Headmaster’s Foreword

I see that the accompanying photograph – rather floral perhaps, but certainly seasonal – was taken a few months ago. The presence of sunlight gives the game away as there seems to have been precious little of that recently. Before the break we had our usual heavy snowfall and another load fell just after the holidays began. I am sorry for the inconvenience that a school closure causes, but hope that you will appreciate the difficulties presented by the need to make safe the school site and the challenge of shifting what amounts to tons of snow by hand and shovel. We do try to stay open, but even if we must announce a closure there are always staff on hand to look after those pupils who do make it in.

So in the absence of meteorological cheer, let us open these pages and be reassured that life at Skinners’ is as hectic, fun-filled and successful as ever. The range and quality of the pupils’ work is as inspiring as ever – the hard work of the staff in supporting it cannot be over praised.

With eight Oxbridge offers and five more in the ‘pool’ with another chance of success, we are enjoying our best year for some time. Early applications have ensured that all our university leavers have the best chance of success in a very difficult year – the last before the new tuition fees. The wealth of extra-curricular activities you read about in these pages makes all the difference to a university application, as well as forming the Skinners’ character.

Please enjoy this newsletter and here’s to an early spring!

Simon EversonHeadmaster

In this Issue:

2-3. STEM4. Science Club5. MUNGA6. English Speaking Union7. Sixth Form News8-9. Iceland Trip10. Year 7 Trip to Norfolk11. Drama12. Sporting Honours13. Fund Raising14. Christmas Fair15. Dates Ahead

The STEM team had another chance to show off their home-made solar thermal panels when, on a Brilliant blue-sky day in October, they were invited to the East Sussex ‘Big Energy Day’.

The Kent version of this takes place at Bedgebury Pinetum, but this was the first time a similar event had been held in East Sussex for their own primary school pupils. The outdoor location, on a ridge in Ashdown Forest, was perfect and the view was spectacular in all directions owing to the air being so clear.

Everyone was kept busy with a seemingly never-ending supply of keen primary students eager to find out about solar power, bike generators, wind turbines and some of the more established energy technologies such as coppicing.

Although we have worked closely with Oakley special school at their secondary site on the Pembury Road for six years, this was the first time we had been to their primary feeder school in Tonbridge.

They had asked for our help to convert a piece of derelict land into an organic garden, to include raised beds, safety fence and gate – and all to be done in a day!

Clearly a joint effort was needed and so we called for reinforcements at the next student eco-forum. Thus it was that apart from our own volunteer boys, we had pupils from Oakley 16+ unit, the Weald of Kent Girls’ and the Boys’ Grammar school, all working collaboratively under the supervision of officers from the Kent High Weald Partnership.

It was a fabulous effort by all concerned and by the end of the sunny but cold afternoon we had built everything required to make a stunning organic garden for the young pupils of the school. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to continue working with the Oakley Primary pupils as I know many Skinners’ boys were disappointed to be on the reserve list for this activity, such is the popularity of sustainable STEM work in the school.

Alistair Woodburn (Y13) explains how the back of a fridge can be easily converted to make a solar thermal panel

Ian Johnstone ( Kent High Weald Partnership -rear); Alex Parson (left); Doug Donnachie (right)

supervise two junior boys from the Boys’ Grammar School assembling a ‘Raised Bed’

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Following on from last summer’s Nuffield STEM Futures which Skinners’ helped to pilot, we thought it would be a good idea to make a film of our STEM work and enter it into a national competition to see how it fared.

Y10 pupils Ben Breathwick, Tom Cloke and Sam Inesoncreated a script, filmed the scenes and managed to edit the footage gathered over several weeks into a tight 3 minute summary. The resulting film has action, information and humour and follows the character of ‘Science Guy’ as he takes the viewer through all the STEM work we have been doing over the years. Starting with views of the ‘old’ school, the narrator shows how things have been brought up to date with solar panels, wind turbines and wireless weather systems, before moving on to pupil projects such as bike generators, mag-lev systems and GPS dataloggers. Finally, ‘Science Guy’ gets caught by one of his teachers, and after a quick Superman-style change of clothes from lab coat and safety specs back to normal school uniform, he returns to his lesson.

