2005-06
CHRIST’S HOSPITAL GCSE RESULTS 2006
 |
Christ’s Hospital was delighted with the achievements of this year’s GCSE group.
90% of the grades achieved were A* - B, with the pass rate being 98.4%. 39 out of 120 candidates gained nine or more A*'s and A's.
Adele Pullarp (from London) achieved 10 A*’s.
Other A* success included Rayhun Aminian (from Kent), Lucy Edgington (from Middlesex), Catherine Barber (from Crawley), Matthew Phillips (from Horsham), Harry Dadswell (from Devon), Jo Hayden (from Scotland), Emma Pitt (from Dorset), all gaining either 8 or 9 A*’s.
One pupil, Duncan Evans (from London), gained one of the top five marks in English Literature, as well as eight A*'s and two A's. He was amongst the group of candidates who scored one of the top five marks in English Literature Specification A this summer. There were 362,438 candidates for this exam so the result is exceptional.
Mary Ireland, Deputy Head commented “We are very pleased with this year’s GCSE candidates. Christ’s Hospital awards places to children who may have had a tough start in life. We are particularly pleased that many of them, who have had difficulties to deal with in their life, are still able to cope admirably when they are in a stimulating and nurturing environment”.
CHRIST’S HOSPITAL : A LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2006
 |
Christ’s Hospital is delighted with the grades achieved by this talented Grecians’ year.
The pass rate going up to 100% and 78% gained A or B grade.
19 candidates achieved three or more A grades, including Beth O’Connell, Joanna Poon, Pip Johnson and Emily Starkie - all going on to Cambridge; Dan Sibley is going to read Medicine at Sussex, Veronika Romanova plans to study Law at Kings, London, and Jim Walsh, who gained four A’s in English, History, Maths and Physics, is having a Gap Year.
Peter Southern, Head Master, said “We have a good record of attainment at Christ’s Hospital and this is another excellent year. We’re so pleased that the hard work of the pupils and staff has paid off so handsomely and we are delighted to think that so many pupils will be going on to exciting courses and careers”.
Pictured (L-R)
Emily Starkie, 3 A’s, her place now secured at Trinity College, Cambridge studying Archaeology and Anthropology (her subjects were English, French and Archaeology)
James Atkinson, 2 A’s and 1 B in subjects Archaeology, Economics and Geography (taking a gap year).
Chantal Lawrence -Carr, 2 A’s and 1 B, achieved her place at the London School of Economics where she will be studying Accounting and Finance (her subjects were Latin, Economics and Maths)
180 DEGREES POLE TO POLE MANPOWERED 
The trans-global expedition being organised by Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper (Old Blues) will commence in March 2007. It follows their success on Mount Everest making them the youngest Britons ever to reach the world's highest point. 180 degrees Pole to Pole Manpowered will be:
- A world record attempt
- This expedition will use only natural and human power
- The expedition will be 17,000 miles in length
- They will experience temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees centigrade
- They will be just 19 when they undertake this challenge
Please visit www.180degrees.co.uk for details and latest news.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW TREASURER
 |
Christ’s Hospital is delighted to announce that the Council of
Almoners (Trustees) has elected Sir Garry Johnson KCB OBE MC DSc (Hon)
to take office as Treasurer as from 1st September 2007. It is proposed
that he joins Council on 1st September 2006. Mr David Farrington,
present Treasurer, will be retiring at the end of almost twelve years’
service.
Sir Garry has a long history with Christ’s Hospital. Born in Twickenham
in 1937, he attended the School as a West’s Gift presentee from 1948 to
1954. He worked in the City for a year, but then entered National
Service and subsequently took a Regular Commission. He served in the
Army until 1994, holding a wide variety of appointments in the UK,
Europe and Asia. He saw active service in Malaya, Borneo and Northern
Ireland, being three times decorated for leadership and gallantry. Later
he was Assistant Chief of Defence Staff in the Ministry of Defence,
Commander of British Forces in the Far East and Commander-in-Chief of
NATO Forces in Northern Europe. After leaving the Army he became
Chairman of the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) and has
been extensively involved in the field of conflict prevention. From 1995
to 1999, Sir Garry was Chairman of the National Council for Training and
Enterprise in the UK.
David Farrington commented “Sir Garry currently chairs, or serves on,
charitable boards working the fields of culture, healthcare and
education in both the UK and Nepal. He holds an honorary Doctorate of
Science from Southampton University. Garry is married, with two adult
children. He and his wife Sarah live in Winchester. Everyone at Christ’s
Hospital looks forward to welcoming them to Horsham”.
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL JUNIOR BOYS' GAIN ATHLETICS SUCCESS
On Saturday 1st July, the Junior boys’ athletics team competed in
the ESAA Sainsbury’s English schools’ 27th Track and Field Cup Final in
Bournemouth.
Against the top 12 schools in England, the Christ’s Hospital squad
competed superbly, finishing joint 6th with Judd School from Kent. The
squad showed great improvement with 13 personal bests and amassed an
unbelievable 477 points. The squad of 15 year 7 and year 8 boys’ success
follows an excellent performance in winning the Sussex county stage of
the ESAA cup with a credible 368 team points and finishing 2nd in the SE
regionals, scoring 455pts.
800 schools around England enter the competition and the final was
contested between the winners of each region and the five other highest
place schools.
