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Co-educationalexcellence

Our Cabaret production sold out and lit up the MCT for four glorious nights

in December; the triumphant culmination of months of endeavour on the

part of pupils and staff. Audiences were dazzled by the breath-taking

professionalism of the entire company, as well as by the challenging nature

of the project. Set in pre-WWII Berlin, the musical tackles the doomed love

affair between Cliff Bradshaw and performer Sally Bowles. Framed against

the sinister backdrop of the Kit Kat Club, and with looming dark forces on

the rise; Cabaret is truly a pertinent tale for our times.

One audience member subsequently tweeted: ‘It was my privilege to

witness Alleyn’s superlative production of Cabaret tonight. Brilliant, brave,

important, terrifying. So proud’. (@MsAlliance)

To the entire company, pupils and staff: bravo!

Cabaret‘It was the end of the world…. We were both fast asleep.’

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Cabaret – inspirational, thrilling, challenging, supportive, beautiful, frightening, moving, important. Everything that is good about Alleyn’s.Mimi Pattinson 13SF (Sally Bowles)

Cabaret was definitely the best experience I’ve had in my time at Alleyn’s. I love that an experience at school is able to combine the years so effectively to create lasting friendships.Martha Jacobs 13VR (Fräulein Schneider)

Having never previously been involved in an Alleyn’s production, I jumped at the opportunity to play the violin in the band. From our first evening bash to the closing night, I am so proud to have been part of such a professional and dynamic company. Annabel Bainbridge 13JC (Violin)

Despite never before having been a part of a drama production at school, I decided to give it my best shot considering that this is my last year at Alleyn’s. Before this show I used to struggle with stage fright but with each rehearsal for Cabaret my self-confidence grew. Romy Leonard-Parsons 13OB (Kit-Kat Club Performer)

Being new to the school, Cabaret was an amazing way to get to know people. I enjoyed being able to perform with such a talented cast and a really encouraging group of staff members. There was always a great atmosphere at every rehearsal.Hannah Faja 12BJ (Fräulein Kost)

Cabaret has been everything that I hoped it would be and more. Months of preparation ended in four glorious evenings, where each performance was different and brilliant in its own way. I love the cast, and have enjoyed each moment of Cabaret. Benedict Clinch 12SS (Ernst Ludwig)

I had the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented actors, dancers, singers, musicians and technicians that put their heart and soul into Cabaret, and the friendships and memories that I have made are priceless. Francesca Long 12GJ (Kit-Kat Club Performer)

It has been an incredibly special production for everyone involved – the amount of work required to pull it off was extremely exciting, and to watch the direction, tech, music and choreography all pull together for the final production was something very special and somewhat magical. Sky Yang 13JP (Emcee)

The way I would describe Cabaret is ‘pure joy’. I can’t think of ANYTHING more enjoyable than singing and dancing with my fellow cast members who I support completely and love dearly. Fiona Kegler 13JP (Kit-Kat Club Soloist)

Being someone with little confidence – it was actually my mum who forced me to audition (embarrassing, I know). This has been the most amazing thing I have ever been part of, although I was only a small part, it had a huge impact on my confidence. Olivia Houlihan 12AB (Ensemble)

Cabaret offered insight into an arcane world I had never truly encountered in my five short years at Alleyn’s – that bedazzling, but mysterious, world of School Drama. It is a memory I of which I am immensely proud and satisfied to have helped create.Ethan Luc 13CM (Stage Manager)

When I started Cabaret I felt that I’d be unwelcome as one of the only Middle School pupils in the show. How wrong I was. Everyone involved made me feel like I belonged. I couldn’t have had more fun nor put on a better show with a better group of people.

Cameron Macgregor 11RP (Kit-Kat Club Performer)

Taking part in Cabaret has been such an amazing experience. I have learnt so much being around experienced and genuinely talented pupils and staff who have been patient and kind but also passionate. I loved every minute and will never forget it.Natalie Falshaw 13JC (Kit-Kat Club Performer)

Working on Cabaret was a great experience, as I was given the opportunity to lead the costume team. It was definitely hard work at times, but the end product of such an amazing production made all the work more than worth it.Marie Hajiantonis 13SP (Costume Designer)

Cabaret was an awesome experience. Nothing can quite describe the enormous sense of satisfaction I experienced, sharing it with an audience. There’s not going to be another show like it, and I feel immensely proud to have taken part in it.Ed Lyness 12AS (Ensemble)

Although younger than most people involved in Cabaret, I enjoyed it no less than anyone else. I loved the experience - but will have ‘Willkommen’ stuck in my head for three months or more now! David Wynn-Evans 10SR (Trombone)

Cabaret was an opportunity for me to explore a world of musical and technical magic. What struck me was the immense feeling of satisfaction and pride when seeing months of hard work come to life. Owen Dyson 13SP (Assistant Set Designer)

Cabaret was unlike anything I have done before and it seems crazy to think it was put on at school! I loved getting closer with everyone and pulling off, what felt to me, like such an amazing show. A surreal experience.Teddy Phillips 12ED (Kit-Kat Club Waitress)

I will never forget the experience of being part of such a fabulous company and production. It was a true privilege to act, sing and dance alongside so many of my incredibly talented peers. Maddy McCourt 12BJ (Kit-Kat Club Waitress)

Cabaret made my start to the Sixth Form the best it could possibly EVER have been. A team of amazing people managed to put together an indescribably professional and wonderful show. Put simply it was just perfectly marvellous!Ottilie Nye 12TS (Kit-Kat Club Performer)

Cabaret has been an excellent experience for me. I have built friendships and improved my ability to listen to others and to bounce musical ideas around. The rehearsals completely paid off, as the feedback we received was inconceivable. Count me in for next year!Rianna Henriques 11AL (Piccolo, Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone)

thoughts...Cabaret

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September was all about welcoming new families into the Alleyn’s community. Once again we hosted Year 7 parties at the Edward Alleyn Club, where parents forged links with others who will share their Alleyn’s journey. In a new departure, classes formed WhatsApp groups for future communication – perhaps demonstrating a willingness to embrace the School’s digital strategy, presented to parents in a fascinating ‘Technology in the Classroom’ evening later in the term.

The importance of strong parent relationships was brought home to me during our AGM in October, when we said thank you and a very sad goodbye to the outgoing APA Vice Chair, Trish Finegan, whom I first met at our Year 7 parents’ party six years ago. Her successor as Vice Chair, Janie Yang, was at the same party – and through the years we three have shared both the happy experiences and inevitable worries that go with raising teenagers.

We all feel that one of our main roles is to help others find the warmth and support of their own Alleyn’s network. And thanks to Janie’s persuasive powers, we now have a full deck of Reps who are planning a whole variety of social events for their class and House groups. Please do look out for emails/Alleyn’s Posts. And please do feel that you can come along: we are failing if we are not inclusive.

It is through the efforts of our Reps and parent volunteers that we now have what we grandly call our ‘Second Hand Uniform Emporium’. The brain child of my predecessor, Anne-Marie Lawlor, it will be open to parents and pupils several days each term – and my hope is that it will help you with those inevitable crises over lost PE kit and blazers.