Although we (modestly) thought it was pretty good ourselves, it seems that the judges have as well, as we later received notification that we had made it to the national finals! As we go to press, the judges are due to pay Skinners’ a visit to interview STEM pupils and staff before making their final decision. So as they say in all the best movies: ’to be continued……..!’

Pupils from Y11 and 12 were fortunate to attend an interactive session on vision and perception given by the Royal College of Optometrists when they visited Skinners’ recently. Few pupils, or science staff for that matter, knew exactly what an ‘optometrist’ was or even does. So, for the record, an optometrist is the person who tests your eyes for defects and prescribes specs or contact lenses. It proved to be an excellent career information session as the pupils were informed that employment rate after graduation in this field was currently 100%.

Part of the STEM Team: John Britton, Ben Breathwick, Dan Armitage, Callum Luckett, Tom Cloke

The practical sessions were fascinating and focussed (pardon the pun)on things like optical illusions, colour perception and finished with a new 3D film made by the College, which everyone watched through their home-made 3D specs.

Find out more about a career in optometry here: http://www.college-optometrists.org/

Professor David Thomson from the Royal College of Optometrists bamboozles Y12 physicists with an optical

illusion.

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Year 7 Science ClubScience Club kicked off this term on Wednesday 17th November with a Kitchen Chemistry experiment where we made crunchy foam and microwaved meringues!!! Year 7 Science Club runs every Wednesday Week A from 3.45 to 4.15pm in S1. There are still some spaces for students left, so come and join us if you’re interested!!!

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On November 26th the Model United Nations General Assembly took place in the Town Hall, giving many students from different schools the chance to debate on mock United Nations resolutions on behalf of several countries. Not being the best of public speakers and having had little time to prepare, I was seriously dreading November the 26th. However, the day was both intriguing and fun, with many countries intent on blaming the USA for all of the world’s problems. Skinners’ had two teams taking part – one representing Russia, and the other representing Iran. Both teams had a delegation that attempted to make amendments to resolutions in three separate committees – the environment, armed conflict and the millennium development goals. Being in the environment committee meeting I was interested to learn of many issues facing our planet. It was decided among the delegates that nuclear power is the way forward, that people should be deeply concerned about the impact on the environment that multinational corporations have and that, agreeing with Rob Phillips from U6, everything is America’s fault.

Similarly, when all committees came together for an emergency meeting about the recent Korean conflict, a heated but well structured debate took place involving all who took part in the MUNGA day. Once again America was deemed to blame for the conflict within the area.

Despite the initial nervousness, the MUNGA day was a great success. It was both an interesting and highly enjoyable event, and I would recommend anyone with a keen interest in current affairs to take part when the opportunity next arises.

Ben WillyLower 6 form

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Skinners’ hosted the first round of this year’s Schools’ Mace on a very cold Monday 6 December. Year 10s bravely stepped up to the challenge of representing the school. Despite only a few training sessions, Louis Hampton and Connor Armstrong acquitted themselves very well against VI Form TWGGS on the motion ‘This House believes the West should be held responsible for global warming.’ They were ably supported by an excellent Chairman in Daniel Brothwood and hecklers from the floor, Callum Luckett and Calhan Mundy.

There is a great deal of debating talent in Year 10 - the president of London University’s SOAS invited our students to a debate competition at the university in January because he was so impressed with what they had achieved in such a short space of time. We look forward to what they will do in the future!

The Cambridge Union was postponed until January due to the extreme weather conditions.

Deborah HalifaxHead of Debating

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ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION’S SCHOOLS’ MACE

From Left to Right:

Daniel Brothwood Calhan Mundy Callum LuckettLouis Hampton Connor Armstrong

The last couple of terms have been as hectic as ever. We have processed almost 140 UCAS applications –a school record – and almost all students have now received at least one offer. We have had over 30 Oxbridge applications; again the most we have had for many years. Our Oxbridge candidates are presently up at colleges receiving their final interviews and they will know the outcomes of these after the end of Term 2. We are very grateful for the help preparing our students for university applications, but I should like to particularly thank my team of tutors, and Peter Braggins, Tim Walsgrove and Nick Bowman who have helped with mock interviews. With the removal of the cap on tuition fees for 2011 this year’s applications nationally are expected to be the largest number ever and we therefore expect the competition for places on the best courses to be even more ferocious than before. The future of HE for many, I fear, lies in the balance.

