Malvern View, Issue 14, Autumn 2012

MALVERN VIEWIssue 14 | Autumn 2012 www.malcol.org

Paragliding in the Alps

Antony ClarkHeadmaster

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We have had a most productive term at Malvern, as you will see when you turn the pages of this colourful termly publication. The tapestry of life here and the engagement of our pupils in a range of activities is clear for all to see and the Malvern View is, ultimately, an eclectic overview of some of the features of the past few months, along with some of the innovations in the College. I hope you enjoy reading it.

May I wish you all a very happy Christmas and an exciting 2013.

Impressive examination results at Malvern

Malvern was delighted with the results achieved by its pupils in the public examinations this summer.

This year we were able to announce some of our best results ever in the International Baccalaureate where pupils recorded a staggering average point score of 37.7. Forty-six candidates performed outstandingly, scoring 40 or more, with William Law (OM SH) achieving the rare distinction of the maximum 45 points. Similarly our A level candidates excelled, with 76% of entries awarded A*- B grades. The pass rate at A*- E grades was 99%. Nathan King (OM No.5) excelled, gaining an A* in all four of his A level subjects. We were also delighted with this year’s GCSE results where the Hundred achieved 63% A*- A and a figure of 36% at A*. 16 pupils gained at least 8 A*s. Aaron King (SH) achieved 14 A*s. The A*-C pass rate was 97%.

Joe Gauci, Deputy Head: Academic

One year old this year“The Malvern College Parents’ Society celebrates its first anniversary this year,” writes Angela Waller. “We are still finding our feet but have arranged a number of events including theatre trips, Christmas shopping, a pre-Christmas Carol Service coffee morning, a walk on the Malvern Hills, a Burn’s Night celebration and Hockey, Rackets and Badminton clubs. We have helped to co-ordinate parents’ involvement in the Malvern College Careers Evening and run the bar and refreshments at school plays. Unsurprisingly, however, our most successful event has been simple suppers in the Gryphon Room which bring us together and which we have all enjoyed.” Cliff Poultney, the Society Chairman is delighted with the support the Society has received so far and encourages parents to make contact.

Angela invites Malvern College parents to contact the society secretary, Keren Milton if they have ideas for the society or if they would like to join or help run any of the events in which it is involved.

Cliff Poultney, MPS Chairman Keren Milton, MPS Secretary e: [email protected] e: [email protected]: 07870 135679

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Two Remembrance services were held at Malvern College in conjunction with The Downs Malvern preparatory school.

The first service, attended by members of the Preparatory School and the College’s lower years, included readings from the poetry of Laurence Binyon, Moina Michael and Siegfried Sassoon. The Preparatory School Choir and the College’s Chamber Choir sang and the Headmaster of The Downs Malvern, Mr Sam Cook, gave the address. The second service followed the Act of Remembrance. The address was given by

Remembrance 2012

Refurbishment of the Grindrod FountainMalvern College has refurbished the Victorian water fountain which now forms part of the private garden at Ellerslie House. Unveiling the fountain in June this year, the Headmaster was very pleased to welcome distinguished local civic leaders amongst whom were the Mayor, Councillor Ian Hopwood, Dr John Harcup, formerly the College’s Medical Officer and now Chairman of the Malvern Spa Association, and Mr Dudley Brook, President of Malvern Civic Association. Grindrod’s Fountain was originally part of the grounds of Townshend House (now the College’s Music Department), which was built by the eponymous Dr Grindrod, a leading light in the Water Cure movement of the mid-19th century. The restoration work has been carried out by the College in consultation with Malvern Civic Society and the Malvern Spa Association who jointly provided the commemorative plaque.

Allan Walker, Commercial Director

Lt Col S G Donaldson RA.The Act of Remembrance, led by Antony Clark, took place

around St George. Some 1400 pupils, staff and guests fell silent in the sunshine as the Last Post was played by buglers from the tower. Wreaths were laid by the senior pupils of The Downs Malvern: Charlotte Hayman and Charlie Hickman; the College’s Senior Chapel Prefect, Philippa Vandome; and Sir Stephen Browne GBE on behalf of the Malvernian Society.

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New uniformThis year Malvern College marks 20 years of co-education and to celebrate this we have redesigned our girls’ Lower School uniform. The new design has come from extensive consultation with our pupils, their parents and our staff, and we are really pleased with the result. The review process has been a useful one to us all and we have enjoyed the many modelling sessions!

Our new uniform is designed to incorporate the traditions of Malvern College, reflected in the colours and in the school crest on the blazers, but we also wanted to design clothes that were practical and smart with a modern look. We are receiving very positive feedback from parents and their daughters, which we hope indicates that the uniform is as much a credit to the College as the girls are themselves. Our thanks go to the Working Group which has enabled us to launch this project so successfully.

Sarah Angus, Deputy Head: Pastoral

Volunteering at the OlympicsDuring the summer Sue Johnson, who works as a nurse at the Malvern College Medical Centre, signed up as a volunteer at the rowing and canoeing venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games at Eton Dorney. As a member of the Venue Communication Team and working alongside the senior venue management, the Police and Army, the volunteers were the ‘glue’ in the support team, making sure that the venue functioned efficiently. Sue says, “We were a group of twenty in our section from a variety of backgounds, but all of us with a great ‘games spirit’. I like to think that my home made cakes helped the bonding process!”

