The Grovian 2020 The Grovian 2020 Contents
O cial Reports 3 - 14 Brontë House 15 - 26 Boarding 28 - 30 Out of the Classroom 31 - 32 Trips and Tours 33 - 37 Performing Arts/Arts 39 - 50 Sports Reports 52 - 79 House Reports 82 - 88
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Buying a property is a huge emotional and financial commitment. Our advice will provide you with the reassurance and peace of mind that you need. HORNES CHARTERED Visit hornes-surveyors.co.uk SURVEYORS 01274 584 988 | [email protected] Official Reports standardisation in the calculation and award of the when we all needed it the most. Leadership is often grades, which meant that a mix of CAGs, rank orders said to be about vision, strategy, courage, decisiveness, and statistical moderation was necessary. flexibility in mind, and determination. However, this set of qualities is predominantly outward facing and not There was lots of talk of standards falling as a result of particularly people centred. exams being “devalued” but little talk of the state of mind of our young people having lived through such Human beings are at the core of any organisation and testing times. No talk, at the time of writing, of unlocking their potential, nurturing their wellbeing, and reforming the whole system of exam tyranny; no talk of protecting them are critical to any leader’s success. easing the burden on teachers and young people, of This aspect of leadership has been brought into sharp making more room in maintained sector schools for a focus in the unprecedented period we have all endured. wider curriculum, like that oered at the Grove. A A clear and drastic change happened in all our lives curriculum that includes more sport and arts for all, and and for many people, including myself, this change was that allows children from all backgrounds the time and immensely dicult, and continues to be so. space they need to find their voices, to grow in self-worth and confidence. During the course of an incredibly challenging year, our students, and particularly our Year 13 Leavers, faced Notwithstanding the exams fiasco, we are, of course, adversity like no other peace time school generation. rightly proud of our A-level and GCSE results and the However, we should be in no doubt; they will be achievements of our young people. As ever, in any stronger for the experiences, challenges, hardship and exam season there are winners and losers, but usually disappointments they have all had to endure. on the back of the students’ own eorts, not by the whim of a system which was designed to safeguard the Those of us who work in schools like familiarity and big picture and in the end has safeguarded no one. enjoy the ability to see and prepare for the trials and tribulations that education has to oer. The Summer On a national and global scale, leadership across a Term, in amongst all the revision, public exams and whole plethora of contexts, and particularly in the preparations for End of Year assessments, should have political arena, seems to have been found wanting, just been a time to celebrate the passing of another hugely Headmaster’s Report their old school. Whilst life returned to the school, it was, initially at least, a little muted, and there is no doubt there was a tentativeness to the return of our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts. As we look back on a school year like no other, we reflect on the many extraordinary ways in which we Despite numerous challenges, the remote learning was have all had to adapt and adjust. I would like to begin eective for the vast majority of students across the by paying tribute to all our young people for their wide age and ability range. Yes, we could definitely fortitude and resilience during the Summer Term. I have done some things better, like all schools; but the know it was not easy. The stresses and strains of this evidence is clear that when the students sought help, time were many and complicated, for our young teachers were quick and responsive to meeting their people, for parents and for teachers and their families. needs, and our young people were very appreciative of The impact of COVID-19 on our community has taken that. So, overall, I think the academic position of all the various forms; first and foremost, we must remember Grove’s pupils who committed sensibly to their online those families who have been directly aected by the learning was secure. virus and the anxiety and pain that has accompanied this. The main news of the summer holidays was, of course, the public examination results. There are many words I From my perspective, it is nothing short of a national could use to describe this summer’s exam results scandal that we were not permitted to allow more season; however, “shambolic” perhaps best sums up children back into school during the course of the the handling of the awarding of exam grades. Since the Summer Term. The Government and the Department end of March, the two major teacher associations to for Education should have been planning for schools to which I am aliated – the Association of School and reopen from the very moment they were telling us to College Leaders (ASCL) and the Headmasters' and close and should have been working more closely with Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) – had been alerting teachers and professional bodies to develop trust, open the exams regulator, Ofqual, to potential problems with communication, and a shared goal. A lack of direction the now infamous algorithm. Sadly, neither Ofqual nor from Government led to a lack of clarity, leaving the Department for Education listened or took any of parents and teachers anxious, fearful and mistrustful. these concerns seriously.
Back in June, seeing some of our young people in In the absence of examinations, we did our very best to person for the first time in many weeks brought home be responsible and evidence-led with our Centre how unsettling lockdown was – students having to Assessed Grades (CAGs) and rank orders. At the same recreate the world that was once second-nature to time, there were legitimate concerns about the them, almost as if they were all new boys and girls in potential for grade inflation and the absence of
Page 4 I am Grovian
successful year and recognising all our collective and We all know that, yet we go on doing it. We need time individual achievements as one community. Alas, this and space in a school day, if we are to expand the was not able to happen; however, it is hoped that this horizons of our children, to deepen and widen their edition of The Grovian, like those before it, showcases understanding of themselves, of each other and the all that is special about this wonderful school world about them, of their rights and responsibilities. community. They do not need algorithms that are not fit for purpose. Indeed, we have to question altogether the The consequences of COVID-19 have been, and usefulness and the whole purpose of so much of the continue to be, significant and far-reaching and we live data gathering that goes on from Early Years right in a world of continued uncertainty. In many ways this through school life; data which is used to chart, then to pandemic has found education out; it has shown us predict and determine a child’s future. Are we how ridiculous, absurd and sad is the rigidity of a educating our children or programming them? system of education so dictated and dominated by examinations. As the last great national and world Education should be a liberating force. Learning is like upheaval – the Second World War – came to an end, fire: it warms, but it also burns. Whilst your children are there was a determination to right wrongs; to create under our care, we are the guardians of that flame. out of the peace a better society. There was an And, as parents and students, you can rest assured Education Act that opened schools free to everyone; that, whatever happens at GCSE and A-level, these the National Health Service was established, medical qualifications can only be a part of the much broader treatment at last free to all at the point of need; and, educational experience provided at Woodhouse Grove; shortly after this, the nations of the world came one that truly prepares our young people to thrive in an together to create the United Nations. None of these ever more changing and competitive world. institutions were perfect, but we should certainly ask ourselves where we would be without them. In closing, I should like to record my thanks and gratitude to the team responsible for putting together With the pandemic beginning now to be controlled, we another excellent edition of The Grovian. hope, this is surely the time to turn the page and to think again about education, to think child first and focus on the joy of teaching, discovering and learning, taking away the fear. Yes, we have to test, and we need exams; of course, we do. But testing is not educating. standardisation in the calculation and award of the when we all needed it the most. Leadership is often grades, which meant that a mix of CAGs, rank orders said to be about vision, strategy, courage, decisiveness, and statistical moderation was necessary. flexibility in mind, and determination. However, this set of qualities is predominantly outward facing and not There was lots of talk of standards falling as a result of particularly people centred. exams being “devalued” but little talk of the state of mind of our young people having lived through such Human beings are at the core of any organisation and testing times. No talk, at the time of writing, of unlocking their potential, nurturing their wellbeing, and reforming the whole system of exam tyranny; no talk of protecting them are critical to any leader’s success. easing the burden on teachers and young people, of This aspect of leadership has been brought into sharp making more room in maintained sector schools for a focus in the unprecedented period we have all endured. wider curriculum, like that oered at the Grove. A A clear and drastic change happened in all our lives curriculum that includes more sport and arts for all, and and for many people, including myself, this change was that allows children from all backgrounds the time and immensely dicult, and continues to be so. space they need to find their voices, to grow in self-worth and confidence. During the course of an incredibly challenging year, our students, and particularly our Year 13 Leavers, faced Notwithstanding the exams fiasco, we are, of course, adversity like no other peace time school generation. rightly proud of our A-level and GCSE results and the However, we should be in no doubt; they will be achievements of our young people. As ever, in any stronger for the experiences, challenges, hardship and exam season there are winners and losers, but usually disappointments they have all had to endure. on the back of the students’ own eorts, not by the whim of a system which was designed to safeguard the Those of us who work in schools like familiarity and big picture and in the end has safeguarded no one. enjoy the ability to see and prepare for the trials and tribulations that education has to oer. The Summer On a national and global scale, leadership across a Term, in amongst all the revision, public exams and whole plethora of contexts, and particularly in the preparations for End of Year assessments, should have political arena, seems to have been found wanting, just been a time to celebrate the passing of another hugely their old school. Whilst life returned to the school, it was, initially at least, a little muted, and there is no doubt there was a tentativeness to the return of our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts. As we look back on a school year like no other, we reflect on the many extraordinary ways in which we Despite numerous challenges, the remote learning was have all had to adapt and adjust. I would like to begin eective for the vast majority of students across the by paying tribute to all our young people for their wide age and ability range. Yes, we could definitely fortitude and resilience during the Summer Term. I have done some things better, like all schools; but the know it was not easy. The stresses and strains of this evidence is clear that when the students sought help, time were many and complicated, for our young teachers were quick and responsive to meeting their people, for parents and for teachers and their families. needs, and our young people were very appreciative of The impact of COVID-19 on our community has taken that. So, overall, I think the academic position of all the various forms; first and foremost, we must remember Grove’s pupils who committed sensibly to their online The Woodhouse Grove School Foundation those families who have been directly aected by the learning was secure. The Woodhouse Grove School Foundation is a charitable trust formed for the purpose of organising and coordinating fundraising and development work with a virus and the anxiety and pain that has accompanied 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. this. The main news of the summer holidays was, of course, MAKE A DONATION the public examination results. There are many words I 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 From my perspective, it is nothing short of a national could use to describe this summer’s exam results 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 scandal that we were not permitted to allow more season; however, “shambolic” perhaps best sums up 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 children back into school during the course of the the handling of the awarding of exam grades. Since the make a lasting and meaningful difference: Summer Term. 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Sadly, neither Ofqual nor Sort code: 40 02 06 GIFT AID Email: [email protected] from Government led to a lack of clarity, leaving the Department for Education listened or took any of 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 parents and teachers anxious, fearful and mistrustful. these concerns seriously. 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 Back in June, seeing some of our young people in In the absence of examinations, we did our very best to 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 person for the first time in many weeks brought home be responsible and evidence-led with our Centre extra cost to you. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you too can benefit how unsettling lockdown was – students having to Assessed Grades (CAGs) and rank orders. At the same from tax relief and companies that make a charitable donation can reduce their liability for Corporation Tax using the Gift Aid scheme. recreate the world that was once second-nature to time, there were legitimate concerns about the them, almost as if they were all new boys and girls in potential for grade inflation and the absence of
I am Grovian Page 5
successful year and recognising all our collective and We all know that, yet we go on doing it. We need time individual achievements as one community. Alas, this and space in a school day, if we are to expand the was not able to happen; however, it is hoped that this horizons of our children, to deepen and widen their edition of The Grovian, like those before it, showcases understanding of themselves, of each other and the all that is special about this wonderful school world about them, of their rights and responsibilities. community. They do not need algorithms that are not fit for purpose. Indeed, we have to question altogether the The consequences of COVID-19 have been, and usefulness and the whole purpose of so much of the continue to be, significant and far-reaching and we live data gathering that goes on from Early Years right in a world of continued uncertainty. In many ways this through school life; data which is used to chart, then to pandemic has found education out; it has shown us predict and determine a child’s future. Are we how ridiculous, absurd and sad is the rigidity of a educating our children or programming them? system of education so dictated and dominated by examinations. As the last great national and world Education should be a liberating force. Learning is like upheaval – the Second World War – came to an end, fire: it warms, but it also burns. Whilst your children are there was a determination to right wrongs; to create under our care, we are the guardians of that flame. out of the peace a better society. There was an And, as parents and students, you can rest assured Education Act that opened schools free to everyone; that, whatever happens at GCSE and A-level, these the National Health Service was established, medical qualifications can only be a part of the much broader treatment at last free to all at the point of need; and, educational experience provided at Woodhouse Grove; shortly after this, the nations of the world came one that truly prepares our young people to thrive in an together to create the United Nations. None of these ever more changing and competitive world. institutions were perfect, but we should certainly ask ourselves where we would be without them. In closing, I should like to record my thanks and gratitude to the team responsible for putting together With the pandemic beginning now to be controlled, we another excellent edition of The Grovian. hope, this is surely the time to turn the page and to think again about education, to think child first and focus on the joy of teaching, discovering and learning, taking away the fear. Yes, we have to test, and we need exams; of course, we do. But testing is not educating. standardisation in the calculation and award of the when we all needed it the most. Leadership is often grades, which meant that a mix of CAGs, rank orders said to be about vision, strategy, courage, decisiveness, and statistical moderation was necessary. flexibility in mind, and determination. However, this set of qualities is predominantly outward facing and not There was lots of talk of standards falling as a result of particularly people centred. exams being “devalued” but little talk of the state of mind of our young people having lived through such Human beings are at the core of any organisation and testing times. No talk, at the time of writing, of unlocking their potential, nurturing their wellbeing, and reforming the whole system of exam tyranny; no talk of protecting them are critical to any leader’s success. easing the burden on teachers and young people, of This aspect of leadership has been brought into sharp making more room in maintained sector schools for a focus in the unprecedented period we have all endured. wider curriculum, like that oered at the Grove. A A clear and drastic change happened in all our lives curriculum that includes more sport and arts for all, and and for many people, including myself, this change was that allows children from all backgrounds the time and immensely dicult, and continues to be so. space they need to find their voices, to grow in self-worth and confidence. During the course of an incredibly challenging year, our students, and particularly our Year 13 Leavers, faced Notwithstanding the exams fiasco, we are, of course, adversity like no other peace time school generation. rightly proud of our A-level and GCSE results and the However, we should be in no doubt; they will be achievements of our young people. As ever, in any stronger for the experiences, challenges, hardship and exam season there are winners and losers, but usually disappointments they have all had to endure. on the back of the students’ own eorts, not by the whim of a system which was designed to safeguard the Those of us who work in schools like familiarity and big picture and in the end has safeguarded no one. enjoy the ability to see and prepare for the trials and tribulations that education has to oer. The Summer On a national and global scale, leadership across a Term, in amongst all the revision, public exams and whole plethora of contexts, and particularly in the preparations for End of Year assessments, should have political arena, seems to have been found wanting, just been a time to celebrate the passing of another hugely their old school. Whilst life returned to the school, it was, initially at least, a little muted, and there is no doubt there was a tentativeness to the return of our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts. As we look back on a school year like no other, we reflect on the many extraordinary ways in which we Despite numerous challenges, the remote learning was have all had to adapt and adjust. I would like to begin eective for the vast majority of students across the by paying tribute to all our young people for their wide age and ability range. Yes, we could definitely fortitude and resilience during the Summer Term. I have done some things better, like all schools; but the know it was not easy. The stresses and strains of this evidence is clear that when the students sought help, time were many and complicated, for our young teachers were quick and responsive to meeting their people, for parents and for teachers and their families. needs, and our young people were very appreciative of The impact of COVID-19 on our community has taken that. So, overall, I think the academic position of all the various forms; first and foremost, we must remember Grove’s pupils who committed sensibly to their online those families who have been directly aected by the learning was secure. virus and the anxiety and pain that has accompanied this. The main news of the summer holidays was, of course, the public examination results. There are many words I From my perspective, it is nothing short of a national could use to describe this summer’s exam results scandal that we were not permitted to allow more season; however, “shambolic” perhaps best sums up children back into school during the course of the the handling of the awarding of exam grades. Since the Summer Term. The Government and the Department end of March, the two major teacher associations to for Education should have been planning for schools to which I am aliated – the Association of School and reopen from the very moment they were telling us to College Leaders (ASCL) and the Headmasters' and close and should have been working more closely with Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) – had been alerting teachers and professional bodies to develop trust, open the exams regulator, Ofqual, to potential problems with communication, and a shared goal. A lack of direction the now infamous algorithm. Sadly, neither Ofqual nor from Government led to a lack of clarity, leaving the Department for Education listened or took any of parents and teachers anxious, fearful and mistrustful. these concerns seriously.
Back in June, seeing some of our young people in In the absence of examinations, we did our very best to person for the first time in many weeks brought home be responsible and evidence-led with our Centre how unsettling lockdown was – students having to Assessed Grades (CAGs) and rank orders. At the same recreate the world that was once second-nature to time, there were legitimate concerns about the them, almost as if they were all new boys and girls in potential for grade inflation and the absence of
successful year and recognising all our collective and We all know that, yet we go on doing it. We need time Esther: special in so many ways. We got to appreciate individual achievements as one community. Alas, this and space in a school day, if we are to expand the After Year 7, the years just rolled by, some quicker than friendships we had built over the years; we got to was not able to happen; however, it is hoped that this horizons of our children, to deepen and widen their others. Between Years 7 and 11 as a year group we have fun as an entire year group; and we said edition of The Grovian, like those before it, showcases understanding of themselves, of each other and the played in endless sports fixtures, over a ridiculous goodbye to our least favourite subjects. But even all that is special about this wonderful school world about them, of their rights and responsibilities. range of sports and participated in at least three music then it didn’t feel like anyone was leaving. community. They do not need algorithms that are not fit for concerts a year. Not forgetting bringing out our inner purpose. Indeed, we have to question altogether the thespian abilities, particularly in the Year 7 show, where Esther: The consequences of COVID-19 have been, and usefulness and the whole purpose of so much of the there were some very questionable costumes including After every set of exams you do, you always think it continue to be, significant and far-reaching and we live data gathering that goes on from Early Years right Allaid Howe being covered head to toe in blue paint. can’t get harder than the ones you have just done. in a world of continued uncertainty. In many ways this through school life; data which is used to chart, then to Now looking back, I was so very badly wrong. pandemic has found education out; it has shown us predict and determine a child’s future. Are we Eddie: A-levels are a killer. From the first day in Year 12, I was how ridiculous, absurd and sad is the rigidity of a educating our children or programming them? I will always remember our locker room in Year 8. It tired and I’m still tired to this day. Saying this, being in system of education so dictated and dominated by gave me essences of a war bunker, which seems Sixth Form was my favourite two years at the Grove. examinations. As the last great national and world Education should be a liberating force. Learning is like rather fitting as I saw it as a perfect safe-space to It’s a good feeling being at the top of the school. Now upheaval – the Second World War – came to an end, fire: it warms, but it also burns. Whilst your children are retreat to after an intense bomb-shell-filled maths you’re the ones the Year 7s fear… or you hope they there was a determination to right wrongs; to create under our care, we are the guardians of that flame. lesson with Mr Wright. Year 9 too. That was quality. do. There’s a real sense of community in the Sixth out of the peace a better society. There was an And, as parents and students, you can rest assured The start of the road for our GCSEs. The only proper Form Centre and as soon as you start in Year 12 you Education Act that opened schools free to everyone; that, whatever happens at GCSE and A-level, these exams we ever actually took. become more like a family. the National Health Service was established, medical qualifications can only be a part of the much broader treatment at last free to all at the point of need; and, educational experience provided at Woodhouse Grove; Esther: Eddie: shortly after this, the nations of the world came one that truly prepares our young people to thrive in an The only thing I properly remember from Year 9 was Sixth Form was a real gear shift in so many ways but, together to create the United Nations. None of these ever more changing and competitive world. the Year 9 show. This was where the truly talented for me, what really made it was the relationships with institutions were perfect, but we should certainly ask dancers got to show o their skills. Also, the teachers. You get to learn about them as people. For ourselves where we would be without them. In closing, I should like to record my thanks and netballers did a dance. In Year 10 not much comes to instance, I used to think Mr Lockwood and Mr Alison gratitude to the team responsible for putting together mind except the last year of freedom. were secretly the same person. I’ve been told to tell With the pandemic beginning now to be controlled, we another excellent edition of The Grovian. you they aren’t. A sort of melancholy washes over me hope, this is surely the time to turn the page and to Eddie: when I realise that I never had: my last lesson with think again about education, to think child first and It certainly was. I think that was my favourite year to Miss Nott; my last face palm at one of Mr Davis’ jokes; focus on the joy of teaching, discovering and learning, be honest. Least stressful anyway. Then we move on my last comic heckle to Mrs Kerr; and most taking away the fear. Yes, we have to test, and we need to Year 11 which saw our time as a large cohort importantly my only chance to duet ‘Don’t Go exams; of course, we do. But testing is not educating. Mr James Lockwood - Headmaster Eddie: Fletcher-Stega, Dan Gallagher, Mathew Barker and coming to the end. For me, our last day of Year 11 was Breaking My Heart’ with Mr Hole at the Leavers’ One of mine, from upper sixth, is definitely the Ben O’Shea. I have never heard a group of barnyard Valentines Ball. Seeing Rory Gallagher and Michael animals get strangled before but if I had to guess…it Cavaliere battling it out on the dance floor was a would sound like that. And by the way, regarding the personal favourite. But, I think it’s important to look outfit, I’d definitely still wear that out in Leeds if I got back at the very start. to keep it! Head Prefects’ Report Eddie: Esther: Esther: Memories are barely ever summed up by their ending. Brontë House, now that was a long time ago - or it Year 7 was probably one of the best years: making Eddie For instance, the end of Godfather Part 1 does not feels it. We can’t forget it purely because out of the new friends and learning new skills. On your first day The time was 17:30… I had rolled out of the gym on a sum up anything about the Godfather franchise 42 people that made the transition from Brontë to there was nothing like putting on your way too big, Spring Wednesday night and I had just got into the except the fact they needed to make a sequel. No one Woodhouse, there were still 26 of us going strong by immaculately ironed uniform for the most awkward car. I turned on Radio 2 and heard the news that sums up Romeo and Juliet by saying, ‘They both died the end of year 13! Surely that’s got to be a new first day pictures, wearing the same skirt that I wore school was ocially over. No more A-Levels. No more at the end. It could’ve lasted longer. No point really record. The best parts of Brontë were the days where all the way to year 11 (sorry Mrs Hughes). I swear meeting up with friends. No more double Physics getting into the rest’. People seldom associate the we dressed up for National Book Day, but I don’t when we joined Year 7 the sixth formers were fully lessons. No more memories. No more 7am starts. No abrupt ending of a story with the only talking point of think Eddie will thank me for bringing up the Year 6 grown 30 year olds who had just paid o their more time at the school I’ve spent the best part of 16 said story - unless those people want it to end. We production. All I will say is that he had an, erm, mortgage and were the scariest people on the planet. years at. No more 7AM starts. I’ve said that once must look behind the pandemic to have a true interesting costume. Now that we have left, I would The best part was having six dierent subjects in one already haven’t I? As you can tell, my mind was reflection of our time at the Grove. As good as calling say that being chosen to take the register to day instead of having quadruple maths then double battling whether to be deeply saddened or relieved your mates up and doing Zoom pub quizzes was reception was nothing short of an honour. The trick physics. As you can tell, this was my most thrilling by this surreal statement from the BBC. (subsequently witnessing the genius minds of Jack was to make sure it took you at least 10 minutes even day in sixth form. I couldn’t wait for it to come around Popely and Max Nesbit going head to head), that though it was only 10 metres away. again and again and again. Esther: can’t be anyone’s favourite memory of their time at Clearly our time at the Grove didn’t quite end the way school. Eddie: Eddie: we all expected. Finishing on March 19th was just a Yes. The natural progression of responsibility. Being And again? I remember my first day too. Looking couple of months too early, missing out on pretty Esther: trusted with the information of addition, subtraction around the Hastings-Long Gallery. Seeing people much everything you look forward to in Year 13 (not So much has happened in the seven years we have and shapes in nursery; being given your first shift on whose personalities would eventually end up including the exams!). I don’t think I have ever cried spent at the Grove so choosing just one memorable milk duty in year 2; climbing to the top of the reading ingrained in my brain, best friends I didn’t know yet, more in one day, but I’m still deciding whether it was moment is impossible. The most special moment for leaderboard, and finally reaching the pinnacle of and good times I hadn’t seen yet. Year 7 was amazing out of joy or actually being sad. Fortunately, this is me, and one that I will remember for the rest of my primary school: making it into Mr Phenny’s choir, of though. You’d be sat in a chemistry lesson thinking not a sob story because frankly, we have had the best life, was winning the netball National Plate in 2019. which half the members were people trying to snag a ‘Oh wow. How did that happen?!’ Fast forward six time at school and for me and Eddie it has been a The sports hall was packed with people watching, it place on the London trip in Year 6. And for our years and it changes to… ‘Do we really need to know very long but amazing 16 years. was completely surreal. year…who knows how he coped, with the likes of Jake why this happens?’
Page 6 I am Grovian
Weekend. Also, important to mention to him, finally gave in - in the end I was very grateful because congratulations on winning the Grovian’s Greatest it was only a couple weeks before we finished. Teacher for the 50th year in a row! I miss the trips too: Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Uganda. All Woodhouse has been our home for the past 7 years with an immense impact on my time at the Grove and and for some much longer than that. There has been arguably more importantly the life-long friendships blood, sweat and tears but most of all many laughs, I with my mates. don’t think a day went by when I didn’t laugh. It was a bittersweet end to Year 13 but we will celebrate Esther: properly soon. Trips for me, and all the other 23 girls, involves the fact we were supposed to be going to Barbados and Both: Grenada in March 2020. This is a very, very fragile Closing o, we’d just like to say the best of luck to topic and truthfully I don’t think I will ever get over it everyone who has left. It has been an amazing 16 (trying not to be too dramatic). Saying this, I have years which we will cherish for a long time. You’ve all had the pleasure to go on many other trips including been quality company. And to all the other years who two swimming tours to Majorca, which were the most have to sit A-level exams… unlucky. A final note to all gruelling and painful weeks of my life, and two trips younger pupils: never take anything for granted to Condover Hall for netball residentials. because you never know when the next global pandemic is going to come around and completely Sport has definitely been an enormous part of my ruin all your plans. time at the Grove. It has given me time to get away from all the stress of work and spend time with my Esther Bean and Eddie King netball family. To Tommo, Jenno and the team who have been the same team since Year 7, reaching three national finals, winning a national plate and being netball team of the year every single year, thank you. The summer terms also brought sport for me but maybe on a less serious note with tennis being the highlight of the week. I hate to think of the amount of tennis balls we have lost. The rugby boys didn’t quite finish their final season, missing out on Rosslyn Park but they still got to the last 16 in the national competition. Highlighting that, this year they finally avenged their defeats to St. Peters to win their first match as a year group against them 27-26. The cricket first team had a very successful final season not losing any matches. Maybe this is because they didn’t actually have any matches, but be grateful that you got your tour to the Caribbean!
Eddie: One of the things I have missed the most about the past six months was sport. I’m not sure if it was the increased fixture list for basketball this year ending early or Mr Softley’s shouting from the sidelines at my fitness levels (comparable to a jacket potato) being cut o too soon, but I have missed out on the competitive drive. For me personally, the thing I will miss the most about school is the music department. Since the very start of my time at the Grove, I (as all Grovians are) was privileged enough to have the opportunity to slide into a top-class music development system. The opportunity to play live every term is certainly something I will miss the most and I have many memorable moments from playing the drums in the Year 7 variety show to playing the fool in Battle of the Bands.
Esther: Music was also a big part of my time at the Grove. One of my proudest moments was definitely the skill of getting out of having to do a solo at the Chamber Concerts every year. This lasted until Year 13 when I standardisation in the calculation and award of the when we all needed it the most. Leadership is often grades, which meant that a mix of CAGs, rank orders said to be about vision, strategy, courage, decisiveness, and statistical moderation was necessary. flexibility in mind, and determination. However, this set of qualities is predominantly outward facing and not There was lots of talk of standards falling as a result of particularly people centred. exams being “devalued” but little talk of the state of mind of our young people having lived through such Human beings are at the core of any organisation and testing times. No talk, at the time of writing, of unlocking their potential, nurturing their wellbeing, and reforming the whole system of exam tyranny; no talk of protecting them are critical to any leader’s success. easing the burden on teachers and young people, of This aspect of leadership has been brought into sharp making more room in maintained sector schools for a focus in the unprecedented period we have all endured. wider curriculum, like that oered at the Grove. A A clear and drastic change happened in all our lives curriculum that includes more sport and arts for all, and and for many people, including myself, this change was that allows children from all backgrounds the time and immensely dicult, and continues to be so. space they need to find their voices, to grow in self-worth and confidence. During the course of an incredibly challenging year, our students, and particularly our Year 13 Leavers, faced Notwithstanding the exams fiasco, we are, of course, adversity like no other peace time school generation. rightly proud of our A-level and GCSE results and the However, we should be in no doubt; they will be achievements of our young people. As ever, in any stronger for the experiences, challenges, hardship and exam season there are winners and losers, but usually disappointments they have all had to endure. on the back of the students’ own eorts, not by the whim of a system which was designed to safeguard the Those of us who work in schools like familiarity and big picture and in the end has safeguarded no one. enjoy the ability to see and prepare for the trials and tribulations that education has to oer. The Summer On a national and global scale, leadership across a Term, in amongst all the revision, public exams and whole plethora of contexts, and particularly in the preparations for End of Year assessments, should have political arena, seems to have been found wanting, just been a time to celebrate the passing of another hugely their old school. Whilst life returned to the school, it was, initially at least, a little muted, and there is no doubt there was a tentativeness to the return of our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts. As we look back on a school year like no other, we reflect on the many extraordinary ways in which we Despite numerous challenges, the remote learning was have all had to adapt and adjust. I would like to begin eective for the vast majority of students across the by paying tribute to all our young people for their wide age and ability range. Yes, we could definitely fortitude and resilience during the Summer Term. I have done some things better, like all schools; but the know it was not easy. The stresses and strains of this evidence is clear that when the students sought help, time were many and complicated, for our young teachers were quick and responsive to meeting their people, for parents and for teachers and their families. needs, and our young people were very appreciative of The impact of COVID-19 on our community has taken that. So, overall, I think the academic position of all the various forms; first and foremost, we must remember Grove’s pupils who committed sensibly to their online those families who have been directly aected by the learning was secure. virus and the anxiety and pain that has accompanied this. The main news of the summer holidays was, of course, the public examination results. There are many words I From my perspective, it is nothing short of a national could use to describe this summer’s exam results scandal that we were not permitted to allow more season; however, “shambolic” perhaps best sums up children back into school during the course of the the handling of the awarding of exam grades. Since the Summer Term. The Government and the Department end of March, the two major teacher associations to for Education should have been planning for schools to which I am aliated – the Association of School and reopen from the very moment they were telling us to College Leaders (ASCL) and the Headmasters' and close and should have been working more closely with Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) – had been alerting teachers and professional bodies to develop trust, open the exams regulator, Ofqual, to potential problems with communication, and a shared goal. A lack of direction the now infamous algorithm. Sadly, neither Ofqual nor from Government led to a lack of clarity, leaving the Department for Education listened or took any of parents and teachers anxious, fearful and mistrustful. these concerns seriously.