The Lower Sixth have also started their preparation for UCAS applications. Over 30 attended a talk at Walthamstow Hall, given by two academics from Oxford and Cambridge. Laura Bone, admissions officer from the University of East Anglia, also gave a talk to the whole year group on the benefits of a university education. Our fortnightly Civics talks have also featured a number of interesting speakers including, Chris McCooey, author and old Skinner, Naira Antouin, schools’ liaison officer from the Council for British/Arab Understanding, Robert Wilson, founder of the charity Read International and old Skinner, and a group of speakers from Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Lower Sixth also attended the now annual Licence to Kill presentation organised by Kent County Council. It continues to be truly shocking the number of young drivers who are killed or seriously injured every year on our local roads.

Outside Speakers

Our school nurse, Sue Bowman, also gave a presentation (and provided a screening service) on the proliferation of STIs amongst 16-25 years olds. We hope our young men have taken note.

We have also been very privileged to have a number of other key speakers visit over the last couple of months. Jim Kehoe, Head of Planning Services for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, came and gave a presentation on development in the town and around the area. Nick Redman presented a fascinating summary on conflict in the former Soviet Union and we were delighted Peter Tatchell was able to accept our invitation to give an evening talk on Multiculturalism. Peter is an internationally renowned human rights activist and we were very pleased to have a large audience of over 100 students, including pupils from TWGGS, TWGSB and Walthamstow Hall, parents and teachers. Needless to say, Peter had a few contentious ideas, but during debate I am pleased to report he didn’t always get his own way. We are now in the process of arranging a similar event for early next year – if you have any contacts with “interesting people” let me know.

Individual departments of course have also had numerous Sixth Form events, including the Geography Department visit to Iceland, and Economics and Chemistry lectures in London. Jamie Owen has been successful in winning a prestigious Sixth Form Scholarship with Deloitte and Toby Richards has been rowing with the junior GB squad.

Craig FlemingHead of Sixth Form

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The essence of the Iceland trip is neatly and perfectly encapsulated in a single swim in the Blue Lagoon. One’s body is warm; one’s face is freezing and falling off. And whilst every story may have two sides, nowhere is the comparison of extremes more evident than in Iceland. There were thermal baths and ice-cold winds; vistas of astonishing beauty, ready for framing; waterfalls, geysers, active volcanoes. There were various indiscriminate flings between members of the year below and another school; apparently involving dubious age gaps. The aurora lights, faint but visible. There were cave trolls.

Back to the beginning, 24th October. In a far-flung corner of the world, 55 Skinners’ boys stand, poised and ready, teeth gritted, awaiting the inferno of bitter cold, wrapping around us, clawing us with icy fingernails… we run, breakneck speed, halfway between English autumn and Icelandic winter. Ten minutes through the bleak airport, glancing at the pessimistic posters; then straight out into the cold outside, into… a moderately chilly English evening, a slight breeze, warded off by a single jumper. Thus began five days in Iceland that were always different, and never quite what you expected.

Firstly, I’d like to clear one thing up. I’d feel deceitful if I tried to say that the Iceland trip was not a geography trip. That said, I’m not taking geography A-level. Neither, apparently, were at least half the sixth-formers on the trip. A geographic booklet, presumably only ever intended to be filled out in one’s dreams, was handed out on the coach, but that’s the limit of what’s demanded of you. So whilst it is a geography trip, it’s also - and more - a spectacle.