Below is a list of competitors from Christ’s Hospital and the number of
points and colour of badges they achieved. 35+ Gold, 28+ Silver and 20+
Bronze.
Gideon Hammond - 54pts - Gold
Michael Davies - 42pts - Gold
Efe Idemudia - 41pts - Gold
L Oscar Gush - 40pts - Gold
Charlie Kowszun - 37pts – Gold
Leon Aquah - 36pts - Gold
Stuart Whittingham - 35pts - Gold
Louis Davies - 35pts - Gold
Michael Ghilespy - 35pts- Gold
David Okpala - 35pts - Gold
Ernest Boakye-Boateng - 34pts - Silver
Nicholas Ofanogoro - 34pts - Silver
Flynn Stacey - 31pts - Silver
Mark O'Boyle - 26pts – Bronze
David Adeniji - 23pts - Bronze
For more information and results on the ESAA national schools cup go to www.esaa.net.
 |
 |
A CONCERT IN AID OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Sunday, 1st October in Big School at Christ’s Hospital 7.30pm
Pianist, Harriet Stubbs, will be joined by several other highly-talented
senior pupils to provide an evening of musical excellence for your
enjoyment and to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, a charity which
builds and renovates simple homes with volunteer labour and donated
money and materials, building a new home every 24 minutes. Harriet
intends to go out to Kenya with the charity in 2007.
The works include Schubert Wanderer Fantasie, Chopin Ballada No 2,
Chopin Fantasie Impromptu, Liszt La Campanella. Book now to join us in
supporting Harriet’s initiative!
Tickets £5 (£4 concessions) Friends £3 and children free.
Please send cheques payable to ‘Christ’s Hospital’ for the attention of
The Box Office, Christ’s Hospital Theatre, Horsham,
West Sussex RH13 0LJ.
Bookings can also be made at the start of the new school term (4th
September) by telephoning the Box Office on 01403 247434.
 |
JUNIOR BOYS REACH ENGLISH ATHLETICS FINAL
Congratulations to the Christ's Hospital junior athletics team for reaching the final of the ESAA Sainsbury's English Schools' Track and Field cup final to be held at Kings Park, Bournemouth, Dorset on Saturday 1st July 2006. Christ's Hospital will be competing against 11 other top athletics schools' from all over England with the first event commencing at 10am. Good luck to all those involved.
PUPILS FROM CHRIST'S HOSPITAL SCHOOL RENEW HISTORIC LINKS WITH TOWER OF LONDON
104 Junior pupils will be making a visit to the Tower of London
on Thursday, 22 June, with their teachers, as part of the History Focus
of their “Discovery Programme”.
Christ’s Hospital’s historical connections with the Tower of London date
back to when the School was housed in the City and pupils in uniform
were requested to act as guides round the Tower. Today, pupils wearing
their distinctive uniform, have the privilege of free entry and this
visit will re-establish the School’s connections with the Tower and its
rights of entry. It is planned that this visit will be repeated
annually.
Mrs Damini McCulloch, Christ’s Hospitals’ Year 7 Co-ordinator. “The
children’s experience and the value of the visit will be greatly
enhanced by the knowledge of this historic connection with the Tower of
London. For many of our pupils this will be the first time they visit
the Tower and our History department is preparing the pupils for the
day’s events”.
 |
12th ORGAN RECITAL
The Director of Music, together with Christ's Hospital's Organ Scholars, will be at the Parish Church of St Clement in London on Friday, 30 June. Click here for more information.
12th VISIT TO LORD'S FOR CHRIST'S HOSPITAL'S BAND
The Band is becoming a regular feature at Lord’s, making its 12th appearance on the pitch to entertain a packed stadium during the lunch
interval of the England vs. Sri Lanka Nat West Series match on Saturday,
17th June.
The Band plays at many public occasions, but is particularly honoured to
be invited to perform in front of 28,000 people at Lord’s. Over 100 Band
members will provide a wonderful spectacle, dressed in their traditional
Tudor style uniforms. This year’s Band Captain is Michael Baskerville
and Senior Drum Major is Thomas Overington.
Music is one of Christ’s Hospital’s strongest traditions, the Band leads
the Lord Mayor’s Show most years and, in May, led a procession from St
Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace to deliver a giant birthday card
for HM The Queen’s 80th Birthday.
From 9 – 13 July this year, the Band and Chapel Choir consisting of 220
pupils will be touring Paris.
For a list of matches please visit: www.lords.org
ATHLETICS SUCCESS FOR JUNIOR BOYS'
On Monday 12th June
Christ’s Hospital Junior boys’ athletics team competed in the SE
regional final at Ashford in Kent, giving them a very strong chance of
participating in the prestigious National Schools’ Championship.
Against the top athletic schools of the SE, the Christ’s Hospital squad
competed superbly, finishing 2nd just behind Judd School from Kent. The
squad showed great improvement with 13 personal bests and amassed an
unbelievable 455 points. This gives the squad a strong chance of
achieving a best runners-up place in the national cup final in
Bournemouth on the 1st July. The squad of 15 year 7 and year 8 boys’
success follows an excellent performance in winning the Sussex county
stage of the ESAA cup with a credible 368 team points.
