LIFELENT 2021 Onwards and upwards

Whitgift named Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2020Whitgift Choristers live stream a beautiful Carol Service In conjunction with Croydon Council, Whitgift launches The Whitgift Community Summer School OW, George Oyebode meets the Prime Minister Whitgift cricketers play for the first time throughout September Lower First Former, Ishwar Sharma pursues his passion for yoga and more inside... news WHITGIFT – INDEPENDENT BOYS’ SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2020

Whitgift is delighted to have been named Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2020 at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

The School qualified as a finalist in early September 2020, after being shortlisted in July. When announcing the award, Headmaster of Daneshill School, Jim Massey said it was “a compelling entry that radiated the school’s inclusive and collaborative values in the context of an all-boys’ school.”

Headmaster, Mr Chris Ramsey said, “We are delighted about the award. We were amongst some exceptionally worthy finalists and are very moved that the judging panel selected us. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the inspiring work of everyone, from the students and staff who make our school what it is, to our hugely supportive parents and alumni.”

The awards are run by the Independent School Parent portfolio of magazines and celebrate the success stories of schools and their students across the independent education sector in the UK.

The judging panel was chaired by international education adviser and past Vice Chair of the ISC, Dr Helen Wright, supported by a panel of judges that included leading Head Teachers and representatives of several professional associations.

‘This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the inspiring work of everyone’

2 WHITGIFT LIFE news SUCCESS AT THE EDUCATION A MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER BUSINESS AWARDS Old Whitgiftian and past School young black individuals in the UK Captain, George Oyebode met and to discuss what more can be Whitgift has been awarded feat typically achieved by only the the Prime Minister to discuss done to invest in black talent and the Outstanding Progress – top 10% of students worldwide. solutions to tackle racial overcome racism. The latter half of Independent School Award at The community work that the inequality in the UK. George the discussion gave us the chance this year’s Education Business School helped with during the recently graduated from Oxford to challenge and offer suggestions Awards. initial phase of the Covid-19 crisis University, having studied Classics to the ministers such as the was also part of the consideration and Arabic. He is now on a six importance of better financial The Education Business Awards, for being shortlisted. month placement at the UN investment in black businesses, which are now in their 15th year, World Food Programme (laureate the need for more diverse voices have established a reputation for The awards ceremony, which of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize) and in policy-making and the demand showcasing success stories and took place online on Thursday co-runs the creative engagement for funds to help Black, Asian and examples of excellence in the UK 26 November at 1pm, was company ‘The Soulstice Collective’ Minority Ethnic (BAME) members Education System. presented by Comedian and with his brother, and another through further education. Impressionists, Darren Altman OW, Jamie Oyebode. Everyone Early in November, EBA and Jess Robinson, both stars of at Whitgift is proud of George’s During this visit, I said to the contacted Whitgift to advise that Britain’s Got Talent. dedication and contribution to this Prime Minister that to address it had been nominated for this important cause. He shared with us racism our society must discuss award after half of the School’s IB Whitgift was among some his thoughts about the experience. its past and act on its current students achieved 40+ points in exceptional finalists and existence without fear but with the International Baccalaureate, a it was an honour to have On Tuesday 27 October 2020, I honesty and perseverance, been selected by was invited with four other young stressing the government’s the judging panel. black students and graduates integral role in doing this. The This achievement to 10 Downing Street for ‘Black conversation was dynamic and is another that History Month: Future Leaders productive, evidence of this being the whole Discussion’ with the Prime both the Prime Minister and community Minister, Boris Johnson and the Minister Zahawi stayed with us should take Parliamentary Under-Secretary for longer than the allocated time. pride in. of State for Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment Nadhim Zahawi MP. When reflecting on the This was the third Downing Street afternoon, I feel honoured to event for Black History Month: represent black voices in the NATIONAL THEATRE the first was for black healthcare community, privileged to do so in workers and the second for black such a setting, and proud – four PLAYWRITING PROGRAMME military service people. years since leaving – to be an ambassador for Whitgift. In November 2020, Whitgift generate their first drafts by the The purpose of the email event students in Fifth Form to Upper end of February. In the Trinity was to celebrate the success of George Oyebode, OW Sixth Form started taking Term the students will meet with part in the National Theatre Titas again to discuss how their playwrighting programme. work might be developed before final submission. As well as online sessions once a week, the students have “This course helps expand our meetings, via Microsoft Teams, students’ understanding of how with a professional playwright. scripts work”, explained Director Just before the end of the of Drama, Mr Hammond. “This is Michaelmas Term, the students extremely useful for English and attended the first online workshop Drama, but it will also encourage with writer and director Titas them to look at the world and Halder, which covered key write about it, so their interest questions such as “why we could take them anywhere.” write”. Our aspiring playwrights The students will then be able continued to develop their scripts to submit their 30-minute over the Christmas holidays, script to the NT competition, and workshops with staff at the the winner of which gets a start of the Lent Term, on style fully realised production at the and stagecraft are helping them National Theatre.

