Newsletter Trinity Term 2009

Newsletter Trinity Term 2009
Alleyn’s School
Co-educational
Excellence
China: 2009
This year over 510 pupils took part in overnight trips with the School.
Additionally, over 200 CCF cadets and 150 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Scheme participants also stayed away overnight. Here, Bella Marsden
(Year 13) gives a personal account of her experiences on the Easter
trip to China.
With its fascinating history and diverse culture, from the kingdoms of the emperors
to the bustling markets, China was sure to be an incredible trip. When 33 Religious
Studies pupils from Years 10 to 13 got the opportunity to go there over Easter, we
jumped at the chance.
We left for Heathrow full of excitement and trepidation at the week ahead. After endless aeroplane movies,
not enough sleep and 5071 miles, we landed at Beijing airport. Following a much needed night’s rest, we
set off for the Summer Palace, built for imperial families in the Jin Dynasty with a huge man-made lake and
numerous palaces and temples surrounding it; we immediately knew China was going to be a trip to
remember.
The Forbidden City was one of the most memorable parts of the trip, used as the imperial palace during
the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is the world’s largest palace complex, covering a staggering 74 hectares.
We ended our tour of the Forbidden City in Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world and location
of the student protest in 1989, by having a group photo taken in front of a giant Chairman Mao picture.
One of the best, but perhaps most challenging, days of the trip was our climb up the Great Wall
of China. This 6,000km wall was
built between 5th Century BC
Year 7: It’s brilliant at Buxton! See page 6
and 16th Century AD to keep out
invaders, so it was no surprise
that we were taken aback by the
sheer size of it. We eagerly began
our climb up the wall, only to find
that it was a lot more challenging
than we had imagined. Most made
it to the third watch tower, led by
the courageous Mr Strain.
continued on page 4
House News & Charity Events
A top year for Brown’s
On the 25th April 25 members of
Brown’s House went to Dulwich
Park in order to raise money for
the House charities. Twenty-five
members of the House collected
sponsorship and took part by either
cycling, blading or scootering 25
times around the park.
Brown’s have had an excellent
year and raised over £1,500 for
their House charities through cake
sales, a charity ‘Gold Rush’ and
the sponsored cycle ride. Money
was raised for the Starlight
Children’s Foundation (which
brightens the lives of seriously
and terminally ill children by
granting their wishes and providing
hospital entertainment to help take
their minds off the pain, fear and
isolation of their illness), and the
National Autistic Society.
This was a fantastic effort
from everybody. Special thanks
go to the Peilow family for their
continued support with this event
and for Maya Peilow (Year 12) who
helped with organisation for the
event. Many thanks also to the
House tutors Miss Hewitson and
Mrs Lawrence for their continued
Above: Tyson’s House Charity Walk or
Jog 2009 raised £675.00 bringing the
total for the year to £1300 for the SOS
Children’s Village Charity.
Below: Cribb’s leavers enjoy their last
official day at School!
support and help on the day. Well
done to you all and keep collecting
that sponsorship money.
Spurgeon’s great
achievements
This year, Spurgeon's House
Charity Committee, under the
leadership of Fabia WelchRichards (Year 13), have raised in
the region of £1,600 for the charity
Trust in Children. This has been
achieved through a variety of
events such as cake sales, a
stationery stall at the Holly Fair,
victory in the ‘Gold Rush’, and
the Inter-House Dance-Off, and a
House Quiz Night attended by
over 70 parents and pupils.
Spurgeon’s are grateful to all those
who have organised, attended or
supported events in any way to
help us achieve this.
Business Studies
and Economics
Inter-House Proshare
Investment Competition
This year’s Inter-House Proshare
Investment Competition attracted
188 students in 47 teams from
across 5 year groups. The
students were given a virtual
£100,000 to trade in share
portfolios. Despite the
exceptionally difficult and volatile
trading conditions, a number
of teams managed to deliver a
healthy profit. The winners overall
were ‘The Spurge-Bankers’,
an Upper School team from
2
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
From the Headmaster
Headmaster’s Book for outstanding achievement
At the start of this term I had never heard of the H1N1 virus!
Then on May Bank Holiday Monday, Mr Faccinello ‘phoned and asked
me first if I was sitting down. He had just taken a call from the Health
Protection Agency informing us that we had to close the School
immediately. It is a true testament to the strong community spirit that
we were then able to put emergency plans into action to support
everyone, to give medical advice and offer medication, to rearrange
exams, to provide work at home via the internet and then to react
positively at all hours each day with the press and media.
I would like to thank and congratulate pupils, parents and staff for
your brilliant support and understanding at such a difficult and critically
important time. Very many colleagues were involved at School during
the ‘closure’, or working hard at home, working incredibly long days
well into the night and we are indebted to them going beyond the call
of duty. I once read that a School is like a tea bag, you don’t know its
real strength until it’s in hot water (corny I know but the Alleyn’s
community proved its strength beyond all doubt!) – a huge thank you
to you all.
As ever, this newsletter gives a snapshot of just some of the many
events this term. I’m sure you will agree that since much of the term is
full of internal and public exams it is even more impressive to see how
much the pupils and staff have done.
The Gala Opening Committee had a drinks reception at Saddlers’
Hall, with speeches from co-Chairs Robin Tottenham and Sue
Chandler, to celebrate the success of the Gala Opening of the Edward
Alleyn Building and Michael Croft Theatre. Could I possibly encourage
parents to buy a copy of the DVD of the Opening and/or a copy of the
book Drama and Music at Alleyn’s? The proceeds all go to a really
excellent cause helping to provide bursarial support for those who
would otherwise be unable to join Alleyn’s or remain here. Your
purchase would make a very real difference (details of how to order are
on the home page of the senior school website: www.alleyns.org.uk).
Immediately after this reception the Alleyn’s Association and the
Gala Committee then met with Governors and school staff for Dinner
in the Main Hall at the Saddlers’ Company at which the Master of the
Company, Mr Jonathan Godrich, gave a generous donation towards
the cost of the Robert Laurie Lecture Theatre (which is on the top floor
of the Edward Alleyn Building).
Sadly this is the term when we have to say farewell to a number
of teachers moving on or retiring. We thank Mr Dafydd Jones who has
taught Chemistry this term covering Mr Cochrane’s sabbatical leave
and Mr Mike Dickins who has taught History covering Mrs Kent’s
maternity leave.
We also send our very best wishes and thanks to Mrs Sancha
Briffa (part-time Art); to Miss Maria Georgiou (part-time Physics);
to Dr Will Tibbits who leaves us to teach at the British School in Manila
and, following their marriage this summer, to Miss Sara Hopley and
Mr Will Walker who will be living in Thailand teaching at the British
International School.
Spurgeon’s House. They made
a profit of over £20,000 in just
four months of trading. The Year
11 competition was won by
‘Team Transformer Squirrels’
from Dutton’s House, and the
Year 10 competition was won
by ‘The Mocha Stockers’ from
Tulley’s House. Well done to
all who participated.
Abigail Bainbridge
Alex Ingarfield
Alexandra De Salis
Alexandra West
Alice Faulkner
Alice Hoskyns Hill
Alice Jackson Rogers
Alice Mines
Amy Good
Amy Hunt
Amy Walters
Anna Tobenhouse
Anna Weguelin
Barney Fishwick
Barry Bui
Becca Moore
Charlotte Barrie
Charlotte Harding
Conor Tottenham
David Gleeson
Eleanor Connor
Eleanor Wells
Ellie Bullard
Elliot Brett
Grace Barbour
Hannah Meldrum
Hannah Ruddleston
Hannah Smith
Helen Tonkin
Hugo Greenhalgh
Isabel Gregory
James Forryan
Jess Geekie
Jonathan Davies
Josh Bailey
Julian Mack
Lanikai Krishnadasan
Torrens
Lauren West
Lee Wratten
Lottie Sandberg
Lucy Brose
Luke Forryan
Max Tottenham
Meera Cammell
Megan Hewlett
Michael Baxter
Miranda Willis
Molly Cranston
Naomi King
Nicole Cheetham
Nina Glen
Noah Forbes
Octavia HendersonCleland
Olivia Argent
Phoebe Finn
Rory Macdowall
Ruby Gunn
Sophie Wilmot
Mrs Elaine Smith retires this summer after 8 years at Alleyn’s.