Richard Baker (Director of Sport) said “We are all very proud of what
the boys’ have achieved and such improvement in such a short period of
time shows the commitment and effort demonstrated by both the boys’ and
the coaches during training over the last month”
800 schools around England enter the competition and the final is
contested between the winners of each region and the five other highest
place schools. The squad will now have a nervous wait, as results from
the 7 regions are collated to see if they have attained a place in the
national cup final.
Richard Baker went on to state that, “This is the first time we have
entered the ESAA national cup in recent years and it would be a
fantastic achievement for the boys’ who have demonstrated not only their
natural athletic ability but a rapid amount of learning in the more
technical field events”
For more information and results on the ESAA national schools cup go to www.esaa.net.
 |
 |
OLD
BLUES PREVIEW THEIR FIRST EVER SHOW FOR EDINBURGH AT CHRIST'S HOSPITAL
ON FRIDAY, 16TH JUNE
Bare Bawds presents the world premiere of the feature length
director’s cut ofI CAN’T BELIEVE
IT’S NOT GODARD!
By Angus Barr
Directed by Linda Marlowe
With Vlach Ashton, Toby W. Davies, Rhiannon Fisher, Milan Kovavcevich,
Ellie Mitra and Ben Vickery
Linda Marlowe directs this extraordinary comic parable from Angus Barr,
one of the founder members of Ridiculusmus.
A bankrupt film company are filming a woman drowning in a lake. Money is
so tight they can't even afford film so you are invited onto the set to
watch this unique ecological satire. The exceptional Linda Marlowe
directs this sixstrong company as they power their way through a
disingenuous and highly entertaining attempt to prevent global meltdown.
Action focused and liberated from the stage – the audience (or rather,
the extras) must follow the First AD’s instructions as the drama
unfolds. Rarely has a serious concept been presented with greater
panache and style. Much mirth and surreal hilarity is generated – but a
dark message lurks beneath the witty surface.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Godard! is written by Angus Barr, whose outstanding work with Ridiculusmus
includes Three Men in a Boat, Third Policeman, At Swim Two Birds. He
recently appeared in Publick Transport’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Office
at Bristol Old Vic. Director Linda Marlowe has achieved wide acclaim for
her definitive performance of Berkoff’s Women, and appeared at the 2005
Fringe in Mortal Ladies Possessed. The young, up-and-coming cast (who
were all taught by Bare Bawds artistic director Jeffrey Mayhew as
students at Christ’s Hospital, aka BBC’s Rock School) include recent
graduates of Central School of Speech and Drama, Lee Strasberg Institute
New York and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Godard was first presented as part of the season of short plays in the Café
Direct 5065 Lift in the Pleasance Courtyard at the 2005 Fringe. That was
the short version – hold on to your seats because the full-length
version is about to explode.
Bare Bawds is also turning up the heat with Cooking with Puccini at the
Assembly, Edinburgh, written and performed by Jeffrey Mayhew and
directed by Guy Masterson.
SPEECH DAY AT CHRIST'S
HOSPITAL
SATURDAY, 27 MAY 2006
On Speech Day this year, Christ's Hospital was delighted to receive The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Brewer, CMG. Following a service in the School's Chapel, the pupils marched past the State party to the accompaniment of the Band and a junior pupil presented a posy of flowers to the Lady Mayoress.
After lunch, the Senior Grecian (Head Pupil), Hannah Jenkins, gave an oration to which the Lord Mayor warmly responded. Prizes were also awarded to a number of pupils including:-
Grecians Academic Prizes
| Archaeology | James Atkinson |
| Biology | Jonathan Tee |
| Drama | Hannah Jenkins |
| English | Monika Sobiecki |
| Geography | Luke Fanthome |
| Latin | Monika Sobiecki |
| Mathematics | James Geraets |
| Music Performance | Katherine Smith |
| Physics | Sam Carlisle |
| Religious Studies | Delail Zotor |
| The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers' Prize | Naomi Francis |
| The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers’ Prize (Art) | Alice Doyne-Ditmas |
| The Worshipful Company of Salters’ Prize (Chemistry) | Laurie Williams |
| The Worshipful
Company of World Traders’ Prize (Economics) |
Claire Stevens |
| The Barclay Hankin Prize (Design and Technology) | Nicholas Durkan |
| Cherniavsky Prize (History) | Elikem Dzikunu |
| Masonic Bursaries | Christian Collins and Gareth Lewis |
| The Worshipful Company of Carmen Prize | Leroy Okonta, Jeremy Kelly and Luke Fanthome |
| The Susan Mitchell Prize | Shamiso Mushambi |
| Maggie Williams' Trophy | Laura Hayward |
| Holder Trophy | Sam Millicheap |
| Clive Kemp Trophy | Jonathan Tee |
A complete portfolio of photos of Speech Day 2006 will be posted on our website as soon as possible.
SCHOOL FLAG ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Rob and James, Old Blues and the youngest Brits to climb Everest pictured on top of world with the School flag!
Peter Southern, Head Master of Christ's Hospital, said "We are delighted for Rob and James that they have achieved such a huge ambition and by doing so have helped Cancer Research. We remember them as adventurous climbers who very determined in their final years to do something that would be beyond the imagination of others. We are very proud that we have helped develop their academic and sporting abilities and particularly proud that they planted the School flag on the summit. We look forward to their return from this great adventure and hope they will visit and inspire our current pupils."
 |
COMPETITION TRIUMPH - ENGLISH SCHOOLS CUP
Great success was enjoyed today by both the junior and intermediate boys teams at the English schools cup competition.
