Issue 21 • Spring 2011 • Park House School & Sports College Magazine

28 Pages·2012·2.6 MB·English

Issue 21 (cid:129) Spring 2011 (cid:129) Park House School & Sports College Magazine
A genuine Dream School
With all due respect to Jamie Oliver for his creativity in seeking to bring together a team of ‘celebrity’ and
‘expert’ teachers for the benefit of a selected group of students in a one-off reality TV experiment, this
Spring Term edition of Personal Best clearly demonstrates that we already have all the ingredients of a
genuinely ‘dream school’ in place for all of our students – every day – here at Park House!
It is therefore especially fitting that the fantastic range of learning opportunities and students
successes featured in the following pages should begin with an extended focus on our work as part
of the BBC World Olympic Dreams programme. This inspirational global learning initiative is now
bringing together students from different year groups with students and teachers from different
subject areas in different parts of the world based on the excitement that is being increasingly
generated by the 2012 Games. It certainly sets the tone for rest the exceptional local, national and
international activities that reflect the aspirations and ambition of our young people.
Innovative and engaging activities for highly motivated and receptive students led by dedicated and creative teachers. Please enjoy
reading about the work of a dream school…in reality. (cid:129) Derek Peaple, Headteacher
World Olympic Dreams come true…
As many of you are already aware, the BBC World Olympic Dreams
programme, which was launched back in September at Park House by
Kate Silverton and Sir Matthew Pinsent, has provided us with the
amazing opportunity to link with a partner school in Ulan Bator, the
capital of Mongolia. Since our first meeting with our new friends it has
been an amazing journey which has taken us to the British Museum for
the launch event, the Mongolian Embassy, Newbury racecourse and the
classrooms of School No.79 via regular web conferences. These
pictures and the following text tell you something of this amazing
journey to date. A journey which has only just started...
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School No.79
numbered
among our
friends…
Park House is one of only 50 UK schools chosen for the BBC and Suren and Amara were welcomed to Park House with a range
British Council's World Olympic Dreams project. Mr Peaple and Year of Dance and Music performances from A-level Dance students,
12 student and West Berkshire Sports Ambassador (and now Head the School Band and Choir, and a presentation from Year 8
Girl – see page 19) Amy Hooper were invited by the BBC and British students.
Council to the British Museum during the weekend of 15-16 January
Amy said, “This inspirational experience has built a strong
to meet with staff and students from twenty-one other countries at
friendship. I am sure I will be in touch with Amara for many years to
the launch of the programme – which brings together selected
come. Her culture is very different to mine and it has been eye
schools in the UK with schools from countries which have produced
opening to learn the differences and similarities between us. It has
an Olympic athlete in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.
been a pleasure to be part of this experience.”
We are delighted that Park House has been twinned with
School No. 79 in Ulan Bator, Mongolia which was attended by Amara said, “I learnt lots of things from the conference and
Badar Uugan, the 2008 Olympic boxing Gold medallist. when I get back home I will tell the students from my school about
School No. 79 Headteacher Mrs Tsanjid Lkhamsuren (Suren) the conference and what I have learnt to the other children. I will
and Year 10 student Ms never forget the experience and there were great people who
Gankhuyag Amarjargalan came from many other countries. It was very nice to meet various
(Amara) spent three days at people from all the countries.”
Park House to plan a range
During their visit the group also had the opportunity to visit
of exciting shared learning
Berkshire’s only Olympic venue, Dorney Lake (which will host the
opportunities. These will
Rowing competition) and enjoyed racing at Newbury Race Course
include monthly assemblies
– of particular interest as horse racing is one of Mongolia’s major
based on the Olympic
sporting pastimes.