Mrs Smith has given superb support as Second in the Biology
Department with particular responsibility as an experienced mentor
of younger colleagues. We wish Elaine and her husband David a long,
happy, healthy retirement.
We also thank Mr Peter Friedlander, one of our longest-serving
teachers, who retires after 36 years’ committed service in the Art
department. We have been very grateful for his artistic expertise as
Photography Editor of Scriblerus over many years and we send Peter,
too, our best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
Finally, it only remains for me to thank parents, staff and former
pupils for all your support throughout this past year. Sue and I have,
as ever, very much enjoyed meeting many of you at the wide range of
school functions, sporting fixtures, music concerts, plays and at events
arranged by the Alleyn’s Association (AA) and the Edward Alleyn Club
(EAC). My thanks to Dr Hilary Foster, the AA Chairman, and her hardworking committee for warm encouragement and never-ending support
throughout the year and also to Ms Nancy Carroll, President of the EAC
and her Executive Officers for their active interest in, and warm support
for, their old School.
I wish everyone in the Alleyn’s community a long, happy, relaxing
summer holiday and I look forward to welcoming many of you back to
a new academic year in September.
2009 – a new look to New Parents’ Evening
Parents may remember with
nostalgia our slightly crowded and
hot, new parents’ evenings, which
used to be held in our dining room
one evening in the summer term
before their son or daughter joined
us in Years 7 or 9. Those who do
will be envious of the 300 parents
of our 2009 intake, who were
welcomed this year in the much
more spacious Edward Alleyn
Building. The atrium offered
parents an attractive place to meet
form tutors and make other helpful
contacts, while the Michael Croft
Theatre was a rather more
comfortable venue for Dr Diggory’s
warm welcome to new parents, as
well as Mr Smith’s regular standup
comedy set and Mr Kermode’s
music-lesson-in-sixty-seconds
audience-participation routine.
We wouldn’t want to change
everything!
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009 3
School Trips China 2009 continued
However, after arriving at the first
tower and taking some quick
photos of the breath-taking view,
a few less athletic members of the
group returned to the bottom for
some much needed ice-cream!
After our great climb, we were
relieved to have a less strenuous
day, with a trip to Beijing Zoo.
The main goal of this visit was to
see the Giant Pandas. These rare
animals were an immediate hit
with endless photos taken and
numerous panda souvenirs bought.
One of the aspects of China
that made it so interesting was its
religious history. Despite religion
being banned under communism,
many people in China have deeprooted religious beliefs. During
our trip we were lucky enough
to visit some of the most
breathtaking temples including
the Confucius Temple, the Lama
Tibetan Temple and the Temple
of Heaven. Perhaps the most
memorable was the Buddhist
Temple which contains some of
the biggest Buddhist statues
in the world. At the Temple of
Heaven we managed to join in
an outdoor dance class.
After visiting such fascinating
religious sites, we took a break at
the Tea House to take part in a
traditional tea ceremony. This was
Ms Ackerman’s favourite part of
the trip, in which she quickly took
advantage of our 25% discount
in the tea shop.
The food in China was
certainly something of a culture
shock. At every meal, our tables
were filled with various dishes,
including some rather suspiciouslooking soups. However, by the
end of the trip we had mastered
the chopsticks and were ready to
try any unknown food that was
presented to us. Even Mr Reid,
who had promised to take us to
McDonald’s at every opportunity,
seemed to enjoy the food by
the end of the week.
We could not have taken
the 9-hour flight to Beijing without
seeing one of its most recent and
most famous sights, the Bird’s
Nest Olympic Stadium. Sitting in
the seats of the 258,000m2
stadium, it was clear that this
was a sight we would not forget.
As we made our way to the
centre of the track, we found our
Western appearances attracted
almost as many photos as the
stadium itself. However, most
were thrilled with the sudden
celebrity status and were happy
to pose for photos for over twenty
minutes, whilst the teachers and
the slightly more camera-shy
students made their way around
the track.
One of the most enjoyable
parts of the trip were the markets.
Alleyn’s prides itself on being inclusive and offering the widest
possible range of experience for pupils. Our belief in the value of
co-curricular activities extends to us backing up the rhetoric with
financial assistance for anyone who finds they are unable to take
part in activities or trips if they cannot afford it. Our Pupil Support
Fund exists to assist in this regard and we make every attempt to
help. Applications should be made by either writing to or
telephoning, the Bursar.
4
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
This was our chance to immerse
ourselves fully in Chinese culture,
and attempt to haggle our way
down to reasonable prices. After
a few tries, many developed
successful techniques, such as
pretending to walk away. Some,
however, were less skilful at
haggling and managed to spend
all their money in the first few days.
On our last evening, we were
lucky enough to watch a Kung-Fu
show. We were blown away by the
heart-racing stunts, carried out in
perfect unison by the performers.
The children were particularly
impressive, with some as young
as six performing flips that even
the most daring stuntman would
not attempt.
We left China with suitcases
full of Nike trainers, panda hats
and Chairman Mao watches,
but most importantly, we left with
new friendships made and a vast
amount discovered about such
an interesting and diverse country.
Thank you to Mr Reid
and Ms Ackerman for all their
planning, we truly got to see the
best Beijing had to offer in such
a short space of time. Thank you
to Miss Gore, Mrs Conway and
Mr Strain for all their help and
for their enthusiasm in all we did;
this trip would not have been
such a huge success without
all their efforts.
We were so lucky to have
had the opportunity to go to
China. We will always remember
the trip in which we learnt to use
chopsticks, danced in the middle
of a temple square, and climbed
one of the wonders of the world.
Bella Marsden
Economics and Business
Studies Trip to Belgium
Morale was pretty low as
33 Alleyn’s and JAGS students
boarded the coach at 6.30am
for Brussels on a not-so-sunny
Wednesday morning, but by
6.35am chocolate eating had
commenced, songs were flowing
and attitudes had changed.
Mr Milne had managed to get us
into the nicest ‘school-trip’ hotel
of all time, and after a talk at the
National Bank of Belgium, which
left us all questioning the UK’s
decision not to join the Euro,
things were looking good.
The second day began with a
trip to the European Parliament
followed by a big loopy walk
which we’re sure was purposeful
and not because we were lost.
We were then treated to a
delicious three-course meal at the
European Commission alongside
the politicians.
The highlight of the trip would
have to be our visit to the Duval
Chocolate factory; free chocolate
samples, dressing up in dinnerlady chic, magic tricks from the
legendary Kristos and high-speed
chocolate-making (we kept as
much as we made) entertained
us for the evening.
On the final day we ventured
out of the city to Antwerp to visit
the Coca-Cola factory. In only 30
minutes after arriving old bottles
are recycled, washed, filled and
labelled ready to go again which
left us all in awe of the speed of
mass production on this scale.
Armed with souvenirs of red CocaCola hats and tummies full of
several different varieties of Coke,
we boarded the coach home.
A big thank-you to Mr Milne
who simply made ‘Brussels 09’
and his partners in crime
Mr Robertson and Miss Taylor.
Amy Hunt and Charlie Smallwood
Geography fieldwork
Year 8 spent the day in Rye on
8th June. They were investigating
the effect of tourism on the
historic town centre of this ancient
Cinque Port. In groups of five they
went around the town collecting
data such as questionnaires of
visitors, recording the proportion
of businesses which are touristbased, as well as observing how
the environment has been
affected by people in the town.