This athletics competition was host to twelve local Sussex schools such as; Brighton, Worth, Ardingly, Imberhorne, Hazelwick and others.
Each school was required to enter a crack team of 14 athletes each of whom had to compete in one track and one field event.
The Junior team (2nd and 3rd Form) led by captain Gideon Hammond managed to win the competition thus qualifying for the regional final and the exceptionally young intermediate team (LE and UF) led by Tom Ozkavaf managed to achieve the school certificate standard.
FASHION AND FICTION
Pupils swapped their distinctive Tudor style uniform for a variety of costumes on themes associated with books on Sunday, 21st May 2006.
This was an imaginative event organised by the pupils of the Library Active Team in an initiative designed to appeal to all ages of students in the School to promote the excellent library resource. The 'Fashion and Fiction' event presented an interesting range of literary readings and costumed performances on associated themes which took the form of a fashion show in the Library at the School.
The event opened with a reading by Catherine Barber from 'The Case of the Missing Books' by Ian Sansom and Eleanor Warrington from 'Gwen' by Jamaica Kincaid, from the Faber Book of Contemporary Stories about Childhood. This was followed by six individually costumed themes modelled by students and teachers, interspersed with short readings including 'Ghetto' (reading by Yasemin Pasha from 'Paperback Writer' by Lennon/McCartney), 'Beaknick Chic' (reading by Rebecca Trask from 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath), 'Vogue Glamour' (reading by Erika Maitland from 'Love Is' by Adrian Henri), 'Romance' (reading by Ines de Silva from 'The Beautiful Lady' by Edward Monkton').
Contemporary clothing was generously lent to CH by T K Maxx and event raised funds for T K Maxx's designated charity, the NCH.
 |
 |
ROB AND JAMES HAVE JUST BECOME THE YOUNGEST BRITONS TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST!
They reached the summit at 3:15am GMT Wednesday, 17th May, after climbing for ten hours through the night.
Congratulations to both of them: this is an incredible achievement, and testimony to their hard work, dedication, and the strength and conviction of their dreams.
We hope that they make the descent safely and arrive well at base camp, where we look forward to hearing from them.
The project has already inspired youngsters and adults alike, and we hope that it will continue to do so, with the important message of the power of believing in your own dreams and abilities.
They have drawn so much strength from such committed and heartfelt support, as well as being inspired by the fight of cancer sufferers, and they thanked everyone on the sat phone from the summit.
We all look forward to seeing them back home and hearing about the trip as much as they look forward to seeing everyone and telling you all about it after a well deserved rest...
Thank you all, and we wish them a safe journey home.
The Everest 2006 Support team:
Nicola and David Gauntlett
Danny and Sarah Hooper
Louise and Tim Gauntlett
Neville Lee
Lucinda Hutchins
Richard Lebon
James Atkinson
www.everest-2006.com
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL'S BAND LEADS A PROCESSION ON THE OCCASION OF HM THE QUEEN'S 80TH BIRTHDAY
The Band led a procession from St Paul's to Buckingham Palace to
deliver a giant birthday card. The spotlight was very much on
Windsor, however, the event in London was much enjoyed by all who
lined the streets. The procession and the Band was publicised on
national television and staff and pupils gave live interviews for
local radio.
The whole event went smoothly thanks to Dennis Delderfield, Editor
of the City of London and Dockland Times, who originated the idea
and kindly invited Christ's Hospital to participate.
Dennis Delderfield, Editor of the City of London and Dockland Times
and organiser of the event, said "It was a privilege to be able to
take the gigantic birthday card with over 2000 signatures in a
colourful procession from the City to Buckingham Palace and then on
to Windsor Castle. The Christ's Hospital Band was outstanding,
people on the streets clapped as the procession went by and gasped
with astonishment at the height of the maces which were thrown and
always caught superbly by the Drum Majors".
UPDATE OF OLD BLUES QUEST TO CLIMB EVEREST
We are proud to announce that Rob
Gauntlett and James Hooper have finally made it to Nepal in their
attempt to become the youngest Britons to climb Everest: they flew
to Kathmandu on Sunday 2nd April. Indeed they have now moved on from
Nepal into Tibet, bound for the north side base camp where they will
arrive on 10th April.
The
support from the Old Blue (former pupils') community has been
overwhelming, be it sponsorship, help with contacts and ideas, or
simply talking to Old Blues with amazing stories of their own to
tell. Rob and James were particularly inspired by Clive Kemp in
Maine B, who sadly passed away whilst they were starting on the
Everest road a couple of years ago, and it has been inspirational
for them to hear, for instance, of the CH Himalayan expedition in
1984.
It is amazing that they have
finally been given the opportunity to take their chance on the
mountain, and the completely unexpected strength with which the Old
Blue community has supported them in all these ways will carry them
on the mountain: We know how much they appreciate it.
Apologies if they or we have not missed thanking anyone personally:
it has been very much a campaign of individual relationships. We hope to be in contact with
Rob and James through their satellite links on the mountain, and
will be posting news on the website www.everest-2006.com as we hear it, as well
as sending out more significant news updates by email.
