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Wildlife Garden
Page 4
Farewell to Mr Sampson
Page 2
New Piano
Page 8
The Trench
Page 16
Ellesmere College Newsletter
Summer Term 2013
Purcells and Sampsons
T
his summer we say farewell to four much-loved and long-serving
staff members as they retire: Mike Sampson and his wife Kate and
Steve Purcell and his wife Jan.Together with their families they have
been part of the Ellesmere landscape for many years, so we asked
them to reflect on their time here:
Mike and Kate Sampson
Kate and I came to Ellesmere in
September 1981 and, as you may
imagine, we have seen a good many
changes since those days of a school of
350 boys and a smattering of sixth form
girls. We were made very welcome when
we joined the Common Room (no “staff
room” or “teachers” in those possibly
more stylish days!) and rapidly came to
realise what a talented group of people
we had found, from an ex minor counties
cricketer to a Director of Music who
went on to be a BBC producer.
Everyone gave freely of their time to
ensure that the range and quality of
activities was second to none. I was
asked to take on the Judo Club, the
previous incumbent recovering from a
broken limb sustained in a demonstration
with one of the boys. I left the coaching
to the coach!
Kate and I moved out to live in
Whittington and our son, Richard (OE
and now a London barrister) was born in
1984, four days before I disappeared off
to Canada with the 1st XV Rugby on the
first of several overseas tours. Rugby has
been an important part of my life and,
as many a pupil mother has observed,
Kate has been very understanding!
I had arrived to take on the Physics
Department but we soon found
ourselves in charge of Meynell House
with our daughter, Jennifer (OE and now
a consulting engineer) coming along soon
after. Meynell in those days was an all
boys’ boarding house of some 60 lads
from “Shell” to “Upper VI”. Somehow
it always strikes me that something has
Mike and Kate Sampson
been lost by referring to them as Years 9
and 13!
To those who wonder why anyone would
want to take on the role of Housemaster
I can only say that it was the most
rewarding period of my teaching career
and a privilege to be charged with
overseeing the development of many
fine young people. For seven of my
fifteen years in Meynell I found myself
concurrently Housemaster, Master i/c
Rugby and Director of Studies. All
this was before the explosion in IT
supposedly simplified things; one couldn’t
do it now. My final role as one of two
Deputy Heads has been a source of great
enjoyment, providing opportunities for
’problem-solving’, something any scientist
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
relishes, and the satisfaction of seeing
the College flourish as everyone
contributes by their own lights.
Over all this time there has been a
consistent theme to life at Ellesmere.
Whilst the Headmaster is correct in
his assertion that there is not a typical
“Ellesmerian” upon entry to the
College, I do believe that there most
certainly is upon departure.
The relationship between CR and pupils
has always been key to Ellesmere life
and the ability of Ellesmere pupils to
mix with people of all backgrounds, to
demonstrate teamwork, tolerance and
understanding, is what in my mind
makes a true “Ellesmerian”.
Mike Sampson
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Purcells and Sampsons
Steve and Jan Purcell
In September 1984, when we began our
careers at Ellesmere, St Oswald’s House
opened its doors to about 35 senior
girl boarders and there is an appealing
kind of neatness in the fact that after
our 29 year journey we depart from an
expanded, extended and now thoroughly
international St Oswald’s. After the twists
and turns of so many years, it has been
an enormous but unexpected pleasure
at this last stage to be involved with the
care of senior girls and, once again, there
is a certain circularity in that the first
girl tutees in 1984 were very solicitous
about the arrival of our third and fourth
children, while the current Sixth Formers
are equally enthusiastic about the
imminent arrival of our first
grandchildren.That in itself perfectly
captures the kind of school Ellesmere
has been over so many generations of
pupils: warm, familial and caring are the
words which spring to mind.
Sometimes we are called upon (usually
quite politely) to explain this lengthy
sojourn of ours because there is a view
in education (which we certainly don’t
share!) that the only way forward is to
move from school to school seeking
fresh challenges .The explanation is
simple: in the course of running an
English Department; managing a 13-18
boys’ boarding house and then a senior
girls’ house we have found quite enough
professional stimulation and challenge.
