winter 2018 theLINK

The Government Inspector Audiences transported to 1836 Russia

A Window Into Epsom’s Past Swing When You’re Winning Pioneering Education A history of founder Dr John Propert Ben MacDowel on the rise of Golf An interview with Oliver Fernie theLINK winter 2018

Celebrating record Michaelmas Term exam success Highlights he College celebrated record exam results this year, with 53% of GCSEs graded A* (9 or 8), and 20% of A-levelsT awarded A*. These results show that our GCSE pupils are attaining results at Awards and Accolades more than twice the national average, while at A-level, almost a third of our students psom College has received achieved a clean sweep of A*s or As. an outstanding hat-trick of nominations in this year’s ETimes Education Supplement’s (TES) Independent School Awards. The awards are viewed as the Oscars of education awards, rewarding We Will Remember excellence and innovation in the Them: Statue Independent Schools sector. In Unveiled recognition of another outstanding year for the College, Epsom he 100th anniversary of has been nominated for Senior the end of the First World Leadership Team of the Year, Whole War was marked with visual School Community Initiative of Tdisplays around the College, and a the Year and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year. poignant Service of Remembrance including the unveiling of the striking Epsom received further national public recognition in The Week’s Independent Schools Guide. In the ‘Best of the Best’ ‘Tommy’ statue to mark the 325 Old feature, Epsom was named runner up in the category of Best School for Co-Curricular Activities. This follows Epsomians who paid the ultimate Epsom being judged as runner up in the Best School for All-Rounders category in last year’s awards. sacrifice in service.

Planning permission Hundreds get muddy granted for The Mermaid to raise funds for The Mermaid major milestone has been reached in The Mermaid campaign - he Great Epsom Mud Run saw planning permission has been more than 250 brave members Agranted for the creation of Epsom’s of the College community climb, 2,000sqm centre for excellence. Building swing,T jump and wade their way around work is set to commence in the summer a course littered with more than 80 of 2020. challenging mud-soaked obstacles raising over £17,000. theLINK winter 2018

Classics trip to Sorrento

Beyond the uring half-term, 23 pupils and three On the second day, pupils explored a well-preserved members of staff departed very early for four villa of Emperor Nero, and a guided tour of busy days in Italy; taking in some of the most Herculaneum allowed pupils to see first-hand the classroomx impressiveD sites that remain from the ancient world. layout of Ancient Roman houses and shops. It started with a tour of Naples’ Archaeological The final day was the highlight of the trip; a guided Museum where students could inspect intricate tour of the ancient town of Pompeii and a chance During the year Epsom pupils embark on a host of academic trips mosaics and surviving finds from Pompeii and for students to understand more fully the layout spanning the globe. Here is a snapshot of some of the recent trips that Herculaneum, before ascending Mount Vesuvius. and public buildings of an ancient town, as well as see the famous casts made of people trapped by have taken place, bringing classroom study to life. the Volcanic eruption.

History and Politics trip to Washington DC

he sixth biennial History and Politics trip to Washington DC was a great success, as a group of 28 Sixth Formers, led by Andy Bustard, Taccompanied by Lydia Hopkins and Luke Fisher, enjoyed the buzz of the US capital as it geared up for midterm elections. The first day was spent exploring the numerous historical monuments along the Mall and Tidal Basin: the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Vietnam, Korean and WW2 Memorials, as well as the most recent addition, the Martin Luther King Memorial.

Day two began with a visit to the White House - the experience of treading in the footsteps of the world’s most powerful people was an evocative one that will be remembered by all.

Wednesday began at one of America’s most visited museums, the Air and Space Museum, before a privileged visit to the Congressional Office of the late Louise Slaughter, a former Democrat representative. The final day saw a reflective visit to Arlington Treading in the footsteps National Cemetery, home to those that have served in the US military, as well as the graves of former of the world’s most President John F Kennedy, his brothers Bobby and Ted, powerful people was an as well as numerous memorials. evocative experience. Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