Back in June, seeing some of our young people in In the absence of examinations, we did our very best to person for the first time in many weeks brought home be responsible and evidence-led with our Centre how unsettling lockdown was – students having to Assessed Grades (CAGs) and rank orders. At the same recreate the world that was once second-nature to time, there were legitimate concerns about the them, almost as if they were all new boys and girls in potential for grade inflation and the absence of
successful year and recognising all our collective and We all know that, yet we go on doing it. We need time Esther: special in so many ways. We got to appreciate individual achievements as one community. Alas, this and space in a school day, if we are to expand the After Year 7, the years just rolled by, some quicker than friendships we had built over the years; we got to was not able to happen; however, it is hoped that this horizons of our children, to deepen and widen their others. Between Years 7 and 11 as a year group we have fun as an entire year group; and we said edition of The Grovian, like those before it, showcases understanding of themselves, of each other and the played in endless sports fixtures, over a ridiculous goodbye to our least favourite subjects. But even all that is special about this wonderful school world about them, of their rights and responsibilities. range of sports and participated in at least three music then it didn’t feel like anyone was leaving. community. They do not need algorithms that are not fit for concerts a year. Not forgetting bringing out our inner purpose. Indeed, we have to question altogether the thespian abilities, particularly in the Year 7 show, where Esther: The consequences of COVID-19 have been, and usefulness and the whole purpose of so much of the there were some very questionable costumes including After every set of exams you do, you always think it continue to be, significant and far-reaching and we live data gathering that goes on from Early Years right Allaid Howe being covered head to toe in blue paint. can’t get harder than the ones you have just done. in a world of continued uncertainty. In many ways this through school life; data which is used to chart, then to Now looking back, I was so very badly wrong. pandemic has found education out; it has shown us predict and determine a child’s future. Are we Eddie: A-levels are a killer. From the first day in Year 12, I was how ridiculous, absurd and sad is the rigidity of a educating our children or programming them? I will always remember our locker room in Year 8. It tired and I’m still tired to this day. Saying this, being in system of education so dictated and dominated by gave me essences of a war bunker, which seems Sixth Form was my favourite two years at the Grove. examinations. As the last great national and world Education should be a liberating force. Learning is like rather fitting as I saw it as a perfect safe-space to It’s a good feeling being at the top of the school. Now upheaval – the Second World War – came to an end, fire: it warms, but it also burns. Whilst your children are retreat to after an intense bomb-shell-filled maths you’re the ones the Year 7s fear… or you hope they there was a determination to right wrongs; to create under our care, we are the guardians of that flame. lesson with Mr Wright. Year 9 too. That was quality. do. There’s a real sense of community in the Sixth out of the peace a better society. There was an And, as parents and students, you can rest assured The start of the road for our GCSEs. The only proper Form Centre and as soon as you start in Year 12 you Education Act that opened schools free to everyone; that, whatever happens at GCSE and A-level, these exams we ever actually took. become more like a family. the National Health Service was established, medical qualifications can only be a part of the much broader treatment at last free to all at the point of need; and, educational experience provided at Woodhouse Grove; Esther: Eddie: shortly after this, the nations of the world came one that truly prepares our young people to thrive in an The only thing I properly remember from Year 9 was Sixth Form was a real gear shift in so many ways but, together to create the United Nations. None of these ever more changing and competitive world. the Year 9 show. This was where the truly talented for me, what really made it was the relationships with institutions were perfect, but we should certainly ask dancers got to show o their skills. Also, the teachers. You get to learn about them as people. For ourselves where we would be without them. In closing, I should like to record my thanks and netballers did a dance. In Year 10 not much comes to instance, I used to think Mr Lockwood and Mr Alison gratitude to the team responsible for putting together Eddie King mind except the last year of freedom. were secretly the same person. I’ve been told to tell With the pandemic beginning now to be controlled, we another excellent edition of The Grovian. you they aren’t. A sort of melancholy washes over me hope, this is surely the time to turn the page and to Eddie: when I realise that I never had: my last lesson with think again about education, to think child first and It certainly was. I think that was my favourite year to Miss Nott; my last face palm at one of Mr Davis’ jokes; focus on the joy of teaching, discovering and learning, be honest. Least stressful anyway. Then we move on my last comic heckle to Mrs Kerr; and most taking away the fear. Yes, we have to test, and we need to Year 11 which saw our time as a large cohort importantly my only chance to duet ‘Don’t Go exams; of course, we do. But testing is not educating. Eddie: Fletcher-Stega, Dan Gallagher, Mathew Barker and coming to the end. For me, our last day of Year 11 was Breaking My Heart’ with Mr Hole at the Leavers’ One of mine, from upper sixth, is definitely the Ben O’Shea. I have never heard a group of barnyard Valentines Ball. Seeing Rory Gallagher and Michael animals get strangled before but if I had to guess…it Cavaliere battling it out on the dance floor was a would sound like that. And by the way, regarding the personal favourite. But, I think it’s important to look outfit, I’d definitely still wear that out in Leeds if I got back at the very start. to keep it!
Eddie: Esther: Esther: Memories are barely ever summed up by their ending. Brontë House, now that was a long time ago - or it Year 7 was probably one of the best years: making Eddie For instance, the end of Godfather Part 1 does not feels it. We can’t forget it purely because out of the new friends and learning new skills. On your first day The time was 17:30… I had rolled out of the gym on a sum up anything about the Godfather franchise 42 people that made the transition from Brontë to there was nothing like putting on your way too big, Spring Wednesday night and I had just got into the except the fact they needed to make a sequel. No one Woodhouse, there were still 26 of us going strong by immaculately ironed uniform for the most awkward car. I turned on Radio 2 and heard the news that sums up Romeo and Juliet by saying, ‘They both died the end of year 13! Surely that’s got to be a new first day pictures, wearing the same skirt that I wore school was ocially over. No more A-Levels. No more at the end. It could’ve lasted longer. No point really record. The best parts of Brontë were the days where all the way to year 11 (sorry Mrs Hughes). I swear meeting up with friends. No more double Physics getting into the rest’. People seldom associate the we dressed up for National Book Day, but I don’t when we joined Year 7 the sixth formers were fully lessons. No more memories. No more 7am starts. No abrupt ending of a story with the only talking point of think Eddie will thank me for bringing up the Year 6 grown 30 year olds who had just paid o their more time at the school I’ve spent the best part of 16 said story - unless those people want it to end. We production. All I will say is that he had an, erm, mortgage and were the scariest people on the planet. years at. No more 7AM starts. I’ve said that once must look behind the pandemic to have a true interesting costume. Now that we have left, I would The best part was having six dierent subjects in one already haven’t I? As you can tell, my mind was reflection of our time at the Grove. As good as calling say that being chosen to take the register to day instead of having quadruple maths then double battling whether to be deeply saddened or relieved your mates up and doing Zoom pub quizzes was reception was nothing short of an honour. The trick physics. As you can tell, this was my most thrilling by this surreal statement from the BBC. (subsequently witnessing the genius minds of Jack was to make sure it took you at least 10 minutes even day in sixth form. I couldn’t wait for it to come around Popely and Max Nesbit going head to head), that though it was only 10 metres away. again and again and again. Esther: can’t be anyone’s favourite memory of their time at Clearly our time at the Grove didn’t quite end the way school. Eddie: Eddie: we all expected. Finishing on March 19th was just a Yes. The natural progression of responsibility. Being And again? I remember my first day too. Looking couple of months too early, missing out on pretty Esther: trusted with the information of addition, subtraction around the Hastings-Long Gallery. Seeing people much everything you look forward to in Year 13 (not So much has happened in the seven years we have and shapes in nursery; being given your first shift on whose personalities would eventually end up including the exams!). I don’t think I have ever cried spent at the Grove so choosing just one memorable milk duty in year 2; climbing to the top of the reading ingrained in my brain, best friends I didn’t know yet, more in one day, but I’m still deciding whether it was moment is impossible. The most special moment for leaderboard, and finally reaching the pinnacle of and good times I hadn’t seen yet. Year 7 was amazing out of joy or actually being sad. Fortunately, this is me, and one that I will remember for the rest of my primary school: making it into Mr Phenny’s choir, of though. You’d be sat in a chemistry lesson thinking not a sob story because frankly, we have had the best life, was winning the netball National Plate in 2019. which half the members were people trying to snag a ‘Oh wow. How did that happen?!’ Fast forward six time at school and for me and Eddie it has been a The sports hall was packed with people watching, it place on the London trip in Year 6. And for our years and it changes to… ‘Do we really need to know very long but amazing 16 years. was completely surreal. year…who knows how he coped, with the likes of Jake why this happens?’
I am Grovian Page 7
Weekend. Also, important to mention to him, finally gave in - in the end I was very grateful because congratulations on winning the Grovian’s Greatest it was only a couple weeks before we finished. Teacher for the 50th year in a row! I miss the trips too: Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Uganda. All Woodhouse has been our home for the past 7 years with an immense impact on my time at the Grove and and for some much longer than that. There has been arguably more importantly the life-long friendships blood, sweat and tears but most of all many laughs, I with my mates. don’t think a day went by when I didn’t laugh. It was a bittersweet end to Year 13 but we will celebrate Esther: properly soon. Trips for me, and all the other 23 girls, involves the fact we were supposed to be going to Barbados and Both: Grenada in March 2020. This is a very, very fragile Closing o, we’d just like to say the best of luck to topic and truthfully I don’t think I will ever get over it everyone who has left. It has been an amazing 16 (trying not to be too dramatic). Saying this, I have years which we will cherish for a long time. You’ve all had the pleasure to go on many other trips including been quality company. And to all the other years who two swimming tours to Majorca, which were the most have to sit A-level exams… unlucky. A final note to all gruelling and painful weeks of my life, and two trips younger pupils: never take anything for granted to Condover Hall for netball residentials. because you never know when the next global pandemic is going to come around and completely Sport has definitely been an enormous part of my ruin all your plans. time at the Grove. It has given me time to get away from all the stress of work and spend time with my Esther Bean and Eddie King netball family. To Tommo, Jenno and the team who have been the same team since Year 7, reaching three national finals, winning a national plate and being netball team of the year every single year, thank you. The summer terms also brought sport for me but maybe on a less serious note with tennis being the highlight of the week. I hate to think of the amount of tennis balls we have lost. The rugby boys didn’t quite finish their final season, missing out on Rosslyn Park but they still got to the last 16 in the national competition. Highlighting that, this year they finally avenged their defeats to St. Peters to win their first match as a year group against them 27-26. The cricket first team had a very successful final season not losing any matches. Maybe this is because they didn’t actually have any matches, but be grateful that you got your tour to the Caribbean!
Eddie: One of the things I have missed the most about the past six months was sport. I’m not sure if it was the increased fixture list for basketball this year ending early or Mr Softley’s shouting from the sidelines at my fitness levels (comparable to a jacket potato) being cut o too soon, but I have missed out on the competitive drive. For me personally, the thing I will miss the most about school is the music department. Since the very start of my time at the Grove, I (as all Grovians are) was privileged enough to have the opportunity to slide into a top-class music development system. The opportunity to play live every term is certainly something I will miss the most and I have many memorable moments from playing the drums in the Year 7 variety show to playing the fool in Battle of the Bands.
Esther: Music was also a big part of my time at the Grove. One of my proudest moments was definitely the skill of getting out of having to do a solo at the Chamber Concerts every year. This lasted until Year 13 when I Esther: special in so many ways. We got to appreciate After Year 7, the years just rolled by, some quicker than friendships we had built over the years; we got to others. Between Years 7 and 11 as a year group we have fun as an entire year group; and we said played in endless sports fixtures, over a ridiculous goodbye to our least favourite subjects. But even range of sports and participated in at least three music then it didn’t feel like anyone was leaving. concerts a year. Not forgetting bringing out our inner thespian abilities, particularly in the Year 7 show, where Esther: there were some very questionable costumes including After every set of exams you do, you always think it Allaid Howe being covered head to toe in blue paint. can’t get harder than the ones you have just done. Now looking back, I was so very badly wrong. Eddie: A-levels are a killer. From the first day in Year 12, I was I will always remember our locker room in Year 8. It tired and I’m still tired to this day. Saying this, being in gave me essences of a war bunker, which seems Sixth Form was my favourite two years at the Grove. rather fitting as I saw it as a perfect safe-space to It’s a good feeling being at the top of the school. Now retreat to after an intense bomb-shell-filled maths you’re the ones the Year 7s fear… or you hope they lesson with Mr Wright. Year 9 too. That was quality. do. There’s a real sense of community in the Sixth The start of the road for our GCSEs. The only proper Form Centre and as soon as you start in Year 12 you exams we ever actually took. become more like a family.
Esther: Eddie: The only thing I properly remember from Year 9 was Sixth Form was a real gear shift in so many ways but, the Year 9 show. This was where the truly talented for me, what really made it was the relationships with dancers got to show o¨ their skills. Also, the teachers. You get to learn about them as people. For netballers did a dance. In Year 10 not much comes to instance, I used to think Mr Lockwood and Mr Alison mind except the last year of freedom. were secretly the same person. I’ve been told to tell you they aren’t. A sort of melancholy washes over me Eddie: when I realise that I never had: my last lesson with It certainly was. I think that was my favourite year to Miss Nott; my last face palm at one of Mr Davis’ jokes; be honest. Least stressful anyway. Then we move on my last comic heckle to Mrs Kerr; and most to Year 11 which saw our time as a large cohort importantly my only chance to duet ‘Don’t Go Eddie: Fletcher-Stega, Dan Gallagher, Mathew Barker and coming to the end. For me, our last day of Year 11 was Breaking My Heart’ with Mr Hole at the Leavers’ One of mine, from upper sixth, is definitely the Ben O’Shea. I have never heard a group of barnyard Valentines Ball. Seeing Rory Gallagher and Michael animals get strangled before but if I had to guess…it Cavaliere battling it out on the dance floor was a would sound like that. And by the way, regarding the personal favourite. But, I think it’s important to look outfit, I’d definitely still wear that out in Leeds if I got back at the very start. to keep it! Esther Bean
Eddie: Esther: Esther: Memories are barely ever summed up by their ending. Brontë House, now that was a long time ago - or it Year 7 was probably one of the best years: making Eddie For instance, the end of Godfather Part 1 does not feels it. We can’t forget it purely because out of the new friends and learning new skills. On your first day The time was 17:30… I had rolled out of the gym on a sum up anything about the Godfather franchise 42 people that made the transition from Brontë to there was nothing like putting on your way too big, Spring Wednesday night and I had just got into the except the fact they needed to make a sequel. No one Woodhouse, there were still 26 of us going strong by immaculately ironed uniform for the most awkward car. I turned on Radio 2 and heard the news that sums up Romeo and Juliet by saying, ‘They both died the end of year 13! Surely that’s got to be a new first day pictures, wearing the same skirt that I wore school was ocially over. No more A-Levels. No more at the end. It could’ve lasted longer. No point really record. The best parts of Brontë were the days where all the way to year 11 (sorry Mrs Hughes). I swear meeting up with friends. No more double Physics getting into the rest’. People seldom associate the we dressed up for National Book Day, but I don’t when we joined Year 7 the sixth formers were fully lessons. No more memories. No more 7am starts. No abrupt ending of a story with the only talking point of think Eddie will thank me for bringing up the Year 6 grown 30 year olds who had just paid o¨ their more time at the school I’ve spent the best part of 16 said story - unless those people want it to end. We production. All I will say is that he had an, erm, mortgage and were the scariest people on the planet. years at. No more 7AM starts. I’ve said that once must look behind the pandemic to have a true interesting costume. Now that we have left, I would The best part was having six di¨erent subjects in one already haven’t I? As you can tell, my mind was reflection of our time at the Grove. As good as calling say that being chosen to take the register to day instead of having quadruple maths then double battling whether to be deeply saddened or relieved your mates up and doing Zoom pub quizzes was reception was nothing short of an honour. The trick physics. As you can tell, this was my most thrilling by this surreal statement from the BBC. (subsequently witnessing the genius minds of Jack was to make sure it took you at least 10 minutes even day in sixth form. I couldn’t wait for it to come around Popely and Max Nesbit going head to head), that though it was only 10 metres away. again and again and again. Esther: can’t be anyone’s favourite memory of their time at Clearly our time at the Grove didn’t quite end the way school. Eddie: Eddie: we all expected. Finishing on March 19th was just a Yes. The natural progression of responsibility. Being And again? I remember my first day too. Looking couple of months too early, missing out on pretty Esther: trusted with the information of addition, subtraction around the Hastings-Long Gallery. Seeing people much everything you look forward to in Year 13 (not So much has happened in the seven years we have and shapes in nursery; being given your first shift on whose personalities would eventually end up including the exams!). I don’t think I have ever cried spent at the Grove so choosing just one memorable milk duty in year 2; climbing to the top of the reading ingrained in my brain, best friends I didn’t know yet, more in one day, but I’m still deciding whether it was moment is impossible. The most special moment for leaderboard, and finally reaching the pinnacle of and good times I hadn’t seen yet. Year 7 was amazing out of joy or actually being sad. Fortunately, this is me, and one that I will remember for the rest of my primary school: making it into Mr Phenny’s choir, of though. You’d be sat in a chemistry lesson thinking not a sob story because frankly, we have had the best life, was winning the netball National Plate in 2019. which half the members were people trying to snag a ‘Oh wow. How did that happen?!’ Fast forward six time at school and for me and Eddie it has been a The sports hall was packed with people watching, it place on the London trip in Year 6. And for our years and it changes to… ‘Do we really need to know very long but amazing 16 years. was completely surreal. year…who knows how he coped, with the likes of Jake why this happens?’
Page 8 I am Grovian
Weekend. Also, important to mention to him, finally gave in - in the end I was very grateful because congratulations on winning the Grovian’s Greatest it was only a couple weeks before we finished. Teacher for the 50th year in a row! I miss the trips too: Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Uganda. All Woodhouse has been our home for the past 7 years with an immense impact on my time at the Grove and and for some much longer than that. There has been arguably more importantly the life-long friendships blood, sweat and tears but most of all many laughs, I with my mates. don’t think a day went by when I didn’t laugh. It was a bittersweet end to Year 13 but we will celebrate Esther: properly soon. Trips for me, and all the other 23 girls, involves the fact we were supposed to be going to Barbados and Both: Grenada in March 2020. This is a very, very fragile Closing o¨, we’d just like to say the best of luck to topic and truthfully I don’t think I will ever get over it everyone who has left. It has been an amazing 16 (trying not to be too dramatic). Saying this, I have years which we will cherish for a long time. You’ve all had the pleasure to go on many other trips including been quality company. And to all the other years who two swimming tours to Majorca, which were the most have to sit A-level exams… unlucky. A final note to all gruelling and painful weeks of my life, and two trips younger pupils: never take anything for granted to Condover Hall for netball residentials. because you never know when the next global pandemic is going to come around and completely Sport has definitely been an enormous part of my ruin all your plans. time at the Grove. It has given me time to get away from all the stress of work and spend time with my Esther Bean and Eddie King netball family. To Tommo, Jenno and the team who have been the same team since Year 7, reaching three national finals, winning a national plate and being netball team of the year every single year, thank you. The summer terms also brought sport for me but maybe on a less serious note with tennis being the highlight of the week. I hate to think of the amount of tennis balls we have lost. The rugby boys didn’t quite finish their final season, missing out on Rosslyn Park but they still got to the last 16 in the national competition. Highlighting that, this year they finally avenged their defeats to St. Peters to win their first match as a year group against them 27-26. The cricket first team had a very successful final season not losing any matches. Maybe this is because they didn’t actually have any matches, but be grateful that you got your tour to the Caribbean!
Eddie: One of the things I have missed the most about the past six months was sport. I’m not sure if it was the increased fixture list for basketball this year ending early or Mr Softley’s shouting from the sidelines at my fitness levels (comparable to a jacket potato) being cut o¨ too soon, but I have missed out on the competitive drive. For me personally, the thing I will miss the most about school is the music department. Since the very start of my time at the Grove, I (as all Grovians are) was privileged enough to have the opportunity to slide into a top-class music development system. The opportunity to play live every term is certainly something I will miss the most and I have many memorable moments from playing the drums in the Year 7 variety show to playing the fool in Battle of the Bands.
Esther: Music was also a big part of my time at the Grove. One of my proudest moments was definitely the skill of getting out of having to do a solo at the Chamber Concerts every year. This lasted until Year 13 when I Esther: special in so many ways. We got to appreciate After Year 7, the years just rolled by, some quicker than friendships we had built over the years; we got to others. Between Years 7 and 11 as a year group we have fun as an entire year group; and we said played in endless sports fixtures, over a ridiculous goodbye to our least favourite subjects. But even range of sports and participated in at least three music then it didn’t feel like anyone was leaving. concerts a year. Not forgetting bringing out our inner thespian abilities, particularly in the Year 7 show, where Esther: there were some very questionable costumes including After every set of exams you do, you always think it Allaid Howe being covered head to toe in blue paint. can’t get harder than the ones you have just done. Now looking back, I was so very badly wrong. Eddie: A-levels are a killer. From the first day in Year 12, I was I will always remember our locker room in Year 8. It tired and I’m still tired to this day. Saying this, being in gave me essences of a war bunker, which seems Sixth Form was my favourite two years at the Grove. rather fitting as I saw it as a perfect safe-space to It’s a good feeling being at the top of the school. Now retreat to after an intense bomb-shell-filled maths you’re the ones the Year 7s fear… or you hope they lesson with Mr Wright. Year 9 too. That was quality. do. There’s a real sense of community in the Sixth The start of the road for our GCSEs. The only proper Form Centre and as soon as you start in Year 12 you exams we ever actually took. become more like a family.
Esther: Eddie: The only thing I properly remember from Year 9 was Sixth Form was a real gear shift in so many ways but, the Year 9 show. This was where the truly talented for me, what really made it was the relationships with dancers got to show o¨ their skills. Also, the teachers. You get to learn about them as people. For netballers did a dance. In Year 10 not much comes to instance, I used to think Mr Lockwood and Mr Alison mind except the last year of freedom. were secretly the same person. I’ve been told to tell you they aren’t. A sort of melancholy washes over me Eddie: when I realise that I never had: my last lesson with It certainly was. I think that was my favourite year to Miss Nott; my last face palm at one of Mr Davis’ jokes; be honest. Least stressful anyway. Then we move on my last comic heckle to Mrs Kerr; and most to Year 11 which saw our time as a large cohort importantly my only chance to duet ‘Don’t Go Eddie: Fletcher-Stega, Dan Gallagher, Mathew Barker and coming to the end. For me, our last day of Year 11 was Breaking My Heart’ with Mr Hole at the Leavers’ One of mine, from upper sixth, is definitely the Ben O’Shea. I have never heard a group of barnyard Valentines Ball. Seeing Rory Gallagher and Michael animals get strangled before but if I had to guess…it Cavaliere battling it out on the dance floor was a would sound like that. And by the way, regarding the personal favourite. But, I think it’s important to look outfit, I’d definitely still wear that out in Leeds if I got back at the very start. to keep it!
Eddie: Esther: Esther: Memories are barely ever summed up by their ending. Brontë House, now that was a long time ago - or it Year 7 was probably one of the best years: making Eddie For instance, the end of Godfather Part 1 does not feels it. We can’t forget it purely because out of the new friends and learning new skills. On your first day The time was 17:30… I had rolled out of the gym on a sum up anything about the Godfather franchise 42 people that made the transition from Brontë to there was nothing like putting on your way too big, Spring Wednesday night and I had just got into the except the fact they needed to make a sequel. No one Woodhouse, there were still 26 of us going strong by immaculately ironed uniform for the most awkward car. I turned on Radio 2 and heard the news that sums up Romeo and Juliet by saying, ‘They both died the end of year 13! Surely that’s got to be a new first day pictures, wearing the same skirt that I wore school was ocially over. No more A-Levels. No more at the end. It could’ve lasted longer. No point really record. The best parts of Brontë were the days where all the way to year 11 (sorry Mrs Hughes). I swear meeting up with friends. No more double Physics getting into the rest’. People seldom associate the we dressed up for National Book Day, but I don’t when we joined Year 7 the sixth formers were fully lessons. No more memories. No more 7am starts. No abrupt ending of a story with the only talking point of think Eddie will thank me for bringing up the Year 6 grown 30 year olds who had just paid o¨ their more time at the school I’ve spent the best part of 16 said story - unless those people want it to end. We production. All I will say is that he had an, erm, mortgage and were the scariest people on the planet. years at. No more 7AM starts. I’ve said that once must look behind the pandemic to have a true interesting costume. Now that we have left, I would The best part was having six di¨erent subjects in one already haven’t I? As you can tell, my mind was reflection of our time at the Grove. As good as calling say that being chosen to take the register to day instead of having quadruple maths then double battling whether to be deeply saddened or relieved your mates up and doing Zoom pub quizzes was reception was nothing short of an honour. The trick physics. As you can tell, this was my most thrilling by this surreal statement from the BBC. (subsequently witnessing the genius minds of Jack was to make sure it took you at least 10 minutes even day in sixth form. I couldn’t wait for it to come around Popely and Max Nesbit going head to head), that though it was only 10 metres away. again and again and again. Esther: can’t be anyone’s favourite memory of their time at Clearly our time at the Grove didn’t quite end the way school. Eddie: Eddie: we all expected. Finishing on March 19th was just a Yes. The natural progression of responsibility. Being And again? I remember my first day too. Looking couple of months too early, missing out on pretty Esther: trusted with the information of addition, subtraction around the Hastings-Long Gallery. Seeing people much everything you look forward to in Year 13 (not So much has happened in the seven years we have and shapes in nursery; being given your first shift on whose personalities would eventually end up including the exams!). I don’t think I have ever cried spent at the Grove so choosing just one memorable milk duty in year 2; climbing to the top of the reading ingrained in my brain, best friends I didn’t know yet, more in one day, but I’m still deciding whether it was moment is impossible. The most special moment for leaderboard, and finally reaching the pinnacle of and good times I hadn’t seen yet. Year 7 was amazing out of joy or actually being sad. Fortunately, this is me, and one that I will remember for the rest of my primary school: making it into Mr Phenny’s choir, of though. You’d be sat in a chemistry lesson thinking not a sob story because frankly, we have had the best life, was winning the netball National Plate in 2019. which half the members were people trying to snag a ‘Oh wow. How did that happen?!’ Fast forward six time at school and for me and Eddie it has been a The sports hall was packed with people watching, it place on the London trip in Year 6. And for our years and it changes to… ‘Do we really need to know very long but amazing 16 years. was completely surreal. year…who knows how he coped, with the likes of Jake why this happens?’
Weekend. Also, important to mention to him, finally gave in - in the end I was very grateful because higher and the school’s academic performance I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to congratulations on winning the Grovian’s Greatest it was only a couple weeks before we finished. continues to go from strength to strength, as does its my Vice Chairman, Dr Georgina Haslam, who retired Teacher for the 50th year in a row! I miss the trips co-curricular provision. from the Board after 21 years of dedicated service. too: Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Uganda. All Woodhouse has been our home for the past 7 years with an immense impact on my time at the Grove and and for some much longer than that. There has been In January 2020, the Independent Schools’ Georgina’s links with the school go back over 30 arguably more importantly the life-long friendships blood, sweat and tears but most of all many laughs, I Inspectorate undertook a successful Compliance years, starting with her children Jessica, Edward and with my mates. don’t think a day went by when I didn’t laugh. It was a Inspection of Woodhouse Grove and Brontë House; Henry attending the school. Georgina and her late bittersweet end to Year 13 but we will celebrate following which, the School was found to be Fully husband John were actively involved in the life of the Esther: properly soon. Compliant. school throughout their children’s time here. Trips for me, and all the other 23 girls, involves the Thankfully, Georgina accepted an invitation to join the fact we were supposed to be going to Barbados and Both: We are delighted to welcome three new Governors Governing Body in September 1999. Grenada in March 2020. This is a very, very fragile Closing o¨, we’d just like to say the best of luck to onto the Board. Chris Allen is Managing Partner at topic and truthfully I don’t think I will ever get over it everyone who has left. It has been an amazing 16 Blacks Solicitors in Leeds; Simon Bickerton, a former The phrase “If you want a job doing, give it to a busy (trying not to be too dramatic). Saying this, I have years which we will cherish for a long time. You’ve all parent, is a dentist by trade and Simon Morris, the person” was never more appropriate. At the time, she had the pleasure to go on many other trips including been quality company. And to all the other years who recently retired Headmaster of Kingswood School in was a practicing GP at Bingley Medical Centre, two swimming tours to Majorca, which were the most have to sit A-level exams… unlucky. A final note to all Bath. I know our new Governors will make a Lecturer at Leeds Institute of Medical Education and gruelling and painful weeks of my life, and two trips younger pupils: never take anything for granted significant contribution to the Governing Body. also Chair of Local Care Direct. To say Georgina, to Condover Hall for netball residentials. because you never know when the next global throughout her 21 years on the Board, has been an pandemic is going to come around and completely I am sure the Headmaster would like to join me in active member is something of an understatement. Sport has definitely been an enormous part of my ruin all your plans. thanking all my Governors for their considerable She has served on many of the Board’s committees, time at the Grove. It has given me time to get away e¨orts, support and expertise, given willingly and including as Chairman of the Finance and General from all the stress of work and spend time with my Esther Bean and Eddie King freely, in order to support the school through the Purpose Committee and Chairman of the Audit, netball family. To Tommo, Jenno and the team who most challenging of times. Governance and Risk Committee. I was delighted have been the same team since Year 7, reaching three when she agreed in 2016 to be Vice Chairman of the national finals, winning a national plate and being I would like to congratulate Sarah Chatterton on her Board. netball team of the year every single year, thank you. highly successful first year as Head of Brontë House. The summer terms also brought sport for me but When Sarah took on this role she could not have The school was in a very di¨erent place back in 1999 maybe on a less serious note with tennis being the envisaged the unique challenges she would have to when Georgina joined the Board, and it is fair to say highlight of the week. I hate to think of the amount of deal with in her first year, challenges which no other that she has had a significant influence in getting the tennis balls we have lost. The rugby boys didn’t quite New Head has ever had to face. Her dedication and school where it is today. Never slow to challenge, finish their final season, missing out on Rosslyn Park Chairman’s Report e¨ort in ensuring the safety and well-being of her always constructive and extremely supportive, we but they still got to the last 16 in the national pupils and sta¨ and her ability to remain calm under and I personally will be forever grateful for that competition. Highlighting that, this year they finally intense pressure has been commendable throughout. support and involvement. avenged their defeats to St. Peters to win their first As the Headmaster often reminds us, Woodhouse Eighteen months ago, when Sarah was selected for the match as a year group against them 27-26. The Grove is more than just the school, it is a learning role, we certainly picked the right person for the job! I am delighted that Ron Drake has agreed to take on cricket first team had a very successful final season community. Be in no doubt, that sense of community the role as Vice Chairman of the Board. not losing any matches. Maybe this is because they has been tested to its limits over a very challenging At the end of the Summer Term, we said goodbye to didn’t actually have any matches, but be grateful that six month period. Thanks to the strength of this a number of teaching sta¨. Mr Ryder moves on to In spite of the herculean challenges the school has you got your tour to the Caribbean! community, I am very pleased to report that, whilst pastures new to take up an exciting new role as endured, and will no doubt have to contend with for the pandemic is far from behind us, the Grove has Director of Sport at Harrogate Grammar School, and the foreseeable future, The Grove is an excellent Eddie: managed to successfully navigate a course through Miss McCrea departs for a new challenge at Bingley place. The Governors and the school’s Senior One of the things I have missed the most about the these challenges with confidence. For this, I cannot Grammar School. We also say farewell to three long Leadership Team are determined to maintain high past six months was sport. I’m not sure if it was the thank enough the school’s main and most important serving members of sta¨; Mr Williams, Miss Russell, academic standards whilst remaining sensitive to the increased fixture list for basketball this year ending constituencies, our pupils, sta¨ and parents. and Mr Sidebottom, and also Dr Allday, who has not academic and learning needs of all our students. I early or Mr Softley’s shouting from the sidelines at my been with us for quite so long. We wish all of four of would like to thank all sta¨ for their tremendous fitness levels (comparable to a jacket potato) being During these last months, whilst all of us have been them the very best for a long and very happy e¨ort and energy in keeping the school going for the cut o¨ too soon, but I have missed out on the struggling to hold ourselves together, to be in touch retirement. greater good of all our community. competitive drive. For me personally, the thing I will with those dear to us and to hug when we want to miss the most about school is the music department. hug, to be free of the fear; we have sometimes He might not thank me for it, but we should also Our young people continue to be o¨ered an Since the very start of my time at the Grove, I (as all forgotten the needs of the people who need us most, acknowledge the service of Mr Howard. Back in 2018, unrivalled range of activities across a host of Grovians are) was privileged enough to have the the most vulnerable, the young. A recent report has Roger became the inaugural Woodhouse Grove academic and co-curricular areas and are encouraged opportunity to slide into a top-class music stated that our teenage children are the unhappiest in Foundation Director; its primary aim being to to recognize the value of these activities as an development system. The opportunity to play live Europe. So, let us be thankful for the way in which the enhance existing fundraising structures and further integral part of school life. Pupils across all age every term is certainly something I will miss the most school has coped in unprecedented times and develop relationships with the school’s Alumni body. groups are enjoying success in countless ways and at and I have many memorable moments from playing provided our young people with the support they Thanks to Roger’s tireless work, in a relatively short many levels. the drums in the Year 7 variety show to playing the have needed. period, the Foundation has reconnected with fool in Battle of the Bands. countless Old Grovians and raised a considerable In closing, I cannot thank you all enough for the At the start of the year, we were full of optimism. The amount of money – in excess of £150k – to support incredible encouragement and support you have Esther: school roll had never been higher and thanks to the bursary funding for local children whose parents may o¨ered the school throughout a year like no other. Music was also a big part of my time at the Grove. prudent management of the school’s finances, the not otherwise be able to a¨ord the fees. From One of my proudest moments was definitely the skill school was in a very healthy financial position. The September, Roger will take on a part-time Games of getting out of having to do a solo at the Chamber popularity of Woodhouse Grove amongst parents coaching role whilst continuing to support the Concerts every year. This lasted until Year 13 when I seeking a place for their children has never been Foundation at major events.
