of finishes Josh 16 and a best performance of 5-22 against Bradford scored his maiden 1st XI half-century and finished on GS. Samson Sola took 11 wickets at an average of 29 76no. A most memorable innings that included 11 with his best performance of 2-23 also against fours and 3 sixes. Bradford. Other bowlers showed potential, performing well at times, and will start next season Owen Tennant had another fine season with bat and with more knowledge and experience. scored 527 runs at an average of 47.9, including a most impressive century against Durham and four The fielding was also a little inconsistent although other half-centuries. His 96 at Lancaster RGS was also Josh Stephenson was outstanding throughout and set a match winning performance of considerable the standard for his team mates to strive to achieve. patience and maturity. Josh Stephenson scored 274 Wicket keeper Ethan Tennant had a tidy first season

Page 94 Sports Reports and Matthew Sheard and Hayden Hart were also Finally sincere thanks go to Arnie and all the coaching athletic performers in the field. Fielding remains a staff for their tireless contribution to cricket during component of the game to be improved and catching the Spring and Summer terms. We continue to in particular proved to be a frustration for the bowlers achieve the highest of standards at Woodhouse who did not always get what their efforts deserved. Grove and this is something that I believe we should all be extremely proud of. The grounds and catering departments continue to achieve the highest standards and I would like to Mr R I Frost thank Simon, Franco and Shirley for their significant efforts and professionalism on behalf of all players, staff and parents who are involved in cricket at Woodhouse Grove. Results - Played: 12 Won: 6 Lost: 4 Drawn: 2 Abd: 6 v Ashville College v Lancaster RGS Woodhouse Grove 223-6: R Newman 21, O Tennant 59, Woodhouse Grove 194-9: O Tennant 96, H Hart 30, J L Fairbank 29, M Sheard 51no Stephenson 38 Ashville 106-4: R Newman 2-1 Lancaster 174-5: R Newman 2-45 Rain stopped play - drawn Won By 20 runs v GSAL (T/20) v Yorkshire College Abandoned Abandoned v Manchester GS v MCC Abandoned MCC 223-6 dec: D Gallagher 2-25 Woodhouse Grove 98: H Hart 22, J Stephenson 38 v St Aidans Lost by 125 runs Woodhouse Grove 125: E Tennant 20, D Gallagher 37 St Aidans 127-3: S Sola 2-53 v Durham Lost by 7 wkts Woodhouse Grove 266-6 dec: R Newman 35, O Tennant 107, H Hart 61 v Ashville College (T/20) Durham 138-5: Kaznowski, Sola, Gallagher, Newman & Abandoned Hart 1 wkt each Match drawn v Bradford GS Bradford 97: J Swarbrigg 3-9, R Newman 5-22, S Sola v Hudderfield New College 2-23 Abandoned Woodhouse Grove 98-0: R Newman 35no, S Sola 55no Won by 10 wkts v St. Peters St. Peters 167: J Stephenson 2-23, D Gallagher 2-17, H v QEGS Hart 2-27 QEGS 58: J Swarbrigg 2-6, T Kaznowski 2-6, R Newman Woodhouse Grove 169-2: R Newman 66no, O Tennant 2-10, M Sheard 2-16 25, H Hart 52no Woodhouse Grove 61-2: S Sola 37 Won by 8 wkts Won by 8 wkts v Old Grovians v Ampleforth College & Birkdale (National T/20 Group Old Grovians 148: G Phillips 36, T Cummins 25, H Sajjad Stage) 46, S Sola 2-31, S Kildunne 2-17 Woodhouse Grove 149-9: O Tennant 25, J Stephenson v Ampleforth 76no, O Boggie 5-27, J Hartley 2-29 Conceded Won by 1 wkt v Birkdale v Greshams (2 days) Woodhouse Grove 122-8: J Stephenson 29, R Newman Woodhouse Grove 216-7dec: O Tennant 87, 20 J Stephenson 56 Birkdale 126-4: Kaznowki, Swarbrigg, Stephenson & Greshams 237-4 dec: Kaznowski, Newman, McLelland & Gallagher 1wkt each Gallagher 1 wkt each Lost by 6 wkts Woodhouse Grove 170: R Newman 36, T Kaznowski 51no, J Swarbrigg 32 v Ampleforth College Greshams 150-3: H Hart 2-19 Woodhouse Grove 209-5: R Newman 20, S Sola, 54, O Lost by 7 wkts Tennant 84 Ampleforth 168-4: Kaznowski, Gallagher, Sajjad & Newman 1 wkt each Won 41 runs

Sports Reports Page 95 Averages

Batting

Name Innings Not Outs Runs Highest Score Average Owen Tennant 12 1 527 107 47.9 Josh Stephenson 9 2 274 76* 39.1 Rhys Newman 13 2 295 66* 26.8 Hayden Hart 11 2 223 61 24.7 Samson Sola 13 1 215 55* 17.9 Matthew Sheard 9 3 85 51* 14.1

Also batted: Luke Fairbank, Ethan Tennant, Dan Gallagher, Ethan McLelland, Tom Kaznowski, James Swarbrigg, Louis Williams, Louis Anderson, Mustafa Sajjad, Sam Kildunne

Bowling

Name Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Best Bowling Average Tom Kaznowski 43 11 123 8 2-8 15.3 Rhys Newman 73 5 262 16 5-22 16.3 Hayden Hart 28 6 124 6 2-19 20.6 Dan Gallagher 51.2 1 213 8 2-17 26.6 Samson Sola 80 10 328 11 2-23 29.8 James Swarbrigg 67.3 9 246 8 3-9 30.7 Josh Stephenson 46.3 5 200 5 2-23 40.0

Also Bowled: Ethan McLelland, Matthew Sheard, Mustafa Sajjad, Louis Anderson, Sam Kildunne, Luke Fairbank, Ethan Tennant.