This term we were also proud to help fund a new large-scale art printer, the forthcoming International Concert Series and a projector for the MCT – which many of us saw used to remarkable effect during the Upper School production of Cabaret. The breadth and depth of talent displayed by the cast was stunning. But I was also struck by the boldness of the production: how many schools would be brave enough to stage so challenging and adult a show? Our children are lucky indeed to have opportunities to explore difficult questions, take risks – and, in so doing, find out who they are in the safe embrace of this amazing school.

With Christmas around the corner, we have just enjoyed our most successful Holly Fair ever. John Walter and his team introduced yet more exciting ideas including a talk by BBC producer Huw Cordey, series producer of BBC1’s The Hunt and Planet Earth. We are indebted to all the staff who make this and other events possible. But we also feel very lucky to have you, our wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive parents, behind us. Your generosity

and willingness to step up and help are hugely appreciated. May I wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.

Jessica Wattles Chair, Alleyn’s Parents’ Association

‘...we also feel very lucky to have you, our wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive parents, behind us.’

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FROM THE HEAD

Dear Parents

I hope that you will enjoy reading this colourful compendium of some of the term’s events and achievements here at Alleyn’s.

As you might expect from our multi-talented community, it’s a striking mix of the cerebral, Corinthian, cultural and charitable which attests to the energy and enthusiasm of our pupils and their teachers. Particular highlights include the extraordinary Upper School Musical, Cabaret; the wonderful end-of-term concerts in the MCT; the multi-sports tour to South Africa; and the Remembrance Sunday CCF parade through Dulwich Village. Above all, though, I look back upon another term in which every day has had something interesting going on in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, creative spaces and sports facilities across the School, or out and about in the wider community.

Our current partnership and outreach work with local schools, charities and other organisations is the subject of a special feature which I am sure you will find interesting. It is something we have always taken very seriously at Alleyn’s, and have now created more time in the weekly timetable to facilitate. I hope you will agree that it makes for heartening reading.

I am grateful to outgoing President of the Edward Alleyn Club, Mr Chris Grant, for all that he contributed over the course of 2015–16 to this great South London school and its pupils, past and present. I am of course also very grateful to Jessica Wattles, Chair of the Alleyn’s Parents’ Association, to Vice Chair Janie Yang and to the APA Committee for all their hard work in general, and for another fabulous Holly Fair in particular.

On that festive note, I should like to extend my best wishes to all those pupils who face admissions tests and interviews of one sort or another over the coming weeks, and to everyone in our cherished Alleyn’s community for a peaceful and restorative holiday.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With best wishes

Dr Gary Savage

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Above left: hockey London Cup 1st XI

Left: girl’s hockey

Below left: Latymer Invitational

Above: Billy Murphy and Luke Cook

Top: 1st-4th XI at Charterhouse

Right: Jonah MacIver gets the best of the Lancing defence

Festival of Football

Alleyn’s were delighted to kick the new term off in emphatic style. The first Saturday of term saw Alleyn’s fulfilling its responsibilities as an ISFA and FA focus school and Junior Hub. As part of the school and football programmes outreach work with the local community and in an effort to disseminate good practice in coaching to local schools and clubs, 25 coaches from local primaries, our own teaching staff and the Junior School came together for a fantastic CPD opportunity delivered by Creag Lawrence, the FA’s Regional PE and coaching schools co-ordinator. The theme of the morning of letting pupils learn through their own play and guided discovery was presented

in a humorous and memorable fashion with plenty of opportunity for creativity, participation and laughter.

The same afternoon, the school launched its Festival of Football. Boys and girls from years 6, 7 and 8 came together for a presentation from Mr English (Head of Football) to hear about the philosophies underpinning the school football and games programme before making their way to the pitches to work with senior boys from the 1st and 2nd XIs to improve their technical skills, their tactical awareness, and, most importantly to have fun. With close to 120 pupils and their parents in attendance there

was a real buzz about the playing fields and it served as a fantastic example of how sport and in this instance football can bring the community together.

Sports round-upWe advertise ‘inclusion and excellence’ as our credo for Sport and Games at Alleyn’s and you will read below how those are not just hollow words. Many, many pupils have been involved, achieving great things both as part of teams and individually.

Cross-countryw Oscar Heaney-Brufal, Laurie Goddard, Zack Morris-Jones,

Ed Marshall, Joe Robertson and Tom Hickson were selected to represent Southwark in the London Youth Games.

w The Intermediate boys qualified for the 2nd round of the ESAA cross country cup

w In the prestigious Junior Knole run, from a field of 360 boys the following boys from Year 7 can be proud of their achievements. Finlay Dennis managed a remarkable 19th, Tom Milburn a very respectable 64th and Hamish Pringle also broke the top 100 target coming in 71st.

w At the Area Round of the ESAA Cross-Country Cup we qualified for the regional round in both the Junior and Intermediate age groups with individual winner Ailbhe Barnes being first of three in the top 5 in the Year 7 and 8 race and Jessica Tabraham leading the Year 9 and 10 team to second place. The Junior (Years 7 and 8) team then went on to gain 4th place at the regional final just missing out on a place in the nationals.

w At the JAGS biathlon, Stella Rees was 1st individual and led the Year 7 team to victory while the Year 8 team were placed 3rd and the Year 9 team (led by 2nd-placed Lydia Gardiner) were 2nd and won the award for the best senior school team there.

w Congratulations to Gabriella Thoburn (Year 7), Ailbhe Barnes (Year 8), Megan Whittaker (Year 11) upon their achievements in the National Biathlon Championships and we look forward to seeing them compete in the National Schools’ finals next term.

w The Southwark cross-country championships took place at Peckham Rye Park with Alleyn’s winning the girls’ competition as the U13 girls won with 6 finishers in the top 10, and the U15s won with 8 in the top 10. 15 girls were then selected to represent Southwark at the London Youth Games cross-country at Parliament Hill when outstanding performances enabled Southwark to get into the top 10 and gain their best place to date (4th) in the history of the competition. A special mention for Olivia Del Carlo (Year 10) who has started competing in cross-country having been a member of the running club and who has gone from strength-to-strength in each competition.

w The final matches of the term were the Junior Knole Run in lovely sunshine (and where all our teams finished in the top half of the field of 40) and a friendly lunchtime race with JAGS.

w Running Club takes place every Tuesday morning and anyone interested is welcome to come along!

Football w 45 boys began the season with the annual pre-season tour

to Duisburg in Germany where they were put through their paces on the training field twice a day before matching up with challenging club opposition from the local region.

w Over 250 games of football have been played by over 20 teams made up of over 300 Alleyn’s boys and girls in what has been a busy and challenging term at every level.

w At the top of the school, the 1st XI boast an impressive record having lost only 3 of their 28 games played, losing to Millfield 3-1 in the last 16 of the ISFA Boodle’s National Cup.

w In the Lower School, nearer the start of their footballing journey, the U13s have made the quarter-finals of the ISFA INVESTEC Cup, and are due to play before Christmas.

w Alleyn’s continues to bolster the ISFA representative sides. w Sam Arbuckle and Zach Wood have been selected to the full

U16 national team following their fixture against the North, playing for the South.

w Billy Murphy in Year 10 continues to represent the ISFA U15 national side. In Year 9 Luke Cook was selected for the ISFA U14 national squad. These boys have had the opportunity to train and play at George’s Park, the FA’s Centre of Excellence.

w Several Year 7 and 8 boys are currently involved in the ISFA London development squads and will be hopeful of making the full London side.

w Football is now embedded in the girls’ curriculum from Year 7 with many enjoying the sport after playing it for the first time.

w We have a well-attended lunchtime club for girls across the school.

w The U15 girls are through to the 4th round of the ESFA national Cup competition.

w The U12s and U13s enjoyed the ESFA festival and are training for their South London Schools’ Cup competition in the Lent term.