WHITGIFT LIFE 3 news

IT ALL ADDS UP FOR THE LOWER FIRST

On Wednesday 25 November, came up with an alternative Lower First Formers gathered in format and were delighted to Big School to enjoy an afternoon still be able to host the event so absorbed in Maths. that this year’s cohort wouldn’t miss out. The Lower First Form Maths Afternoon has been an event in Over the course of the the School calendar for many afternoon, students worked years and provides students in small groups on challenges with an opportunity to enjoy created by the United Kingdom some Mathematical challenges Mathematics Trust (UKMT) outside of the curriculum. In the including a competitive past, Sixth Form students ran the logic round, followed by a event, which was hugely popular crossnumber puzzle and with the younger students. While a Countdown style timed circumstances unfortunately challenge, with a much- prevented them from doing that anticipated doughnut break this year, the Maths department in between!

4 WHITGIFT LIFE news

TEAMWORK RECOGNISED BY WINGS OF HOPE AWARD…

In October 2020, Whitgift as expected are key elements The students had originally Well done to the team from all at celebrated another team of of WOH and this group planned to complete a half Whitgift and we hope the legacy Sixth Form students winning demonstrated their ability to get marathon, followed by an online that began in 2018 will continue The Wings of Hope (WOH) things done when most activities gaming tournament and then a and inspire others to become award. ‘Team Vision’ members that would normally raise money 9-mile hike. involved in this worthy cause in Arjun Gobiraj, Jack Harrison, could not happen. years to come. Max Hughes, Will Hughes and Sixth Former Scott explained, Scott Kendrick overcame many The students, joined by the “The experience that I will take adversities and the challenges of Headmaster, spoke about their away from WOH is that we lockdown to raise a significant initiatives and their journey with had to overcome a number of sum for this superb charity. WOH at a special assembly in Big different situations and still work School which was live streamed together as a team and that Planning, teamwork and to the whole school via their is what I think has led to this coping when things don’t go Tutor Groups. award.”

…and a summary of how we achieved it!

In September 2019, before everyone their fair chance to Covid-19 separated our year participate. In addition, with the group into different cohorts, a extra Covid-19 safety measures representative from the Wings in place, we collectively decided of Hope charity gave us the rare to switch our attention to a long opportunity to raise money for hike rather than a half marathon. education in India and Malawi. Following social distancing guidelines, we came together As the second generation of once again and walked the many Whitgift WOHAA (Wings of paths of Box Hill. Hope Achievement Awards) students, we had high standards As a group of five, we raised to live up to and this made our £1050 and were presented journey all the more interesting. with the ‘Excellence in Sports’ We wanted to do something big. and plan for the next. It was what we wanted to be doing. It award, to which we proudly Something so large, in fact, that here that we formulated our was these thoughts that helped take away memorabilia of our it would challenge us and push big goal – the half-marathon. us create our internal event, a experience. Planning, teamwork all of us to our limits, aiming to We understood that this would charity gaming tournament. We and being adaptable in uncertain prove how dedicated we were to require immense dedication, were permitted to take over circumstances were the key skills raise both awareness and money especially coming from a mixed the Sixth Form common room that enabled us to meet our for the cause. group of fencers, rugby players, for one lunchtime to hold this. objectives. We are all very proud fives players and hockey Alas, Covid-19 quickly disrupted to help raise money for such The start was slow with players, but we encouraged the our goals and with the closure a great cause; money that will little being done due to the challenge. of schools imminent, we had to make a difference in educating overhanging presence of mock quickly change our plan. those less privileged than many exams and university choices. Training took place with four of us. However, we took the initiative morning and after-school During lockdown, we held to formally dedicate every sessions aiming to prepare our another gaming tournament, this William Hughes, Upper Sixth Form Thursday lunchtime to meet minds and bodies and it was time allowing for a wider time and discuss the previous week on this run that we thought of window to ensure that we gave

WHITGIFT LIFE 5 news TEAM BUILDING AND RESILIENCE DAY FOR LOWER FIRST PUPILS

On Thursday 1 October, the School introduced the first Team Building and Resilience Day for Lower First Form students, in lieu of the Lake Garda trip which could not go ahead due to the current pandemic. The Lower First Formers were given various challenges to help them work together as a team, teaching them how to listen to each other, as well as understanding their own and other’s strengths and weaknesses.