Fielding

Name Catches/Stumpings Ethan Tennant 10 + 1 Josh Stephenson 7 Hayden Hart 5 Matthew Sheard 4 Cricket 2nd XI Luke Fairbank 3

Colours Awards

Re-awards: Owen Tennant Tom Kaznowski Luke Fairbank

Awards: Josh Stephenson Rhys Newman Samson Sola Hayden Hart Matthew Sheard Daniel Gallagher James Swarbrigg

Half-colours: The 2019 season was an extremely successful one for Ethan Tennant the 2nd XI and expectations were high given that the Ethan McLelland vast majority of the team had spent the winter training hard and then competed on the tour to the West Indies. This was a tremendous experience but Representative Honours also a difficult tour in terms of the standard of cricket, Owen Tennant – Yorkshire Cricket U19 with only one win achieved. However, the real positive Rhys Newman – Yorkshire Cricket U17 Trialist was that many players came to the fore and even Jack Luxton – West Yorkshire U15 those who struggled for form were better players for the experience.

Page 96 Sports Reports When the home season did arrive, it turned out to be short in more ways than one. Rain played havoc with Cricket U15s many fixtures, whilst some schools were only willing to play T20 fixtures; having said this, we won all five of the matches completed. The strength of the team was clearly found in its variety, and it was ably led by captain Jack Popely. Enthusiasm and energy were also a key element of the early success and this was shown in the work ethic of those who put their time into practice. Tom Pratt exemplified this with his bowling and batting both showing technique and consistency. In addition, Will Cockerham entered the side as a reliable wicketkeeper and Dhanyal Khan illustrated that new players can massively improve if they are prepared to put the time in. The value of quality spin was pleasing to see with Zarar Khan, Mustafa Sajjad (earnt a 1st XI place) and in particular, Navaid Mohammed bowling excellent spells. Josh Firth led from the front with his batting showing more maturity whilst all-rounders added to our attacking options. In this area, Jay Bhangoo showed massive I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the squad improvement and Louis Anderson, in all areas, had a this season, many players have developed their wonderful season. technical skills but also their knowledge and understanding of the game. Unfortunately, The conclusion to the season was a new T20 throughout the season we had 5 games cancelled tournament arranged by Durham School in an due to the poor weather which really hampered any attempt to breathe new life into the 2nd XI calendar. momentum that the side tried to generate. Three It turned out to be a positive move and brought out games were cancelled before we played our first of the 2nd XI the best cricket we had played. Two fixture of the season at Bradford GS, Jack Luxton groups competed for a place in the final and we won (107*) and George Hammond (71*) gave the side a all qualifying games against Barnard Castle, Durham commanding total of 223-1 off 25 overs. In response and Newcastle with highlight performances from Bradford were bowled out for 102 runs (Pratt 2-1, Louis Anderson (76), Jack Luxton (81 n.o) and Navaid Weir 2-9), giving the team the first win of the Mohammad (4-14). In the final, we were only beaten season by 121 runs. by a far stronger New Zealand Tauranga side. Given that the three games prior to this tournament had Next up was QEGS and unfortunately this coincided been cancelled, we had no momentum or match with a DofE expedition which left us without 3 preparation, so it really was a tremendous effort to players. QEGS scored 151-5 off their 30 overs get this far and play with such spirit and positivity. (Eastell 3-1) which proved too many runs for the team to chase down. We finished up on 135-4 Finally, a mention must also go to the leavers who (Habib 36, Middleton 39*), 16 runs sort of their have served school cricket throughout their years at total. Woodhouse Grove (Will Toplass, Joe Pearson, James Next up was Rishworth, who we managed to bowl Whitcombe). Next season should bring some positive out for 39 runs (Middleton 3-3, Pratt 2-1). In reply, and exciting changes to 2nd XI cricket in terms of we made difficult work of chasing the total, losing 4 fixtures so expectations for 2020 are high, with one wickets, however Naik (19*) scored the winning of the aims being to win the T20 tournament. runs in the 9th over. Moreover, it needs adding that some of these players should now be pushing for a 1st team place. The side A testing game against Ampleforth 3rds followed, was coached by Mr. Cadman (Caribbean Tour), Mr. we only managed to score a modest 94 runs Howard and Mr. Jennings, who all enjoyed the season against a very good bowling attack (Hussain 22, with this quickly developing group of cricketers. A Middleton 19). In reply, the boys fought hard and huge thanks must go to Mr. Howard, who will no took 7 wickets (Hammond 3-14), however longer be part of the 2nd XI coaching staff, but Ampleforth were able to reach the total with 5 whose wisdom and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. overs to spare. The next game for the side came 4 weeks later in the cup against St. Peter’s, we batted Mr A Jennings first and scored 120-4 (Luxton 50, Hammond 33) in our 20 overs. However, a strong St. Peter’s batting side were able to knock off the runs in the 18th over for the loss of 3 wickets to progress into the next round.

Another cancelled game against Durham school meant it was Ashville next up in a 20 overs contest. The side batted first and scored 118-4 (Hammond 47, Habib 28). This proved too many runs for Ashville who finished 100 all out in reply (Luxton 3-4, Weir 2-13).

Sports Reports Page 97 superbly and Ed, Sarmad, Saaram and Robbie all The penultimate game of the season was at home bowled with accuracy. Charlie was the pick of the against Prince Henry’s. After making an excellent start batsmen, with his top score of 84 coming against to the innings 66-2, the side only managed to score Durham. He has the ability to stay at the crease and 106 and did not bat all of the overs. In reply PHGS lost bat correctly but can also be destructive and give it a early wickets but were able to reach the score with whack! Ed and Harry showed nice technique and will the loss of 6 wickets with 2 overs to spare. develop further. Ned was capable of putting together a sound innings and Will Wood scored lots of runs; he A number of players from the side played for the U16 was particularly strong on the leg side. Overall, it was and 2nd XI this year, which gave them more an enjoyable season and these boys made great opportunities to gain valuable experience of playing progress. Winning 5 out of 7 matches will hopefully at the higher level. give the boys confidence to push on next season and hopefully a promising cup run will follow. Squad – G.Hammond, S.Habib, J.Luxton, S.Middleton, R.Marcus, H.Hussain, A.Naik, C.Privett, W.Weir, F.Khan, Mr N Barr S.Alderson, W.Pratt, W.Eastell, J.Hopwood, J.Emmot, C.Popely, H.Pinkney Mr D King Cricket U13s

Played: 9 Won: 5 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4

Cricket U14s

The U13 cricket season was a thoroughly enjoyable one. The weather unfortunately meant that several fixtures were cancelled limiting opportunities for the boys to play. However, the playing record makes very pleasing reading and shows an improvement from the previous year’s statistics for this group.