Hockeyw The season began with a pre-season training session led by

junior internationals who were part of the Durham University Hockey Club squad using Alleyn’s as their training base.

w We have had over 150 pupils representing Alleyn’s in 13 hockey teams across Years 7-13.

w We are now halfway through the season and have already seen a plethora of national tournaments, Cup matches, indoor tournaments and friendly fixtures played against over 20 schools, both local and further afield.

w Our Lower school teams are yet to play in their In2Hockey national hockey tournaments but have played over 40 matches and have scored an impressive 30 goals across both years.

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Other sporting highlightsLaura Sheffield – congratulations to Laura who continues to make strides on the international fencing scene (epée) with a recent 3rd place in Geneva followed by another 3rd place in Grenoble placing her 7th on the world ranking list. Eden Cheng – congratulations to Eden who made the most of the exciting opportunity of an England Diving training camp in China over half-term. Daisy Collingridge – congratulations on being selected for the Royal Yachting Association UK Youth Squad – laser radial.

Forty Club Alleyn’s were nominated for the Annual Forty Club Schools award by the Kent and East Sussex District branch of the Forty Club. As part of the nomination Mr Ody and 1st XI cricket captain, Robbie Matthews attended the Forty Club Annual Dinner at The Kia Oval on Friday 28th October 2016. The picture shows Robbie receiving our award from the current President of MCC, Matthew Fleming.

Left, top to bottom: Hockey v Woodford School, Condover Hall girls, U14 netball, U19 netball

Right: Angus Jackson defending his water polo goal

Below: Renée Austin

w Our U15 team were unfortunately knocked out of their National Schools Championships in the finals to Reigate after winning all their matches leading up to the final game.

w The U15s have reached the quarter-final of the Independent Schools Hockey Cup after a 5-0 thriller against Burgess Hill. We wish them all the best of luck in their New Year match.

w The 1st XI got through to the Surrey Finals in the National Schools Championships before losing out on a place at the regional rounds on flicks.

w Both the U16 and U18 Indoor squads reached the South round of the Indoor Schools Championship with many girls making a superb debut appearance in the sport for the School.

w The 1st XI made their debut appearance in the Independent Schools National Cup and got through to the quarter-finals after convincingly beating some very strong schools. Unfortunately, they lost to Felsted in the quarter-finals on penalty flicks once again. They have an impressive goal record of 23 goals so far this season. We are now working towards the annual TKB Cup game against JAGS in the spring term.

w Alleyn’s continues to play a central role in County squads with many of our girls representing both Surrey and Kent.

w School club links continue to strengthen with more and more pupils signed up and involved in local hockey clubs.

w After our unique experiences playing in South Africa the girls who were fortunate enough to go brought renewed focus and vigour into the second half of term and their experiences playing at high altitude and against schools of varying abilities made a clear impact on their hockey performance.

w We are looking forward to going overseas again in February, this time with a mixed group of Year 9s and 10s to Barcelona.

Netballw We have had an exciting and successful start to our netball

season. The U12 team were very successful in getting into the fourth round of the Cup and narrowly missed out in a close game to get through to the next stage. All age groups have so far made it through to Surrey finals which we look forward to playing in March.

w Over 100 girls are involved in the netball programme across all year groups. With an ever-growing depth in teams Alleyn’s now boast A-D squads in all years including a 1st, 2nd and 3rd team in the senior section of the school.

w We have already played over 40 fixtures against local schools and those further afield.

w We have had huge success in recent tournaments with our U14 and Senior squads beating some nationally recognised ‘netball schools’ in order to win the Surrey finals and therefore reaching the regional rounds of their respective age groups. These will be taking place in the New Year.

w We continue to play a main role in the county squads with representatives for Surrey and Kent across all years.

w The pupils enjoyed a trip to the Copper Box in November, being inspired by the England and Jamaican teams.

w We had success at the residential netball tournament at Condover Hall with the U14 and U16s winning their respective tournaments and the U15s coming an impressive 2nd.

w Congratulations to Lulu Start who has been selected for the Surrey Elite squad and Renée Austin (pictured opposite) on her selection for the England pathway – a huge achievement.

Swimmingw Galas have run throughout the term with pupils from all year

groups being able to participate in at least one. There have been some strongly contested races and the Year 7s in particular are to be commended on the number of them that are regularly involved in fixtures. A couple of the most exciting moments of the term are the ‘Kit-Kat’ galas where each swimmer can pit themselves on the strokes of their choice and the Christmas gala when we combined with the Junior School swimmers for the final gala of the term.

w The highlight of the swimming calendar this term must however be the numbers attending early morning swimming which takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. This term more than 100 different pupils have attended at least two sessions but a “special mention” to those who have attended more frequently than others in our gold, silver and bronze attendance categories:

w Gold (26 or more sessions): Crystal Chan, Marina Tricks, Ethan Workman;

w Silver (21-25 sessions): Sam Innes, Rafi Lane, Amy Swords, Asha Workman;

w Bronze (16-20 sessions): Sorrel Banfield, Fergus Foord-Jeal, Ianto Jones, Ben Reis-Kirk, Phoebe Swords.

Water Polo w U18 boys – qualified for the second round of the English

Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) National Plate Competition.

w U18 boys – qualified for the quarter-finals of the Schools Water Polo League (SWPL) from 16 competing schools.

w U15 boys/mixed – qualified for the semi-final round of the ESSA National Championship Competition where they will compete for a place in the ESSA National Final.

w All 9 teams are regularly playing fixtures and eagerly awaiting either the first round of competition or next stage due to take place in the Lent term.

w 39 fixtures have taken place this term with an additional 10 games for both the U18 boys’ and U18 girls’ teams on the South Africa Sports Tour at half-term.

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Our first event was at the Set Theatre, in time for a discussion on the hidden lives of economists. This was hosted by a comedian, Dermot Welhan, and involved three influential characters; Rory Sutherland, described as ‘one of the most creative and influential minds in the advertising business’; Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a former derivatives trader but better known as a scholar, and author of The Black Swan; and another scholar,

Deirdre McCloskey, also a former associate of Milton Friedman and a teacher of Economics, History, English and Communication at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Throughout the day we

Kilkenomics Comedy Festival In November, 12 A level Economics students travelled to Ireland for a weekend at Kilkenomics, ‘the world’s first economics and comedy festival’, accompanied by Miss Ellis and Mr Robertson. We arrived in Kilkenny very late, following a 90-minute coach drive from Dublin. Nonetheless, we made it to breakfast and went on a guided walking tour of historic Kilkenny.

attended more events, one of which was a discussion on the potential benefits of Brexit to Ireland, involving Wolfgang Münchau, Diane Coyle, Larry Elliott, Matthew Bishop, and Cormac Lucey. Professor Steve Keen, winner of the Revere Award from Real World Economics Review for his prediction of the 2008 financial crisis, also gave an interesting talk on ‘Debunking Economics’; the main focus of his books. On Sunday morning before returning to Dublin airport, we attended the Kilkenomics Brunch at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, which featured a light-hearted and optimistic analysis of the Sunday newspapers. After this, it was time for our departure back to London, having had a hilarious and informative economics-filled weekend. Shivani Sharma @kilkenomics www.kilkenomics.com

TripsWashington and New York At half-term, 44 excited pupils and five teachers set off on the History and Politics to Washington DC and New York. We landed in Washington where it was an unseasonably warm 32 degrees and the next day we were taken on a tour of several monuments. Highlights were the Lincoln Memorial and the new Martin Luther King statue. In the afternoon we went to Newseum, a museum dedicated to the history of media.