“Overall it was wonderful, busy, and immensely satisfying to feel part of the essential support that made the Games such a great occasion for all, for competitors and spectators alike.


This has been a very busy and successful period for the Combined Cadet Force, with the Marines section competing in the Pringle Trophy, and 115 members of the CCF deployed on a 36-hour exercise to the Brecon Beacons. Members of the RAF completed a Method of Instruction weekend and the Army section put in a very successful team performance at the Regional Military Skills Competition. This outstanding team won the overall competition for the best CCF, regaining the trophy for Malvern. Well done to Natalie Kingdon (No.6), Andrew Hawkins (No.9), Helen Lamport (No.4), Alice Paterson (No.4), Julia Bijl (EH), Amy Elias (No.3), Nancy John (No.4), Florrie Mayo (No.3), Maisy Titterton (No.4), Jemima Wilson (No.4), and especially to Rory Hopkinson (No.2) who led them.

WO 2 Jonathan Nichols,School Staff Instructor

All in a week’s work for the CCF

Thames Diamond Jubilee PageantVictoria, Tanya and Julia James were lucky to meet the Duchess of Cambridge as she greeted those gathered to watch the arrival of the Royal Party at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant this summer. Julia (OM, No.8), Victoria (Upper Sixth, No.8) and Tanya (Foundation Year, No.4), were thrilled to have been on the route chosen for the Duchess and felt honoured to have had the opportunity to meet her.

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HOUSE LIFE HOUSE LIFE HOUSE LIFE HOUSE LIFE HOUSE LIFE


Ian McEwan at the Cheltenham Literature Festival‘Literature is a life-long conversation and I discovered that through writing I could be part of this conversation’, was Ian McEwan’s reply when asked if he had always wanted to be a writer by Charlotte Hayman (the Head Girl of The Downs Malvern). In October Malvern College was privileged to be the sponsor for this novelist’s inspirational talk at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Author of Atonement, Enduring Love and the Booker Prize-winning Amsterdam, he was there to promote his latest spy novel Sweet Tooth. He also spoke about the role of literature in schools, commenting on his astonishment at how York Notes knew him better than he knew himself, and gave

Painting in numbersThe paint-balling trip on a Sunday out this term for the boys of No.5 was a huge success as all year groups mixed and joined forces. There was a super atmosphere amongst the troops all dressed in camouflage boiler suits; they crawled around the woodland floor for the best part of three hours. Good fun was had by all and the day was rounded off with a delicious BBQ in the private side garden under the watchful eye of Ludo, our 5-month-old labradoodle!

Tom Newman, Housemaster No.5

advice on the art of writing. He then went on to explain that, for him, writing and reading novels opens up a ‘chink of consciousness.’

He struck us all as a hugely compelling speaker with a broad understanding both outside and within the world of literature. Either because he sparked an interest in his new novel, or inspired us to pursue a career in literature, both teachers and pupils went away from this wonderful day with something very valuable.

Lydia Thurlow (No.8)




Spooky newsAt Halloween the girls of No.3 took the opportunity to dress up and have some fun. As darkness fell and Hall ended, we allowed them to go ‘trick or treating’ around each other’s rooms. They even found a hideous old witch on the Private Side!

Fiona Packham, Housemistress No.3, Chemistry

England’s TWENTY20 captain, Stuart Broad, brings cricket, and a bit of sunshine, to the Cheltenham Literature Festival

Stuart Broad, new biography

The Cheltenham Literature Festival in October takes place a while after we have hung up our cricket boots at Malvern, so the prospect of the three of us, Tom Köhler-Cadmore (No.5), Liam Smith (No.5) and me meeting this talented bowler, the England TWENTY20 captain, was very appealing. We had a short time with him before he made his presentation and then we were able to learn more about him and the story of his

rise to fame through cricket from his presentation. Each of us felt that it had been a privilege to be there and are inspired to work hard at our cricket next season so that we can get the England selectors interested!

Chris Harwood (No.5)

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Arts Day – absorbed in the ArtsOver 160 children from various preparatory schools took part in a lively and inspiring day of Art, Drama and Music held at Malvern in September. The pupils had just a few hours in one of three Arts disciplines to prepare for an exhibition or a performance at the end of the afternoon. In Drama they worked with Director of Drama, Keith Packham, to make masks, and prepare scenes from human life as seen through the eyes of animals. In Music, a group of singers worked very hard on a variety of songs and the musicians in the orchestral workshop practised two pieces for performance under the direction of the new Head of Brass, Woodwind & Percussion,

Hands-on scienceThis summer we invited The Elms, Beaudesert Park and The Downs Malvern preparatory schools to take part in a ‘hands-on’ science day at Malvern.

In Chemistry the pupils were treated to howling jelly babies and canon fire – both are fast redox reactions with the excitement of plenty of flames and loud bangs! The acid-base chemistry was nicely covered by making an effervescent rainbow in burette and a colour changing mysterious mix of alkali with solid carbon dioxide subliming nicely over the top of the flask. The pupils struggled to believe their eyes as our Old Nassau clock reaction turned from colourless to orange then, a few breaths later, black!