After a tricky start against Bradford Grammar, the group rallied to win three games in a row against Rishworth, Ampleforth and St. Olave’s B team. This run of victories gave the side a great deal of confidence and really demonstrated the progress that the group had made. The best part about these wins was that every member of the squad played a part in these games and contributed in some way to the result. The U14 team enjoyed a very successful season. Despite the weather forcing 5 games to be cancelled, Following the half term break, only three games were the team played 7 and won 5. This is a record to be possible, but they were all excellent games of cricket. proud of and reflects the ability of the group. The We welcomed a touring side from Oman, and despite team was made up from the following boys; Charlie restricting the visitors to a manageable total, we just Popely (Captain), Harry Pinkney, Louis Worrall, Will fell short in our run chase. Some top order batsman Wood, Ed Dixon, Sarmad Anwar, Divit Gupta, Ned certainly learned lessons that day. These lessons were McCormack, Saaram Kiani, Robbie Crowther and put into practice in the very next game which was an Sanjeev Singh. Ned and Divit bowled with real pace absolute thriller. Durham scored 198 in their innings and took several wickets. Will and Louis also bowled which seemed a formidable total. However our batting well, using their height to bang the ball in hard and line up all contributed in getting us past that total on fast. Harry was the pick of the bowlers, taking lots of the very last ball of the game. This will last long in the wickets with his spin. At times he was unplayable, and memory!

I have no doubts that he will be an excellent 1st XI Sadly, our final game, against George Watson’s from bowler in the future. Charlie Popely kept wicket Edinburgh, ended in narrow defeat. We scored 146 in

Page 98 Sports Reports our allotted overs and George Watson’s knocked a long barrier are only parts of the foundations of the these off with 8 balls to spare. Another fabulous game game that are essential: resilience when batting to not of cricket with all the players on both teams fully give the wicket away is key. involved. The boys are a great bunch and trained and played I would like to thank all the boys who showed such with good humour and enthusiasm and I thank them commitment and worked so hard to improve for this. I would also like to thank the army of individually and also as a team. The boys were a supporters that followed the team. pleasure to be with and enjoyed each other’s company, always encouraging each other even when Next season, here we come! things were not going our way. Mr K D Eaglestone I would also like to thank Mr Vernon for his assistance in coaching the side and umpiring many of the Won: 2 Lost: 5 Cancelled: 3 matches. Mr Sidebottom and Mr Frost also assisted in the coaching and I know the boys love Mr Sidebottom’s fielding drills. Thank you also to the grounds and catering team for all they do for cricket at the Grove.

Well done boys and keep enjoying your cricket!

Mr A Cadman

Played: 7 Won: 4 Lost: 3

Cricket U12s

The WGS cricket fixture is never an easy one coming up against big grammar schools in the first half of the term.

Monsoon conditions wiped out the first two games in less than a week, so we were somewhat underprepared for our local derby against Bradford Grammar School. Luckily, our winter nets and subsequent training paid off and we were victorious. Next came the first of two games against the ubiquitously strong, QEGS Wakefield and the never underestimated, Prince Henry’s Grammar School. Both taught us lessons in bowling straight and looking after our wicket when in the middle. An exciting and tight finish against Fulneck School was another highlight to what was a very tough (and wet and rainy) season.

Losses against Ilkley Grammar School, RGS Lancaster and Durham School finished the season in rather disappointing terms, but I am confident the boys all learnt something from every game they played in. Being able to play a forward defence or fielding with

Sports Reports Page 99 Football 1st XI

The 1st XI season has been one of the most successful being played shows the progress football has made at in recent times here at Woodhouse Grove. In total we Woodhouse Grove. I hope the 1st team next year set played 9 games and also took part in a pre-season high standards and try to meet them as there are a tournament at St. Peter’s, which gave us a confidence lot of talented players in the Sixth Form and Year 11 boost for the season, as we came out winners of the ready for next year’s football season. tournament. From the 9 games we played, we won 6, drew 1 and lost 2 with many great performances Finally, I would like to thank the parents that came coming from those 9 games. A game that stands out and supported us home and away throughout the to me early on in the season is the game against Hull season, and I would also like to thank Mr. Softley for Collegiate. After playing a poor first half and not able putting in the work, trying to improve us all as to find our rhythm in the game, we went into half time footballers, while coming out to every training session at 0-0. Coming into the second half we put on a solid to make sure we had the best chance of winning performance with goals coming from George Judson, every week. Hayden Hart, Fraser Best and Frank Malir. The game ended 4-1 and this set the tone for the games to Josh Rika (Captain) come. Our confidence was then dealt a blow as we faced GSAL away from home. After not taking the St. Peter’s 6-a-side tournament 1st Place chances we created and with refereeing decisions not St. Peter’s School Won 3-2 going our way, we picked up our first defeat of the Hull Collegiate Won 4-1 season but we looked at this as a learning curve and GSAL Lost 5-2 tried to build from it as we still had a lot of games left Immanuel College Draw 2-2 to play. Following this, we went on a 5 game Bradford City U15/16 Won 1-0 unbeaten run and during this period we played in our Ackworth School Won 5-1 most challenging game of the season against Birkdale School Won 2-0 Bradford City. Knowing we would be doing most of Oldham Hulme Grammar School Won 2-1 the defending before the game, we were all surprised St. Aidan’s CofE School Lost 4-0 when we found ourselves 1-0 up via Hayden Hart. Keeping a good defensive structure for the rest of the game, with the odd counter attack, we won the game 1-0 and this performance showed how much we have improved since the start of the season.