Values (Determination,
Equality, Respect, Mr Peaple concluded that “This is a once in a lifetime
Excellence, Courage, opportunity for young people from different countries to learn
Friendship and Inspiration) directly from each other. The opportunity to be linked with School
that will be shared by both No. 79 is truly inspirational and even though our students have only
schools via the internet and been working together for a matter of days, they have already
themed weeks of learning established strong friendships and a shared understanding that will
about the two countries. lead to a lasting partnership between our two schools.” (cid:129)
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Photo coutesy
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Young Sports Ambassadors
furthering the dream…
Amy Hooper Year 12
Michael Randall Year 12
Michaela Day Year 11
Ryan Lewis Year 11
Keryn Osterritter Year 11
Munya Munyanyiwa Year 11
Dan Saunders Year 11
Betsy Hart Year 11
On 22 March eight Young Sports Ambassadors and Junior Sports Derek Peaple said, “The great thing about the World Olympic
Leaders from Park House School spent a day working with primary Dreams programme is that in addition to the international
school students and GB Paralympic athletes at Stoke Mandeville as they partnership building it has also brought together students from
prepared for London 2012. two different areas of this country that would otherwise probably
never have met. The Park House students are greatly enjoying
As part of the BBC World Olympic Dreams programme, Park
their new friendship with pupils from Edlesborough Primary
House and Edlesborough Primary School in Buckinghamshire are
School inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Values and are
jointly linked with a School No. 79 in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, where
now looking forward to welcoming their new friends to Newbury
Olympic Gold Medal Winning Boxer Badar Uugan is a former
later this year.”
student. Back in January this year, staff and students from School
No.79 in Ulan Bator visited both Park House and Edlesborough Students from both schools had an amazing opportunity to
schools to establish an international partnership based on the spend an afternoon training with the GB Paralympic Seated
Olympic and Paralympic Values. Volleyball team, learning the skills needed to be a successful
Paralympian at the world famous Stoke Mandeville centre, which
This long distance international partnership is flourishing, but the
was the birthplace of the Paralympic Games in 1948.
programme has also provided the opportunity to bring together
students from the two UK schools in a new friendship inspired by Mr Tree commented, “Today was one of those special days that
the World Olympic Dreams programme. Eight of our Year 11 and makes you thankful that you are a teacher. The Park House leaders
12 students visited Edlesborough School to take part in a joint were fantastic – inspirational and real role models to the
school assembly on the Olympic and Paralympic Value of Edlesborough School pupils. The Edlesborough pupils were
Friendship and then led a series of PE activities based on the equally fantastic – receptive and extremely welcoming. Attitude and
Boxing training undertaken by Badar Uugan. behaviour was exceptional throughout the day from all pupils. I am
so proud of every one of them.”
Edlesborough School Teacher Rekha Slatter, who helped
organise the visit, said, “We were so excited to welcome our UK
twin school, Park House. Their visit to us lived up to all our
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expectations and more. As a teacher this was definitely one of
the magical moments that makes my job worthwhile. Our
Edlesborough pupils responded so well to the activities set by the
Park House students. Their Sixth Formers were excellent with our
pupils who looked up to them and were inspired by their
enthusiasm. In the afternoon the children had an amazing
experience when they met the Paralympic Athletes and played
Sitting Volleyball. The staff and children are looking forward to
further developing this strong friendship.”
Year 12 Sports Ambassador Amy Hooper said: “It was an
inspiration to meet the young students at Edlesborough – they
were so enthusiastic and motivated for sport. It was a wonderful
day and we’re looking forward to the Edlesborough pupils visiting
us soon. The afternoon Seated Volleyball was a sport that was
unknown to most of us so we were all excited to learn from the GB
paralympic team. It was amazing to meet them and create
friendships with them whilst strengthening ours with Edlesborough
students. To summarise, the day was fab!”
Year 11 Junior Sports Leader, Betsy Hart added: “I really enjoyed
my experience with the Great Britain seated volleyball Paralympic
team. We learnt how to play seated volleyball – it was great fun!
I wish we could do this in our PE lessons. This was definitely an
experience I wont forget!” (cid:129)
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A bit more than fifteen minutes of fame!
Year 12 student Matt Brown explains his recent artistic contribution to the school’s growing gallery of Olympians and Paralympians:“The art
department teachers were producing a digital piece of art for our Mongolian visitors and I asked if I could help as digital art is something that I enjoy
doing. The end result was in the style of Andy Warhol – a picture of Mongolian Badar Uugan, who had achieved a Gold Medal for Boxing in the 2008
Olympics. Following that Mr Peaple asked me to produce another piece in the same Andy Warhol style for our Indian visitors. This image features Abhinav
Bindra, another Olympic Gold Medallist who won his Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympics for the 10m Air Rifle event.” (cid:129)
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A tree-mendous effort!
