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School NewsChrist’s Hospital students in 3 Peaks Challenge
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Old Blue explorers' journey ends
At just 19 Old Blues Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper became the youngest Brits to set foot on the summit of Mount Everest on May 17th 2006. They have now just sailed into Sydney harbour (9th May) having successfully completed their 22,000 mile Pole to Pole journey.
The objective of their expedition "180 Degrees - Pole to Pole" was to become the first people to travel using only human and natural power from the North to the South Pole. The purpose of the expedition was to experience and relate to others the effects that global warming was having on the planet.
Travelling 22,000 miles using only renewable resources and their own energy, they have experienced temperatures from -50 degrees C to 50 degrees C as they crossed the globe. On the way they could see the recession of the Arctic ice cap happening and the early melt of areas once permanently ice capped.
Rob, 20, and James, who turned 21 during the trip, and the crew of the yacht on which they have sailed the final leg arrived at the Geomagnetic South Pole on Thursday 24th April. (The crew on this final leg also included Charlie Berenger, also an Old Blue). This was the official end point of their journey.
Speaking of their achievements, Head Master of Christ's Hospital, John Franklin said: "Christ’s Hospital has been very proud of Rob and James's achievements and their initiative to draw attention to such an important issue as climate change. We wish to congratulate them on successfully completing their journey which is yet another phenomenal achievement".
Details of Rob and James's trip may be found on www.180degrees.co.uk.
BIG BIKE RIDE at Christ's Hospital
Christ's Hospital is the NSPCC's Sussex venue for their national BIG BIKE RIDE this summer.
Heading off from the grounds of Christ's Hospital on Sunday, 20th July, along one of three different routes - the South Downs Way for the more ambitious to a delightful ride around the School's stunning grounds. Refreshments, entertainment and lots of bike information also happening on the day!
To join in, please visit the NSPCC's BIG BIKE RIDE website www.bigbikeride.co.uk.
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Picture:
Sally Gunnell supporting the NSPCC's BIG BIKE RIDE
‘Of Mice and Men’ - A Classic Text for Students
Friday, 25 April 2008 at 8pm, Christ’s Hospital School Theatre
Christ’s Hospital School Theatre is the setting for John’s Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’, a classic Literature text which is frequently a chosen set text for students studying English at GCSE or A-Level.
Presented by Say Two Productions, the production is touring nationally on a 10 weeks tour into schools in the UK and Ireland at selected theatres – Christ’s Hospital is the only show south of Birmingham.
‘Of Mice and Men’ is John Steinbeck’s classic tale of two friends who discover the underside of the American Dream. Set against a backdrop of America’s Great Depression, George and Lennie are determined to buy a small farm of their own after years of making a living as itinerant farm workers. The two friends soon discover the flip side of their American Dream and the friendship is tested to its limits.
A good all round show suitable for children (aged 11+) and students or anyone who likes classic literature, this is not to be missed.
Contact the Box Office at Christ’s Hospital on 01403 247434
Tickets £6 (£5 concessions) Friends £4
Facilities for Disabled People
Free Car Parking
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Pupils Rise to Engineering Challenge
Christ’s Hospital pupils have been working with the international electronics and systems group Thales as part of National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW), a 10-day celebration of science, engineering and technology.
On 13 March 2008 students in Year 10 took part in a UAV (unmanned air vehicle) Challenge, where they were engineers for the day. Working in teams, the students were tasked with researching, designing and building a model UAV, suitable to safely carry a “radioactive payload” – an egg.
The activity also included the students making a PowerPoint presentation and recording a broadcast advertisement. At the culmination of the day each team made a presentation to their fellow pupils, teachers and Thales representatives, promoting their model. Finally a test flight was made where the aims were to both land the vehicle without breaking the egg and achieve the greatest distance.
Head Master John Franklin said: “In running this event Thales has helped our pupils develop a practical interest in engineering and science which will make them think about their future career paths, particularly at a time when they are focusing on important A Level and university course choices. We hope that this will lead to more companies offering this type of educational experience for our pupils”.