Of course, those positions are just the
superstructure of the job at Ellesmere:
there has been infinite variety in the
range of extra-curricular involvement;
social, sporting and adventurous
activities; helping to embed the IB and
all this combined with the privilege of
living in one of the most beautiful parts
of Britain – why not stay put? From a
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family point of view, we recently
acquired a whole school photograph
from 1999 which featured all six of the
Purcells and, once again, that says a great
deal about the kind of lives we have led
here over nearly three decades.
Ellesmere’s core values revolve around
a flexible approach and support for
individuals’ talents whatever they may be.
This applies as much to staff as
it does to students, and we are
grateful for the tolerance and
support which have allowed us to
develop parallel careers which will
now be occupying considerably
more of our time. No prospect of
pipes and slippers just yet!
Steve Purcell
Steve and Jan with their
first grandchild, Barnaby,
born on 29 May 2013
to OE Sam Purcell and his
wife Lucy-Jane.
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Lower School
Wildlife Garden Club
T
he Lower School
Wildlife Garden
Club meets every
Wednesday lunchtime.
Club members have been
planting out cornflowers,
sunflowers and corn cockle,
checking on the potatoes
and pricking out broccoli
seedlings. Our broccoli seem
to be doing well, our lettuce
too and we are just hoping
our courgettes come up nice
and strong. We have had
insects in our insect homes
and frogs and tadpoles
in our pond. Despite the
unexpected cold snap, spring
finally arrived and Lower
School pupils have been
loving getting their hands
dirty and discovering the joy
of watching things grow.
Debut Triathlon
Achievement
for Shannon
Y
ear 8 pupil, Shannon Davies, qualified
for the British Modern Triathlon
Championships after an impressive debut at
the Pentathlon GB Midlands competition.
Shannon Davies
Shannon, who has recently also taken up the modern pentathlon, competed against athletes from across the region in a triathlon
event, where she participated in shooting, swimming and running. She then went on to come in the top 25 students nationally at
the Championships, achieving a new personal best achievement overall.
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
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Senior School
Biology
Olympiad
O
(From left to right) Joe Haigh, Mark McBrien,
ur A-level biologists
Ben Hall, Beth Lee, Joe Pescod
took on the nation
in the latest British Biology Olympiad which aims to challenge
students with a genuine interest in the science.
This national competition rewards students from schools across the country who show an exceptional knowledge of the subject
which goes beyond what they are learning in the classroom, and our entrants were awarded a total of one silver and two bronze
medals as well as two highly commended awards.
Head of Biology Reuban Strain was delighted with the results, commenting, ‘At Ellesmere we believe that our students should
keep abreast of all the latest developments in the subject and be independent learners who are not constrained by the limits of
the exam syllabus. It is significant that the students who have been recognized by the Society of Biology this year have all applied
to read Medicine or Veterinary Science at top universities – they have certainly lived up to our high expectations of them.’
Duke of Edinburgh Award Night
T
he Mayor of Ellesmere, Mr Alan Clarke, together with his wife,
Mrs Ruth Clarke, were our distinguished guests for the annual
presentation to students who have achieved the various levels of
the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
The Award, which is presented at
Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels, represents
a significant commitment to personal
endeavour in several different fields over
a period of time, although of course for
many students the most memorable
highlight of the scheme is the Expedition.
Students hoping to achieve Gold
often take several years to do this and
complete the Award during their time
at University. However, this year Upper
Sixth Former Mark McBrien is to be
congratulated on being the first student
at Ellesmere to have completed the
whole Gold Duke of Edinburgh award
during his time here, an inspiration to
our other Gold participants.