The priority of the campaign now
is the Cancer Research appeal, and we hope that the satellite links
will enable us to publicise that by setting up media interviews at
base camp and even on the mountain. More information on this
campaign, and on their itinerary and route is available on the
website.
Many thanks once again, and we
all hope, none more so than Rob and James, to see the Housey flag
flying on the summit: we look forward to hearing the developments
from Tibet.
The Everest 2006 Support Team:
Lucinda Hutchins (Col A 98-05)
Richard Lebon (Ma B 97-04)
James Atkinson (Ma B 99-current)
Nicola and David Gauntlett
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW HEAD
 |
Christ’s Hospital, the 454
years old charitable boarding school that provides subsidised education
for 97% of its pupils, has just announced that it has appointed a new
Head, John Franklin, to replace Dr Peter Southern when he retires in
August 2007, after 11 years service. John Franklin is currently Head of
Ardingly College, Haywards Heath.
Born in Brisbane, John was educated at Ipswich Grammar School and the
University of Southern Queensland, where he gained a first degree in the
study of English and a Diploma in Teaching. He later gained a Master's
Degree in Educational Administration at the University of New England,
New South Wales.
He began teaching in Australia but moved to England in 1989 to teach at
Sedbergh School and then became an Acting Housemaster at Marlborough College. He
later returned to Australia as Deputy Head of St.
Peter's College, Adelaide and Acting Headmaster for two terms. In 1998, John and his wife, Kim, came back to
the UK as Head of Ardingly College where he was also a board member of
the Woodard Foundation and a member of the Head Masters Conference. He
is also an Independent Schools Inspector.
Commenting on the appointment, Chairman of the Selection Panel,
Professor Lance Lanyon said
" Peter Southern’s achievements over the past 11 years include excellent
GCSE and A Level results; flourishing arts and sports activities;
outstanding music; extensive curriculum developments; the completion of
two new Upper Sixth Form residences; daring to take on Gene Simmons as
an extraordinary music master in Channel 4’s TV hit series ‘Rock School’
and, most importantly, the continuation of the School’s mission to
provide a stable and excellent education, particularly for children with
family need.
John Franklin will be well placed to extend and enhance this work. We
very much look forward to welcoming John and Kim to Christ's Hospital
and anticipate that John has all the right skills and experience to take
the School forward from strength to strength".
HM THE QUEEN'S 80TH BIRTHDAY : FRIDAY 21ST APRIL 2006
The famous 100 strong Christ’s Hospital Band will lead a procession from
the City of London to Buckingham Palace on Friday, 21 April to take an
enormous birthday card to HM The Queen on the occasion of her 80th
Birthday. The card will be carried by Smithfield Market porters in
traditional dress with an escort by the City of London Sea Cadets.
The procession will assemble in Paternoster Square next to St Paul’s
Cathedral at 11.30am. As the procession moves off at 12 midday, the
bells of St Paul’s Cathedral, other churches in the City of London,
Westminster Abbey and churches throughout the UK, as well as churches in
the Commonwealth will ring a special birthday peal of bells.
Escorted by the City of London Police, the procession will arrive at
Buckingham Palace at approx 1.15pm when the Band will play the National
Anthem. It will then disperse and the card will be taken to Windsor,
where The Queen will be on the day.
Included in the procession will be Billingsgate Market Porters, Doggetts
Coat and Badge men, Masters of Livery Companies and Liverymen, Clergy
from the City of London, Pearly Kings and Queens, Members of the Society
of Young Freemen of the City of London and members of the public.
This special birthday card will be signed by the Lord Mayor, the Dean of
St Paul’s and members of the public have been given the opportunity to
sign one of the many sheets that will go inside the card, as have the
pupils and staff of Christ’s Hospital.
Michael Baskerville, aged 17, Christ’s Hospital Band Captain “The Band
are delighted to be a part of this momentous occasion, and I am honoured
to be leading them on the 21st of April”.
The card, procession and ringing the birthday peal are the idea of the
City of London and Dockland Times, the local newspaper of the City of
London. A special account called Queens Birthday Card has been opened at
the Nationwide Building Society in Cheapside. Donations should be sent
to City of London Times, 10 College East, Gunthorpe Street, E1 7RL,
cheques made out to ‘Queens Birthday Card’, proceeds, after event costs,
will go to the Treloar Trust for disabled children which is the Lord
Mayor’s Charity of the Year.
 |
SUSSEX OPEN UNDER 18 RUGBY SEVENS TOURNAMENT
Over 400 boys descended on Christ's
Hospital on Sunday for the 23rd Sussex Open Under 18 Rugby Sevens
tournament. As well as six schools from Sussex, five other counties were
represented with sides coming from all over the South of England
stretching from Framlingham College in North Suffolk to Filton College
from Bristol. 20 schools battled hard in 4 groups of five with the top
two from each group proceeding to the knock-out phase of the Main
Competition and those placed 3rd and 4th in each group moving on to the
Plate Competition.
On a bright, but chilly day some excellent skills were on display as
many closely matched sides strove to progress to the next phase. The 500
hundred spectators certainly added to the convivial atmosphere. It
looked like Worth School from Turners Hill was going to win its group,
only to be pipped in its last group game by just two points by eventual
tournament runners-up, John Fisher School from Purley in Surrey. The
host school, Christ's Hospital, struck a blow for Sussex schools by
edging out Tonbridge School from Kent who had gone through unbeaten in
the 15s season before Christmas.