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Students Inspired by First Woman Solicitor QC
Christ’s Hospital students eager to pursue a career in law were treated to a lecture by June Venters QC on Wednesday, 5th March at the School. June was brought up in a council flat in Peckham and now sits as a Recorder in the Crown and civil Courts. She has also broken new ground for the profession by being the first woman solicitor to be appointed Queen’s Counsel.
During her visit to Christ’s Hospital, June was taken on a tour of the School, joined pupils for lunch and gave a talk to Senior Pupils who are interested in reading Law at University. The students were keen to ask questions about subjects to take at A Level that would steer them towards a degree in Law, what areas of Law are best to work in and what the future held for the current Legal Aid system. June also talked about how she became a solicitor and how she now works in the fields of Crime, Public Law, Child Care, Family Law and Serious Fraud cases.
Fascinated by Christ’s Hospital and its ethos, June said “I knew very little about the School before my visit and can appreciate what a wonderful educational opportunity this is for children who come from very different and sometimes difficult backgrounds. I hope that I have inspired the students to continue working towards their career goal”.
June Venters founded the Camberwell-based law firm Venters in 1991 and it now has offices in London and Reigate. In 1996, a documentary ‘Law Women’ was made about her working life.
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Christ's Hospital's Cricket Appeal
For details of latest appeals, including the Restoration of the Cricket Pavilions go to the buildings projects page.
Christ's Hospital Memorabilia
The Christ's Hospital Association has a selection of CH memorabilia which you will find in their online shop on the CHA website - more items will be added in the coming months.
Three school chefs win gold, silver, bronze
Three chefs from Christ's Hospital School cooked their way to success in the British Open Cookery Championships held at the Hotelympia food service and hospitality show in London this week.
Ben Sulston, Rob Dant and Tomas Kourek competed in the live event after successfully designing menus for classes including School Catering, Essential Cuisine and Senior Traditional Pasta. After several hours of creative cooking they returned to the kitchens at Christ's Hospital with a total of one gold, two silver and three bronze awards.
Ben, who is Executive Head Chef for Chartwells, the company that provides Christ's Hospital with its catering services, won Gold (Best in Class) in the School Catering/Social Services competition. Ben said: "Every day at School we prepare breakfast, lunch and tea for 850 hungry boarders so we are constantly cooking tasty, imaginative food at high speed. By comparison, working live for the competition judges was as easy as pie!"
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Picture (L-R):
Winning chefs Tomas Kourek, Ben Sulston and Rob Dant in the Dining Hall at Christ's Hospital School
Master in mathematics competition success
A 17 year old Christ's Hospital pupil, Tim Hennock, was one of three boys representing the UK who won the Romanian Master in Mathematics competition in Bucharest which was held between 8th and 10th February. The competition was hosted by the Tudor Vianu School, an elite maths and computing school. It is the first time in a decade that the UK has won an International Mathematics competition, battling it out with strong contenders such as Russia and Romania.
Twelve teams took part in this inaugural competition including Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Moldova and Yakutsk. The five hour examination paper covered geometry, algebra and combmatorics.
Tim, who also won an individual silver medal, said "It was a tough paper. Coincidentally, one of the questions was set by a UK mathematician, Dr Christopher Bradley, who started his teaching career at Christ's Hospital in the later 1970s. I was proud to be part of the British team with Jonathan Lee and Dominic Yeo and to win such a prestigious competition".
Tim has been awarded the ‘Travers' Buckle by Christ's Hospital – the prize for proficiency in mathematics which originated in the 18th Century by Samuel Travers who left money to the School to further the development of maths.
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Picture:
Tim Hennock with his individual silver medal
SET Sports Tours Sussex Open Sevens 2008
Sunday March the 2nd saw one of the most important and major warm-up tournaments for the Roslyn Park National Schools Sevens, take place at Christ's Hospital School. This event has been running for over 30 years and has witnessed great sporting talent emerge from this region, some of who are now playing for England.
