2008-09
Christ's Hospital GCSE Results - Summer 2009
Christ's Hospital, pupils recorded their best ever results at GCSE level this year with a record 95% of all entries being at A*, A or B grade and 80% of entries at A* or A grade.
The overall pass rate at A*-C was 99% which is particularly pleasing given Christ's Hospital's focus on the more demanding academic subjects, modern languages and science.
45 pupils from a cohort of 109 obtained all A or A* grades, with Candy Bowtell, Cerys Jenkins, and Shreya Dholokaia all achieved a clean sweep of 13 A* grades apiece, closely followed by Phoebe Hames with12 A* grades and Julia Lepla and Xenia Bond with 11 A* grades each.
The Head Master, Mr John Franklin was delighted with these results and said, 'Our GCSE pupils have done very well this year and have given themselves an excellent academic foundation on which they can build a successful programme of study at A Level and beyond.'
'We extend our congratulations to these pupils for their excellent grades and the hard work over the past year that went into them.'
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Christ's Hospital A2 Results - Summer 2009
Once again this year's A Level results were outstanding, with an overall pass rate of 100%, an A/B pass rate of just under 76% and an average UCAS points total of 314 points per pupil.
No fewer than 33 candidates, which is nearly a quarter of the group, achieved three or more A grades at A Level, while Gabriel Eve and Tim Hennock both gained five A grades at A-level. Tim, who is from Barns Green, has regularly represented the UK in international mathematics competitions and gained the rare accolade of being offered an unconditional place at Trinity college, Cambridge.
Abigail Sharp, Maya Chilaeva, Frances Scott and Harry Dienes were all awarded four A grades at A2 with Abi and Harry adding additional Maths exams to carry their individual UCAS points totals to well over 500.
Christ's Hospital is confident that with the majority of its pupils gaining or exceeding their predicted grades, it will continue to maintain its proud tradition of sending well over 90% of its leavers to top universities in the UK and abroad.
The Head Master, John Franklin said "These fine results are the culmination of a great deal of hard work by our pupils and their teachers. In such uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that so many of the pupils leaving Christ's Hospital this year have secured a place at a good university."
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Bronze Medal for CH Athlete
Christ's Hospital's Nick Ofonagoro competed in the England Athletics U17 Championships on 8th and 9th August at Bedford International Athletics Stadium finishing 6th in the final of the 100m and then achieving a PB of 13.31 in the 100m hurdles. Richard Baker, CH Sports Master said "This outstanding performance ensured he achieved a bronze medal which is all the more impressive when you consider that Nick was competing against many athletes who are a year older, the School is extremely proud of his achievement".
The CH Australia Rugby and Hockey Tour
A team of 56 pupils and eight staff (led by Sean Davy, 1st XV Coach and Organiser) has just arrived safely (21 July) in Melbourne after their long journey. They are already looking to their first games; the girls' will play Carey Grammar on Friday and the boys' teams are being hosted by Trinity on Saturday. During their visit, the party (two rugby sides and one hockey squad) hope to meet as many Old Blues and friends of CH as possible, and will be wearing their Housey uniforms on match days and special events. In all, CH plans to play 12 schools during the tour and will return home from Brisbane on Thursday, 13 August.
Match reports can be found here.
Or you can follow their progress and experiences at www.twitter.com/CHAUSTRALIA09
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Beating Retreat, Saturday, 4th July
End of term was marked by the annual Beating Retreat ceremony which is always of particular poignancy to pupils leaving Christ's Hospital. As seen today, Beating Retreat is an amalgamation of three different ceremonies.
In the walled cities of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the gates were closed at sunset with a warning sounded half an hour beforehand so that all citizens could return in time.
On ships of the Royal Navy the ensign is ceremonially lowered at sunset with everyone on deck facing the ensign and saluting whilst the Royal Marine bugler plays the bugle call.
In garrison towns the drummers traditionally paraded through the town to warn the soldiers that it was time to return to their barracks for the night (Beating Retreat). The soldiers would fall in behind the drummers to march back to their billets.
This parade of the drummers is still the central theme of the Christ's Hospital ceremony and the March Off concluded with Auld Lang Syne played as a tribute to Band Leavers.
Photographs taken at rehearsal.
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Grecians' Ball
Grecians exchanged their traditional Tudor style uniform for something more contemporary to celebrate their final night at Christ's Hospital on Friday, 3rd July. Held in the grounds of the School, each year a theme is chosen for the Grecians' Ball and this year was no exception with a French theme of Marie Antoinette with waiters and waitresses (staff and younger pupils) costumed accordingly!
Pictured is the Grecians year whole year group of 240 pupils in the Head Master's garden.
Photograph courtesy of Neil Fleming
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Parents' Day
The sun shone for Parents' Day on Sunday, 28th June and families enjoyed lunch-time picnics followed by entertainment and displays in the Quad and around the School.
Visitors were able to drop in on rehearsals for the Symphonic Concert in Big School and ended the day with tea at Boarding Houses or on the Avenue lawns.
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Brian Ashton MBE inspires young players
Christ's Hospital's young rugby players were put through their paces by coaching guru Brian Ashton MBE when the former England Head Coach (World Cup 2007) visited the school on Friday, 19th June.
During the afternoon, forty of the school's most talented athletes were given a two-hour coaching session that tested player awareness and adaptability at high pace and energy. Seb Streeting, Tour Captain for Christ's Hospital's forthcoming Australia tour, said, "Mr Ashton really made us work. I hadn't realised how much running we've done in two hours, but it was great. He keeps things simple and encourages the players to make the decisions on the field. We really enjoyed it".
In the evening, Brian Ashton was guest of honour and main speaker at the Charity Sports Dinner in Christ's Hospital's impressive Dining Hall. The event, organised by Master at the School and Guinness Premiership Referee Sean Davey, was to help raise funds to send 56 rugby and hockey players on tour to Australia this summer.
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Itchingfield Churchyard Gets Spring Clean
Over 20 pupils from Christ's Hospital's Community Action team spring cleaned Itchingfield's churchyard on two of the School's Field Days in March and last week (Thursday, 11 June).