This past season with the 1st team has been my most enjoyable yet and I am sure the other players would agree with me. Ending it with a positive record and with a lot of good attacking and defensive football

Page 100 Sports Reports Football 2nd XI

The 2nd XI faced several tough games over this the midfielders and strikers will continue to have season. With 10 games played its fair to say we had opportunities in front of goal. more success and became more of a team when we got used to the style of play and senior football. The I would like to thank Mr Barr and Mr King for their tactical masterclass from Mr King, where we adopted remarkable efforts over the course of the season. a 3-5-2 formation allowed us to take advantage of our Without their help, we would not have been able to fast wingbacks such as Lewis Hyland-Dugbo, Bolan train and play the game we love every Tuesday, Jepmond-Senior and others. Wednesday and Saturday.

We showed great potential throughout the season. Mukhtar Ngala (Captain) The 2nd XI involved mainly Year 12s, which included a solid back three and Rhys Newman in goal, producing some exceptional saves. However, we also had some Played: 6 top-class Year 13 veterans in Sayf Abbas, George Won: 1 Waddington and Harry Beckwith who scored the Drawn: 1 majority of our goals over the season. Despite our Lost: 4 lack of success, being mainly a Year 12 team, we For: 10 managed to produce some quality performances. The Against: 19 victory against St. Peter’s was a particular highlight, Difference: -9 with Frank Malir and Bolan Jepmond-Senior getting on the scoresheet.

Another stand out fixture was against GSAL where we were 3-0 down and managed to grind out a 3-3 draw through resilience, solidity at the back and clinical finishing. As this fixture was early on in the season it gave us the opportunity to reflect and set targets for the rest of the season.

The 2nd XI’s aim for next season is to try conceding less goals and defend better as a unit. And hopefully,

Sports Reports Page 101 Football U15s Football U14s

The U15 football season was mixed this season and but we had a big squad of around 25 players which This season, the Woodhouse grove U14 football team made training and match days competitive. played 7 games and 2 triangular tournaments. We started the season strong with a 3-1 win against Although we did not win any games this year, we Rishworth School with goals from Teddy McDonald, made a lot of progress with our skills and team work. Will Eastell and Dan Kaye. Other than this game, we only had one other match against Fulneck school that The standout game we played this year was St. resulted in points for the team. Aidan’s. Although we drew, we showed great team commitment to make it 1-1. Charlie Popely was our A standout fixture for a variety of reasons was the standout performer this year scoring 5 goals. 3 goals match against Birkdale School where we felt we in the oppositions net, and 2 in our own! The best should have taken 3 points. We travelled to Sheffield moment of the season was when Alfie Bottomley and the weather was poor with strong winds. We scored for us in Portugal. Louis Worral’s goal in Lisbon knew that our style of play of keeping the ball on the was the best individual goal this season. The best floor would be beneficial in these conditions and this team goal of the season was Charlie Popely’s against helped us go into half time with a 2-0 lead. But in the St. Aidan’s. Some beautiful passing from Sanjeev second half we were against the wind and the Singh and Jack Luxton built up to a great finish from weather deteriorated with hail and rain coming down. Charlie. We conceded a goal which made it 2-1, but with 15 minutes still left on the clock the referee had to Our targets for next season are to win a game and to abandon the game. score more than 3 in a game. We would like to thank Mr Dobson and Mr Jones for this season and for Although the season had mixed results, we were helping us to improve as footballers. We would also fortunate enough to go on the first ever Woodhouse like to thank the parents for coming to watch us this Grove Football Tour to Lisbon. The tour involved a season even though it was freezing cold. We would training session where we worked on team tactics and also like to thank Mr Softley and Mr Robb and Mr King shape, which was followed by two fixtures against and Mr Barr for taking us on the football tour to local opposition. The matches against Sport Club de Lisbon. Frielas and Escola Futebol Benfica Olivias were tough but a great test for us. The tour finished with a tour Ed Dixon (Captain) and Joseph Lawson around S.L Benfica’s stadium and this was a very (Vice-captain) enjoyable experience. Overall, the tour helped us as players both on and off the pitch. Played: 7 Won: 0 Thanks to Mr Robb for coaching us this season and Drawn: 1 Mr Softley, Mr Robb, Mr King and Mr Barr for taking us Lost: 6 to Lisbon. For: 5 Against: 30 John Emmott (Captain) and Moritz Rahic Difference: -25 (Vice-captain)