The challenges included the Climbing Wall, helping them build resilience and encouraging them to have a go, even when a challenge feels daunting. The students also used their team building skills during Combat Archery, working together and supporting their team members to secure the most points.

Head of Lower First Form, Miss Seal commented, “The Lower First Formers had a great day; working together, gaining skills and learning to understand each other.”

‘The Lower First Formers were given various challenges to help them learn to support each other and work together as a team’

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6 WHITGIFT LIFE WHITGIFT LIFE 7 news IB STUDENTS CREATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FOR CAS PROJECT

The CAS Project (Creativity, This football tournament CAS Activity and Service) is a Project follows on from IB significant highlight in the IB student, Hector Revill’s 31 half Diploma Programme. Students marathons in 31 days, which work independently or in groups has raised over £2,500 so far to organise a community event, for Antibiotic Research UK, and fundraiser or challenge, often Daniel Munks’ success in the with local or international Keble College Theology and mindedness at its heart. Religion Essay Competition 2020. With overseas travel and social ‘zone mixing’ largely off- Whitgift’s IB Course is a limits, students in the Upper complete Sixth Form Diploma Sixth Form were inspired to experience, with six subjects, arrange a week-long five-a-side study of Theory of Knowledge, football tournament for the an Extended Essay in a discipline whole IB cohort, culminating Director of International doing so have demonstrated of the student’s choice and in a final on Friday 2 October. Baccalaureate, Miss Mitchell their capacity to serve their curation of a Creativity Activity The teams were so closely commented, “This football community. In just two Service portfolio. Whitgift is matched, deciding who made it tournament has been a real high working days, they converted ranked 9th in the world in the to the final came down to goal for the IB cohort. Lukas, Tristan, a casual daily kickabout into a IB school rankings for 2020 with difference. All players showed James, Seb, Kenji and Omari thrilling competition with full a typical average point score their commitment to the cause have thought creatively about consideration of their peers and of 39-40 out of 45 and some by playing through very wet how to provide an energising school staff. I’m looking forward students attaining a maximum weather conditions. activity for their friends and in to the final!” 45 points.

‘All players showed their commitment to the cause by playing through very wet weather conditions’

8 WHITGIFT LIFE newsnews

SUPPORTING #HELLOYELLOW

For a second year in a row, The morning began with the know what they’re going through, The Whitgift community helped Whitgift staff and students thought-provoking viewing of a because it could be much harder to raise just under £3,000 for arrived on-site in splashes kindness video featuring members than what we’re going through. the Young Minds #HelloYellow of yellow to support the of the whole school community. campaign, placing Whitgift in #HelloYellow campaign, aimed at Here are some of the student’s Other activities included a fun- the top 5% of fundraisers on the raising awareness and money for responses to “What is Kindness?”: filled photo booth set up in the Just Giving website in October – Young Minds, the UK’s leading Junior Years Foyer, which had thank you to everyone who took charity, fighting for children and “Kindness is compassion without both pupils and staff queuing part, sponsored and donated. To young peoples’ mental health. obligation. It is showing people (socially distanced) through break support the ongoing wellbeing of you care about them without any and lunch, with their own props all staff and pupils, Whitgift now This year’s campaign focused on intention for personal gain, but ready. Students and staff also has over 30 Mental Health First kindness, both to one another rather to share happiness and took the opportunity to visit the Aiders who can be identified by and to oneself. The entire selflessness to those around you.” ‘Kindness Tree’ in their year group their yellow lanyards and are happy Whitgift community engaged in zone, adding thoughts on what to be approached at any time for ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’. The “Kindness is about bringing people kindness means to them. an informal or formal chat. aim was to spend the whole day on a journey with you.” ‘mobile phone free’, while making the most of the opportunities to “When I think of kindness, I think look up and out, experiencing that you should do what is morally ‘Whitgift now has over fully the joys of being kind to one right even when someone isn’t another, of sharing in friendship, there to witness it all.” 30 Mental Health and of being kind to ourselves by removing some of the usual daily “Kindness is a way of life where we First Aiders’ stresses of online life. help all people, even if we don’t #HelloYellowWHITGIFT LIFE 9 news NATIONAL POETRY DAY 2020

In October 2020, Whitgift marked Lower Sixth Formers, Will Allnutt write poetry together in groups National Poetry day in several and Kit Connor recorded their and staff selected their favourite creative ways. recitals, which were also played as readings which were displayed part of the assembly. on the digital displays around the Director of Drama, Mr Hammond School. ❱❱ led the day with an online During the day, Lower First and WATCH THE VIDEO assembly which was streamed to First Formers chose to learn a classes throughout the School. poem by heart or create one of Following the theme of ‘Vision’, their own, with some impressive Mr Hammond talked to students results. In the Middle Years, about the importance of poetry students used their Form time to and shared a recital of his favourite poem.