The day involved 32 teams representing premier schools from all parts of England with the main competition won by Epsom College who beat Cranleigh School 24-19, in a tense and pulsating final that went to sudden death and in front of a crowd of 600.
Awards were presented by Head Master, Mr John Franklin, and Christ's Hospital's sponsorship partners including SET Tours (who are organising the Christ's Hospital Rugby and Hockey Tour to Australia in 2009), as well as Barclays, Land Rover UK (Harwoods), and Kukri Sports. With well over 1000 people in attendance and the event covered by local news and the press, the day was a great success.
Included in the line up was British Lions legend Dean Richards as well as international rugby stars Andy Gomarsall of Harlequins and England, England Sevens winger Richard Haughton, and Glen Jackson of Saracens and New Zealand. Meanwhile, four top International and Guinness Premiership Referees including Wayne Barnes and Andrew Small, as well as the Organiser, Premiership referee, Sean Davey who said "This was a fantastic day throughout and I was greatly impressed by the quality of play and the support given by our corporate sponsors and the local community, to both the School and the Christ's Hospital team"
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Lady Bountiful and the Bluecoat Boys
On Friday, February 15th at 11am, "Lady Bountiful and the Bluecoat Boys" is scheduled for transmission by BBC Radio 4.
The programme will tell something of the story of Ursula Ridley who was a Governor of Christ's Hospital from about 1918 until the early 1960s and who presented a number of boys from 1922 to 1957 from the Ogmore Valley in Wales. Her involvement there was known to very few people but she became known in the Valley as Lady Bountiful.
Radio 4 looks at the story through the eyes of three of the boys she presented: Maldwyn Osborne (presented in 1944), Colin R E Davies (1951) and Martin Reed (1957) - possibly her last presentee from South Wales. These three Old Blues returned to CH for the first time in years for the making of the programme last October and shared many memories during what proved to be a moving visit.
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Pictures (L-R):
BBC producer Steve Groves records Maldwyn Osborne and Martin Reed talking to Head Master John Franklin
Welsh Old Blues Colin R E Davies, Martin Reed and Maldwyn Osborne
A Great Opportunity to Join England Rugby Stars at CH on Sunday, 2 March
England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall and Saracens fly-half Glen Jackson will be among those attending the SET Tours Sussex Open U18 Sevens on Sunday, 2 March, at Christ's Hospital. The Tournament brings together 32 premier rugby-playing schools from London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Included in the line up are four top International Guinness Premiership Referees including Wayne Barnes as well as a number of professional academy players.
Organised by Premiership referee, Sean Davey, the Event starts at 10.30am with full catering and bar throughout the day, plus Raffle and Auction with donated memorabilia including signed International Rugby shirts. The day finishes at 4.30pm.
Families, Rugby enthusiasts and all are welcome to help make this a great day for hundreds of children!
Christ's Hospital top West Sussex school for GCSE 2007
Christ's Hospital came top in West Sussex in the 2007 round up of examination scores published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
The average point score per student was recorded as 518.0 (Local Authority average 372.3).
This follows the results gained by Christ's Hospital candidates in public examinations in August 2007 which closely matched the pattern established in recent years, with excellent pass rates, further distinguished by top grades.
Blue Peter
BBC One, 5.00 pm, Wednesday 9th January
Repeated on The CBBC Channel, 8.30 am, Thursday 10th January
Blue Peter found out what it is like to be a boarder at Christ's Hospital when presenter Andy Akinwolere spent the day at CH meeting Habon Mohamud and her friends.
Third former Habon said of her television experience:
"The thing that I enjoyed mostly was being with Andy and crew. The best shoot was the last shot where we had a little game of rounders. Andy was really funny."
"From being involved in filming I learnt that, if you want to become an actress or an actor, it's a very difficult job, saying the right words at the right time, it's not easy. But the main thing I learnt is just being yourself and having fun."
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Cadia goes back to School!