The natural features of Iceland are singularly impressive. From the great Gullfoss waterfall, which cascades into a permanent, dazzling rainbow to the primeval tear in the fabric of the land at Thingvillir,where the North American and Eurasian plates are being pulled apart; every feature has a unique sense of character that marks it as Icelandic, separating it almost from the rest of the world. But more than this, no matter how many waterfalls you see, there is always an impression of deep simplicity. Driving through the utterly empty landscape leaves a strangely surreal impression. There’s almost a sense that the sweeping terrain and the tumbling waterfalls want to be left alone; actually want to be. It was difficult to imagine such a thing when we looked out on Eyfjallajokull, the very volcano that wrought havoc with European air travel; but considering that this was the very same volcano that blocked the harbour that was supposed to ferry us to the Landejahofn on Wednesday, it could be that there’s some truth to this curious belief after all. Abandoning the ridiculous myths of a quixotic brain for a moment, there was something definitely surreal about the Blue Lagoon, our first coach stop in Iceland, which as I have said essentially summed up the trip. Though it wasn’t cold when we left the airport, by the time we arrived at the Blue Lagoon there was a gale-force wind blowing in, carrying tiny hailstones parallel to the ground and flinging them directly at the face like we were man-sized pincushions. And this is what we were expected to swim in.

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The water - to our immense relief - was actually very warm, however. At least up to the neck, because diving caused you to instantly swallow a mouthful of saltwater mixed with sand, and good ness-knows-what-kind of blue algae that lives in the Lagoon and gives it its name. That meant you were essentially experiencing a hot tub and facial refrigeration at the same time.

Then there was the glacial walk, which I remember distinctly as being, firstly warmer than would be expected on a wall of ice, and secondly a little less white. This latter curiosity on Solheimajokullglacier was the result of great cave trolls, disguised as mounds of volcanic ash, that rise up from the glacier’s surface. Mr Bee, taking an enormous risk considering they were carrying ice axes, tried to explain to our guides that, in fact, they were not cave trolls but simply a result of the wind blown ash collecting on the glacier’s uneven surface. The guides - observing him pityingly - replied that nothing so ridiculous could possibly be the explanation. Mr Bee backed down, proving once and for all that the pen (geography knowledge) is clearly not mightier than the sword (ice axe). Besides, they reasoned, if they weren’t cave trolls, why is it that patting them brings good luck?Staying in the hostel created a similar impression -nearly unconscious - that we existed at the hub of activity and life, small as it was, in the centre of a

vast area of bleak emptiness. The hostel was also the proving grounds of Skinners’ banter, undeterred as it was by Icelandic weather (but then we do live with English weather).

The food was as excellent as the banter, the Icelanders were wonderful people (and fluent English speakers) without exception, and even the weather was better than expected. For a true little Englander like me, that was probably the most pleasant surprise of all.

Having said all that, I’ve decided to fly against the expected norm of a school paper, by ending with a little gripe. Perhaps I’m being obtuse, but for me the name Iceland suggests that there will be some ice. In fact the land is generally indistinguishable from Dartmoor, but colder. Miles and miles of dark green marsh spread out in all directions, flat as mouldy cardboard, wherever you go. But then I guess the Vikings had already played a similar joke when they named Greenland.

In life, be not deceived.

James TribeL6E3

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Once again, Skinners’ boys made the pilgrimage to the Kingswood Centre, near Cromer, Norfolk for three action-packed days of indoor and outdoor activities. Whether climbing ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, negotiating ‘Night Line’ or exerting brain cells within the ‘Murder Mystery’ evening, the Skinners’ spirit was evident in all tasks undertaken. Epitomised by Mr Flower, in his full military attire (complete with face paint) within ‘team laser quest’, all form teachers (Ms Smith, Miss Moss-Montoya and Miss Gaskell), were fully committed to ensuring that all boys had fun and embraced all opportunities put before them.

With the centre praising the boys for their listening skills and pro-active approach, Skinners’ boys can feel a real pride in their achievements.

Thanks must go for an ever present and enthusiastic group of prefects who were full of encouragement and instrumental in supporting the boys in all their endeavours.

Memories have been created that will be treasured and reflected upon with great warmth as the boys move on up through the school.