The spring clean at St Nicholas Church, Itchingfield was instigated because this has been the final resting place of people connected with the School. For example three Head Masters, two Clerks and a number of well remembered masters.
The work has involved cleaning grave stones and generally clearing and tidying. Some of the plots linked to Christ's Hospital are now visible and identifiable for the first time for many years. As one pupil described the work "It's a mixture of archaeology and gardening. Names and inscriptions have been literally unearthed and able to be read. And it is interesting to connect some of the names with portraits in Dining Hall and other places around the School, such as music written by Cochrane and the Foundation Hymn by Upcott".
In line with the policy of the Church and Paul Hallett, who is in charge of maintaining the churchyard, the intention is to keep the country setting, well tended but with wild flowers and spring bulbs enhancing the natural environment.
Paul said "A big thank you to Jenny Williams (teacher and project leader) and all the pupils who have helped us. We've been working particularly on graves with kerb stones to generally improve their appearance and have received some very appreciative comments".
Since the project began in March, five pupils have been regularly helping and in the Autumn, it is planned to plant bulbs. This project is one of the Community Action outreach projects that involve around 100 pupils during term time run by Jenny Williams, Head of Chemistry at the School.
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Speech Day
by Mortimer Pockett, Grecian
"Speech Day is one of the most important dates in the Christ's Hospital calendar, not only is it long awaited because it's the beginning of half term for tired students and teachers but also because the Lord Mayor of London makes an annual visit.
"During the Lord Mayor's visit the school holds an inspirational service in the huge Chapel. I think it's true to say that Christ's Hospital astounds all visitors, and it's no different in a chapel service; the students thrive off the 'Foundation Hymn' (a unique song written for the school) and lift the roof with 'Jerusalem'. Then the school forms in the Quad for the March Past, eighteen houses proudly marching past the Lord Mayor performing an 'eyes right'. I was in the band as usual, playing tenor saxophone, and glad there was no breeze to snatch away my music.
"After lunch it was prize giving and speeches in Big School. I was personally looking forward to hearing the speech from Senior Grecian (Head Boy) Rodney Serunjogi. In the early days of Christ's Hospital this speech would be memorised and recited in Latin, even though this is not expected nowadays Rodney still added Latin phrases and quotes to prove his flair with languages and aptitude of public speaking.
"Another Speech Day over - not long now before my final exams and the end of term!"
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May Day Celebrations in the Quad
May Day saw dawn celebrations at Christ's Hospital when Magog Morris, Horsham's local women's morris side danced in the Quad at 6.30 am - the traditional time to welcome in the Spring.
They were joined by early-rising Grecians from the Chapel choir who sang appropriate Spring carols before kicking up their heels with the dancers for a final caper before breakfast.
Pictures (L-R):
A spring in their step: Magog Morris in the Quad
Pupils line up for early morning morris training. Photograph courtesy of Ruth Tyrrell (Col B 90-97), Old Blue and Morris dancer
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15th Visit to Lord's for Christ's Hospital's Band
The Christ's Hospital School Band is proud to be making its 15th appearance at Lord's on Friday, 8 May, where it will entertain spectators during the lunch interval of the England vs West Indies Test Match.
The Band Captain this year is Gabriel Eve and Senior Drum Major is Eugene Attalah, both aged 18. The youngest player in the 120-strong Band is twelve-year-old clarinettist Charles James-Cheesman.
Band Master, Terry Whittingham, said: "Lord's is a very prestigious engagement for the Band and we are delighted to be invited. Performing at MCC's historic ground in front of such large crowd is an excellent experience for all members of the Band".
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New Kitchen, New Chef and New Menus
The summer term started with the welcome news from the Foundation Steward's Department that the temporary kitchen has been completed on-time and within budget. This now paves the way for the major refurbishment works which need to be undertaken to the original Victorian kitchen block.
New Head Chef Kevin Whitlock arrived at Christ's Hospital last term in time to plan the final details of the move and is extremely pleased with the new set-up. "This standard of equipment allows us to spend far less time and effort on basic tasks and more on producing interesting menus," he said. "We can offer fully themed meals, for instance, and a wider range of protein-based salad options."
Kitchen fittings have been relocated into the reconditioned modular building from the old kitchens and supplemented with a range of new equipment and chilled food storage provision designed to improve the food offer and quality, operational efficiency, hygiene, staff welfare facilities and waste management.
Project Manager Robert Hardwick said, "The Steward's Department and our canteen contractors - notably GML, Wildens and CKE and their sub-contractors - worked with Chartwells (Christ's Hospital's catering contractor) and the Bursar's Department throughout the design process to ensure that the end result met everyone's requirements."
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Three more International Caps for Joe
During the Easter holidays, Christ's Hospital's rugby captain Joe Launchbury added to his tally of international caps playing in all three England games at the AER (Association Europeenne de Rugby) Tournament in France.
England's Under-18 AER side made an impressive start with a nine-try victory over Georgia (60-3) at Hyeres near Toulon on 5 April. Returning to Hyeres on 8 April, the side ensured their place in the final with a tense win over Ireland (7-0).
Having impressed against Ireland as a second-half replacement, Joe was selected for the starting line-up against France on 11 April; but England suffered defeat at the hands of their hosts after a fast and furious game ended at 19-20.
Joe said, "It was just a fantastic 10 days in a very positive and professional environment. My personal highlight was beating the Irish 7-0 and also playing the final in front of roughly 10,000 people which was a fantastic experience and atmosphere.
"The only disappointment was losing the final by a point but if we had played for another five minutes I feel we would have snatched it."
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Appointment of new Clerk and CEO of Christ's Hospital Foundation
The new Clerk and Chief Executive of the Christ's Hospital Foundation, the charity that funds Christ's Hospital School, is to be Rear Admiral David Cooke.
David's past career has been with the Royal Navy, where he commanded submarines and a frigate, before taking on such roles as Director of the Strategic Defence Review Implementation Team and Director of the Equipment Plan before becoming Fleet Commander Operations and Head of the Submarine Service.