Pupils were then able to do some experiments themselves involving reactions producing heat (exothermic) and getting cold (endothermic), colour changes and also the usual competition of who can make the best rainbow in a test tube!

The pupils from Beaudesert Park spent most of the day with us and, after their Chemistry session and a quick refreshment break, they moved on to Physics where their challenge was to build the sturdiest and most stylish lighthouse, using newspaper for the structure and electrical circuits to provide the light. The pupils set to work with enthusiasm and gusto, coming up with some amazing designs. Sadly we couldn’t test them out on any passing ships, but we had built up a good appetite for lunch!

Dr Natalie Watson, Head of Chemistry

Edward Swindell. A challenging study in Cubism had been set by Director of Art, Tim Newsholme, for the visiting artists.

At the end of the afternoon the singers, led by Director of Music, Iain Sloan, and supported by some of our senior pupils, opened the concert with a lively range of songs from unison to three parts, and the Drama presentations, which delighted the audience, followed. The artwork was displayed in an impressive gallery and the concert ended with a performance by the orchestra and, very fittingly, a piece called the Malvern College Boogie!


Merit System“There is no such whetstone, to sharpen a good wit and encourage a will to learning, as is praise,” said Roger Ascham. Our experience at Malvern is just this, that praise is vital in encouraging pupils to want to make the effort to meet the targets they set for themselves both academically and in many other areas.

A new reward system at Malvern now officially acknowledges non-academic as well as academic positive behaviour. The former can be for effort, team spirit, foresight, helpfulness, or in consideration for others or, for example, contributing to the community in general, and the latter is acknowledged by the awarding of Commendations or Merits at the appropriate level of academic achievement. A pupil may gain Merits alone to gain a reward, or can be rewarded for a combination of Merits and Commendations. At the end of the academic year, the Headmaster hosts a Cena Meritorium for the fifty pupils who have achieved the highest number of merits over the year.

Pupils in all year groups have received the new rewards system warmly and staff enjoy having the opportunity to officially acknowledge their good behaviour. A good outcome for all.

Sarah Angus, Deputy Head: Pastoral

Left to right: Anna Kempe, Alys Marr, Charlie Barnfather, Maitie Wright (all of No.3)

Left to right: George Eldridge (No.9) and Julien Weiss (No.9) with Henry

Vincent Hoursch – a young man with a bright future!

When Vincent first arrived at Malvern College he felt that his future might lie in Finance Management. Everything seemed to be going to plan but when he started working on a few ideas for his Design and Technology IB course the proverbial spanner was cast into the works. His major contemporary design project was to combine light and message making to convey conceptual puns. This has enormous potential for future applications and he has already been approached to reproduce his design.

Vincent’s passion for design was well and truly ignited at Malvern and, it seems, there is no stopping him. He is now studying Product Design at St Martin’s College, University of the Arts, London and we expect great things of him in the future.

Darren Stokes, Head of Design & Technology

Sixth Form pupil Joanna Gibb (No.3) has relocated a lost water feature for the Malvern Spa Association. She remembered that the well was in the grounds of Hillstone, her old school.

“We all knew it was there”, says Joanna, “but we were forbidden from going near it as it posed a danger to us. Now it is very nice to know that we have preserved a piece of Malvern’s history in re-establishing this well on the lists held by the Association.” The water feature will be restored and will be named in Joanna’s honour.

Joanna’s well

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Mapmaking from memoryEarly maps like the Mappa Mundi, Ptolemy’s map and Medieval maps in general, reflect the mapmakers’ experience of the world that surrounded them and the accuracy of these maps depended upon the mapmaker’s ability to recall the detail of their experiences. At the beginning of the Autumn term the new FY geographers set about a similar task when they were asked, from recall, to draw up a map of the school campus after just a few weeks’ experience of getting themselves around the school. Unsurprisingly there was some considerable variation – the point, of course of the exercise.

Nichola Cage, Acting Head of Geography

UN master class in LondonNineteen Malvern College ‘ambassadors’ attended the London United Nations master class in International Relations, Economics and Politics. The UN adviser to David Cameron hosted the event and praised the Malvern contingent for their intelligence, excellent debating skills and perceptive questions. Our pupils stepped up to discuss solutions to the global energy crisis and to nuclear defence; they did well enough for it to be suggested that with such talent and enthusiasm for debating Malvern should be considered for hosting the Model United Nations competitions in the future.

Dr Math Harris, Classics, IB and CAS co-ordinator

No.9 reunionOver 60 former members of House No.9 attended the reunion in September. Three former Housemasters Nigel Stewart (1974 - 86), Bill Denny (1986 - 1998) and Robin Lister (1998 - 2006) were there to meet them, so too were former House tutors David Matthews and Rob Winwood. At the Chapel Service Nic Dent, current Head of No.9 and the fourth in the family line to have belonged to the House, delivered the reading from the Gospel. Lunch was held in the Gryphon Room which was, for many of the visiting OMs, the swimming pool during the time they were at school. “It was a tremendous day,” said Syd Hill, Secretary to the Malvernian Society, “and a great opportunity to link the past with the present.” Left to right: Paul Wickes, Michelle Wickes, Christina Denny, Nigel Stewart, Bill Denny,

Sheila Stewart, Robin Lister, Debbie Lister


If anyone tells you that paragliding is not one of the best experiences of your life then don’t believe them. Paragliding in the Alps at Chamonix is just something else. I have always had a passion for extreme sports and this was such a sensational experience.