Christ's Hospital and Lloyds TSB Commercial were delighted to host the November Cadia meeting at the School in Horsham which was attended by over 150 businesses from throughout the Gatwick Diamond. Guests watched Lunch Parade and met pupils over lunch before being taken on a tour of site.
The event was an opportunity for the School to highlight its work and its need for funding to the local business community. The business community were encouraged to join the Corporate Donation Governorship Scheme which is a way for business to help the School identify, support and develop the next generation of scientists, engineers, musicians, business leaders and entrepreneurs.
For more information on the Scheme please contact Tony Thorn at Christ's Hospital on 01403 247654 or email tt@christs-hospital.org.uk
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Term ends with a Christmas cracker bang
Over 800 Christmas crackers were pulled with great energy and excitement at the School's Christmas lunch on 7th December, the last Friday of the Michaelmas Term.
A big thank you goes to our catering staff for providing such a delicious lunch and beautifully presented tables. Thanks also to the School and Foundation staff that helped out in the Dining Hall by donning aprons, rolling up sleeves and wearing some very interesting headgear.
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Lunch Club's Christmas celebration
Christmas trees, carol singing, turkey and hand-bell ringing – all the things of Christmas filled the Court Room at Christ's Hospital on Thursday 6th December.
The occasion was the Christmas lunch and festivities for the group of elderly people who regularly attend a monthly Lunch Club here at Christ's Hospital. The Christmas lunch is always the highlight of the year and it was again sponsored this year by J.K. Leech Fuels Ltd of Coolham.
The monthly Lunch Club, set up in 1993, involves 70 – 100 elderly people, some with disabilities, who live in Horsham and the surrounding villages. It is one part of the extensive activities which form part of the Christ's Hospital Community Action programme. This programme involves over 200 Christ's Hospital students each week visiting 30 – 40 different placements in Horsham and the local district. Many activities take place at Christ's Hospital as well.
In addition to a delicious Christmas lunch, there was carol singing (in both French, German and English!) from the youngest students, bell ringing from the boys of Middleton A Boarding House, a quiz, a raffle and of course a visit from Father Christmas!
If you would be interested in joining us for the monthly lunches, or indeed helping with the transport, please contact Marjorie Holdsworth on 01403 247571.
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The Threepenny Opera
Venue: Christ's Hospital Theatre
Dates: Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th November
Time: 8.00pm
Tickets: £10 (£9): Friends £8; Box office: 01403 247434
Also at Wilton's Music Hall, London, Monday 26th November, 7.30pm. Call: 0207 702 2789
The team at Christ's Hospital that brought you West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and The Magic Flute come together again to present THE THREEPENNY OPERA as their special Christmas production. The Music and Drama Departments at the School, both of which have outstanding reputations, are collaborating on this major event which involves a full cast of 25 plus band.
The Threepenny Opera is inspired by John Gay's iconic Beggars' Opera. Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill produced in The Threepenny Opera "the greatest musical of all time" (The New York Times). Searing in its enactment of poverty and inequality, it yet manages to fuse potent music with humour, cynical charm and never to be forgotten characters. This production offers an evening of passion and politics, romance and reality. It will also represent an exciting opportunity for young first time opera-goers, as this is a work that will be performed entirely by students.
Photographs by John Garfield-Roberts
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A close shave for Pudsey!
The Estates staff at Christ's Hospital persuaded fellow colleague, Clive Simon, 51, to shave off his beard of 28 years to raise money for Children in Need.
Clive, has worked for Christ's Hospital for 13 years as a grounds man and mechanic and is part of the team who maintains the 250 acre School campus.
Two colleagues, Rowena Harris and Diane Coller, with the scissors and shaver at the ready, volunteered to start the process off, with Clive feeling somewhat "apprehensive" at the thought.
Clive, without moustache and beard and looking 28 years younger, will now be collecting his sponsorship pledges of £125 and still rising for this worthy cause.
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Lord Mayor's Show
On Saturday, 10 November, the Christ's Hospital 120-strong Band of talented musicians was again delighted to be part of the Lord Mayor's Show, returning to the City where the School was originally founded 455 years ago.