David, who comes from a naval family, was educated at Tonbridge School prior to the Britannia Royal Naval College. He is married with three children and will join the Foundation in mid-May.
Primary Schools' Introduction Day
Primary school teachers/governors can visit Christ's Hospital on an introduction day at the school on Wednesday, 3 June. Places are limited so please contact us for an invitation.
The day is designed to establish a useful link between us and feeder primary schools who may be aware of children at their school who would like to apply for a place at Christ's Hospital.
Please telephone 01403 247407 for more information.
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Christ's Hospital Sweeps Up National Fives Titles
In the relatively little-known sport of Fives, Christ's Hospital's Colts (U16) squad achieved unprecedented success at the National Schools' Championships, held at St Paul's School between 30 March and 2 April, by bringing home the Singles, Doubles and Plate Doubles titles.
Luke Thomson (Middleton B) was victorious in the singles competition and paired up with Seb Stracey (Peele A) to win the doubles title. Robert and Adam Mathias (both Middleton A) won the plate competition.
Fives is a British sport in which gloved hands are used like a racquet to hit the ball against the walls of a special court. The name possibly derives from the slang expression "a bunch of fives". Although needing similar skills to racquet sports - Luke plays both squash and badminton, for instance, and Seb is a tennis player - Fives is a sport apart.
Luke said of his dual success: "Both finals were fantastic experiences. It feels like a great achievement to reach the highest level in any sport".
Brothers Robert and Adam have been playing Fives for three years and usually play together in doubles. "By the time we got to the final we were feeling quite confident," said Robert. "Partnering your twin is sometimes an advantage," added Adam. "But not always!"
Mr Edward Hatton, master-in-charge of Fives at Christ's Hospital, said: "To win one title is an excellent achievement. To win three is outstanding. This is undoubtedly the greatest achievement in Rugby Fives in the school's history".
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U16 Rugby - National Schools Sevens
The Christ's Hospital U16 Sevens squad had a tremendous day at the National Sevens Colts Tournament at Rosslyn Park FC on 25th March.
Coach Richard Baker said: "With 160 schools competing, to get to the 2nd knock out stage (last 16) was a tremendous achievement. On the way they beat some highly respected schools, played with good sportsmanship throughout and were a credit to the school".
Results:
Won v Monmouth 21-19
Won v Adams 38-7
Won v Yarm 43-14
Won v St Cyres 28-7
Lost v Bedford (eventual finalist) 17-7
U16 squad: Gideon Hammond (capt); Charlie Kowszun; Nick Ofonagoro; Ahmed Mshelia; Michael Davies; Louis Davies; David Adeniji; Eddi Chibundu-Campbell; Alastair Hardy; Toto Odulaja; Oscar Gush; Aidan Birch
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England cap for Joe Launchbury
Christ's Hospital's Captain of Rugby Joe Launchbury celebrated his first international cap with two tries for England's U18 AER side against Japan High Schools on Sunday, 22nd March.
Joe said: "It was my first cap and obviously scoring on your international debut was fantastic and something which will stay with me for many years to come. It was a fantastic day and to score just topped it off".
England's 50-14 win in Plymouth was confident preparation for their trip to France for this year's AER (Association Europeenne de Rugby) Tournament, involving 32 countries from around Europe. Head coach Paul Mullan says it is a team with real potential.
"It is probably the strongest group we have had for four or five years," said Mullan. "This team can attack from anywhere. There is a lot of ability in the squad. The players are already showing they can go on and have big futures in the professional game."
England's first game in the AER Tournament is against Georgia in Toulon on 5th April.
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Scots Guards join Christ's Hospital musicians for Band Concert
Review by Georgia Garrod, GE
This year's annual Christ's Hospital Band Concert, held at the school itself on the 8th March, was an especially unique one, as the School Band was joined by the regimental band of the Scots Guards.
Christ's Hospital opened the evening with a show-stopping rendition of Bach's 'Toccata in D Minor'. Candy Bowtell was the highlight of the set with her talents on the xylophone during the magnificent solo piece 'Helter Skelter'.
Then came the highly anticipated Scots Guards, led by their conductor - Major Douglas Robertson. Dressed in red regimental jackets they bombarded the audience's senses with not only their arresting clothing but also the exquisite perfection with which they played. The most notable features of their repertoire was the beautiful Wagner composition 'Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral' - seamlessly closing the first half.
Finally, the combined bands ascended the stage and began the most eagerly awaited part of the concert. Opening with 'Fantasia on British Sea Songs', the bands set themselves up for an excellent set. Through some uplifting, haunting and downright exciting pieces, the audience were brought to a marvellous pinnacle; the finale - the notorious Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture'.
It was this finale which brought the audience to its feet with rapturous applause, constituting the first standing ovation in memory, as well as two bands of great calibre who partook in a concert which is sure to remain firmly imprinted on everyone's memory.
Photographs courtesy of Julie Whittingham
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Band Performs for Stationers' and Newspaper Makers'
The 120 strong Christ's Hospital Band was given a rapturous applause following its performance in front of St Paul's Cathedral, in Paternoster Square and Stationer's courtyard for the Worshipful Company of Stationers' and Newspaper Makers' on Thursday, 5 March.
The Master of the Stationers' Company, Old Blue (former pupil of Christ's Hospital), Mr Noel Osborne, thanked the Band for their performance which was prior to a special lunch in support of education in inner London through the Stationers' Charitable Foundation.
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Surrey Cricketers Visit Christ's Hospital
The playing and coaching staff of Surrey County Cricket club visited Christ's Hospital on Tuesday 3rd March where they spent the first day of their pre-season training at the Bluecoats Sports Centre for some team bonding. The 24-strong squad were put into four groups and competed in a range of activities, including six-a-side soccer, basketball, badminton and table-tennis before attempting rowing and swimming challenges.
The Surrey cricketers and staff had lunch in Dining Hall where they signed countless autographs and talked to the pupils. They then enjoyed watching lunch parade led by the Christ's Hospital Band (well known to a number of the England players for its appearances at Lord's).