I am Grovian Page 9 Esther: special in so many ways. We got to appreciate After Year 7, the years just rolled by, some quicker than friendships we had built over the years; we got to others. Between Years 7 and 11 as a year group we have fun as an entire year group; and we said played in endless sports fixtures, over a ridiculous goodbye to our least favourite subjects. But even range of sports and participated in at least three music then it didn’t feel like anyone was leaving. concerts a year. Not forgetting bringing out our inner thespian abilities, particularly in the Year 7 show, where Esther: there were some very questionable costumes including After every set of exams you do, you always think it Allaid Howe being covered head to toe in blue paint. can’t get harder than the ones you have just done. Now looking back, I was so very badly wrong. Eddie: A-levels are a killer. From the first day in Year 12, I was I will always remember our locker room in Year 8. It tired and I’m still tired to this day. Saying this, being in gave me essences of a war bunker, which seems Sixth Form was my favourite two years at the Grove. rather fitting as I saw it as a perfect safe-space to It’s a good feeling being at the top of the school. Now retreat to after an intense bomb-shell-filled maths you’re the ones the Year 7s fear… or you hope they lesson with Mr Wright. Year 9 too. That was quality. do. There’s a real sense of community in the Sixth The start of the road for our GCSEs. The only proper Form Centre and as soon as you start in Year 12 you exams we ever actually took. become more like a family.
Esther: Eddie: The only thing I properly remember from Year 9 was Sixth Form was a real gear shift in so many ways but, the Year 9 show. This was where the truly talented for me, what really made it was the relationships with dancers got to show o¨ their skills. Also, the teachers. You get to learn about them as people. For netballers did a dance. In Year 10 not much comes to instance, I used to think Mr Lockwood and Mr Alison mind except the last year of freedom. were secretly the same person. I’ve been told to tell you they aren’t. A sort of melancholy washes over me Eddie: when I realise that I never had: my last lesson with It certainly was. I think that was my favourite year to Miss Nott; my last face palm at one of Mr Davis’ jokes; be honest. Least stressful anyway. Then we move on my last comic heckle to Mrs Kerr; and most to Year 11 which saw our time as a large cohort importantly my only chance to duet ‘Don’t Go Eddie: Fletcher-Stega, Dan Gallagher, Mathew Barker and coming to the end. For me, our last day of Year 11 was Breaking My Heart’ with Mr Hole at the Leavers’ One of mine, from upper sixth, is definitely the Ben O’Shea. I have never heard a group of barnyard Valentines Ball. Seeing Rory Gallagher and Michael animals get strangled before but if I had to guess…it Cavaliere battling it out on the dance floor was a would sound like that. And by the way, regarding the personal favourite. But, I think it’s important to look outfit, I’d definitely still wear that out in Leeds if I got back at the very start. to keep it!
Eddie: Esther: Esther: Memories are barely ever summed up by their ending. Brontë House, now that was a long time ago - or it Year 7 was probably one of the best years: making Eddie For instance, the end of Godfather Part 1 does not feels it. We can’t forget it purely because out of the new friends and learning new skills. On your first day The time was 17:30… I had rolled out of the gym on a sum up anything about the Godfather franchise 42 people that made the transition from Brontë to there was nothing like putting on your way too big, Spring Wednesday night and I had just got into the except the fact they needed to make a sequel. No one Woodhouse, there were still 26 of us going strong by immaculately ironed uniform for the most awkward car. I turned on Radio 2 and heard the news that sums up Romeo and Juliet by saying, ‘They both died the end of year 13! Surely that’s got to be a new first day pictures, wearing the same skirt that I wore school was ocially over. No more A-Levels. No more at the end. It could’ve lasted longer. No point really record. The best parts of Brontë were the days where all the way to year 11 (sorry Mrs Hughes). I swear meeting up with friends. No more double Physics getting into the rest’. People seldom associate the we dressed up for National Book Day, but I don’t when we joined Year 7 the sixth formers were fully lessons. No more memories. No more 7am starts. No abrupt ending of a story with the only talking point of think Eddie will thank me for bringing up the Year 6 grown 30 year olds who had just paid o¨ their more time at the school I’ve spent the best part of 16 said story - unless those people want it to end. We production. All I will say is that he had an, erm, mortgage and were the scariest people on the planet. years at. No more 7AM starts. I’ve said that once must look behind the pandemic to have a true interesting costume. Now that we have left, I would The best part was having six di¨erent subjects in one already haven’t I? As you can tell, my mind was reflection of our time at the Grove. As good as calling say that being chosen to take the register to day instead of having quadruple maths then double battling whether to be deeply saddened or relieved your mates up and doing Zoom pub quizzes was reception was nothing short of an honour. The trick physics. As you can tell, this was my most thrilling by this surreal statement from the BBC. (subsequently witnessing the genius minds of Jack was to make sure it took you at least 10 minutes even day in sixth form. I couldn’t wait for it to come around Popely and Max Nesbit going head to head), that though it was only 10 metres away. again and again and again. Esther: can’t be anyone’s favourite memory of their time at Clearly our time at the Grove didn’t quite end the way school. Eddie: Eddie: we all expected. Finishing on March 19th was just a Yes. The natural progression of responsibility. Being And again? I remember my first day too. Looking couple of months too early, missing out on pretty Esther: trusted with the information of addition, subtraction around the Hastings-Long Gallery. Seeing people much everything you look forward to in Year 13 (not So much has happened in the seven years we have and shapes in nursery; being given your first shift on whose personalities would eventually end up including the exams!). I don’t think I have ever cried spent at the Grove so choosing just one memorable milk duty in year 2; climbing to the top of the reading ingrained in my brain, best friends I didn’t know yet, more in one day, but I’m still deciding whether it was moment is impossible. The most special moment for leaderboard, and finally reaching the pinnacle of and good times I hadn’t seen yet. Year 7 was amazing out of joy or actually being sad. Fortunately, this is me, and one that I will remember for the rest of my primary school: making it into Mr Phenny’s choir, of though. You’d be sat in a chemistry lesson thinking not a sob story because frankly, we have had the best life, was winning the netball National Plate in 2019. which half the members were people trying to snag a ‘Oh wow. How did that happen?!’ Fast forward six time at school and for me and Eddie it has been a The sports hall was packed with people watching, it place on the London trip in Year 6. And for our years and it changes to… ‘Do we really need to know very long but amazing 16 years. was completely surreal. year…who knows how he coped, with the likes of Jake why this happens?’
Weekend. Also, important to mention to him, finally gave in - in the end I was very grateful because higher and the school’s academic performance I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to congratulations on winning the Grovian’s Greatest it was only a couple weeks before we finished. continues to go from strength to strength, as does its my Vice Chairman, Dr Georgina Haslam, who retired Teacher for the 50th year in a row! I miss the trips co-curricular provision. from the Board after 21 years of dedicated service. too: Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Uganda. All Woodhouse has been our home for the past 7 years with an immense impact on my time at the Grove and and for some much longer than that. There has been In January 2020, the Independent Schools’ Georgina’s links with the school go back over 30 arguably more importantly the life-long friendships blood, sweat and tears but most of all many laughs, I Inspectorate undertook a successful Compliance years, starting with her children Jessica, Edward and with my mates. don’t think a day went by when I didn’t laugh. It was a Inspection of Woodhouse Grove and Brontë House; Henry attending the school. Georgina and her late bittersweet end to Year 13 but we will celebrate following which, the School was found to be Fully husband John were actively involved in the life of the Esther: properly soon. Compliant. school throughout their children’s time here. Trips for me, and all the other 23 girls, involves the Thankfully, Georgina accepted an invitation to join the fact we were supposed to be going to Barbados and Both: We are delighted to welcome three new Governors Governing Body in September 1999. Grenada in March 2020. This is a very, very fragile Closing o¨, we’d just like to say the best of luck to onto the Board. Chris Allen is Managing Partner at topic and truthfully I don’t think I will ever get over it everyone who has left. It has been an amazing 16 Blacks Solicitors in Leeds; Simon Bickerton, a former The phrase “If you want a job doing, give it to a busy (trying not to be too dramatic). Saying this, I have years which we will cherish for a long time. You’ve all parent, is a dentist by trade and Simon Morris, the person” was never more appropriate. At the time, she had the pleasure to go on many other trips including been quality company. And to all the other years who recently retired Headmaster of Kingswood School in was a practicing GP at Bingley Medical Centre, two swimming tours to Majorca, which were the most have to sit A-level exams… unlucky. A final note to all Bath. I know our new Governors will make a Lecturer at Leeds Institute of Medical Education and gruelling and painful weeks of my life, and two trips younger pupils: never take anything for granted significant contribution to the Governing Body. also Chair of Local Care Direct. To say Georgina, to Condover Hall for netball residentials. because you never know when the next global throughout her 21 years on the Board, has been an pandemic is going to come around and completely I am sure the Headmaster would like to join me in active member is something of an understatement. Sport has definitely been an enormous part of my ruin all your plans. thanking all my Governors for their considerable She has served on many of the Board’s committees, time at the Grove. It has given me time to get away e¨orts, support and expertise, given willingly and including as Chairman of the Finance and General from all the stress of work and spend time with my Esther Bean and Eddie King freely, in order to support the school through the Purpose Committee and Chairman of the Audit, netball family. To Tommo, Jenno and the team who most challenging of times. Governance and Risk Committee. I was delighted have been the same team since Year 7, reaching three when she agreed in 2016 to be Vice Chairman of the national finals, winning a national plate and being I would like to congratulate Sarah Chatterton on her Board. netball team of the year every single year, thank you. highly successful first year as Head of Brontë House. The summer terms also brought sport for me but When Sarah took on this role she could not have The school was in a very di¨erent place back in 1999 maybe on a less serious note with tennis being the envisaged the unique challenges she would have to when Georgina joined the Board, and it is fair to say highlight of the week. I hate to think of the amount of deal with in her first year, challenges which no other that she has had a significant influence in getting the tennis balls we have lost. The rugby boys didn’t quite New Head has ever had to face. Her dedication and school where it is today. Never slow to challenge, finish their final season, missing out on Rosslyn Park e¨ort in ensuring the safety and well-being of her always constructive and extremely supportive, we but they still got to the last 16 in the national pupils and sta¨ and her ability to remain calm under and I personally will be forever grateful for that competition. Highlighting that, this year they finally intense pressure has been commendable throughout. support and involvement. avenged their defeats to St. Peters to win their first As the Headmaster often reminds us, Woodhouse Eighteen months ago, when Sarah was selected for the match as a year group against them 27-26. The Grove is more than just the school, it is a learning role, we certainly picked the right person for the job! I am delighted that Ron Drake has agreed to take on cricket first team had a very successful final season community. Be in no doubt, that sense of community the role as Vice Chairman of the Board. not losing any matches. Maybe this is because they has been tested to its limits over a very challenging At the end of the Summer Term, we said goodbye to didn’t actually have any matches, but be grateful that six month period. Thanks to the strength of this a number of teaching sta¨. Mr Ryder moves on to In spite of the herculean challenges the school has you got your tour to the Caribbean! community, I am very pleased to report that, whilst pastures new to take up an exciting new role as endured, and will no doubt have to contend with for the pandemic is far from behind us, the Grove has Director of Sport at Harrogate Grammar School, and the foreseeable future, The Grove is an excellent Eddie: managed to successfully navigate a course through Miss McCrea departs for a new challenge at Bingley place. The Governors and the school’s Senior One of the things I have missed the most about the these challenges with confidence. For this, I cannot Grammar School. We also say farewell to three long Leadership Team are determined to maintain high past six months was sport. I’m not sure if it was the thank enough the school’s main and most important serving members of sta¨; Mr Williams, Miss Russell, academic standards whilst remaining sensitive to the increased fixture list for basketball this year ending constituencies, our pupils, sta¨ and parents. and Mr Sidebottom, and also Dr Allday, who has not academic and learning needs of all our students. I early or Mr Softley’s shouting from the sidelines at my been with us for quite so long. We wish all of four of would like to thank all sta¨ for their tremendous fitness levels (comparable to a jacket potato) being During these last months, whilst all of us have been them the very best for a long and very happy e¨ort and energy in keeping the school going for the cut o¨ too soon, but I have missed out on the struggling to hold ourselves together, to be in touch retirement. greater good of all our community. competitive drive. For me personally, the thing I will with those dear to us and to hug when we want to miss the most about school is the music department. hug, to be free of the fear; we have sometimes He might not thank me for it, but we should also Our young people continue to be o¨ered an Since the very start of my time at the Grove, I (as all forgotten the needs of the people who need us most, acknowledge the service of Mr Howard. Back in 2018, unrivalled range of activities across a host of Grovians are) was privileged enough to have the the most vulnerable, the young. A recent report has Roger became the inaugural Woodhouse Grove academic and co-curricular areas and are encouraged opportunity to slide into a top-class music stated that our teenage children are the unhappiest in Foundation Director; its primary aim being to to recognize the value of these activities as an development system. The opportunity to play live Europe. So, let us be thankful for the way in which the enhance existing fundraising structures and further integral part of school life. Pupils across all age every term is certainly something I will miss the most school has coped in unprecedented times and develop relationships with the school’s Alumni body. groups are enjoying success in countless ways and at and I have many memorable moments from playing provided our young people with the support they Thanks to Roger’s tireless work, in a relatively short many levels. the drums in the Year 7 variety show to playing the have needed. period, the Foundation has reconnected with fool in Battle of the Bands. countless Old Grovians and raised a considerable In closing, I cannot thank you all enough for the At the start of the year, we were full of optimism. The amount of money – in excess of £150k – to support incredible encouragement and support you have Esther: school roll had never been higher and thanks to the bursary funding for local children whose parents may o¨ered the school throughout a year like no other. Music was also a big part of my time at the Grove. prudent management of the school’s finances, the not otherwise be able to a¨ord the fees. From One of my proudest moments was definitely the skill school was in a very healthy financial position. The September, Roger will take on a part-time Games of getting out of having to do a solo at the Chamber popularity of Woodhouse Grove amongst parents coaching role whilst continuing to support the Concerts every year. This lasted until Year 13 when I seeking a place for their children has never been Foundation at major events. Alan Wintersgill BEM, FCA - Chairman of Governors
Page 10 I am Grovian Paradoxically researchers have found that as a result of the pandemic we are having more meaningful, deeper conversations, and feel a greater connection to the people we are conversing with. Many of us may have taken our social interactions for granted prior to the pandemic but now are increasingly aware of the importance of connecting with one another. This is good because conversation provides us with both social and emotional support. Talking to our friends, colleagues and family members helps us to put things in perspective, which is very important during times of uncertainty. In fact talking with others promotes health, happiness and longevity.
“When we talk with one another we can discover things that we never thought possible, resolve problems and find hope.”
Chaplain’s Report
My first year at Woodhouse Grove has, in many ways, been one of the more tragic and dicult years of recent memory. First we had floods then came the pandemic and life as we know it changed. We began At school we have been having many conversations to mourn our losses, the tragic loss of life and health that inevitably include, how, why, where and lots of and loss of freedom, jobs and livelihoods. At school what ifs! At this moment we are discovering how to we mourned the cancellations of performances, ‘be’ school during a pandemic through sharing sporting fixtures, exams and the opportunity for our insight, wisdom and compassion, which involves lots leavers to publicly say goodbye. I could write a whole of conversations. In fact we are caring for our book on the things we have lost this year, but instead community through conversation. I want to focus on something that we have found, something that was to an extent lost but has in the As challenging as our context is right now, we are face of adversity been returned to us - reminded that communication is essential, through ‘Conversation’ conversation we can find a way through these challenging times. When we talk with one another we In recent years scholars have written endless can discover things that we never thought possible, accounts of how in the digital age the art of resolve problems and find hope. conversation is being lost. We have come to rely heavily on emojis, emails, texts and other forms of So my prayer for us all is that we continue to talk and social media to communicate and our conversations to listen to share and hope. have become more superficial. Emailing, texting and Tweeting just don’t give the same emotional benefits Rev Atkins as having a good chat. School Chaplain
I am Grovian Page 11 Year 13 Results F Lawson drama*, eng lit*, maths* H W Lee art, bus, chin, ent* M Li art, chin, maths S Littlejohns art, eng lit, psych Grade A (or equivalent) passes are marked with an T Manogue bus*, maths*, phys* asterisk and Grade A* passes are marked with two M Meer biol, mus asterisks. A Mettrick geog**, maths**, phys** L Moorhouse eng lang & lit, mus tech** S Abbas biol, chem, eng lang & lit M Navaid bus, econ, maths M Aliev chem, maths*,phys*,rus** A Naylor bus*, geog, hist H Barber geog*,maths, phys M Nesbit design, media st, sport* E Bean art**,maths*, frth maths, phys R Newman geog, psych, sport* J Beckley geog, maths*, sport** G Newton bus, ent*, sport** J Bhangoo econ, ent*, fin, psych M Ngala bus, econ*, eng lang & lit M Bickerton biol**, chem*, maths* K Noor biol, eng lang & lit, psych I Birdsall drama*, eng lit**, fren, phil A Nott eng lit**, hist**, pol** H Blakey chem, fin*, geog, maths* E Nott biol*, eng lang & lit**, psych** M Bradshaw biol*, eng lang & lit**, maths R O’Grady eng lang & lit, hist, psych Z Butt ent, media st, psych J C Pan art, chin, maths M Cavaliere maths**, frth maths**, phys*, psych** L Pang art**, design**, eng lit, media st K F Chan bus, chin, ent, maths R Patel bus, design, econ, fin M Corkindale bus, econ, hist F Payton bus, fin*, maths**, frth maths D Culyer biol*, chem*, psych* J Popely bus, psych, sport** H Davison design, hist, psych T Pratt chem, hist**, maths* A Downes bus, ent, fin, sport* Y Qin art, chin, maths C Eaton eng lit, hist*, phil S Reilly drama, hist, mus E Edwards biol, mus tech, sport** M Ritson design*, geog, psych S Emmett-Spanton art**, eng lit, span T Shao art, chin, maths J Firth econ**, fin*, maths*, frth maths D Sharda biol*, chem*, eng lit J Fletcher-Stega biol, geog**, pol* Y Sheng art, chin*, maths D Francis biol, eng lang & lit**, ger**, hist J Shoesmith-Evans geog*, ger, hist* E Freeman hist, phil, pol** C Slater drama, eng lit G Galins bus*, fin*, psych M Smith bus, ent*, fin, sport** D Gallagher geog, hist, sport** O Smithson-Horsfall drama, eng lang & lit, psych R Gallagher fren**, hist**, maths** E Sugden biol*, chem, psych* S Garber art, media st, psych P Suli bus, sport* T Georgiou bus, maths, sport** I Teale eng lit, psych, sport** H Gilbert art**, eng lit, psych E Tennant biol**, chem*, maths** H Hart biol, chem, maths* M H Tse bus, chin*, econ, maths R Hart biol, maths*, phys J Vickers fre*, pol*, span** J Head chem**, maths**, frth maths*, phys** K Voronina ger*, hist*, pol**, psych*, rus** I Hill eng lit*, hist, phil O Walker art, eng lang & lit, geog J Holland eng lit, hist, pol Y Wang chin* A Howe bus, design, fin, psych L Williams biol, bus, fin*, pol L Hyland Dugbo bus, fin, psych, sport* M Woods-Rickerby biol, bus, fin, psych E Illingworth art**, ger, pol I Worthington bus, fin, geog, sport** S Kaluderovic biol, chem*, phil* E Young biol, hist, maths R Keeble design**, geog, media st* G Young geog*, hist*, phil* D Khan bus, ent, fin, pol M Younis bus*, ent**, maths Z Khan bus, econ, fin, phil Z Zhang chin, maths D King bus, eng lang & lit, hist E King chem**, maths**, frth maths*, phys** R Kundola art*, eng lit*, hist* C Y Lau bus, ent*, sport**
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 Ahmed 9 C Ikechukwu 9 L Schoeman 10 S Akhtar 9 C Jarvis 9 B Shackleton 9 S Alderson 5 B Jenkinson 10 A Shann 10 S Al-Sheibani 4 P Jepmond-Senior 9 W Sherlock 9 E Amos 9 S Jones 8 H Singh 10 I Appleton-Gregg 10 D Kaye 9 J Singh 9 F Armstrong 9 T Kemp 9 C Smith 9 M Asquith 6 O Kendrick 9 B Song 10 S Barlow 7 S Kershaw 9 A Sunter 8 J Bateman 8 F Khan 2 M Syree 9 I Beck 9 H Khan 8 J Tate 9 J Beecroft 7 K Knight 9 D Thorning 9 E Beese 9 C Kubare 9 L Thornton 10 P Blakey 10 H Lamb 9 C Tonge 9 E Brady-Beck 10 I Lawson 9 F Trimby 11 A Broome 10 C Liptrot 9 B Turpin 8 E Buckle 9 S Lund 10 T Vernon 10 M Chan 10 Z Mahmood 9 E Walsh 3 Y N Chan 4 I Malik 10 W Weir 8 K Chauhan 10 M Malik 9 K Whitston 7 D Cheng 10 R Marcus 9 G Wilson 9 H C L Cheung 7 C Masiye 10 E Wood 9 J Chocron 9 J McCormick 9 G Worthington 9 C Cochrane 10 T McDonald 9 Y Yang 8 G Cooper 9 L McElhone 9 S Yasin 8 S Duy 3 J McFarlin 9 F Ziegler 9 W Eastell 6 A McLeish 8 J Emmott 6 H Metcalfe 8 J Featherstone 8 S Middleton 5 C Firth 7 J Myers 9 J Green 9 A Naik 10 L Greenwood-House 9 J Narang 8 S Habib 10 S Nwachukwu 9 G Hague 9 H Parry-Graham 9 Z Haley 9 B Peaker 5 E Hammond 9 C Petch 8 G Hammond 9 C Plein 11 N Hargreaves 9 W Pratt 9 I Hearn 10 H Priestley 8 M Hodges-Burrill 8 C Privett 3 P Holt 9 M Rahic 7 J Hopwood 6 H Raja 9 M Howe 9 F Rasoolzadeh 10 A Hubbard 10 A Ritson 9 L Hughes 10 O Robinson 9 H Hussain 9 F Russell 9
I am Grovian Page 13 Squash - New Full Colours: Allaid Howe, Henry Blakey, Colours & Credit Awards Jay Bhangoo. Re-Awards: James Shoesmith-Evans. Half School Colours 2019/20 Colours: Moh Ritson Tennis - Full Colours: Joe Kelt Academic U6 Special Recognition - Moh Ritson (Motor Racing), Bella Jacob Head, Ravleen Kundola, Finn Payton, Catherine Worthington (Horse Riding), Daniel Francis (Football) Voronina, Raihan Younis, Michael Cavaliere, Joshua Firth, Rory Gallagher, Edward King, Andrew Mettrick, Credits Abbie Nott, Ellie Nott, Georgia Young Autumn 2019 L6 Year 7 Jude Hall, Abbie Hinchlie, Adam Khan, Aisha Mian, 1st Dara Treanor Alex Ranson, Abi Roche, Luis Sugden, 2nd Erin Nulty James Swarbrigg, Nicole Swinnerton 3rd Thomas Yeadon Summer 2020 Year 8 Year 7 Creative Arts 1st Ayomide Solaru 1st Liam Matley Full Colours: Abbie Hinchlie. Half Colours: Year 12 – 2nd Danny Morgan 2nd Adam Bashir Alex Bowdler, Ned Hawker, Conrad Myers, Eoin 3rd Sophie Bates 3rd Scarlett Williams Thorpe, Year 11 – Zaynah Ahmed, India Appleton-Gregg, Finn Armstrong, Mia Chan, Catriona Year 9 Year 8 Cochrane, Imogen Hearn, Chidera Ikechukwu, Beth 1st Callum Hyland-Dugbo 1st Amelia Cooper 2nd Hritik Bhangoo 2nd Annabel Smith Jenkinson, Katherine Knight, Bella Lawson, Cara 3rd Abigail Lewis 3rd Will Gray Liptrot, Isaa Malik, Joe Myers, Chloe Petch, Luke Shoeman, Alicia Sunter, Lucy Thornton, Gabby Wilson Year 10 Year 9 1st Chloe Cater 1st Mica Bardouille-Lewis Sports 2nd Sarmad Anwar 2nd Nicola Trimby Cricket - New Full Colours: Ethan McClelland, 3rd Lily Sugden 3rd Summer Lawrence Abdullah Ijaz, Sam Kildunne, Mustafa Sajjad, Louis Year 11 Year 10 Anderson. : Will Cockerham, Jack Luxton Half Colours 1st Amaya Ritson 1st Olivia Ranson 2nd Grace Cooper 2nd Sam Farndon Football - New Full Colours: Rhys Hart, Ethan 3rd George Hammond 3rd Harriet King Tennant, Hayden Hart, Bolan Jepmond-Senior, Matvey Aliev, Edward King, Henry Blakey. Platinum Awards Re-Awards: Louie Williams (Captain). Year 8 Half Colours: James Skingle, Billy Peaker, Dan Kaye, Alicia Ayub, Isla Bagshaw, Alex Baker, Mia Barker, Harry Bates, Teddy McDonald, Alex Downes. Sophie Bates, Libby Bennett, Oscar Binns, Laaibah, Bostan, 2nd Team Colours: Mukhtar Ngala, Rhys Newman Emma Burrows, Lexie Cadman, Charlotte Collinson, Amelia Cooper, Harry Davison, Ellen Dawes, Maisie Dobbins, Evie Netball - New Full Colours: Naveena Amrat, Edgley, Catie Fay, Tom Fell, Kira Grahamslaw, William Gray, Finley Ruby Keeble. Re-Awards: Maisie Bickerton, Esther Hainsworth, Joey hall, Samuel Hall, Trey Halliday, Rudy Halliday, Bean, Molly Bradshaw, Izzy Teale, Issy Hill, Sofia Ella Hamer, Lucy Hanson, Kitty Hawker, Tom Hirst, Leo Horsley, Daisy-May Hurford, Vincent Jaques, Anna Jarvis, Tilly Lawrence, Garber, Jess Beckley, Holly Barber. Daniel Littlejohns, Lily Lucas-Hooton, Izzie Manning, Caitlin 2nd VII Colours: Sophie Littlejohns, Abbie Hinchlie, Marshall, Emily Marshall, Lilly Miller, Eilidh Molloy, Danny Morgan, Hope Gilbert, Harriet Green, Daisy Culyer, Elli Driver, Kirsty Muchechetere, Melissa Ng, Ishen Parekh, Anna Parsons, Scarlett Reilly, Charlie Slater, Eleanor Armitage. Dhilan Patel, Archie Pierson, Harry Preston, Tilly Raj, Georgina 2nd VII Re-Awards: Bella Worthington, Abi Roache. Rayner, Georgia Rhodes, Joseph Richards, Erin Robb, Maia Robb, 3rd VII Colours: Hannah Davison, Evie Sugden Matthew Roberts, Grace Ross, Natalie Schoeman, Zak Shahzad, Natasha Simpson, Annabel Smith, Ayomide Solaru, Maria Speed, Rugby - New Full Colours: Jacob Head, Tom Leah Spence, Branaby Steere, Jessica Strudwick, Scarlett Georgiou, Max Nesbit, Poasa Suli, Lewis Swinney, Fran Tartaglia, Ravneet Toor, Eimer Treanor, Phoebe Turner, Mabel Walker, Jessica Weir, Charley-Megan Whiteley, Hyland-Dugbo, Josh Firth, Dan Gallagher, Will Ruby Wighton, Charlie Wright Metcalfe, Ned Hawker, Josh Stephenson, Willem Johnson, Ben Carpenter, Ben Markey, Matt Tanner, Year 7 Sam Kildunne, Louis Anderson. Re-Awards: Jack Adam Bashir, Maisie Bellwood, Jacob Best, Daniel Burdon, Isabel Popely, Matvey Aliev, Matthew Smith, Freddy Clark. Burnett, Lily Burns, Tilly Bywell, Nicole Cater, Cecily Cothli, Half Colours: Will Collinson, Will Cockerham, Louis Morgan Crew, Seth Crosby, Joshua Dickinson, Natalie Flynn, Pippa Guthrie. 2nd Team Colours: George Newton, Jake Green, William Hall, Woody Ham, Thea Hayes, Abigail Hickman, Fletcher-Stega Macey Homes-Moxon, Grace Huntingdon, Laiqa Hussain, Harley-Jade Iles-Binns, George Ingham, Jenny Ingham, Megan Jennings, Reilly Keates, Lorna Kerr, Alishah Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Basketball - New Full Colours: Eddie King, Rhys Tse, Olivia Lockwood, Beatrice Mackenzie, Olivia Mackenzie, Izza Malik, Ivan Lau, Jacky Pan. Half Colours: Henry Li, Rhys Michaella Masiye, Liam Matley, Joshua Myers, Zac Nelson, Belle Newman, Pablo Benito Martin, Louis Yeung, Marcus Nimmo, Erin Nulty, Oluwatisefunmi Onigbogi, Oliver Yu, Rengar, Lai Riley-Radclie, Jamie Roberts, Grace Roy, Sarah Rueger, Lezain Shyllon, Ethan Taylor, Zac Taylor, Noah Thirkell, Tatenda Toperesu, Dara Treanor, Phillip Trimby, Ben Vernon, Candela Vidal-Barker, Swimming - New Full Colours: Esther Bean, Daisy Ned Waterhouse, Harrison Welsh, Jamie Wheelhouse, Scarlett Culyer, Sophia Emmott-Spanton Williams, Josh Wright, Thomas Yeadon
Page 14 I am Grovian Brontë House Head’s Report As the new term got underway, we moved forward the sun would continue to shine on our families in the with a range of new initiatives: weekly ‘Precision months to come. Maths’ sessions were established and dedicated to the learning of times tables, number bonds and other Whilst the majority of the School worked from home key maths facts; ERIC or Everybody Reading in Class for the proceeding week, Key Worker care began sessions began to take place each week: a time immediately for those parents deemed as essential in As for all of us, the year 2019-20 will be forever dedicated to fostering the children’s love of books the fight against Covid 19. etched into my memory. Not only was it my very first and reading; and regular, much-loved Performing Arts year of Headship at Brontë House, the School that I lessons with Mr Phenny and Miss Cook, our visiting Over the proceeding Easter holidays, a working party was so very proud to be entrusted to lead; but it was choreographer, commenced. of sta, led by Mrs Ellershaw, was formed, with the also the year that saw the doors of the School closed sole purpose of evaluating a range of online platforms to many its pupils and parents for, what felt like, Every foray through a classroom door that term in order to choose one that best suited our needs for eleven long weeks. Little did we know back in revealed engaged groups of children gripped and o-site learning. After much investigation, it was September what was lurking around the corner and enthralled by yet another fascinating topic: Reception decided that Seesaw best matched our requirements would be upon us before the end of the Spring Term… were shopping and learning about money; Year Two and online training commenced in order to upskill were venturing down Pudding Lane, investigating the sta before the beginning of the new term. ‘Brontë in Following my appointment in the previous December, Great Fire of London; and Year 5 were delving into your House’ was launched at the end of the Easter we had undertaken to restructure the roles within the the Amazon Rainforest in their class novel, Journey to break with training activities for children to ensure Senior Management Team and so creating three clear the River Sea. Of particular note was Year 3’s attempt that they were ready and excited to learn, using this sections of the school: Ashdown Lodge, Lower to mummify real fish as part of their Egyptians topic. new medium of virtual learning. School (Years 1-3) and Upper School (Years 4-6.) With organs meticulously removed and placed in After an internal recruitment drive, we welcomed two canopic jars, only one lucky member of each group Each day started with a wellbeing check-in activity, new members of sta to promoted posts within the ‘won’ the honour of taking the carefully bound fish followed by core subject lessons in English and maths school: Miss Pearson became our Assistant Head home. I’m not so sure parents saw this as quite such a and one foundation subject in the afternoon. Guided (Lower School) with responsibility for Years 4-6; as prize! presentations were created for each lesson, well as assuming the position of the School’s embedded with teacher instruction and tasks, for Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Downs’ The usual programme of trips and visits got children to complete on the screen or on paper and no-nonsense and straight-talking approach has underway with the Year 5 residential to Grassmere, bearded dragon all made an appearance in Nursery then upload to sta for feedback. Extra-curricular proven her a perfect choice for our Director of where fantastic weather was enjoyed by all. The as the children learnt the importance of taking care of options, wellbeing activities and daily Games sessions Activities and she continues to enjoy her fixtures calendar also commenced and the Brontë animals, even the creepy crawly kind! were also added to ensure that children had plenty to organisational role within the school, never tiring of sports teams travelled all over Yorkshire to compete keep them busy each day. giving direction! in Netball, Rugby, Swimming, and Cross-Country, We were also entertained by Year 3 and 4s usually returning with a win or a medal. STUNNING production of Cinderella Rockerfella. At the earliest opportunity, we began to welcome Our very first task of the new year was to explain our Parents were treated to a night of good, our children back into school, with Nursery, vision to parents, highlight curricular changes and Through the generosity of our parents, we provided old-fashioned pantomime fun with plenty of calls of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning from early reassure that, whilst we are ambitious in our plans for 188 bags of emergency toiletries to Bradford ‘He’s behind you!’ ringing through the Grove Theatre. June. Ensuring the safety of the school community continual improvement, Brontë will remain the school Cyrenians, our chosen Harvest charity. At the same The latest production from Mr Phenny included a remained the first concern with a multitude of that continues to always put pastoral care and pupil time, School Council formed and, intent on a Green suitably mean and spiteful pair of ugly sisters as well Covid-secure measures put in place. Parents were, wellbeing at its very core. Our commitment to Schools Award, invited us all to reduce our carbon as the habitually unfortunate Buttons and really was understandably, cautious at first but by the end of the engendering strong, resilient learners is unstinting footprint. the best thing I have ever seen from children of this Summer Term, more than 85% of each cohort was in and we hope to instil, in all of our children, a age group. school, enjoying a return to what, for the children, felt confidence in their own abilities and a sense of social Before we knew it, the magic of the nativities was normal. responsibility and care for others. upon us. Brussel sprouts, Christmas puddings and In March, we celebrated World Book Day and the Rockin’ Robins filled the stage for Ashdown’s children arrived in school dressed as characters from Once restrictions were relaxed further, we were keen performance, much to the delight of the watching their favourite stories in the most wonderful costumes to invite all remaining year groups back into school Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head crowd; soon to be followed by Mary, Joseph and the and our annual House Poetry Competition saw for two days to allow some contact time with friends traditional Nativity characters in the Year 1 and 2 polished, dramatic performances from even the and to boost morale. Pizzas were eaten outside on production. youngest of finalists. the grass; the beats from the DISCOs reverberated around the field and the children finished the year on The ABA, to whom we are indebted for their endless By this point in the year, the media storm surrounding a high with friendships rea¦rmed. support, organised an amazing Christmas Fayre with Covid-19 was already well underway and increasing plenty of stalls for the excited children; mulled wine numbers of concerned parents were making the Our departing Year 6 children also enjoyed a week’s a-plenty and even an appearance from the Great Man di¦cult decision to remove their children from school. transition activities at the Grove, meeting new sta, himself! The Year 6 children, led by Matilda Holt, Friday 20th March was the final day that the School touring the School and participating in as many of the opened proceedings with a variety of carols and was open before the period of enforced Government end of Year 6 rites of passage that we felt we could songs before our very own Ella Fitzgerald, Livy lockdown. The Spring weather had been typically safely organise. A summer barbeque went ahead, Tinsley, performed her version of ‘Have Yourself a mixed with extended periods of rain blighting the last albeit in the Dining Room due to poor weather; a Merry Little Christmas’. Simply spellbinding. day in school. Just after four o’clock, the skies Sports Day was enjoyed and sta prepared a virtual cleared, the sun shone and we served a final tea Prize Giving ceremony to end the children’s time at The new year brought us Safer Internet Week with outside, on the terrace, to all of those in school. The Brontë House. For some families, this marked the end assemblies and activities led by Mrs Ellershaw to children revelled in the treat of a picnic tea with of an association with the School spanning several ensure that our children are educated in how to friends but I can still remember the sadness and decades and plenty of tears were shed at the final remain safe online whilst a tarantula, snake and a melancholy of the afternoon now, as we hoped that countdown on the very last day of term.