WATCH THE VIDEO ❱❱

❱❱ WATCH THE VIDEO

CHARITY UPDATE

This year, the School is supporting for families around the world, who Interfaith Week began in 2009 in Reverend Bayes commented, “I am Young Minds, ShelterBox and have been robbed of their homes Scotland and since then has grown very pleased to be involved locally Lives not Knives. Young Minds by natural disasters or conflict. and become adopted throughout with ‘Faiths Together in Croydon’. wants to see a world where no Lives Not Knives is dedicated the UK. There are a series of During the period of Lockdown, young person feels alone with to preventing youth violence in national and local events that take many of our local faith groups their mental health, and gets the London and aim to do so through place each year to raise awareness have worked together to support mental health support they need, offering tailored mentorship and of the vital work of dialogue and food banks and help vulnerable when they need it, no matter advice to young people. community engagement in society. people who are housebound what. Whitgift’s Founder’s House The virtual event involved a panel or shielding with shopping and will also be supporting Young Whitgift also joined with ‘Faiths of young people from local schools other chores showing positive Minds, with some exciting plans Together in Croydon’, the local who spoke about their faith or engagement with the local in the pipeline for raising money. Interfaith Group, to organise an belief system and how it informs community.” ShelterBox provides emergency online event to mark Interfaith their daily lives, especially in these shelter and other essential items week in November 2020. challenging times.

10 WHITGIFT LIFE news

WHIT-GIFTS Words FOR THIS YEAR’S TOY APPEAL

In November 2020, Whitgift worked in partnership with Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) to support the Communities Together at Christmas campaign. The campaign focused on supporting families all over the borough who may have been struggling in lockdown as the festive season approached. Pupils in the Lower First and First Form and members of staff gathered a carload of toys ready for Reverend Bayes to deliver to CVA.

OXBRIDGE SUCCESS Words In what has been a challenging students at Bolingbroke achieved All at Whitgift are proud to Wordstwelve months for all students, offers for 2021 entry. Ms Orchin, have been a small part of their we are delighted to confirm that Assistant Principal – Director successful journey and wish all 13 of our Upper Sixth Formers of Sixth Form from Bolingbroke these students the very best for achieved Oxbridge offers for wrote to let us know the good the future. 2021 entry. This is a great news and commented, “The achievement for the students selflessness of you and your and a milestone moment during staff in assisting students from their Sixth Form years. outside of your own school speaks volumes of the charitable, The process for preparing these compassionate ethos and culture applicants is a structured one at Whitgift. My sincere thanks to that is driven by Whitgift’s Head all of you for your kindness and of Higher Education, Mr Alcock. efforts.” It takes a great deal of energy and effort from a wide range of tutors and considerable focus, dedication, and enthusiasm from the applicants themselves.

In addition to the pupils supported by the School, for the past few years Whitgift has partnered with the Bolingbroke Academy to support their Oxbridge Admissions process. A handful of the Academy’s pupils took part in our preparation programme, with mock interviews taking place in the same way they do for Whitgift Students. We were pleased to have been advised that three

WHITGIFT LIFE 11 performing arts A WONDERFUL EVENING OF HOUSE MUSIC

House Music premiered online pairings of baroque and soul and Commenting on Smith’s cover of together with the large ensemble on Wednesday 3 February. impressionist miniature with pop Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, Mr version of Coldplay’s Adventure of Students from Whitgift’s eight ballad, to a contemporary cover Summerly announced “What you a Lifetime. They were commended Houses rehearsed and recorded from the 1950s, and an original will have learned from putting on the professionalism of the their solos and ensembles which composition. this song together is about much composition, for bringing a were edited into a one-hour more than just covering a 1970s delightful folky halo to their showcase by the AV Department. “It was a real pleasure to co- R&B number”. Meanwhile Tate’s version which was full of life and Experienced musician Jeremy ordinate the House Music Hector was praised for his acting drive and was really compelling. Summerly, former Head of Competition this year, particularly of Handel’s gestures to fully Academic Studies at the Royal given the difficult circumstance engage the listener, as well as his “I forgot I was witnessing a Academy of Music, was invited in which we find ourselves” said fabulous tenor voice. school competition and I just let by Mr Elsom to adjudicate this Mr Elsom, Director of Music. “I you entertain me”, concluded Mr year’s very different competition. was thrilled with the quality of First place this year went to Summerly. Mr Summerly acknowledged the the performances, and all who Cross’s. Their submission included work, time and skill that goes participated should be very proud Marlon’s ‘technical tour de Well done to everyone involved into producing these videos, of what they have achieved. force’ with effortless left hand for another wonderful evening of especially ensembles, and Mr Summerly is an excellent positioning and sensitive bowing musical entertainment. thanked all those involved for musician, and for our students to allowing him to be entertained receive such high praise from him by these performances. is significant” he added. ‘Cross’s ensemble cover of The evening was as much Unable to separate them on a celebration of student’s scores, Mr Summerly, awarded Coldplay’s ‘Adventure musical achievements as it was second place to two Houses: a competition. From fantastic Smith’s and Tate’s. of a Lifetime’ was full of life and drive’