The day was put together by Master i/c Cricket, Howard Holdsworth, and the new Surrey Coach and former Sussex captain, Chris Adams, who spent thee winters coaching at the school. Chris said, "When I took over the reins at Surrey in January of this year I could think of nowhere better than spending a day at Christ's Hospital to fire up my new squad. Showing the lads the school and watching Band Parade was the perfect start to our three days of training. I am very grateful to all at Christ's Hospital for making this happen."
For a video report on the day visit Surrey County Cricket club's own website at www.surreycricket.tv
Players pictured include new Surrey Coach and former Sussex captain, Chris Adams, as well as former England players, Mark Ramprakash, Mark Butcher, Usman Afzaal, Alex Tudor and two England legends, who are now part of the Surrey coaching team, Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe
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SET Tours Sussex Open Sevens 2009 : Christ's Hospital School - Sunday 1st March
Whitgift School took the coveted SET Tours Sussex Open title by beating Cranleigh School 24-15 in a thrilling and exciting final held at Christ's Hospital on Sunday 1 March, in front of a crowd of 1000 spectators.
In the Plate Competition, the host team Christ's Hospital lost a tight final to Bridgend College from Wales 12-7, whilst SEEVIC from Essex, took the inaugural Girls' Tournament by beating Epsom College 15-12 in a tense climax, refereed by IRB Official Wayne Barnes. Meanwhile, last year's winners and pre-tournament favourites, Epsom College, lost 12-7 to Brighton College to a breakaway try in the final seconds of the match.
The day was an excellent occasion and supported well by over 2000 visitors and the regional professional clubs. Young players and children took the opportunity to talk to several professional players, such as Peter Hewitt and Faan Rautenbach from London Irish; Dan Leo and Joe Simpson from London Wasps; and Dan Hipkiss from Leicester Tigers and England. Also, local girl Becky Essex of Richmond and England Women gave her support and encouragement to all the teams. Meanwhile, the quality of refereeing was outstanding with many top officials giving of their time and experience.
With over forty schools involved, Tournament Director at Christ's Hospital Sean Davey said, "This was an excellent day and advert for youth rugby and sport in the region. All the players should be congratulated for their athletic skills and sportsmanship displayed throughout. I would like to convey my thanks and gratitude for all those that supported this event, particularly our sponsors, the professional players and referees, and all the staff and visitors that made this event such a memorable occasion".
MAIN RESULTS:
SET Tours Sussex Open Sevens Trophy Final:
Whitgift 24 Cranleigh 15
Plate Competition:
Bridgend College 12 Christ's Hospital 7
Girls' Competition:
SEEVIC 15 Epsom College 12
Follow this link for video action and interviews with visiting personalities on the day:
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A CHANCE TO RUB SHOULDERS WITH INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STARS
SUSSEX OPEN SEVENS - SUNDAY, 1 MARCH 2009 AT CHRIST'S HOSPITAL SCHOOL
Following the great success of the 2008 Sussex Open Sevens, another top event will be on Sunday, 1 March in the picturesque grounds at Christ's Hospital, the UK's leading charitable boarding school.
Boys from 32 of the top rugby playing schools in the country will compete at this year's Sussex Open Sevens, with 16 girls' teams (the fastest growing sport for girls in the country!) also joining the competition for the first time.
Among those attending will be former England players, and some of the leading Rugby officials in the country led by IRB star Wayne Barnes and other Guinness Premiership referees. Competing on the day will be a number of professional academy players and school boy/girl internationals. It is also hoped that Josh Lewsey will be attending and signing copies of his new book.
Sean Davey, Tournament Director at Christ's Hospital said "The aim of the day is to produce an event of National significance and status that exhibits some of the best Rugby talent in the country. This will be a fantastic day out and I hope the local community will come and support the Christ's Hospital team against tough competition".
Organisations sponsoring the event include Barclays, rlcm, Mercedes-Benz and principal sponsor, SET Sports Tours.
This year's event kicks off at 10.30am with full catering, music and refreshments throughout the day, plus raffle and auction with donated memorabilia including signed rugby shirts. It finishes at 4.30pm and admission is free. Families, Rugby enthusiasts and all are welcome!
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Junior Cross Country Meeting
Christ's Hospital hosted the Sussex Schools Year 7/8 Cross Country Championships on Thursday, 12 February, when thirty visiting teams and their supporters from across the county enjoyed perfect conditions: bright and cold with just the right amount of mud.
Christ's Hospital's enthusiastic teams of second and third formers ran well and the Year 8 (third form) boys deserve particular mention for all finishing between 43 and 70 (of 120) despite having just done rugby sevens!
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Annual Bluecoat Concert
The Music School put on an impressive showcase of talent at the annual Bluecoat Concert at St John's Smith Square in London in February. To a packed hall, CH pupils gave outstanding recitals covering a broad repertoire, ranging from classical pieces to jazz arrangements. There were impressive instrumentalists playing brass, woodwind and strings as well as some haunting choral arrangements.
Guests commented on the sheer skill of performers who ranged in age from just 14 years old to18 year old Grecians. Many said they continually had to remind themselves that they were listening to school pupils - difficult when the performance was of such an incredibly high standard.
Farewell to Bruce Grindlay
In his opening address, the Head Master paid tribute to Mr Bruce Grindlay, Director of Music at CH for the last eight years who is due to leave CH at the end of the school year to take up a post as Head Master of Sutton Valence School in Kent. He wished Bruce every success in his new post and thanked him for all his dedication and hard work which had brought the CH Music Department to such an outstanding level.
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How Reading Made Us Modern
English literature professor John Mullan visited Christ's Hospital for the filming of How Reading Made Us Modern, to be broadcast at 9pm, Wednesday, 11 February, 2009 on BBC Four.
Part of the BBC's Why Reading Matters week, the programme explores the dramatic increase in reading in 18th-century Britain and looks at the part played by charitable schools in turning us into a nation of book-lovers.
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"All the world's a stage"
The Stranger in Shakespeare showcased Third Form creative talents to family and friends in an evening presentation in Big School on Friday, 6 February. The project was prepared during Art, Drama, Music, English, History and Theology lessons and was performed magnificently, with every pupil playing a part.