The Band Captain this year is Lucy Edgington and Senior Drummer is Alice Goble, both aged 17.
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Christ's Hospital powers through in national rugby competition
Christ's Hospital's u15 rugby team has had an impressive season so far. Unbeaten as u13's and losing only once last year, they have conceded just three tries all season, while scoring 65 and an incredible 400 points in eleven games.
Recent victories over local rivals Brighton College and a comprehensive win over Tiffin are the latest in a long list of victories racked up over the course of the season. Their latest victory over Skinners saw them progress into the 5th round of the Daily Mail Cup and set up a tie with either St Paul's, Barnes or St Benedict's, Ealing.
They are led by skipper Efe Idemudia who has been an outstanding player and a leader over the last three years. The contributions of number 8, Gideon Hammond, and the full back Michael Davies have all led to the team's success. Other boys within the squad have developed their rugby having had very little experience and players such as Eddi Chimbudu-Campbell, Louis Davies, David Okpala and Oscar Gush are testament to this.
Good luck to them in the next round!
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Carmen Installation procession
In recognition of Christ's Hospital's historic links with the Worshipful Company of Vintners, the Senior Grecian was invited to attend the Installation of the new Master, Mr Nick Meyer, on 17 October 2007.
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Pictures (L-R):
Senior Grecian (Head Girl) pictured in procession
Senior Grecian with new Master, Nick Meyer, and the Clerk of the Company
Opening of The Doyle School of Design and Technology
On 12 October, Old Blue Jack Doyle was welcomed back to Christ's Hospital to formally open The Doyle School of Design and Technology, newly refurbished thanks to Jack's generous contribution of £200,000 towards its development. The state-of-the-art facility now incorporates interconnecting ground floor workshops, fabrication spaces, computing facilities and an upgraded foundry.
The opening proved a great success, with business leaders representing major companies and business organisations such as Rolls Royce, Barclays Bank, Seeda and Cadia, who were impressed both by the fantastic new facilities and the entertainment from Christ's Hospital's 100-strong Band.
Tony Thorn, Major Donor Fundraiser for Christ's Hospital, said: "Following the opening of The Doyle School of Design and Technology, a number of trust funds involved in engineering have come forward to offer their support under our Corporate Donation Governor scheme. The scheme will allow those involved to help mentor, support and guide a child, nurturing potential employees of the future as well as promoting industries, such as engineering, which have become less popular in recent times".
On November 30, Christ's Hospital is hosting an event for local business leaders in conjunction with Cadia, to provide more information about how business can get more involved with the School. If you would like to attend, or for more information about Christ's Hospital and the Corporate Donation Governor scheme, please contact Tony Thorn on 01403 247654, or email tt@christs-hospital.org.uk.
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Bryony's squash success
Talented Christ's Hospital pupil Bryony Johnson is the new England Squash South East Area champion after winning the Under-17 tournament at Wimbledon on 7 October. To claim the top prize Bryony beat players from seven counties: Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex.
Currently ranked 14 in the U17 age group in England Bryony says she needs to play competitively four or five times a week to maintain her standard. She explained, "It is sometimes hard to fit in because I really enjoy playing netball and hockey and doing athletics for the school as well, and of course I have to keep up with my school work and have a social life!"
Bryony was first taught to play squash by Graham Stevenson in Storrington, when she was eleven years old, before moving on to Horsham Squash Club. "Phil Lansberry made Saturday afternoon squash loads of fun for so many of us," said Bryony, "and at school Mr Williams has given me lots of support and encouragement."
Bryony now plays for the First team at Christ's Hospital as the number one string as well as being a County player at U19 level. "I am coached by Mike Harris of England Squash who has been working me really hard lately. I hope to be able to continue to improve my game and position in the England ranking."
"Winning the tournament on Saturday was a brilliant feeling – especially as it doesn't happen very often!"