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Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Sustainability
Speaking out in Year 10
Y
ear 10 student James Bateman has reached the final of the
2013 International School Essay Writing Competition and
Debate. James is the only finalist from the UK to be selected
to take part in the global event, and will represent Northern
Hemisphere Schools in the International Debate in Berkshire at
the end of June. His essay on the idea of sustainability and the
future of the planet is reprinted opposite.
James said, “To reach the final and represent the UK as part of the Northern Hemisphere team
is amazing. I am really passionate about the world that we live in and this competition provided
me with an opportunity to write about my views for a sustainable future.The final will be a great
opportunity to debate our views and opinions with schoolchildren from all over the world.”
We wish James every success in what will be an exciting and challenging event!
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
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Sustainability
Sustainability
Are we ready to take control of a sustainable, eco-friendly future?
What do we need to do for this to happen and who is responsible?
First let us look at sustainability itself. The word sustainability
is used constantly in the media and in debate; sustainability
means ‘providing for the needs of today without compromising
the ability of future generations to provide for their needs’.
At the moment we are not being sustainable. We currently
use billions of tonnes of coal, oil and gas each year. At this rate
oil will run out around 2052, gas 8 years later by 2060 and
coal will run out by 2088. Clearly we will compromise the ability
of future generations if we use all of these fuels up and fail
to find an alternative fuel source. We are able to generate
electricity using renewable sources such as the sun, wind, tidal
power, wave power, hydroelectricity and geothermal energy.
However theses energy sources produce less electricity than
fossil fuel power stations.
Targets to reduce pollution and lower the use of
non-renewable resources need to be set by an international
committee, not a specific target set by each government
that is easily achievable. This target needs to be challenging
but feasible and must be set by representatives of every
government in a global conference. As well as setting targets,
world governments must set a trend, working to lower their
emissions and encouraging others to do the same.
The targets need to be set by looking at the developed
level of each country and GDP. You cannot reasonably
expect an LEDC to be able to reduce its levels of pollution,
and thus also reduce the amount of cheap electricity
produced. This would be detrimental to the economy and
is not a viable option. These LEDCs need this electricity to
produce exports to improve their economy. MEDCs, however,
are far more likely to be able to afford to cut emissions by
using less electricity and generating it more efficiently, using
‘green’ energy sources. Clearly any country which has recently
lowered its emissions before any guidelines are set cannot
be expected to lower pollution again significantly. Finally,
implementing target setting requires mass co-operation and
this must be achieved by global agreement and world peace.
In my opinion everyone is responsible for the future of
our planet. Individuals need to work to reduce their energy
consumption and buy locally sourced and low packaging
products. Businesses are also responsible: they need to
source raw materials from renewable areas and lower
their use of electricity. Finally, governments and world
leaders need to set and enforce targets to conserve the
world’s resources.
As well as a source of fuel, oil is needed to produce plastic,
which is seemingly an essential part of our daily lives. This can
be combatted by recycling and decreasing the use of plastics.
In addition to this we should consider the use of alternatives
such as glass or protein, wood pulp and starch based polymers
as plastic substitutes. This will lower the global dependency on oil.
These are all eco-friendly as they are biodegradable and made
from renewable resources, a clear and easy way to be sustainable.
We all need to be responsible for sustainability by reducing
our dependency on plastic in the home, buying products made
of recycled plastics and/or provided with little or no packaging.
Companies and factories are also responsible; they need to
use more recycled plastics in production and provide less
packaging. Furthermore these factories should also turn off
electrical items when not in use and should aim to lower their
carbon footprint to a set target.
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Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Music
New Piano
P
upils are thrilled to be playing the beautiful new baby grand piano which has been
generously funded by both the Ellesmerian Club and parents and friends contributing
through the Enhance Ellesmere Programme. The latter aims to enrich the educational
experiences of students in College both by funding specialist equipment as well as investing
in new bursaries to assist deserving students.
Richard Morris, Chairman of the
Ellesmerian Club, said “It’s always a
pleasure to give something back to
the school which has contributed
so much to its students both past
and present. ”
The piano will be used every day of
the week and during public concerts
held at the College. John Paul, 18,
who is looking forward to studying
Music at Oxford University, said
“This really does provide school
musicians with a chance to practise
on one of the best designed pianos
in the world. It’s certainly going to
help with their development and
support, their ambitions to perform
with music conservatoires and
becoming professional musicians”.