Back in 2009 Ryan Willis was part of the first year had a go at using different things in my knitting
group to take their options in Year 8. Having had a like shoe laces and fabric”
passion for all things fabric from an early age it
Ryan’s projects have been getting more and
was it was only natural for him to opt for a GCSE
more adventurous each term. As part of his
in Textiles.
coursework Ryan needed a spectacular final
“I really liked Textiles in Years 7 and 8 piece to go with the folders of samples he had
especially when I learnt to felt and make a created. ‘Yarnbombing’ was becoming popular
landscape cushion based on Chinese all over the world; then it came to Park House
buildings. I used lots of fabric shapes stitched School.
onto the cover that looked like the buildings in
“It’s like graffiti, knitters knit covers for things
the picture,” explains Ryan.
in public places. I knitted some squares and
After being introduced to many new
stitched them onto fences and chairs around
techniques and artists to inspire him throughout
school. Then I saw a tree outside the History
the course it was knitting that caught his
block and started knitting strips to wrap
attention. During his first visit to The Knitting
around the trunk and pom-poms to hang off
and Stitching Show he was inspired by all the
the branches.”
weird and wonderful knitting that was taking
place. He purchased a pair of needles and a The ‘knitted tree’ has caught the attention of
ball of wool and set about knitting his first many students and staff. Situated on the
square, later to become a scarf. He was croquet lawn it is the perfect statement of
addicted! Ryan’s Nan played a major role in his Ryan’s efforts over the past few months.
early knitting days, helping him knit and purl his
Even though Ryan’s exam is just around the
way from project to project.
corner, he still finds the time to share his woolly
“I like looking at all the free patterns online, I wisdom and knowledge with other students in
find lots of new projects on the internet. I have the school. He is never without his needles and
to incorporate them into my coursework so I wool, much like a photographer carrying his
found an artist Ruth Lee. She is a knitter that camera Ryan is ready for when inspiration
uses elastic and plastic bag yarn, I have also strikes! (cid:129) Miss Atkinson
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Andy Stevenson
Andy presenting Channel 4’s
coverage of the IPC World Athletics
Championships in New Zealand in
January with Danny Crates
Thirty-year-old Andy Stevenson (who was at Park PB: Are there any particular events at the Paralympic games
you are looking forward to?
House from 1992 to 1999) has been working for BBC
AS: The track & field events and the swimming should be the
Sport on Sports Personality of the Year and sports highlights, but for skill and effort, you probably can’t beat the
wheelchair basketball.
documentaries and is hoping to be involved in the
2012 Paralympics with Channel 4. PB: Which Paralympians should we be watching out for in the
2012 games?
Having taken English Literature, German and Sociology A-levels AS: The British team have a number of real medal hopes. Of the
at Park House Andy then went on to read English and American athletes I witnessed at the World Champs in New Zealand, Richard
Literature at the University of Warwick followed by a post-graduate Whitehead and Nathan Stephens stood out. Whitehead is a
course in Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University. He now lives double-leg amputee sprinter who also runs the marathon (although
with Julia, his partner of five years, near Windsor. red tape looks set to keep him out of the longer distance), and
Stephens is a really likable Welsh powerhouse in the throwing
We were delighted to have the chance to catch up with Andy
events. Internationally, all eyes will be on the sprint clashes
recently and find out about life after Park House School.
between Oscar Pistorius and his new nemesis Jerome Singleton.
PB: Firstly, congratulations on presenting Paralympic sport
PB: How do you think the public’s perception of the
for Channel 4 at the World Championships in New Zealand.
Paralympics has changed over the years?
You must be hoping to be part of Channel 4’s coverage of the
AS: There’s no doubt that the increased coverage on the BBC, and
2012 London Paralympics?
now Channel 4, has given people a real insight into just how ‘real’
AS: Thanks very much. I really enjoyed my first taste of TV
these athletes are. By that, I mean that Paralympic athletes train just
presenting, and the 2012 Paralympics are indeed a huge goal for
as hard as their Olympic counterparts. Their achievements are just
me. I just have to keep doing my best whenever I’m given the
as laudable and thankfully people are cottoning onto that now. I
opportunity and hopefully Channel 4 will like what they see! The
myself flirted with trying to qualify for the swimming events a few
London games should be incredible and a real once-in-a-lifetime
years ago, but my times were way off the pace! Plus, I always
occasion.
wanted to be presenting rather than competing!
PB: Are you sporty yourself?
AS: I used to play a lot of football and went swimming most
weekends whilst at Park House. To be honest, my sport now is
golf. I have extended clubs which allow me to give my friends and
family a decent game.
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aka Rocket
...