Art trip to Berlin Geographers explore forces of nature in Iceland

ince the German reunification in the 1990s, They were able to explore Daniel Libeskind’s uring half term 22 Berlin has become one of Europe’s foremost masterpiece and experience the museum’s Holocaust students set out for cultural hotspots. During the first week of Tower, a 24-metre-high asymmetrical concrete a week of tectonic Dexploration in Iceland. Shalf-term, 15 A-level artists, accompanied by Nikolas enclosure with only a sliver of light in its top corner. Arvanitis and Inga Page, visited the city to expand The visit to East Side Gallery (a part of the Berlin The packed schedule saw the their cultural knowledge and collect visual research students exploring waterfalls, for their coursework portfolios. wall adorned with hundreds of painted murals commemorating the city’s reunification) helped glaciers, and lava fields. Highlights Amongst visits to various galleries and museums, the students put their street art workshop into context. of the week-long adventure students took part in a street art tour and workshop included Jokulsarlon glacial bay, as well as visiting Berlin’s tourist attractions such as The art trip was an excellent overall introduction Skogafoss waterfall, and exploring the Berlin Zoo, the Brandenburg Gate and TV Tower. to Berlin’s rich and turbulent past and its vibrant the interior of the Langjokull contemporary art scene. The students came back glacier – where guides said the The visit to the Jewish Museum was one of the most equipped with an array of visual and contextual group were the first ever to play poignant moments of the trip, with the students information to use in their own practice. an impromptu game of Rugby. learning about the relationship between art, history and architecture. The group represented the College well, and while they didn’t manage to see the Northern Lights, it was an exceptional trip.

The trip was an excellent introduction to Berlin’s rich and turbulent past, and its vibrant contemporary art scene. theLINK winter 2018 The Government Inspector

The traditional end of term production took the College community into Christmas with style and comedy. Nick Russell reviews proceedings.

his is a gem of a play. Set in some provincial backwater of Imperial Russia, it depicts a town crammed with incompetent mavericks, a remote godforsaken hole Twhere corruption is low-scale but widespread. At the centre of the circus is Ben Abbot’s (C) Mayor, a man who cannot control a sensible sentence, let alone a district: this is a man who cannot make the sign of the cross without punching himself in the face. Like everyone else in the town, he believes he really is rather marvellous, and is utterly unaware that when he pops on his florid hat he transforms into a walking trifle.

Panic sets in at the thought of an impending ‘incognito’ inspection from the government in St. Petersberg. Conscious of his corruption, the Mayor sets about doing all that he can to conceal it - the thought of cleaning up his town and providing some moral backbone never enters his pretty round head. He calls upon two town squires, Bobchinksy (Ben Kersley) (H) and Dobshinsky (Bruno Dent) (H), and tells them to be on high alert. Unfortunately Bobchinksy and Dobchinksy are a pair of blundering buffoons with more than a passing similarity to Laurel (Kersley) and Hardy (Dent) and they spend much of their time biffing each other to oblivion.

But the prospect of a visit from a powerful mysterious man from glamorous St. Petersberg - a city with actual restaurants and pavements and clean cutlery - triggers an altogether different reaction from the Mayor’s wife and daughter, Anna (Nara Aligulova) (Cr) and Maria (Eva Saunders) (M).

Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

Cocooned in an upper floor of the Mayoral residence from every crank and corrupt official, and with a smug they normally spend their days at the window competing deluded belief that he has peculiarly enchanting eyes. with each other to flirt and flutter at every half-able- The only character with a shred of intelligence is bodied man on the street. Anna, played with haughty Khlestakov’s likeable servant Osip (Aidan Grant) (G) allure by Aligulova, believes she really ought to be living who, realising that his own future is bound up with his the high life in St Petersberg, while Maria, innocent and shambling master, looks out for him – he can scarcely yet keen to be knowing, has a thing for any man who believe how easily the fools of the town are parted from sports a moustache. Both are ready to eat the inspector their money- and eventually secures their escape from for breakfast. the golden cage. Somehow, Bobchinksy and Dobchinksy detect that After Khlestakov’s departure the townsfolk indulge in an there’s something suspect about a guest at the local inn; orgy of self-congratulation at the success of their bribery, a well-dressed young man has been living extravagantly, but this only leads to a row between Anna and the Mayor making complaints and charging his bill to the Crown. as their fantasies collide about their future lives in St. On investigation they believe they have found the secret Petersberg. The realisation that they have all been duped inspector and rush to alert the Mayor. by a complete idiot only comes when the Postmaster, played with endearing innocence by Sebastian Crabb As it happens, though he is no inspector there is indeed (Fa), arrives with two stolen letters and reads them something suspect about the well-dressed young man, out. The first is from Khlestakov to a friend in which he Khlestakov: he is an absolute fruitcake. Played perfectly lampoons everyone in the town, and the second is an by Jack Oulton (C), he is a foppish hypochondriac with official document telling them that the inspector is due the weakest of grips on reality. Utterly untroubled by to arrive… This triggers a collective intake of breath- his hopeless debts, he floats about the town talking self- which is only broken by when Maria enquires as to regarding nonsense to himself; Oulton cleverly gives the whether he has a moustache. A terrific ensemble cast bring authentic life to this lines a looping sing-song delivery, much like the Swedish Russian knockabout farce, creating the oikish ambience Chef from the Muppets. Despite displaying a complete of the hapless provincial town, an ambience assisted lack of guile or charisma, Khlestakov finds everything further by a cracking soundtrack of jaunty Russian and everyone falling into his lap – money, food, What are you laughing tunes. Lucas Carre (C) strides about with comic self- compliments and women. Yet he scarcely bats an eyelid importance; Freddie Gathercole (G) moves through at his remarkable good fortune; instead he just thinks about? You are laughing at a revolving door backstage and reappears in four that the natural order has been restored. And so he goes yourselves! different guises: all equally ridiculous; Maada Baihinga on his bumbling merry way, effortlessly wheedling cash (H) fools us for a moment that the schoolmaster may have some stature, but he’s soon seen to be as hopeless as everyone else. Only Lyapa Tyapkin, played by the ever accomplished Lulu Candlish (Rv), and the Police Superintendent, played by the stylishly guarded Solomon Ekoku (Fa), seem to keep their heads above the physical fray, but even they are complicit in the corruption. All the action occurs on a grand sweeping stage suggestive of the emptiness and fading grandeur of Imperial Russia, and which allows space for the relentless physical comedy that the cast performs with aplomb. This is a winter show with a warm heart. Yes it exposes human weakness and folly on a grand scale but is never sententious or preachy - instead there is an acceptance that we are all deeply flawed and pretty hopeless. Indeed, in the final scene the rumbled Mayor suddenly turns to the audience and asks ‘What are you laughing about? You are laughing at yourselves!’ Humbling food for thought as the school awaits an ISI inspection next term! theLINK winter 2018

A history of Dr John Propert By Rebecca Jallot, College Archivist

ounder of Epsom College, Dr John Propert MRCS, sadly left no diaries, books, or written notes from which we can deduce his personality. The surviving photographs are austere and typically Victorian, giving Fno hint to the character of the man. However we can certainly draw some conclusions from historical records of the time.

John Propert was born in Blaenpistyll, Llangoedmor, Cardiganshire, in 1793, the only son of Thomas and Jane Propert. He was educated at Cardigan Grammar School, and joined a county militia regiment at the age of 15. A year later, in 1809, he carried the regimental colours at the Golden Jubilee of George III. Lacking the funds to purchase a commission, he had no prospect of advancing his career in the army and so left to work for a surgeon in Cardigan where he dispensed medicines.

He left Wales at the age of 17, with financial assistance from a relative, to study medicine at St Bartholomew’s in London. He first qualified as a naval surgeon, finally obtaining his diploma of Member of the Royal College of Surgeons at the impressive age of 21. He returned to Wales and started a successful practice in Cardigan before setting up practice in Portland Place, London, which he continued until his death.

Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

Dr Propert married in 1824. He and his wife Julia The College first opened its doors to 20 pensioners, had three sons and four daughters. The eldest son, either qualified medical men or their widows, providing John Lumsden Propert, eventually succeeded his father them with accommodation and income, and to 40 in his practice and was himself a renowned physician foundation scholars (sons of medical men) who were fed, and art critic. clothed and educated. Within a few years, the numbers of pupils rose to include those able to pay fees, and by Throughout his medical career, and as trustee of the 1865 the school had been enlarged to house 300 boys. Medical Protection Society (founded to give assistance to medical men and to help them in the recovery of bad John Propert became the College’s first treasurer, debts), John Propert had seen the hardship suffered by and though maintaining a busy practice in London, members of his own profession and their dependants. he continued fundraising to ensure a secure future for Fortunately, his many years of successful practice ensured the College, and was at the heart of every improvement he was well regarded by his peers and it had also brought up until his death in 1867. Even in his latter years, him into contact with wealthy patients and their friends. Dr Propert stayed loyal to the place of his birth and its people, becoming High Sheriff and later Deputy Driven by the conviction to help those less fortunate Lieutenant of Cardiganshire; Governor of the Welsh than himself, he founded the Royal Medical Benevolent Charity School; and as Chairman of the Carmarthen and College in 1851 to assist elderly doctors, their widows Cardigan Railway Company, he sought to encourage the and orphans. He set about raising funds, and by 1852 benefits of this new method of travel; and touchingly, at a site was purchased on Epsom Downs. A year later the age of 63, he erected a stained glass window to the the foundation stone was laid by his friend, supporter memory of his parents in Aberporth Church. and first president of the College, Earl Manvers, in the presence of almost 5,000 people. An official opening was performed on 25 June 1855 by Prince Albert, accompanied by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). Within a few years The Royal Medical Benevolent College became known as Epsom College.

John Propert was undoubtedly a man of great social conscience. His obituary in the British Medical Journal recalls his “strong public feeling and deep interest in the welfare of his brethren”. If we who are associated with Epsom College take anything of the spirit of the College and its Founder with us when we leave, it is perhaps a quote taken from a short biography written just before his death: “This successful career has not rendered Mr Propert unobservant of the difficulty of the race, which he has run so safely. He has looked back upon the field and those left behind, and has not been content to utter common-places on the uncertainties and perils of professional life. John Propert is buried in the cemetery of All Soul’s, He has come forward to give assistance, and the Kensal Green together with his widow and several Asylum and College at Epsom are proofs of the of their children. The grave was completely restored wisdom and the benevolence of his designs.” by the Council of the Royal Medical Foundation Photographs of Eminent Medical Men of all Countries of Epsom College in 2000, only altering the existing edited by T.Herbert Barker (1865-8) gravestone to include the College Coat of Arms which was granted in 1910. theLINK winter 2018 Swing when you’re winning

It has been an incredible year for Epsom golfers, from the Lower School through to the Old Epsomian team. We caught up with Head of Golf, Ben MacDowel, to learn more.

What are your highlights from the 17/18 season? he Old Epsomians winning The Halford Hewitt - the greatest of all truly amateur tournaments - was fantastic. The competition remains the absolute pinnacle of HMC Tgolf. In the quarter-finals the OEs narrowly beat Winchester 3-2. They secured the same result in the semi-finals against Marlbourgh. In the final they sealed the deal with a convincing victory over Ampleforth, 4-1. Equally, seeing our Junior Team - Liam Colohan (Capt) (P), Oscar Lent (Wa), Joss Wells (H), Will Hewett (H), Jamie Reid (Rn) and Alex McWilliam (Fa) - beat local rivals Reeds was gratifying. For the Juniors to beat this prestigious golfing academy at Walton Heath 2-1 was a tremendous effort and proves the depth of talent at Epsom. The progression of Darragh Monaghan (P) is also a joy. He is the Captain of the team and currently plays off 3. Last April he won a coveted place on the Swifts golf tour to the USA. The Swifts are a team of just eight golfers from all over the UK who have been personally selected to tour. To see some of the golfers now playing off single figures is a significant step forward for them: Canice Screene (Wh), Lucas Fildes (C), Harry Marchesi (P) and Toby Reynolds (G) to name but four. Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