Our focus then turned to the more political side of Washington, exploring the inside of government buildings such as the Supreme Court and the Capitol, with an evening in historic Georgetown and a fairly competitive game of bowling.

Although sad to leave the capital the following day, we were excited to head to New York, travelling by coach via Philadelphia to stop off at Independence Hall. On arrival we went up the Empire State Building and saw the city illuminated by lights. On day five we had an interesting tour of Manhattan: the United Nations and Grand Central Station, followed by some free time (which was mostly spent shopping) and a very intense and bloody ice hockey game at Maddison Square Gardens.

The next day we took a boat ride to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and walked around the financial district and saw the powerful Ground Zero memorial. After some free time in the afternoon, we saw the amazing Matilda the Musical and on our final day, in the pouring rain, we walked the New York High Line before a very turbulent flight home.

‘the Lincoln Memorial was a highlight’

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Switzerland In the October half-term 2016, thirty-five GCSE geographers visited Switzerland. On the first day we visited the Red Cross museum in Geneva and learnt about the role of this important organisation before travelling to Leysin, which was to be our base for the trip. The second day consisted of two cable cars up to Eggishorn with incredible views over the Aletsch glacier, the largest in the Alps. On the third day we drove to Chamonix, where we went up to the Aiguille du Midi. Above the clouds there were incredible views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. On the way back to the hotel we were treated with a trip to the thermal baths. The following day we visited the Maison Cailler chocolate museum, where we had a guided tour and tasted lots of chocolate. Then, on to Gruyere, where we learnt all about cheese, and walked around the medieval town. On the final day we visited the United Nations in Geneva, and were guided around the historical building before having free time in the Botanical Gardens and for some last-minute shopping. The trip was incredible and an amazing experience. Kayla Truter 10ED

Down to the river Earlier in the term Year 10 geographers enjoyed a trip to the Juniper Hall Field Centre in the North Downs, Surrey. Their destination was the River Tillingbourne, where they used geographical models and techniques to assess changes in the river as it progresses downstream. It was a fascinating opportunity for all concerned to apply their learning outside of the classroom. @fieldstudiesc

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Day 1 Sunday 16 October We left Johannesburg airport and stopped for breakfast at the Truth Café before going to the Apartheid Museum. We then travelled to Pretoria and all teams trained (Basketball, Netball, Hockey and Water Polo) this afternoon in the sunshine.

Day 2 Monday 17 OctoberWe started at Union Park which afforded a good view over the city and the impressive 30ft statue of Nelson Mandela.

We knew from our previous visit in 2013 the fixtures would all be competitive and challenging, and they were. There were many highlights, both team and individual. It would be impossible to mention them all, but the Girls’ Water Polo team, scoring their first ever goals abroad (six) was certainly one. Day 3 Tuesday 18 October amWe visited the Sparrow School in Johannesburg. Sparrow is an educational trust that the Alleyn’s Charity Committee had chosen to support this year. Many of the children we were going to meet come from families devastated by HIV/AIDS. There are children who have faced abuse, exploitation, deprivation and homelessness; some have serious learning difficulties and have problems that result from years of neglect.

We were made to feel very welcome, and the pupils performed a song and dance for us. The children were apparently so full of joy, and took a delight in their learning. It also came across clearly that

the teachers are passionate about their work. They are making a huge difference to the lives of all the children lucky enough to attend this excellent school. Each one of us was moved by the whole experience.

‘The smiles on all the kids’ faces made my day. They were all so friendly and energetic, and it was great to see what a difference our support will make.’

‘Such an amazing experience. I have never met stronger kids in a place with as much love and joy as this. An experience I will never forget and for which I will forever be thankful.’

Day 3 Tuesday 18 October pmOur second set of fixtures on tour took us from Pretoria to Johannesburg to two schools; St Peter’s and St Sithian’s. Among many highlights were Jonah MacIver’s accurate perimeter shooting in Basketball and his scoring on the fast break; four different players scoring in the girls’ hockey match; and Lucy Sands and Alice Keunen playing Water Polo at very short notice when the Johannesburg rush hour traffic defeated the planned venue transfer!

Day 4 Wednesday 19 OctoberWe travelled a couple of hours north of Pretoria to the Mabula Game Lodge for 24 hours at a slightly slower pace, with an opportunity to experience some of South Africa’s wildlife. We were fortunate and a huge range of animals were seen; lions eating a wildebeest caught that morning, a male elephant charging one jeep (really!), wildebeest, impala, warthog, water buck, jackal, white rhino, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, onyx, weaver birds, ground hornbill to name a few.

Day 5 Thursday 20 OctoberAt 5am we climbed aboard the Jeeps, with remarkable enthusiasm given the hour! We departed with hopes high of sighting more convivial elephants than last evening. We enjoyed the exploits of two hippos, some tsessebe (the fastest antelope) a lilac-breasted roller and a yellow-billed stork; there were baboons and monkeys just larking around; the highlight was perhaps four white rhino grazing quietly by the side of the road.

Day 6 Friday 21 OctoberBack in Cape Town we headed off along the coast towards Hout Bay, passing some spectacular coastal scenery. Hout Bay is where you embark for a 45-minute boat trip to Seal island.

There was a small swell, and a chilly wind, but the trip afforded the opportunity for the majority of the group to get a close-up of the seals and some sea birds. A couple missed this, as they preferred to stay below deck looking out of the glass bottom of the boat, admiring the seaweed!

The Water Polo had the most spectacular backdrop so far, the blue of the outdoor unheated pool at Reddam House contrasting perfectly with the mountains in the backdrop. The Netball, Basketball and Hockey all played against Muizenberg High School.

Day 7 Saturday 22 OctoberThe Water Polo players had an early start v Westerford School, and then the rest of today’s matches; Netball, Basketball and Hockey were against Langa.

Langa is a township and suburb of Cape Town. It was established in 1927 and was one of the many areas in South Africa that were designated for black Africans before the apartheid era. It is the oldest of such suburbs in Cape Town, and was the location of much resistance to apartheid. Sport plays a prominent role in Langa, and the area has, over the years, produced a number of prominent figures in sport.

Netball was first. While the main matches were happening numerous other ‘games’ were happening round the side, our pupils playing happily with, and being worn out by, kids ranging in age from around

four to twelve, not a parent in sight. Basketball was another close affair, again on a single court, in a different area of town, featuring athletically talented players, and additional home support. The hockey is played in a separate area, on a pretty new astroturf, built since our last visit in 2013.

It was clear that sport plays a very positive and important part in the lives of the people living here. The £1000 that was raised from the Alleyn’s Quiz Night before we left we used to purchase equipment locally.

Day 8 Sunday 23 OctoberToday was sport free and we woke to a cloudless sky. The views from the top of Table Mountain were incredible, and afforded numerous photo opportunities. We then went to see the colony of African Penguins on Boulders Beach and finally to the Cape of Good Hope. Yet another day that will live long in the memory.