Exploring in turn Othello, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, As You Like It and Richard III, the five Third Form sets used entertaining drama, thoughtful words, intriguing artwork and atmospheric music to express the role of 'the stranger' in each play.
The Stranger in Shakespeare was organised by the Arts Committee at Christ's Hospital which exists to provide all sorts of creative opportunities for the pupils.
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CH in the Snow
Snow is no problem for a boarding school and life at CH carried on as usual in snow-bound Sussex this week (2 February), but with plenty of time to enjoy the fun. It was a chance for a different kind of teamwork during U13 sevens rugby practice as they created a new - unfortunately temporary - front row forward.
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Blue Nights
Christ's Hospital Theatre, Friday 23rd January
Review by Mortimer Pockett, Grecian
Like a fine wine, Blue Nights at Christ's Hospital gets better every year. This unique event, which combines the talents of professional jazz musicians, teaching staff and students, is more then just a concert. The Sinatra-oriented evening was enjoyed by a capacity audience served with drinks and seated at round tables set cabaret-style.
This year, jazz trumpeter Steve Titchener, also Head of Brass at Christ's Hospital and organiser of the event, was accompanied on stage by world famous jazz saxophonist Mornington Lockett and the extremely talented Alex L'Estrange who has an endless list of instrumental skills. As an opening, the stage was bombarded with nine student saxophonists playing the Charlie Parker classic 'Donna Lee' - a piece not just technically difficult for the performers but astonishing to hear from an audience perspective.
The first set included ten songs performed by senior students and backed by a small jazz band with L'Estrange on piano, Lockett on saxophone and Titchener on trumpet. These exceedingly talented vocalists really bought back the great and loved songs Sinatra performed years ago, notably 'One For My Baby', a compelling version of 'Almost Like Being In Love' and an extremely touching performance of 'My Funny Valentine'.
The first half was bought to a close by 'The Bluebirds' (Christ's Hospital's own swing divas) with a very catchy act of Nancy Sinatra's 'These Boots Are Made For Walking', leaving the audience eager for the second half.
They were not to be disappointed. As the lights lowered again, trumpets, trombones and saxophones entered stage left with a string section on stage right. The slow Sinatra classic 'It Was a Very Good Year' suited vocalist Daniel Smith, a student in his final year at Christ's Hospital, as it had indeed been a very good musical year for him. In his Blue Nights debut he effortlessly engaged the audience with a cheeky stage presence that did indeed resemble Sinatra performances. Everything really did start swinging with songs such as 'Mack the Knife', 'Come Fly With Me', 'Leroy Brown' and 'The Lady's a Tramp'. Just when the audience thought the night was coming to a close the Christ's Hospital Gospel Choir arrived on the stage to sing 'That's Life', 'My Way' and the final song 'New York, New York'.
Astonishing, brilliant, different, just a few words that describe the night. An entertaining event that sent people of all ages home with Sinatra still on their mind.
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Who Do You Think You Are?
Fiona Bruce was filmed at Christ's Hospital last June for BBC1's series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' in which celebrities trace their ancestry.
Watch out for the programme on Monday, 9th February from 9 - 10pm when all will be revealed about Fiona's links with CH! (Also available on BBC iPlayer for seven days.)
Fives Success for Luke
Congratulations to Luke Thomson in the GE who won the Fives Colts Singles title with some outstanding play at the West of England Schools' Championships held at Sherborne School (2-4 January).
Luke also reached the semi-finals of the Doubles with partner Robert Matthias, missing out after a very close 3rd and deciding game to a strong Winchester pair. Robert was a semi-finalist in the Singles Plate as well, losing narrowly16-15 in a strongly contested match.
Good luck to all the Fives players representing Christ's Hospital in the National Schools' Championships at the end of this term.
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Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson
Press Statement: 12 January 2009 (10.00)
Staff, pupils and the wider school community at Christ's Hospital, Horsham, were shocked and saddened to learn that two past pupils, Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson, had been killed in a tragic climbing accident in the Chamonix area of the French Alps.
Rob and another past pupil of Christ's Hospital, James Hooper, were the first British teenagers to climb Mount Everest and last year they gained international recognition when they completed their extraordinary Pole to Pole expedition. James Atkinson was a good friend to both and played a key part in both ventures: he was in the support team at Everest Base Camp in May 2006 and spent a lot of his spare time helping with the organisation and running of the Pole to Pole expedition last year. Since then he has been pursuing his university studies at Durham.
Head Master of Christ's Hospital, John Franklin, said:
"Both Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson lived locally and both had brothers or sisters who went through Christ's Hospital as well. They were fine young men; quietly spoken, hugely determined and passionate about their climbing. Their deaths come as a terrible blow to us all and the only faint consolation is that they died in the mountains doing what they loved best.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families as they come to terms with their loss. Pupils and staff were informed of this tragic news at a chapel service yesterday evening as they returned for a new term."
Joe Launchbury England U-18 Rugby Success
Christ's Hospital sixth former Joe Launchbury has been named in the 30-strong England Under-18 squad to prepare for this season's AER (Association Europeenne de Rugby) Tournament in Toulon, France in April.
A second row forward, Joe impressed selectors at last weekend's Divisional Festival (2-4 January) at Moseley in Birmingham where he was part of a highly successful London and South East squad which comfortably beat the Midlands on Friday and went on to take the title with a triumph over the North (29-18) on Sunday.
Joe said: "It was a great feeling when I heard about my selection. Hopefully it will encourage younger players at school to put maximum effort into their rugby and play to the highest standard they can."
Currently Captain of Christ's Hospital's 1st XV, Joe will now begin training with the U18 AER England Squad at the end of January as it prepares for an international against Japan High Schools on 22 March.
Christ's Hospital coach Richard Baker, who has overseen Joe's progress on the rugby field since he was a promising eleven-year-old, said: "We are delighted for Joe. These are exciting times for him and those involved in rugby at the school."