Richard Morris with musicians
George Fradley (seated) and John Paul
Three Choirs’ Concert
O
n the 17th May the annual Three Choirs’ Concert took place in Big School.The evening
began with Lower School Choir singing ‘Sing’ by Gary Barlow and this was followed by
the Scholars’ Ensemble playing an arrangement of Holst’s ‘Jupiter’.The first half ended with
three pieces by the College Orchestra including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.
In the second half the Choral Society
and Chapel Choir performed several
four part arrangements including ‘New
York, New York’ and ‘Hallelujah’ and the
evening ended with all three choirs joining
together to sing a Beatles’ medley lasting
nearly fifteen minutes. Special guests
included The Hard Yards, consisting of
five Upper Sixth students who sing in
close harmony.The group was formed
in memory of their friend Matthew
Dewhurst, a former music scholar,
who died suddenly last year.The choirs
performed to a packed audience and it
was an enjoyable evening for all involved.
Sadly, this was one of the last big musical
occasions for our Director of Music,
Roger Paul, who will be moving on to new
ventures at the end of this term. Many
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
students and adults who are involved in
Choral Society will miss Roger’s infectious
enthusiasm and musical versatility and we
wish him every success in the future.
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CCF News
CCF News
A
t the recent Biennial Review Inspecting
Officer Group Captain Atkinson was highly
impressed by the cadets, who put on a brilliant
exhibition of the full range of activities which
they undertake on a weekly basis.
After much polishing and preparation, the day went without a hitch
and the College was commended for the standards reached by all its
cadets in each section.
Congratulations must also go to the following cadets who have
recently achieved their National Diploma in Public Services through
their CCF activities in College, as well as taking part in additional
activities in their own time:
Emily Palmer Distinction Star
Charles Coppinger Distinction Star
Callum Trent Distinction
Jonathan Cooksey Merit
Grp. Cpt. Atkinson presenting
Cpl Ryan Cawsey with his Outstanding
Contribution to the RAF Award
Retiring Officers
T
he College CCF recently held a dinner in Big School for the retirement of
Col Graham Hutchinson and Lt RN Frank Brooke from their commissions after
many years of distinguished and dedicated service.
It was a fantastic occasion with many old friends who came
back to pass on their best wishes and congratulate them
both. It was a timely reminder how much we owe to those
who work so hard to ensure that our students have so many
opportunities to stretch themselves and try out new ventures
and skills during their time here.
Graham finds the CCF can take you to some
exalted places – Tulloch Easter Camp 2008
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Frank with fellow officer, wife Debbie
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Drama News
Drama at Ellesmere
puppets representing children.
There were students in the cast who
particularly impressed me with their
commitment and leadership. Freya Rodda,
Sarah Carr, Kyle Mcnamara and Daisy
Clarke all led mini rehearsals and added
extra touches of their own to their
scenes as we progressed. It was lovely to
see students taking so much ownership
of their work and enabling others to
succeed. It was particularly heart-warming
to see individuals new to performance
grow in skill, confidence and commitment
as the weeks went on.
The whole cast
Vanity Fair - A Director’s Perspective
Director of Drama, Mrs Pippa Bell,
reflects on this year’s Senior Production.
Staging this complex text was challenging
and used a mixture of storytelling and
physical theatre to convey its epic storyline.
The cast worked hard as an ensemble:
every member was an essential ‘cog
in the machine’ and the group effort
created a great sense of unity.
The visuals in this show relied heavily
on the costumes, which were stunning.