Played: 11 Won: 1 Drawn: 1 Lost: 8 For: 14 Against: 41 Difference: -27

Page 102 Sports Reports Football U13s Football U12s

The U12 football season started off with a tournament at St. Mary’s, where we played 2 matches winning one The U13 season has been without doubt the best so and losing the other. But a moment to remember in far. It has been great to see everyone improving not those fixtures was in our first match against Guiseley only their skills but their attitude towards the team when Archie scored a hat trick. Good start to the and football. It is clear to see that we had a really season. good season last year, but this year we have definitely improved and built on the things we learnt last year. With the confidence high we played our next match against Rishworth. Once again, we played as a team, Our progress and development as players and a team all willing to play no matter the weather and came was shown in our fixtures throughout the season. The out on top as 4-2 winners. A great hat trick was level of sportsmanship, teamwork and skill have scored by Benji. improved greatly but most importantly, our attitudes and our behavior has been exemplary. Another high scoring match followed with a 7-1 against Hull where we really clicked as a team, before Every week we had 20-30 students at training, the match against GSAL which unfortunately ended showing great commitment. With this sort of depth in up in a loss. the squad, we were able to consistently pull off good results and this year we won 8/8, scoring a total 41 After the holidays we all came back with the goals whilst only conceding 7. On average, we scored determination to keep up our good form, and with over 5 goals per game which is something that the the next tournament just around the corner we were whole team should be proud of. ready. The tournament was at Prince Henry’s. We faced Benton park and Lawnswood, where we won The best moment of the year has got to be our one and lost the other. A good last-minute goal for victory against GSAL, in which Olly McDonald scored Dhilan set up a decider against Prince Henry’s but this in the dying minutes of the game to win the game. unfortunately ended up 2-0 to Prince Henry’s. This really made us feel as if we were unbeatable and With only three more matches left, we wanted to end showed great resilience. on a high, and with that we started off with a 3-1 win against Birkdale before a tough fixture against St. I would like to say thanks to everyone who was Aidan’s which we lost. involved in our season, be it the grounds staff, catering staff and most importantly, the parents. Not We wanted to win our final match against Westholme only their commitment, but the amount of support so we ended the season on a high and we certainly that they have given. I would also like to say a big did. With lots of new players in the team all having a thanks to our coach and manager, Arnie. He was go and working their socks off to impress, we were superb at training and always wanted to improve us able to come away with another win and another hat on and off the pitch. trick, this one by Musa.

Rory Henderson (Captain) Overall results: played 12, lost 4 and won 8. Thank you to Mr Madden and Mr Keegan for turning us into the team we have become this season. Played: 8 Won: 8 Harry Bates (Captain) and Will Gray (Vice-captain) Drawn: 0 Lost: 0 For: 41 Played: 12 Against: 7 Won: 8 Difference: 34 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 For: 29 Against: 23 Difference: 6

Sports Reports Page 103 Page 104 Sports Reports House Reports Atkinson We started 2019 with an outstanding performance on the courts by our junior netballers. The girls held strong in the final against Vinter and led Atkinson to victory. Thank you to Mia, Libby, Leyla, Grace, Natalie, Ruby, Mimi, Summer, Amy, Kadia, Annabelle and Harriet who worked seamlessly as a team and (almost) did not miss a shot. Again, I need to thank Molly Leslie and Becca Munro for showing fantastic leadership and motivational skills and organising the junior team. A fantastic achievement by all involved.

It hasn’t all been winning achievements, however most participants have left House events with a smile on their face and fond memories. This however, may not be said for Luke Schoeman who was so committed to the points in inters table tennis, he threw himself onto the table subsequently breaking it and halting play, The dedication, determination and sheer talent least to the amusement of Mr Carter and his strict time Atkinson students have displayed this year has utterly schedule. blown me away. Having inherited the winning House in September, I was confident that we would have I have been particularly impressed by the enthusiasm another successful year - and we did, scoring second and talent of Year 7 students. Ellen Dawes scored first place in the overall competition. In the wide variety of place in House Enterprise with her ‘Pets Forever’ House events now available I have seen students push business idea. Georgina Rayner was the only female to themselves beyond limits in the sporting arena, spend compete in the junior 1500m athletics race and Leo hours experimenting, filming and editing videos for Horsley showed determination and focus during his their science entry, rehearse the all-important high grueling cross-country run. Not to mention our notes for the solo in House Music and prepare a budding scientists, Hugo Poole (Y8), Jacob Eagelstone waterproof pitch to present in front of the Dragons (Y8), Natalie Schoeman, Tilly Lawrence and Ellen for House Enterprise amongst many others. Dawes who came second place in House Science by showing the negative effect sugar has on teeth using It was important to me that students had the egg shells! opportunity to participate in as many events as they wish, and still have fun at the same time (after all, isn’t I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the that what House events are all about?!). Seventy one Atkinson House tutors who have made the year such out of one hundred and twenty four students an enjoyable one. Without their loyal support and participated in House events this year, which I am advice the job would be a lot more difficult. exceedingly proud of. At this stage I would like to say a big thank you to four extremely important students, Miss L Holloway our Head Prefects; Robert Mitchell and Molly Leslie and Deputy Head Prefects; Becca Munro and James Whitcombe. Without their support, dedication and motivational qualities I am sure Atkinson would not have achieved the success it did. They played a Findlay tremendous role in encouraging their peers across the year groups, organising teams and personally participating in events. I hope they leave Woodhouse Grove School with fond memories of Atkinson and I truly wish them the best of luck in the future wherever life takes them.

There have been numerous highlights throughout the year, so upon reflection, here are a few of the stand out moments. The year kicked off with a squash ball induced bang as Robert Mitchell, Tom Thorpe, Ahmed Amin and Benjamin Holland led the Senior team to victory in House Squash. A commendable achievement as Stephenson put up a very good fight.

This was closely followed by House Swimming. Perhaps not the most popular event (for which I do This year has definitely been a story of the tortoise not know why) and it wasn’t a winning performance. and the hare for Findlay House. Whilst all houses However, Atkinson gave a true display of team spirit; have been in the wake of Vinter from the start, we screaming on their house mates and stepping into have been biding our time and waiting for literally the races at short notice when needed. My vocal chords last event to move from the bottom end of the House were well and truly exhausted by the end of both the league table to eventually end up in joint second boys’ and girls’ galas. place. More of that to come.