The remainder of their lessons
this term were spent displaying
the information collected, and
drawing conclusions.
Year 10 spent two days in
Cambridge, collecting data for
their coursework investigations
where they have chosen to study
the impact of cycling, how
successful the transport system
is, or the changing pattern
of retailing in the city.
Cambridge’s underground bike store
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009 5
The Buxton Field Centre was bought by the school in 1974 and has been
‘
‘
It helped me gain self-confidence and
think independently. Shreyus Bagga
used ever since, by pupils, staff (and sometimes parents) throughout the school.
This June, as always, each Year 7 class spent four days there after exams in order to
experience community living, to walk in the countryside surrounded by fields and sheep and to enjoy a range of outward bound pursuits –
as well as laying the table and clearing up (for the first time?). It was originally a crossing-keeper's cottage on the former Cromford and
High Peak railway, but has since been extended and modernised, particularly under the caring and enthusiastic leadership of Mr Alldrick,
who remains at the Centre for the duration of the Year 7 trips. In the last two years there has
I surprised myself by doing some things
been substantial investment from the School. What is especially remarkable is the manner in
that I thought I could not do.
which everyone – and this is so characteristic of pupils throughout Alleyn’s – gives support
Freddy Dalby Bowler
to one another. So after some had zipped Tarzan-like through the trees in aerial extreme,
their first thought was to stand at various points throughout the course and urge on those who were less sure-footed. And how satisfying
it is for staff to see pupils who have spent the last few weeks worrying about their
Buxton has definitely bought our class
claustrophobia or acrophobia suddenly complete an abseil or emerge from a cave in
closer together. We have all achieved
tears of happiness because they have
Go-karting with Mr Smith is scary and
something, whether it is getting over a fear of
conquered their life-long anxiety.
fun at the same time. Arthur Morgan
heights or learning to become more independent,
Pupils always return to school brimming
but we would’ve never been able to achieve
with happy memories from their visit: having bonded with classmates and extended
these things without the help and encouragement
friendships beyond the small groups they may have been clinging to for the last two
of one another. Now we are the perfect team!
terms. Even sixth formers have been heard chattering nostalgically, recalling it as one
Antonia Van Dunem
of their very best Alleyn's experiences. From these photos it is easy to see why!
’
’
‘
’
‘
’
Drama
Year 8 and the Mystery
of Christopher Marlowe
Five Year 8 pupils took part in
a series of drama workshops in
the first half of the Trinity term,
culminating in a promenade
performance in and around the
Edward Alleyn Building. With
the theme of ‘Secrets’, they
explored the topic of the
mysterious life and death of the
playwright Christopher Marlowe,
who created some of Edward
Alleyn’s finest stage roles.
An exciting aspect of the
workshops was the opportunity
for this group to explore some
of the ‘secret’ spaces of our
glorious new building and
perform in areas not normally
designated as performance
spaces. The group explored
the theatrical effects of drama
techniques including sound,
multi-media, mime and mask.
The final performance started
with a sound collage in the
exterior colonnade. The
audience then had to pick
and follow an actor as they
took different routes to the first
floor to perform a tableaux
sequence in the Careers Centre.
The piece finished with a
commanding inquest in the
Boardroom, around Marlowe's
dead body! Well done to Josh
Bailey, Alice Hoskyns Hill,
Isabella Krupski, Emily Naylor
and Conor Tottenham
for giving a polished and
atmospheric performance
which beautifully demonstrated
their drama skills and their
enthusiasm for this unique
drama project.
Three Sisters, Romeo and
Juliet and The Red Shoes
Three interesting and highly
contrasting texts, developed
from work on three radically
different theatre practitioners,
were performed towards the end
of term to preview audiences
and the examiners. Year 13
students used Stanislavski’s
System to create charismatic
characters with psychological
depth in their performance of
Three Sisters by Anton Chekov.
Research and attention to detail
allowed them to craft realistic
roles, set and costumes. The
audience watched the sisters’
youthful dreams dissolve as the
years passed and lovers left.
The production also captured
Chekov’s tragi-comic tone with
light touches of satire throughout.
Meanwhile the Year 12
students have been working in
two more physical styles.
Inspired by Frantic Assembly’s
Othello at the Lyric one group
applied Frantic’s style to Romeo
and Juliet. Experimentation with
various dance and movement
styles led to lifts, choreography
and synchronicity conveying the
party, wooing and fights in
Verona. Exciting, expressive
sequences were interwoven with
the text. They certainly achieved
their dramatic aim of making
Shakespeare highly engaging
for a contemporary audience.
The other group performed
The Red Shoes, a dark fairy
tale told in Kneehigh Theatre
Company’s very original storytelling style. The powerful colour
palette they chose highlighted
their iconic elements, their magic
tricks and classic slapstick gags.
They made the audience laugh
in a variety of ways while leaving
them with a tragic, macabre
sensation.
Punchdrunk are a Knock-out!
Inspired by Fritz Lang’s
dystopian Metropolis, Tunnel 228
was an exciting and innovative
piece of theatre drawn from the
dark and mysterious thoughts of
AOB Felix Barrett, Punchdrunk’s
founder and artistic director.
The Drama and Theatre Studies
groups from Years 12 and 13
visited the tunnels in April for a
unique opportunity to explore
the dark, cold and clammy
twilight world that was Tunnel
228. The audience were taken
into a waiting-room below
Waterloo train station and
instructed to put on protective
face masks before we entered
the ‘contaminated’ tunnels.
Throughout the dark maze
various pieces of art were
thrust into the inhospitable
environment, visceral sounds
rumbled through the isolated
world as we crept through the
dusty labyrinth. As we examined
fantastic sculptures and
projections, performers worked
tirelessly around us with the
machines and engines that filled
the tunnels, walking up walls
and running in giant wheels to
breathe life into the cold iron
behemoth. Various pulleys
and cogs weaved around the
underground world, ferrying
massive steel ball-bearings
continued on page 8
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
7
through the arches and halls,
eventually powering a great set
of cogs which generated power
for a room filled with light bulbs.
Whilst we picked through the
haunting pieces of art, and
used our detective skills in
order not to miss hidden
crevices disclosing initially
invisible rooms or objects,
suddenly a small intimate
performance would open up
for a lucky audience member.
I was fortunate enough to
experience my own unique
performance and to work
alongside Punchdrunk and its
National Independent Schools’
Drama Association
Drew Stocker, our Head of
Drama, hosted the annual
National Independent Schools’
Drama Association conference
here at Alleyn’s earlier in the
term. The recently opened
Michael Croft Theatre was the
perfect venue to welcome 120
drama teachers, from across
the UK, for a long weekend of
workshops, networking and
8
228 collaborators the Old and
Young Vic theatres. As part of
a 4-stage workshop I was invited
(with 21 others) to create a piece
of theatre to be performed inside
the tunnels. This workshop
which was performed on one
night to an invited audience of
friends, family, project sponsors
and collaborators, exposed me
to the unique and exciting
method of performance they
have spawned. The experience
has left us all hungry for
Punchdrunk’s next show.
Joe Boylan
hospitality. Mr Stocker had
booked a wide range of drama
practitioners to run workshops.
Delegates explored puppetry
and the latest lighting and sound
technology, and worked with
experts in physical theatre
(with Frantic Assembly),
reminiscence theatre (with Age
Exchange), voice work, mask
work (with Geese Theatre
Company and our regular stage
combat director Kevin Rowntree),
and Noh theatre. On Saturday
evening the formal dinner was
held around a 100m table which
stretched down the entire length
of the Dulwich Picture Gallery
(actually the Headmaster's
genius idea), and on Sunday
morning the conference ended
with a live on-stage interview
with Alleyn’s alumnus Sam West
(pictured below) who responded
to Mr Stocker’s questions with
aplomb and interest. Mr Stocker
has been the Association’s Chair
for the past three years and has
one more year of service before
passing over the reigns of the
Association at Warwick School
next year.
