Bromsgroviann e w s r e v i e w

R E G I

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

s U M M e r 2 0 1 3 i s s U e 2

A word from the Headmasterschools can be self important places. in some independent schools, pomposity and huff are too often the trademarks of pupils, staff and alumni. recently i had the great pleasure of escorting a few Old Bromsgrovians around the campus. They were not –and they will forgive me I’m sure – in the full flush of youth, but

as they swapped stories of old in the sunshine, they also said how remarkable the transformation has been since their day. I was so grateful. I hope in fifty years time our current pupils will say the same. An unchanging school is a dying school. we respect but never become trapped by the past. Anyway, the hum

and fizz of progress and development fill the following pages. Do enjoy.

CHris eDwArDsHeadmaster

CCF visited worcester warriors sixways stadium to see the new Mercian Colours parade. A full report in the next issue.

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gold Awards Three Upper sixth pupils, Maddie Heggett, will Cusack and Lily Alsop received their gold Duke of edinburgh Award from the Duke himself at st James’ Palace recently. They were joined by 2012 leavers Annabel Cox, ellie Harding and victoria stokes. A very proud day for them and their parents.

rADA well done to Monty Bent and Becky Morrice who took their rADA Shakespeare Certificate exams this term. Both were successful, Monty achieved Gold level with a Merit, a very significant achievement, and Becky achieved a Pass at Bronze level.

swimming Champs The U12 boys were crowned national Champions at the iAPs swimming Finals, setting a new national record in the process. The prestigious event, held annually at K2 Crawley in west sussex, also saw Bromsgrove’s U11 and U13 girls’ teams competing for medals in what was a remarkable day for Prep School swimming. Three gold, four silver and two bronze medals were won along with numerous personal bests for our competitors.

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Eleven pupils were confirmed by the Rt rev David walker, Bishop of Dudley, at our annual Confirmation Service.

electric Car Bromsgrove school’s greenpower Engineering team competed in their first race at the historic Mallory Park track in May. The team had put hundreds of hours into building and modifying the car, researching, testing, practising, learning rules and regulations, and finding sponsorship prior to the race. The electric car performed admirably in testing and was race ready for the two 80 minute races of the afternoon. Alexandra evans, sam Fleeming, Henry Brewster and Brittany Collie drove in the first race, with Fraser Foster, Hannah Taylor, Michael Matthews and will Bell taking the second race. The team finished 22nd out of 39 entries and have been inspired to try and reach the National finals at Goodwood in October.

Confirmation it was a very moving occasion and a time of great celebration.

school was delighted to welcome the families of the confirmation candidates, some of whom had travelled long

distances, from singapore and the United states, to be here at school for this important event in the lives of their children.

B r O M s g r O v i A n n e w s r e v i e w s U M M e r 2 0 1 3 i s s U e 2

electricity shocks Year 4 have been enjoying their studies into static electricity. They investigated using balloons in the classroom then visited the science lab where a van der graaf generator had been set up.

some pupils took the opportunity to see how the static electricity had a hair raising effect on them when the generator charged them up.

Cricket Festival Bromsgrove Prep school hosted an U10 Cricket Festival against six local cricket clubs. Fortunately, the rain stayed away and everyone was able to play some ex-cellent cricket and enjoy a tasty BBQ. Bromsgrove U10A team played excellently and made it all the way to the final, where they fell just short in their run chase and lost by 14 runs to Ombersley CC.

Dinosaur eggs Mrs Deval-reed was called to investigate some curious events in the Pre-Prep garden recently. One of the large dinosaur eggs, discovered by Year One, had hatched and evidence of damaged flowers and half- eaten leaves were found near the site. in addition, three smaller eggs were discovered. Mrs Deval reed did not feel that there was cause for alarm, as the dinosaur and its hatchling are obviously herbivores, but the teachers are advising the children to be very careful if they spot it.

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The Bodyguard Boys in Years 6-8 were treated to a spectacular show as part of Chris Bradford’s Bodyguard tour.

The hall buzzed with excitement as Chris told the boys what inspired him to learn martial arts, invited some volunteers from the audience to protect him and even showed them that they were being filmed by a diet coke can! It was real James Bond stuff! They were shown clips of bodyguard training with loud sound effects. Chris also gave the boys tips on how to stay alert and look out for their own safety.

Pupils were able to meet the writer afterwards. They were definitely inspired to read his books - The Young samurai series and The Bodyguard. Chris signed books and posters, as well as stopping off at the Prep school Library to admire the Author of the Month display and Book of the week by Jules gwinnett in Year 7.

words and Music A plethora of Prep school talent gathered to perform in front of parents and friends. Finalists from the long established senior Poetry recita-tion Competition and some excellent musicians treated the audience to some wonderful music and a variety of poems. The adjudicator, Miss garratt from the senior school, had a tough job to decide on winners. Year 6 winner was Katy Bates for her perfor-mance of “Funeral Blues” by Auden. The Year 7 prize was awarded to Anya Butler for her performance of “Little red riding Hood” by roald Dahl. The Year 8 award was presented to Head Boy, george Bingham, who also won the overall competition for his hugely entertaining “rant about the weather”.