How will golf progress over the next few years? Golferprofile: In the immediate future it is to get into the finals of the HMC foursomes National Liam Colohan competition. Over the course of the academic year, all Independent schools in England and Scotland compete in regional matches, then area finals. This format then brings together the seven rom the age of 10, I took part in best golfing schools in England and the the Epsom College Holiday Sports best in Scotland. Courses. Being around the school, Fusing the facilities, and becoming more I am also hoping for great success from a aware of the golf programme available, led pair of young and extremely talented Year me to apply for Epsom College. 7 and 8 golfers; Oscar Lent (handicap 7) and Joss Wells (handicap 12). They are Since joining in September 2016, my competing in a National Prep schools handicap has dropped from 26 to 12. competition with the final at Radley The opportunity to play in the College College in June. Golf Team has allowed me to improve rapidly, playing more matches at some very The five-year plan is to have the best prestigious golf courses. Winning matches school golf programme in the UK. in and outside of the College has boosted There should be no reason why the very my confidence considerably. best young golfers should not choose Epsom and be inspired with what we have My favourite element of the golf provision to offer. at Epsom is the trips on offer. Playing new golf courses with different styles creates Which golf courses does new and exciting challenges. I also enjoy Epsom have an association playing in tournaments and competitions with? - taking on new opponents allows you The College is incredibly lucky with our make new friends, and - hopefully - win association with the world famous Walton some prizes! I also enjoy the technical side Heath Golf Club, recent venue for The of golf, from the equipment design and British Masters. We also have an excellent performance, to swing analysis. relationship with Epsom Downs Golf Club Epsom has improved my golf swing as well just next to the College, where we play as my attitude and approach to the game. In our junior fixtures. my next two years at the College, I strive to become the Captain of the Golf Team, What would you say to a ideally leading the team to the finals of the young aspiring golfer HMC Foursomes event. considering joining Epsom in the future? The five-year With our unique access to the Walton Heath, we are able to secure fixtures plan is to have the against the best golfing schools in the South of England. We also have best school golf tremendous practice facilities designed programme in the UK to be available throughout the year and a team of pros who are readily available to Ben MacDowel, Head of Golf support all abilities. theLINK winter 2018

What initiatives have you implemented the fields of technology and education, visiting other to date? schools, and attending conferences such the ISC Digital My first initiative was to publish a monthly educational Strategy Conference and the Festival of Education. Innovation research bulletin for colleagues, which summarises There have been many exciting developments in the recent findings in a specific field of educational world of technology in recent years, ranging from the research, such as cognitive psychology, and what the use of iPads in the classroom, to using 3D printers to impact the findings may have on a teacher’s practice. build rockets and boats in STEM. Due to the rapid rate and learning I have established a Teaching and Learning Committee, of new ideas and technologies that are being developed, to provide a forum for discussing and implementing I believe it is important to consider carefully which are new ideas and strategies. the right fit for Epsom. Primarily I need to consider: I have also spent a lot of time in departments, observing “do they improve the quality and efficiency of teaching?” lessons and speaking to staff and pupils. This enables me and “do they enhance pupils’ learning?”. Oliver Fernie joined the College in September as Director of Learning to gauge where the strengths are, for which there are and Innovation. Oliver’s prime responsibility is to ensure Epsom many, and identify areas that could benefit from further What is your plan for the next five support and development. years? Is there anything you would continues to benefit from the very best practice across Education - like to achieve? harnessing the latest thinking, technology and research. Education is constantly evolving One area I wish to focus on is enhancing the level of – how will you secure Epsom’s literacy within the College, with the aim of creating a position at the forefront of the community of readers over the coming years. I also have sector? an eye on developments in the technology sector and I aim to stay on top of the latest developments in how new products, such as VR headsets, may enhance education in a variety of ways, including: subscribing pupils’ educational experience and enable them to learn How have you settled into College life? to online blogs and publications, following pioneers in most effectively. have settled in very quickly; both staff and pupils have been incredibly welcoming. Although it will always take a little time to adjust to a new school, the College has a great Isense of community and everyone is supportive of each other, which has enabled me to find my feet far quicker than I want to focus on I expected. developments in Could you explain the learning and technology and how innovation side of your role? new products such I am primarily responsible for leading and supporting colleagues in developing the effectiveness of their teaching, as VR may enable thus enabling pupils to maximise their learning potential. This includes providing advice and guidance to colleagues pupils to learn more as to effective classroom practice, as supported by the latest effectively. education research, as well as co-ordinating and running CPD sessions. The innovation side of my role involves implementing new initiatives (not only involving technology), and assessing whether they effectively enhance the quality of teaching. theLINK winter 2018

