brighton college review michaelmas 2010
DESCRIPTION
Brighton College ReviewTRANSCRIPT
in association withSussex Life magazine
“e bestA-levelresults of anyco-educationalschool inengland”e Daily Mail
Rev
iew
two rev iew
Arecord number of our new pupils were Head Boys or Head Girls
of their Prep Schools. These were: Shaan Bains (Copthorne),
Holly Cook (Danes Hill Prep), Alfie Laurence (Dorset House), Jack
Scanlon (Great walstead), Georgina Grainger (Holmewood House),
elsa Crombie (Pennthorpe), Anna-Rose Truman (Sompting Abbotts),
Phoebe Jackson (St Aubyns), Miles Dibsdall (St Christopher's) and
Lucy Grant (Thomas's, Clapham). They join a terrifically talented and
cheerful new cohort which has already made its presence felt.
Ten Head Boys and Head Girls join new Fourth Form
Some of the new boys and girls on induction day
The top co-educationalschool in the country forthe third year in a row
rev iew three
The College is celebrating another year of outstanding
examination results, with 94.5% of all A-levels being awarded
A*-B grades. The high calibre of College pupils was illustrated by the
introduction of the new A* grade at A-level: 28.6% of all grades were
A*s, compared with just 8.1% nationally; and fully 71.6% of grades
were either A* or A. There was also news of terrific success at GCSe,
with the College taking another huge leap forward. The percentage
of grades at A*/A rose from 76.4% in 2009 to 81.4% this year. This
compares with an independent school average of 59.8% and a
national average of 22.6%. These were, once again, comfortably the
best results in Sussex.
righton College again appeared in the Tatler’s guide to the top
schools in the UK. The Tatler said of Brighton: “Forget the
seriously high profile ex-head Anthony Seldon, or the just-as-
brilliant current head Richard Cairns. And for once the big
news at Brighton College is not the happiness of the lessons or
the entrepreneurship course. Here’s looking at the girls’ 1st Xi
cricket team, who sent shockwaves through the MCC in May
this year when they went up to Harrow and took on the school’s Colts.
You could practically hear the choked exclamations at Lord’s – ‘whoever
heard of girls playing cricket - and against boys?’ well. They’ll be eating
their words now because the young ladies of Brighton College went back
south with their heads held high and a commendable final score just two
runs short of a win. This is the alma mater, after all, of the head of england
women’s cricket, Clare Connor, who returned after her competitive career
to teach there as well. Cricket aside, everything else here at BC is just
tickety-boo. Under Cairns, pupil numbers are at an all-time high, demand
for boarding places is up 52 per cent, teachers are flocking from other
leading schools such as eton, Tonbridge and Harrow, and academic results
have shot through the roof. The league table stats speak for themselves:
from 136 nationally in 2005 to 87th in 2007, 19th in 2008 and 17th in
2009. if the school carries on like this its future looks very bright indeed.”
B
Over 2,700 visitors flocked to the
BBC Antiques Roadshow held at the
College, the oldest public school in Sussex,
during the summer half term. with
members of the public queuing in the
glorious sunshine, hundreds of antiques
were presented to the experts, including the
rare De Morgan tiles in the fireplace of the
Head Master’s study! Fiona Bruce took time
out to show the College prefects how the
programme is put together.
four rev iew
AntiquesRoadshow
rev iew five
Our Guest of Honour this year at Speech Day was
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC. She presented the
various awards and trophies before delivering an
exceptionally inspiring address which drew heavily on her
distinguished legal career, with much wise advice for our
leavers. The College President, Lord Renton, and College
Chairman, Lord Skidelsky, joined the Head Master and
members of the Common Room on stage to celebrate the
achievements of pupils of all ages. it was wonderful to have
so many parents, grandparents and other family members
there to support our pupils, as we reflected on the past year
and looked forward to the future.
Speech DayThe Head Master, Lord Skidelsky (Chairman), Baroness Kennedy, Lord Renton (President), Rt Hon Francis Maude MP (Governor)
Former pupil Horatio Georgestone,
who joined the College in 2007 as
one of three Kingsford Scholars in the
first year of the scholarship
programme, addressed the annual
Conservative Conference this autumn.
Horatio spoke about child poverty and
its implications for social mobility
before joining a panel of MPs and
newspaper editors for questions. Since leaving Brighton in June 2009, Horatio
has worked for the charity ‘Save the Children’ in east London and is now
studying Philosophy at Aston University. Fellow Kingsford Scholar, George
weller, is currently at emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he has recently
been awarded a scholarship. in fact, all three Old Brightonians at emmanuel
this year have received scholarships for achievements in their first year exams.