Day 9 Monday 24 OctoberAnother packed day began with a tour of the Langa township. We heard about the development of the township. We were then treated to a banquet at ‘Shelia’s café’, and some local music, in which staff and pupils were encouraged to participate.

This afternoon we played the fifth set of matches, by this stage with some very tired pupils.

Overall we have played 42 matches on tour, winning 22, drawing one and losing 19. This tour has offered far more than just sport, but the opportunity to experience different styles of opposition. To develop as individuals and groups within Alleyn’s teams not normally playing together has been hugely enjoyed and valued by all.

Day 10 Tuesday 25 OctoberOur trip concluded with yet another memorable experience, a trip to Robben Island. We were shown round by a former political prisoner, and his first-hand testimony helped ensure that we all understood just what life was like. His evident capacity for forgiveness was astonishing and overall it was another truly moving experience.

A huge thank you to Mr Green for organising a trip that none of us lucky enough to be here will ever forget; to the staff that accompanied the group; and to the pupils who were impeccably behaved throughout, and a genuine pleasure to spend time with.

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New York Drama trip‘Year 11s were doing the now infamous “New York Wiggle” from the opening number together with the Year 13s and all of us completely bonded as a group.’

When we woke up to New York City on our first morning, we were thrown straight in to the deep end with an early start in a musical theatre workshop. We were greeted by the gloriously chirpy Stephen Carresco, who currently performs in the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. We were all really nervous, especially those of us who were a bit shy performing in front of others, or who were not really confident singers or dancers (hint: not Cam!), but within 10 minutes Stephen had us up on our feet dancing and singing the main number from the musical. Year 11s were doing the now infamous ‘New York Wiggle’ from the opening number together with the Year 13s and all of us completely bonded as a group.

Our other two workshops on the following days were just as amazing. We took part in a Stage Combat workshop, where we spent two hours punching, kicking and slapping each other with glee, while the teachers sat wondering if the whole thing had been risk-assessed. The final workshop, Improvisation, also helped us to really improve our skills as performers and provided us with loads of useful ideas to bring back to England.

Seeing Avenue Q as a group was one of the best nights of the trip. After an evening out at a BBQ Restaurant (where a large Mac ‘n Cheese was classified as a ‘small side’) we trooped down to Broadway to see the show. Having never seen it before, we were all a bit cynical about just how funny a ‘naughty show involving puppets’ could be, but it turned out to be hilarious, and had the whole audience crying with laughter.

Overall, the five days we spent in New York were some of the best of my life, and everything we learned on the trip has proven invaluable in Drama now. We have all made new friends that I am sure will last a lifetime, and I think every single one of us fell in love with ‘the city that never sleeps’. Eve Cable

‘...the five days we spent in New York were some of the best of my life...’

‘We have all made new friends that I am sure will last a lifetime, and I think every single one of us fell in love with “the city that never sleeps”.’

English Trip to see All My Sons All My Sons was an excellent piece of theatre performed at the Rose Theatre Kingston and directed by Michael Rudman. The Stage described it as ‘full of rich, considered performances’, and I would have to agree. Set entirely on the front porch of a house, this play beautifully conveys the trials and tribulations of family and friendship, and showed the dark secrets that all ‘perfect’ families have. I thought that the American accents were believable, and the physicality of the actors effectively portrayed the meanings of the text, allowing the audience to easily understand the historical context of the play. Overall, this was a beautifully designed and performed piece and was a credit to Arthur Miller’s spectacular writing. Eve Cable

‘...this play beautifully conveys the trials and tribulations of family and friendship...’

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to go wrong with Miller. The standard of the writing is so high that it will always be an appreciable work of art. For this reason, The Rose Theatre’s production of All My Sons was rendered only mediocre. Failing all else, the audience could sit back and appreciate the supreme writing. By the second act, it really was failing all else. The production took no risks, sticking to a traditional style of set and naturalistic acting. That’s fine, it suits the play and was Miller’s original intention, but if you’re going to undertake naturalism, a style that has been perfected by over a century of extraordinary performances, you need to deliver it perfectly.

‘They grunted and squealed their way through the play, missing entirely Kate’s deeper strength....’

This piece could have been successful. It had the potential. The result can therefore only be described as lazy. The play was cramped into a tight and awkwardly spaced triangle of chairs on centre stage, leaving their intricate set unexplored and creating odd sideways conversations. Perhaps most disappointing was the acting. The audience was given hope. They saw a Kate torn apart by pain and a Keller rejoicing in the success of his American Dream. But it was left at that. The acting was able to create three dimensional characters, but with Miller, the dimensions are infinite. Insubstantial decisions were made, leaving the actors to draw on stock emotions. They grunted and squealed their way through the play, missing entirely Kate’s deeper strength, Chris’s hypocrisy and Keller’s constantly supressed guilt.

Whilst by no means the worse play on in London, it was a production held together by its script. If you are going to create stock theatre, using a classic text performed in its original naturalistic style, there is no leeway for it not to be perfect.Anna Bullard

La Casa de Bernada Alba theatre production In October a group of Sixth Formers visited Baron’s Court Theatre for a live production of Lorca’s La Casa de Bernada Alba. The production allowed us to appreciate the story more and immerse ourselves in the lives of seven Andalusian women, who are forced to live their lives locked inside for days on end. This emotional, evocative display of the story embodied the traditions and cultures of this specific era of Andalusian Spain, highlighting the plight of females in a male-dominated, oppressed society, with little opportunity to demonstrate their own views and become the women that they want to be. The all-female cast touched upon themes of class, reputation and the roles of men and women that made us question the society we live in today, and how rules and prejudices have changed, or remained the same, through the years. The production was immensely helpful for studying the play in class as we were able to gain a greater understanding of the text and the way the characters interacted on stage. Alice Rea and Lucy Sands

‘The all-female cast touched upon themes of class, reputation and the roles of men and women that made us question the society we live in today...’

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This term’s AICS was given by a select incarnation of the successful and renowned Fibonacci Sequence: a trio consisting of piano, oboe and horn. The trio spent the afternoon working with a number of our piano, wind and brass players, offering expert guidance and insight. The evening’s concert in the MCT offered a wonderful and varied programme of music for this ensemble, and we are grateful to them for giving of their time and expertise so generously.

Cabaret (of which more elsewhere in this publication) was a great success, a real collaboration between Drama, Dance and Music. So many pupils were involved in so many aspects, but my particular thanks and congratulation here must go to the band who contributed to the whole with impressive professionalism, giving a tight and polished performance night after night. Well done to all!

The Friday Lunchtime Concerts have continued this term. Well done and thank you to all who have performed. A reminder that anyone is welcome to sign up to a concert, and anyone is welcome to attend a concert! 1.30pm, every Friday, in the Great Hall. Click this link for a taster: https://twitter.com/alleyns_school/status/804680753363750912

The Orchestral, Choral and Jazz concert was a fantastic event as ever, and we also look forward to (at the time of writing) the Lower/Middle School Concert, and several Carol Services, all of which promise to offer an eclectic mix of festive cheer. My thanks to everyone who has taken part in anything musical this term: the Christmas holiday is well-deserved.