The first day of the course for me, was possibly the best. I was fortunate enough to take part in a tandem flight with one of the instructors on the first morning before having even seen a paraglide up close. After this there was some seriously hard work involved learning the art of ‘gonflage’ – inflating

Staff Profile: Jonathan Nichols, School Staff Instructor WO2John joined Malvern College in 2008 after a distinguished career in the Forces (Rifles). Keen to put down some firm family roots after numerous moves with the Army, and yet still maintain a career that involved the things he enjoyed the most John found his ideal job at the College (luckily for Malvern). Using his experience of leadership and management he has been instrumental in the successes of the CCF and the development of the cadets, as well as members of the teaching staff. Whilst helping to develop a positive attitude within the CCF, John has found time to continue his own personal development and has recently graduated with a Higher in Leadership and Management as well as continuing to expand his portfolio of Adventurous Training qualifications.

LIKES: Shooting, outdoor pursuits, sport, naval re-enactments and fund raising for good causes

DISLIKES: Inflexibility and people who are unwilling to think outside the box.

the wing. We had to practise the use of the brake to control the pitch and roll of the wing that would ensure a smooth take-off. All of the hard work though, led to an unbelievable experience. Equipped with radios so that we would be contactable in flight, we headed up to Les Houches – to the take-off point.

There was a definite sense of nervousness in the group as Charlie Borrell (No.7), the first to go, prepared for his take-off. We stood and waited silently watching, and with a great sense of relief, saw him soar off into the distance. On that day we each

completed our first solo flight. Our final flights, from a greater height, gave us the unforgettable sight of the summit of Mont Blanc and its glaciers at one thousand metres above Chamonix. It was unbelievable.

I would never have had the chance to take part in this course if it were not for an extremely generous donation from the Cwm Llwch expedition fund. It was a tremendous experience and I would like to thank all involved for organising and running the trip.

Henry George (No.2)

Paragliding report

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House Singing Competition“I am very proud of the No.6 girls,” said Housemistress, Vanessa Young, after they were proclaimed winners of this year’s House Singing Competition held at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. No.6 won the trophy with Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror, arranged and directed by Daniela Tesfaye. Daniela was assisted by Anne-Laure de Cuyper and 30 girls took part in the winning performance. No.2 was the highest placed boys’ House and was awarded the Tims Trophy. Adjudicating was Mr Jonathan Kingston, Director of Music of Bromsgrove School, who did an admirable job giving helpful advice as well as plenty of positive encouragement. Congratulations to all those who took part and put in many hours of rehearsal to ensure the evening was a great success.

Iain Sloan, Director of Music

Concerto concertAt this year’s Concerto concert all six of our soloists acquitted themselves extremely well, enjoying the opportunity of performing with a professional orchestra. The evening opened with Charlotte Barnfather (No.3) playing the 2nd movement from Mozart’s 3rd Horn Concerto. Aaron King (SH) followed with an accomplished performance of Chamninade’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra and our first singer of the evening was Tom Fayle (No.5) who entertained with a rousing performance of Non piu andrai from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. Nathan King (No.5) took up his violin to play a movement from Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. Next there was more Mozart with an infectious performance of Rondo in A major for Piano and Orchestra given by Jennifer Liu (EH). The finale of the concert was performed by Caroline Meinhardt who sang a recitative (E pur cosi) and aria (Piangero la sorte mia) from Handel’s Julius Caesar. This was a fittingly fine last performance from a singer who has given so much to the musical life of the College. Congratulations to all the performers who were at their very best in this most enjoyable concert.


Footprints charity concertMalvern College has raised over £800 for Footprints, a charity which runs an orphanage in Sri Lanka. The charity caught the imagination of some of our musicians who gave fine performances at a concert on the first Sunday of term to raise funds for the children. Well done to Aaron King for his organisation and planning of the event and also to those who performed with him in the concert – Kate Arnold (No.3), Robert Porter (SH), Harry Rees (No.5), Cezar Rugasira (SH), Zoe Vanezis (EH) and Kathryn Withnall (No.3) from the College and Aaron’s brother Nathan (OM No.5) who now studies at the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff.


Left to right (back): Aaron King (SH), Nathan King (No.5), Thomas Fayle (No.5)

Left to right (front): Jennifer Liu (EH), Charlotte Barnfather (No.3), Caroline Meinhardt (No.8)


The Foundation Year hill walkThe annual Foundation Year hill walk takes place at the very start of the school year; before the rest of the school arrive back for the Autumn term. On a perfect day almost 80 pupils covered the distance from Gullet Quarry to the Worcestershire Beacon and in very good time. There is nothing quite like being out on the Malverns on a beautiful day, in fact it is quite a privilege. All were in good spirits and their effort was rewarded with a barbecue on their return to school.

Justin Major, i/c Outdoor Pursuits, Modern Languages

FY Field DayField Day at Malvern was traditionally inspection day for the CCF but we now combine the day with additional activities some of which are undertaken outside school. Typically these are activities which offer pupils new experiences, like the day of Outdoor Pursuits Justin Major organised for the Foundation Year at Upton Warren.