The most successful of the Sussex sides turned out to be Brighton
College who nearly pulled off a dramatic victory in the final of the
Plate Competition. They were up against it at half-time when they turned
round 17-0 in arrears against the powerful Cranleigh School team. They
turned things around by scoring three excellent tries and a conversion
to level the scores at 17-17 only to lose out as Cranleigh scored the
winning try in the Sudden Death extra time period. The Main competition
also produced a thrilling final, which was a repeat of the 2005 final.
Epsom College from Surrey retained their title by defeating the talented
team from John Fisher by 14-0.
The trophies were presented by the Head Master of Christ's Hospital, Dr
Peter Southern, The tournament organiser, Howard Holdsworth praised all
the teams on their outstanding efforts and superb sportsmanship. "This
has been the most competitive tournament of the last 10 years," he said.
"We have been blessed with fine weather and the ground staff, led by
Peter Sands has produced excellent pitches which have allowed the boys
to play much good, exciting rugby. The refereeing has been of the very
highest order. The boys were very lucky to have two of the R.F.U's elite
Guinness Premiership referees in Sean Davey and Wayne Barnes as well as
two other RFU referees and representatives from the London and Sussex
Societies, all of whom commented on the high standard of play, as did
our other guest, Sean Holt from Sport England. Our new sponsors,
Chartwells, the country's leading schools catering company, donated
special refereeing shirts for the occasion and we are truly grateful to
their representative, Mike Blunden, for all that he has done so
selflessly to support this prestigious event, which is seen by all as a
very good stepping stone to the National Tournament at Rosslyn Park
which begins on Monday 20th March. Let us all hope for such a successful
day again in twelve months time."
PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR CHRIST'S HOSPITAL TEACHER
The National Medal for the Order of Merit (Officer Class), was awarded to Muir John Potter, Director of Community Action and teacher at Christ’s Hospital School by the President of Romania, Mr Traian Basescu. It was presented at a special award ceremony at the Romanian Embassy in London on Wednesday, 22nd February 2006 by the Romanian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mr Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu, in recognition of Muir John’s work in Romania over the last 15 years.
The award is one of the highest honours which the President can bestow on the recommendation of the Romanian Prime Minister,Mr Popescu-Tariceanu “outstanding and strenuous efforts in the field of the education, integration and welfare of the children of Romania over 15 years".
Muir John said "This is a wonderfully exciting moment for me, my family and for all with whom I have worked in this country and in Romania. I am delighted to accept the Order of Merit on behalf of all these people and of course on behalf of the children of Romania. It is very rare for individuals to achieve great things but when individuals work together in teams - almost anything can be done - this work in Romania, since 1992, is a great example of team work”.
Muir John has organised Community Action programmes at Christ's Hospital since 1990, with teacher colleague Graham Chandler, and this programme now involves over 200 Christ’s Hospital students visiting 30 to 40 different placements in and around Horsham each week, such as Ready and Able Club, After School Club. It was this local programme at Christ’s Hospital that provided the foundation stone for all the work that has followed in Romania and since 1992, Christ’s Hospital has been organising educational projects and programmes of integration every summer with children with special needs, assisted by Christ’s Hospital students and crucially with Romanian High School students. Muir John has dedicated much of his time during the school holiday period to develop this important project.
Development of a National Strategy of Community Action in Romania
In 2003, following the great success of the CH projects in Romania, Muir John was invited by Baroness Emma Nicholson, then EU Rapporteur for Romania's Accessiinto the EU and Co-Chair of the High Level Group for Romanian Children, to set up a Pilot Study to demonstrate how Community Action could be introduced into the curriculum of High Schools in one County of Romania. The Pilot Study was a huge success and as a result MJP was then invited by the Prime Minister of Romania to devise, design and deliver a National Strategy for Community Action which was introduced into the curriculum of Romanian High Schools in September 2004. Since this date over 30,000 High School students have become involved in Community Action programmes all over the country who works with children with special needs, the elderly, those in hospitals. “There are more students involved in Community Action now in Romania than any other country in South East Europe” Muir John says.
J K Rowling and Professor Kevin Browne: launch of new children’s charity
In January 2006 Muir John helped with fellow Trustees Baroness Nicholson, JK Rowling and Professor Kevin Browne to launch a new charity called the Children's High Level Group (for Europe) whose purpose is, at the invitation of the national Governments, to replicate the work and success of the High Level Group in Romania in other countries throughout Europe where children are still in need, hardship and distress of any kind. Amongst many initiatives of the Children's High Level Group this year will be a European Conference in Romania for 14 other European countries, which Muir John will be organising on "Developing National Strategies for Community Action" based on the success of the Romanian model.
 |
TREE PLANTING
The Grounds Department has established a careful monitoring system for trees on the century old Christ’s Hospital Estate. Many trees were planted soon after the school was built and are reaching maturity, some of which had to be felled during the autumn and winter last year. Tree replacement is ongoing and a mixture of varieties has been carefully selected to fit in with the original landscape scheme, as part of a regeneration plan. Most recent planting took place in February on the Mile, the cost was most generously met by donations from John Rea, Old Blue and a past member of staff, Jacqui Grimshaw. Near future plans include further planting on the Mile, the Health Centre drive and behind Maine Boarding House.