Chris Dearmer, Director of Music @alleynsmusic

Pupils performing at one of this term’s Friday Lunchtime Concerts: Lily Brooke on piano playing Rebikoff’s Conseil Inutile, Elena Lanari-Collard on cello playing Bazelaire’s Bourree d’Augvergne from Suite Francaise, Emily Long on oboe playing Britten’s Pan from Six Metamorphoses after Ovid and Tabitha Hopper on piano playing Beethoven’s Bagatelle in G minor.

Music notes‘... to mark the exact 400th anniversary of the Chapel’s consecration. Singers from Alleyn’s joined with those from Dulwich College and JAGS, as well as the regular singers of the Chapel, to form a choir for the occasion.’

There have been a number of events in Christ’s Chapel this term, beginning with a Choral Eucharist on 1st September to mark the exact 400th anniversary of the Chapel’s consecration. Singers from Alleyn’s joined with those from Dulwich College and JAGS, as well as the regular singers of the Chapel, to form a choir for the occasion. Another joint venture was the 100th Lunchtime Concert at the Chapel, in which singers and string players from the three schools combined to perform works by Bach, Tchaikovsky and Howells. There have been two other lunchtime concerts at the Chapel provided by Alleyn’s, and my thanks to all musicians who took part.

The String Prize took place soon after half term. Congratulations to all who took part, whether in the preliminary rounds or the final. The adjudicator, Christopher Murray, was very impressed with the level of preparation and performance and had a very enjoyable evening, but also had to make some decisions! A special well done to those who won prizes:

Class 1 (Initial)1st: Elena Lanari-Collard – ‘cello2nd: Tara Doherty – violin3rd: Kiera Dingemans – viola

Class 2 (Intermediate)1st: Holly Gatley – ‘cello2nd: Bede Capstick – ‘cello3rd: Clementine Thompson – ‘cello

Class 3 (Advanced)1st: Alinka Rowe – viola2nd: Edward McAllister – violin3rd: Jemima Ward – violin

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Making a difference

Over the past year, Alleyn’s has provided more than 300 hours of use to local schools, involving over 2,000 school children. We have provided 3,500 hours of public access, 450 hours use of our performing arts facility and over 40 sporting and non-sporting activities, involving over 3,000 people, supported through our Community programme.

We are also delighted to be working with Schools Together which celebrates and encourages partnership projects between independent schools, maintained schools and local communities. Schools Together showcases a sample of cross-sector collaborations across the UK. It also provides advice about setting up successful partnerships and helps schools to find partners and ideas for future projects. To see some of the exciting things Alleyn’s has done this year visit www.schoolstogether.org and put our postcode, SE22 8SU, into the map search facility. @schoolstogether

Volunteering: Alleyn’s pupils from Years 10–13 volunteer at local Primary Schools, Watergate School for children with severe learning disabilities and The Elms Residential Care Home for the Elderly and has increased the number of volunteers, particular in Year 11, this year.

Rhythm for Reading: Year 12 Alleyn’s students act as reading mentors to Year 4 pupils at state primary schools as part of an innovative music and literacy project.

Southwark Schools Learning Partnership (SSLP): a consortium of maintained and independent schools promoting links across the sectors. The Geography and Science Departments have both hosted seminars and lectures this term, which SSLP member schools have taken full advantage of. Each department at Alleyn’s now has a designated SLLP link member who is actively engaged in developing educational opportunities with schools across the borough.

Saturday Maths: This scheme has expanded and now provides 52 gifted and talented Year 5 pupils from twelve local primary schools with regular Saturday Maths sessions with the help of over 50 Alleyn’s volunteer pupil mentors from Year 11 and four Maths Tutors.

Sport: Alleyn’s hosted a Football Association training day for teachers in September organised by Gavin English (PE & Games)

and Kevin Molloy (AJS). This involved staff from Alleyn’s Senior and Junior Schools and twelve staff from local state primary schools.

Science: Director of Science, Ben Jones, and Year 12 students led a day of interactive science workshops and practical demonstrations for primary school children at Dulwich Hamlet Infant School.

Sweet Readers: Alleyn’s has continued to work with this US-based charity on the UK’s pilot scheme, which involves a six-week project for Lower School pupils (48 pupils in total) working with elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Two Year 8 classes will participate in the first year of this scheme.

In 2016–17 seventy Year 12 students from Alleyn’s have taken part in our Outreach programme which involves them teaching a range of projects at local state primary schools. Projects have included ‘Abstract Art’ and ‘Greek Myths through Drama’ at Heber Primary, ‘Sport and Fitness’ at St Anthony’s Primary, both ‘Animation’ and ‘Dance and Storytelling’ at Harris Academy, ‘Abstract Art’ at Belham Primary and ‘Rhythm for Reading’ at Goodrich Primary, all in South East London. Last year Alleyn’s provided over 300 hours to local schools within the community which involved over 2000 school children. PE lessons, Learn-to-Swim Programmes, Sports Days, productions in the theatre, Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools football tournaments, London Schools Cricket Association winter training and fixtures, Police Cadets, London Youth Games Swimming and Water Polo trials have increased access and benefit from the use of the School’s facilities and expertise.

The School has so far raised an amazing £3,562.13 for our two charities, Sparrow Schools in South Africa and Demelza Hospice for children here in South East England. Bake sales, the Holly Fair, the LS/MS Concert collection, and Charity Day all contributed to this achievement.

It was wonderful to welcome our three guests from Sparrow Schools who enjoyed their day here; they are grateful to us for having chosen their school as one of the charities we are supporting and they look forward to modernising their science lab with the money we are raising. Regular updates will follow!

A few members of the Charity Committee also worked very hard in October to support the charity ‘Help Refugees’.

Over 40 boxes of very generous donations from the whole Alleyn’s community were packed for refugees in Lebanon.

Last academic year, the Charity Committee raised a total of £9,806.64 for Hand in Hand, Syria, Shelter from the Storm and the Teenage Cancer Trust. The eight Houses held a number of fundraising events which raised a staggering total of £25,811 for Epilepsy, Myotubular Trust, WellChild, Reach, Meningitis Now, Women and Children First, Save the Children, St Christopher’s Hospice, Beanstalk and Nema.

Neil Green, Assistant Head, Co-curricular and Partnerships

SWEET READERSBeing a part of the Sweet Readers programme so far has been so immensely rewarding, uplifting and has brought a different dimension to my working week.Natalie Demain, Head of Outreach

We are all affected in some way by old age; whether it is contact with grandparents, neighbours or indeed the realisation that we are aging ourselves every day. To enable our young peoples’ eyes to be opened to Alzheimer’s disease and to connect with their elderly partners each week has been astonishing and I am not ashamed to admit that every week I am overcome with emotion watching as the relationships develop. One of our young Sweet Readers, Alfie, aged 11, simply put his hand over his elderly partner’s saying ‘it’s ok, I’m so looking forward to getting to know you’ and on seeing the calming effect on Anita, aged 85, I thought I could learn much from our youngsters…this is powerful learning that goes far beyond the classroom.

After a successful week-long pilot project which involved us taking six of our youngest pupils out over a series of four days, we decided to invest fully in the project and have now re-designed our timetable to allow an entire class of pupils to participate in Sweet Readers. We take out 12 pupils at a time. After six weeks of the project, the children rotate to allow every member of the tutor group to get involved. This inclusivity is important – the pupils are not hand-picked and even the shyest, most reluctant pupils have demonstrated an amazing and new found confidence through the project. And to see the elderly people’s faces light up with recognition when their young partner arrives at the care home is inspiring.