The morning dawned wet and dreary but our 96 pupils were raring to go!

They took part in a range of activities including archery, land-based rope courses – low and high, and a selection of canoeing and sailing activities. They did a fantastic job, defying the elements and enjoying an excellent day. All should be commended for their positive approach and willingness to get stuck in! It certainly bodes well for the FY Lakes Expedition coming up in May of next year.


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The Duke of Edinburgh

AwardThe Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award programme is a challenging commitment for the pupils who take part. Five sections have to be completed in all, one of which is the expedition which for the majority of participants, is the part which remains in their memories.

The expedition training takes place during the Autumn term and the first practical test of the pupils’ abilities took place in October when one qualifying group and three practice groups went to Dartmoor. The new recruits soon found out that map reading on the moor is more challenging than it is in Mr Wastie’s Biology lab, and that pitching tents in the rain is never as much fun as you think it will be.

Going for gold

Bronze award The Cotswolds and The Long Mynd, both tried and tested DofE locations, were used for the Bronze award expeditions for two groups of Remove pupils this year. In March, the cooling temperatures and damp conditions did nothing to quell the excitement of the 30 pupils, and they didn’t fare much better in the English summertime for the second expedition in June! All thirty pupils succeeded in their expeditions and even made it back in time for supper in Houses.

In March we headed to the Lake District where, after a couple of training days, the participants were on their own with just their map, compass and navigational skills to rely on. Staff were, however, never far away and several checkpoints were set up each day, to make sure they were on the right track!

In June the qualifying expedition was to Snowdonia. This was the culmination of all those months of hard work and dedication, and would prove to be a test not just

of our pupil’s practical skills but of those qualities which are most valued on DofE: stamina, team spirit and determination. The weather was not on our side, with the participants having to endure driving rain and wind, but they displayed remarkable resilience, application and good spirits in the face of what was a very challenging venture indeed. All groups were successful and can be very proud of their significant achievements.

Justine Ehlers,DofE Co-ordinator, English


The Dukeof Edinburgh

Award

DofE Gold, canoe tripSeven pupils left Fort William this summer aiming to cross Scotland, by canoe, in four days. There was heavy rain at the start and the team had to endure mixed weather conditions throughout, but a late paddle to a wild camp on Loch Ness was exciting and well achieved. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the expedition especially as it followed a very long hard day on the water. The team was elated to arrive at the final lock at Inverness, which looks out on to the North Sea, their four- day journey behind them! Everyone worked well together throughout the experience showing great unity in some challenging conditions. Particular mention should be made of Ben Chandler (No.5) who completed the journey solo. Well done to all involved: Jessica Coulman (No.4), Rebecca Raby-Smith (No.4), Amy Cooke (No.8), Emily Gray (No.6), Holly Makin (No.8), Alice Quinn (No. 4) and Ben Chandler.


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‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar

The Foundation Year play this year was American novelist Louis Sachar’s adaption of his book written in 1998: Holes. Staged at the end of one of the wettest Summer terms in recent memory, the irony of presenting a play set in the hot and arid Texan desert was certainly not lost on the audience. Fate, however, had decreed that the first night performance would take place on a balmy summer’s evening, in the temporary theatre created in a marquee on the Grub Lawn. Directed by Keith Packham and assisted by Rosalind Lawton, the play effectively carried the audience from the past to the present day with cleverly crafted projections and soundtrack.

This outdoor production, which brought the curtain down on another academic year, had a magical quality. All of the 25 actors played their parts well and demonstrated that Malvern has a wealth of dramatic talent on which it will be able to draw in the future.

Keith Packham, Director of Drama


The Shakespeare Schools’ Festival: ‘Julius Caesar’The annual Shakespeare Schools’ Festival took place at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. This year’s abridged production was Julius Caesar, a 30-minute piece of drama that would transport the audience to a world of

The Malvern College Dramatic Society

The Society was formed by the Director of Drama to provide a final showcase production for members of the Upper Sixth who, during their time at the College, have been ‘leading lights’ on the stage of the College’s Rogers Theatre.

‘Daisy Pulls it Off’ by Denise Deegan

As the first seven weeks of the Autumn term drew to a close, the Malvern College Dramatic Society administered a wonderfully timely tonic for all pupils, parents and staff, serving up a real eve-of-half term hoot!

Denise Deegan’s riotous and affectionate pastiche of the classic girls’ school story was a huge West End hit in the 1980s. Set in the 1920s the play conjures up a boarding school world of midnight feasts, morning dips, dorm fights, nail-biting hockey matches and class bullies, as well as hidden treasure, a daring cliff top rescue, a mysterious Russian émigré and a long-lost father.

As the strains of ‘Jerusalem’ reverberated around the Theatre, and Daisy (Hannah Baynham, No.4) delivered her final rousing speech, the rapt audience demonstrated their great enjoyment of the production and their appreciation for the company of actors and actresses.

Keith Packham, Director of DramaLeft to right: Hannah Baynham (No.4) and Alys Marr (No.3)

violence, superstition, betrayal and civil war.