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL PROPOSES
NEW RETIREMENT SETTLEMENT ON 'THE WARREN'
In an effort to safeguard the local station and sustainability of the community, Christ’s Hospital has submitted a proposal to Horsham District Council for possible inclusion in the council’s Local Development Framework for the period up to 2018. The proposal is one of the ‘Alternative Development Sites’ currently under public consultation by Horsham District Council.
The proposal outlines plans to build a new retirement community, with close-care and nursing facilities, on part of Christ’s Hospital’s land known as ‘The Warren’. Situated to the north of the school’s grounds, The Warren is very close to Christ’s Hospital railway station and not far from the recent housing development of North Complex and the older Bluecoat Pond development.
Christ’s Hospital’s initial concept focuses most of the buildings, particularly the close-care centre, in the lower part of the site nearest to the station and furthest from the new North Complex area of housing. Between the two would remain as open space for public recreation or grazing.
The development of retirement homes in this location complements Christ’s Hospital’s long-term aim to increase the usage of the station and thereby ensure its continuing viability whilst extending the range of suitable independent homes for the district’s increasing population of elderly residents*.
The Clerk of Christ’s Hospital, Michael Simpkin, commented: “The railway station is hugely important to the school and as well as making the school accessible to its many disadvantaged pupils, forms the key to the long-term sustainability of the local community. Our aim is to safeguard the station and one of the main ways to do that is to ensure that it is well used both now and in the future.”
For similar reasons, Christ’s Hospital has also submitted representations on the draft South East Plan (the plan setting out the vision for regional development through to 2026) to SEERA (the South East England Regional Assembly) reinforcing its desire to ensure that Christ’s Hospital railway station is retained to form the main arterial transport link for a fully sustainable and growing community near to the school.
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL TO HOST
COUNTY RUGBY SEVENS TOURNAMENTS
THURSDAY, 2nd MARCH : U13 (between 2 and
4.30pm)
SUNDAY. 5th MARCH : U18 (between 11.15am and 4.30pm)
Two prestigious tournaments are being held at Christ’s Hospital in the coming days; the County Rugby Sevens on 2 March (U13) and 5th March (U18) involving teams from schools throughout the county competing for the Sussex cup, plate, shield and bowl.
The U13 Seven-a-side tournament to be held on Thursday, 2nd March, has attracted entries from 16 schools, representing the whole breadth of the county, from Bognor Regis Community College in the West to Buckswood School near Hastings in the East.
Richard Baker, Director of Sport and Head of Rugby at Christ’s Hospital “I am pleased that so many schools are willing to give their young Year 8 boys the opportunity to experience an afternoon of this highly exciting form of the game. It will be a compacttournament played on four adjacent pitches lasting from 2 – 4.30pm during which time all the boys will have played at least 4 x 10 minute matches”.
The Sussex Under 18 Open tournament to be held on Sunday 5th March is in its 23rd year. This increasingly popular tournament is seen as a stepping stone for many of the best rugby schools in the South of England. This year’s entry of 20 schools has attracted schools from as far afield as Filton College from Bristol, Framlingham College in Suffolk, John Fisher School in Surrey and Isleworth and Syon School from Middlesex. As well as the good Sussex sides from Worth School, Brighton College and Eastbourne College, other favoured sides are likely to be the 2005 winners, Epsom College, and Cranleigh School and Tonbridge School, both of whom were unbeaten in the 15-a-side season before Christmas. Amongst a whole team of referees to show fair play during the course of 69 matches, there will at least two referees with international experience and who referee regularly in the Premiership - Wayne Barnes and Christ’s Hospital schoolmaster, Sean Davey. The event will begin at 11.15am and the final is scheduled for 4.30pm.
Both of these events are being supported by Chartwells, the leading catering firm for schools in the UK.
These two tournaments are part of a whole festival of schools rugby in Sussex, which includes the following forthcoming events :
Sussex Under 18 Closed Sevens tournament which has 12 teams and will be played at Sussex Downs College on Wednesday 1st March.
Sussex Under 16 Sevens which also has 12 teams and will be played at Chichester High School also on Wednesday 1st March.
Sussex Under 15 Sevens which has attracted 18 schools and will be played at Brighton Rugby Club on Monday 6th March.
Sussex Under 14 Sevens which has 16 schools entered and will take place at Worth School on Thursday 16th March.
Sussex Schools Knock-out Cup Finals Day on which 6 finals ranging from Under 12 to Under 18 take place consecutively at Worthing Rugby Club on Wednesday 15th March.
SHOWCASE CONCERT AT ST JOHN'S, SMITH SQUARE, LONDON
For the tenth year in succession, Christ’s Hospital’s finest musicians, regardless of age, perform a showcase concert at a top London venue. This year, (6 February 06) the venue was the magnificent St John’s, Smith Square, a converted church where the pupils’ concert featured jazz, brass, wind and string ensembles, interspersed with some exceptional solo performers. Over 40 musicians were showcased.