This is an example of life-long learning and these skills will be important to our young people throughout their lives, it has also really helped open my own eyes as an adult to identity and to discover the person behind the disease. @sweetreaders

PARTNERSHIPS IN THE

COMMUNITY

PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION

OUTREACH

SCHOOL CHARITIES

SUPPORTED THIS YEAR

SCHOOL AND HOUSE

CHARITY UPDATE

‘HELP REFUGEES’Members of the Charity Committee busy packing boxes for ‘Help Refugees’. The boxes were filled with school materials, toiletries and other essential items that we, in our everyday lives, take for granted but which will make life in a refugee camp in Lebanon just that little bit more bearable.

‘... it’s ok, I’m so looking forward to getting to know you’

‘To see the elderly people’s faces light up with recognition when their young partner arrives at the care home is inspiring.’

LIPSYNC competition was a huge success and raised £2819.39 on Charity Day for Sparrow Schools and Demelza Hospice.

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Design and TechnologyAlleyn’s Dragon’s ApprenticeFor our inaugural Design & Technology Challenge our Year 12 students rose to the occasion to upcycle discarded wooden delivery pallets into a valued, useful item within a tight time-frame, before presenting their finished product to a panel of Dragons. Aimed at developing creative, team-working and presentation skills, students tackled the challenge with enthusiasm, dedication and a sense of humour. Congratulations to our worthy winners: Rex Redmayne and Thomas Streuli!

Arkwright Engineering Scholarship award In October, Year 12 student, Thomas Streuli, received his Arkwright Engineering Scholarship award from his sponsor The Reece Foundation. The Scholarship, one of the most prestigious of its type in the UK, is designed to inspire and nurture the country’s future leaders of the engineering profession. Thomas, who studies A Level Design Technology, successfully navigated a rigorous selection process to achieve the award and will now benefit from work experience and a personal mentor to help support his studies and career planning. Congratulations, Thomas! http://www.arkwright.org.uk/

Cribb’s raise funds for the New Day Children’s Centre in EthiopiaEarlier this term Cribb’s House hosted a charity evening to raise funds for the New Day Children’s Centre in Ethiopia. Mr Richard Griffiths, the charity’s founder, spoke with passion about how the funds would be used in order to raise standards of education and improve future prospects for the young people at the Centre. Following this introduction the pupils put on quite a show, with numerous musical and dance acts spanning all year groups within the House. This culminated in Year 13 resurrecting the Grease performance which they first worked on for a Year 9 charity concert. Thanks to the kind support of so many of the Cribb’s community – parents, teaching staff and pupils – we raised over £2,000 for a very worthy cause, the New Day Children’s Centre in Ethiopia.

The biennial Roper’s RumpusThe Roper’s social, entertainment and charity evening was just before half term. We raised £3,000 for Women and Children First.

Eco-Committee In November, Eco-Committee members gave assemblies to launch the nationwide initiative ‘Switch Off Fortnight’ in school. Our aim was to raise awareness of energy wasted by devices left on standby, specifically computer monitors. Switch Off Fortnight was a resounding success, seeing monitors left on in school drop from 100% to 19% over the two weeks. We will be carrying out more surveys next term to see if our good habits have stuck! More information about the initiative can be found at

www.jointhepod.org/switchofffortnight

In addition, the Eco-Committee has been working hard to conduct an ‘Environmental Review’, the findings of which were presented in a meeting. We will be launching initiatives next term to increase awareness of a variety of topics, and to promote eco-friendly and sustainable behaviour in school – we will keep you posted!

House News and Charity

Women and Children First is working to achieve an equitable world where all women, children and adolescents have good health and mothers and new-born babies no longer die from conditions that are treatable or preventable. They work in some of the world’s poorest communities in Asia and Africa. The link is with Ed Fottrell, who was in Roper’s Year 9 class 23 years ago and now works in epidemiology at UCL. Parents provided food and a raffle as well as setting up a cabaret-style hall. We had dance, magic (see below left), comedy and music along with a quiz with around 200 in attendance.

Careers visitNineteen Year 12 and 13 pupils went with the University and Careers Department to the oldest private bank, C Hoare and Co, and learnt about investment and banking. Sevenoaks school was also there and in an investment game, the Alleyn’s team won. Gregory, Flo, Kunaal, Jack and George are pictured below.

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Linguistic lunchtimes!Pupils at the Senior and Junior Schools got together to enjoy a veritable feast of languages back in September, on the official European Day of Languages.

It is amazing to see how many different languages are spoken across the Schools

The session was the latest in a termly programme of bilingual meet-ups, and saw pupils sharing stories, getting to know one another and playing board games whilst using some of the more than 30 languages spoken at Alleyn’s.

Bulgarian, Greek, Russian and Dutch were just some of the mother tongues represented, as well as others from inside and outside the European family, such as Mandarin.

Liz Thornton, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, said: ‘It is amazing to see how many different languages are spoken across the Schools. There is something very special about watching pupils from as young as 4 and as old as 18 speaking in a common tongue and sharing their language and culture’.

You can find out more about the European Day of Languages at http://edl.ecml.at/

Why I’ve learnt 11 languagesSam Innes, Year 10

My love of languages all started with Norwegian, I had read about this miraculous country with incredible landscapes, a front runner in technology and with some of the happiest people on earth and the only way to properly access it, it seemed to me, was to learn the language. And I am so glad that I did as it set me on a path that would open the door to many opportunities and experiences along the way. French followed, then Spanish, then German until I realised that this is what I loved doing most and is a passion that I definitely wanted to pursue.

A few more languages then followed as I branched out away from Indo-European languages to those such as Japanese and Chinese and my current ‘projects’ are Russian and Ancient Greek. However in order to keep my earlier languages going I go to clubs such as DELF classes (French), DELE (Spanish) and Chinese classes at school.

‘...check out all the amazing clubs, resources and opportunities available here at Alleyn’s...’

In the future I am hoping to study interpreting or linguistics and use the opportunities created by languages to study, live or work abroad and of course travel around the world. This year I also plan on taking Russian and Ancient Greek GCSE and the Chinese HSK 1 exam and the next language I would like to embark on is Finnish. I would therefore definitely encourage you to check out all the amazing clubs, resources and opportunities available here at Alleyn’s and I hope this will help you discover more about these cultures and peoples from around the world.

University Preview Day: French Film EventOn Wednesday, 16 November, a dozen Year 12 students accompanied by their teachers visited the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Reading to take part in a University Preview Day focusing upon the comedy-drama film Intouchables (Dir. Eric Toledano et Olivier Nakache, 2011).

‘The interactive workshops provided an opportunity for students to practise their aural and writing skills with a team of experienced French native staff and undergraduate students.’

Through interactive workshops and talks lead by members of the Modern Languages department, students had the chance to examine the issues that arise when watching Intouchables, helping them to engage with French cinema, culture and society. The interactive workshops provided an opportunity for students to practise their aural and writing skills with a team of experienced French native staff and undergraduate students. There was also an opportunity for students to practise research and reporting techniques to help with independent research projects.

This event was of particular interest to our students who are studying the new A level French curriculum and will be preparing for language assessments based on this set film. In addition, it provided a valuable insight into studying languages at degree level for anyone thinking about reading French and or other Modern Languages at university.