Why I’m supporting The Mermaid

major milestone was reached in The Mermaid Lord Alex Carlile CBE QC, Hart-Smith/Fayrer campaign this term – Epsom & Ewell Planning (1960-66), President of the RMF Board; and Sir Department granted planning permission for John Scarlett, KCMG OBE, Hart-Smith/Carr Athe creation of our 2,000sqm centre for excellence. (1961-66) member of the RMF Board. Together they co-own the company SC Strategy. It has been a very promising start to the fundraising campaign, led by the Education Trust, with almost “We are very proud that our business is able £3 million raised thanks to the incredible support to support the new centre at Epsom College. of the Epsom community - parents, pupils, OEs The Mermaid will provide an excellent venue for and staff. This impressive amount, combined with students from across the college to meet together in a the School’s pledge of £2.4m, leaves the outstanding relaxed and stimulating atmosphere.” figure required at £3.3m. Building work is set to commence in the summer of 2020, but this all depends on fundraising the required capital. Here we speak to three of our notable supporters to find out why they are so passionate about Beautiful spaces really have the capacity to alter The Mermaid: our lives and minds. Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, White House (1995-97) Governor of the College, historian Dr Suzannah Lipscomb and TV presenter. “As a former curator of Hampton Court Palace, I have come to the conclusion that spaces really have the capacity to alter our lives and minds; I think we all know this - the value of beautiful spaces to uplift us, airy spaces to give us peace, cosy spaces to make The Mermaid ORDER A COPY OF THE Epsom CollEgE’s CEntrE for ExCEllEnCE us feel safe. CASE FOR SUPPORT “What a school of Epsom’s calibre needs, especially We both look back on View the campaign film, presented by for students preparing for university, is a space like Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, and the Case for Support The Mermaid - offering places for students to our Sixth Forms years at booklet here: www.epsomcollege.org.uk/ socialise, perform, study, exhibit, and learn together beyond-the-classroom/mermaid - in other words, the physical, intellectual, and the College with great The Next Step emotional space necessary to grow. fondness and positive You can support this ambitious project in a “I believe we can expect of The Mermaid what memories. We want the number of ways. You can name a brick, a seat, Sir Kenneth Clark wrote of art galleries, ‘For a a room, or even the building. To find out more, moment there is a clearing in the jungle: we pass on best for our successors. please contact the Education Trust Director, our biggest fundraising campaign refreshed, with our capacity for life increased and with for over 160 years Ms Karen Doyle, on 01372 821290 or some memory of the sky’.” Lord Alex Carlile CBe qc and [email protected]. Sir John Scarlett, KCMG OBE theLINK winter 2018 Campus developments This term, work on the College’s new car park was completed, alongside significant improvements to pedestrian and road safety around Chapel Drive. This is just the latest in a long line of developments to the College and its facilities, and the job of overseeing this work, falls to Sarah Teasdale, Epsom’s Bursar.

A school as large as Epsom What are the current must have a very long ‘wish priorities? list’ of campus improvements - Numbers are on the rise – this year we hit the how are priorities decided? 900 pupil mark for the first time. An exciting he campus is constantly evolving time for the College, and one that is reflected to provide a safe environment for in recent developments. The new road safety our pupils to learn and to flourish. scheme is due to be fully operational over the TOur aim is to make effective use of our Christmas break – a great advancement to historic buildings, while ensuring we meet manage the extra footfall around site. the College’s needs - both today and for Several crucial maintenance and safety the future. projects have been completed, including The programme of renovation never stops. a state of the art irrigation system on the There are the landmark projects which are sports fields, a new large classroom in the years in the planning, there are the smaller Music school, new furniture, fixtures and campus improvement projects, and then fittings in the IT classrooms, modernisation there are the unexpected tasks which require of the catering facilities, and relocation of swift action – all of which makes for a busy the Archives Department for improved Maintenance Department. accessibility.

Does pupil, parent and staff Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of plans. feedback influence decision- We aim to provide excellent recreation and making? social spaces for our pupils, to encourage greater interaction across the whole school Yes. We listen to pupil and parental feedback, community. Since 2012 the College has requests from our Heads of Departments, and invested over £12 million in a rolling take guidance from our Maintenance team. programme of House refurbishments to We then compile a wish list and estimate the ensure that Epsom’s Houses provide the costs and feasibility for each. highest possible standard of home from home. The Senior Management team categorise the essentials, asking “What will it bring to the school?” and “How will it benefit the pupils?”. The final proposal is then presented to the Governors who give their approval. theLINK winter 2018 Food, glorious food

We know an army marches on its stomach, and offering fresh and well-balanced meals fuels pupils to work hard and achieve their best. We speak to Bev Spencer, Head of Catering, about the offering at Epsom.