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
Music notes
Individual successes
There is always an imminent
musical performance at Alleyn’s,
such is the quantity and breadth
of musical activity. Barely a week
goes by without a concert, and
weekly instrumental lessons lead
to large numbers taking ABRSM
music exams – congratulations
to the great number who passed
with merit and distinction.
Often we have pupils who
extend their musicianship at
the Junior Departments of the
London Music Colleges and on
holiday orchestral courses. The
Music School staff have details
of many holiday music courses
and they are to be strongly
recommended – do give them
a try.
Congratulations to Harry
Houseago who, after being
one of over 10,000 registered
entrants, has reached the
Grand National Finals of
‘Live and Unsigned 2009’, a
nationwide search for artists
performing their own material.
Most of the other finalists are
adults, but Harry is only 13 years
old. He already has a wealth of
musical performance and
success behind him. He has
played guitar and drums since
he could hold them and now
also plays bass, keyboards and
double bass in the new Alleyn’s
swing band: ‘Swing Doctors’.
He writes songs all the time, has
a brilliant ear for arrangements
and just wants to spend his
whole life being a musician.
He gives up loads of his free
time to play and entertain
children for charity, playing live
at Great Ormond Street Hospital
every week on their radio station.
Michael Croft Theatre roof
‘raised’
Numbers of musicians in Lower
and Middle School ensembles
continue to rise and some 180
pupils raised the roof for our
first large-scale concert in the
Michael Croft Theatre, in May
(see pictures left and right).
Playing to a full house, all nine
ensembles displayed the usual
balance of detailed musicianship
and exuberant enthusiasm that
we have come to expect of our
musicians, and showed that all
the hard work over recent weeks
in rehearsal was so worthwhile.
No one in the audience could
have been disappointed with
the range and quality of music
on offer – indeed, many schools
would be thrilled to present
such a concert as their senior
level concert.
Resonance104.4fm to
broadcast St John’s concert
The original date for our senior
ensemble concert at St John’s,
Smith Square was sadly a
casualty of the flu-virus school
closure. However, we were
all thrilled when St John’s
confirmed that they were able to
accommodate us on the day
after term ends – Friday 3rd July.
If you are reading this newsletter
on or before the last day of term
then you may just have time to
snatch one of the very few
remaining tickets and come to
St John’s in person (020 7222
1061 or www.sjss.org.uk).
However, if you can not get
there, this year you can still
hear the concert as it is being
recorded and to be broadcast
on Resonance104.4fm, central
London's community radio
station which broadcasts with
a range of 3 miles from its
transmitter in London Bridge
and also on the internet
(http://resonancefm.com).
Its brief is to provide a radical
alternative to the universal
formulae of mainstream
broadcasting. We are thrilled
that Alleyn’s has been given
‘first bite’ on being part of this
new outreach programme.
Resonance will broadcast the
concert from 8 .00pm until
10 .00pm. on Wednesday 8th
July – for most of us this will
entail logging on to their website
and listening online. In addition
to recording the concert
performance, one of Resonance’s
staff came in to school on two
occasions to record sections of
rehearsals and to chat with
some of the pupils and staff.
Happy listening!
Alleyn’s International
Concert Series
This term’s concert was given
in the last week of term by the
pianist Steven Osborne. Steven
is one of the most sought after
pianists of the day – he plays
regularly with top orchestras in
the world’s most prestigious
concert halls, and his many
recordings have won national
and international awards. After
his morning masterclass, in
which he worked with four very
promising Alleyn’s pianists, his
evening performance was simply
mesmerising and divine. That
In the last newsletter we mentioned that Zara Boyd (10AB) had
been selected for the Junior National Youth Choir and now we
hear that she has been joined by Hannah Meldrum (10SM) and
that Mary Hamilton (11AP) has won a place in the next level up:
the National Youth Training Choir. Bravo to all three girls!
we have been able to attract and
engage musicians of the calibre
of Steven Osborne and (earlier
this year) the Endellion String
Quartet is a bit of a coup. Plans
are already afoot for the three
termly concerts next year and
details will be posted on the
school website. If you would
like to join the Concert Series
emailing list then send an email
to concertseries@alleyns.org.uk.
Sprinting to the end of term ….
In addition to St John’s, as a
rousing musical finale to the
year there was: a Pupils’ Recital;
the A Level Composition
Concert; Jazz Band played at
the Alleyn’s Association Summer
Party; choirs sang at the Chapel
Services; ensembles played at
Founder’s Day; the Year 9 pupils
completed their KS3 musical
curriculum with the Year 9 Music
Festival; and there was the
Leavers’ Concert in the Michael
Croft Theatre.
A huge ‘thank you’ to all who
have contributed so much this
term, and over the year. A welldeserved rest is due for all over
the summer holiday.
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
9
Sport
Girls’ Water Polo
• All three teams (U14, U16 and
U18) qualified for the National
Finals – we were the only school
to have a team at the finals in all
three age groups. The U14s won
the silver medal in a tightly
contested final.
• The U14 girls’ team qualified
for the National English Schools’
final as runners-up from the South
of England and were 2nd in the
National Final-Four tournament.
They were runners-up to Bedford
Modern in the national final on
Sunday 14th June, the game
finishing 3-9.
• The U16 girls’ team qualified
for the National English Schools’
final as joint winners from the
South of England and were 2nd in
the National Final-Four tournament.
They will play Ripley St Thomas
(Lancaster) in the national final
for the gold medal on Monday
29th June (re-arranged due to
swine ‘flu) in Manchester.
• The U18 girls’ team qualified
Above: Polly Keeling making a tackle
in the U14 National water polo final.
for the National English Schools’
final as winners from the South
of England and were 2nd in the
National Final-Four tournament.
They will also play Ripley St Thomas
(Lancaster) in the national final for
the gold medal on Monday 29th
June (re-arranged due to swine
‘flu) in Manchester.
• Clare Le Voir was selected to
play in an invitational water polo
team against Grantham Academy.
Girls’ Athletics
• Last summer Hannah Edwards
and Frederica Foster both
competed at the ESAA
Championships and as a result of
their performances were selected
to represent England in the UK
School Games. They have both
been selected to compete again
at this year’s ESAA Championships
– Frederica in the 300m and
Hannah in the 800m.
• Martha Day is the London
Schools’ Intermediate Girl Javelin
Champion.
Frederica’s gold
Frederica Foster, Year 11,
shattered her previous best
time for 300m in 39.41 seconds
to claim gold in the Southern
Championships in May. Her
coach (AOB John Powell) is
now going to get her training for
400m with a view to her running
in major championships.
• Freya Cooper is a reserve in the
Junior Girls’ age group in the
London team for the Regional
Combined Events Championship.
• Fola Evans-Akingbola came 4th
in Intermediate Girls’ High Jump
in the London Schools’
Championships
Girls’ Cross-country
• Alex West, Hannah Edwards,
Nina Anderson and Georgia
Tindley were all selected to
represent London at the English
Schools’ Cross-country
Championships in Loughborough
at end of March.
• Our Intermediate girls won the
Southwark Championships and
then went on to win the silver
medal at the London Schools'
Championships.
• The Juniors came 2nd at the
Southwark Championships and
then went on to win bronze at the
London Schools’ Championships.
• The Senior Girls’ team won the
silver medal at the London
Championships.
The U14 girls’ water polo team who
finished as runners-up to Bedford
Modern, in the National water polo final.
10
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
• 11 Yr 7 pupils and 10 Yr 8
pupils have been selected to
represent Southwark in the
London Schools’ Year 7 and 8
Championships.
Girls’ Football
• This term, Alleyn's hosted their
first girls' football tournament for
Under 13s with 10 teams taking part.