Page 16 Brontë House
There are a great many lessons to be learnt from this most unusual of years. Firstly, that it’s true what they say: necessity really is the mother of invention. The two-week turnaround on the evaluation, selection, installation and roll-out of a virtual learning platform across the whole school is a quite an achievement and one of which I feel very proud. Secondly, that sta commitment to the School and the children in their care knows no bounds. Holidays, weekends and evenings were willingly dedicated to ensuring that, despite the doors of the School being closed, the children’s learning continued through new and innovative means. Finally, it has taught me that our school community stretches well beyond the physical walls of our school and that, at a time of national strife, when the partnerships between home and school were tested, that trust, understanding and our school values of kindness and respect enabled those partnerships to flourish.
We don’t yet fully know what the new academic year holds in store - but we do know that we have created a blueprint for learning that can be continually reviewed and improved - and that this puts us in in a better position than ever to be able to deal with the challenges that may lie ahead.
Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head As the new term got underway, we moved forward the sun would continue to shine on our families in the with a range of new initiatives: weekly ‘Precision months to come. Maths’ sessions were established and dedicated to the learning of times tables, number bonds and other Whilst the majority of the School worked from home key maths facts; ERIC or Everybody Reading in Class for the proceeding week, Key Worker care began sessions began to take place each week: a time immediately for those parents deemed as essential in As for all of us, the year 2019-20 will be forever dedicated to fostering the children’s love of books the fight against Covid 19. etched into my memory. Not only was it my very first and reading; and regular, much-loved Performing Arts year of Headship at Brontë House, the School that I lessons with Mr Phenny and Miss Cook, our visiting Over the proceeding Easter holidays, a working party was so very proud to be entrusted to lead; but it was choreographer, commenced. of sta, led by Mrs Ellershaw, was formed, with the also the year that saw the doors of the School closed sole purpose of evaluating a range of online platforms to many its pupils and parents for, what felt like, Every foray through a classroom door that term in order to choose one that best suited our needs for eleven long weeks. Little did we know back in revealed engaged groups of children gripped and o-site learning. After much investigation, it was September what was lurking around the corner and enthralled by yet another fascinating topic: Reception decided that Seesaw best matched our requirements would be upon us before the end of the Spring Term… were shopping and learning about money; Year Two and online training commenced in order to upskill were venturing down Pudding Lane, investigating the sta before the beginning of the new term. ‘Brontë in Following my appointment in the previous December, Great Fire of London; and Year 5 were delving into your House’ was launched at the end of the Easter we had undertaken to restructure the roles within the the Amazon Rainforest in their class novel, Journey to break with training activities for children to ensure Senior Management Team and so creating three clear the River Sea. Of particular note was Year 3’s attempt that they were ready and excited to learn, using this sections of the school: Ashdown Lodge, Lower to mummify real fish as part of their Egyptians topic. new medium of virtual learning. School (Years 1-3) and Upper School (Years 4-6.) With organs meticulously removed and placed in After an internal recruitment drive, we welcomed two canopic jars, only one lucky member of each group Each day started with a wellbeing check-in activity, new members of sta to promoted posts within the ‘won’ the honour of taking the carefully bound fish followed by core subject lessons in English and maths school: Miss Pearson became our Assistant Head home. I’m not so sure parents saw this as quite such a and one foundation subject in the afternoon. Guided (Lower School) with responsibility for Years 4-6; as prize! presentations were created for each lesson, well as assuming the position of the School’s embedded with teacher instruction and tasks, for Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Downs’ The usual programme of trips and visits got children to complete on the screen or on paper and no-nonsense and straight-talking approach has underway with the Year 5 residential to Grassmere, bearded dragon all made an appearance in Nursery then upload to sta for feedback. Extra-curricular proven her a perfect choice for our Director of where fantastic weather was enjoyed by all. The as the children learnt the importance of taking care of options, wellbeing activities and daily Games sessions Activities and she continues to enjoy her fixtures calendar also commenced and the Brontë animals, even the creepy crawly kind! were also added to ensure that children had plenty to organisational role within the school, never tiring of sports teams travelled all over Yorkshire to compete keep them busy each day. giving direction! in Netball, Rugby, Swimming, and Cross-Country, We were also entertained by Year 3 and 4s usually returning with a win or a medal. STUNNING production of Cinderella Rockerfella. At the earliest opportunity, we began to welcome Our very first task of the new year was to explain our Parents were treated to a night of good, our children back into school, with Nursery, vision to parents, highlight curricular changes and Through the generosity of our parents, we provided old-fashioned pantomime fun with plenty of calls of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning from early reassure that, whilst we are ambitious in our plans for 188 bags of emergency toiletries to Bradford ‘He’s behind you!’ ringing through the Grove Theatre. June. Ensuring the safety of the school community continual improvement, Brontë will remain the school Cyrenians, our chosen Harvest charity. At the same The latest production from Mr Phenny included a remained the first concern with a multitude of that continues to always put pastoral care and pupil time, School Council formed and, intent on a Green suitably mean and spiteful pair of ugly sisters as well Covid-secure measures put in place. Parents were, wellbeing at its very core. Our commitment to Schools Award, invited us all to reduce our carbon as the habitually unfortunate Buttons and really was understandably, cautious at first but by the end of the engendering strong, resilient learners is unstinting footprint. the best thing I have ever seen from children of this Summer Term, more than 85% of each cohort was in and we hope to instil, in all of our children, a age group. school, enjoying a return to what, for the children, felt confidence in their own abilities and a sense of social Before we knew it, the magic of the nativities was normal. responsibility and care for others. upon us. Brussel sprouts, Christmas puddings and In March, we celebrated World Book Day and the Rockin’ Robins filled the stage for Ashdown’s children arrived in school dressed as characters from Once restrictions were relaxed further, we were keen performance, much to the delight of the watching their favourite stories in the most wonderful costumes to invite all remaining year groups back into school crowd; soon to be followed by Mary, Joseph and the and our annual House Poetry Competition saw for two days to allow some contact time with friends traditional Nativity characters in the Year 1 and 2 polished, dramatic performances from even the and to boost morale. Pizzas were eaten outside on production. youngest of finalists. the grass; the beats from the DISCOs reverberated around the field and the children finished the year on The ABA, to whom we are indebted for their endless By this point in the year, the media storm surrounding a high with friendships rea¦rmed. support, organised an amazing Christmas Fayre with Covid-19 was already well underway and increasing plenty of stalls for the excited children; mulled wine numbers of concerned parents were making the Our departing Year 6 children also enjoyed a week’s a-plenty and even an appearance from the Great Man di¦cult decision to remove their children from school. transition activities at the Grove, meeting new sta, himself! The Year 6 children, led by Matilda Holt, Friday 20th March was the final day that the School touring the School and participating in as many of the opened proceedings with a variety of carols and was open before the period of enforced Government end of Year 6 rites of passage that we felt we could songs before our very own Ella Fitzgerald, Livy lockdown. The Spring weather had been typically safely organise. A summer barbeque went ahead, Tinsley, performed her version of ‘Have Yourself a mixed with extended periods of rain blighting the last albeit in the Dining Room due to poor weather; a Merry Little Christmas’. Simply spellbinding. day in school. Just after four o’clock, the skies Sports Day was enjoyed and sta prepared a virtual cleared, the sun shone and we served a final tea Prize Giving ceremony to end the children’s time at The new year brought us Safer Internet Week with outside, on the terrace, to all of those in school. The Brontë House. For some families, this marked the end assemblies and activities led by Mrs Ellershaw to children revelled in the treat of a picnic tea with of an association with the School spanning several ensure that our children are educated in how to friends but I can still remember the sadness and decades and plenty of tears were shed at the final remain safe online whilst a tarantula, snake and a melancholy of the afternoon now, as we hoped that countdown on the very last day of term.
Brontë House Page 17
There are a great many lessons to be learnt from this most unusual of years. Firstly, that it’s true what they say: necessity really is the mother of invention. The two-week turnaround on the evaluation, selection, installation and roll-out of a virtual learning platform across the whole school is a quite an achievement and one of which I feel very proud. Secondly, that sta commitment to the School and the children in their care knows no bounds. Holidays, weekends and evenings were willingly dedicated to ensuring that, despite the doors of the School being closed, the children’s learning continued through new and innovative means. Finally, it has taught me that our school community stretches well beyond the physical walls of our school and that, at a time of national strife, when the partnerships between home and school were tested, that trust, understanding and our school values of kindness and respect enabled those partnerships to flourish.
We don’t yet fully know what the new academic year holds in store - but we do know that we have created a blueprint for learning that can be continually reviewed and improved - and that this puts us in in a better position than ever to be able to deal with the challenges that may lie ahead.
Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head As the new term got underway, we moved forward the sun would continue to shine on our families in the with a range of new initiatives: weekly ‘Precision months to come. Maths’ sessions were established and dedicated to the learning of times tables, number bonds and other Whilst the majority of the School worked from home key maths facts; ERIC or Everybody Reading in Class for the proceeding week, Key Worker care began sessions began to take place each week: a time immediately for those parents deemed as essential in As for all of us, the year 2019-20 will be forever dedicated to fostering the children’s love of books the fight against Covid 19. etched into my memory. Not only was it my very first and reading; and regular, much-loved Performing Arts year of Headship at Brontë House, the School that I lessons with Mr Phenny and Miss Cook, our visiting Over the proceeding Easter holidays, a working party was so very proud to be entrusted to lead; but it was choreographer, commenced. of sta, led by Mrs Ellershaw, was formed, with the also the year that saw the doors of the School closed sole purpose of evaluating a range of online platforms to many its pupils and parents for, what felt like, Every foray through a classroom door that term in order to choose one that best suited our needs for eleven long weeks. Little did we know back in revealed engaged groups of children gripped and o-site learning. After much investigation, it was September what was lurking around the corner and enthralled by yet another fascinating topic: Reception decided that Seesaw best matched our requirements would be upon us before the end of the Spring Term… were shopping and learning about money; Year Two and online training commenced in order to upskill were venturing down Pudding Lane, investigating the sta before the beginning of the new term. ‘Brontë in Following my appointment in the previous December, Great Fire of London; and Year 5 were delving into your House’ was launched at the end of the Easter we had undertaken to restructure the roles within the the Amazon Rainforest in their class novel, Journey to break with training activities for children to ensure Senior Management Team and so creating three clear the River Sea. Of particular note was Year 3’s attempt that they were ready and excited to learn, using this sections of the school: Ashdown Lodge, Lower to mummify real fish as part of their Egyptians topic. new medium of virtual learning. School (Years 1-3) and Upper School (Years 4-6.) With organs meticulously removed and placed in After an internal recruitment drive, we welcomed two canopic jars, only one lucky member of each group Each day started with a wellbeing check-in activity, new members of sta to promoted posts within the ‘won’ the honour of taking the carefully bound fish followed by core subject lessons in English and maths school: Miss Pearson became our Assistant Head home. I’m not so sure parents saw this as quite such a and one foundation subject in the afternoon. Guided (Lower School) with responsibility for Years 4-6; as prize! presentations were created for each lesson, well as assuming the position of the School’s embedded with teacher instruction and tasks, for Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Downs’ The usual programme of trips and visits got children to complete on the screen or on paper and no-nonsense and straight-talking approach has underway with the Year 5 residential to Grassmere, bearded dragon all made an appearance in Nursery then upload to sta for feedback. Extra-curricular proven her a perfect choice for our Director of where fantastic weather was enjoyed by all. The as the children learnt the importance of taking care of options, wellbeing activities and daily Games sessions Activities and she continues to enjoy her fixtures calendar also commenced and the Brontë animals, even the creepy crawly kind! were also added to ensure that children had plenty to organisational role within the school, never tiring of sports teams travelled all over Yorkshire to compete keep them busy each day. giving direction! in Netball, Rugby, Swimming, and Cross-Country, We were also entertained by Year 3 and 4s usually returning with a win or a medal. STUNNING production of Cinderella Rockerfella. At the earliest opportunity, we began to welcome Our very first task of the new year was to explain our Parents were treated to a night of good, our children back into school, with Nursery, vision to parents, highlight curricular changes and Through the generosity of our parents, we provided old-fashioned pantomime fun with plenty of calls of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning from early reassure that, whilst we are ambitious in our plans for 188 bags of emergency toiletries to Bradford ‘He’s behind you!’ ringing through the Grove Theatre. June. Ensuring the safety of the school community continual improvement, Brontë will remain the school Cyrenians, our chosen Harvest charity. At the same The latest production from Mr Phenny included a remained the first concern with a multitude of that continues to always put pastoral care and pupil time, School Council formed and, intent on a Green suitably mean and spiteful pair of ugly sisters as well Covid-secure measures put in place. Parents were, wellbeing at its very core. Our commitment to Schools Award, invited us all to reduce our carbon as the habitually unfortunate Buttons and really was understandably, cautious at first but by the end of the engendering strong, resilient learners is unstinting footprint. the best thing I have ever seen from children of this Summer Term, more than 85% of each cohort was in and we hope to instil, in all of our children, a age group. school, enjoying a return to what, for the children, felt confidence in their own abilities and a sense of social Before we knew it, the magic of the nativities was normal. responsibility and care for others. upon us. Brussel sprouts, Christmas puddings and In March, we celebrated World Book Day and the Rockin’ Robins filled the stage for Ashdown’s children arrived in school dressed as characters from Once restrictions were relaxed further, we were keen performance, much to the delight of the watching their favourite stories in the most wonderful costumes to invite all remaining year groups back into school crowd; soon to be followed by Mary, Joseph and the and our annual House Poetry Competition saw for two days to allow some contact time with friends traditional Nativity characters in the Year 1 and 2 polished, dramatic performances from even the and to boost morale. Pizzas were eaten outside on production. youngest of finalists. the grass; the beats from the DISCOs reverberated around the field and the children finished the year on The ABA, to whom we are indebted for their endless By this point in the year, the media storm surrounding a high with friendships rea¦rmed. support, organised an amazing Christmas Fayre with Covid-19 was already well underway and increasing plenty of stalls for the excited children; mulled wine numbers of concerned parents were making the Our departing Year 6 children also enjoyed a week’s a-plenty and even an appearance from the Great Man di¦cult decision to remove their children from school. transition activities at the Grove, meeting new sta, himself! The Year 6 children, led by Matilda Holt, Friday 20th March was the final day that the School touring the School and participating in as many of the opened proceedings with a variety of carols and was open before the period of enforced Government end of Year 6 rites of passage that we felt we could songs before our very own Ella Fitzgerald, Livy lockdown. The Spring weather had been typically safely organise. A summer barbeque went ahead, Tinsley, performed her version of ‘Have Yourself a mixed with extended periods of rain blighting the last albeit in the Dining Room due to poor weather; a Merry Little Christmas’. Simply spellbinding. day in school. Just after four o’clock, the skies Sports Day was enjoyed and sta prepared a virtual cleared, the sun shone and we served a final tea Prize Giving ceremony to end the children’s time at The new year brought us Safer Internet Week with outside, on the terrace, to all of those in school. The Brontë House. For some families, this marked the end assemblies and activities led by Mrs Ellershaw to children revelled in the treat of a picnic tea with of an association with the School spanning several ensure that our children are educated in how to friends but I can still remember the sadness and decades and plenty of tears were shed at the final remain safe online whilst a tarantula, snake and a melancholy of the afternoon now, as we hoped that countdown on the very last day of term.
There are a great many lessons to be learnt from this most unusual of years. Firstly, that it’s true what they say: necessity really is the mother of invention. The two-week turnaround on the evaluation, selection, installation and roll-out of a virtual learning platform across the whole school is a quite an achievement and one of which I feel very proud. Secondly, that sta commitment to the School and the children in their care knows no bounds. Holidays, weekends and evenings were willingly dedicated to ensuring that, despite the doors of the School being closed, the children’s learning continued through new and innovative means. Finally, it has taught me that our school community stretches well beyond the physical walls of our school and that, at a time of national strife, when the partnerships between home and school were tested, that trust, understanding and our school values of kindness and respect enabled those partnerships to flourish.
We don’t yet fully know what the new academic year holds in store - but we do know that we have created a blueprint for learning that can be continually reviewed and improved - and that this puts us in in a better position than ever to be able to deal with the challenges that may lie ahead.
Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head
Page 18 Brontë House As the new term got underway, we moved forward the sun would continue to shine on our families in the with a range of new initiatives: weekly ‘Precision months to come. Maths’ sessions were established and dedicated to the learning of times tables, number bonds and other Whilst the majority of the School worked from home key maths facts; ERIC or Everybody Reading in Class for the proceeding week, Key Worker care began sessions began to take place each week: a time immediately for those parents deemed as essential in As for all of us, the year 2019-20 will be forever dedicated to fostering the children’s love of books the fight against Covid 19. etched into my memory. Not only was it my very first and reading; and regular, much-loved Performing Arts year of Headship at Brontë House, the School that I lessons with Mr Phenny and Miss Cook, our visiting Over the proceeding Easter holidays, a working party was so very proud to be entrusted to lead; but it was choreographer, commenced. of sta, led by Mrs Ellershaw, was formed, with the also the year that saw the doors of the School closed sole purpose of evaluating a range of online platforms to many its pupils and parents for, what felt like, Every foray through a classroom door that term in order to choose one that best suited our needs for eleven long weeks. Little did we know back in revealed engaged groups of children gripped and o-site learning. After much investigation, it was September what was lurking around the corner and enthralled by yet another fascinating topic: Reception decided that Seesaw best matched our requirements would be upon us before the end of the Spring Term… were shopping and learning about money; Year Two and online training commenced in order to upskill were venturing down Pudding Lane, investigating the sta before the beginning of the new term. ‘Brontë in Following my appointment in the previous December, Great Fire of London; and Year 5 were delving into your House’ was launched at the end of the Easter we had undertaken to restructure the roles within the the Amazon Rainforest in their class novel, Journey to break with training activities for children to ensure Senior Management Team and so creating three clear the River Sea. Of particular note was Year 3’s attempt that they were ready and excited to learn, using this sections of the school: Ashdown Lodge, Lower to mummify real fish as part of their Egyptians topic. new medium of virtual learning. School (Years 1-3) and Upper School (Years 4-6.) With organs meticulously removed and placed in After an internal recruitment drive, we welcomed two canopic jars, only one lucky member of each group Each day started with a wellbeing check-in activity, new members of sta to promoted posts within the ‘won’ the honour of taking the carefully bound fish followed by core subject lessons in English and maths school: Miss Pearson became our Assistant Head home. I’m not so sure parents saw this as quite such a and one foundation subject in the afternoon. Guided (Lower School) with responsibility for Years 4-6; as prize! presentations were created for each lesson, well as assuming the position of the School’s embedded with teacher instruction and tasks, for Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Downs’ The usual programme of trips and visits got children to complete on the screen or on paper and no-nonsense and straight-talking approach has underway with the Year 5 residential to Grassmere, bearded dragon all made an appearance in Nursery then upload to sta for feedback. Extra-curricular proven her a perfect choice for our Director of where fantastic weather was enjoyed by all. The as the children learnt the importance of taking care of options, wellbeing activities and daily Games sessions Activities and she continues to enjoy her fixtures calendar also commenced and the Brontë animals, even the creepy crawly kind! were also added to ensure that children had plenty to organisational role within the school, never tiring of sports teams travelled all over Yorkshire to compete keep them busy each day. giving direction! in Netball, Rugby, Swimming, and Cross-Country, We were also entertained by Year 3 and 4s usually returning with a win or a medal. STUNNING production of Cinderella Rockerfella. At the earliest opportunity, we began to welcome Our very first task of the new year was to explain our Parents were treated to a night of good, our children back into school, with Nursery, vision to parents, highlight curricular changes and Through the generosity of our parents, we provided old-fashioned pantomime fun with plenty of calls of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning from early reassure that, whilst we are ambitious in our plans for 188 bags of emergency toiletries to Bradford ‘He’s behind you!’ ringing through the Grove Theatre. June. Ensuring the safety of the school community continual improvement, Brontë will remain the school Cyrenians, our chosen Harvest charity. At the same The latest production from Mr Phenny included a remained the first concern with a multitude of that continues to always put pastoral care and pupil time, School Council formed and, intent on a Green suitably mean and spiteful pair of ugly sisters as well Covid-secure measures put in place. Parents were, wellbeing at its very core. Our commitment to Schools Award, invited us all to reduce our carbon as the habitually unfortunate Buttons and really was understandably, cautious at first but by the end of the engendering strong, resilient learners is unstinting footprint. the best thing I have ever seen from children of this Summer Term, more than 85% of each cohort was in and we hope to instil, in all of our children, a age group. school, enjoying a return to what, for the children, felt confidence in their own abilities and a sense of social Before we knew it, the magic of the nativities was normal. responsibility and care for others. upon us. Brussel sprouts, Christmas puddings and In March, we celebrated World Book Day and the Rockin’ Robins filled the stage for Ashdown’s children arrived in school dressed as characters from Once restrictions were relaxed further, we were keen performance, much to the delight of the watching their favourite stories in the most wonderful costumes to invite all remaining year groups back into school crowd; soon to be followed by Mary, Joseph and the and our annual House Poetry Competition saw for two days to allow some contact time with friends traditional Nativity characters in the Year 1 and 2 polished, dramatic performances from even the and to boost morale. Pizzas were eaten outside on production. youngest of finalists. the grass; the beats from the DISCOs reverberated around the field and the children finished the year on The ABA, to whom we are indebted for their endless By this point in the year, the media storm surrounding a high with friendships rea¦rmed. support, organised an amazing Christmas Fayre with Covid-19 was already well underway and increasing plenty of stalls for the excited children; mulled wine numbers of concerned parents were making the Our departing Year 6 children also enjoyed a week’s a-plenty and even an appearance from the Great Man di¦cult decision to remove their children from school. transition activities at the Grove, meeting new sta, himself! The Year 6 children, led by Matilda Holt, Friday 20th March was the final day that the School touring the School and participating in as many of the opened proceedings with a variety of carols and was open before the period of enforced Government end of Year 6 rites of passage that we felt we could songs before our very own Ella Fitzgerald, Livy lockdown. The Spring weather had been typically safely organise. A summer barbeque went ahead, Tinsley, performed her version of ‘Have Yourself a mixed with extended periods of rain blighting the last albeit in the Dining Room due to poor weather; a Merry Little Christmas’. Simply spellbinding. day in school. Just after four o’clock, the skies Sports Day was enjoyed and sta prepared a virtual cleared, the sun shone and we served a final tea Prize Giving ceremony to end the children’s time at The new year brought us Safer Internet Week with outside, on the terrace, to all of those in school. The Brontë House. For some families, this marked the end assemblies and activities led by Mrs Ellershaw to children revelled in the treat of a picnic tea with of an association with the School spanning several ensure that our children are educated in how to friends but I can still remember the sadness and decades and plenty of tears were shed at the final remain safe online whilst a tarantula, snake and a melancholy of the afternoon now, as we hoped that countdown on the very last day of term.
Ashdown Lodge
A huge feature of the latter part of last academic year was the online provision and partial opening of the school. The team at Ashdown opened our doors on 4th June and welcomed as many of our children back as we possibly could. We, our parents and children all worked hard to keep our provision and setting safe but still fun. Strange times indeed, but everyone There are a great many lessons to be learnt from this showed great resilience and comradery in the face of most unusual of years. Firstly, that it’s true what they this National crisis. Reception’s work was set on the say: necessity really is the mother of invention. The online Seesaw platform. This found parents having to two-week turnaround on the evaluation, selection, be teachers to their children even more than ever. The installation and roll-out of a virtual learning platform highlight that we as sta will take away from this across the whole school is a quite an achievement experience more than anything, is the amazing eort and one of which I feel very proud. Secondly, that that everyone involved is prepared to make to ensure Books galore! We had a brilliant Book Day with sta commitment to the School and the children in the happiness and wellbeing of every child in our everyone making a special eort with their outfits and their care knows no bounds. Holidays, weekends and school. A true team eort! characters. We rounded Book Week o with a trip to evenings were willingly dedicated to ensuring that, the theatre to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea! A real despite the doors of the School being closed, the Outside play is a huge part of what we do here in classic. A great time was had by all. children’s learning continued through new and Ashdown Lodge. From structured sessions such as innovative means. Finally, it has taught me that our Bushcraft with Mr Hemmingway - oering Reception talked about recycling and how plastic school community stretches well beyond the physical experiences that are a little dierent and more risky pollution eects our planet. We made a display and walls of our school and that, at a time of national than normal, allowing children to learn about safety researched it on the internet. The children were really strife, when the partnerships between home and and risk assessing their own activities - to running, interested and followed it up by finding out about school were tested, that trust, understanding and our jumping and even splashing in puddles. Outside we what they recycled in their own homes. We also school values of kindness and respect enabled those learn about nature, weather and our environment - as collected boxes and made them into new items, such partnerships to flourish. well as how our bodies move and how to interact with as a milk carton becoming a bird feeder and an old others during team games. It is particularly important plastic punnet becoming a bag. We don’t yet fully know what the new academic year for children who learn best through active movement holds in store - but we do know that we have created and allows a sense of freedom and well-being that Christmas in Ashdown is a special time, as you all a blueprint for learning that can be continually inside provision cannot oer. We continue to use our know. Christmas 2019 was all about a Christmas reviewed and improved - and that this puts us in in a new canopy facility so we can continue to go out Recipe with lots of important Christmas items being better position than ever to be able to deal with the even in adverse weather conditions for that all added to the pot! Make it, bake it… a Christmas challenges that may lie ahead. important play! recipe!