Sue Hinks and Janet Owen transformed
existing costumes in store into historically
correct gowns fit for a ‘Pride and Prejudice’
set and were naturals at sourcing the
desired ‘redcoat’ look for George Osbourne,
Rawdy and Dobbin.They even created
period costumes for two hand held
An Actor’s View
Upper Sixth student Sarah Carr gives
us her perspective of the show:
‘After years of waiting to find the
perfect role, I was delighted when
Mrs Bell offered me the chance to play
Miss Amelia Sedley in the classic Vanity Fair.
As this was to be my last performance
at the College after many years of taking
part in Ellesmere productions, I was
determined to really make this role my
own and rise to the challenge of having
a leading role.
Daisy Clarke (left)
with Sarah Carr (right)
Of course, the whole performance would
not have been so successful if it weren’t
for the high levels of commitment from
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Kyle McNamara
all of the cast members, and it’s safe to
say that this was by no means an easy
process – what with the harsh winter
conditions leaving many cast members
snowed in at home. However, credit
must go to Mrs Bell for her tireless
enthusiasm throughout rehearsals which
undoubtedly kept the morale high and
gave us all a boost of confidence. Who
couldn’t feel extremely enthusiastic after
several renditions of “I like the flowers”?
Being a part of this fantastic production
is one of the fondest memories I will
take from College, and I wish all of the
potential thespians at Ellesmere all
the best for their future productions. ‘
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Drama at Ellesmere
Visit from
Tabor Academy
T
his spring Ellesmere was delighted to welcome
a group of students from our drama exchange
partners,Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, USA. For many
years now we have sent a College senior drama production to
Tabor and they have returned the compliment by bringing over a
performance in return.This year we were delighted to welcome
back our American friends, though sadly to a rather more chilly
English spring than we would have liked to offer them!
As well as performing in the Arts Centre
and neighbouring schools, the Tabor
students enjoyed exploring the local area,
including some intrepid hill walking. A real
highlight was them visiting Year 10 English
classes to workshop the characters from
their forthcoming dramatisation of John
Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ – our
students were entranced by the skilful
way in which they brought to life the
relationship of main characters George
and Lennie through body language, facial
expression and voice.
The essence of the exchange programme
is the sharing of friendship and a mutual
passion for drama, and this was certainly
evident in the workshops and social times
which the American and English students
were able to share together.
Tabor Students ‘enjoying’ the
Welsh countryside and weather
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Tabor Academy,
Marion,
Massachusetts –
known as
‘the School by
the Sea’
Tabor and Ellesmere Students together – making new friends is
what it’s all about!
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Cricket Academy
Cricket Academy
goes International
T
his year Ellesmere has been privileged to welcome cricket
coaches and players from all over the world who have
enhanced the already thriving Cricket Academy with new
ideas and a wide range of experience.
Left to right back: Rick Moore, Matthew Shawcross, Harry Stow and Angus Bowyer
Left to right front: Tushar Gupta, Amit Jindal, Karan Chahar, Ayush Prakash and Japesh Thind
Angus Bowyer learned to play his
junior cricket in Australia and is now
spearheading the 1st XI bowling attack
with Harry Stow who has recently
joined the school from playing in the
Dubai ICC Cricket Academy.This month
Harry was selected to play for the UAE
Under 19 team and hopes to represent
them in the World Cup next year.
Academy Cricket Coaches Craig
Williamson (ex Derbyshire County
2nd XI player), Rick Moore (present
Northants 2nd XI player) and Matthew
Shawcross (Birmingham League) are fresh
from playing winter cricket in Australia.
Tushar Guptar, Karan Chahar, Ayush
Prakash, Amit Jindal and Japesh Thind
have all joined the Academy for the
Summer Term from India to further their
cricket development. Gareth Owen, 1st
XI Coach explained, ‘ it is great to bring
different cultural cricket experiences from
all over the world for the benefit of the
Cricket Academy. It is particularly pleasing
to hear that the Ellesmere College was
noted in the Kashmir Times in relation
to our student exchange programme.
As a result of our coaching programme
the players from India have adapted well
to English conditions and have been
successful in representing the School,
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
culminating to date with Ayush Prakash
scoring an innings of 100 runs not out
and Japesh Thind scoring 72 not out in
recent games. Also our Lower School
pupils have particularly benefitted greatly
from the intense coaching of those with
international experiences.’