Netball
• Representative Honours in Surrey:
Charlotte Ody for the U16s, Polly
Keeling and Claire Potter for the
U14 satellite squad and Elle Addo
for the U13 satellite squad.
• Tournaments: the U15s and
U16s both qualified for the finals
of their respective age groups
in the Surrey tournaments and
the U15s won the Bacon’s
tournament. The U12s and U13s
both won silver medals at the
Bacon’s tournament.
Girls’ Swimming
• Alleyn’s Invitation Swimming
Gala – Abigail Bainbridge set a
new school record for the girls'
100m breaststroke.
Dulcie’s national selection
Following very good performances
playing against Ireland, Dulcie
Davies has been selected as
part of the England U18 Hockey
Team for the U18 European
Championships in Belgium
5th – 11th July. This is her first
year in the age group and she is
one of the youngest members of
the team, so it is an outstanding
achievement.
The Combined Games is a competition for Years 9 and 10 who put out teams in Fives (winners Brown’s), Rounders (winners Brading’s), Softball (Tulley’s)
and Tennis (Tulley’s). Overall joint winners were Brown’s and Tulley’s.
• The U19s retained their London
Schools’ title
Girls’ Tennis
• Our senior girls’ pair,
Sophie Richardson and Sophie
Dannreuther, played extremely
well in the final of the Surrey
Tennis Festival, just losing 6-3
to St Catherine's, Bramley.
Boys’ Football
• Joe Kelly, Harry Chaldecott
and Tom Sealy have been
selected for the Independent
Schools’ Football Association
(ISFA) U13 national squad.
• The ISFA recognised Tom Sealy
as the runner-up in the annual
U13 National Player of the Year
award.
Boys’ Basketball
• The U14 team won the London
Independent Schools’ play-offs,
defeating St Paul’s School in the
final.
• The U15 team won the London
Independent Schools’ play-offs,
defeating City of London Boys’
School in the final.
• The U16 team won the London
Independent Schools’ play-offs,
defeating City of London Boys’
School in the final.
• There are two competitions at
U19 level which were both won
Left: Tom Sealy, Harry Chaldecott and
Joe Kelly, the three boys who have been
selected for the National football squad;
Tom is holding his individual ISFA award.
Below: Under 19 Basketball team, who
enjoyed an excellent season.
by Alleyn’s. In the U19 London
Independent Schools’ play-offs
we defeated Latymer Upper
School in the final and in the Cup
final we defeated King’s College
School, Wimbledon.
• Congratulations to Ed Scott
who has been training with the
England U17 squad.
Alex’s Rugby League
international honours
Boys’ Water Polo
• James Gallagher-Powell and
Harry Stones represented the
Schools’ Water Polo League U18
Barbarians team vs Grantham
National Academy in March.
Boys’ Swimming
• The U12, U13 and U14 teams
all qualified for the London
Schools’ Swimming Association
Individual Championships
finishing 4th, 6th and 5th
respectively.
Fives
• At the National Championships,
Peter Hanton was runner-up in
the senior singles. Ben Stephens
Hemingway was runner-up in the
U16 singles.
• At the National Championships
Zach Brubert was the winner of
the U14 singles and Sam
Redmayne was runner-up.
• Zach and Sam won the national
U14 doubles championships.
• Charlie Williams won the
national U14 Plate singles
competition.
Alex Ingarfield has been
selected as Vice-Captain and
chosen to play in the four
nations matches over the next
three months for England
Lionhearts (national U18 rugby
league team). The first match
was against Wales on 13th
June, the next is against Ireland
on 11th July and then Scotland
on 8th August. Alex started
playing Rugby Union as an
U13 and then switched to
Rugby League two years ago,
progressing to Captain of the
Croydon Hurricanes and the
South London Storm Academy
1st team.
continued on page 12
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009 11
Boys’ Cross Country
• At the end of the Lent term
the combined Year 7 and 8 team
finished 3rd in the prestigious
Junior Knole Run in Sevenoaks.
Cricket
• All teams are still in their
respective London Schools’
competitions and progressing
towards the finals that will be
held at the end of the term.
• The 1st XI have won four of six
games played so far. Matthew
Syrett has performed very well
with the bat, scoring a matchwinning 87 against King Edward’s
School, Witley and a superb
92 not-out against the XL Club
in a game that we narrowly
lost.
• The U15 team are currently
unbeaten.
• The following boys have been
selected to represent the London
Schools’ Cricket Association:
Fergus Neve, Max Twyman (U12),
Nicholas Jeyarajah, Tom Sealy,
Jamie Savage, Joe Kelly, Toby
Conner (U13), Charlie Glen,
Daniel Petrides, and Adam Senn
(U15). In addition, Adam Senn is
captain of the LSCA U15 team.
• The following boys have played
Surrey district representative
cricket: Arthur Morgan, Ralph
Thicknesse, Lucian Clinch, Sam
Redmayne and Finlay Glen .
• Hamish Neve-Dunn, Jake
Ruddleston, Callum Ruddleston,
Oliver Beauchamp, Jack Gisby
and Sam Redmayne have been
selected to represent South
London in the Lord’s Taverners
National competition.
Boys’ Athletics
• Alex Moisley, Alfie Bright,
Billy Holmes, Caleb AzumahNelson and Oliver Beauchamp
have been selected to represent
Southwark as Intermediate
Boys at the London Schools’
Athletics Championships.
• Tom Derry, Jake Ruddleston,
Callum Ruddleston and Wim
Geberbauer have been selected
to represent the Southwark
Junior team.
• Callum Ruddleston is the
London Schools’ Junior Boys’
800m Champion and has been
selected to represent Southwark
at the London Schools’ Combined
Events, with Tom and Jake
selected as reserves.
• Wim Geberbauer came 2nd in
Junior Boys’ Javelin, Tom Derry
came 3rd in Junior Boys’ Long
Jump and Jake Ruddleston came
3rd in Junior Boys’ Discus and
4th in the 400m in the London
Schools’ Championships.
Tennis
• The senior team lost in the
1st round of the Glanville Cup to
Langley Park, but won their other
2 matches.
• The school is playing in the
Surrey festival at all age groups
at the end of term.
Design at
Alleyn’s
The Design Technology department
made full use of the atrium in the
Edward Alleyn Building where a
number of GCSE and A level
products were displayed.
Two new teachers (an exGraphic Designer and an exProduct Designer) have joined the
department and we are focusing
on creativity, independence of
thought and designing and
making innovative, up-to-date
products for real consumer markets
and for industrial production.
We have a number of new
trips; for the Year 11 students a
visit to both the Design Museum
and the Branding Museum in
September 2009 and for the
Year 12 students a trip to Stuttgart
to visit the Porsche and Audi
factories in February 2010.
A Product Designer spent the
day with us in February, presenting
her work to the students,
discussing her projects and
career and giving advice to those
looking to follow a path in Product
Design. On the 18th June we also
had a Graphic designer spending
the day with the pupils and for the
next academic year we will be
adding a Design Engineer and an
Architect to the list. All our guests
have made a huge difference to
pupil’s outlook and enthusiasm
having shown the enormous
opportunities in a career in Design.
12
Alleyn’s forensic team
win first prize
Congratulations to Alex West,
Charlotte Barrie, Alice Faulkner
and Amy Walters all in 8BS who
won first prize in the University
Challenge competition which took
place at the Salters’ Festival of
Chemistry on Wednesday 10th
June 2009 at London South Bank
University. This event was put
on in partnership with the Royal
Society of Chemistry. The team
had first to play the parts of
forensic chemists using apparatus
and chemicals for analysis in the
University labs to solve the
mystery of the dead body found
at Saltmarsh farm. They then had
to carry out a Vitamin C Clock
Reaction and adapt it in order to
come up with a chemical clock
that would give a colour change
after exactly one minute. The girls
were commended both for their
practical skills and enthusiasm.