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CCF celebrations
This year's formal CCF inspection was conducted on 4 October by Rear Admiral John Lippiett, CB MBE currently Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust and Vice President of the CCF. Following a 36 year career in the Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Lippett's last Naval post was in command of the Joint Services Staff College, as the first Admiral Commandant. He was made a Companion of Bath for his services to the Royal Navy and NATO.
During the inspection at CH, all serving Old Blues were invited to join the CH Treasurer, General Sir Garry Johnson and Head Master, John Franklin to support the Army, Navy and Air Force cadets on parade.
Guests had the opportunity to meet the cadets and observe the various kinds of activities that can happen on parade days. Cadets also had the chance to find out more about careers in the forces, when they met the visiting Old Blues Officers over tea.
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The Paddy Vincent Flying Scholarship
Old Blue, Captain P M C (Paddy) Vincent was present to watch the CCF parade on 4 October. Paddy, accompanied by his wife Mrs Susan Vincent, spoke to CH Cadets about the exciting new Flying Scholarship which will enable one of their number to attain a Private Pilots Licence and presented a cup to Cadet Warrant Officer Angus Denton (ThA\GrW) who is due to benefit this year.
Flt Lt Taliska Stuart-Gordon, OC RAF Section, commented on the valuable gift: "This is a fabulous opportunity for an outstanding cadet who has made a significant contribution to the section and who has a passion for flying to obtain a pilot's licence. We are very grateful to Paddy and his family since cadets would obviously struggle to find the £5000 to pay for lessons and training needed to gain a PPL".
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Jurassic history on the curriculum
To mark the arrival of the new Head Master, John Franklin, at Christ's Hospital this term, the Australian Old Blues Society (former pupils) presented him with a Wollemi Pine, one of world's oldest and rarest plants dating back to the Jurassic era and recently rediscovered in Australia, having thought to be extinct.
John Franklin, born and educated in Australia, said "It is a privilege to be the Head of this remarkable School. The Wollemi Pine is particularly special to me as it brings a piece of Australia to the English countryside. This is a very thoughtful gift from the Australian Old Blues which will be much observed and enjoyed by staff and pupils as it matures. We much appreciate the ongoing support of the Society who have presented (supported) 11 children and raised over £50,000 towards the costs of educating pupils".
Note: The Wollemi Pine's mature foliage is Jurassic-like, featuring two rows of leaves on the branches, not unlike the spines on a Stegosaur's back. It produces cones from approximately 9 years of age. It has a unique chocolate brown bubbly bark which forms as the plant matures. Kernock Plants, based in Cornwall www.kernock.co.uk.
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John Franklin (Head Master) accompanied by Old Blues and pupils of Christ's Hospital with Dr Jane Baker whose suggestion it was to present an Australian tree to Christ's Hospital to mark the appointment of the new Head Master.
Celebrating Christ's Hospital's city links
The tradition of the School's St Matthew's Day (21 September) celebration which stretches back to Christ's Hospital's foundation in 1552, was marked by a thanksgiving service in the Church of St Andrew, lunch at Mansion House and a parade through the City of 300 pupils accompanied by the Band.
St Matthew's Day was traditionally the day on which the Governors of Christ's Hospital were elected; former Governors include Sir Christopher Wren and the famous diarist, Samuel Pepys.
The invitation to Mansion House commemorates the School's City origin and links with the Corporation when each pupil meets the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Stuttard, and The Lady Mayoress, each receiving 'largesse', a small sum of money, fresh from The Mint.
Just three weeks into the first term for John Franklin as new Head Master, he commented "St Matthew's Day is one of the many important traditions of this great school when we thank the City and the School's many Governors (over 650 in all) for their generosity and continuing support".
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Pictures (L-R):
Parade through the City
Thanksgiving Service at the Church of St Andrew, Holborn
Alex Baskerville (Senior Grecian), John Franklin (Head Master), Sir Garry Johnson (Treasurer), Paul Tuckwell (Clerk) and Ato Ocansey (Second Monitor)
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An 11-18 charitable boarding school for children from all backgrounds near Horsham, West Sussex. |