Mr C JohnsonHead of Year 7 & Transition

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DRAMA PRODUCTION

The perpetually hungry protagonist, our eponymous servant, Truffaldino – boasting an impressive, if slightly misplaced, cockney accent – comes to Turin with his master (or mistress), Beatrice Rasponi, who is disguised as her dead brother, Federigo. Simultaneously, her brother’s murderer, Florindo, who is also her lover, arrives in the city and each is in search of the other. I imagine you see where the plot is leading and, of course, Florindo immediately becomes the second master of Truffaldino, who is, as always, in pursuit of further nourishment. Hilarity ensues, events hurling the audience through narrative mazes, alley-ways and winding back-streets. All manner of misunderstanding, mistaken identity, deceit, deception and devilry, mostly on the part of Truffaldino, expertly played by Drummond Freeman, leave the sides decidedly split.

It seems quite impossible to think of an example of an underwhelming performance or stumbled line. However, deserving of particular note are Benny Martin’s delightfully obstinate Mr Pantaloon and Charlie Hurlock’s Bristolianinn-keeper, Brighella. Neither can I omit mention of the remarkable vocal tones and verbal dexterity of Joe Ditton’slegal and classical scholar, Dr Lombardi. Cameos were also found in the shape of Aidan O’Flynn’s cantankerous porter as well as Owain Withers and Alex Baldwin’s endearing but reluctant waiters.

Perhaps, however, the most overstated praise is owed to the romantic roles; the stage chemistry between Tom Gladstone’s Florindo and Beatrice, played by Katy Carden of TWGGS, was palpable, as was that of Rachel Tysh’sClarice and Harry Gibson’s Silvio. Clarice swooned as Silvio seemed to float across the stage in an almost ethereal haze of dashing charm and passionate emotion.

The indefatigable Mrs Lennon, Drama Department Commander-in-Chief, was, as always, the power source driving the production – I have it on good authority that her uncompromising style was as steadfast as ever. Thanks and congratulations must, also, be extended to Miss Lawless and Pete Basham for assisting Mrs Lennon in aiding the cast with acting techniques and stagecraft.

Each night ran smoothly, thanks in no small part to all those mentioned above, Year 10 stage crew, 3 musicians and the most sartorially elegant group of Lower Sixth barmen you are ever likely to meet.

Mark Wood (Lower sixth)11

Merriment rumbled through successive audiences in the Thompson Theatre, over three evenings last November, rather like a low sea mist of laughter punctuated by periodic lightning bolts of hilarity. Those to be held responsible for such things are, in this case, the cast and crew of the Lower Sixth’s adaptation of A Servant to Two Masters by the 18th century Venetian playwright, Carlo Goldoni.

HONOURS FOR EX-SKINNERS’ SPORTSMAN

We were delighted to hear that William Kane, who left us in 2007, was selected to appear in the 2010 Oxford v

Cambridge Varsity Rugby match. Will is presently studying History at Merton College, Oxford, and last year made

Oxford’s Under-21 team where he lined-up against friend and old Skinner, Nick Rabas, who represented

Cambridge. Will played the full 80 minutes at Twickenham in front of a crowd of over 50,000 and was outstanding

throughout. Oxford eventually ran out 21-10 winners, sealing a convincing victory in the 129th match between the

two universities.

Will Kane

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It’s been great to meet so many parents during the open evenings this term and hear your thoughts about the new Sports Hall. The plans have generated a positive response with many of you liking the innovative design solution for the roof which enabled us to obtain that elusive planning permission! So how are we doing against our target of £1 million? As I write this, we’ve just reached £185,505 – which assuming gift aid could be applied at a basic tax rate - would increase the level of funds pledged to just short of £232,000. It’s a fantastic start, but we still have some way to go.

We continue to explore different avenues for funding –including some from the commercial sector - as well as another application to Sport England. We’re also working with the architects to reconfigure the internal layout of the building. (I’m not sure paying gym members would favour communal showers!) These changes are vital if we are to create a sustainable facility and generate vital income from community use.

However , the project still hangs in the balance and we desperately need to secure £1 million in pledges to ensure that building work can go ahead as planned in July. If you haven’t already made a pledge, I would urge you to reconsider. Whatever the amount, it could make the difference as to whether current and future Skinners’ are provided with a facility that they desperately need – and deserve.

Full details of the appeal (including pledge forms) can be

found on the website: www.skinners-school.co.uk/spaceforall We will be updating it regularly with the latest news and plans so add it to your ‘favourites’.