The day finished with a colourful
Chemical Magic demonstration
which illustrated some of
Chemistry’s uses in cutting edge
Art, Design and Technology.
The products on display are a range from GCSE (Product & Graphic Design) and A Level (Product Design) showcasing
Furniture, Storage, Safety Products and jewellery.
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
CCF round-up
Over 100 cadets and staff attended
our Easter Camp at Napier
Barracks with the cadets camping
out, cooking for themselves,
navigating and carrying out
fieldcraft tasks. Maximum use
was made of the Hythe Range
complex with cadets firing on the
outdoor ranges and experiencing
the ‘Middle Eastern Urban Village’
complex used for training soldiers
before they go abroad. Cadets
patrolled through the streets with
realistic crowd and animal noises
and responded to scenarios
presented to them. The annual
Year 10 drill competition and Year
11 Joint Service Cadre (Potential
Instructors’ Course) passing-out
parade and presentation ceremony
took place on the last day in front
of Dr and Mrs Diggory, following
the traditional curry lunch for
visitors, staff and Year 13 cadets.
We have been making the
most of the school grounds for
practical activities during term
and, for the first time, held a fourday Year 9 Camp at Longmoor
Camp in Hampshire with over 60
cadets and staff attending. The
cadets slept in barrack blocks,
passed weapon handling tests,
took part in live shooting out-ofdoors, performed practical
navigation, orienteering and
command tasks and used the
indoor computerised range
(basically a very, very expensive
video game). This separate camp
was necessary due to the
increasing popularity of the CCF.
12 senior cadets have
qualified for the British Heart
Foundation’s Heartstart First Aid
Award and, as they were already
trained CCF instructors, have
also qualified as Heartstart
instructors. They will now use
their skills to train other cadets
for the award.
The Corps of Drums and
Military Band has just heard that
there are exciting opportunities
to be part of a London Cadet
Force Band for the coming Lord
Mayor’s Show in November 2009
and other national and regional
events in 2010 for ‘Cadet 150’ –
the celebrations for the 150th
anniversary of the cadet movement
in the UK.
Our annual Regimental Dinner
took place in June and some 70
guests, ex-cadets, Year 13 cadets
In the English
Department...
On 8th June, Jamila Gavin,
author of Coram Boy visited
Alleyn’s to read from, and talk
about, her work to Year 9. There
was an opportunity for pupils to
ask questions relating to her work
and for guidance with their own
writing. This is one of many such
events this year: throughout the
year, writers and poets are invited
in to talk with different yeargroups to foster a love of reading
and writing. Some pupils from the
Junior School came to listen as
well as part of a programme to
develop and strengthen ties
between the English departments
in both schools.
Tickets were purchased
over a year in advance to secure
50 places for the Upper School
to see Jude Law in Hamlet on
1st July. This has been tipped to
be the hottest ticket of the year!
A review will appear in next
term’s newsletter.
Alleyn’s Lower School
pupils have been reading the
latest Carnegie Medal shortlist.
The Carnegie Medal is named
after the philanthropist, Andrew
Carnegie, who had a crucial role
in establishing British public
libraries. The award is for an
outstanding book for children
published in the UK and written
in English.
A group of pupils has been
meeting regularly in the Library to
talk about the seven shortlisted
Aerobatics at RAF Wyton
During half term (28th May) 12 RAF cadets jumped at the opportunity
to attend a flying trip at RAF Wyton. They all went up in a Grob tutor
aircraft with an experienced pilot. Each cadet got to speak to the
pilot before the flight to discuss what they wanted to achieve during
their sortie.
At some point during the flight the cadets followed the pilot
through on the controls, took control of the aircraft, did some
navigation and in some cases experienced the thrill of aerobatics
(with the more experienced cadets controlling the manoeuvres!)
On 12th June 17 Year 9 cadets attended RAF Wyton on a field
day. This was reported to be the best day flying that the pilots had
so far this year in terms of weather and the enthusiasm and
behaviour of the cadets. For most of the cadets this was their first
air experience flight and not a sick bag in sight!
Special thanks to CSGt S Swalwell, Dr W Tibbits, Mr B Allen for
accompanying me on the trips. Flt Lt Pokorny
and staff attended. The Guest
of Honour was Brigadier Mike
Wharmby, General Secretary of
the CCF Association. Presentations
were made to our departing
senior cadets and to Lieutenant
Will Walker (see Valete).
A Year 10 self-reliance,
overnight exercise took place on
the two days following Founder’s
Day and more than 70 cadets
and staff will attend the army and
RAF summer camps in the first
week of the summer break.
books: Black Rabbit Summer –
Kevin Brooks, Cosmic – Frank
Cottrell Boyce, Creature of the
Night – Kate Thompson, Ostrich
Boys – Keith Gray, Bog Child –
Siobhan Dowd, Airman – Eoin
Colfer and The Knife of Never
Letting Go – Patrick Ness.
This year, Dulwich College
hosted an afternoon with Alleyn’s
and JAGS pupils, English
teachers and Librarians to
discuss the books and to vote
on who they thought should be
the winner. It was, in fact, Siobhan
Dowd’s Bog Child.
Year 9 English and Drama
Review
The annual celebration of drama
work produced by Year 9 in
English lessons throughout the
year, was performed in the
Michael Croft Theatre after school
on Wednesday 24th June to an
audience of their peers. Pupils
prepared and directed their
chosen scenes from either a
studied play or one they have
read and enjoyed. Their class
then chose the best for the
final performance.
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009 13
The Edward Alleyn Club is
the alumni association for the
School. The School is in touch
with over 5,000 former pupils
– the oldest of whom were
here in the 1930s! All pupils
become members automatically
on leaving Alleyn’s.
Photo: Catherine Ashmore
20 & 30-year reunion Ninety
former pupils came back through
the school gates in Townley Road
on a sunny day in June. Alumni
from the classes of 1972–79
and 1982–89 revisited their alma
mater to see for themselves all
the changes that have taken place
at Alleyn’s, as well as rekindling
old friendships. Our newlyappointed Prefects led guests on
a guided tour of the site, a route
that gets longer and longer each
year as more facilities are opened.
‘It was great to see so many
familiar faces – both pupils and
Photo: by Johan Persson
Edward Alleyn
Club
staff – and to be able to renew
acquaintances with some people
I hadn’t seen since the day I left
school in 1979’. Chris Quirk,
School Captain, 1979
Acting activities Not one but two
Alleyn’s alumni are appearing in
London’s West End this summer
and both have received rave
reviews. Current President of the
Edward Alleyn Club, Nancy Carroll
(Brading’s, 1985–92), pictured
below left, is appearing in a revival
of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia at
the Duke of York’s Theatre, and
Jude Law (Spurgeon’s, 1985–89)
pictured above, is treading the
boards as Hamlet at the Donmar
West End. An extended member
of the Alleyn's community, Dan
Stevens, also appears alongside
Nancy in Arcadia. Dan is the son
of Ron Stevens, former teacher of
Economics and Business Studies,
who retired last year.
And a trio from the Alleyn’s
alumni will be treading the boards
together in the world premiere
of Enron at Chichester Festival
Theatre, followed by a London
transfer to the Royal Court from
The book Drama & Music: The Performing Arts
at Alleyn’s and the DVD Gala Performance can be
purchased by either downloading the order form from the
Senior School website, or directly at most forthcoming School
events and at Reception. All proceeds from sales will be used
to fund bursaries at the School.
£15.00 & £10.00 (plus £1.50 p&p)
17th September. Roper’s alumni
Tom Godwin (1987–94) and
Samuel West (1977–84), and
parent Tom Goodman-Hill will
appear in a dramatisation of one
of the most infamous scandals in
financial history.