Page 106 House Reports The first events are the House Quizzes and despite Yasmin Amrat (discus), Evie Edgley (relay). There having only three participants, Catriona Cochrance, were many second places as well! Will Eastell and Daniel Coates, the inters quiz team brought the first win of the year. One event I would highlight which perhaps displayed the commitment, dedication and ultimately the The first big event is always the House Swimming and strength of the whole House was the junior medley hopes were high to repeat the successes of last year. relay. After the first leg we were in sixth position. Whilst there were many strong and committed However, over the next three legs, the runners caught individual swims, only the boys managed to achieve a up and passed the rest with a devastatingly fast final top three finish. The following came first in their leg – which meant we won that relay. In fact, we won respective races: Isobelle Jennings (junior girls’ both medley relays and the junior boys’ 100m relay! butterfly), Ben Hill (junior boys’ butterfly), Robbie Higgins (junior boys’ breaststroke) and Archie Hurford Many congratulations to all the athletes who took (junior boys’ freestyle). There were several second part in the field and track events. In the final analysis, places for the relay teams, the exciting culmination of Findlay had won the boys, juniors and inters the two days of competition: both junior girls and boys competitions and the overall Sports Day trophy. medley and freestyle relays. Special mention must be Congratulations to Archie Hurford and George made of Yasmin Amrat who, although a junior, swam in Worthington on being awarded the junior and inter senior races. Victor Ludorum cups respectively.

The junior basketball competition is always held on the In coming second overall, it is incumbent upon me to last two nights of the Autumn Term. For excitement, thank all of the House who have participated in any of speed and enjoyment, it is a great way to finish off the the events throughout the year. Whilst I have term. Findlay’s team comprised Robbie Crowther, highlighted those who have been in the top positions, Musti Burhani, Rufus Halliday, Rory Henderson and there have been many whose results, whilst not in the Archie Hurford. We had the minimum number needed top spots, have contributed to the success of the for a team but there was maximum commitment. It House. I always emphasise that even the smallest was eventually down to the final match and the contribution can and does make a huge difference to message was simple: win this and win the competition. the final result. The result? We won! Congratulations to the following for gaining their The Spring Term brought great success in the cross Silver House Badge during the year: country. Ben Hill again won the junior event, Robbie Year 7 – Toby Farndon, Rudy Halliday and Lucy Higgins was second and Archie Hurford fifth; the first Hanson girl across the line was Nicola Trimby in eighth place. Year 8 – Musti Burhani, Rufus Halliday, Amy Hanson, A very convincing win overall. The inters was also won Lola Henderson, Robbie Higgins, Isobelle Jennings by a member of the House, Will Eastell, with Isla and Nicola Trimby Swarbrigg, the next one home, in ninth place. Overall Year 9 – Daniel Coates, Sam Farndon and Olivia we came second in the inters. The seniors race wasn’t Helliwell run because of the weather and so Findlay were the Year 10 – Tim Kemp, Amaya Ritson and Fiona Trimby clear overall winners. Year 11 – Stan Spence

Later in the Spring Term, the junior boys squash team Gold House Badges were awarded to: came first despite only comprising of three rather than Year 8 – Yasmin Amrat, Rory Henderson, Ben Hill and four players: Samuel and Toby Farndon and Rory Archie Hurford Henderson; the juniors and inters football teams both Year 9 – Catherine Potter came second and the senior netballers came third in Year 10 – Catriona Cochrane their events. Inters debaters of Catriona Cochrane and Year 12 – Ravleen Kundola Fiona Trimby were victorious in this event at the beginning of the Summer Term. The Michael Allewell Trophy this year has been awarded to Will Eastell for his outstanding Going into the final event of the year, the House contribution and commitment to the House. He Athletics, Findlay were lying in 5th position in the gained his Gold House Badge whilst in Year 8 and has overall standings. Findlay have been very strong in already amassed 40 house points by the end of Year this event winning overall for the past two years; this 10! year was no exception. It was a very successful day for the House. Looking at the results sheet sees My thanks go to all the Prefects who have helped to athletes in many first places: George Worthington run the House this year and especially the Senior (100m and 400m), Ben Turpin (200m), Will Eastell Prefects of Tom Wood (Head of House), Jessica (800m, 1500m and relay), Laith McElhone (discus and Lenton and Ellie Stubbs. I wish all leavers every relay), Archie Hurford (200m, shot and relay), Rory success as they depart from the Grove and begin Henderson (400m and relay), Robbie Higgins (800m their next chapter. and relay), James Edgley (javelin), Rufus Halliday (relay), Toby Farndon (relay), Ben Hill (1500m and And finally, we said goodbye this year to two staff relay), Amelia Newsome (300m), Isla Swarbrigg members of the House: Mr Oatridge and Mr Carter. (discus and relay), Jenna Narang (relay), Lola We thank them for all that they have done for Findlay, Henderson (300m and relay), Nicola Trimby (800m), especially to Mr Carter who, as a former Findlay

House Reports Page 107 Housemaster, led the House to 3 overall House titles The Inters have relied on a number of key players this out of 4 years. I said this last year, after another year, namely, Freddie Ziegler, George Hammond, Cara second place finish, maybe this next year we shall Liptrot, Atalia McLeish, Annabel Gracey and Oscar manage to be in top spot! Robinson. I would like to see the Inters come together more next year and take more of a Mr A Crawford collective responsibility for taking part in the range of events that will take place. I believe that we have a great deal of talent hidden within the Inters, that has Southerns not as yet emerged and together they will be a stronger force to be reckoned with! So, I urge them to take up this challenge!

The Juniors have been extremely positive and enthusiastic this year, they have not failed to put a smile on my face at every event they have taken part in, under the strong leadership of Niamh Armstrong and Hritik Bhangroo, who have both led by example. Niamh and Hritik should be extremely proud of themselves for setting the standard for the Juniors. I have been impressed with their energy and commitment to the House, which I am sure they will continue with throughout their time at the Grove. The Juniors put in strong performances across the board, particularly in girls’ squash, table tennis and badminton. I was particularly impressed with the efforts made to prepare for the music, enterprise and science competitions and would like to recognise the hard work and time that was put into these collectively. There have been some strong starts in Year 7 from Finley Hainsworth, Kirsty Muchechetere, Matthew Roberts, Scarlett Swinney, Leah Spence and Mabel Walker. I am predicting as the current Juniors progress through their years at the Grove, they will go from strength to strength as they have gelled extremely well as a year group and are strong team players. I can see that there are a number of natural leaders amongst them.