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Christ's Hospital Concert
St John's, Smith Square, London
Monday, 9th February 2009, 7.30pm
This year our annual Bluecoat Concert is in the magnificent acoustic of St John's, Smith Square concert hall. Our most accomplished pupils will perform a showcase concert featuring jazz, brass, wind, vocal and string ensembles interspersed with some exceptional solo items.
Tickets: £12 (£8) Available from St John's Box Office. Telephone bookings: 020 7222 1061 Online bookings: www.sjss.org.uk
Christ's Hospital Cadets Support Help for Heroes
This term, Christ's Hospital CCF (Combined Cadet Force) took on the challenge of covering - by a variety of means! - a distance equal to that of Christ's Hospital to Ypres, and then the full length of the Western Front down to the Swiss border.
The cadets' objective was to raise several thousand pounds for Help for Heroes, which works very closely with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court near Leatherhead, to assist those returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan having paid a high price.
The Channel crossing of 22 miles equated to 1416 lengths of the school swimming pool. Pilot Officer Phil Jacques RAF VR (T), Officer Commanding RAF Section said, "We thought this would be the harder part of the day's task but miraculously it was completed in just 45 minutes by a very dedicated team of swimmers. They then proved themselves to be decidedly amphibian as they came straight out to the pitches to assist with 663 mile-long laps of the School."
Despite a steady drizzle the land section of the challenge was covered using initiative and imagination by running, marching, three-legged walking and crawling through mud. Epitomizing the determined spirit of the contingent, one of the youngest members ran 13 laps (a half marathon equivalent) while a co-cadet swam 100 lengths of the pool before running eight miles.
"I am very proud of all the cadets for their hard work and fantastic, positive attitude," said Pilot Officer Jacques. "We hope to visit Headley Court in the New Year to present our cheque to Help for Heroes and in the meantime our sponsorship site is open until January and any further donations would be very gratefully received." www.justgiving.com/chwesternfront
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Lunch Club's Christmas Celebration
Over 70 visitors who attend the monthly Lunch Club at Christ's Hospital were treated to a traditional Christmas lunch on Thursday, 11 December which was kindly supported by J. K. Leech of Leech Auto Services, Coolham.
The monthly Lunch Club, established in 1991, involves 70 - 100 elderly people, some with disabilities, who live in Horsham and the surrounding villages. It is one of the extensive activities which form part of the Christ's Hospital Community Action programme which is now in its 21st year. This programme involves over 200 Christ's Hospital students each week visiting 30 - 40 different placements in Horsham and the local district, as well as events held at the School.
In addition to a delicious Christmas lunch, there was carol singing by the Junior Choir, bell ringing from the senior pupils of Middleton A Boarding House, a raffle and quiz and to complete the festivities, a visit from Father Christmas.
Marjorie Holdsworth, organiser of the Lunch Club at Christ's Hospital said "We were delighted to welcome so many guests from a variety of organisations in the Horsham District including The Red Cross, the Henfield Self Help Group, residential care homes and individuals; special thanks to Keith Leech who steadfastly supports us. The proceeds from the raffle will be donated to our annual Community Action Project in Romania, as will the blankets that are kindly knitted by many of the group who attend our Lunch Club on a regular basis".
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Pupils Create Theatre Event to Celebrate Black History
Black History month has been celebrated across the UK for the past 30 years and, this year, Christ's Hospital pupils decided to create their own event to celebrate the achievements of the black community. Encompassing the history, fashion, music and literature related to this culture, the event was held in the Christ's Hospital Theatre on Saturday, 15th November. Grecian Rebecca Tomkins describes the evening.
"The fashion show kicked off with traditional dress, in which models wore clothes they had brought from home or made themselves during sewing room actives in the Art department. This was followed by a 'new and old' theme, with African head wraps worn with contemporary dresses from American Apparel. Completing the display were modern style clothes designed by pupil Tolu Coker who created simple hoodies and t-shirts with African style themes and logos. These were vibrantly displayed by dancing pupils modelling the clothes.
"The event continued with literature pieces based on inspirational Africans whose achievements have changed the way in which black people are perceived. These were performed emotionally and intensely by the pupils; and included Toto Odulaja's brilliant re-enactment of the life of George Washington Carver.
"Pupils then performed the music of famous black artists such as Whitney Houston, who have made us all aware of the talents of the black community. Sorrel Holliday did justice to Billie Holliday's 'Let's do it' and sang it beautifully, and our very own Senior Grecian Rodney Serunjogi performed 'Lately' by Stevie Wonder. The show closed with an amazing finale by the school Gospel Choir directed by Kwame and Marina, who sang the famous anti-apartheid freedom song, 'Weeping'.
"The event was a huge success and the £300 raised by pupils will be donated to UNAIDS, a charity which helps prevent HIV and AIDS and bring care and aid to sufferers."
Photographs courtesy of Neil Fleming
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Lord Mayor's Show
The 2008 Lord Mayor's Show will be remembered for the rain and the throngs of umbrellas that crowded the procession route says Grecian Mortimer Pockett, who completes a trilogy of reports on noteworthy appearances by the Christ's Hospital Band this term.
"The pupils of Christ's Hospital got onto a coach in the early hours of Saturday morning, 8th November, for the trip to London. We were all ready for the long day ahead of us and everyone was excited to take part in this annual show once again. The event itself is nearly 800 years old; it has taken place nearly every year and did not even stop because of the Blitz or Black Death. It was also impressively the first event to be broadcast on television.
"This year, 151 organisations took part in the three mile march but the CH Band was in pride of place in the middle of the official coaches carrying some of London's most important people. We played marches such as 'The Contemptibles', 'Blaze Away' and 'Army and Marine' and everywhere we could hear cries of 'Come on Christ's Hospital!' from Old Blues and fans of the School. It seems that everywhere Housey goes there are people who recognise the unique school uniform and exceptional Band. Even the Lord Mayor stood and applauded as the Band marched past, showing the strong relationship CH has with the City of London.
"It has been a privilege to take part in the Lord Mayor's Show for six years. Every year has been different and enjoyable. I was hoping that my last Lord Mayor's Show would be memorable; due to the appalling weather I do not think I will forget it at all!"