Mrs Sarah Chatterton - Head
Brontë House Page 19 To maintain our high instrumental tradition, we have Performing Arts continued to hold extra weekly rehearsals for younger, less experienced instrumentalists. The number of ensembles has increased this year. This gives our pupils more opportunities to perform with others and to prepare pieces for school events. These ensembles include: Clarinet Group, Flute Group, The beginning of this academic year was as busy as Junior Recorders, Senior Recorders and Brass Group. ever for the Performing Arts Department. We have I would like to thank the visiting instrumental sta introduced some changes in the scheduling of major who lead these ensembles. Without their continued performances and for the first time Drama was enthusiasm and commitment, we would be unable to timetabled as a discrete subject for pupils in Years 5 oer such a range of instrumental opportunities. and 6. This has been extremely popular with pupils and follows on nicely from the two years of dance Our team of instrumental sta also continue to ably that these pupils had completed in Years 3 and 4. This prepare our pupils for music instrumental exams. In addition has allowed us to present more assemblies the Summer Term alone, we had over forty entries and prepare dramatic excerpts for school events such across a variety of exam boards including: ABRSM, as Harvest Festival and the Carol Service. It has also Trinity College London and Rockschool. been a fantastic vehicle for the development of our pupils’ self-confidence. Christmas is always a highlight for the performing arts and this year we were treated to: The Christmas One of the other changes we made this year was to Recipe, (Nursery and Reception), Stable by Starlight the structure of our House Music Competition. This (Years 1 & 2) and the Annual Carol Service in the year we decided to get everyone involved. All pupils school chapel (Years 5 & 6). The whole of Year 6 also from Year 1 to Year 6 prepared a piece to perform to sang at the Christmas Fair. Not only did they sound the rest of the their class. Pupils decided to do one of fantastic, but they looked great standing on the main the following:
• Play a piece they had worked on in their individual instrumental lesson. • Sing a song of their own choice or one they had learned in class music lessons. • Play a piece that they had learned in class on the keyboard, glockenspiel or the recorder.
I was really impressed with the levels of musicianship and self confidence that were demonstrated by our pupils. The competition took place over a whole week and even the sta got involved. In our “Good Work” assembly all the teaching sta “flash-mobbed” the pupils and parents with a rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot. After only two rehearsals they managed to perform confidently in three parts. The competition was extremely close with Whernside being the winning house this year. Well done to all the pupils and sta involved - it was a fantastic week. staircase and around the gallery at Brontë House. Before the Christmas break, several pupils took music Our Harvest Festival celebration took place on examinations. This can be a nerve-racking experience Thursday 17th October in the school chapel. The for children of this age but everyone did extremely theme for this year’s service was sowing seeds of well and passed - some with merits and distinctions. friendship. In a change to recent years we decided not to ask pupils to bring in food items but, instead, products to support the Bradford Cyrenians charity who help the homeless in our local area. Our school family were extremely generous and brought bags filled with a selection of shower gel, deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sponges and flannels, hand cream, moisturiser, combs and brushes. In the service we reflected on appreciating how lucky we are whilst realising that there is injustice in our local area with many people going without the basic things that we take for granted. This message was supported with readings, prayers, poetry and some fantastic singing.
Page 20 Brontë House After the Christmas break, pupils, sta and parents of this day is truly one of collaboration and not were treated to an assembly presented by our Year 6 competition. It was a great experience for our pupils pupils. They used a combination of song, dance, to play in such large ensemble and they enjoyed the drama, performance poetry and factual information repertoire - particularly performing ‘Funkytown’ and to entertain and educate. They began by asking the ‘Mamma Mia’. question "What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?" by the end of the assembly we realised that the Ancient Greeks did a lot that still a ects our lives today including: democracy, theatre, education and the Olympic Games. Everyone in Year 6 was involved and each pupil presented something by themselves.
On 8th February, a packed audience of parents and guests were wowed by Year 3 and Year 4’s production of ‘Cinderella Rockerfella’. The show contained all the usual Panto characters including: Cinderella, Buttons, the Ugly Sisters and the Fairy Godmother. In this version, Prince Charming began as a rock star who had become disenchanted with his life of constant touring and adoring fans - all he wanted to do was find the girl of his dreams. This was the first time that we had presented a show at the This unfortunately was our last major event before all Grove starring only our lower KS2 pupils and the schools we closed due to Covid 19 restrictions. We audience were impressed with the choreography of had everything in place for our Easter Service, which the big group musical numbers as well as the humour was to tell ‘The Tale of 3 Trees’. However, it was not to that these pupils were able to convey. The audience be. For the same reason, music examinations did not really got into the Panto spirit, booing the baddies take place during this term. While at home, many and cheering our heroes. After some persuasion they pupils continued with their instrumental tuition via even joined in a song! One audience member Zoom and I would like to thank our visiting described the atmosphere in the theatre as electric. instrumental sta for their professionalism and The amazing standard of the performers was flexibility during this time. I look forward to complemented by some brilliant scenery, projection welcoming them back to Brontë House very soon. and videos. A great night was had by all and, of course, they all lived happily ever after. The forthcoming year will be a testing one for the performing arts industry as a whole but please be On 26th February the members of our school reassured that we will continue to foster a love of the orchestra attended the annual HMC Music Day. Our performing arts among our pupils and that we will pupils joined with over 200 pupils from other continue to deliver performances of an extremely independent schools to perform together. The spirit high quality, albeit virtually.
Brontë House Page 21 Trips
Brontë Year 5 Lake District Trip
In September 2019, four minibuses full of children and sta ventured to Grasmere in the Lake District for what turned out to be an action packed and highly enjoyable residential. The weather was certainly kind to us and we were able to enjoy all activities to the full. The children had the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor challenges, which pushed us all out of our comfort zones. These included canoeing, climbing and gorge walking, the latter of which was the outright favourite of the children – and the sta!
The much-anticipated talent show was a real highlight, with some incredible and unusual talents on display – from singing and dancing to comedy and mime – what a talented bunch! The children were on outstanding form and showed resilience, enthusiasm, team work and care and consideration for each other. Memories made that will last a lifetime!
Mrs Fiona Pearson
Page 22 Brontë House nothing goes past you! Grace, Emily and Lucy, you Sports Reports three were a great shooting trio to have on court with Emily having the versatility to jump to centre court Netball U11s when needed. Penny, Scarlett and Chloe, you moved the ball around the court seamlessly, showing encouragement towards each other as you did. The U11 netball teams have been captained this season by Thalia Felipe-Scargill, who has led by I would also like to say a huge thank you to Faith, example both on and o the court. Orlaith and Poppy for stepping up to play for the U9 team. We couldn’t have completed the season All girls in the year have represented the school and without you! all three squads have had some very competitive matches against our usual opposition. Wishing you all the best with your U10 season!
The squads this season have been very versatile which has meant that we have being able to be very Mrs C Couzens adaptable in matches which has certainly worked to our advantage.
Unfortunately a disappointing end to the season with the girls unable to compete in the highly competitive HMC tournament or the netball residential. Rugby U11s
Thank you to all the girls for their hard work, commitment and company through their time at Our season started with a triangular against GSAL Brontë House. I look forward to following your and Manchester. After the summer holidays, it took a development at the Grove. little time to get into our stride but we came away with a narrow, but well deserved, win over GSAL and a disputed draw with Manchester.
Our second match, in torrential rain, was an easy win Netball U10s over BGS. Next, we met Ashville. Always a competive game, it The U10 netball squads have had a fantastic season. was physical and rough, meaning both teams needed to work very hard at all times and a special mention They got o to a great start in the Gateways Festival for Josh Kendrick making his debut. Again a solid in October, playing six matches, scoring 24 goals and victory for Brontë. only conceding one. Our first real test came at the HMC tournament We welcomed Isabella Strudwick into the team, who hosted at GSAL. We drew Yarm, Ashville, St. Olave’s, throughout the season has added extra attacking Birkdale and Durham, so we knew we had to work play, not to mention goals! hard. With wins against 4 of the 5 teams and a scrappy draw against Ashville, it was an amazing There has been some fantastic score lines but what I tournament. am most proud of is the way in which the teams have continued to develop and push themselves to achieve We met St. Olave’s again shortly after and again took more. victory. We had another win the week after against Pocklington - a great debut for Calum. Hopefully we will be back on court soon to continue our journey. We racked up several more wins following this against Hill House and Silcoates and finished 2019 with a glorious win over GSAL…again! 2019 was not without its sad days. At the Harrison Cup we fell apart in the second round and I realised what more I had to do to Netball U9s be the Captain we needed.
We came out hard and working as a team against The U9 netball team have had a wonderful season. Hymers for our first match of 2020 but quickly fell They played a large number of fixtures and displayed behind and had to dig deep physically and mentally excellent teamwork, fitness and skills both home and to pull it back to a draw. away. They also competed in a number of tournaments during their games afternoons. In February we played Birkdale and gained a Well done to Anya for your amazing defending – comfortable win.
Brontë House Page 23 In March’s HMC 7’s tournament we had a skeleton Huge thanks go to Simeon, Elliot and Elias who team due to illness and injury but with outstanding moved across to the ‘B’ team on a few occasions to play by all, came third out of 16 behind GSAL and allow squad rotation. Thanks also to our wonderful QEGS. support from the players’ family and friends.
We ended the season with a match against Richmond All in all it was a great season played by a special House and a solid victory. Great to have some of the group of lads who exemplified Mr Bedford’s mantra of B team join us, with Victor, AJ, Evan, Reuven and ‘person before player’. Ashton all contributing.
Special mentions for week in week out eort go to Mr Waterhouse Harris, Jenson, Theo, Archie, Joe and Josh. For excellent skill to Sam, Jenson and Theo and for huge improvements throughout the season to Aarian, Toby, Player of the Year: Roman Morgan Thomas, Haris and Calum. The feeling of working hard Most Improved Player: William Greenwood with this year’s team and achieving the wins we have Coach’s Award: Benjamin Cooper had has been amazing every time so I also want to say thank you to the team for having me as part of it.
Finally, I would like to say thank you for the great coaching and support from Mr Bedford, Mr Rugby U9s Waterhouse and Mr Jones as without it we wouldn’t have achieved such successes or finished as the team we now are. I think I speak for all the team when I say The U9 rugby season began back in September with we can’t wait until the Year 7 season at the Grove! a triangular festival at Richmond House. GSAL were the third school taking part, and in both matches the Brontë A and B teams played attacking rugby and By Harrison Riley and Mr J Bedford moved the ball well scoring lots of tries. The Gateways festival was another enjoyable experience for the boys, and they played well against Player of the Year: Sam Johnson Brackenfield and BGS showing that they could tackle Most Improved Player: Theo McLelland as well as attack.
The most thrilling encounter of the season however was the end to end match against GSAL where both James Howcroft and Leo Bridge impressed with their handling skills. This was backed up with a solid display against a strong St. Olave’s team. Rugby U10s Other highlights were the away fixtures at BGS. and Richmond House, where both A and B teams It’s no exaggeration to say that hopes were high for acquitted themselves well in attack and defence. In the Brontë House U10s this season. On paper the particular it was noticeable by this point in the season squad had everything…size, speed and more than one that the defensive alignment and tackling technique decision maker. I say squad with good reason as we of everyone had improved markedly since the had 14 players vying for eight starting places! beginning of the season. Well done to everyone who represented Brontë House during the season. We kicked o proceedings with cracking performances over Bradford Grammar, Ashville and St. Olave’s. We then went to Pocklington for a very Mr Marshall competitive triangular with Hymers, followed by our only real test against Hill House at home. We finished the season with resounding victories over Silcoates, GSAL and Birkdale.
In terms of the players, Roman, Will, Howie and new boy George proved too physical for any of our opponents. Seb, (with arguably the best step in the game!) and Lewis (controlling the game on more than one occasion) provided many a ball for the likes of Ollie and Ben to score freely. Freddy caused havoc in the breakdown, stealing the ball for fun, allowing our three workhorses, Simeon, Thomas H and Baggy, to get their hands on the ball often.
Page 24 Brontë House Girls’ Rugby A huge well done to you all for training so hard at Cross Country Club, and representing Brontë House so superbly at all the events. The Year 5 and 6 girls had another fantastic year of learning and developing with Rugby Club proving to be as popular as ever - numbers hit 30 on more than Mr Marshall one occasion.
Starting with the fundamentals of the game, the girls Swimming quickly proved they were more than capable of moving the egg shaped ball in to space, through both The swim team have had an excellent season, which passing and out and out foot speed. As ever, the has been captained positively by Thomas Edgar. biggest hurdle was the concept of ‘pass backwards, then run forwards with the ball’, a concept that simply Away from the galas there has been a lot of work doesn’t exist in netball, a game that the vast majority gone into gala preparation, in particular racing starts. of our girls have played for some time. Once that This work has certainly paid o and as a result we had ‘clicked’ it was game on! some convincing wins against other schools.
The girls quickly worked out that height and speed There have been some outstanding individual events were a real asset in our non-contact games and but notably this season our strength lay in the relays. quickly they were scoring some fantastic tries that were well worked and executed. The atmosphere at the galas has been wonderful, and Once again the girls were a real asset to the school it has been a pleasure to see swimmers across all age working hard to learn and improve whilst still having ranges working together and encouraging one plenty of fun. another as a whole school.
Special mention has to go to the five girls who not Thank you to all swimmers for their hard work and only attended the club on a regular basis but who also let’s hope we are soon back in the pool. came to one of the rugby camps held at the Grove:
Isla Eaglestone Lucy Bedford Mrs C Couzens Summer Tindall Lois Turner Em Oakley
Great eort girls!
Are we heading towards our first ever Brontë House girls’ rugby fixture? Watch this space! Gillam’s Mr Waterhouse Butchers Athletics & Cross Country Unit 7, Moorfield Industrial Estate, The Brontë House Cross Country Team ran Moorfield Road, Yeadon, consistently well during the season, and gained success once more in the North Bradford Cross LS19 7BN Country League. In all weathers and terrains both boys’ and girls’ teams paced themselves well, meaning high placings were achieved in all three races. This meant the girls finished in fourth place Tel: 0113 250 8818 overall and the boys in second place overall which were fantastic and well-deserved results. WHOLESALE & CATERING
Other highlights of the season were the Gateways BUTCHERS Cross Country Festival where the team benefitted from a flat and fast course, and who will forget the tremendous performance of everyone at the HMC Suppliers of quality home Cross Country at Barlborough Hall when the Year 6 produced meats to team were joined by our Year 4 and 5 runners. Simeon Tedd and Ollie Hall finished in second and Woodhouse Grove School third place respectively for the Year 5 boys - a tremendous result.
Brontë House Page 25 Page 26 Brontë House Email [email protected] Boarding Boarding Review
Our boarding community at Woodhouse Grove and a taste of haggis, neeps and tatties. Great fun enjoyed another varied programme of activities from was had by all, with the added bonus of realising you September 2019. don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy the event!
As usual, our boarders continue to represent the Food has, and is, central to boarders’ hearts, and the school across a range of sports – netball, basketball, “theme” nights were a great success over the year – rugby, football, squash, swimming, table tennis and oering fare from around the world for us to try. A cricket, and the weekly fixture list saw a large variety firm favourite with our boarders to this day, is the of sports on oer. Mexican theme night which has been thoroughly enjoyed by all. In addition, we enjoy making full use of the facilities in the evenings, when we use the gym, sports hall, For a year that was cut short, we managed to fit a lot astro pitch, tennis courts, squash courts, table tennis, in, and our thanks go to the boarding sta who work climbing wall and Morton Hall for indoor ball games. tirelessly to provide such a varied and enriching In school, we have seen Freshers’ weekend involving programme. tug-of-war, orientation to Leeds, making the most of the common rooms with pool, air hockey, board games, arm wrestling, craft activities, baking and Ms Pearce & Mr Whitlam XBox.
Furthermore, the boarders have enjoyed several Red vs Green competitions in house during the evenings to encourage team spirit and develop a sense of belonging to a fantastic boarding community. It was wonderful to see the girls from Miller actively competing and outdoing the Brodwell boys in certain events. This is something that all boarders relish year in, year out and is a highlight for all involved.
In November we enjoyed s’mores and the firepit outside in the Autumnal fresh air, and Rev. Atkins found a new skill as a bingo caller! The boarders attended Remembrance Sunday; it was great to see all nationalities come together to oer their respects in our school Chapel.
Christmas is always a huge event, with advent calendars, nativity crafts, Secret Santa, Christmas jumpers, and of course, the annual Christmas Celebration. With the dining hall looking reminiscent of Hogwarts, all our pupils dressed up to impress, we dined on beautiful food, danced the night away at the disco and laughed until we cried on the dodgems. A fabulous event. The boarders also proved they can sing, as they demonstrated when enjoying our annual Carol Service with festive jumpers on show!
Over the Autumn and Spring terms, we had an exciting programme of trips – Alton Towers, Whitby, Go-Karting, a local walk through the woods to Costa for a hot drink, bowling and Nando’s and sledging.
We had a great weekend celebrating Chinese New Year – with a fireworks display, a delicious traditional buet dinner and dumpling-making in house, and not to be outdone on Burns’ Night, we were celebrating a dierent culture with Mr Lambert on the bagpipes
Boarding Page 29 Page 30 Boarding Out of the Classroom This year we were pleased to enter two enterprise the skills and confidence that have helped them to be companies into the LEAP programme; The Accessory better prepared for not only university life but also Co and Team Fusion. future employment.
The Accessory Co sold a range of seasonal gifts Team Fusion were awarded two awards on including some festive, yet stylish winter hats and completion of the programme; they took 2nd place Team Fusion very successfully sold a range of for producing the best financial report and were children’s toys that were extremely popular with our awarded 3rd place for their company presentation. younger pupils at the Grove and pupils at Brontë House, as well as members of the general public at The students involved in the LEAP programme were: the various trade fairs they traded at. Pablo Benito Martin, Sara Vuksanovic, Owen Being part of the LEAP programme enabled our Maiden-Lumb, Oliver Butterworth, Conrad Myers, pupils to set up and run their own company for a full Willem Johnson, Hadiqa Sardar, Abi Roach, school year. Throughout their enterprising journey it Ellie Driver, Olivia Silverman, Naveena Amrat, was clear that they had all developed a wide range of Elizabeth Peat. valuable skills. They have practised decision making and problem solving. They have developed their interpersonal skills and worked as part of a team. It is Mr Oliver Mantle clear that the programme has helped them to gain Mrs Louise Watmough
Page 32 Out of the Classroom Trips & Tours Iceland
Another action-packed Geography trip to Iceland breath-taking views . After a short hop we arrived at took place in October half term, as 51 students and 6 Asbyrgi canyon to learn about the canyon’s formation sta headed o to Reykjavik and then up to the north - Iceland mythology believes that Sleipnir, Odin’s of Iceland, taking in the awe inspiring geographical eight-legged horse touched his hoof onto the land to features along the way. create the horse-shoe shaped canyon!
Upon arrival at Keflavik, we visited the joining of the Throughout the day it had threatened to snow and North American and Eurasian continents at the that evening it did not disappoint, we awoke to a Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Students had the opportunity to beautiful canvas of snow covering the landscape, cross the bridge between two continents and learn making our climb up Kafla volcano and its crater lake about constructive plate boundaries. We then visited even more magical. After a long day of sightseeing the Perlan ‘Wonders of Iceland’ exhibition, where and volcano climbing, it was time to relax under the students could climb inside a glacier, take a virtual stars in the warm geothermal waters of Myvatn nature tour of Iceland and witness the Northern Lights in a baths. Soaking in 39°c water, surrounded by snow and 360° cinematic experience. ice, trying to spot the northern lights, we couldn’t have been happier! Early the next morning, our party boarded a small plane to transfer to the north of Iceland. After flying The next morning was time to shop! Students over the stunning scenery of glaciers and mountains, ventured into the town Akureyri for souvenirs and we arrived in Husavik ready for a whale watching snacks. After saying goodbye to our guide, Thor, (and experience – we were not disappointed! Despite a presenting him with a plastic Viking helmet) we number of fantastic whale sightings, it would appear headed to the airport for our flight home. Throughout that the highlight of the trip was when the Captain the morning a blizzard had been threatening to move brought out hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls! in and lo and behold it struck just before out flight After our aquatic adventure, we visited Godafoss – a was due to depart. All flights were grounded and our spectacular waterfall with turquoise water and only option (if we were to make it to the Hard Rock Tours and Trips Page 34 Tours & Trips Café in time) was to drive back around the spectacular Icelandic ring road. After a long drive, a hearty burger in the centre of Reykjavik was much needed and gratefully received; feeling nicely satiated we headed home with so many incredible memories and stories to tell.
Miss F Alimundo
Proud to work with Woodhouse Grove School
• Graphic Design & Branding • Digital & Litho Printing • Website Design & Development Call us today 01274 946222 www.toucancreative.co.uk Tours and Trips Tours & Trips Page 35 Athens
Athens conjures up visions of ancient glory. Thousands Among the highlights of our trip were visits to the of years of history have left behind rich legacies Acropolis, with its various temples to the gods and studied in classrooms all around the world – Socrates, goddesses; the Parthenon, which once housed the the home of the first modern Olympic games, origins treasures of the people of Athens, along with a of famous philosophers and scientists, and extremely complete set of marbles; the National old ancient ruins. This is why 13 students and 2 sta Archaeological Museum, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple decided to take a look one week last October. There of Olympian Zeus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, was plenty to pack into four days and three nights: the Ancient Agora, the Panathenaic Olympic museums, ancient archaeological sites, and without a stadium and the Pnyx, not to forget the sites of doubt, many excellent restaurants for sampling Greek Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. All of this food. incredible history and culture was brought to life for us by our amazing and well-informed guide, But Athens is also filthy. Rubbish is everywhere, Dora! pigeons swarm the streets, and the city reeks of the fumes from trac, mixed with choking cigarette The archaeological sites and museums are really the smoke. Leave any area outside of the tourist zones and only ‘attractions’ in the city, with the exception of a you’re met with an unrelenting display of poverty and few more popular neighbourhoods, such as dilapidation; few buildings and walls are spared from Monastiraki, Plaka and Lycabettus Hill. We stayed in splatters of grati, like some apocalyptic vision of the a hotel a short walk away from the cultural centre future. We witnessed it all, but in startling contrast the and our hosts were warm and welcoming. Our daily archaeological treasures that exist dotted around a itinerary was well balanced, leaving us time to roam concentrated area of the city provided us with fantastic through the marketplaces of Monastiraki, in the insight into the birthplace of western civilization. The evenings, in search of exotic goods and restaurants irony of all this was not lost on the students. with seating for fifteen. Tours and Trips Page 36 Tours & Trips We were reluctant to end our visit and exchange the warm Aegean sunshine for whatever would waiting for us back in Yorkshire. However, after witnessing the dramatic changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Syntagma Square, we realised that our mission was complete, and it was time to go. I think the trip was a very successful one; the group learned a great deal about the history of this once great city and I, in particular, have learned to check my own baggage tray after checking those of my students as we pass through airport security. But that’s another story…….
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The official figures for this vehicle will be released prior to and accompanying this vehicle being made for sale to the public. This information will be updated as testing continues. Performing Arts who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town Performing Arts Review o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking Bugsy Malone competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
Page 40 Perfoming Arts
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a Great Expectations Great Expectations education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
Perfoming Arts Page 41
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Great Expectations Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that Bugsy Malone entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
Page 42 Perfoming Arts
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking Bugsy Malone Bugsy Malone competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
Perfoming Arts Page 43
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
Page 44 Perfoming Arts
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a Bugsy Malone The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Perfoming Arts Page 45
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Page 46 Perfoming Arts
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step Bugsy Malone The Pauline Quirke Academy under the direction of A select band of musicians visited the Leeds Town o the stage or out of character from the moment he Mrs Baker, continue to use the school facilities on Hall in November to hear the Britten-Shostakovich started the show - a huge achievement of line The Performing Arts department took on a brilliant Saturdays and performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Festival Orchestra, a collaboration between Russian learning and acting skills. Brodie Bo¤n, a regular in challenge from January to March this year with their London’s West End. The students spent over six Federation and British conservatoires. The resulting school productions, gave a brilliant performance as task of putting together a production of the musical months in rehearsal for the show before travelling to concert was electrifying, sometimes with an Joe whilst Year 12 student Hannah Dutton depicted Bugsy Malone. The show involved a huge amount of London for a performance at the home of The unnerving tempo but with an amazing standard of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, remaining on stage students and sta across the school, with over 100 Phantom of the Opera to over 800 audience musicianship and cohesive ensemble sound. for the entire performance. We were thrilled to pupils taking part as performers, backstage crew, members. Highlights of the all-Russian/British programme welcome many students who were new to The technical crew and band members. included Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Grove’s dramatic productions. In particular, Michael Miss Meredith-Walne joined the school as Performing Paganini with Pavel Kolesnikov sublimely masterful at Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles With a double cast, lead roles were fantastically Arts Technician just in time for Bugsy and then more the piano and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (although and did a fantastic job of delivering well rounded prepared by students from a range of year groups. So recently to work on virtual events, not quite what any Mr Crawford remarked he was hoping for live performances, whilst Rory Gallagher’s Magwitch was many in fact that it would be impossible to mention of us had in mind when she was recruited. Miss M-W cannons). suitably rustic and threatening. the many stand out performances individually. has been a great asset to the school already and we are delighted to have her join us from her previous On Friday 24th January Mr Crawford led the Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant However, mention must go to Finlay Robb & Grayson role in technical theatre for Kirklees Council department’s customary GCSE trip to Manchester for production this term. Your hard work and fantastic Aldridge, who took on the title role with flair and the Halle Orchestra’s ‘Orchestra Through the Ages’ performance as an ensemble was amazing to watch skilful preparation and barely stepped o the stage Reading and Speaking concert with extracts covering 250 years of orchestral and Mrs Baker and Ms Evers are hugely proud. throughout the entire show. Joseph Richards also It was another successful year for the Junior Reading music in chronological order, showing the evolution of gave a larger than life performance as the mob boss and Speaking competition; over 350 pupils took part in the orchestra from Giovanni Gabrieli’s Sonata for ‘Fat Sam’ with a huge amount of lines to learn. the class rounds, 38 pupils in the semi-final and 11 in the Brass to John Williams’ music for Star Wars Episode final. The eventual winners were Liam Matley (Juniors) IV. This time the coach returned straight home rather With a professional set, full costumes and live band and Abi Lewis (Inters). The senior reading and than parking on the M62 for a couple of hours as in (prepared and led by the music department) the speaking finals saw Ravleen Kundola taking the honours previous years. musical was set to be a huge hit with our packed-out ahead of Abbie Nott, whilst Sophia Nwachukwu was a audiences over four performances. Sadly, the first set commendable third place. As ever those who excelled of school closures were announced the day before in the Reading and Speaking were pressganged into opening night. Never ones to be beaten and in true action for the Carol Service and Christmas Concert. theatre style (the show must go on!), students were The Grove Theatre also hosted another regional round of the Rotary Club's ‘Youth Speaks’ public speaking competition in January 2020. The WGS team that entered spoke about whether or not the British On Monday 9th December, award-winning theatre Helen Fishburn kindly gave the drama department a education system was still fit for purpose - a point many company, The Paper Birds, came to school to perform large set of shooting scripts for the department to re-examined in mid-August. Once more proving that their show Thirsty in the Grove Theatre. The company keep (from Emmerdale, Cus, Dickensian and So Grovians were (perhaps unwittingly) ahead of the game. have built up an amazing reputation in the world of Awkward) and a full set of handouts which explained professional theatre and are now one of the cited the structure of a production team, where each role practitioners for the Eduqas A level exam board. Our fits and her grid plans. Music Concerts students had the opportunity to see one of their touring works here in the WGS theatre and be The final masterclass focused on two script extracts Whilst the second half of the academic year may take The Informal Concert on 17th October saw a range of involved in a two-hour session with the company (including part of Jimmy McGovern’s Broken) working all the headlines and be seared into the collective pupils open their annual (and in some cases school) learning professional workshopping techniques, on reading ‘cold’, taking decisions about characters memory, 2019-20 opened with much promise and performance account. Year 7s opening their accounts devising and performance skills. 60 students based on the lines and refining performances by musical potential. A Year 13 group, stocked with were Isabella Defurey and Nicole Cater who attended across the day. Thanks to Mrs Priestley for giving and receiving feedback. outstanding musicians, many of whom were performed the duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking for’ from booking and masterminding the event. decorated with Grades Eight and a lower school High School Musical, Helaina Lamb who sang Skinny cohort whose enthusiasm and commitment showed Love, Liam Matley performing one of Dr The Wednesday Evening Drama Workshops, Great Expectations great promise. Longbottom’s works Flip-flop Salsa and Nicole Cater organised by Miss Couper saw a festival of on saxophone with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. Emmerdale talent in school over the various weeks: A 21 strong cast from Years 11 to 13 (plus two featured Bill Withers, Little Richard, Ennio Morricone and Eddie Ruby Clark impressed with Hopelessly Devoted to You Natalie Anderson (Alesha in Emmerdale but also seen young performers from Year 7) rehearsed from Van Halen all left the stage for the last time but as and Zaynah Farid brought a dexterous approach to in Wicked, The Royal, Wire in the Blood and more), September 2019 for their two-night production of able to showcase their fantastic hard work in a with all great musicians - our 2020 music leavers the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in G. Helen Fishburn (Art and Props/Standby Art Director Great Expectations in The Grove Theatre. The cast recording of the performance by working on two included - they may have gone but they are not for Emmerdale, Coronation Street and others), James performed to two large audiences of family and back to back shows on the last day of school. Sta forgotten. Remembrance Day, Sunday 10th November Hooton and Karen Blick (Sam and Lydia Dingle in friends on the 28th & 29th November and with a great and pupils performed spectacularly throughout a very Grove Singers sang Duke’s You, Lord, Are in This Place Emmerdale) all came in to oer workshop experience deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, busy day and we would like to say a special thank you The chapel received an upgrade allowing for the to open the service in a restrained and suitable and industry insights to our pupils. The workshops giving brilliant performances of one of Dickens’ most to everyone who made those performances possible. playing of media in services and the use of PA for manner. Archer’s My Song is Love Unknown was the covered Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, famous stories. addressing the congregation. Not only does this new anthem and as Old Grovians gathered for the act of Gender-Swapping of Roles, Shooting Scripts and Mrs Baker, Ms Evers and the whole team were technology make provision of services more audible remembrance, Joshua Firth performed the Last Post Continuity. Interestingly, pupil Sam Duy was The cast were aided brilliantly by Year 10 students, immensely proud of what the students achieved with and visual for all attending (even those on the and Reveille admirably. The subdued tone set by the reunited with 'Uncle Sam Dingle' as Sam Duy Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene their work on Bugsy and we hope the pupils and their balcony) but it oers the chance for more music choir was a welcome part of the ceremony and a appeared on Emmerdale as 'Noah Dingle' when he changes ran smoothly throughout the production. families had a brilliant time watching the show back events to take place in the chapel using some of the fitting way to commemorate the various former was a baby. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, on DVD. technology on oer. members of the Grove Community.