Rick Moore and Matthew Shawcross
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Tennis News
Double Success at
Tennis National Finals
C
ollege tennis players celebrated double success at the
recent National Tennis Finals, where they represented the
Midlands in the AEGON National School Championships.
In the final, held at the Bolton arena,
we claimed the Girls and Mixed
titles in a successful weekend.The
Tennis Academy played against teams
from the Northern, South-East, and
South-West sections.
Ellesmere qualified for the Final with
three victories in the round robin stage
where they upset number 2 seeds
St. George’s College.Their opponents
in the Final were Queenswood
School who also upset the seeding by
defeating top seeds Peter Symonds
College in the round robin stage.
Ellesmere got off to a great start in
the final by claiming both doubles for
a 2-0 lead.This momentum proved to
be crucial as wins at Number 3 and
Number 4 singles gave Ellesmere an
unassailable 4-0 lead. Queenswood
School showed great determination
but could not prevent Ellesmere
College from taking the 2013 Girls’ title.
Girls Team: L-R, Rusne Butkute, Julia Schuster, Kotryna Calova, Hannah Clarke
L-R, Ole Linne, Kotryna Calova, Hannah Clarke, Sammy Leung
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Our teams took this success into
the next day’s competition with the
mixed doubles finals, where they got
off to a very strong start and never
looked back as they claimed all 4
doubles matches to earn the mixed
title for 2013. Stephen Welti, Senior
Performance Coach, commented,
“I couldn’t be more proud of how
the teams performed, particularly
the girls who were playing in both
the girls and mixed events.There
were a number of shootouts which
made it exciting for everyone involved.
A great strength of the event is that
it’s a team effort and our players
worked very hard together to achieve
the success.”
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Northern Ireland Netball Tour Spring 2013
Northern Ireland
Netball Tour
Spring 2013
Lower Sixth Student
Annie Rogan relates
the highlights of the trip
G
oing to sleep on the Thursday
night with the thought of a snow
storm heading towards school resulted
in a restless night, as the build up to the
tour began.
The journey to the airport was a
hair-raising experience. Stopping for
petrol is an easy every day task, but
not in the snow with the car wheel
spinning out of the petrol station. With
a speed limit of 20 to 30 mph all the
way down the one lane Wrexham bypass,
we were all tired and anxious about
whether we would reach the airport in
time. But once we got to Chester the
roads were clearer and we managed to
soldier on, reaching the check-in desk
with 20 minutes to spare.
After nearly six hours of delay in a very
dull departure lounge, we finally made
it into the air, and before long we had
landed in a very cold and snowy Belfast.
All of us at this point were cold and tired,
so being able to check in at our hotel in
Belfast and being given three hours to
do what we want, meant we all had one
thing on our minds - sleep.
Later that evening we had a very eventful
dinner in the restaurant in the hotel,
experiencing some of the power cuts
that had been mentioned on the news,
but it had to come just before our
starters, when we were all rather hungry.
However, the hospitality of the Irish didn’t
disappoint us, with the manager and chef
both offering to bring us bread and butter
to keep body and soul together.The spirit
of the people in the restaurant didn’t let
us down either, with the musician playing
acoustic music and the hen party playing
drinking games in the dark.
During a very interesting tour of Belfast
City next day we were given an in-depth
lesson on the history between the
Catholics and Protestants, particularly in
the sixties and seventies and the extent
of the hatred between the two sides
of the city. Many of us were shocked by
some of the incidents that had happened
and by some of the evidence of past
divisions we saw. It was very touching to
see events from the news or in history
books in front of us and to realise how
it affected so many people.