12 WHITGIFT LIFE WHITGIFT LIFE 13 news HELPING PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS GAINChoral CONFIDENCE Review IN –COMPUTING 2019

Although the Whitgift Primary that primary school children still Project is temporarily paused, have the opportunity to use our the programme’s commitment coding kits and resources. The of enriching the educational step-by-step booklets provided experiences for local primary make it possible for both teachers pupils continues. In November and pupils to confidently engage 2020, Whitgift lent out in STEM activities from their own computing equipment to classroom.” local Primary Schools, to help children develop their hands-on Whitgift also loaned out SAM understanding of computing. Labs Kits, suitable for PCs and tablets, where children The equipment was loaned, can create code using the along with simple instructions, free software and connect to and then cleaned and Bluetooth enabled blocks to quarantined before re-issue to complete activities such as another school. Many schools programming a light sensor were loaned a BBC Micro:bit, a and coding motors for use in a handheld, fully programmable remote-controlled car. computer. Using a PC, the children could create their code Comments from the children online and download it to the included, “I liked the different Micro:bit. Teachers reported experience of using a new that many pupils were using device and it was amazing to a Micro:bit for the first time see my programme being played and using them improved their on it. I loved the heart design confidence in coding as well as on the Micro:bit and I would showing others how to code. love to use it again.” Another pupil commented, “It was very Primary Project Coordinator, informative and fun. It was also Charlotte Letchford explained, very interesting.” “Although it doesn’t compare to the unique experience of Foresters Primary School visiting Whitgift, it is fantastic tweeted, ‘Beech class enjoyed using the BBC Micro:bits. We would like to thank @WhitgiftSchool1 ‘It is fantastic that primary for allowing us to borrow them through school children still have their Primary Project the opportunity to use our #Year6’. coding kits and resources’

Whitgift Primary Project

14 WHITGIFT LIFE news

PROFESSORS FROM CERN DELIVER LIVE TALKS

Lower Sixth Form students particles close to the speed studying A Level and IB Physics of light, prior to collision and unfortunately could not attend measurement. the Physics departments annual field trip to CERN, the European Jerry Lin, a keen IB Physicists, Centre for Nuclear Research. commented, “The most Thankfully, however, CERN interesting aspect of the talk laid on a series of live talks for was the challenge and process Whitgift, to provide insight into in building the Large Hadron the working of the facility as Collider, particularly the design well as outlining the importance of superconducting magnets, of collaboration across nations necessary to generate magnetic in making projects like CERN field strong enough to steer successful. these fast-moving particles.”

The talks were led by Dr Markus The students were able to ask Joos, an Engineer team leader, questions during the live Q&A ‘The talk and Dr Sonia Natale, a research section at the end of the talk Scientist specialising in the field and were thrilled to be able showed me of Astrophysics. The students to learn about CERN virtually. were given an in-depth journey Cameron Still commented, “The what a career into the inner working of the talk furthered my interest and particle accelerator and the showed me what a career in in Physics systems necessary to accelerate Physics could look like.” could look like’

NEW LIGHT DISPLAY FOR THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT Words Lecturer of Science The display uses special WordsCommunication in Physics at electronics designed to Sussex University, Dr Jonathan minimise extraneous signals Hare, has been working on an so that the students have the exciting project with Whitgift as maximum opportunity to peak part of the lab redevelopment the signals making it through programme. As a British Physicist the array of mirrors to get and TV presenter, he is known the best signal possible. The for his work with Harry Kroto at demonstration highlights how the University of Sussex for his vital measurement, signal and PhD, contributing to the Nobel the problem of noise are to Prize-winning C60 research. modern science.

Dr Hare is designing and building The School is a wall mounted exhibit for the looking forward to Physics Department, which will seeing the display demonstrate the way light can in one of the newly be manipulated by reflection refurbished science and refraction. The idea is the labs, expected to participants guide a light beam arrive in early 2021. across the apparatus using what they know about reflection by directing the beam via a ‘maze’ of mirrors randomly distributed (but adjustable) across the apparatus.