Malvern’s cast of Remove players was strong; they worked well together becoming different characters seamlessly – one moment a servant,

another a senator, another, collectively, an angry mob. This production was dynamic and innovative with some truly outstanding performances and some fantastic visual achievements.

Rosalind Lawton, Drama Assistant

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Science Photography Competition Over the last year budding professional photographers have taken and selected a range of stunning pictures. The last competition was the fourth in succession and as usual those entering were invited to submit photographs that related in any way to the theme of Science. More than 130 entries were submitted and the overall standard was very high.

As well as simply taking photographs those entering the competition were encouraged to think carefully about their subject matter and the composition of their images. They were also invited to use modern digital processing and editing techniques such as picture cropping and altering colours and shades and thus pupils were able to develop and improve their own ICT skills.

The winning senior entry was ‘The Sentinel’ by Thomas Fayle (No.5) (Photo 5) whose delightful image of a teasel against an empty landscape and sky, won the first prize.

Eleven other impressive, shortlisted entries were Highly Commended:

‘Wise Eye’, by Alice Quinn (No.4)‘I Think Because I Can’ by Alice Quinn (No.4)‘The Great Escape’ by Alice Quinn (No.4) (Photo 1)‘The Eye Of The Innocent’ by Selina Grossmann (No.8) ‘Survival Of The Fittest’ by Alyssa Popat (EH) ‘Hakuna Matata’, by Alyssa Popat (EH) (Photo 2) ‘Xiang’, by Caroline Meinhardt (No.8) (Photo 7)‘Mirrors Never Lie’ by Caroline Meinhardt (No.8) (Photo 6)‘Defying Gravity’, Nuria Adell Raventos (No.3) (Photo 3)‘Green Bottle’(Phaenicia sericata), by Sue Dudley, the Registry‘Stag At Eve’ (Cervus elaphus.) by Sue Dudley, the Registry (Photo 4)

Chris Hall, Head of Science, Biology

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Nocture in black and whiteVictoria James (No.8) set herself a real challenge with the scale of this personal and highly expressive study. The result is impressive.

Tim Newsholme, Director of Art

Olivia DarbyOlivia (No.8), who is in the Hundred, produced this painting for her Art GCSE. She involved herself deeply in the detail of the surface texture in the leopard’s fur and the painting is striking.

Tim Newsholme, Director of Art


The Worcestershire Way ...In June, 36 pupils set off from Bewdley to walk the full length of the Worcestershire Way (32 miles) and another 20 began their walk six miles in, to walk the marathon distance of 26 miles, for charity. Luckily the day was ideal for walking, sunny intervals broken by the lightest of showers and, as it turned out, a wonderful day to take in the sights of woodland, fields and parkland along the way. It is not an easy walk however, passing as it does over the hills of Abberley, Walsgrove, Rodge, Ankerdine and Birchwood.

It was therefore to the great credit of those involved that 34 completed the full 32 miles and only four out of the group of 56 did not complete their target distance. The leaders were back at the College by 6pm (just under 10 hours after the walk began) with the final group arriving back shortly after 8pm to just beat the rain.

Some of the charities chosen by the walkers this year were World Wildlife Fund, Children in Crisis, Help for Heroes, Concern Universal and the Sabre Trust.

Peter Gray, IB Co-ordinator, Mathematics

John Lewis, OBE9th September 1923 – 11th October 2012

“A good teacher always hopes that a love of his subject will rub off on some of his pupils”, so began the address given by Tim Wright at a service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Lewis OM, eminent scientist and former Head of Science at Malvern College. “John not only inspired his pupils but also influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of teachers of Science the world over too.”

In the 1960s John Lewis had been a major instigator in the Nuffield Science Project which would deliver practical science in the classroom. The Nuffield Foundation agreed to support three projects in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and this led inexorably to ‘O’ Levels in all three Nuffield subjects and then to ‘A’ levels.

In 1980 John was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his pioneering work in science teaching.

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Surfing on the Gower On a rather cold and overcast Sunday morning, 26 pupils gathered at St George for a remarkably early, 7.00 am, start to our journey to the Gower to catch some waves. At the beach our team was equipped with wetsuits and boards, given instruction and let loose in the surf! Though it was far from a warm and blue-sky day, the pupils’ sense of humour and their endeavour were rewarded with a fantastic day in the sea. Congratulations, it must be said, to Dr Sibthorpe for the longest wave ride! Well done to everybody!

Justin Major, i/c Outdoor Pursuits,Modern Languages

Girls’ RacketsOutstanding performance by Shi-Nan Zhang

Shi-Nan Zhang (No.8) produced a truly outstanding performance at the first Public Schools Girls’ Championship, at Queen’s Club, London. Reaching the final of the U16 tournament, Shi-Nan met the Number 1 seed in what was to be a hard fought match. Both girls played some wonderful Rackets but it was Shi-Nan’s controlled ground strokes and watchful eye that turned heads in the gallery. Having played so well throughout she fell at the last hurdle, but her talented performance bodes well for the future of girls’ Rackets at Malvern.

Tom Newman, Master i/c Rackets, Housemaster No.5, Chemistry

Left to right: David Makey , Chairmanof the Association of Rackets Professionals), India Cockcroft, Wellington College, Shin-Nan Zhang,

Malvern College.