The Autumn Term’s Chamber Concert took place on The Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th December and I’m Not That Girl respectively. Lucy Lund Summer Concert 20th November showcasing a selection of talented contained an excellent mix of our public speaking continues to delight audiences with her rich flute tone musicians from Years 7 to 13. Amongst the highlights winners performing festive readings and music from and punctilious performances, this time with Smoke The summer concert oered one last chance for Year were Robbie Higgins’ improvised Piano Blues and the main ensembles. The evening opened with Gets in Your Eyes. Abbie and Ellie Nott supplied 13 leavers to perform, admittedly mostly in their own Hope Gilbert singing ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Ravleen Kundola’s reading of The Magi (TS Eliot) and another solo each, both opting for 1920’s style light bedrooms or conservatories, as we attempted a Miserables. Hope was quite possibly the find of the Brass Group’s In the Bleak Midwinter setting the tone music; Abbie with Canzonetta by Pierne and Ellie nine-item concert broadcast on Facebook (which for last twelve months: a recent and very accomplished for quality, tradition and following with a sly nod to choosing Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from The Gadfly. those of you who may not know, like the Director of convert to public performance. Catriona Cochrane popular music along the way. Liam Matley and Ben Both flute choirs, Senior Saxophones and Senior Music, has the facility to do such things). Mr Wears brought her accompanist to tears with ‘I Don’t Know Vernon declaimed comic gems from Gervaise Phinn Clarinet Group added their ensemble contributions, opened the concert with some fine Jazz piano as the How to Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar and and Timothy Tocher before The Year 10 Rock Band Clarinet Group playing the Joplin Favourite were witty audiences settled in their no-doubt comfortable Harry Chung-Lai Cheung dolorously performing Salut closed the first half with Slade’s Merry Christmas and carefree. chairs with a choice of snacks/drinks - all meaning d’Amour by Elgar on the violin. Winnie O¬and’s ‘So Everyone before (another) national poetry by heart conditions were much more pleasant than enduring big, so small’ from Dear Evan Hansen was a stunning prize winner Sophia Nwachukwu delivered a fantastic The year became memorable for a number of firsts the usual theatre heatwave; who knows, we may be finale to a lengthy, yet high-quality evening. rendition of The Christmas Life by W Cope. The made possible by the Special Ops team in the music expected to provide sofas and mid-concert snacks if evening contained many festive favourites such as department. Working often covertly and late at night, we do too many more virtual events. Existing tracks Winter Wonderland (Barbershop), Rudolf (Trad Jazz performers recorded tracks which were then Somewhere over the Rainbow and Xaipete featured Band), Frosty the Snowman (Junior Orchestra), The uploaded, edited and mixed into final projects. alongside a number of new projects. Year 10 Rock Holly and the Ivy (Girls’ Choir) and of course the Suggestions for some kind of project were made by Band covered Dua Lipa and James Blunt, Chamber somewhat tenuously linked Lady Gaga in Concert Mrs Atack to link to the NHS clap for carers using Orchestra delivered Downton Abbey, Swing Band (Concert Band) and Timberlake’s Say Something (Pop Somewhere over the Rainbow to show support for swung through Lean on Me and Don’t you Worry, the Choir). Abbie Nott closed proceedings playing in two key workers. Dr Longbottom was the Grove’s answer House musicians combined for a performance of Be groups before delivering the final reading and then to Steven Spielberg, deploying technical wizardry to Patient originally by the Stay Homas and Grove taking part in the customary Swing Band closing make a cohesive whole from the disparate video and Singers and Old Grovians combined for The Lord numbers - whoever writes the programme clearly audio submission, be they shot in a shed, in the Bless You and Keep You. The videos were edited and hadn’t spotted that. school quad or in numerous front-rooms and produced by Mr Brickel, Miss Evers (Stay Homas) and bedrooms. 14,000 views on Facebook and 1,350 on Dr Longbottom, whose expertise made professional January Scholars’ Day YouTube show that this was quite a popular creation! videos a reality, whilst Old Grovian Jonny Knight did a The one drawback about remote events is the lack of quantity of audio mixing for the projects. BTEC Music The Scholars’ January Jam saw the majority of audience interaction for the performers, who were Technology expert, Louis Moorhouse weighed in with 32 pupils took part in the Leeds Cool Lieder Project scholars perform during the day before two isolated when recording and, of course, the fact that work on synth contributions and Old Grovians aplenty on 29th November. This involved three workshops in workshops and dinner in the Rawson Room. Dr our page-turning maestro Michael Cavaliere was not sent fine contributions (often very late at night after school led by Bass-Baritone Neil Balfour with Jenny Longbottom led the ‘Ensemble in an Hour’ workshops able to assist Mr Crawford’s performing endeavours. finishing their day jobs or university submissions). Martins on piano and poet Conrad Burdekin. The whilst Miss James led the ‘Sight-Singing at Speed’ The Year 13 leavers left a large hole in the Music pupils created verses for the Folksong The Boatmen session as scholars took part in the now annual Department - this was one of the vintage music years as well as joining in with Copland’s arrangement of I festival of musical excellence. and their input to music, from the Head Prefects bought me a cat to perform with the 150 other pupils Eddie King and Esther Bean downwards, has been from various schools. The final performance was House Music immeasurable. There were so many pupils operating great fun, with Grove pupils performing in an at grade eight and above that we were able to plan accomplished and assured manner as well as bringing Thursday 14th February saw the House Music and in the main deliver a huge range of music a sense of fun to the Copland folksong. Competition in the recital room with the usual array covering classical, music-theatre, pop, jazz, soul and of talented individuals competing for House honour rock. There are not many years when we consider The now customary Rawdon Christmas Lights gig on and glory. The judges had a di¤cult task separating putting on an Easter oratorio (Maunder’s Olivet to Tuesday 3rd December saw Mr O’Farrell lead the many of the performances and decisions were Calvary with OG Christopher Nehaul as soloist) in the Brass group in festive music, once again, to popular vigorously debated. In the junior category, Winnie same week as a Jazz Gig in the Town Hall, all in the acclaim. The expected festive head gear for (nearly O¬and’s vocal and guitar rendition of Panic Cord same week as the main end of term concert. all) the players is seemingly, now a part of this (Stephenson) just edged Annabel Gracey’s Dark tradition. Matter drum solo (Southerns). The Senior class saw Unfortunately, all three fell victim to cancellation by Sophie Littlejohn’s self-penned Fade (Stephenson) Leavers’ Weekend on 27th and 28th July saw a the C-word but they would not have been planned The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 15th edge out Nicole Swinnerton’s rendition of Crussel’s number of online collaborations for our leavers. The without such a depth and range of musical talent in December. Scarlett Reilly opened the service with a Clarinet Concerto (Southerns) whilst Towlson led by school song Xaipete was played on the organ by Mr the Class of 2020. delicately shaded delivery of the Once in Royal solo Scarlett Reilly swung through a well-rounded version Crawford, uploaded online and pupils, Old Grovians as the candlelight flickered evocatively around the of I Feel Good to take the ensemble honours. and sta submitted videos. The final video tracks (and Grove Chapel, before singers young and old then led Southerns edged Stephenson for the overall prize in some cases audio only) were put together by Dr Individual Achievements the congregation through the traditional carol service. with Findlay’s consistency paying o for third place. Longbottom and OG Jonny Knight to wish our leavers As ever, newer items featured, including the music ‘bon voyage’ as they journeyed onwards into the wider theatre inspired Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert The Spring Chamber Concert took place on world. The PE department seemed to record their Drama Brown, whilst Junior Choir were excellent in Mac Wednesday 6th March with 13 soloists and four contribution from a Caribbean tour using the wonders Hu’s Swing a Christmas Carol. It wouldn’t be ensembles taking the stage. Esther Bean (Year 13) of virtual backgrounds, whilst others really were far Catriona Cochrane was cast as Tracey Turnblad (the Christmas without Stopford and Rutter items, ventured onto stage for a flute solo, her previous overseas with at least one contribution from the lead) in Hairspray at The Carriageworks. Whilst the Christmas Blessing and All Bells in Paradise outing being in Year 8 and showed what we have Antipodes. Sta also contributed to a compilation of performance was restricted to the virtual world, respectively ticked that box and solos from leavers been missing with a commanding and mellifluous farewell messages weighing in at 15 minutes, although Catriona was outstanding in a blockbusting Flora Lawson and Evie Sugden added the sparkle to performance. Leah Spence and Claudia Darren both this was after some serious pruning when the initial performance of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (available the evening. delivered sparkling songs from the shows On My Own files submitted by sta lasted almost an hour. online and on the break-time concert Firefly page).
Tap and her Song & Dance routines after winning Senior UK Regional Championship titles in both.
Aside from the busyness of concerts and latterly video uploads, our musicians have been busy in the local, national and international performance arena: Ruby and Kitty Hawker continued to perform with several local brass bands including the Drighlington Brass Band, Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra. Scarlett Reilly completed the last of her extensive soprano duties with the Opera North Youth Chorus, bowing out at Leeds Town Hall. Elliot Brady-Beck continued to play first clarinet in the National Concert Band of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Georgia Young continued as one of the first soprani in the Leeds Youth Choir.
Catriona Cochrane Bella Lawson (flute and ‘cello) and Max Warland (orchestral percussion) continued as members of Yorkshire Young Musicians whilst Annie Gracey and Connie Slater has been cast as the new face of Ariel Winnie O¬and studied at Leeds College of Music as washing powder and the advertisement will air part of the Saturday Music School. Annie Gracey also shortly. competed in the Drum-O Global semi-finals in Singapore over the summer and landed an Music endorsement from TRX Cymbals in the Hit Like a Girl global drum competition. Head prefect and multi-instrumentalist Eddie King released an album alongside his foray into the science Performance Log behind complex music and perceived di¤culty. His inspiration may well have been avant-garde pop Abbie and Ellie Nott headed the performance log for musician Jacob Collier, and we may never know who 2019-20 with an impressive number of public has the more impressive home set-up. performances, even more once their record of submitting to each Wednesday Break-time Virtual Practical Examinations Concert is added in. In a year group where there are so many outstanding musicians, these two have taken 31 pupils took and passed music practical commitment and contribution to new levels. The examinations during the Autumn Term with an virtual breaktime concerts received a bumper crop of impressive 12 of these classed as Distinction. submissions and a good number of attendees each Annabel Gracey topped the lists with a Grade Eight week as output moved online and these submissions Distinction, scoring 93% on the drums, with Amy form part of the now impressive media archive for the Hanson close behind on 85% also at Grade Eight music department - an archive which has increased drums. Hope Gilbert, Naveena Amrat and Olivia exponentially since February 2020. Smithson-Horsfall all scored distinctions in Grade Six Music Theatre. Georgina Rayner gained 90% in her With memories like this what can 2020-21 possibly Grade Two Music Theatre in what was a somewhat bring to surpass what we have experienced this year? truncated list of examination results.
Eight pupils gained the requisite Grade Five Theory Certificate with Cindy Li and Kitty Hawker heading the result list.
External Representation
Tilly Raj, continues to train with The Royal Ballet on their Mid Associate Programme and, in January, competed at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with her Modern Dance after winning a Junior UK Regional Championship. Eavie Amos competed at the World Cabaret Performers’ Final in Blackpool, qualifying with an acro-dance routine and was part of the now customary Amos’ family appearances at the ‘Champion of Champions’ event with both her
Perfoming Arts Page 47 Arts
Olivia Walker, Y13 India Appleton-Greg, Y11
Esther Bean, Y13 Evie Hamer, Y10
Page 48 Perfoming Arts Michelle Qun, Y13 Lillian Hushes, Y11
Beth Jenkinson, Y11
Sophie Littlejohns, Y13
Perfoming Arts Page 49 Hope Gilbert, Y13 Olivia Eastrell, Y12
Mia Chan, Y11 Abigail Hubbard, Y11
Page 50 Perfoming Arts Sound advice, empathy & support
To book an appointment, please call our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550.
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LEEDS HARROGATE YORK
Advert 212x277 winter 2020.indd 2 23/11/2020 18:29 Sports Reports Rugby 1st XV
The start of this season brought with it a new crop of Mount St. Mary’s where the result was in the balance players, many of whom had not been exposed to first until the last kick of the game. Even though the team rugby before. However, with the players we had results did not go our way, it showed the never say within our squad, it was exciting to see what was to die attitude that is instilled in us as Woodhouse Grove come during the season as players and coaches. The players and that we won’t stop fighting till the end. first game of the season was against St. Peter’s, York, The last game of the season proved to be the best which we lost 33-26 but the signs were extremely game though, even if it was a wet and windy positive and we got our revenge, beating them in a Thursday night up at Yarnbury. There was a big thriller 27-26 in the North group semi-final in the Cup. crowd as we played against Truro School, playing for the Crewe’s Cup, a trophy that has been played for Some of the highlights of the season included between the schools for many years. We successfully beating local rivals QEGS 33-12 and GSAL 29-10 defended it with a comprehensive 39-5 win over our respectively, as these matches always have an edge Cornish opponents. The game highlighted what we to them. Friday Night Lights against Sedbergh and had been working on all season, where a fierce Kirkham were extremely enjoyable and showed that defence led the platform for a clinical attacking the boys were not afraid to mix it up with some of the display. strongest teams in the country, even though we were physically smaller than these sides. The games that really showed the mentality of the squad were the Jack Popely (1st XV captain) and extremely close losses to both RGS Newcastle and Mr J Bedford (Master i/c 1st XV Rugby)
Venue Opponent Result
Away Bishop Burton College Won : 14 - 5 Home St Peter's School, York Lost : 26 - 33 Away Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS), Wakefield Won : 33 - 12 Wharfedale RUFC Sedbergh School Lost : 11 - 39 Away Barnard Castle School Lost : 0 - 24 Home RGS, Newcastle Lost : 16 - 18 Home (National Cup)Pocklington School Won : 34 - 21 Away Denstone College Lost : 14 - 43 Away (National Cup)St Peter's School, York Won : 27 - 26 Away The Grammar School at Leeds Won : 29 - 10 Home Durham School Won : 21 - 0 Away (National Cup)RGS, Newcastle Lost : 7 - 34 Home Mount St Mary's College Lost : 6 - 7 Home Ashville Harrogate Won : 33 - 19 Preston Grasshoppers RUFC Kirkham Grammar School Lost : 13 - 22 Yarnbury RFC Truro School Won : 39 - 5 Home North Independent Schools' Lambs Won : 47 - 7
Won: 9 Drawn: 0 Lost: 8 For: 370 Against: 325 Di¡erence: 45
Sports Reports Page 53 Rugby 1st VII Rugby 2nd XV
The sevens season was cut short but it didn’t stop us After a string of successful seasons, the playing from winning some silverware. The first tournament was record this season reflected a very challenging one. the North of England Sevens, where we reached the There had been a notable clear out with only a tiny quarter-final of the cup before losing out to Sedbergh, handful of Year 13 remaining, which meant that this where we had to overcome some dicult decisions. In was a young, raw and inexperienced squad, many of the next tournament at Ampleforth we ended up in the whom had yet to taste the step up in physicality that plate after some disappointing displays in the group senior rugby brings. The positive of this, however, was but this didn’t diminish our spirits. We made it to the that many boys represented the team (over 30) and final with a demolishing display of sevens play, beating should stand them in better stead next season. Denstone College 47-0. Even though we did not know it The playing record shows some notable scalps were at the time, the next tournament at Mount St. Mary’s claimed with convincing away victories against local was to be our last of the season. In the group we rivals GSAL and QEGS. The victory against RGS performed well but just missed out on the cup, so we Newcastle, however, was the stand out performance went into the plate again. This put us up against Mount of the season where, in a close and tense aair, the St. Mary’s, who we beat 24-14 and set up a final with team showed real tenacity and determination to Bradford Grammar. We ran out 24-15 winners, which diuse a bombardment of attacks in the closing made winning the plate all the much sweeter by minutes. This was a real show of determination, beating the local rivals. The team had won two plates particularly after a heavy defeat the previous week. It out of three tournaments and were looking forward to led to further very credible performances away at Rosslyn Park but unfortunately, it was cancelled. We Denstone and home to Worksop first team. Although should be really pleased with the progress we have not an excuse, continuity was hard to establish with made as a team and the ability to re-focus as a group an interrupted fixture list, which meant consolidating after some dicult results should be applauded. combinations and being ‘match fit’ proved to be challenging. On behalf of the whole squad I would like to thank Mr Bedford and Mr Ryder for the time they have put into I am hoping that now with natural physical growth, us on the pitch and for helping to make us the best being far more streetwise through the playing players that we could be. O the pitch, I would like to experience this season and an overseas tour to work thank Miss Filtness for the hours she dedicated to the towards, this squad can completely turn around this gym programmes, so we were physically strong enough record. Without doubt, they showed evidence of high to play arguably one of the strongest fixture lists on the quality rugby ability but this will need replicating circuit. A big thank you also has to go to all the coaches every week. who have enabled us to get to this position because without them this wouldn’t be possible and a big thank Thanks must go the two senior lead coaches, Mr you has to go to the grounds and catering sta for Bedford and Mr Ryder, for their technical expertise, preparing quality pitches and food for the boys week in and Mr Mantle for his top quality ociating and touch week out. The biggest thank you though has to go to line coaching. our parents who, without fail every week for the past 7 years and longer, have taken us to training, morning or Mr P Moat night and travelled all over the country to watch us play. We are indebted for that. Played: 11 To all the boys that have made this season so enjoyable, Won: 3 I thank you. Even when we were having a tough run of Drawn: 0 results, we stuck to together and came out the other side much stronger because of it. It has been a pleasure Lost: 8 captaining you all this season and I wish everyone the For: 150 best of luck wherever their rugby takes them. For the Against: 335 Year 13 boys who have played their last games, it has Dierence: -185 been a pleasure playing with you all for the past 7 years. From wet Saturday mornings with Mr Frost to the sensational views of South Africa, it has been a pleasure.
North of England – Cup Quarter-Finals Ampleforth – Plate Winners Mount St. Mary’s – Plate Winners
Jack Popely (1st XV captain) and Mr J Bedford (Master i/c 1st XV Rugby)
Page 54 Sports Reports Rugby U16s Rugby U15s A
The U16s had a very enjoyable season, with some Encouraging progress from a squad perhaps initially dicult challenges along the way. We kicked o the lacking self-belief and confidence. Despite heavy season with a narrow defeat against a strong St. early season defeats to strong opponents such as Peter’s, York side, having suered a heavy loss the QEGS, Sedbergh and St. Peter’s, the squad showed year before. This performance gave the team a spark determination and commitment to training. As fitness, of motivation to face QEGS the following week, with a strength, skills and understanding improved, so did 45-5 win being recorded. A huge dierence to the performances. Large and well organised opponents year previously. This gave the team a tremendous exposed defensive frailties at times, but overall team boost and willingness to maintain this positive and individual player development were most attitude throughout the rest of the season. pleasing. The gap on several opponents based on results from previous seasons were closed and a quite Pushing our way through the season, I could see the heavy cup defeat against Crossley Heath was almost boys improving their individual skills and team reversed in a friendly fixture later in the season. The awareness in every training session and match we season ended on a high with a decisive victory at played. As a result of the team culture and Ripon GS (how blessed players are to enjoy 3G togetherness, we managed to win 7 out of 11 matches pitches at these times of extreme weather, both for and scored a staggering 274 points along the way, matches and training) and this was one of a number beating sides like Durham 55-0 and RGS Newcastle of matches where our forwards gained an edge and 20-7. the exciting potential of the backs was given opportunity to flourish. Arguably a mid-term triumph Our penultimate game of the season was against a against Denstone College was a key point of the very big and well-matched Mount St. Mary’s team. season, where potential was revealed, and players’ The final score was a close 10-7 win, which really kept morale was lifted to sustain the demands of after the whole team on their toes. This was a proud school practice and early morning conditioning moment for me as I could see how much the boys sessions. wanted this win and how hard we had to push through to the final whistle to secure it. Showcasing The team remain a work in progress, despite valuable spectacular skills from both forwards and backs, contributions from several U14 players who reinforced doing their hard work in training justice. our Nat West Vase campaign, narrow defeat was experienced away at Merchant Taylors, whose tactics To summarise the short-lived sevens season, the proved very suitable for the circumstances and victory against Sedbergh was definitely the highlight occasion. to my rugby career at The Grove. Beating them by 3 points, scoring in the last play of the game in the In Sevens, the squad demonstrated encouraging semi-final on their 1st XV pitch. The emotions were potential and produced some memorable definitely running high at this point; The Grove performances to win the plate competitions at both parents couldn’t watch, Sedbergh parents had their Barnard Castle and Ampleforth. Ned McCormack and heads in their hands and even Mr Barr was showing Louis Worrall ( both ERDPP players) showing some emotion! It is a shame that we were unable to impressive qualities and flair well suited to this format travel to Rosslyn park as we had tremendous of rugby. Co-Captain Charlie Popely deservedly confidence from our performances and were excited gained county honours at the end of the season. to represent The Grove on the biggest stage.
As a whole, it was a pleasure and honour to captain Mr R Howard & Mr R Jones the team during this season and I am very proud of the eorts from all my teammates. I would like to Played: 17 thank Mr Barr for providing his brilliant training and support throughout, but also a huge thanks to all the Won:7 boys for your amazing eorts, team spirit and total Drawn:0 dedication. Lost:10 George Worthington, U16 Captain.
Awards:
Players’ Player: George Worthington Coach’s Player: Freddie Ziegler Sevens Player: Ben Turpin Most Improved: Paul Blakey
Sports Reports Page 55 Rugby U14s A Rugby U14s B
The U14 team started the 2019/2020 season with high It has been a good season for the boys, sadly cut expectations and excitement. A huge amount of hard short due to cancellations, however it was still a good work was put in during the Pre-Season. Mr King season with 2 wins and 5 losses. So, to start with the showing us new moves and skills to improve the way first game of the season against St. Peter’s, York. With that we play as a team. them gaining the upper hand fairly quickly and capitalising their chances to score, they went a few The start of the season came with St. Peter’s, York. tries up very quickly. However, a great breakthrough The game was tight with them scoring in the first 10 try saw the game go to 5-22 and myself capitalising minutes, but we got back into it with Callum scoring. the conversion which took it to 7-22. With them Unfortunately close decisions did not go our way and scoring one more, the game finished 7-29 but overall we lost the game narrowly, 5-12. As it was only the a fairly good game from the boys bearing in mind St. first game of the season and players missing, the lads Peter’s were one of the best B teams in Yorkshire. were eager to get back to winning ways. This included wins over QEGS Wakefield 39-12 and Moving on to the next match against QEGS at home. Sedbergh School 28-0, two of the best rugby schools This was a particularly good game from the lads, with in the country! Our heads were full of confidence and us playing as a team rather than 15 individuals. In this we went on a winning streak beating Barnard Castle, game we gained the upper hand very quickly and RGS Newcastle, Denstone College and Leeds then going on to take the lead very quickly with us Grammar School. scoring a few tries and going on to win the game 31-26. There have been some stand out performances; Sam Vernon who is one of the smallest but tackles The next game saw the team play Sedbergh. Sadly superbly and Rufus Halliday making some exceptional the game was a bit of a mismatch and Sedbergh won runs through the defensive lines. Seb Denson making 39-0. powerful runs and Tom Rowe, the flying tap dancer, I can’t even get close to him with those feet. The whole The next game was against Barnard Castle at home. team performed to the highest level this year. This was a particularly good game from the boys with us going in the lead and keeping it that way right until However, the season wasn’t over with rugby 7s due to the end of the game were they scored a try to make be played. Unfortunately, the weather and floods the game finish 28-7 - another great result. gave us less opportunities to play and we only managed 1 tournament at Hymers. It wasn’t ideal The next game was against RGS Newcastle. This was losing our first game after being 24-0 up at half-time, a particularly close game, which finished 14-17. The however we regrouped and went on to defeat next game I did not play in because of picking up an Ashville, Birkdale and eventual winners, Rodillian in injury in the previous match. This game finished with the group stages. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to a Denstone College win 31-0. make the semi-finals due to the tournament going by points scored and not head to heads. Moving on to the next game against GSAL, well I do not know what to say about this game with it being a I would like to thank the whole squad for their complete mismatch and us losing this game 57-0. contribution to training and match days and thanks to Maybe a bit of bias referring but overall not much of a Mr King for all the time he’s given up coaching us. game. Next season we will come back fighting and try to win the National Cup. Overall, it has been a very good season from the team and a lot of things to take away and a lot of things to work on as well, and I look forward to leading the lads Archie Hurford (Captain) into the season next year.
Played: 13 Grayson Oldridge Won:12
Drawn:0 Played: 7 Lost:1 Won: 2 For: 513 Drawn: 0 Against: 121 Lost: 5 Dierence: 392 For: 80 Against: 206 Dierence: -126
Page 56 Sports Reports Rugby U13s A Rugby U13s B
The Under 13s had a terrific season. The playing record It is often said that a good A team equates to a good makes excellent reading but that is really secondary to B team. I, however, totally disagree! I would suggest the improvement made by the team and the individuals that a good B team definitely equates to a good A within the team. The squad was determined, disciplined team… and a real pleasure to coach. It was also incredibly pleasing to have so many boys involved in the Under 13 I have said many times that our fixture list, rugby programme. particularly at B team level, is very hard so, in fact, the result is secondary to player enjoyment and There were some superb performances throughout the development. season, where the boys played some free-flowing rugby. They played as a team at all times and were willing to I challenged the boys in every game to ensure that pass the ball thus keeping the play alive and not allowing after playing they had given all to the team and had the defence to get organised. This was particularly individual areas to improve upon and areas where evident in the victories against Barnard Castle, Denstone they were pleased with their performance. This led to College and Mount St. Mary’s. some fantastic contests and looking forward, some of those losses this season, should equate to wins next. What was also really pleasing was the character shown by the boys in challenging times. There are two occasions Stand out performances were the four victories on where this character really came to the fore. The game the bounce following a loss to QEGS Wakefield that against GSAL was a fantastic game of rugby between took us up to the half term break. During this time, two equally matched teams. GSAL were certainly much the work done in training was evident on the field and bigger and more physical but the boys got stuck in and producing quick ball and dynamic running from the played with great courage and enormous skill, scoring base of the ruck proved crucial. Three games after some outstanding team tries. The try saving tackle in the the break against school A Teams again showed how final minute by Sam Batty will live in my memory for quite far we had come since the September. some time. The second occasion was the fixture against Disappointingly, two games (where we have Rodillian. Playing into the wind in the first half, we were historically been successful) were cancelled which left 15-0 at half time. However the boys raised themselves, the latter part of the season rather devoid of fixtures. played with great tactical nous, using the wind to gain territory and ultimately the win by 20 points to 15. Finally, I would like to thank all the players and the army of parental fans for their support over the Of course, there were disappointments along the way. season home and away. Once again, I look forward to However, the defeats should be seen as learning seeing all the players carry on representing the school opportunities and the challenge remains to continually next year. improve to turn these results around. Mr K D Eaglestone Sadly, the sevens season was cut short. However, we did play in two tournaments. In our first run out at Bradford The following boys played regularly for the team. Grammar we played some excellent rugby but struggled physically against some large opposition. Lessons were Max Atkinson Trey Halliday learned and in the tournament at Durham we played Alex Baker Arjun Hare some great sevens, in particular in our last game scoring some outstanding tries and moving the ball with great Harry Bates Leo Horsley skill. Cameron Bojas Joshua Kippax Justin Crowther Daniel Littlejohns I would like to thank Mr Eaglestone for his unstinting support throughout the season with coaching and Jake Fawcett Musa Malik supporting the team each weekend. Also, thanks to Mr Tom Fell Ishen Parekh Ryder for his coaching input on a Monday afternoon. James Flynn Arun Rai Thanks must also go to all those who allow our rugby programme to happen including Mr King, the grounds Finley Hainsworth Charlie Rutter team and the catering team. Joey Hall Hamza Saeed Samuel Hall Joseph Slater I wish the players all the best for the future and I look forward to watching them progress through their time at Rudy Halliday Charlie Watterston the Grove. Mr A Cadman Played: 14 Won: 11 Lost: 3 Drawn:0 Played: 10 Won: 6 Lost: 4 Drawn:0 For: 80 Against: 206 Dierence: -126 For: 290 Against: 220 Dierence: 70
Sports Reports Page 57 Rugby U12s Red & Maroon Rugby U12s Green
September 2019 saw the start of a new rugby season Union - We had the most amazing start to Year 7, with at Woodhouse Grove and for Year 7 it was an exciting a lot of wins. It has been an unbelievable season time as we started a new chapter at high school. At because we have not been defeated in a single game. our first rugby training session it was wonderful to We won 12 out of 13 matches with 1 draw, we smashed see the old faces but many more new faces. it!
Our first game of the season was a friendly against 7s - This year in 7s we got o to a decent start, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS), always a finishing quite high in the tournament at BGS. tough team to play. Both teams tried and played well Unfortunately, the next few tournaments were but we knew if we wanted to have a successful cancelled but we were able to finish 2nd at St. season we would have to train hard and continue to Olave’s. improve how we played. All in all, the boys this year were remarkable and I Some boys were new to rugby but over the season wish I could see them during lockdown. I would like to through the Red and Maroon Teams, every Year 7 boy say thank you to the boys who have played in the was given the opportunity to represent the school. Green, Maroon or Red teams and I hope that you have The Maroon Team played three matches and won two enjoyed it as much as I have. Also, thank you to the whilst the Red Team played eleven matches, winning coaches who have supported the squad and I through five, drawing two and losing four (although most of this year; we will miss you. We are all very excited for these were very close). next season and are looking forward to getting to work with Mr Cadman next year. Over the season there were many stand out performances but in particular I will remember Joshua Oliver Stoner Dickinson’s full length try against Crossley Heath School and Oluwatisefunmi Onigbogi (Tish to his Played: 13 Lost: 0 Dierence: 365 friends) weaving his way through the opposition Won: 12 For: 490 game after game. In the forwards Woody Ham, Jack McElhone and Lezain Shyllon had a great season Drawn: 1 Against: 125 often breaking through the opposition’s line and were dicult to tackle. In the backs, Will Moxon was a standout with his tackling and Joshua Wright, who was new to rugby, impressed everyone with his running. Ben Vernon and Tish who played consistently well, were given the opportunity to also play for the Green Team.
Thank you to all the Woodhouse Grove coaching sta for all your support and guidance. I am looking forward to returning to school and hopefully another Max Atkinson great season of rugby. Alex Baker Harry Bates Adam Bashir Cameron Bojas Justin Crowther Jake Fawcett Tom Fell James Flynn Finley Hainsworth Joey Hall Samuel Hall Rudy Halliday
Page 58 Sports Reports Sports Reports Page 59 Page 60 Sports Reports Netball 1st Team
A strange last season at the Grove and after 7 years weather conditions were dicult but the girls were (for many of the team) and such a successful season ready to put their everything into the last opportunity last year the 1st VII wanted to push themselves even to represent the school. A great start with a win further with the aim of National Finals. against Wrekin College W13-8. A tough second match against Hartbury, drawing 6-6 at HT but unfortunately Some tough days of pre-season helped blow o the we couldn’t hang on and suered our first loss 9-15. summer cobwebs and prepare for the Annual Season After a short break we managed to forget the last Opener; the Alex Reid Tournament. It was great to get match and came out strong against RGS, with a final the team back on the court and try out dierent score of 17-5. Our 4th game V Latymer Upper School combinations and rotations. With 5 wins from 5, finished 15-8, with some great defensive turnovers against Greenhead, GSAL, Nottingham, Sheeld and made in the circle. Our penultimate game of the day Bromsgrove, they finished the day with 1st Place. saw us draw season rivals, Sedbergh. An amazing team performance with so much passion shown, and Following the Alex Reid Tournament attention soon we took the game 15-8. Our final game of the day, turned to the 1st Round of National Final Qualifiers; and we lost against a strong Worthing College side, the West Yorkshire Area Qualifiers. We played some 7-14. The Grove finished the day in a commendable tough games in preparation for this. Greenhead 5/6th Place. College have always provided us with tough games with a mixture of results in the past. We managed to What an amazing last season for these girls at the take the game away in the final 2 quarters to finish Grove. After so many years of friendship and some the game 36-31. Next up was Sedbergh, who we amazing memories, their time as a 1st VII had come to would later find out were our toughest competition of an end. the season. A fitting draw, 29-29 meant the team was even hungrier heading into their fixture against BGS Miss G Thompson (W48-18). Next up we were back at Bradford Grammar for the West Yorkshire Qualifiers; some tough competition especially given the tournament Played: 26 schedule. Some great passages of play and a full Won: 22 team eort left the Grove in 1st Place and unbeaten on the day. Drawn: 3 Lost: 1 Prior to the Christmas break we had to ensure we were ready for the Regional Round of Qualifiers, so some additional games were added to the fixture list. A friendly against Leeds Beckett University presented us with some challenges we hadn’t faced yet this season but gave us a lot to work on in the next few weeks of training. We also drew Cheadle Hulme in the second round of the National Cup (after receiving a Bye for the 1st round). A hard fought game against a well drilled Cheadle side saw us take the win, 48-32. This prepared us nicely for the Regional Round of National Finals; with some extremely competitive matches we managed to qualify in 1st Place taking us to Welwyn Garden City in March. This winning streak seemed to continue, with success against Bradford Grammar, Ashville, Stonyhurst and St. Peter’s. Another fixture against Sedbergh saw another draw, 38-38.
With a few weeks to go until National Finals we attended a Leeds Rhinos U19 training session, this allowed us to play against some of the top players in Yorkshire and work on various tactics against very experienced players.