Modern Foreign Languages

Kobe University Secondary School’s day at Alleyn’sWe had a great day when the Kobe students came to visit Alleyn’s. We took our assigned buddy to our lessons with us, and they have since told us that they really enjoyed these. We were also given an incredible performance at the end of the day of a song about the Japanese earthquake which was extremely moving and were able to spend time with them afterwards to get to know each other. It was an amazing day and I can’t wait to see them all again when we visit them – Ella Greaves

Meeting my buddies was a pleasure I had so much fun and it was interesting to hear about another culture in such a fun and interactive way – Toria White

Getting to know the Kobe students was amazing, and I loved hearing about their life in Japan and learning more about their culture in general – Kirsty Watt

It was a great experience meeting the students from Kobe. In the beginning I struggled to talk to her but we had a lot of fun in lessons and managed to talk more especially at the end of the day. It was great and I would love to keep in contact with my buddy – Sammy Webb

I had a great time getting to know my buddy, I was very impressed by how much English she understood and it was fun to communicate with her. I know she was very interested and surprised by the differences between our school and theirs. I am excited to see her again when we go to Japan – Lucy Hindmarsh

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Duke of EdinburghBronzeD of E Bronze Field Day was an adventurous day where we learnt lots of new skills. After an hour’s coach journey the groups got stuck in straight away and began the walks. We walked in groups of about 12 and used our team skills to navigate our way through Headley Heath with just compasses and an ordnance survey map. We practiced taking bearings to help us navigate. We walked about 5kms in the morning then stopped for a well-earned lunch. After lunch my group followed the red route; which was another two kilometres. On this route we learnt other skills such as the best way to treat an injury in that particular environment and where the nearest phone would be. Eventually we came to the amazing look-out where you could see all of Headley Heath. The views were stunning and were a real reward for our second long walk. Overall I think that it was a great trip and I am ready to take on whatever happens in our practice expedition in 2017! Thank you to all the staff who helped us on the day. It was a lovely start to the half term-break. Hannah Hopkins

SilverOur Duke of Edinburgh Field Day provided everyone with a relaxing day away from school work. We completed a variety of health and safety-related activities, educating us on how and when to apply different medical procedures. All in all, it was an informative and enjoyable day, which has prepared us well

Alleyn’s Debating Society goes from strength to strengthAfter the astounding success of Rosa Thomas over the summer at the World Schools Debating Championships, speaking superbly for Team England to win the grand final this year, Debating Society has kicked off with confident performances at the early competitions this term.

At Dulwich College, three teams debated motions for using performance enhancing drugs in sport, for giving more votes to younger voters, and for bringing back grammar schools and national service for school leavers: well done to Nick West, Chris Oshinyemi, Tadhg Davey, Luca Elkouby, Tay Drummond and Jackie Hovell, who all achieved excellent speaker points over the competition.

The Warwick Schools’ competition (pictured) was another full day of debates on some great motions and the speakers performed very well indeed, especially considering that three were novices (Maia Webb, Toria White and Luca Elkouby) who finished in the top 20 of 70 novices, with two in the top ten. Chris Oshinyemi, Nick West and Jackie Hovell all did a respectable job in the Open with Nick West in the top twenty and Chris and Jackie both around the top 40 mark in a competition of 136 speakers from some of the best teams in the country.

Hannah Maconochie, Rosa Thomas’s debating partner, has been back to school to offer coaching on Mondays after school and this has been greatly appreciated by all; Rosa also led a few sessions before heading off to Oxford at the beginning of the term. Nick and Tay are doing great work as president and secretary in the lunchtime clubs and the Advent term has set us up for another good year in debating.

for our up and coming expeditions. I have no regrets about choosing to continue with DofE, even though I knew it would take a solid amount of time and effort to complete. And I would wholeheartedly recommend it to others. Thank you to all the staff for their hard work on the day. Max de Rohan

GoldOn Field Day, nine Gold participants went on a micro-navigation on Leith Hill. This was a mini-expedition: to understand what DofE includes and what skills are needed for those who had not previously done Bronze or Silver. We thoroughly enjoyed getting away from the noise and bustle of London to the quiet, open countryside near Dorking. Putting into practice what we had learnt from our lessons in the first half of term was challenging, but rewarding. For me, the highlight was when we reached our halfway point to ‘Leith Hill Tower’, which is the tallest point in south-east England. We ate our lunch on top of the hill, overlooking some amazing views.

‘Putting into practice what we had learnt from our lessons in the first half term was challenging, but rewarding’

At Easter, all nine students will be working towards their practice Gold expedition; and then hopefully completing their final Gold expedition at the beginning of summer. Isobel Carman, Year 12

Please see the School website for more information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Teenage Cancer Trust Christian Ahjem (our Charity Committee Chair) with Katie Tyler from the Teenage Cancer Trust collecting the cheque for the money raised on behalf of the charity during Trinity Term.

Dates for your DiaryLent Term 2017Year 11 Mock Exams begin: Tuesday 10th January Term begins for all pupils: Wednesday 11th January Half Term: Monday 20th – Friday 24th February Term ends: Friday 31st March Field Day: Friday 17th March 13+ Entrance and Scholarship Exam Day: Saturday 14th January11+ Entrance and Scholarship Exam Day: Tuesday 17th January

May we give advance notice to parents that there will be no school on Tuesday 17th January. We shall be holding the scholarship and entrance exam for 11+ candidates that day

Year 9 Parents’ Evening: Monday 23rd JanuaryYear 10 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 1st FebruaryYear 11 Parents’ Evening: Tuesday 7th February Year 8 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 8th MarchYear 13 Parents’ Evening: Tuesday 21st MarchChaplaincy Lecture: Wednesday 18th JanuaryAlleyn’s Association Quiz Night: Friday 3rd February

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Find us on Twitter, @Alleyns_School, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AlleynsSchool

Alex RileyAmy SwordsAnjali Raman-MiddletonBen HarrisBen MasonCharles Bowen-RaynerClemmie ThompsonDaisy CalderDaniel ArthurDavid HaastrupEd Lyness Eden ChengElla Richardson

Emily LongEmily StephensEve Cable Eve FreemanFrances SheldonFrank AgyemanFred Wayman ScarlettFreddie BialokozGiselle FrancisHolly GatleyHoney Gawn-HopkinsIsabel Elkington Jemima Ward

Joe HurmanJules Lanari-Collard Julia Andrews Kate CarrollKitty MorenoKrishna Jain PalmerKweku Obiri-YeboahLizzie FordhamLuca ElkoubyLulu ParikianLulu StartMadoc StartMaia Doyle

Maia Leonard-ParsonsMarthe NaudtsMia ChungMichael FouliMien ChewMolly MillardMolly PritchardNicholas WestNikita ShvedovOliver Wallace-VorbergOscar BakerPhoebe SwordsSam Innes

Sam Walford Seth BlakeSophia MackieSophie WarnerSorrel BanfieldTadhg Davey Tallulah PollockThomas StreuliTom MerryTom Telford

Headmaster’s Book for outstanding achievement

Dancing Success for Maxim In November Maxim Morris (Year 7) competed in the Dutch International Ballroom and Latin Dancing Competition with his partner. He finished 9th, which is an amazing achievement in itself, but his was also the top-ranked UK pair. Earlier this month he also competed at the World Championships, held at Disneyland Paris.