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Young ChefsYear Two became young chefs at Frankie and Benny’s where they created, and then enjoyed eating, their own pizzas.

As part of a Food Technology project the children designed ‘healthy’ pizzas. They were first visited by Frankie and Benny’s staff who taught them about the history of the restaurant and allowed them to sample the various toppings.

DT winner Katie neales, our winner of this year’s Alupro D&T Challenge, together with Mr Matthews, Head of the DT Department, attended the annual Aluminium Federation luncheon at the House of Lords in May.

On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June the Art and Textiles Department will be opening its doors to visitors from 7.00pm for the Annual end of Year exhibition and Fashion show.

On view will be work from the last year of the Prep school through to U6th. every pupil in Year 8, 5th and 6th Form will be represented by work either on the walls or on the catwalk. it is a huge celebration of everything they have achieved and an introduction for Prep school parents to the quality and enthusiasm to be expected in senior school. Tickets are free and may be ordered through Mrs James in senior school: ajames@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Art and Fashion show

Congratulations to the Catering Department - after a recent inspection all catering areas of the school gained 5 star Hygiene status.

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Three pupils competed at the British Youth Fencing Championship national Age group Finals at the england institute of sport in Sheffield. Well done to Matthew Lynch (30th in the U18 boys’ epee), Elizabeth Stone (28th in the U18 girls’ epee) and Joshua gilbert (18th out of 51) in the U14 boys’ epee. This followed recent success in the warwick LP epee competition at warwick school where Matthew Lynch fenced very well to finish 3= in the U17 boys; Josh Gilbert finished 12th and Tom Lynch 27th out of 38 in the U15s.

stuart shannon has been selected, a year early, for the Herefordshire and worcestershire U10 County Tennis Team to play in the Aegon County Cup. This follows a successful winter season in which Stuart won the U9 County Tour Leaderboard, amassing points in county grade tournaments, and finished in the top 10 in U9 regional level competition across the nine Midlands counties.

Meanwhile vasily Borisov has continued his tennis training programme at the

school as well as tournaments on a weekend. vasily recently won the Coventry U12 event, the stafford sports College U12 Open and the Telford U12 Open, also coming in as runner-up in the Telford Open U14 event. vasily represents Bromsgrove Tennis Club and played at the Aegon team challenge as their 1st player. His ranking in Hereford and worcester has improved from 16th to 5th so far this term with his goal to be number one in the County by the end of term.

sports Day was a huge success largely thanks to the weather but also to the pupils who competed so well. Congratulations to the victor Ludorum U15; Kipras Daujotas: U17; Joe Morrice and U20; Jean-Claude Massey. victrix Ludorum U15; Lauren Brown: U17; Olivia Robbins: U20; Libby Thornton. The overall trophies went to Walters and Hazeldene with Lupton and Thomas Cookes 2nd.

Fencing

Tennis

sports Day

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Language Assistants Leave Our two languages assistants, Antoine eyraud and Teresa Ballesteros hosted a leaving meal for their sixth Form pupils.

Thirty pupils attended the French-themed meal and were able to express their thanks to Antoine and Teresa for all their help in the preparation of A Level and iB oral exams.

The assistants are a valuable part of the modern languages department and both Antoine and Teresa have enjoyed working with Bromsgrove pupils not only in a languages context, but also in the boarding houses and during activities.

Fifth Form go out with a BangIn their final parade before heading off on exam leave the member of the CCF’s A Company presented a final demonstration of their military skills by staging a platoon strength search and destroy mission against a determined enemy ensconced behind the cricket pavilion. The exercise received police clearance to use blank ammunition and was therefore all the more realistic and a fitting end to this phase of their military training.

By completing the exercise all cadets involved qualified for their Gold Star proficiency badge which will allow them to become Junior NCOs when they return in september

Upper Fourth members of the CCF embarked on an epic 72-hour exercise involving map reading and navigation across the Long Mynd, a night under canvas and some rigorous military training at nesscliffe Army Training Camp. The exercise started with their DofE Bronze Qualifying Expedition which was successfully completed by all 66 Cadets.

After a night under cover in the barracks and a hearty breakfast, Monday’s training consisted of tackling the personal weapons test, command tasks, the climbing wall and the assault course.

CCF

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Bromsgrovians

All photos featured on the Bromsgrovian pages, including individual’s names and years, can be found on the Bromsgrovian Facebook site.