WHITGIFT LIFE 15 news SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM HELPS TO ENLIGHTEN MINDS

This year’s school symposium extremely valuable part of further and display their passion featured a variety of topics the symposium process. Next, for the topic. As a result of and truly displayed the passion each group finalised an area of the wide-ranging and diverse for academic enrichment that interest that they would like topics covered, an opportunity Whitgift School embraces. The to do further research in and arose for each student to learn purpose of the symposium was present on. The areas covered, something that they may not to present a final presentation ranged from The Immunological have previously had an interest on a topic area of your choice difficulties of a Covid-19 vaccine, in prior to the event. I learnt which would enlighten other to Sunni and Shi’a Islam: origins valuable organisation skills students in your year group. of the divide. by undertaking this challenge, and I also feel my standard of We started off by discussing The standard of discussion public speaking has improved with our group and developing and presentation skills that greatly, which can only be a title that we would like to each group obtained was of beneficial for university. This I present on. This matured an exceptionally high calibre. feel was applicable for everyone our communication skills as Furthermore, the audience’s involved, making the symposium we were given free reign engagement only helped to an exceedingly worthwhile to talk and organise this blossom a conversation after the afternoon for everyone involved. presentation amongst ourselves; presentation which allowed the consequently, this was an speakers to defend or expand Jake Phillips, Upper Sixth Form

16 WHITGIFT LIFE news AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…

House Drama was unable to take Mr Pirrie expressed that all the the usual form of live theatre Houses had done extremely well this year and so instead Director and noted some of the superb of Drama, Mr Hammond set a central performances, including challenge for each House to Fifth Former, Jude Keeper, who produce a 5-minute film. There gave McKenzie Crook a run for his was still the usual frantic buzz money with his character from The and energy around the School as Office, and Upper Sixth Former, students finished scripts, organised Rex Elliot for his sustained comic rooms for rehearsals and got effort as a Jacob Rees-Mogg- their cast and crew together. Mathematician character. However, this year students had the added challenge of choosing At the end of the evening, third locations around the school site place was awarded to Dodds and rehearsing and filming within House for their mockumentary- Covid-secure guidance. style short film and Andrew’s House were placed second. Their been at the Southbank watching was compelling and underplayed Each film was reviewed by judge, film, ‘The Cough’ was praised professional short film making beautifully. former Director of Drama at for the great long shots and and that it had grasped what Whitgift, Mr Pirrie, before a infomercial quality. makes short film so compelling. Well done to all the students 50-minute online video premier He added that the smash cuts – cast and crew – for some for the School community on the ‘A Comfier Seat’ by Tate’s was to real life footage were as ingenious pieces of work and evening of Friday 13 December the evening’s winner. Mr Pirrie shocking as they were effective, another evening of fantastic 2020. commented that he could have and Henry’s central performance entertainment and storytelling.

UKNEST NAVAL ENGINEERING COMPETITION 2019-20

Congratulations to Third All entries were reviewed by Formers, Tomaz Geddes De an expert panel of judges who Almeida, Thomas Lofthouse and considered their initial concept, Richard Zimmern on winning proposed design and artwork. First Prize for the Best Design Whitgift won with their futuristic in the Years 7-11 category with vessel HMS Nightingale! HMS Nightingale. Headmaster, Mr Chris Ramsey The contest, a collaboration commented, “I enjoyed reading between UKNEST and the Royal the team’s entry and seeing the Navy, promotes the importance way they had developed of engineering, encouraging and described their innovative technical intriguing design; lots of thinking by pupils. good practice in there, Students were from the clarity of tasked with designing objective, the iterative a specialised vessel approach, the obvious for delivering teamwork and all to an humanitarian aid in eye-catching result.” the aftermath of a natural disaster – very Well done to our much in keeping with possible naval the Royal Navy’s role technologists of the in responding to such future! instances.

WHITGIFT LIFE 17 performing arts CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

This year’s musical highlight was School community with both surely the Whitgift Carol Service students and members of staff which brought the Michaelmas contributing. The service was Term to a fitting end. also tailored to a 20-minute broadcast to make it accessible The event was live streamed for several local primary schools, to the School community from many of whom enjoyed listening Big School, instead of its usual to and safely singing along to the venue of Croydon Minster. Before congregational carols. the service, a pre-recorded performance by the Whitgift During the live service, the Brass Ensemble, under the Whitgift community donated direction of Head of Brass, Ms over £1,000 to ShelterBox on the Temple, played a selection of JustGiving platform, one of the well-known carols on The Terrace. School’s nominated charities.