National Finals were upon us and little did we know Covid-19 was in the air and this would be the team’s final time playing together for Woodhouse Grove. The
Sports Reports Page 61 Netball 2nd Team Netball 3rd Team
The 2nd VII faced a tough season this year - with The 3rd VII started the season with some tough many of the previous second team players leaving the pre-season sessions, preparing them for the school, it was a new side with lots of new challenging season ahead. combinations and units. We had a run of competitive games taking us up to The girls had a tough few days of preseason to start the half term break. With fixtures against Rodillian, them o, with some hard fitness sessions and Sedbergh and Ripon Grammar School, we were still strength work. The season started with the Alex Reid searching for a win. The U19 Leeds Schools Tournament. This provided some really competitive Tournament provided us with our first win. A full match play and enabled the team to work on squad performance allowed us to take the win over dierent combinations and positions. Some close Guiseley, with some great defensive pressure we games against some polished teams saw us taking forced errors and our shooters managed to convert. 4th place for the day. A good start to the season. Unfortunately, the team was unable to keep this Our first Wednesday of the season, we welcomed winning momentum leading in to the next set of Greenhead College to school. As always this was a fixtures. We struggled to find our form against very challenging match, end to end netball, which Wakefield, Stonyhurst and St. Peter’s who managed unfortunately we just missed out on the win. Final to capitalize on our errors. The team still managed to whistle: 20-22. With some more training sessions and stay positive and trained hard after returning from a bit more time to gel as a team we managed to Christmas. We worked on various weaknesses of our secure our first full fixture win against Sedbergh, game and managed to take the win over Bradford 35-17. A great performance from the girls, even after a Grammar in a well fought game, 30-26. Miss Pearce few green faces from the bus journey. and I were extremely proud of the team for managing to hold on to the win and see out the end of the The next set of fixtures were probably our toughest game. of the season, coming up against many schools’ first teams; Ripon, Rishworth and Ashville. These tough The last set of games of the season provided us with matches provided us with a lot to work on in training further challenges playing many schools’ 2nd teams. and being able to practice against our 1st VII helped We also faced a strong Fulneck 1st team and were not us prepare for the fixtures that followed after the able to stick with them and unfortunately lost 13-27. Christmas break. With successful outcomes against Our last game of the season saw us go out with a win! HLC, St. Aidan’s and Bradford Grammar we finished We had a fantastic performance against a well-drilled our season happy with the progress we had made St. Aidan’s team, managing to take the win 27-23. and the memories we created along the way. Although we did not get the results we wanted, the An extremely strange end to the season, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the season and for some of gutting news that the girls would not be able to finish them, it was their last season representing the Grove. the year and their netball careers together on tour. It would have been amazing for them to see out the But regardless of this, they have enjoyed some season on tour with the whole team but Covid-19 had wonderful netball years at the Grove and I’m sure other plans. wish all future players good luck! Miss G Thompson Miss G Thompson
Played: 17 Played: 15 Won: 3 Won: 6 Drawn: 0 Drawn: 0 Lost: 14 Lost: 9
Page 62 Sports Reports Netball U16s A Netball U16s B
It was a tough start to the 2019/20 season for the The 2019/20 season was a very interesting one for the U16As, facing heavy defeats against Cheadle Hulme, 16Bs. Although we didn’t manage to win a game, we GSAL and Bradford Grammar. However, success have made lots of improvements. As a team our followed in the county round of the U16 national knowledge and awareness of the game has increased qualifiers, where we saw o all the opposition in a and we have started to think more tactically about clean sheet of wins over BGS (12-4), PHGS (8-4), what we are doing on the court. With a tough fixture Brighouse (16-3), Huddersfield (11-3) and Crossley list, the matches were never going to be easy but Heath (5-4). The concluding game was a nail biting nevertheless, we continued to build on ourselves and one goal win against GSAL (7-6), meaning we topped pick at our performances to make improvements. the table and qualified for the regional round. We had a challenging start to the season with losses against, Cheadle Hulme, GSAL and BGS. The Leeds This success was followed by some great Schools Tournament provided us with close contested performances, narrowly missing out in a one goal games but we couldn’t manage to find a win. Even game to Stockport Grammar School. We also faced though we were yet to win a game, morale was still well contested games against Stonyhurst and high and we continued to develop and become both Sedburgh School and again to BGS and GSAL, but fitter and stronger. The weather also made training this time were unable to take the win. and fixtures dicult but the team strived on and continued to support each other. After the Christmas break, we were straight back into fixtures and preparing ourselves for the Regional The second half of the season saw us play Prince Round of National Finals. The qualifiers were played Henry’s, Ilkley Grammar and BGS for a second time. at the EIS, Sheeld and the girls put in some Our final game against Allerton High was the most outstanding performances but unfortunately missed competitive fixture of the season, just missing out at out on National Final qualification by the narrowest of the final whistle, 13-14. margins (goal average). The day was a great learning experience for the full squad and one that will aid our No matter the results, the team showed great performances in the future. commitment to all training sessions and matches. The fixtures enabled us to see the development of the While results may not have gone our way this season whole squad. We had some brilliant performances for the U16As, there was a great team spirit and and determination from our shooters, Holly and commitment throughout and lots of progress and Lillian. The mid courters also showed great resilience development was made. It was a shame we did not and improvements to their game, being able to get the opportunity to celebrate this success, deliver the ball to the shooters well but also particularly with the students that did not continue transitioned well into defence. Our circle defence also their schooling at the Grove this year. We look managed to turnover some great ball and win tricky forward to continuing to build and develop this team rebounds. moving into senior netball. Overall, the season may not have ended with the Amaya Ritson results we had hoped for but we have still developed as a team and will come back next season hoping to change a few of those outcomes. Played: 26 Won: 22 Phoebe Holt Drawn: 3 Lost: 1 Played: 8 Won: 0 Drawn: 0 Lost: 8
Sports Reports Page 63 Netball U15s A
This season, as a team we achieved a lot and were quite our eorts, we knew that we had tried but they were successful. We won 11 out of 14 matches for our too strong a side for us. The end result was a 25-37 loss. friendlies. These wins were against: Cheadle Hulme 32-8, Bradford Grammar 41-13 and 45-11,Stockport Overall, even though we had an aim to reach the finals, Grammar 36-12, St. Aidan’s 42-10 and 37-5, Harrogate we are one of the top 4 independent schools in the Grammar 42-10, Prince Henry’s 39-5, Sedbergh 34-7 country and our hard work during matches and training and Ashville 23-12. Our 3 losses were against GSAL 11-21, has paid o considering how far we got. Stonyhurst College 12-25 and St. Peter’s 15-18, which Emma Okpala was a very tight game until the last whistle. Played: 22 The season properly started when we played our first Won: 16 match in the Sisters n Sport Cup against South Hunsley, in which we won 52-6. We then went to Manchester in Drawn: 0 the 3rd round to play Sandbach High School, however Lost: 6 we were unfortunately knocked out. Netball U15s B We hadn’t lost all hope as we were competing in the Independent Schools Netball Cup (ISNC). Our 1st match was away at Wakefield Girls’ High School and we won This 2020 netball season we were lucky enough to have 33-5. The 2nd round was against a very strong side, 14 girls able to represent the school for the U15B team Withington Girls’ School, however we came back and and 2 coaches; Miss Williams as our coach for the first won 27-21. half of the season and Mrs Curtis, in the second half. Our team included 3 shooters; Harriet, Claudia and Liv The 3rd round was home against Stonyhurst College. and in defence; Megan, Aaliyah, Aleeza, Catherine, That match was a match to be remembered as we Molly and also Izzy who unfortunately had to miss part received lots of support from parents, teachers and our of the season due to injury. And finally, in mid court; own peers. The amount of support we received showed Kiah, Ella, Imogen, Amilia and Lily. During the season how much of a community our school is when it comes due to various injuries and the struggle to sometimes to cheering each other on. Thankfully we came on top make up numbers, Evie, Sophia, Lola and Amelia also 38-13. contributed to some great results.
Round 4 was not just a physically challenging match Our first match was a home game against Cheadle but a mentally challenging one too. Our opponents Hulme School which was a great start to the season were The Grange who had a reputation of consistently with the final score being 18-6 to us. The second game high results, which worried us a bit. The first and of the season was during Thursday games afternoon second quarter were very close score wise, however against Guiseley School, gaining another good win after our half time talk, we came back with a fight for 16-12. Unfortunately, our winning streak was lost with a victory, which resulted in us getting the win 36-30. very tight match against Harrogate Ladies’ College, with the final score coming to 12-13. After the half term Our next round was the quarter final against Redmaids’ break, the team suered a tough loss against Ilkley High School in Bristol. The first quarter was very Grammar School 6-14. However, the following week we consistent from both us and our opponents. The 2nd bounced back, winning our two games against St. quarter was where we got a little bit of lead, however Aidan’s 20-4 and Bradford Grammar 23-3. The last Redmaids were close to our heels. After half time, we three matches before the Christmas break were full of came back ready for anything and gained another lead. ups and downs, losing 3-16 to Prince Henry’s Grammar The end result was a 43-35 win. School and 9-22 to Abbey Grange but winning against Harrogate Grammar School 25-15. Our semi-final cup match was home against St. Helen & St. Katherine. Just like the 3rd round against Stonyhurst The away win against Stonyhurst College was a great College, we had so much support, which showed how start to the new year, with the score rounding up to Netball at school is developing. The 1st quarter was very 24-10. But it didn’t last long with two unfortunate losses intense as we were winning by a few goals but then St. in the next two weeks, one against Gateways A team Helen came back in front by 1 or 2 goals. At quarter losing 8-27 and the other to St. Peter’s School in York time we knew we had to step our game up and, after a 12-41. nail biting 15 mins, we drew level at 14 all. The 3rd quarter was the decider to see who would win the In the run up to February half term, the team conceded match, and as we had hoped that we could possibly some great wins against Yarm school 35-7, Sedbergh win, St Helen came back at us with more fight and School 25-16 and a second win against St. Aidan’s 22-7. ended up taking that quarter by a large lead. Despite And only one loss against Silcoates School at home 17-34.
Page 64 Sports Reports Our penultimate friendly match against Ashville was performances this season. Overall, this netball season won 35-11, which put us in great spirits going into our has been amazing, and we couldn’t ask for anymore. final match against Horsforth School, which we gladly We cannot wait for the 2020/21 season to start when won 17-11. As we all know by now, our season was cut we return in September. short due to school closing but we would like to thank all the girls for a great season, Miss Thompson for Ruby Clarke organising the fixtures and Miss Williams and Mrs Curtis for coaching us through an amazing year of netball. Played: 20 Won: 15 Drawn: 1 Lost: 4
Olivia Speed
Played: 18 Won: 11 Drawn: 0 Lost: 7 Netball U14s B
What a great season 2019/20 proved to be for us. Netball U14s A We started the season strong with a great turnout at pre-season. The team was eager to hit the court again and that showed in our first game against Cheadle Our Year 9 netball season was definitely one to Hulme. We dominated the first half and managed to remember with so many great memories made along keep this up and take the win 34-10. the way. The competition was tough but we overall won 15 and drew 1 out of the 20 games we played. After a great first result we were back in training ready to face Ilkley Grammar U14A in our first League A close first game of the season against Cheadle match of the season. A tightly contested game, with Hulme, 20-27, helped us identify lots of areas of our end to end netball saw Ilkley deservedly take the lead match play that needed attention. The whole squad with 2 minutes to go. Unfortunately, we did not have worked hard in training and we turned the next result enough time on the clock to gain an opportunity to around and beat South Hunsley 54-23. This winning change the score and missed out by just 2 goals, final streak continued for us with wins over: BGS (34-21), result: 13-15. Stockport Grammar (34-18), Wakefield Girls’ (16-3) and Prince Henry’s Grammar School (23-2). Our first loss of the season meant that the squad was more determined than ever at training, we wanted to We were also entered into the National Cup this year ensure this result wasn’t repeated in our next fixture and, although we managed to win our first-round against Harrogate Ladies’ College. A full squad game against Wakefield Girls 24-7, frustratingly we performance with some excellent shooting statistics lost to Stockport in round 2, 38-52, after beating meant this wasn’t the case and we were back to our them earlier in the season. winning ways, final result- 21-16. In the lead up to Christmas we continued to develop our skills and One of our aims for the season with being a Nationals really come together as a squad, which showed with age group was to see how well we could do in the wins against Abbey Grange (20-4), Yarm (27-11) and competition. After a tough first round of fixtures in St Aidan’s (20-7). the West Yorkshire round we were extremely proud of the team for reaching the Yorkshire round of National As the season progressed so did our skills, we were Finals. much more clinical in attack and had improved our ball placement, this meant our through court attack The last few games of our season finished on a high was fluid and our feeds into the circle were much with strong performances from everyone. We better. Our first match in the New Year was against managed the following scores against some Stonyhurst. It was a cold morning but we managed to challenging schools; 12-10 V St. Peter’s, 35-19 V St. take a healthy lead after the first quarter and finished Aidan’s and 25-23 V Ashville. the game 31-2. We continued with this winning streak for the remainder of the season and took wins Our team has gone from strength to strength this against: Sedbergh (17-14), Silcoates (25-15) and season and we could not have achieved any of the Ashville (34-7). results without our amazing shooters; Summer, Yasmin and Nicola, who have a great shooting range. Although the last 2 games of the season had to be Our centre court players; Maidie, Evie Maya, Millie and cancelled, we all had a great time as part of the U14B Mary, who were solid for us in the middle of the court, squad this year. Not only did we improve individually being able to keep up with play all the time. And but we also made great progress as a team. lastly, our defenders - myself, Lila and Izzy who were able to get some great turnovers and rebounds. Lucy Lund
We would also like to thank Miss Dudley for her continued support and help in aiding our Played: 15 Won: 11 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4
Sports Reports Page 65 managed to take a lead over St. Aidan’s in the first Netball U14s C round of the National Plate and took a convincing win over St. Aidan’s 33-10. In the next few fixtures we managed to keep pressing and increasing our form This season brought new challenges for the U14C every time. We managed to take wins over GSAL team. With a large squad, it was important that the (21-13), Stonyhurst (24-12) and Bradford Grammar match time was shared out equally. Due to having School (25-15). already played together in the previous season, it made it easier when deciding combinations and Round 2 of the National Plate saw us face a good trying out new ones. One real advantage of the team Sheeld High side. A well fought game, with some is that they are all very versatile players and are all great play from both sides, meant the game was happy to try out new positions; a real bonus with close for the full 4 quarters. With a lot of pressure on such a large squad. the shooters, they did a great job to keep their heads and kept us in the lead until the final whistle (35-31). Our first couple of matches of the season proved a real challenge, recording loses against Rodillian The next set of fixtures allowed us to iron out our Academy and Horsforth School. After a series of errors and work on tactics that would help build us postponed matches, which allowed us to get in some for the next round of the National Plate. In the lead up solid training sessions, the team managed to achieve to this we played; Sedbergh (25-13), Harrogate their first win of the season playing Ilkley Grammar Grammar School (28-9), Prince Henry’s Grammar School during a games afternoon. School (24-17), and Stonyhurst (37-7).
In the lead up to the Christmas holidays, we built Round 3 of the National Plate meant we had to travel some momentum winning 2 games and losing down to The King’s School Worcestor. The long another. This, unfortunately, didn’t continue when we journey was worth it, with a solid team eort we returned to play the second half of the season. Again, managed to take an early lead and keep building on with 2 postponed matches, we managed to play 2 this to finish the game 32-11. Unfortunately, we were matches before our season was cut short. unsuccessful in the quarter final of the Plate and lost out. However, we still managed to finish our Saturday The girls enjoyed playing the term and a half of fixtures on a high with wins against Yarm (32-24), St. netball, and really developed as a team. I am looking Aidan’s (31-28) and Wakefield Girls’ (27-11). forward to seeing what they are able to achieve moving into Year 10. Overall, we had a great season with lots learnt, experiencing dierent positions and we look forward Miss G Thompson to building on this further as U14s next year.
Phoebe Turner Played: 9 Won: 3 Played: 21 Drawn: 1 Won: 17 Lost: 5 Drawn: 0 For:79 Lost: 4 Against:89 Dierence:-10 Netball U13s B Netball U13s A This season started with a few hard days of This season was an exciting one, full of competition pre-season to get the U13Bs ready for their first tough and challenges for the 13As. Although the season fixture of the season against Cheadle Hulme. With a didn’t start how we would have liked, we ended the large squad of 20+, we rotated squads regularly, season much stronger and learnt lots on the way. which at the beginning of the season proved challenging to try to get confident with combinations. An early start to the National Cup and we faced a We came up against Stockport for our second game strong Withington Girls’ side (12-50). We knew our of the season, which resulted in a convincing win, first Saturday fixture against Cheadle Hulme was 16-4. The next two fixtures, against Harrogate Ladies’ going to be a tough one given the result last year. College and Ilkley Grammar, faced us with tough Although we battled to the final whistle, we lost 13-51. challenges and we were still getting to grips with A quick learning curve and some technical training various combinations. In training the girls worked sessions meant our next result was not the same. We hard to develop their on-court relationships and
Page 66 Sports Reports cement some strong connections between the play, that we had improved our skills and were able to dierent units and players. This hard work paid o think more tactically about what we were doing when and we managed to secure wins against Bradford on the court. This would not have been possible Grammar School (13-8), Harrogate Grammar (17-13), without the help of Mrs Vernon and Miss Dudley who Stonyhurst (24-7), and St. Mary’s Menston (12-5). kept pushing us to do our best in all sessions. Thank you to the whole team and coaches for making it The girls continued to work hard in training and we such a memorable year. had great commitment from the whole squad, which allowed us to make massive improvements, especially Mia Barker with the support of Ms Pearce. The 2nd half of the season the team had more tough fixtures but, with Played: 13 Won: 6 Drawn: 2 Lost: 5 the eort and intensity they had put into training, they finished the season on a winning streak with wins against; Yarm (33-13), St. Aidan’s (19-17), Silcoates (32-8), St. Olave’s (27-1) and Ashville (16-6). Netball U12s Green
A huge thank you to Ms Pearce for helping the girls We’ve had an amazing season this year, winning the improve their skills and their knowledge of netball majority of our matches and losing few including a whilst having such fun along the way. Although they very tough game against Yarm School. missed the last game because of Covid, they had a brilliant season playing with each other. We started the season extremely eager to get going and start our netball careers o for the Grove. We had some tricky games in our first few weekends Miss G Thompson facing Manchester schools Cheadle Hulme and Played: 16 Won: 10 Drawn: 1 Lost: 5 Stockport Grammar. Both of which we struggled to find our form in and were still finding our feet as a newly put together team, so there were still many Netball U13s C positives to take away from these early fixtures. Soon after these we managed to click as a squad and really put out some solid performances, with wins After the Summer break we were all ready to come against GSAL (10-4), Stonyhurst (21-6), Bradford back to Netball and we were excited about being Grammar School (21-2), Harrogate Grammar School entered into the Leeds League. Although this meant (16-11) and Sedbergh (11-7). These tough competitive playing many schools’ A/B teams, it gave us more fixtures enabled us to test our skill level under good opportunities and allowed us to challenge ourselves defensive pressure. With some tough training against some really tough sides. Our first set of sessions and scenario work with Mrs Jennings, we fixtures were against some really di¡cult opponents were able to finish the season with strong and we struggled to compete. We faced Ilkley performances. Wins against Prince Henry’s Grammar Grammar (0-22), GSAL (3-22) and Harrogate School (13-4), Stonyhurst (24-10), BBG (16-3) and Grammar School (6-25). Ilkley Grammar (17-2).
Although we were disappointed with the results we Everyone within the team has played incredibly well had achieved so far, we were still determined to get this year with our strong defence including Pippa our first win and the work ethic of the girls at training Green, Olivia Lockwood, Harlei-Jade Illes-Binns, and was super. We completed some technical sessions to Isabella Nimmo. Our center court players who consist help improve our attacking skills and some fitness of Cecily Cothlie, Scarlett Williams, Natalie Flynn work, all helping to develop our overall match play. and Sarah Rueger. And an extraordinarily strong attacking team including Phoebe Roe, Macey The benefits of our hard work finally paid o when Holmes-Moxon, and myself Nicole Cater. We have we had a storming performance against Stonyhurst grown as a team and matured together this season (28-1). I was so proud of the whole squad for putting working on our teamwork. We can’t wait for the next out such a great performance, all working to support season for us to play as a team once more. We would each other and keep backing each other up on the like to thank Mrs Jennings for making us into the court. strong players we are today and Miss Williams who helped coach us for a few of our games. We carried on with this form in the next lot of fixtures and had some great turnovers and shooting statistics Our ladies of the season are Scarlett Williams and from our super shooters. We took wins against Harlei-Jade Illes-Binns. Roundhay (5-3), Yarm (33-5), Silcoates (22-10), Morley (16-6) and drew to a strong Allerton High Belle Nimmo and Nicole Cater School team (5-5). It was great to see, both in our results and our court Played: 15 Won: 12 Drawn: 0 Lost: 3
Sports Reports Page 67 Netball U12s Maroon Netball U12s Red
As this was their first year experiencing netball at the The U12 Red’s first season at the Grove started o Grove, the girls were initially unsure what to expect with one of the toughest games of the season against but they had a thoroughly enjoyable season although Cheadle Hulme School. Being a new team, with many the results did not go the way we had hoped. We of the girls having never played before, this game was faced some tough opposition in our first few games tough. We tried out various combinations to see how and with some work to do in attack, we found it hard the girls worked together as a team. Following this, to get the ball to our shooters. we faced more challenging competition, playing Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Stockport Grammar After participating in some challenging training School, Harrogate Ladies’ College and The Grammar sessions, the girls were able to see progress in their School at Leeds. attacking skills in such a short space of time. Although the result against GSAL (2-8) did not go One of the most memorable games was against our way, we were definitely moving in the right Bradford Grammar School, this was the team’s first direction and the team was hungry for their first win win of the season. After the first few matches being of the season. Unfortunately, this did not come as so challenging, it was in the match against Bradford soon as we had hoped with two more challenging Grammar School that the team cohesion that is oppositions; Harrogate Grammar School (1-15) and St. formed at the Grove was really felt. The hard work Mary’s Menston (2-10). Although they had still not and dedication of the team in training had finally paid managed to win a fixture, the girls did not let this or o. the cold weather dampen their spirits. After many training sessions with Miss Filtness and with the help The next set of fixtures allowed the girls to regain of 1st VII netballer Maisie Bickerton, the Maroons some confidence and proved that the hard work they finally took their first win in a tight game against had been putting in was really worth it. Recording Ilkley Grammar School (3-1). It was a brilliant wins against; Sedbergh Prep School, Stonyhurst performance from the whole team and positive College, BBG Academy, Ilkley Grammar school, St. teamwork helped to get them to the final whistle Aidan’s and Silcoates School. undefeated. It felt like the team had only just got started when the With the weather impacting some of our fixtures we news that the season was going to have to end early were unable to play as many games as we had hoped, broke due to the global pandemic. It was a brilliant yet the girls remained focused in training and all term and a half of netball and we hope this continues squad members stayed committed. This commitment throughout their time at the Grove. and hard work allowed us to achieve our second win of the season in our last game. We played a strong Miss G Thompson Silcoates team but managed to have the edge and won 13-7. Played: 15 It was amazing to see the Maroons’ development as a Won: 7 squad but also as individuals given that some girls had never played netball before starting at WGS. Drawn: 0 Lost: 8 Miss G Thompson For:124 Against:158 Played: 11 Dierence:-34 Won: 2 Drawn: 0 Lost: 9
Page 68 Sports Reports Sports Reports Page 69 Page 70 Sports Reports Football 1st XI Football 2nd XI
Firstly, I would like to thank, Mr “The special one” Overall, it has been a season full of mixed emotions Softley. Over my 7 years at the Grove, seeing the from the tournament in York win to our last game transformation football has taken is incredible. We are against Birkdale, which was a hard-fought victory as now recognised as a successful footballing school all we won 2-1. Despite only playing five games over the thanks to the many hours Sir has put in to making us course of the season, it’s fair to say that there has play ‘proper football’. been an improvement in performances from last season. To start the season as always, we had the York 6-a-side tournament, this is a great event as it’s a The second team had faced some tough opponents, good warm up for the season and allows us to see especially against GSAL and St. Peter’s, where we what other teams are like. Unfortunately, our loss in showed toughness and hunger but unfortunately we the opening game, due to “bus fever” would come fell short against these two schools. However, we back to bite us and we ended up placing 2nd overall showed great potential during this season with a out of 7 teams - winning 4, drawing 2 and losing 1. mainly Year 11 line-up with a solid back four and with James Hopwood in goal, who produced some After the 6-a-side tournament we headed into the exceptional saves which kept us in game. season. Our first game was against St. Peter’s and although we massively outplayed them and had the My favorite game had to be against Fulneck where we majority of possession, a series of mistakes was the were 2-1 down at half-time, and through clinical making of our own downfall and we lost 3-1. We learnt finishing from Will Eastell and Faris Khan, we came from our mistakes and bounced back in our next out 5-2 winners through resilience and solidity at the game to beat Hull Collegiate 3-1. Next came one of back. Something I will never forget is that Jay the biggest games of the season against local rivals Banghoo can finally manage to play more than 10 GSAL. In the wind and rain, it was sure to be a draw, minutes without asking to be subbed o. however late in the second half we managed to grab a goal and secure the win, which was probably one of With it being my last season at the Grove, I would like the biggest and most memorable of the year. The to thank Mr Softley, Mr King, and Mr Jones for helping next couple of games didn’t go our way, however we me become a better football player, it has been an had players missing and although we didn’t get the absolute pleasure being coached by you all, and results we wanted, we played until the 90th minute hopefully we can arrange an Old Grovians match in which is a credit throughout the season to the lads. the near future. Unfortunately, many games this season were cancelled due to the weather, other schools not being Mukhtar Ngala (Captain) able to raise a team and Coronavirus of course. Out of the 14 games scheduled we only played 7 which is why it was nice to finish on a winning streak at the end. Beating Benton park 3-0 gave us all confidence Played: 5 going into what would be our final match against Won: 3 Birkdale. This was a fantastic match with chances for Drawn: 0 both teams but our method of passing and moving Lost: 2 was too much for them in the end and we won 2-1. For: 17 Considering our shortened season, we were all happy Against: 16 with how we performed and came on over the course Dierence: 1 of the season. Although we would have liked to turn a couple of the losses into wins, it made the many victories we had taste ever sweeter knowing it was because of eort and skill.
Louie Williams (Captain)
St. Peter’s 6-a-side tournament – 3rd Place St. Peter’s School – Lost 3-1 Hull Collegiate – Won 3-1 GSAL – Won 1-0 Immanuel College – Lost 5-2 Bradford City U15/16 – Lost 7-1 Benton Park – Won 3-0 Birkdale School – Won 2-1
Sports Reports Page 71 Football U15s Football U14s
My name is Ed Dixon and I captained the U15 football This season I saw our squad turn into a team. team this season. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to Things went dierently to other years, with training win any games, but I enjoyed leading a side that tried consisting of lots of drills, which were fun but also their hardest in every game. We were competitive in challenging at the same time. This allowed everyone most games and probably saved our best to develop their skills, and allowed our coaches, Mr performance for the last game of the season when we Dobson and Mr Barr, to see the talent that our year ought to have made more of a host of scoring possesses. opportunities against St. Aidan's. We also produced a good performance against a strong Bradford City In previous years, we had a solid squad of 15, who team, managing to score a couple of goals. played every single week, bringing home consistently good results, whereas this year we have had over 30 Unfortunately, our season was curtailed with two players represent the school in numerous matches. games remaining due to the Coronavirus outbreak. With this new expanded squad, we were able to let This was particularly frustrating as, based on results new players have their shot, whilst also pulling in in previous years, they were both winnable fixtures decent results. that we were extremely confident about. We won four of the eight games that we played, with A large number of players had the chance to two games cancelled due to lockdown. Of these four represent the school, including several international wins, we had an 8-0 win against Hull Collegiate, which boarders. Our goal scorers this year were Ned gave us a massive confidence boost as it was our first McCormack, Kian Tennant, Ed Dixon and Callum win of the season. We also had a win against Birkdale, Hyland-Dugbo. who were tough opponents, but we came out on top winning 3-0. Some say Callum and Fergie are still Thank you to Mr Robb and Mr Borrington for arguing about who got the last goal! coaching the team this season and we look forward to being part of Senior Football at the school in the Probably our best win of the season was our 8-1 win coming years. against St. Aidan’s, where we performed outstandingly as a team, however the show was stolen by an amazing performance from Grayson, Ed Dixon (Captain) who scored four of the goals. Everything went his way that game, and he even scored a diving header o a perfectly timed cross from Zak. Played: 6 The spirit of the team improved tenfold this year, and Won: 0 as football becomes more prominent in school life, I Drawn: 0 hope that we can set an example to new students at Lost: 6 the Grove. I cannot wait until next year and having an even better season playing as a team. For: 5 Against: 42 Dierence: -37 Rory Henderson
Played: 6 Won: 4 Drawn: 1 Lost: 1 For: 25 Against: 7 Dierence: 18
Page 72 Sports Reports Football U13s FootballRugby U15s U12s
Short, wet and muddy. Although the first season of football for all the boys was disappointing in terms of results, the team has Our season was heavily rain aected, causing many bonded well and over the season, our performances games to be cancelled and many games ending up improved as we played more games, all got to know looking like a mud bath! During the rain aected each other better and gained more confidence. season, we won 2 and lost 5. Not the best of seasons but to say it was our first year at 11-a-side, we did We lost our first 3 games quite comprehensively, in alright. particular a 9-0 thrashing by GSAL but the lads never 11-a-side was hard but as the season went on, we got stopped working hard for each other throughout better as a team, but, unfortunately, as the season these performances. went on the weather got worse, meaning less game time than we would have hoped for at the start of the The lads bounced back in style and although getting season. beat 4-3 by the Bradford City Academy side, played At the beginning of the season, we had lots of boys some of the best football they had all year against turn up for training, and those numbers consistently some top-quality opponents. continued throughout the course of the season, everyone wanted to be on that team sheet. When the That result gave us new found confidence as we matches started, they were usually tight aairs, with travelled to Sheeld to play Birkdale Grammar sometimes it going down to just one goal, usually School. We should really have won this game, created that one goal going against. But the team showed loads of chances and had it not been for a once in a great belief throughout the season, all trying to do lifetime strike by their centre forward, the win would their best for the team. have been ours.
I liked to say thanks, from all the team, to Mr Keegan After coming second in a competition at Prince and Mr Sidebottom for coaching us throughout this Henry’s Grammar School when the pitch was just an short lasted season, and to all the referees that have area of mud and it was impossible to play any type of coped with the rain and mud, and not to mention the football, our season finished with another close loss committed parents that stood on the touchline to St. Aidan’s. through the worse of the weather. Also, a big thanks goes to the groundsmen who have tried their best to It was great to see so many of the Year 7 boys play make as many games go on as they could. And finally, over the course of the season and it has been an I hope you all are well and safe. honour to captain them over the games.
This has been a really enjoyable first season for the Harry Bates lads. They have worked hard for each other and despite the results, there were a lot of positives for us to work on in future years. And with a bit of luck, we could easily have won a couple of games. Played: 7 Won: 2 On behalf of all the lads, I would like to thank all the Drawn: 0 teachers who gave their time to coach and manage us, in particular Mr King, Mr Madden and Mr Softley Lost: 5 and all the parents who supported us home and away. For: 17 Against: 25 Max Chaplin Dierence: -8
Played: 5 Won: 1 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 For: 8 Against: 25 Dierence: -17
Sports Reports Page 73 Basketball 1st Basketball U15s
Playing basketball at the Grove this year was a huge We had a lot of new players starting the sport this improvement from last season. The boys were now year and representing the school for the first ever working as a team and using plays with 5 men in time. This meant that our results were a mixed bag. dierent roles. Defence was key this year and something we worked on from the start. However, However, we got better and better as the season near the end we looked unbreakable. developed. There is a lot of experience we can take from the year and and I am pleased that so many We had a promising start to the season with a small students want to take part in basketball. I hope that tournament on our turf. We came out with one W out next year we can have even more people wanting to of the two games. We then played Beckfoot away and try the sport and join the school team. won by a solid 12pts. Our next game on the road was against a ferocious Ackworth side who tested our Samuel Siu teamwork with a solid all round pack of players. We were unfortunate to lose by 14. Beckfoot then faced Played: 9 Won: 3 Drawn: 0 Lost: 6 us at home where we lost by a narrow 2pts. To finish o our Autumn Term, we then travelled to GSAL For: 63 Against: 95 Dierence: -32 where we won by 7pts.