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Armistice Day at Christ's Hospital
Over 1500 pupils, staff and Old Blues of Christ's Hospital School, nr Horsham, marked Armistice Day and the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One with a special Service linked to Remembrance Sunday. Wreathes were laid with prayers and the sounding of The Last Post and two minutes silence. The address was by Sir Garry Johnson KCB OBE MC DSc (Hon), Treasurer of Christ's Hospital.
The Service took place in front of the War Memorials at the School. Over 3,000 Old Blues fought for their country and 370 died during this conflict, named on the memorial tablets, including two who were awarded the Victoria Cross. A group of Old Blues, known as 'The Feast of Five' were reunited when commissioned into the Royal Sussex Regiment. They enjoyed a meal together when on leave just before the Battle of Passchendaele; two subsequently lost their lives. One survivor was Lieutenant Edmund Blunden, poet and author of the 'Undertones of War'.
Following the Service at the School, hundreds of poppies were placed by pupils, staff and visitors in the Quadrangle.
The Service was just one of the events Christ's Hospital has organised over the past months to mark the 90th year. In October, the School's Band was greatly honoured to perform at The Menin Gate, Belgium and pupils visited the Ypres War Graves. In a cross-curricular project, the History, Music, English, Art and Drama Departments drew together the School's connections with WW1 in an exhibition of memorabilia from the School's museum, as well as paintings, poetry, musical compositions by the pupils who imagined themselves in the place of one of the Old Blue soldiers and a dramatic enactment of the experience of war, both from the front and at home, inspired by the letters of Vera Brittain and her correspondents.
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BBC Radio 4 Features CH Band and Pupils
BBC Radio 4's 'The Menin Gate' is scheduled for broadcast on Remembrance Sunday, 9 November at 11.45am (and is available via BBC iPlayer during the following week). The programme was recorded during the recent visit of the CH Band to Ypres and begins with the Band playing at the Menin Gate. CH pupils were interviewed about their thoughts on the Great War.
BBC listing: Mark Whitaker reports from the Menin Gate in the Belgian city of Ypres, a symbol of remembrance that, some 90 years after WWI, still has the power to affect visitors deeply.
The Last Post has been played there by local buglers every night since 1929, except during WWII, and it is the most visited site on the Western Front. The imposing memorial arch lists the names of over 50,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the Great War and have no known grave.
See a full report below on the visit of the CH Band to Ypres and the surrounding area.
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Previewing Lord Mayor's Show
Look out for the Christ's Hospital Band at the 2008 Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday, 8 November. The procession begins 11am at the Mansion House following a military flypast and continues until about 2.30pm filling the whole area between Bank and Aldwych.
The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display on the river Thames.
White Socks, White Boots: Red Face
"Rugby players and real men don't wear white socks and they don't wear white boots." That was the long-held and oft-repeated belief of Mr Sean Davey, Christ's Hospital's Head of Geography, Coach of the 1st CH XV, international rugby referee and Northerner.
What better way, then, to test his determination to raise funds for the 'Help for Heroes' Charity and Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey than to challenge him to wear the dreaded 'white boots and socks' as he refereed a special rugby match in aid of these two charities that support the medical needs of service men and women wounded during active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pupils, colleagues and friends of Christ's Hospital lost no time in pledging £1,000 to ensure Sean's embarrassment before a huge array of stars and legends from the world of rugby and sport as he ran out on the pitch at Twickenham on Saturday, 20th September in his twinkling white footwear.
Such was their enjoyment at the sight that a new challenge was set - raise another £500 for the 'Help the Heroes' Charity and Sean would wear the boots throughout this season's Guinness Premiership. This proved no problem at all and the current total raised stands just shy of £3,500.
Christ's Hospital has a strong tradition of military links and many of Sean's former pupils and friends are, or have served recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan: he himself used to hold a TA commission. Sean said: "I may not look delighted holding my white boots but in truth I am very happy to wear them as a mark of support for our Forces men and women who have already 'done their bit'".
If you would like to add your support (and read the needling comments of Sean's friends) then visit Justgiving.com/seandaveyinwhiteboots
And look out for the white boots on the pitch!
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Commemorating the end of World War One
A series of events has been planned in 2008 to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of WW1. The events aim to honour all those who lost their lives in the Great War and particularly Old Blues.
Band Plays at Menin Gate
On Monday 6 October, 100 pupils in the CH Band were greatly honoured to have the opportunity to perform at the Menin Gate in Belgium before the daily sounding of The Last Post. The exhortation ("They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old") was delivered by Old Blue Major General Patrick Stone and was followed by the presentation of a wreath commemorating all of the Old Blues who died in conflict and particularly the nineteen who are listed on the Menin Gate.
This moving event was watched by over 1000 visitors and was a special occasion for them, and for the Band, as Grecian Mortimer Pockett describes:
"The tour of Ypres for the Christ's Hospital Band was enormously successful. The Band arrived in the city in the early afternoon after a long journey from Horsham. Yet all the pupils were excited and privileged to play at the famous Menin Gate.
"Thousands of soldiers passed through the Menin Gate between the years of 1914-1918; Ypres was a place where frontline soldiers could get well-deserved rest for short periods of time. Due to the high number of losses from British and Commonwealth armed forces the Menin Gate seemed a fitting place to have a memorial built.
"Sadly, there are over 90,000 graves that are unidentified and some soldiers were not even found. The Menin Gate itself towers above the surrounding buildings and is filled with the names of these men. The Band realised how important this ceremony would be to the many spectators at the service and with this in mind CH gave it their all to bring remembrance to the brave men who fell in the Great War.
"At 19.15 we played at the front of Cloth Hall (an impressive museum about the First World War and how Ypres was connected). The Band played pieces such as 'Dambusters', 'Pathfinders' and 'The Great Escape' and this short concert left spectators astounded, it was such an unusual spectacle to have a marching band playing in front of the Cloth Hall. Once the concert was over the Band marched to the Menin Gate playing 'Wellington' and 'It's a long way to Tipperary' (a well known march from the Great War).