Alternatively, if you’d like to visit the school and see the plans first hand, have any questions about the appeal or would like additional copies of the brochure and pledge form, please contact Camilla Nicholls on 01892 520732

extension 226 or via camilla.nichols@skinners-school.org.uk

Camilla Nicholls

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FUND RAISING NEWS

Club 2000 Some of you will be aware that at Skinners’ we have our own answer to Lotto – Club 2000. For those of you whodo not know about this fund raising venture here are a few details:

Parents and friends of the School sign up to Club 2000, either by standing order or annual cheque, purchasing“tickets” at the cost of £1 each per month. 50% of the money raised is paid in prizes and 50% helps the Bursar buyitems that our budget cannot support. Over recent months the first prize has been around £250 with two smalleramounts also awarded. There is also an annual accumulator prize drawn at the end of the summer term, usuallyaround £300.

During the past year, Club 2000 has helped towards the purchase of audio visual equipment in the School andDining Halls, PCs and printers for the 6th form and notice boards for displays. It has also made a contribution tothe School Development Fund to help with costs associated with the Sports Hall Appeal. From January we will beposting the monthly winning numbers on the School website, along with updates on what Club funds have helpedto purchase.

If you would like a monthly chance to win and at the same time support our boys, e-mail me atdenise.tourle@skinners-school.org.uk and I will send you registration forms.

Denise TourleChairperson, Club 2000

‘Space for All’ – Sports Hall Appeal Update

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On 11th December the Parents’ Association held their annual Christmas Fair at the school. There were a wide variety of stalls including jewellery, tote bags, books and DVDs, and visitors also had the opportunity to make their own Christmas wreath. Mulled wine and mince pies were available and we had a raffle with some great prizes. Thank you to everyone who attended – the sum

of £4,485.81 was raised from

this event.Rachel Hooper

Parents’ Association

DATES AHEAD…………..January Term 3 Starts10 Governors’ Finance & General Planning meeting at Skinners’ Hall10 Year 12 Study Leave until 13th January10 Year 11 interviews for Sixth Form Entrance 201110 PA Committee Meeting 7pm11 Year 11 GCSE Biology Unit 2 exam12 Year 11 Language orals (catch up due to bad weather/illness)12 Junior Ski Trip Meeting 7pm in School Hall13 Year 11 GCSE Biology Unit 2 exam13 Pre departure meeting for Morocco Trip13 Education and Development Committee meeting at the school15 Building Bridges Masterclasses17 Year 11 GCSE History Paper 117 Year 11 GCSE Chemistry Unit 2 exam17 Skinners’ 6 Roads Meeting 7.30pm in Common Room18 Year 11 Mock Exam results issued19 Year 11 GCSE Physics Unit 2 exam19 Sports Hall Meeting in Thomson Theatre19 AS /A2 Theatre Studies trip to ‘The Trial’20 Year 11 Parents’ Evening 5 – 8pm21 AS/A2 ‘The Trial’ workshop in Thomson Theatre 1.30 – 5.30pm22 Building Bridges Masterclasses24 Year 13 study leave (until 28th January)25 Year 11 Options Evening 7pm in Dining Hall27 DCSF ‘Inside Knowledge’ event 227 Governing Body Meeting 5.30pm at School28 Year 9 reports issued to parents29 Building Bridges Masterclasses

February3 Intermediate Maths Challenge (Yrs 9-11)4 Year 7 Parents’ Evening 5 – 8pm4 PA Junior Disco 7 – 10pm3 Building Bridges Masterclasses7 Year 11 GCSE Languages Orals exams8 Science Regional SSAT meeting9 Year 10 Mock GCSE RE exam 11 Art & Theatre Studies Trip to Barcelona (until 14th February)17 Skinners’ Got Talent Show18 Year 8 Reports issued to parents18 Deadline for AS options (Year 11)18 Year 10 DPT immunisations18 Morocco Trip departs18 Term 3 Ends20 Ski Trip to Sauze D’Oulx , Italy, until 27th February28 Term 4 Starts 15

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here if you prefer a

paper copy.

Susan Phyall Assistant Headteacher

yourvoice@skinners-school.org.uk