PB: Would you mind explaining your disability to our experience and gave me the radio bug. After a year of
students? Has it made you more determined to succeed or unemployment and working in a call centre, I got a place on a
is it an irrelevance? postgraduate Broadcast Journalism course in Cardiff, which was
AS: I was born with very short arms, with no hands, and only one superb. From there, I worked my way up the ladder at BBC Radio
fully formed leg. I wear an artificial leg on my left side. I am Berkshire, and then landed my dream job at BBC Sport working
incredibly thankful to have been born with these disabilities rather on Sports Personality of the Year and sports documentaries.
than losing my limbs in an accident for example, as I have not
known anything different, and I have simply learnt to do things just PB: What have been your career highlights?
like anybody else. For example, I can write with my feet, drive a car AS: Obviously presenting a TV sports programme was the most
and usually find a way to get around things. I believe everyone has recent. But there have been so many highlights at the
a disability of some sort, and am aware that there are millions of BBC...commentating on horse racing at Ascot and the Hennessey
people worse off than me. My disabilities have allowed me to meet Gold Cup at Newbury, interviewing Sir Michael Parkinson, meeting
some amazing people, have some incredible experiences, and and working with Des Lynam and Jake Humphrey, filming with
they give me the opportunity to prove people wrong on a fairly Clare Balding on the Thames for the Boat Race, going to
regular basis, which I love doing! Wimbledon, looking after AP McCoy and Graeme McDowell on
Sports Personality of the Year. I have to pinch myself every time I
Who has inspired you in your life and career? reflect on the last few years.
AS: In my life, my parents gave me the right attitude from an early
age... to have a go at things, be nice to people, and never give up. PB: What advice would you give any budding journalists who
I owe them an enormous amount. In my career, my hero was are at Park House?
always Des Lynam, who was the face of BBC Sport as I was AS: First of all, you have to work hard on core subjects like
growing up. My job has now allowed me to meet him and work English. Concentrate on something like that at school and then
with him, which was an absolute dream come true. university if that’s the route you want to take, but pursue work
experience opportunities at newspapers, radio stations etc. Be
PB: You co-presented the IPC World Athletics prepared to start off in a lowly position if you have to. I even wrote
Championships in January with Park House favourite fake newspaper back pages during one summer holiday. I still have
Danny Crates. How long have you known Danny? a folder full of them somewhere. Clearly, you also need to know
AS: We had only met a couple of weeks before we went out to your sport. I found my post-graduate course at Cardiff to be the
New Zealand! But as you know at Park House, Danny is a great real springboard for everything that followed.
guy, very enthusiastic, very energetic. And he’s got a Paralympic
gold medal to look back on, which nobody can take away from PB: Finally, where do you see your career heading after 2012?
him. That must be a great feeling. What would your dream be?
AS: I have to get to 2012 first! It’s a fickle old industry and you
PB: Could you tell us about your years at Park House. What have to be at your best every single time you appear on screen.
or who stands out for you from that time? It would be amazing to be a presenter on the 2012 Paralympics.
AS: I loved my time at Park House and am fortunate that my best Beyond that, my ultimate goal would be to present golf, football or
friends at school are still my best friends now, even though we horse racing for the BBC... the kind of events that I watched Des
have spread far and wide. I was lucky enough to be Head Boy and Lynam host as a kid.
I appeared in a couple of school plays, including a solo singing
performance in Fiddler on the Roof, which would probably have Many thanks Andy and good luck with the broadcast
earned me a ‘No thanks’ from Simon Cowell. There were so many opportunities next year!
great staff members who had an influence on me, including Betty
Douglas, Brenda Anderson and my other helpers in my early years
at the school. The teacher who stands out though is Doug Cook
Andy with Graeme McDowell and
who taught PE and gave me the nickname ‘Rocket’, which is still AP McCoy at the 2010 BBC Sports
Personality of the Year Show
used today. Mr Cook was an inspiration and I still think of him
whenever I am in a sports changing room or happen to hear
Classic FM, which he used to have on in his office. He taught three
generations of some families and is still going strong around
Berkshire now.
PB: How did you get into broadcasting after school?
AS: My Year 10 work experience placement was at the Newbury
Weekly News, and I subsequently wrote a weekly sports column
for them for £10 a go! Then, after leaving Sixth Form, I studied
English & American literature at the University of Warwick, where
I got involved with the student radio station, RaW (Radio Warwick).