Annual Dinner The Bromsgrovian Annual Dinner was held at Hagley Hall on Thursday 9th May, kindly hosted by Lord and Lady Cobham. The event was organised jointly with the Bromsgrovian Club and the Foundation which brought together over 130 Old Bromsgrovians, Current and Former Parents, staff and Friends of the school. Prior to the dinner, a concert was held in the church within the grounds of Hagley Hall. we were delighted to welcome former pupil and soprano Oliva safe and pianist Dominic Piers smith who entertained guests with their musical programme.

Ladies’ Lunch we were delighted to welcome Jane Lodge, former parent and Trustee of Bromsgrove School Foundation, as our first guest speaker at the inaugural Ladies’ Lunch in April. Held in the school’s historic Old Chapel, the lunch was well attended by over 50 Old Bromsgrovians, current/former parents and Friends of the school.

Jane spoke about her rise through the ranks of chartered accountancy as a woman in the 1980s and the gender inequality she, and many other females, faced at that time. In 2006 Jane was listed in ‘The Manufacturer’ magazine’s Power 50. After 35 years with Deloitte, she left last year as senior partner of the Birmingham practice to build a portfolio of non-executive directorships with major UK plcs. we are extremely grateful to Jane for taking time out to be our speaker. The ladies’ lunch will now become an important fixture in the Bromsgrove School calendar and we hope that it will encourage greater networking amongst young female Old Bromsgrovians, parents and Friends of Bromsgrove school.

Nick Spencer (S 99 - 11)has secured a year’s internship with AXA investment Managers in London. He is currently looking for a bedroom around Central London which he could let on a short term basis whilst he waits for his flatmate to return from travelling. nick would require the room for 4 weeks at the start of August 2013 and he is happy to pay the going rate for rent. if you, or someone you know, can offer nick a room please contact him directly by emailing nick.spencer92@gmail.com.

sophie Hunt (TC 01-06)would love to start networking with fellow Old Bromsgrovians, particularly those working in London as she is looking to relocate. Please feel free to get in touch with sophie at sophierosehunt@aol.com

Forthcoming events 2013

JUNE Sunday 9th Prep School PA Summer Fair, 12noon-3pmSunday 9th Page House Boarders Sports DayThursday 13th senior school Lvi Lecture week beginsThursday 13th and Friday 14th senior school Liv induction Taster DayThursday 13th and Friday 14th Prep school induction Day for Year 8, 8.30am - 4.30pmThursday 13th Prep school information evening for all parents of new Year 5 pupils, Cobham Hall, 6.30pmFriday 14th Prep school induction Day for new Year 5 pupilsFriday 14th Prep school summer Concert, Cobham Hall, 7pmTuesday 18th school games (hosted at the senior school)Tuesday 18th Chamber Choir sings Choral evensong at st Laurence, Ludlow, 5pmWednesday 19th Page House Formal DinnerFriday 21st Year 8 Disco, Senior School, 7-9pmFriday 21st Lupton House PA summer Party, Pavilion, 6pmsaturday 22nd Prep school induction Day for new Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils and their parentssunday 23rd Page House Boarders summer Partysunday 23rd Mary windsor House BBQ, 4pmMonday24th Art and Fashion end of Year show, ADT 7pmTuesday 25th Art and Fashion end of Year show, ADT 7pmwednesday 26th Lyttelton House Pig roast and cricket matchwednesday 26th walters House PA summer event, 5pmwednesday 26th Pre-Prep Year 2 Concert, 2.15pmThursday 27th Pre-Prep Year 2 Concert, 2.15pmFriday 28th Prep School Leavers’ Service and PrizegivingFriday 28th senior school Mark reading 4.15pm and Leavers’ service in Chapel, 5.15pmFriday 28th senior school Boarders’ BarbequeFriday 28th school House PA Barbeque and cricket match, 6.30pmSaturday 29th Commemoration Day

JULY wednesday 3rd nursery Fun DayFriday 5th Pre-Prep Year 2 Leavers’ Service, Prizegiving and Speech Day1st – 3rd July Bromsgrove Cricket Festival 10am1st July – 9th August Summer Activity Day Camps (for children aged 8 - 15)2nd July – 13th August international summer school (residential english courses )

AUGUST 2nd July – 13th August international summer school (residential english courses )1st July – 9th August Summer Activity Day Camps (for children aged 8 - 15)12th-23rd summer sport Day Camps (for children aged 8 - 15)

SEPTEMBER Monday 2nd Michaelmas Term commences Friday 6th Open Morning for german prospective familiessaturday 7th Activities Fair in the sports HallMonday 16th Old Bromsgrovians’ Multi-sports Daysaturday 21st Pre-Prep Open MorningWednesday 25th Harvest Festival School Service, 9.00amThursday 27th Music scholars’ recital in Housman room, 7.00pm

OCTOBER saturday 5th senior school Open Morningsaturday 12th Prep school Open Morning