Frances Innes-Hopkins, 17played Massenet’s famous “Meditation from Thais”‘ accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra, demonstrated that she has a very bright future and a lovely technique on the violin. Aria Oram, 12, was a member of the first violins of chamber orchestra and she played her heart out and thoroughly enjoyed herself. However, the youngest performer was Candida Bowtell, 11, who accompanied beautifully on her new harp. Harriet Stubbs, 16, dazzled everyone with her dexterous pyrotechnics in her rendition of Liszt’s fiendishly difficult “La Campanella” . Other highlights included a performance of a Monteverdi madrigal by three wonderful sopranos, Harry Dadswell’s rendition of Debussy’s “La Fille aux chevueux de lin” on the piano, Claudia Parkes spell-binding performance of two Poulenc songs and the ever-popular and energetic Percussion Ensemble. Luke Allwood showed his natural ease in a jazz idiom with his piano accompaniment of Hannah O’Reilly in her performance of “Cry me a River”, which clearly demonstrated her amazing vocal range.
Bruce Grindlay, Director of Music at Christ’s Hospital said “This year the young performers that were showcased really did perform rather than just play their pieces. St John’s is a prestigious venue and as a converted church has a real sense of grandeur and austerity about it as a building that could be intimidating but provided an excellent performance experience for our musicians".
 |
ERIK SATIE INSTALLATION PROJECT
VISITORS WELCOME TO VIEW ON WEDNESDAY, 29TH MARCH
'The Erik Satie Installation Project' is a cross-curricular initiative by staff and pupils of the Music, Drama, English and Art departments, each of whom are responding creatively to the works of the late nineteenth/early twentieth century French composer, Erik Satie. The project was incepted by the School's associate composer, Paul Robinson, who was asked to compose a collection of piano pieces (solos, duets and trios), each one equivalent to the technical demands of the eight piano grades. These pieces are to be learned by the pupils and recorded for use in the installation, whilst in Art and English, creative work is being produced in response to Satie's music and the eight Robinson compositions and will be displayed all around the Theatre at Christ's Hospital. The Drama department will add some readings and live performances to reflect the themes. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to view this exciting and unusual project, which aims to appeal to a wide audience, on Wednesday, 29th March from 8.00 - 9.30pm.
DISABLED DAY CENTRE CHRISTMAS PARTY
The annual Disabled Day Centre Christmas Party organised by the Christ's Hospital Community Action Group and very kindly sponsored by Mr J K Leech, brought festive cheer to over 85 people from the local community who are elderly or disabled. Father Christmas was on hand to present gifts to all; this was followed by a traditional Christmas lunch with music performed by The Choir who sung Carols and Bell Ringing from from Middleton A Boarding House pupils. A special welcome was given to Mrs Lily Norman, the oldest guest, who is 105.
 |
 |
 |
LORD MAYOR'S SHOW
Senior Drum Major, Tom Overington, led 120 young instrumentalists in Christ’s Hospital’s Marching Band during this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show in London in November. Christ’s Hospital was founded in the City of London by King Edward VI, moving to Horsham in 1902 and the School retains many of its links with the City. Musicians always enjoy the privilege of taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show parade. This year was particularly special as the School also entered a ‘float’ into the parade, linked to the Nelson theme (2005 being a very Nelson conscious year) and in honour of Charles II who founded the Royal Mathematical School at Christ’s Hospital in order to provide navigators for the Royal Navy. Blue silk banners represented the sea, with rows of paupers, school children and sailors to show the progression from poor child on the streets being educated at Christ’s Hospital to learn navigation skills for the Navy. The ‘sea’ was also dotted with ships of various sizes, fish, mermaids and a very large whale.
 |
 |
 |
OLD BLUES ON THEIR WAY TO BECOMING YOUNGEST BRITONS TO CLIMB EVEREST
Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper(Maine B, Grecian East 98-05) have just summited Ama Dablam (6856m) in the Nepal Himalaya, probably the most important step along the way to becoming the youngest Britons to summit Everest, which they hope to attempt in April/May 2006.
In the climbing world so often dominated by older climbers it is an incredible achievement to build up this kind of experience and climb such a technical and exposed peak at their age (both 18).
 |
 |
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL TEACHER COACHES FOR ENGLAND
Dayle Kirby, who teaches English and RE at Christ’s Hospital was selected to play for the Great Britain Lions at the European Flag Football Championships in Helsinki in September and as a result has now been asked to assist the England coaching staff in the development of new players.
Dayle Kirby, who teaches English and coaches sport at Christ’s Hospital, introduced Flag Football to the pupils at the School. The game is a version of American Football (5-a-side, non-contact). His involvement has since gone from strength to strength and on 30th October 2005, he will be attending the National Football League ‘Kick Off Classic’ flag football tournament in Loughborough to assess prospective international players. On 27th November, Christ’s Hospital will host the first ever Team England Flag ‘Probables’ versus ‘Possibles’ game, providing an opportunity for the players at Christ’s Hospital to pit themselves against the country’s best.
Dayle commented “The Helsinki Championships took place over two days with participants from Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden. Great Britain did well and claimed bronze medals (third place). It was an excellent achievement for the Lions, who had previously finished seventh of fifteen in the World Championships”.
At the end of the Championships, Dayle was awarded the distinction of ‘Most Valuable Player’ for the British Team.
 |
 |
ST MATTHEWS DAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2005
Four hundred boys and girls from Christ's Hospital, in their traditional Tudor Style uniform (long blue coat, belted at waist, with matching knee breeches, yellow socks and white neck bands), and Christ's Hospitals famous 100-strong Marching Band marched through London in a magnificent parade to celebrate their City origin and links the Corporation of London and Livery Companies on Friday 23rd September.
 |
 |
 |