I became Sports Editor and presented sports shows to our three (!)
listeners every Saturday afternoon. It was a tremendous
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Fond memories
and a good
education...
…ex-students
and teachers
reminisce
On Wednesday 2 March Park House a maternity cottage. It was bought for “After one caning, I remember him saying
School was remembered by a group of £5700 and came with 50 acres. It was a to me ‘Mullard, you can do well!’ We were
ex-teachers and students who wanted to place for those who hadn’t gained a place really looked after and guided, there was
come together to reminisce about what at the Grammar School down the road. a real ideal of success.”
Park House School had given them – The Girls had Shaw House and we had
Park House School was historically
fond memories, a good education and Park House. The ‘grammar school down
seen as a vocational school; few stayed
sore backsides from canings! the road’ is, of course, St Bartholomew’s.
on past the required four years and there
Our rivalry with the school clearly dates
The Park House School Reunion, for was no access to university, or even any
back more than 60 years, although now,
staff and students who were at our school mention of it. Having said that, every
thankfully, we’re only rivals on the sports
in the 1950s and 1960s, was put person at the reunion could be described
pitches.” recalls Mr Brown.
together by Professor Chris Mullard (CBE, as a success story; businessmen,
DL Hons, LLD) a former student who, When asked what their memories of entrepreneurs, professionals. Good men
while working on his autobiography, Park House School were, it was so nice whose start in life at Park House School
decided to revisit his old school and look to hear that not a lot has changed. “A really helped mould them into confident,
up a few familiar names and faces, aided lovely atmosphere,” claimed one former ambitious young adults. As my own
by the infamous Doug Cook. student, “A very happy school,” chimed in father, Collin put it: “I remember getting
another. However, what was also so caned, I remember getting into trouble.
Held at the West Grange Hotel in
clearly and surprisingly fondly But what I remember more than that were
Midgham, it brought together Park House
remembered were the “Expectations and the lectures that went with canings. They
alumni to talk about the ‘good old days’ discipline” or rather “Turnbull’s discipline!” (the masters) really cared about us, they
of strong discipline and a head teacher I was regaled with gleeful stories of wanted us to do well. They made us feel
lovingly referred to as ‘Daddy’ Turnbull. canings by ‘Daddy’ Turnbull, the like we could and should be better
I attended the reunion to report on it for seemingly scary head teacher who people. That’s what I remember most
Personal Best, and as the daughter of about Park House School.”
wandered the grounds with his faithful
one of the attendees, I also wanted to
dog, Sandy, looking for trouble-makers. As a teacher at Park House School in
find out about what my dad was really like
Professor Mullard explained to me that 2011 I can only hope that 60 years from
at school – it was a very interesting night!
they called him ‘Daddy’ because that was now our students are savouring the same
Dennis Brown, a Metalwork teacher exactly what he was like, a father figure positive memories from their time at our
from 1951-1989, told me about the who guided and encouraged his school, minus the stories of canings of
history of the school site: “It was originally students, even whilst punishing them. course! (cid:129) Rebecca Vare
The Newbury Coat – what is it?
In June 1811 two Newbury business men, John Throckmorton, a woollen mill owner and John
Coxeter had a wager that Throckmorton could not shear a sheep, spin the wool, weave the
cloth and make a coat to be worn the same evening at a dinner of roast lamb. The challenge
was accepted and two sheep were shorn at day break and the coat worn at dusk. The actual
coat is securely held at Coughton Court, in Warwickshire, a National trust property.
In 1991, at the Newbury Agricultural Show, The Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers Spinners and
Dyers recreated the coat which was worn by Johnny Morris, and which is now in the Newbury
Museum.
As part of the Newbury 2012 Cultural Olympiad, the same guild have been asked to
undertake another recreation, possibly with the Guiness Book of World Records in attendance.
The event will be in The Corn Exchange on Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 June this year.
A great deal of preparation has already taken place and some sponsorship has been promised.
Greenham Common Trust are the main sponsors with Camp Hopsons very much involved. The
Newbury Weekly News are prepared to assist too. Is anyone able to help with marketing and
advertising, please?
There are a number of jobs to be undertaken prior to the actual spinning of the fleece and I
would like to involve some students and adults in this venture. If you can help please contact
me at school. I do have a few volunteers already. (cid:129) Mr Franks (Pictured wearing The Coat!)
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