How important is it to provide pupils with healthy food? ith pupils participating in at least five physical activity sessions each week, providing the right food is paramount. Guidelines dictate that low sugar, low Wsalt, high protein and no fat options are the most effective fuel sources. We know the importance of educating pupils to make the best choices for themselves, to encourage a healthy and balanced attitude to food into adulthood. Do you involve pupils in designing the menus? To ensure we’re getting it right, we meet with pupils termly to gain feedback. These pupils are elected by their Houses. During the meeting we cover all mealtimes, snacks, team teas, packed lunches and other issues such as the layout of the dining spaces. We are very open to input and feedback, and the chefs are always available and approachable at service times so that pupils can talk to them. We also work with the pupils during activity sessions in their first year, so they are aware of who we are, where we work and that we are available to help them when it comes to food. We also teach them some cookery basics.

We prepare 2,200 meals a day - a serious operation!

BEV SPENCER, HEAD OF CATERING Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

rior to joining Epsom’s catering team in August, Andrew Trowell worked in five-star hotels and Meet Prestaurants in London. He worked with some of the best chefs and cooked for the many famous faces including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali and even the Royal Family. He has already Executive made his mark at the College with a refreshed menu focusing on fresh, seasonal Head ingredients. Chef He says: “Epsom is an amazing place, with the best opportunities for young people to learn and grow. Making sure the students are well fed with fresh, delicious and varied dishes is my main goal.”

What food options are available What changes do you anticipate? daily? Growing numbers of pupils are opting for vegetarian Boarders start each day with a hearty breakfast and vegan diets, with gluten and lactose free - an example would include toast and preserves, options also on the rise. Feedback from our pupils a selection of cereals, alongside a hot option is very important to us, and recent food committee of scrambled eggs, bacon, plum tomatoes and meetings and survey results show that traditional mushrooms. meals such as cottage pie and hearty stews are most in demand. At break pupils return to their houses where they have access to milk, bread, jams and Marmite. How environmentally friendly is Lunch consists of a three-course meal, with options the Catering Department? including homemade soup, three wholesome main All of our disposable packaging is now a brand called options such as fillet of fish with lemon and herb Vegware, it’s made from renewable, lower carbon crust, an extensive salad bar, plus sandwich and or recycled materials, and can all be composted. jacket potatoes. Pupils can round off the meal with a All glass bottles, plastics, cardboard and tins are hot pudding such as apricot Bakewell and custard, or recycled. yoghurt, fruit, granola and jelly. We have also been sending our food waste away for Sweet and savoury afternoon snack options are also 18 months now. A company called Bio Waste collects available, before the day concludes with three supper leftover food three times per week; it is then treated options such as baked chicken, new potatoes, peas and used for animal feed and fertiliser. and sweetcorn, and iced banana cake. Finally, where possible, our food is locally sourced - for example: our fishmonger is based in Ashtead and our green grocer is in Epsom. theLINK winter 2018

Cross country

Creating a ver 650 runners took part in this year’s Inter-House Cross Country Championships, College Community which took place on Epsom Downs. One of Othe oldest sporting events in the College calendar, the Cross Country is always keenly-contested, with runners entering into the spirit of the competition and giving their best for their House. Choral Competition Competitors had to brave frosty conditions; however, parents, staff and other members of the College he Inter-House Choral Competition, The Adjudicator was Mr James Manwaring who community weren’t deterred and turned out in great one of the longest-standing events in the is Director of Music for the Windsor Learning number to cheer the runners on. College calendar, lived up to the pre-event Partnership. He has been twice nominated for Texcitement. With singing in every corner of the the Musicians’ Union Inspiration Award and his College in the weeks leading up the occasion, department has been four times nominated for Best 2018 Cross Country Results anticipation was high. Pupils performed to a packed UK Music Department. audience of parents, staff and friends of the College OVERALL LOWER SCHOOL HOUSE – who were duly entertained as they saw the 13 Mr Manwaring was particularly impressed with the 1st Wardroper, 2nd Hutchison, Houses present a unison song, an unaccompanied soloists’ ability to engage with the audience and tell a 3rd Glyn Hughes part-song and a soloist. story through their singing, and this was particularly evident in Ben Abbott’s (C) winning performance of OVERALL GIRLS HOUSE Pupils and House staff chose and arranged their own Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables. 1st Rosebery, 2nd Murrell, 3rd Wilson, songs, rehearsed hard, and conducted the evening’s He also commented on the high standard of the part- 4th Raven, 5th Crawfurd, 6th White performances wearing house ties, coloured ribbons songs, many of which included complex harmonies and buttonholes, plus an array of entertaining props. and body percussion. This category was won by OVERALL BOYS HOUSE White House. 1st Holman, 2nd Propert, 3rd Robinson, Mr Paul Johnson-Hyde, Director of Music, 4th Forest, 5th Granville, 6th Fayrer, 7th Carr commented that it is his “favourite event in the The Unison Trophy was won by Forest with a College calendar” and that he believes it to be a polished performance of a High School Musical medley “testament to the strong bonds that are formed in which Mr Manwaring said offered “light and shade” the House system,” drawing particular attention to and “real clarity”. the large numbers of pupils who accompanied their Houses.