The Club proposes to hold
another group theatre outing
to see Enron in Chichester on
Friday 28th August and extends
the invitation to Alleyn's parents
to come along too. To join this
party, please contact David
Young, Director of Development
& Finance (on 020 8557 1017
or youngdtw@alleyns.org.uk),
by 17th July. If there is enough
interest, we would organise a
coach to take us there and back
to Dulwich. Tickets for the play cost
£26.50 and coach travel would be
extra. The box office advises that
the play contains strong language
and scenes of an adult nature
Refugee Action's Simple Acts
Esme Peach (Roper's, 1989– 1996)
works at the national charity
Refugee Action and has been
busy promoting a new campaign,
‘Simple Acts’, for Refugee Week
(15–21 June).
The ‘Simple Acts’ campaign
is about inspiring people to use
small, everyday actions to change
perceptions of refugees. Esme
explains that the campaign lists
‘20 actions that can be done by
anyone to encourage us to learn
and do more with refugees’.
The actions were chosen
from ideas submitted by people
across the UK and include
cooking a dish from another
country, reading a book about
exile, and having a cup of tea with
a refugee. To do your bit, visit
www.refugeeweek.org.uk/simpleacts/
Alumni’s company makes
Sunday Times list Andrew
Yetzes (Tulley’s, 1984–91) is
pictured holding the award given
to his company for its inclusion
in the Sunday Times Fastrack 100
list. He and fellow alumnus,
Robert Beaman (Dutton’s,
1984–91), are the co-founders
and directors of Medicare First,
a recruitment consultancy for the
social work, allied healthcare and
medical sector. Medicare First
was listed in ninth place on the
Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list
for 2008. Fast Track 100 ranks
Britain’s hundred private
companies with the fastest
growing sales over the last three
years.
Alumni ebulletin An ebulletin
is sent out to alumni and former
staff every term with news of
former pupils and the School.
If you would like to receive a copy
or for further information about
alumni activities, please contact
Susie Schofield on 020 8557
1466 or alumni@alleyns.org.uk
You can download the latest
ebulletin from the home page
of the Club’s website,
www.edwardalleynclub.com
A party date for this summer’s
leavers There’ll be another
chance for this year’s leavers to
meet up later in the year when the
Club holds a reunion party at the
Clubhouse in Burbage Road on
29th December.
DIARY DATES
26th September – Edward Alleyn
Club Annual Dinner, Alleyn’s
School
14th November – 10-Year
Reunion, Clubhouse, 8.00pm
21st November – Midlands
Reunion at the RSC, Stratford
29th December – 2009 Leavers
Reunion, Clubhouse, 8.00pm
Dear Parents and Guardians
First of all, a very warm thank you to all who helped in so many
ways in the events of this term. I know that the enthusiasm,
involvement and welcome of existing parents is valued by both
the staff and families new to the school.
The Headmaster and the Chairman of the Governors, hosted
a reception for the organisers of the Gala Opening of the Edward Alleyn building at Saddler’s
Hall on 1st June. Enjoyable recollections of the two-year process of organisation were followed
by presentations to the co-Chairs of the committee. We were joined for a splendid dinner by
other members of the senior management team, governors and members of the Alleyn’s
Association committee and thoroughly enjoyed both the fascinating venue and meeting of
minds of the different parts of the Alleyn’s community. We appreciate all that the Saddler’s
company , governors and teaching and support staff do for the school.
The secondhand uniform sale on 6th June is always well supported by both new and
existing parents. We can always sell more uniform so please keep items for next year’s sale.
Sales of sports kit were reduced as a new kit is being introduced this year but a healthy profit
was made for the AA and will be donated to the Pupil Support Fund. The same evening the
Summer Party, ‘More Glyndebourne than Glastonbury’, was held inside as a result of the
weather. We were entertained by the wonderful school jazz band whilst we drank Pimm’s and
ate our sumptuous picnics to more music. Max Tottenham’s blues harmonica playing was
followed by a 50:50 raffle and parents’ singing backed by Barney Geddes and Tim Quicke
from the jazz band. The first parents’ party in the new Edward Alleyn Building was tremendous
fun and showed the diverse possibilities for use of the building.
Following the evening for new parents on 3rd June, Karina Reed has already organised
the class parties for new parents in September and we look forward to welcoming them. Plans
are under way for the Holly Fair on Saturday 5th December. Stalls sell out fast so please look
out for the end-of-term flyer and contact me if you could help with the fair.
As I write, preparations are being made for Founder’s Day. We are grateful to the Year 7
parents for all their hard work in running the popular barbecue and to all of you who donated
raffle prizes to be drawn by the parachutists.
Many parents have commented favourably on the quality of the communication via the
website during the swine flu period and we thank the school for this.
Each term the Headmaster hosts a lunch for parents, so do let me know if you are
interested in attending as I keep a list of people who would like to be invited. Do also let me
know if you have any new suggestions or ideas for AA activities.
A presentation on PSHE will be held in conjunction with the AGM on 30th September.
Please see the flyer in this mailing.
I hope you enjoy the summer holidays.
Hilary Foster, Chair, Alleyn’s Association
alleynsassociation@alleyns.org.uk Hilary.foster@fairadsl.co.uk 020 8299 1604
Leaving Us
Peter Friedlander
retires at the end of this
year and we take the
opportunity to say a
brief but sincere farewell
to an excellent member
of the teaching
profession. When I
joined Alleyn’s School
twenty-two years ago
Peter was an already long-serving member
of staff having begun his career in 1973.
He has worked with two heads of art and three
headmasters during this time. Who can expect
any greater pleasure in one career?
His contribution to the school over this
time has been extensive. He has been a core
member of the art department and taught
across the age range from Year 7 to 13. He
introduced a variety of art printing techniques
in the department’s rotational programme: zinc
plate etching, silk screen and traditional lino
printing, and achieved great success with
engraving onto modern plastics to create
exciting linear and textural images. Over many
years, Peter efficiently organised art department
field trips for Upper School students and as a
member of the art team he was always ready
with the necessary teaching material and aware
of the idiosyncrasies of the ever-changing
examination specifications. As a former Royal
Academy student he embraced the department’s
fine art approach with enthusiasm.
While Peter’s art teaching is celebrated,
his contribution to the School in general has
been varied and equally valued. Although
difficult to imagine, having undergone hip
replacement surgery in recent years, Peter
was responsible for the school’s cross-country
team. He organised events and participated
in scheduling inter-school competitions. Peter
edited the photographic material for Scriblerus
for many years and was required to wade
through mounds of images in the process,
a task he tackled valiantly and with good
humour year after year.
Finally, and of inestimable importance
to the art department, was the superb
chocolate cake that he would bring to school
from time to time and on special occasions.
It possessed a richness and moistness that
only an expert patisserie chef could achieve.
I for one will miss this greatly.
Robin Sutton, Head of Art
Elaine Smith retires after teaching Biology
at Alleyn’s since 2001. She is a very wellrespected teacher who will be greatly missed
by her students, who never tire of her tales of
life in the Gambia and her love of botany. She
has taught across the age range, from Years 7
to 13, engaging all pupils with her enthusiasm
for the subject. Elaine
has always managed
to spark enthusiasm in
so many of her charges
which is a testament
to her inspirational
teaching. She always
comes up with exciting
ways of explaining
compex ideas through
classroom experiments
and, in particular, her love of making DNA
necklaces will always be remembered by her
A level students.
Elaine is also a greatly-valued member of
the Upper School’s tutor team, has willingly
helped out on numerous Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award expeditions and led the Horse Riding club.