Sporting friendships with the St Cecilia’s College Team
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
14
Northern Ireland Netball Tour Spring 2013
The girls brave the wind on The Giant’s Causeway
O
nce the tour had finished we
headed out towards Bangor, where
we were the first team to play on the
indoor netball court of their new sports
centre. We played a very strong team
from Bangor netball club, consisting of
a variety of ages and standards, and we
put up a good fight with great play from
our Goal Attack Anna Underwood and
our Centre Ellie Halstead. Unfortunately
we went down in that match, but we
got some great play from it considering
it was the first time we played together
as a team.
On the Sunday morning we left Belfast
and headed north towards The Giant’s
Causeway. Being one of the most
interesting landmarks in the world, and
on our doorstep, it was inevitable to visit
it. Considering the amounts of snow in
Belfast we were pleasantly surprised to
see greenery as we headed north.
As we walked down the hill towards
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the Causeway the view was spectacular,
especially as we were lucky enough to
see the Scottish islands of Arran and Islay
across the Irish Sea. We then moved on
down the coastal road towards Portrush.
This very picturesque seaside town was
very typical of something you’d find in
Cornwall or North Wales, but being so
close to the sea was nice compared to
the industrial harbours of Belfast.
The next morning we were woken up to
more sunshine as we checked out of our
hotel and drove towards Londonderry
and our next hosts,Thornhill School. We
were welcomed by the coach and taken
to the sports hall which had a lot of pupils
watching, so the pressure was really on.
The match began and Ellesmere were
strong - shooting from Olivia Fisher and
Anna Underwood meant we had the
lead, with great play on the court from
Fran Hughes and Tilly Walker as they
got the ball quickly from defence to the
attackers. We emerged triumphant, but
then went on to have a great evening
bowling with the friendly Thornhill
girls, who were our hosts for the night.
The next morning we headed to
the other side of Londonderry to
play St. Cecilia’s College. Knowing this
team had beaten Thornhill, we were
apprehensive. However, with a good
warm up, we strengthened our game
with great play from Melissa Andrews
in defence and Amelia Morris as the
Wing Attack, passing up to the shooters
quickly and accurately.
As the game finished we had won by
a large margin, and the St. Cecilia’s
shooters didn’t get the ball past me as
the Goal Keeper once in the last quarter.
Mrs Davenport and Mrs Cox were both
very proud of the whole team and the
efforts they had put into the whole
tour and every game they played.
All that was left was the journey home.
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
OE Director’s World War I Drama
OE Director’s
World War I Drama
S
tudents from Year 9 and 10 were treated to a superb piece of
theatre when OE James Seager’s production of WW1 fantasy
drama The Trench was performed for them in the Arts Centre
Theatre by nationally acclaimed theatre group, Les Enfants Terribles.
Writer and Co-Director Oliver Lansley has worked with James
to produce a stunning combination of physical storytelling, verse,
puppetry and live music from Alexander Wolfe. The Trench is
inspired by the true story of a miner who became entombed in
a tunnel during the First World War.
Students were taken on a sensory journey into the horrors
of the First World War and the oppressive atmosphere of the
trenches and tunnels were vividly realised by sound, lighting
and clever use of silhouettes. Drama students particularly
appreciated the set design which was incredibly versatile,
allowing actor Ben Warwick to walk backwards up a wall
suspended by bungee cords and moving the audience through
imaginative recreations of the central character’s experiences
from his wife and child at home to his entombment in the
mud and death on the battle front.
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
The company made wonderful use of puppetry to suggest
the fevered imaginings of Bert’s confused and hallucinating
mind, including a snarling gremlin, a magnificent dragon and a
terrifying mustard gas monster. Theatrical effects such as
lighting, sound and props combined with these to play with the
boundaries of reality and imagination in the terrible confusion
and claustrophobia of war. The overall effect was spellbinding
and left the audience excitedly discussing the show long after
the performance had ended.
Les Enfants Terribles will be performing The Trench during the
Edinburgh Festival at the Pleasance Courtyard every day in
August this summer. Meanwhile, James is currently directing a new
piece called Les Enfants Terribles Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie
which is currently touring festivals. For further details of both
shows, check out the website www.lesenfantsterribles.co.uk.