The service began with a welcome by School Chaplain, Reverend Bayes and the Whitgift Chamber Choir, conducted by the Director of Choral Music, Dr ‘The event was live streamed Krippner, then performed the traditional Nine Lessons to the School community from and Carols Service. Readings were given by members of the Big School’

CAROL SERVICE

Thursday 10 December 2020

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18 WHITGIFT LIFE BBC RADIO BROADCAST FOR MINSTER CHOIR

Earlier in the Michaelmas Term, The Evensong and Sunday Worship at Minster Choir, including students Croydon Minster and both were from Whitgift, performed Choral broadcast on BBC radio.

WHITGIFT LIFE 19 news JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY CLUB

SPOTLIGHT ON

CLUBSWATCH THE VIDEO ❱❱

JUNIOR DRAMA CLUB THE WHO? SOCIETY TECHNIC & LEGO CREATOR CLUB

DRAWING CLUB JUNIOR CHRISTIAN CLUB

20 WHITGIFT LIFE news

THE HISTORY BOYS Words The Junior History club provides Front of the First World War, Wordsthe chance for pupils in the Junior with many students finding the Years to explore their passion for topic incredibly interesting. History in more depth. During the coming months, the Over the last term, pupils club will look to follow the First engaged in several topics and Second World War theme by including learning about World looking at battleships such as the War Two aircraft such as Bismarck. Spitfires and Messerschmitts. The hope is that once back in Students thoroughly enjoy School fully, there will be the Junior History club, one chance to build models based describing it as having “exciting around these aircraft. activities that are loads of fun!”. Another commented, “it has In December 2020, students been incredibly fun to meet studied the Christmas truce; a other boys who are not in your series of widespread unofficial class but who share the same ceasefires along the Western passion for History.”

A PASSION FOR YOGA Words Lower First Former, Ishwar Ishwar’s enthusiasm and passion UK and was also featured on to help children keep their minds WordsSharma has overcome many has led him to TV appearances the cover of Yoga magazine’s active during lockdown as well challenges to pursue his on the BBC, ITV, Discovery November 2020 issue. as advanced yoga sessions and passion for yoga and is the first Education Series and in other weekend sessions for children Whitgift pupil to be awarded a national and international media Over 40 children from around with special needs. scholarship based on yoga as promoting yoga. He has been the world have joined his online their sport. a brand ambassador of yoga in classes. He has run daily classes Member of Parliament for Sevenoaks and Swanley, Laura Ishwar has won many awards Trott, recognised Ishwar’s over the last few years, ‘Yoga can outstanding contributions including Gold Medal in the through his online community European Championship in help with yoga classes and he was Bordeaux (2019) and the nominated for the Community Global Child Prodigy Award, immunity, Hero awards, in partnership with in January 2020. He has Sevenoaks Chronicle. competed in the Under 11 UK physical Yoga Championships for three and mental Ishwar commented, “I feel consecutive years (2016-2018), yoga can help with immunity, and along with his father, medic health’ physical and mental health and Dr Nanjundiah Vishwanath and possibly help us climb out of his younger sister Indira have this crisis. I would like to see performed in numerous national yoga included in the UK National and international events in school curriculum and have countries including Nepal, Italy, started an e-petition to the UK Turkey, Canada, Czech Republic. government.”

WHITGIFT LIFE 21 performing arts THE JOY OF MUSIC

Music, for many of the Whitgift Community, is a great support during difficult times. Making music collaboratively is one of its great joys and despite the challenges of the Michaelmas Term, the Music department started buzzing with activity again.

Although not all co-curricular activities were able to restart, the team steadily built up provision from single zone to cross zone ensembles using screens, masks, moisture guards and social distancing.

The Michaelmas Recital, devised and overseen by Director of Music, Mr Elsom, featured some of the exciting and festive performances. These were delivered by some of our youngest students, such as those in the First Form Orchestra, through to our more elite ensembles such as the Senior String Ensemble (the latter directed by the Director of Orchestral Music, Mr Winter) many of which were recorded after just a couple of rehearsals.

‘The Music department started buzzing with activity again’

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WHITGIFT LIFE 23 sport PLAY ON

The Sports Department enjoyed throughout September. Every well-being and providing an running a rewarding few months student who wanted to take outlet during these uncertain of activities, working within the part, from the Lower First to times. guidance offered to Schools. Fifth Form, was able to play in a series of competitive internal Michaelmas term sporting Since September, there have matches. Michaelmas Term activities could not have been been many first-time events: at Whitgift also saw the first possible without the support Football National Final and the of a huge number of the School With the 2020 Cricket Season first November winter Tennis community. The flexibility of disrupted due to Covid-19, it training sessions. the Grounds staff in preparing was brilliant to see Whitgift first class facilities has enabled cricketers given the opportunity Physical activity has never been Whitgift to achieve a great deal. to play for the first time more important in maintaining