The Choral Competition Trophy 1st - Forest 2nd - Carr 3rd - Murrell 4th - White 5th - Raven theLINK winter 2018

Sporting highlights

A BRAVE PERFORMANCE IN THE Trio of OEs selected for CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL international teams ore than 850 Epsom supporters looked on as Three former pupils played at the absolute pinnacle the 1st XV valiantly finished their NatWest of their chosen sports in recent months, representing Champions Trophy campaign with a close England in Rugby (Kyle Sinckler), Cricket (Nat Sciver) Mloss against a strong Wellington side. Jack Jesty (G) was and Netball (Eboni Usoro-Brown (née Beckford- named player of the match for his game management Chambers)). and kicking game. Paul Burke, Director of Rugby, Alex Thompson, and all of the coaches, may be justly proud of a remarkably skilful and tenacious performance. All Netball Sections for Surrey Storm of the supporters captured the positive atmosphere of Five Epsom Netball players were selected to represent the occasion with good humour and judgement. Surrey U13s – a new record for the College. Epsom pupils Amy Henwood (Hu), Amelia Burke (Wa) and Freya Johnson (GH) have been selected for the Development Academy, and Gabby and Eva Sesay (Wa and Hu) are part of the Thursday Satellite Academy, which is for the top 20 girls in Surrey.

Continued ... theLINK winter 2018

outstanding season The Cricketer Magazine Top for Natalie Chak and the 100 schools 1st v squash team Epsom was named one of the UK’s best This has been an outstanding term for Epsom’s cricketing schools by The Cricketer Magazine 1st V player Natalie Chak (W). Playing as the based on the quality of facilities, commitment team’s third seed, Natalie has won all of her to cricket in the curriculum, and the breadth 14 matches. Natalie secured most of these of the fixture programme. victories without dropping a single game. She was most impressive in the fixtures Cricket appointment: against Eton and Harrow, Natalie winning Aylish CRANSTONE both of her matches 3-0. Aylish joins Epsom as Head of Girls’ Cricket, further adding to the huge strides girls’ The 1st V squash team have enjoyed a highly cricket is making at the College. Aylish played successful Michaelmas Term, winning all of for both the Surrey and Hampshire County their fixtures since the second week of term. sides, England at Academy and U19 level, and Their unbeaten run has included victories over is currently a coach for the Surrey age group Eton, St Paul’s and Wellington. However, the programme. Surrey Schools Invitation Tournament was the highlight of the term, Epsom’s 1st and 2nd Trio of Third Form selected teams winning both Division 1 and Division 2 for Surrey Cricket of the tournament respectively. The Lower School were proud to see Hockey - U13A winners Edie McLennan Fordyce (GH), Sevenoaks tournament Madeline O’Brien (GH), and Lucy Stephens (Hu) selected for the Surrey U12 County age In September, the U13 girls won the group squad following trials in September. Sevenoaks Tournament, their first hockey The girls now attend the winter development tournament of the year. An outstanding programme ahead of summer fixtures. performance that saw them beat Reigate in the quarterfinal, St Lawrence in the semi-final and Sevenoaks in the final.

Callum Holland selected for ISFA U18s Callum Holland (Rn) performed well in the final trial for this year’s ISFA representative U18s squad in Shrewsbury and has been selected for the second successive year. The subsequent training camp will take place at St George’s Park in December. COLLEGE ROAD, EPSOM, SURREY, KT17 4JQ T: 01372 821000 AdmissionS enquiries: T: 01372 821234 E: [email protected] EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK

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