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Oscar Winning Film Editor
The Edge
S
tudents were treated to an Oscar winning performance as
part of their leadership and entrepreneurship programme,
which seeks to give them ‘the edge’ by connecting them to
the School’s global network of Alumni. The Edge lectures are
a series of presentations from Old Ellesmerians, all of whom
are at the top of their profession or on their way.
Meanwhile David Whitehouse QC, offered a compelling insight
into the difficult but intellectually exciting world of criminal law.
David Whitehouse left Ellesmere College to study Law at
Trinity College, Cambridge. He was called to the bar at Gray’s
Inn, and practised mainly in London. David was promoted to the
rank of Queen’s Counsel in 1990 and specialised in criminal law,
where he represented a number of high profile clients.
After leaving Ellesmere College, Bryan worked his way through
the world of theatre and film earning an Emmy Citation for his
work with Jane Goodall on her film The Baboons of Gombe
and won Oscars for The Killing Fields and for Who Framed
Roger Rabbit. He was also nominated for The Mission in 1986.
Bryan, who was a student at Ellesmere from 1959 - 1963, has
worked on many more films and productions, most notably
Get Carter and A Bridge too Far. He has worked alongside many
famous faces, including Steven Spielberg, Richard Attenborough,
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Caine.
Nick Pettingale, Director of External Relations, commented,
“At Ellesmere we don’t see our students as ‘batches’ to put on
an educational conveyor belt but rather believe in the individual.
Therefore The Edge lectures create a breadth of professional
input and real life experience for our students to learn from.
The most exciting aspect from my perspective is the individual
connections that are created with our Old Ellesmerians.
Anyone in business today knows that success is based on
relationships and our goal with The Edge is to create those
relationships before our students even leave the Sixth Form”.
Oscar winning film director and editor Bryan Oates, a former
Ellesmere student, visited the school to provide an insight into
the world of theatre and Hollywood films.
Sixth Formers were keen to learn
from David (left) and Bryan (right)
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Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Ellesmere International Art Exhibition 2013
Ellesmere
International Art
Exhibition 2013
O
ver 250 visitors attended the preview evening of the National
Art Exhibition, hosted once again in Big School at Ellesmere
College. Distinguished visitors included Patrons Diana Flint,
High Sheriff of Shropshire and Algernon Heber-Percy,
the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, who opened the event.
Studio and Gallery to showcase artists
and sculptors from across the county.
Nick Pettingale, Director of External
Relations, said, “We have always been
passionate about the Arts at Ellesmere
College and, after our inaugural
exhibition last year, we are even
more excited about this year’s event.
Our goal is to see artistic talent, both
local and national, celebrated and given
a higher profile in the region.”
Over 80 artists and sculptors from all
over the UK exhibited up to 270 pieces
of art for sale throughout the week.The
exhibition featured landscapes, portraits
and abstract art alongside ceramics
and glass sculptures.This year saw two
installation pieces by Karen Heald called
‘An Experience in Light, Film and Sound’.
One piece was designed specifically
for the exhibition and was projected
onto the mighty Schulze Organ which
is housed in Big School.
Karen Heald’s video installation
pieces added a new artistic dimension
and attracted much interest
Maximillion
Baccanello’s
statue ‘Lazarus’
Karen said “It was a wonderful preview
evening and it was nice to see so many
artists and visitors at the event. It is really
important for artists to display their
work at exhibitions such as this and I had
the opportunity to provide some visual
displays.This gives artists another platform
to show their work in context, allowing
them a reflective space in which to take
their work forward”.
The College also formed a partnership
with a local gallery Quirky Art Ceramics
Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
This year’s beautiful
Leavers’ Gift: ‘Poets Muse
Too’ by Sioban Coppinger
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Ellesmere International Art Exhibition 2013
Big School provided a spectacular backdrop for artists to display their work
Derry Quad was a tranquil setting for some of the outdoor pieces
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Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer Term 2013
Year 11 Prom Night 2013