Golf at SunningdaleAt the annual Golf match against the Old Malvernian Golf Society at Sunningdale this summer, the OMGS Secretary, Richard Thompson presented new awards to the Malvern College golfers. Ben Lavin (No.5) received ‘Most Improved Golfer 2011-12’ and Matt Hind (No.5), ‘Player of the Year 2011-12’ for his unbeaten season representing the College. Both boys are very exciting golfing prospects who play for local clubs as well as for their Malvern College side. They were both selected to tour the North West during the holidays and are gaining valuable experience. They should do very well next year.

John Cox, Director of Boys’ Sport, Golf Left to right: Ben Lavin (No.5), Richard Thompson (OM), and Matt Hind (No.5)


Girls’ Football in the Basque countyA squad of 12 of our girls travelled to northern Spain this summer to play in the Donosti Cup. This is a huge tournament comprising nearly 7,500 players drawn from 23 countries, and the scale of the event and organisation was very impressive indeed. At the opening ceremony there were 15,000 spectators to cheer the players on as they paraded around the Anoeta Stadium, home of Real Sociedad. The standard of play was very high with top clubs from each continent demonstrating superb skills. The winners of the Girls U16 section, our group, were Atletico Madrid!

Our girls won their first match against Antigua Luberri 1-0, and did well to come back from 0-2 down to draw their second 2-2 against Penaflorida. But they lost their final group matches against Tolosa and La Salle Donostia. Josie Steiskal, however, had a great tournament and scored all three of our goals; the third was a scorcher taken from a narrow angle 25 metres out. What a wonderful experience for these girls this trip proved to be, and a demonstration of the kind of standard girls’ football can reach. Our girls were wonderful tourists and great ambassadors for the College. Their exuberant sense of fun won them friends wherever they went during the week. Having finished the 2011-12 season on such a high note, the question is, where next?

Joe Gauci, Deputy Head: Academic, i/c Girls’ Football

Wimbledon Tennis ChampionshipsMr Thurlow and I accompanied ten College tennis players on an exciting visit to the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the first day of this year’s Wimbledon Championships. After so much rain prior to the tournament we feared that there might be no play on the opening day but we were treated to seven hours of top quality tennis and the bonus of some sunshine! The highlights of our visit were watching both Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray being put through their paces by their respective trainers on the practice courts, watching Novak Djokovic open proceedings on Centre Court and admiring the ever-graceful Roger Federer on Court No.1 – how lucky we were, we realise, to have glimpsed the champion in action. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the outside courts too where a mixture of men’s and women’s singles and doubles matches could be seen at close quarters. We also enjoyed a bit of celebrity spotting which added to the excitement of the day.

Mark Cox, Director of Sports Liaison

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County appearances for three Malvern cricketersAlex Milton (No.5), Chris Harwood (No.5) and Tom Köhler-Cadmore (No.5) were all selected by Worcestershire for the 2nd XI match against Glamorgan this season. To see three of our Malvern boys playing at county level in a professional side is very promising and they all did extremely well. Alex scored 58 not out in the first innings, Chris took 3 wickets and Tom saw Worcestershire home with a well-made 56 in the second innings; a very good game for each of our boys and for Worcestershire.

Mark Hardinges, Master i/c Cricket, Economics Left to right: Chris Harwood, Alex Milton (front), Tom Köhler-Cadmore

Bunbury is a prestigious cricket festival and one which draws the eyes of England selectors. Held at Repton in the summer holiday, the festival chalked up its 23rd year this year, and two of our talented Malvern cricketers were selected to take part. Liam Smith (No.5) and Freddie Wynn (No.7) were picked for the Midlands side that took on three other regions in the competition.

Our boys enjoyed the challenge of the cricket and performed well during the week with Liam having a top score of 46 and also performing well with the ball. They should be especially proud to have helped the Midlands side win the festival’s 50-over competition, a great result. Neither made the selection this year for the England side but both have been in the festival spotlight and are certainly well set for a bright cricketing future. The highlight of the week for our boys was when Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire and England) presented them with their Midlands cap.

Mark Hardinges, Master i/c Cricket, Economics

Malvern cricketers play at the Bunbury Festival

Left to right: Liam Smith and Freddie Wynn

Worcester contract for Tom Köhler-CadmoreWe congratulate Tom Köhler-Cadmore (No.5) who has been awarded a three-year professional contract with Worcestershire County Cricket Club. The first year will be a summer contract and will start at the end of the Summer term 2013 and this will be followed by two further full-time seasons in 2014/5.

Tom fully deserves this contract; he has worked hard since he came to Malvern and shown great strength of character in his cricket and in school. In this, his last year at Malvern, he is Captain of Cricket, Vice Captain of Rackets and a Junior Chapel Prefect.

Mark Hardinges, Master i/c Cricket, Economics


George Chesterton, MBE A remarkable manThis summer, against the backdrop of the third round of the Cricketer Cup and on George Chesterton’s 90th birthday, the College officially launched his biography ‘A Remarkable Man’, written by Andrew Murtagh. The day was a celebration and greatly enjoyed by George’s family and friends.