"Halting at the Menin Gate we formed a semi circle to perform the remembrance service. With an Old Blue taking the service there could not have been a better time for the CH Band to perform. Bandmaster Terry Whittingham brought us to attention as the Last Post was played by the Ypres Buglers. We then played 'The Day Thou Gavest', 'Crimond', 'Jerusalem' as well as many others before finishing with 'Sussex by the Sea'.
"There was a huge round of applause from the audience and every member of the Band felt proud about taking part in this unique ceremony."
Photographs courtesy of Neil Fleming
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Tour of Ypres area
On the following day, Tuesday 7th October, the CH pupils were guided around the Ypres area to the battlefield site of Polygon Wood and Sanctuary Wood Museum, Trenches and Cemetery. Mortimer concludes:
"This was followed by a visit to Langemark German War Cemetery and finally to Tyne Cot Cemetery where there are three Old Blues graves and ten Old Blues names on the memorial walls. At this cemetery the Band held a moving service to pay respect to the Old Blues and the many other soldiers that lost their lives.
"Overall the trip to Ypres was hugely successful. It was a new, different experience for the Band and one that will not be forgotten by anyone."
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CCF Inspection
On Thursday, 2 October the formal inspection of Christ's Hospital's CCF unit was conducted by General Sir Garry Johnson, KCB, OBE, MC. Sir Garry served in the Army until 1994 in a variety of roles, from infantry officer on active service to Commander-in-Chief of NATO Forces in Northern Europe.
Cadets' standard of dress and drill for the main parade was excellent while their various field activities later in the day were also of a very high standard. Sir Garry praised the good work being done in the CCF and particularly complimented the new Contingent Commander, Major Claire Bowen.
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Horsham District Food Festival Special
Christ's Hospital teamed up with Horsham and District's Food and Drink Festival on Tuesday, 30 September to combine delicious locally produced food and fine music.
A ploughman's lunch, supplied by Westons Farm Shop, Itchingfield, was enjoyed by over 100 guests during a superb performance by pupils in the School's Chamber Orchestra, the Wind Group and the Brass Band, under the baton of Tim Callaghan, Head of Strings at Christ's Hospital.
The Horsham and District's Food Festival is an annual event with an extensive programme over a month providing local businesses and producers with an opportunity to showcase their produce. Westons Farm Shop, a farm on the Christ's Hospital Estate, supplied home cooked ham, Olde Sussex Cheese, home baked bread along with locally grown apples and Sussex Farmhouse chutneys. www.westonsfarmshop.co.uk
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St Matthew's Day
Report by Mortimer Pockett, Grecian
It was an early start for the Choir, Band, Deputy Grecians and Grecians on the 19th September to go to the annual St Matthew's Day March.
A fact that no CH pupil can deny is the pride one feels when marching through the busy streets of London. Passers-by stop, workers come to a standstill, heads are turned in numerous cars and even the office workers in towering buildings are pulled to the windows to catch a glimpse of the unique parade.
The band, led by Terry Whittingham, took the pupils and spectators to St Andrew's Church playing pieces such as 'Punjab', 'Glorious Victory', 'The Contemptibles' and 'Light of Foot'. Once at the church a brilliant sermon was presented by Reverend Canon Dr Jane Hedges. The service itself was inspirational; the choir sang 'Zadok the Priest' which was very moving and as soon as the opening chords to 'The Foundation Hymn' started the CH pupils lifted the roof.
The parade then continued onto the Guildhall where everyone was to meet the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman David Lewis, and be presented with a Largess each. As the band played 'Sussex by the Sea', the remaining pupils marched into the tremendous building. It is always a pleasure to meet the Lord Mayor of London and when in his speech he mentioned how happy and proud he was to have CH back in the city the pupils could not be happier.
Even though it was a last march for some (myself included) there is still the knowledge that CH pupils will carry on the brilliance of the parade in the future.
Mortimer is a tenor saxophonist in the Christ's Hospital Band
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Statement by Christ's Hospital Foundation
Christ's Hospital Foundation has announced that its Clerk and Chief Executive, Paul Tuckwell will be leaving the charity in November.
During his time at Christ's Hospital Mr. Tuckwell, a former senior banker in the City of London, guided the Foundation through the initial period of substantial change in its governance and organisational structure and introduced a simplified committee structure for the trustee body. He has been instrumental in establishing a new Medium Term Financial Plan and led the initial stage of an ongoing review of the Foundation's Investment Strategy.
Thanking Mr. Tuckwell for his contribution, the Treasurer of Christ's Hospital said:
"Paul has helped us enormously by leading some key reforms using the skills he gained from his financial background. He now feels that it would more appropriate for a new appointee to take on the implementation phase of the Plan he helped create. We wish him the very best in his next endeavours".
Outstanding Examination Performances
Congratulations to CH pupils Hanita Dadswell and Poppy Kibble who achieved some of the highest overall marks in the GCSE Art And Design in the summer 2008 examinations. According to Edexcel, the UK's largest awarding body, both Hanita and Poppy were amongst the top ten of 36294 entries in the country.
Christ's Hospital was also delighted to win this year's Good Schools Guide A Level Awards for both Boys and Girls taking Archaeology at A Level at an English Independent School. The aim of the Awards is to highlight excellent teaching in individual subjects.
Eating Healthily at Christ's Hospital
Making healthy food choices has never been more important, which is why Christ's Hospital students gathered on Friday, 5th September 2008 for a series of nutrition workshops given by staff from school catering company, Chartwells.
The aim of the lectures, tailored for different age groups (11-13, 13-16 and 16-18) was to ensure that the pupils understand more about how to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and eating foods from all the food groups in the correct proportions. Older pupils also learned about the importance of vitamins and minerals.
Each session ended with a team quiz in which the pupils were tested on what they had learned, before taking part in a smoothie-making challenge.
Chartwells' Student Nutritionist Danielle Bretherton, who ran the session, said: "We've had a fantastic morning - the children were so engaged and interested in the activities. We hope that when they next visit the Tuck Shop they won't go straight for the bags of sweets but will look at other - more healthy - snacks they could buy!"
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