The next busy term made it hard for us to form a full squad, for most games, although we still put up some Basketball U13s great performances. Our defensive highlight was our first game back against GSAL. Here, not only did we The basketball team’s spirit Is amazing. Because even win but we kept them to 19 points all game! Then we though we lost every game this year, no one ever faced Ackworth at home. We knew this would be a gave up and we tried to improve and work harder. hard game and the boys showed great resilience to Eventually we started to pull down the dierence in take back the lead in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately scores and even when times were tough, we still gave due to a controversial decision from the referee we it everything we had. I am proud of everyone on the conceded crucial technical fouls in the final part of team because they also showed up to training and the quarter and gave away our well-deserved lead. matches no matter what. I know that we will continue On the brighter side, this was the greatest to work hard and improve our skills and I look forward performance, this season, from the boys as they to next season. showed determination, spirit and respect. We then lost on the road to a very strong Bootham side. Our Daniel Littlejohns last game was against Beckfoot for the decider. Unfortunately, with the lack of our full squad, we lost by 7pts. Basketball U12s To conclude, I know me and the other leavers are going to miss playing with our Grove jersey together but, to those who aren't leaving next year, it is evident I came into Year 7 barely knowing anybody. It took a basketball culture is emerging within the school. me a while to make friends but as soon as I started Good luck next season! going to basketball club and other sports, I made tons of friends almost instantly. I started going to basketball club every week and I really began to Ed King notice my balls skills improving thanks to the brilliant coaching. All of the people at basketball club were really friendly and I loved playing sport with them; there was a really great team spirit. I still remember Played: 10 the excitement of getting chosen to represent the Won: 4 school in a basketball match for the first time, I was Drawn: 0 so excited. Lost: 6 Over the year we have played in several matches and For: 339 tournaments with many dierent people getting the Against: 370 opportunity to represent the school team. With every Dierence: -31 game that we played, we got better and better and I am really looking forward to playing again in Year 8 in the Jr. NBA.
Morgan Crew
Page 74 Sports Reports Georgina, Mabel and Isla Swarbrigg all picked up Cross Country silver team medals in the trials as part of their respective Leeds teams.
I am privileged and proud to have held the position of On Sunday 6th October, the team made their way up Captain of the Woodhouse Grove Junior Girls’ Cross to Giggleswick for the English Schools Fell Running Country Team this year. It has been amazing seeing Championship. A large open flat start saw a huge everyone's commitment and dedication rewarded field of mixed male and female runners ploughing with brilliant racing and amazing results. through water and streams, racing for the narrow gap for the first turn. This then led into a steep, rocky Here is my brief summary of what has been an climb, which thankfully spread the field out. Our own exceptional year for us and, I think it is safe to say, has Maisey Bellwood managed a blistering start and was proven we are a force to be reckoned with! high in the running order going into this first section. With the rest of the team split up in the start melee, The Bingley Harriers’ Race in late September saw very this was going to be a challenging race against some strong runs from all competitors with all WGS junior strong opposition. Luckily, our team rallied and the girls in the top ten: Maisey Bellwood started her WGS runners all had a brilliant race with Maisie taking Grove career with 2nd, Georgina Rayner 6th, Grace the win for the girls and Archie silver in the boys’ Ross 7th and Mabel Walker 9th. Archie Peaker went race. The Junior Girls’ team - Georgina Rayner, Mabel one better than Maisey by winning on his debut whilst Walker and Eilidh Molloy - narrowly missed out on the Junior Girls‘ and Boys’ teams both claimed bronze by two points whilst Ben Hill (Club Captain) second place, overall, the Year 9 boys won the Y9/10 and Henry Murphy also ran well, showing real race, and the Y9/10 girls team came in third. resilience on the tough terrain. It was a fantastic event and we look forward to the next one! Our team remained undefeated in the local schools’ cross-country league, the first race of which was held Success in the English Schools Athletics Association’s at Middleton Park in September. The team claimed Cross-Country Cup was a definite highlight of the four places in the top ten, two of which being podium year. The team’s journey to the national final began positions. Maisey Bellwood, despite being in Year 7, with a qualifying run at GSAL in mid-October, with all was streets ahead of the pack and took first place. the girls finishing in the top 11. This convincing win in Subsequent races at Cardinal Heenan in October, the regional round led the team onwards to compete Woodhouse Grove in November and a return to a next at South Hunsley in the North of England round. very wet and cold Middleton Park again in December Here, Maisey was dominant in securing first place, witnessed many individual successes, including a 7th with over a 20 second lead. Strong scoring positions place for Mabel Walker in the final race of the series. from Georgina, Mabel, Eilidh and Grace cemented the The race on home territory received the greatest team’s win for WGS girls once again. This took us to team score to date. The closely contested race at the National final at Mount St. Mary’s. A Grovian first! WGS saw Maisey stride home in 1st, Georgina Rayner in 3rd, Eilidh Molloy in 4th, Phoebe Turner in 6th and The Junior Boys’ team (Harry Bates, Jacob Best, Grace Ross in 9th place. Maisey was unbeatable at all Cameron Bojas, Joey Hall, Archie Peaker and the Leeds League events and came first in the Ayomide Solaru) came third at GSAL with Archie individual league with Georgina and Eilidh in leading the field home in first, meaning they also respectable 3rd and 5th position overall. qualified. Archie and the boys then repeated the feat at the regional round (North of England) final. Archie Several athletes made their cross country debut for clear of the field from 200m into the race and the the school in league races this year, including Jacob boys packing well to take third. To qualify one team Best, Lily Bickle, Nicole Cater, Cecily Cothlie, Leo for the final was historic but to have both junior Horsley, Ibrahim Khan, Daniel Rutter, Barnaby Steere, teams through was incredible. Thomas Steel and Phillip Wright. To prepare for the national final, in addition to the Archie Peaker achieved first place in all his League team’s weekly training schedules, our coaches appearances, by a significant distance. Ben Hill surprised us with a visit from Jonny Brownlee and achieved second place consistently; Georgina Rayner, Gordon Benson, Olympic triathletes, who came for Elilidh Molloy, Mabel Walker, Phoebe Turner, Grace breakfast and gave us all a team pep-talk. This Ross and Harry Bates all achieved top ten finishes in provided the team with additional motivation, their league races throughout the season. Although inspiration and tactics for the race ahead. The full the final race of the year could not go ahead due to might of the Junior Girls’ cross-country team (clad in the national lockdown, we ended with the Junior Girls matching ice-cream compression socks!) having as League Winners. broken all school records to date, had finally arrived at the start line of this memorable race. We were all Archie and Maisey’s mutual dominance continued as nervous, but we were determined, and we had they won the West Yorkshire trials with Ben Hill worked hard to get this far. Our ‘secret weapon’ claiming second in the Intermediate boys’ race. Maisey Bellwood put in a truly outstanding
Sports Reports Page 75 performance against talented runners from all over the country. A nail-biting race saw her battling for 1st Squash position and an excellently timed burst took her into the lead going into the final 200m with a powerful sprint finish. This meant she obtained her second The Squash team this year have certainly had an national title of the year. Georgina, Mabel, Eilidh, exceptional year from competing in both local and Phoebe and Grace fought hard in a gruelling race to national competition. finish not long after Maisey to place WGS as the top northern school in their age category, coming in 7th Well-deserved and hard fought victories were noted position overall. A remarkable feat considering that against local rivals such as BGS as well as closely over 530 schools had entered the competition fought matches against Ampleforth and GSAL. There originally! were some strong performances by Henry Blakey, Allaid Howe, Moh Ritson and myself throughout the The boys’ race did not quite go to plan, Archie was season. Having 4 Year 13 students in the Senior team shoulder-charged to the ground in the opening yards brought strength to the squad as well as much and had to fight back from way down in 50th to 13th enjoyment. at the close, robbing him of a shot at a medal. Captain Harry picked up an injury and could barely In addition, the Junior team have progressed walk at the end whilst Joey, Ayo, Cameron, and Jacob massively; evident through some excellent match all fought hard but with limited reward in a field of victories and it was great to see the start of the girls’ 250 pairs of flying feet. squash team in the younger year groups. I feel confident in saying that they will be a tough team to Throughout the year, we have trained and raced in beat as they grow and develop and particularly when mud, rain, flooding rivers and snow. We have they are playing at senior level. supported one another, been resilient in the face of injury and are always committed and enthusiastic. Personally, squash at the Grove has provided me with a real opportunity and is something I will look back We were all very proud to discover that the team’s on with great fondness. So, if you’re a new Year 7 or many successes and positive attitude culminated in have never played squash before, Grove Squash is a receiving the Student Team of the Year award at The great place to start playing. I hope all future squash Bradford Sports Awards in March and Maisey being players enjoy playing as much as I did and possibly commended in the Young Sportswoman of the Year taking their game to the next level by joining a squash category but just missing out on the win (something club or continuing to play at University. she has not been used to this season!). Particular thanks to Mr Softley for re-invigorating all Even amidst the uncertainty of lockdown, the club aspects of squash when I was a junior player, and for were still able to foster team spirit with the club Miss Webb for assisting with coaching and organizing virtual challenges, the Brownlee Q&A and the online fixtures over the past season. cross-country quiz. Having been a year of historic firsts, what better way to end it than with an end of Squash at the Grove has been a great team to be a term, live ‘Pancake Bake O’. part of and I really hope that it continues to grow in the coming seasons. I wish all the new and younger I would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the players the best of luck. I hope to continue to play at team for such a brilliant year and for all your hard Old Grovian squash fixtures in future and that squash work, not forgetting the parents and families for their continues to be an integral part of racquet sports at support. the Grove.
A special thanks must go to our amazing coaches Mr Tedd and Miss Hughes for their endless dedication James Shoesmith-Evans, Squash Captain 2019-20 and support. To conclude this report, I feel that these words of Miss Hughes sum up our Junior Girls’ team perfectly:
“The girls make both training and racing fun – whilst they take the sport seriously, they strike the perfect balance by not taking themselves too seriously .... This team prove that ‘running like a girl’ is an aspiration, not a reproach.”
Georgina Rayner (Junior Girls’ Captain) & Miss Hughes
Page 76 Sports Reports We are hugely proud of those who committed to the Swimming swimming team last year and we were sad to say goodbye to so many Year 13 pupils who had been such key players for so many years. We would like to As with so many sports during 2019-20, we had our thank our Senior Captains – Andrew Mettrick and season cut short but there were still plenty of Sophia Emmett-Spanton and congratulate those who excellent results to reflect back on and to celebrate. were awarded colours for their achievement and commitment to swimming. The English Schools’ National Swimming Competition (regional round) provided the 1st gala of the year. We We hope that we will soon return to the pool and that entered 6 teams, 2 of which finished on the podium – we have enough arm bands to go round for all those the Seniors Boys’ team finished 2nd and the Junior who have forgotten how to swim! Boys’ team 3rd in their age groups. All of the races in this gala were relay races rather than individual events and the pupils really enjoyed celebrating their Miss A Barron achievements as a team. We then had to wait to see if the times qualified for the next round of the competition. Sadly neither team made the qualifying times but the Senior Boys’ team came very close.
We then enjoyed a 3 way gala with GSAL and Harrogate Ladies’. Swimming against 2 schools makes the gala a little more exciting as even if you aren’t winning the race, it matters whether you come 4th/5th/6th. We were all tied with one race to go but sadly were pipped to the post by Harrogate in the mixed age relay.
Ripon hosted WGS for another very close gala in November and it was great to see a number of newcomers representing school and being recorded for their GCSE courses. With such a fantastic swimming pool on site, the team are always happy to share the facility with those who are swimming for fitness or rehab purposes or those aiming to improve their swimming in order to be assessed as part of their exam courses.
The first term finished with a fun gala against Bradford Grammar School – Bradford won by 2 points but we had a number of pupils who went home happy with their Christmas selection box as winners of the multi-disciplined ‘skins’ race.
2020 started with a bang and some wins for the swimming team. The girls were victorious against Harrogate Ladies’ College, winning by a comfortable 138-98 and the team followed this up with a 158-87 win against Horsforth. With over 30 pupils representing the swimming team, we took on GSAL in February. There were some fantastic races which went to the wire and some real fighting spirit shown by both schools. GSAL claimed victory but so many races could have gone the other way and we came away feeling very proud of all of the swimmers despite the result.
The swimming team had started to find some winning form when Covid-19 hit and sadly the remaining galas were not able to take place. While all of those who enjoy swimming training and galas at school were hugely disappointed with the end to season, nobody realised how long this would impact our sport.
Sports Reports Page 77 Page 78 Sports Reports Sports Reports Page 79
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© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2020. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks. House Reports Atkinson This was closely followed by my personal favorite, House swimming. Perhaps not the most popular event and it was not a winning performance, however I have never seen anything quite like Jack Popley’s ‘dive’ (if you can call it that) or the speed at which Grace Ross completed her 50m freestyle. Nor have I seen anything like the team spirit displayed on poolside or heard anything like the volume of students screaming on their peers in the water. A truly fantastic house event and one in which all students leave the Jubilee Pool with a smile on their faces. Perhaps it is a popular event after all?
2019-20 was the year of new and exciting house events, which gave students the opportunity to showcase talents not previously highlighted by the House system. House photography was a hugely popular event and one in which Atkinson produced truly fantastic art. A special thank you to our Junior Photographers who produced the photograph featured entitled “Hanging on for gender equality”. Scoring second place (personally I think Atkinson were robbed of first) I was incredibly proud of all the photographers involved and pleased to see so many students embrace the new house event. Lockdown saw Yet again, the dedication, determination and sheer students produce more than the humble banana bread adaptability of Atkinson students and sta have for the new House Bake O event. Entries included displayed this year has utterly blown me away. The million shortbread, oozy and delicious double wide variety of house events available (and a few chocolate cakes and a beautiful tiered rainbow cake brand new and exciting ones) have seen students produced by Natalie and Luke Schoeman amongst push themselves beyond limits in the sporting arena, many others. Judging really was hungry work. spend hours experimenting, filming and editing videos for their science entry, preparing their Students were also challenged with making the most signature bake for House Bake O and rehearsing the of their daily walks by collectively travelling the all-important high note for House Music. distance between Land’s End to John O’Groats and, very impressively, Atkinson travelled 1180km. A special In my second year as Atkinson House Mistress it was thank you to Georgina Rayner at this point for extremely important to me that all students had the submitting eye wateringly far distances travelled on opportunity to participate in as many events as they her daily runs. Furthermore, junior and inters students wish and, most importantly, still have fun at the same took part in a virtual sports week. Atkinson juniors time. Eighty two out of one hundred and twenty two came first place and inters students third – a fantastic students participated in House events this year, which result for the House. At this point, I would like to say a I am exceedingly proud of. At this stage, I would like sincere thank you to Mr King and the incredible PE to say a huge thank you to two important students, department for giving students the opportunity to Heads of House; Jack Popley and Hope Gilbert. In the partake in the beloved sports day in very dierent and past seven years, these students have shown di¤cult circumstances. unwavering loyalty to Atkinson, consistently volunteered for a large variety of events and always The Atkinson House tutor team looks very slightly participated with a healthy competitive flare. This dierent this year as we say goodbye to Miss Russel, year they have also shown fantastic leadership and we wish her a very happy retirement. We welcome Mrs inspired younger ‘Atkinsonians’ to follow in their Innes to the team and welcome back Miss Pearce – it is footsteps. I hope they leave Woodhouse Grove great to have you both on board. School with fond memories and I truly wish them the very best of luck in the future. As we end a year like no other, Atkinson finished a commendable fourth place in the leaderboard. I am so There have been numerous highlights throughout the proud of every single student who has participated in year, so upon reflection, here are a few stand out house events this year, in whatever capacity, and hope moments. The year kicked o with a winning that our Atkinson spirit makes us go for gold next performance by our Inters Quiz participants who academic year. Thank you to the students, tutors and managed to bag first place in Mrs Goodwin-Bates’ Senior House Master, Mr Hole, who all make the role of notoriously tricky quizzes. Furthermore, well done to Atkinson House Mistress such a pleasure. our Junior chess players and Senior scientists for scoring first place in these events. A special thank you to our musicians and particularly Hannah Dutton, who performed an incredible solo of ‘Skyfall’ in House Music – a fantastic performance I will remember for a Miss L Holloway long time.
House Reports Page 83 Findlay junior debating, Alicia Ayub and Anna Parson were overall winners, as were the team of Rudy and Trey Halliday and Charlie Watterston in the junior photography competition, a new event for this year.
There were second places in the following events: inters table tennis, and both boys’ and girls’ junior squash. Thanks go to Natalie Flynn, Grace Roy, Toby Farndon, Nicola Trimby, Sumaiyah Yusuf, Lola and Rory Henderson, Yasmin Amrat, Summer Anderson, and Musti Burhani who represented the House in these events.
The music competition was one of the last events to take place before lockdown began and thanks to performances from Zaynah Farid (junior solo), Isla Swarbrigg (senior solo and ensemble) with Catherine Potter, Elena Piazolo, and Will Wood making up rest of the ensemble, Findlay were placed third.
There were several other events completed where, whilst not as highly placed as those recorded above, we competed with great energy and sportsmanship; it has been an absolute pleasure to watch all those who participated. I am most grateful to all who took part and I hope that you enjoyed yourself discovering a new sport or achieving personal success.
During the lockdown, house events continued remotely! My favourite was undoubtedly the house baking competition with many delicious looking To say that it has been a strange year in house events entries! Well done to all of those who entered. Could would be an understatement! A full autumn term of you make them again for a taste, please? competition gradually dwindled as we approached March and the ensuing hiatus. However, there were Usually there would be a plethora of house badges many brilliant performances and achievements to awarded during the course of the year but acknowledge and to congratulate. circumstances curtailed many events, many of the House’s strongest. Several are on the cusp of The year always begins with house quiz, with the achieving their first one or progressing to the next; I seniors being the most successful team from the am sure that they will do so early next year. house. Comprised of Issy Hill, Jen Holland, Ravleen Kundola and Josh Vickers, it was good to see the However, many congratulations to the following for house prefects out in force, coming third in the final gaining their Silver House Badge during the year: tally. Year 8 – Alicia Ayub, Harry Davison, Trey Halliday & Anna Parsons, October is dominated by one of the biggest events: Year 9 – Sumaiyah Yusuf house swimming. The girls’ team were up against Year 13 – Hayden Hart some very strong opposition from other houses. However, the excitement, enjoyment and commitment Gold House Badges were awarded to: from those who participated was palpable. The Year 10 – Amelia Newsome & Will Wood best-placed swimmer was Amelia Newsome coming The Michael Allewell Trophy this year has been second in the inters backstroke race. Third places awarded to Catherine Potter for her outstanding were achieved by Evie Edgley (junior freestyle) and contribution and commitment to the House. She the inters medley relay team (Amelia Newsome, Isla gained her Gold House Badge during the Autumn Swarbrigg, Olivia Helliwell and Nicola Trimby). Term of 2018 and notably entered all four lockdown The boys were more successful, maintaining their house events during the summer! Many renaissance in this event over the past few years. congratulations! First places were awarded to Harry Bates (junior breaststroke), Robbie Higgins (inters breaststroke); In what will certainly go down as an extraordinary second places to Ben Hill (inters butterfly and IM), academic year, my final thanks for all their help, Rudy Halliday (junior backstroke), Archie Davison support and leadership, go to my team of senior (inters backstroke), Archie Hurford (inters freestyle) prefects, headed by Issy Hill, ably assisted by Ravleen and Andrew Mettrick (senior IM). The relay races, the Kundola, Andrew Mettrick, Max Nesbit, Hannah most exciting and close races of the night, saw Davison, Hayden Hart, Bella Worthington and Jen Findlay placed 1st in the inters boys’ medley and 3rd Holland. in the junior boys’ freestyle relay. The excitement was overflowing when the senior boys’ medley took place To all of the Class of 2020 and to those who also leave to the extent that a flying start caused a the Grove this time, my sincerest best wishes and disqualification! Luckily this did not aect the overall good luck as you depart the Grove to pastures new. result, the boys coming second overall once again. It was a fantastic two nights of competition: two full team sheets, great spirit in both participation and support for all swimmers! ANC Two smaller events produce two first places. In the
Page 84 House Reports Southerns impressed by the way that he has got stuck into house life. The same can be said for Hamza Saeed, whose excitement to take part in the racket sports as well as basketball and football was o the chart. His energy was the driving force behind many of the teams that he was part of. Matthew Roberts also had an amazing year, showing excellent leadership skills, not only by taking part in a wide range of events but also by being an extremely supportive role model to the younger pupils. Overall, I am extremely impressed with the Year 8s last year, there are some real superstars amongst them and I am excited to see how they grow as a year group throughout their time at the Grove.
Our inters had a reasonable year too, but I am hoping they pick up the pace next year and beyond as we seem to rely on the same people within these two year groups. Hritik Bhangoo, true to form had a great year, participating in the most events throughout the year, his enthusiasm and love for the house has never faltered and What an amazing year we have had! A year of he is proving to be one of the most committed members competing in a wide range of events wouldn’t be the of our house; long may this continue! Alongside him, same without a few ups and downs and as ever we had both Callum Hyland-Dugbo and Annabel Gracey have our fair share, but as ever I remain optimistic that we are consistently performed well for the house. Callum is a heading in the right direction and am incredibly proud strong all-rounder and is prepared to roll his sleeves up of everyone who has taken part and represented our for the house and Annabel wowed us once again in the house last year. house music competition as well as taking herself out of her comfort zone to represent us in the climbing event. I must admit, I shed a very happy tear as I delivered our final house assembly, overcome with emotion, I was so We had an incredibly strong seniors team last year and pleased to announced to the house that due to our the Year 13s will certainly be missed, taking first place in outstanding eorts and commitment towards the end of a number of events, including the quiz, badminton, the year, in particular, we finished in a very strong music and table tennis, which really helped us secure second position, very closely defeated by Vinter house. our overall second position. Our Heads of House, James A remarkable improvement on the previous year’s fifth and Emma led the senior team well, and we must not place finishing position. forget the stand out performance from Catherine Voronina in the debating competition, her passion came I would like to formally thank James Shoesmith-Evans through as she debated for our house with pride. and Emma Illingsworth for leading the house last year, Amongst the Year 12s, stand out pupils include Nicole they worked incredibly well together and their approach Swinnerton. She swam, quizzed, baked, played clarinet, was to lead by example. They were fully involved in the chess, badminton and squash (and the list goes on!). majority of events, which was a reflection of their She is a truly dedicated member of our house and attitude and commitment to the house throughout their therefore it was only fitting to announce her as Head Girl time at the Grove. They have both achieved record of House for the next academic year. The house means breaking house points and have, without doubt made so much to Nicole and I am certain that she will do an their mark, they will be greatly missed and always incredible job alongside Josh Stephenson, who has been remembered, particularly for their talent in racket sports! appointed Head Boy of House for similar reasons. Throughout his time at the Grove, he has been equally To follow in the footsteps of James and Emma, I am committed to the house, having been involved in many confident that we have some strong leaders of the events over the years including many during the last. future emerging as there were a number of stand out performances last year. Amongst the juniors, to name To finish, I already knew that I had an incredible house, but a few star performers, I would like to recognise that is getting stronger, year upon year, but this was Jamie Roberts for competing in the most events last confirmed one hundred percent and more during our year, including swimming, chess, badminton, basketball, phase of remote learning. I was blown away with the science and baking. He has given nothing but his best, level of team spirit, we came together, and we were so much so that he has been elected to be a junior strong, taking 2nd place in the Bake O and the music prefect next year. I am confident that he will take this montage, 1st place in the Land’s End challenge, 1st place role seriously, alongside Belle Nimmo, who has been in the Inters sports week and joint 1st place in the junior appointed on the strength of how she led our junior sports week. It just goes to show that even when times photography team last year as well as stepping up are challenging, when we all work together, we achieve during the remote learning period, taking part in a wide great things. range of virtual house events. We are Southerns and we are strong! Amongst the Year 8, Jonathan Archer made his mark as a newcomer last year. He had a great year competing in a number of racket events and I have been really Mrs L Watmough
House Reports Page 85 Stephenson Despite a really positive and strong start to the year, we slightly tailed o and finished in fifth position. However, I cannot fault the eorts of every Stephenson pupil and would like to thank them for their commitment to the house this past year. Our final assembly of the year, which was done through teams, was a really touching moment for me and it really highlighted the tight-knit community that we have not only in Stephenson House, but at the Grove in general. Thank you to the students, tutors and Senior House Master, Mr Hole, who all make the role of Stephenson Housemaster such a pleasure.
Mr N Barr
What a year! I never envisaged a school year quite like it, however, the way in which the Stephenson pupils have rallied and supported one another has been truly inspiring. Under strange circumstances, the Stephenson community managed to show incredible adaptability and positivity and participated in a whole host of events, including some new events such as House Bake-O and House Musical Montage!
This was my third year as Stephenson Housemaster, and I could not have done it without the support of a number of pupils. Josh Firth and Sophie Littlejohns were amazing Heads of House and were ably assisted a by a strong cohort of Year 13 pupils. Both Josh and Sophie have given a tremendous amount to the house over their time at the Grove and are destined to succeed in their future endeavors.
There have been numerous highlights throughout the year, so upon reflection, here are a few stand out moments. The Sixth Form were pivotal to Stephenson’s successes this year, with really strong performances coming in House Quiz, House Badminton and House Debating; securing second place in all three events. The seniors also recorded a first place in House Quiz. The senior boys swim team were also outstanding, winning several individual events as well as both relay events; special mention to Jacob Head and Jacob Goodison on their fine performances. The support that the other pupils showed whilst their peers were competing was lovely to see and will hopefully continue to inspire more pupils to engage with the House System in the future.
There were some new events added to the calendar in 2019-20, including House Photography, House Bake-O and House Musical Montage. During the Summer Term, pupils were also encouraged to take part in some House PE & Games challenges including a Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge and a virtual Sports Day. I would like to give a special mention to Mr King who went to a huge amount of eort to try and get pupils active, engaged and happy during the Summer Term, through the various sporting house challenges.
Page 86 House Reports Towlson ever, Towlson performed beautifully at house music, achieving fourth place and the junior and senior scientists achieved second and fourth place respectively.
Whilst the Summer Term was unusual, I really enjoyed seeing the results of the House Bake-O competition. I am sure they all tasted as good as they looked and seeing how many kilometres Towlson could clock up on the Land’s End to John O’Groats Challenge. Well done to Ned Hawker who was the top performer with 499km. I also enjoyed watching the Gotta Be Patient entries.
Well done and thank you to everyone that has participated in a house event this year. It was a strange ending to the year but nevertheless, the house spirit still shone through, even from afar!
As ever, I am blessed with three fantastic students as Mrs C Spencer the Head and Deputy Heads of House. This year, more than any other, I had a dicult decision to make as many of the current Year 13 students embody what the house system is all about, but as Allaid received his platinum award this year (50 house points), he really deserved the role.
As ever we started o the year with the quizzes where we achieved some respectable placings. Allaid then went on to lead the senior boys to victory in squash, well done, Henry, Matvey, Ethan and Ivan. Swimming in Towlson continues to strengthen, particularly with the girls. We once again, achieved first place in their event and third place for the boys which meant, overall, we were in second place. There are too many swimmers to mention but particular thank yous should be made to all the students who swam out of their age group or stepped up on the day to take part in a race they had not signed up for. Our winning streak in the racket sports continued with the inters table tennis team achieving first place, Callum, Tom, Zaynah and Lucy leading the charge as well as the senior girls’ squash team, well done, Eshter, Izzy, Molly, Zara and Samia (who had never played before!) Thank you to both the senior and junior debating teams, Molly Bradshaw, Isabelle Teale, Jessicas Strudwick and Weir for taking the time to plan and take part. Well done, also, to the climbing and basketball teams who both achieved second place.
It was a busy start to the Spring Term. As usual it started with house chess, the senior team of Allaid, Henry, Peter and Ivan securing second place. This was then followed by junior boys’ squash - Tom, Callum, Ethan, Zach and Anjun achieving first place, junior table tennis - Ethan, Zach, Ayomide and Henry achieving third place and the junior badminton team achieving fourth. The girls’ junior squash team of Amelia, Kitty, Georgia and Caitlin also achieved third place. The senior badminton team also achieved fourth place. This term also saw a new house event of photography; each team was given a brief around the work of Slinkachoo and then they were required to use a character to design a picture. Both the junior and the senior teams achieved fifth place and I really enjoyed looking at what each team produced. As
House Reports Page 87 Vinter which was an absolute delight to listen to. The contributions towards the music montage clearly showed not only the students’ musical ability but also team spirit! Thank you to all those involved, Vinter’s contribution to the overall music video was outstanding.
House bake o was another highlight of the year for Vinter. We not only had an overwhelming amount of participation, but also saw some truly fantastic bakes! Well done to all of those involved and thank you for so much involvement in a distanced house event! I think everyone will agree that Vinter had another outstanding year and I hope students take the credit they deserve for putting so much energy and enthusiasm into house events. Vinter is incredibly lucky to have such an inclusive and dedicated student team and I hope students will continue to look forward to the coming events. Thank you to all students involved and I look forward to seeing the I would firstly like to thank Jake Fletcher-Stega, Cat new challenges that the house events bring next year! Eaton and Abbie Nott for their support and outstanding leadership throughout the year. Without GO VINTER! their input and positivity many of the events and activities would not have run so successfully for Miss L Follos Vinter. Their prefect team also deserve a big thank you for their unstinting support; Ruby Keeble, Maisie Bickerton and Ellie Nott. The leadership team worked hard throughout the year to ensure all students felt valued and part of an amazing team.
The senior teams had consistent success throughout the year, and I hope every student involved is proud of this. They set high standards and supported the younger years in getting involved and stuck into team events. One of the biggest events of the year, swimming, saw the boys win many races and progressed to be overall winners in this event. The girls followed suit, swimming some fantastic races and coming a very close second place. It was a brilliant success to have swimmers from across all age groups doing so well in this event. Seniors also led the way with a new house event, photography. Working together to produce a fantastic image which went on to win the event.
Inters have had a very successful year, led by Inters Captain Chloe Cater. I would like to thank all students involved in the competitions and especially Chloe, for encouraging participation and showing fantastic leadership skills throughout.
The Juniors kept stride with the Inters and Seniors in their winning streaks. Led by Junior Captains Charlie Wright, Phoebe Turner, Maria Speed and Ella Hamer; they started the year strong by winning the quiz and then went on to play some fierce girls squash matches. They have performed exceptionally in every challenge they have taken on, whilst staying inclusive with fantastic team spirit. Lena Plein and Abi Lewis kept these standards high in their amazing win of junior science, coming up with an entertaining yet factual presentation!
House music was a highlight of the year for Vinter, the competition which saw not only the group performance but soloists Nicole Cater and Ellie Nott,
Page 88 House Reports I am the very best of me...
I am every teacher who has inspired me. I am every lesson that has opened my eyes. I am every maths problem I have solved. I am every book that has captivated me. I am every science experiment that has surprised me. I am every sports tour that has motivated me. I am every drama class that has transformed me. I am more than just academic. I am everything I want to be. I am prepared. I am gracious and generous. I am resourceful and resilient. I am ambitious and committed. I am understood. I am my unlocked potential. I am an individual, yet I am part of something incredible.
I am Grovian. woodhousegrove.co.uk