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
15
Thanks to: the Alleyn’s Association, Ms K Ackerman, Mrs L Aldwinckle, Mr R Alldrick, Mr N Bennett, Miss W Collins, Ms S Connolly, Mrs F De Salis, Mr K Ellen, Mr A Faccinello, Dr H Foster, Mr L Geldeard, Mr N Green, Mr D Harley, Mrs C Horan, Mr M Jones, Mr T Kermode, Mr N Kinnear, Miss S Lamy, Mr A Macmillan, Mr S Milne,
Mrs E O’Donnell, Mr R Ody, Miss R Ottey, Miss V Penglase, Miss M Pokorny, Miss A Poole, Ms C Robertson, Mrs S Schofield, Mr S Smith, Mr D Stocker, Mr R Sutton, Miss G Taylor, Mrs R Tottenham, Miss M Walker, for copy and photographs supplied for this edition of the Alleyn’s Newsletter. Design by Mr M Keates. Printed by Parish Print.
She has been a strong and supportive
member of the Biology department and
everyone will miss her infectious laughter and
wise counsel. I don’t think the atmosphere in
the Biology prep room over coffee at breaktime will be quite the same again. We wish
her every happiness in her retirement.
Sarah Lamy, Head of Biology
Will Tibbits joined
the Biology department
at Alleyn’s 5 years
ago after completing
his doctorate on
plant growth and
development. He was
immediately a hit with
the students who loved
his enthusiasm for all
things biological. During his time at Alleyn’s he
has taken responsibility for organising exciting
trips for the students. This cemented his love
of learning outside the classroom.
Will is leaving Alleyn’s to teach Biology
in the Philippines. I hope he is expecting a few
visits from his former colleagues whilst over
there! We wish him and his wife Meena the
best of luck. Sarah Lamy
Will Walker joined
the Mathematics
department at Alleyn’s
in September 2005.
He quickly fitted into
life at Alleyn’s and
proved himself to be a
versatile and committed
contributor to the
education and wellbeing of Alleyn’s students across the board.
In addition to teaching maths, physics and
boys sports, Will has been an active house
tutor for Dutton’s. He has also helped with
CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh 's Award
Scheme and he has been involved in
countless groups and committees in areas
ranging from exam administration to staff
fitness. In four short years Will Walker has
established himself as a highly reliable and
supportive member of staff.
Will will be very much missed as a teacher,
colleague and friend and the Maths department
would like to wish him every success in his
new job in Thailand. He will be remembered
for his unfailing good humour and willingness
to help at all times. Anne Poole, Head of
Mathematics
Maria Georgiou leaves
us after five years at
Alleyn’s. She has taught
in both the Physics and
Chemistry Departments
and her enthusiasm for
both subjects make her
liked and respected by
her students. Beyond
the laboratory, Maria's
exceptional dancing and choreography talents
have been greatly appreciated when planning
school productions (most recently with West
DATES
FOR YOUR DIARY
SCHOOL DATES
New pupils/Years 12 & 13:
Wednesday 2nd September
Term begins: Thursday 3rd September
Half Term: 19th–30th October
Term ends: Wednesday 16th December
Open Morning: Saturday 10th October.
Each year for Open Morning we ask the
help of many of our students to show
visiting parents round the school. May
we give advance warning to the parents
of pupils who will be in Years 8 and
12, and all scholars who will be in
Years 9 –11, that we should like them
to act as tour guides that morning.
16
Side Story) and when judging or assisting with
talent shows. She has been a Lower School
tutor and we hope that the infamous ‘Lower
School Knitting Club’ will survive without her
expert guidance.
We wish Maria every success for the
future. She will be missed by all for her good
humour, wide smile and professionalism.
The Physics Department will also miss her
for the welcome deliveries of homemade jam
and chutney! Rachel Ottey, Head of Physics
Senior Prefects 2009 –10
Michael Dickins
joined us as maternity
cover for 2 terms. He’s
been an outstanding
and able teacher of
both History and Politics
across the curriculum.
We wish him well as
he returns to teaching
in North Wales.
David Harley
Sancha Briffa will
be leaving her parttime post in the art
department at the
end of this term and
I would like to take this
opportunity to thank
her for her splendid
work during her
time here.
Sancha joined the staff of the art
department in 2003 and made a significant
contribution to both the ethos of the
department and the quality of the work
produced by our Lower School pupils. Sancha
contributed the skills of painting and drawing
and art-oriented graphics. She embraced
the principle that direct observational drawing
should be at the base of pupils’ further
developmental work.
Of paramount importance in Sancha’s
lessons was that learning should be fun and
she generated, in the studio, both a sense
of care for work and firm mutual respect.
She always presented a warm and caring
personality to both pupils and staff alike.
We wish Sancha well in her new part-time
post, a little closer to home, and her continuing
part-time career as research student in the art,
design and architecture department at
Kingston University. Robin Sutton
It’s wedding bells for
Sara Hopley who
leaves us at the end
of this term to become
Mrs Will Walker!
She has played
a full part in the
academic, pastoral,
co-curricular and social
life of the school over
the last five years. A dedicated teacher both in
the Chemistry lab (she also turned her hand to
KS3 Biology), and out on the games field
where she has coached U13, U15 and U16
netball, she single-handedly organised and
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Parents’ help in avoiding clashing
family commitments that morning will
be greatly appreciated.
The following pupils have
been appointed.
School Captain
Julian Mack (R)
School Vice Captains
Poppy Terry (T)
James Gallagher-Powell (D)
House Captains
Brading’s Nancy Best
Brown’s Maya Peilow
Cribb’s Elizabeth Laurence
Dutton’s Rosemary Harris
Roper’s Clare Le Voir
Spurgeon’s Evan Williams
Tulley’s Charlotte Sandberg
Tyson’s Frederick Ward
fund-raised for the Upper School netball tour
to St Lucia in 2007. Sara has given generous
support to pupils in Years 10 and 11, and has
contributed to the life of Spurgeon’s House,
has taken part in Duke of Edinburgh field-day
activities and expeditions and has taught CPR
to Year 10. She was even roped into Touch
Rugby with other members of staff (notably
Will Walker: the organiser) on Clapham
Common!
We wish Sara all the very best in her new
life as she leaves us and jets off to be married
and to live in Thailand with Will where they will
both be teaching at the British International
School on Phuket. W L Collins, Chair of Science
DATES
FOR YOUR DIARY
Orchestral/Choral Concert
Tuesday 8th December 7.30pm
Lower & Middle Schools Concert
Thursday 10th December 7.30pm
MUSIC
Pupils’ Recital
Senior Prefects
Jessica Anyan-Brown (Tn)
Joseph Boylan (C)
Alexandra De Salis (S)
Barnaby Eliot (Bn)
James Forryan (R)
David Gleeson (Tn)
Peter Hanton (R)
Alexei Hartley (T)
Megan Hewlett (Bn)
Ella Miller (Tn)
Henry Stones (D)
Anna Weguelin (R)
Sophie Wilmot (S)
School Carol Service
Monday 14th December 7.00pm
We say goodbye to
Dafydd Jones who has
provided excellent help
in the Chemistry
Department this term
whilst Mr Cochrane
has been away on a
Sabbatical. Mr Jones
previously worked at
Auckland Grammar
School in New Zealand and leaves us to take
up a permanent teaching post at Warwick
School and is looking forward to the rugby
season. W L Collins
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DRAMA
Alleyn’s Theatre Company
Paradise Found
23rd – 25th September
Upper School Play Hamlet
25th – 27th November
Tuesday 6th October 7.00pm
House Music Competition (pupils only)
Friday 2nd October 5.00pm
Alleyn’s International Concert Series
Wednesday 4th November 7.30pm
Woodwind Prize Finals
Monday 9th November 4.30pm
Instrumental Scheme Parents’ Evening
Monday 30th November 6.00pm
ALLEYN’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TRINITY TERM 2009
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
ALLEYN’S ASSOCIATION
Gold Qualifying expedition: 4th – 9th July AGM, Parents’ Party and Education
Silver Qualifying expedition:
6th –10th July
CCF
Summer Camps: 4th-11th July
Evening: Wednesday 30th September
Holly Fair: Saturday 5th December
Information about ticketing for the concerts and plays
mentioned here will be placed on the website under
News and Events prior to each event.