To conclude, this being my second year in post as Well what a year! Yet again, it has been an eventful Headmistress of the Southerns House, my feelings one for the Southerns House. I feel that we have been have not changed or dampened from when I first on quite a journey, we have had our ups and downs started in the role, in fact they have become stronger. (although I am pleased to say that we have had more I have even more hope, I have a stronger vision and ups than downs), some magnificent wins and some, an abundance of enthusiasm. This year, I have had the not so great, losses. However, it still remains for me to pleasure and honour of getting to know our students say that we have accomplished a lot; we have worked so much more, my team never fails to fill my heart as a team, we held our own and managed to maintain with joy and optimism. our position within the top 3 Houses for the majority of the year, despite the unfortunate result of finishing We are building, we are Southerns and we are strong. in 5th place overall. Mrs L Watmough The Seniors have worked consistently hard, taking 1st place in a significant number of events including the quiz, debating, badminton, chess and football. Alex Dalton has been a standout student (not only this year, but throughout his whole career as a member of the Southerns House), taking part in the most senior events this year as well as being a major contributor in the House Music competition, where we secured another 1st place win.

I would like to thank our Head Boy, Harry Beckwith and our senior prefect team for all of the hard work and commitment they have consistently given throughout the year and I wish all of our Year 13s all of the very best for the future, they will always remain part of the Southerns family.

Page 108 House Reports Stephenson Special thanks must go to Ed King and Cameron Bojas who accumulated the most points over the course of the year, showing commitment as well as displaying high levels of application.

I would also like to thank my Deputy Heads of House, Joe Pearson and Josh Binns for their dedicated approach and positive attitude towards Stephenson House. Finally, I would like to thank Esther Wiles who was an excellent Head of House. Esther was extremely organised and committed to the cause, often turning up to events whenever I was unable to be there. She has been excellent and has made my job easier and I wish her all the best for the future.

Positions of Responsibility: Head of House: Esther Wiles Deputy Heads of House: Joe Pearson and Josh Binns Inter Prefects: Tom Vernon and Lillian Hughes The 2018-19 year was a memorable one for Junior Prefects: Fin Robb and Winnie Offland Stephenson House, however, too many second-place finishes held us back from ultimately winning the Mr N Barr House Cup. Having got into an early lead in the overall points tally, failures to win events and at times, put out complete teams, left us chasing the pack by Christmas. Despite always being in touching distance, we could never claw back enough points and will go without silverware for another year. Towlson

For me, the House system is in place to give pupils the opportunity to partake in some activities and events that they ordinarily wouldn’t get the chance to do, whilst also encouraging pupils to experience some healthy competition. There were some stand-out performances across the year including Junior Quiz, with excellent knowledge displayed by Musa, Erin, Finlay and Winnie. Senior Squash resulted in a second-place finish; this was secured by strong performances from Josh Binns and Josh Firth. Sam Barlow played a key role for the Inters Table-Tennis team and Josh Binns again showed his commitment to the House, leading us to a second-place finish in Senior Science.

The second-place theme continued into Senior House Netball and Football where we unfortunately couldn’t get the first place. Kirstie Thomson and Sofia Garber I want to start this report by saying what a fantastic were instrumental for the netball team and Joe Head of House, Lisa has been. She and Kobe have Pearson, Matty Sheard and Ethan McLelland were helped me organise teams and events and she was outstanding in football (lost the final on penalties). also instrumental, along with Kaitlin Smith, in organising the first ever Towlson Bake Off There were also really good results in Senior Quiz, competition, more of which later. thanks to George Hughes and Josh Binns and Basketball where Sam Vernon and Daniel Littlejohns As ever we started off the year with the quizzes excelled. Junior Science was another competitive where we achieved some respectable placings. Lisa event and thanks must go to Sam Binns and Freddie then went on to lead the girls’ swimming team to Stubbs for their hard work and creativity. Junior victory, with the girls coming first in 10 of their races. Football went well with 14 boys wanting to play – this Special mentions should go to Hermione Roe who bodes well for the next few years and the Senior Boys swam as a senior, Lucy Lund, Caitlin Marshall, Evie Swimming team were brilliant, especially Jacob Head Amos, Isabelle Teale, Lisa Paul, Esther Bean and the and Jacob Goodison. senior girls’ medley and freestyle relay teams. Sam Lund also managed to secure a first place in the inters Sports Day was a fantastic experience, with Emma backstroke race. House Swimming is always the Okpala winning both the 100m and 200m and also highlight of the Autumn Term and as ever, some taking the title of Victrix Ludorum for best Inter Girl. students swam in races they had not signed up for, There were some great 2nd placed finishes for Lillian showing what is really important in House; taking Hughes, Sam Barlow and Cameron Bojas. part.

House Reports Page 109 team of Ed, Zaynah and Callum, 4th place. We had a Congratulations should also be given to our senior fantastic Sports Day - Ayomide Solaru, Imogen Idle, and junior debaters, the inters table tennis, senior Charlie Rutter and Zaynah Abbas all coming first in badminton and junior basketball teams. We ended the their events. Thank you to all of the students that term on a high, securing first place in senior girls’ took part, as ever, we had a huge turn out. In squash and climbing. hindsight, long overdue, but Esther Bean has become the third recipient of the James Hole Trophy for As Mrs Spencer and Miss Alimundo were leading a commitment to the House - going into Year 13 she has student trip to Uganda, the senior prefects wanted to 55 house points and I am sure she will reach 60 raise money to support Sister Crawford and the before she leaves. Thank you for your on-going invaluable work she undertakes in the country. We commitment. Finally, a special mention must go to had five superb entries to the Bake Off competition, the ten students that turned out for the Towlson judged by Messrs Hole, Cadman and Caroleo, who all House sponsored run, again, in support of Sister channelled their inner Paul Hollywood, judging the Crawford. Between them they raised £391.70, which I entries on taste and presentation. The final winner am massively proud of. Joseph, Alex, Danny, Evie, was Caitlin Marshall and runners up, Brodie Boffin and Mary, Caitlin, Kitty, Amelia, Lucy and Jessica showing Charlie Smith. All the entries were sold in a bake sale the Grovian value that they are “kind and generous”. during House assembly and a magnificent Well done and thank you to everyone that has gingerbread house was raffled off. We managed to participated in a House event this year. raise a total of £111.70. Well done to everybody that helped organise it and took part. Head of House: Lisa Paul