24 WHITGIFT LIFE sport PLAY ON WHITGIFT WINS SPORTING As Lent Term begins with a different methods of training to ACHIEVEMENT AWARD schedule of online learning, encourage, equip and enthuse PE is a strong part of the students to engage. Following on from Whitgift’s award as Independent interactive learning timetable Boys’ School of the Year 2020, which recognised and all year groups will benefit The focus continues to be the the academic and co-curricular achievements from physical activity run by well-being of our students, and across school life, the School has been awarded Top the PE Department. Games outside of lessons, they have School for Sport 2020. lessons will involve live sessions access to well-being videos on of the pupils’ chosen sport top of their live lessons to equip The annual top 200 list compiled by School Sport and cover sports performance them further in taking care of Magazine is the country’s only national magazine analysis. PE has revolved around their physical and mental health. dedicated to celebrating sporting achievement in UK schools. Over 4000 schools are considered for the title each year and the criteria on which this title is awarded is based on performance in 20 different sports and more than 120 different national competitions. In this exceptional year, Whitgift topped the table.

Director of Sport, Stuart Litchfield commented, “At Whitgift we strive to inspire each individual to be the best version of themselves and to develop a passion for being active. We are truly proud of the achievements of all our pupils at every level. Well done to all the pupils who have been part of our sporting accomplishments over this past year. Our achievements over the past decade have been a result of not only the effort and passion of all the pupils involved in all levels of sport, but are undoubtably a huge credit to the unwavering commitment of our staff.”

Phil Tusler, publishing editor of School Sport Magazine, said: “This has been another remarkable year for competitive sport in schools, achieved in unprecedented circumstances, and Whitgift deserve their achievement. Congratulations to the pupils involved and the work of the school’s sports department especially.”

‘It was brilliant to see Whitgift cricketers given the opportunity to play for the first time throughout September’

WHITGIFT LIFE 25 WHITGIFT REMEMBERS

On Wednesday 11 November, Traditionally, the School invites Head of Fourth Form, Mr Roberts Whitgift held a Covid-secure Old Whitgiftians to attend, on behalf of staff; Mr Richard Remembrance Day service, however as visitors are unable Blundell on behalf of OWs and honouring all those who lost to come on-site at present, School Captain, Gus Bradford on their lives in the line of duty. the service was filmed and behalf of students. shared with OWs and the wider community. First Formers Lower School Captain, Nicholas watched from the field. The Seal, gave a reading which was service began with the Corps followed by the song For the of Drums and members of the Fallen by the Whitgift chamber CCF performing the duty of Flag choir. The second reading came Party, followed by Reverend from Gus Bradford, and the Bayes opening with The Act of chamber choir was joined by Remembrance. The horn of the members of the brass band for bugle marked the lowering of the the hymn, O God, our help in ages flags at half-mast, and all stood past. The service ended with still for the one-minute silence. prayers, and the exit of the Flag Wreaths were laid in honour by; Party and Corps of Drums.

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WHITGIFT LIFE 27 news WHITGIFT COMMUNITY SUMMER SCHOOL

In July 2020, Whitgift in community and a chance for of exciting enrichment activities Mr Marlow said, “The feedback conjunction with Croydon wider social interaction. All of including Philosophy, Languages, received from parents was Council launched the Whitgift this took place on Whitgift’s Sport and Music. excellent and we are pleased that Community Summer School, Covid-19 secure site. each and every pupil seems to have designed to help local girls One parent said of the gained so much from their time and boys in Year 5 who had Staffed by teachers from experience: “My son had a with us. We plan to run a similar, experienced reduced education Whitgift and other John fantastic week, he really enjoyed improved programme in 2021.” provision since school closures Whitgift Foundation schools, the lessons you had to offer and began in March 2020. and supported by Whitgift I can see his confidence growing. A video showing the highlights Sixth Form volunteers, each Thank you to all the staff and to from the 4 weeks that the school Pupils were given the pupil enjoyed a full week of the Whitgift boys.” ran over the summer can be opportunity to achieve their stimulating lessons in the core viewed online, including comments full academic potential while subjects of English, Maths and Whitgift’s Director of from parents about the experience gaining confidence, a sense of Science. There was also a range Partnerships and Community, and how it helped their children.

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'My son had a fantastic week, he really enjoyed the lessons you had to offer and I can see his confidence growing’

Photography Front cover: Alex Hill Inside: Danny Fitzpatrick, Alex Hill, David Jenkinson, Adam Scott

Whitgift School Find us on Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Haling Park Telephone: +44 (0)20 8688 9222 Twitter: @WhitgiftSchool1 Twitter: @WhitgiftSport South Croydon Email: [email protected] Facebook: Whitgift School, CR2 6YT South Croydon United Kingdom www.whitgift.co.uk YouTube: Whitgift School

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