More recently a light went out at Malvern upon George’s death on 3rd November. In his lifetime George had been an undergraduate at Oxford, a professional cricketer with Worcestershire County Cricket Club, a pilot in the RAF during the Second World War, and President of Malvern’s Civic Society. All of his life he had been associated with Malvern College: as a boy at school in the 1940s, a teacher of Geography, Master in Charge of Cricket, a Housemaster and then Deputy Headmaster. He was the Acting Headmaster for a term during an interregnum, and was the Secretary of the Malvernian Society in his later years.

George was awarded and received the MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace two weeks before his death. He is greatly missed by the College community which held a Thanksgiving Service for his life in the College Chapel.

Copies of the book A Remarkable Man by Andrew Murtagh (long listed for the The Cricket Society and MCC Book of the Year Award 2013) are available from the College Sports Complex Reception, local book shops or by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning 01684 581 681.

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Malvern College ran two coaching days for the U11s this term, one for Girls’ Hockey and the other for Rugby. The sessions were delivered by our experienced coaching staff and the programmes planned to feature specialist activities followed by a Festival of match play to enable pupils to put their newly acquired skills into practice. For the College, Mark Moss, Chey West and Joanna Turnbull headed up the Hockey coaching and were joined by visiting Hockey goalkeeper Nick Lewis. The final of the Festival, a keenly fought match, resulted in a

Hockey & Rugby coaching for U11s

Independent Schools’ Barbarians Rugby Trialsat Malvern CollegeThe inaugural trials for the West Midlands Lambs were held at Malvern College, drawing over one hundred talented young rugby players at U11 and U13 from over 20 independent schools. On a day that heralded the start of winter there was no shortage of enthusiasm for this event where the best players in the region tried to win a place in a representative West Midlands side that will play the East Midlands in December.

Master i/c Rugby at Malvern, Nick Tisdale said, “We had a great day and were impressed by how much talent is out there. The boys produced some good rugby and all of them enjoyed the day.” From the West v East Midlands match in December, a side will be chosen to represent the whole Midlands area in the Divisional Championships in February 2013.


win for Beaudesert Park over Winterfold House. Nick Tisdale, Ryan Watkins, Andy Brown and guest coach,

England U20 player Josh Watkins led the Rugby day. Abberley Hall were the winners of the Festival matches where they beat The Elms in a very close final. Worcester Warriors 1st team player, Jonny Arr, was on hand to present the prizes at the end of the day.



Prestigious coaching appointment for Mark Moss

Mark Moss, Malvern’s talented Senior Hockey Coach, is taking on an additional role as Assistant Coach to the Wales Senior Women’s Squad. His first major event in this role was to attend the World Series League (Commonwealth Games qualifier) in September. We congratulate him and wish him success in this new role; he will, of course, remain Malvern’s Senior Hockey coach as well.

County Rugby trials for U13, U14

and U15sIn June, Malvern College hosted the 2012 County Rugby Trials where 300

talented youngsters nominated by their clubs and schools, were put through their paces in a series of conditioned

games. This was a great turn out from the county with squads of about 30

boys chosen in each age group.


Warriors return to College for pre-season trainingPre-season, and under the direction of Richard Hill (Head Coach) and Nigel Redman (Forwards Coach), the whole Worcester Warriors squad came to Malvern College to train. That same week, the College hosted its annual Summer Residential Rugby Camp for 60 youngsters aged between 13 and 17. The Warriors players took time out of their own training to run a variety of positional master class sessions for them.

Phil Vickery, Matt Mullan, Dean Schofield (Club Captain), Craig Gillies, Matt Kvesic, Sean Perry and Andy Goode all demonstrated skill sets in their own particular area to the excited youngsters. The College wishes the Worcester Warriors well this season.


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Future Activities 2013 OPEN DAYS11th May Malvern College 1st – 2nd March The Downs Malvern

NATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOLS’CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS3rd March 2013

Girls’ Hockey

Regional & National Hockey selectionsThis has been another successful year for Malvern College where 22 girls were selected for the England’s Single System Junior Academy Centre, and 14 selected for JRPC (Junior Regional Performance Centre) Tier 1. From these, four were selected for JRPC Tier 2. Alex Worrallo (No.3), Harriett Darling (No.8) were selected for U15 and U17 High Performance Academy Centres respectively, with Emma Good (No.4) and Georgina Bathurst (No.4) selected for Futures Cup from which selection is made for National teams. Georgina Bathurst is selected for the U16 England National age group and Amy Elias (No.3) for the U16 Wales squad.

I am so pleased to see that the training we give our girls here at Malvern enables them to be successful in their ambition to play at the highest level. The effort they make and commitment they make to Hockey has paid off and we are very proud of them.

Erin Preece, Teacher i/c Girls’ Hockey

English Schools’ Competition We were thrilled to see the U16 girls qualify for the Midlands Regional finals. In addition, both the U16 and the U18 indoor squads qualified for the regional finals at Aldersley Stadium.

The girls have shown that not only can they play mature hockey but that they can also compete against the best schools in the country. I wish them every success in the future rounds of both competitions.

Erin Preece, Teacher i/c Girls’ Hockey

Amy Elias

Georgina Bathurst

YOUNG MALVERN22nd – 26th July 2013 Week 129th July – 2nd August Week 2

www.youngmalvern.co.uk or 01684 581 625


Documents

Malvern View, Issue 14, Autumn 2012