Once again, the Spring Term had lots of changes; the Deputy Head of House: Kobe O’Brien weather and trips postponed senior cross country, table tennis and football. However, we managed Mrs C Spencer respectable placings in both junior and senior chess and science. The weather did not stop the junior and inters cross country. We had nine students from Years 7 and 8 take part in the junior event and five Year 9 Vinter and 10 students in the inters. A special mention should go to Imogen Idle who was the first girl home in the inters event. As ever, House Music was an exceptionally high standard. Mr Tedd and I held auditions for the solo performances and Max Warland and Laura Sutcliffe were selected for the junior and senior performances respectively. Imogen and Laura also arranged rehearsals with the ensemble. Max played the xylophone and Laura the fiddle, playing one piece she had composed herself. Whilst she came in second place, in my opinion, there was nothing between first and second as both students performed exceptionally. There are too many students to name but eleven musicians participated and took first place. I know I say this every year, but the standard of music is exceptional in Towlson. The students decide the arrangement and arrange rehearsals, they should be very proud of their achievements. We also had lots of Looking back, I would like to thank Chloe Fairbank, students take part in the junior racket events this Lucy Dodd and Luke Fairbank for their support and term. The girls and boys squash teams achieved 4th time in organising teams across all age groups, and 2nd place respectively, the table tennis team 4th throughout the year. Without their input and place and the badminton team 1st place. We also had positivity, many of the events and activities would not success in the junior football. Twelve students turned have run so successfully for Vinter. Their prefect team out and the final was decided on penalties, Ed Bywell deserve a big thank you as well for the additional stepping up as goalie and securing 1st place. The support; Frank Mailer, Emily Perry, Willow Tolley and inters boys 3rd / 4th play off also went to penalties, Jess White. which we unfortunately lost. We also had a fantastic turnout for junior netball, the team managing a The senior teams had many successes this year and I respectable 5th place and everyone getting to take hope every student involved is proud of this. The part. The senior girls also did well, being down to five boys’ swimming set the standard high at the players in their last two matches, they still managed beginning of the Summer Term, they won many races third place. Well done! and progressed to be overall winners in this event. The girls followed suit, swimming some fantastic The Summer Term began with senior football and races and coming a very close second place. It was a table tennis where the house secured 4th and 5th brilliant success to have swimmers from across all place respectively. The inters debating team of age groups doing so well in this event. Charlie Plein Imogen Idle and Ailyah Mian also managed 2nd, the and Jake McFarlin kept these standards high in their inters badminton team, 3rd and the junior enterprise excellent win of Senior Science, coming up with an

Page 110 House Reports entertaining yet factual presentation! Chloe led a fierce netball team in the Summer Term, who played brilliantly and resulted in an overall victory in this event.

House Music was a highlight of the year for Vinter. Abbie Nott, Ellie Nott, Katherine Knight, Chloe Cater, Rowan Horton, Eilidh Molloy, Maria Speed and Phoebe Turner all worked exceptionally hard to produce such a good performance. Narrowly missing out on first place, all the girls involved should be very proud of the standard of music they produced and proud to have represented the House in this way. Inters have had a very successful year, led by Inters Captains Charlie Plein and Katherine Knight. The boys had some wonderful football games which resulted in a brilliant victory on the football pitch this year. To organise and tactically play football to such a high standard is a great achievement. An outstanding effort was made by the cross country team, leading to another win; well done to Lily Greenwood-House, Saba Yasin, Mattie Thorning, Charlie Plein and Chloe Cater. Alongside the Inters Captains, I would also like to thank Jake McFarlin and Chloe Cater for their amazing team spirit and help in organising team events.

The Juniors have kept stride with the Inters and Seniors in their winning streaks. Led by Junior Captains Fergie McCormack and Lena Plein, they have performed exceptionally in every challenge they have taken on, whilst staying inclusive with fantastic team spirit. An excellent start to the year with the Junior Quiz, a massive well done to Sam Pickles, Abi Lewis, Phoebe Turner and Mischa Dentico. Abi and Lena went on to make some excellent points at Junior Debating, leading to a win in this event too. Junior Girls’ Squash saw some very testing matches but Naomi Partridge, Emily Hinchliffe, Abi Lewis and Lena Plein persisted through the challenges and came out victorious. Junior Science saw Abi and Lena put together a thoughtful and well-presented idea. With many props and a fair few costume changes, the girls produced very high quality work which resulted in yet another win! The table tennis team did not disappoint, after a slight mishap with the table they played tremendously and gained another House win. Abi and Lena have been a force to be reckoned with, their boundless energy and Creativity • Branding • Marketing enthusiasm for House events has been outstanding. I would like to also thank all the juniors not mentioned in the above events, to all who have participated, • Graphic Design & Branding enjoyed and given it your all – thank you! We also had a fantastic time at Sports Day; students • Digital & Litho Printing taking part and stepping up to the challenge was wonderful to see. We had many successes and a lot • Website Design & Development of cheering of team mates! Thank you to Jake Fletcher-Stega, Cat Eaton, Ruby Keeble and Daisy Culyer for their help and support on the day! • Branded Promotional Items

What a fantastic first year in post as Housemistress of • Signs & Large Format Print Vinter. Thank you to all students involved and I look forward to seeing the new challenges House events bring next year! GO VINTER! Call us today 01274 946222 Miss L Follos www.toucancreative.co.uk Proud to work with Woodhouse Grove School

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