Kingsford Scholarto addressConservative Conference
The new Sixth Form entrepreneurship programme, much praised in the national
press, was launched on 7th September by Professor Gerry Musgrave, executive
Chairman and CeO of Corac PLC. The course will introduce all Lower Sixth pupils to
business and entrepreneurship through a vibrant programme of lectures, master classes
and an inter-house entrepreneurship competition. An exciting range of speakers has been
lined up, including Tony elliott, founder and owner of Time Out magazine, and Neville
Abraham, Old Brightonian and founder of the restaurant chain Chez Gérard.
This innovative addition to the senior curriculum once again reflects the College’s
determination to prepare pupils for new global realities. in 2006 Brighton became the
only independent school in england to introduce Mandarin Chinese as a core part of the
curriculum, with 300 pupils studying the subject today.
entrepreneurship programme launched
six rev iew
The latest addition to the College campus, the stunning new Skidelsky
Building, has been completed in time for the start of term. Named after
the College’s Chairman of Governors, Professor Lord Skidelsky, the building
houses the new Design and Technology School, a new english department and
super accommodation for our Third Form (Years 7 and 8) with sea views!
Skidelsky Building opens
Over 50 at Oxbridge
Brighton now has more former pupils at either Oxford or Cambridge than at any time
in the College’s 165 year history. Following this year’s outstanding A-level results, over
50 Old Brightonians are currently studying at Oxbridge despite escalating competition for
places. This year’s excellent AS and GCSe results suggest this is a pattern that will continue.
rev iew seven
woolton Quadproject well underway
Girls’ boarding continues to thrive. Families are drawn by the warm
and happy environment identified as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in
their recent inspection.
To accommodate them, a new boarding house was officially opened on
3rd September by Joan Deslandes, Head Teacher of Kingsford
Community School, with a record number of new Fourth Form girls in
attendance. Head’s House becomes the junior girls’ boarding house, with
Fenwick occupied by senior girls - a system which is mirrored in the boys’
boarding houses, with School House now welcoming all the new Fourth
form boys, and Abraham the new 6th Form.
New girls’ boarding house
work began over the summer on the latest stage of the
College’s ambitious development programme, 2020
Vision, to ensure our pupils and staff have access to the very best
facilities in the country. The woolton Quad Building is due to be
completed by September 2011 and will house a Sixth Form café,
additional study and leisure spaces for the boarding community,
and a new Senior Common Room. The building, designed by the
London architects Allies and Morrison, will be a striking addition
to the College site, and has been specifically designed to
complement Sir Thomas Jackson’s buildings of 1884-1886.
Joe Saxby, now at University College, Oxford
eight rev iew
An architectural competition is underway for the design of a new
music school on the College campus. Linking with the
Performing Arts Centre, the new building will provide a stunning 140-
seat performance space, twelve practice rooms, iT suites, a recording
studio and a percussion centre. Construction will begin in 2012.
Musical Ambitions
The strikingly refurbished Dining Hall was
unveiled on the first day of term. Originally
designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1856, it has
been returned to its former glory with the addition of
a modern twist: portraits of eight of Brighton’s most
influential Head Masters in the style of Shepard
Fairey’s Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster.
Dining in Splendour
Joe Beckett, Captain of the 1st Xv, and Lizzie Foulds,
Deputy Head Girl, successfully competed against eight
other couples in the annual Strictly Come Dancing
competition to be crowned the 2010 winners. Joe, a talented
gymnast and Lizzie, a member of Brighton College Dance
School, achieved high marks for their viennese waltz, but it
was their disco routine that wowed the audience and was the
highlight of the evening. Congratulations to them both!
Strictly Come Dancing
rev iew nine
Few know that a former pupil of the College, John Gifford
Stower (Hampden 1932 -1933), was involved in the
famous Great escape during the Second world war. Following
his years at Brighton College, John Stower joined the RAF as a
volunteer in 1940 and served as a bomber pilot until his plane
was downed in 1943. He participated in the Great escape of
24th March 1944, from Stalag Luft iii prisoners’ camp and,
following his recapture, was amongst the 50 prisoners
executed by the Gestapo on Hitler's orders.
Old Brightonian involvedin Great escape
The Rt Hon Sir John Chilcot, GCB,
who attended the College from 1952-
1957, has been appointed President of the
Old Brightonians’ Association. Sir John, who
is currently Chairman of the iraq inquiry,
acknowledged “a serious obligation to Brighton
College and a delight that the College has
been doing so well in recent years”.
Sir John Chilcotappointed OBAPresident
Old Brightonians
Lord Skidelsky, Chairman of Governors and Old Brightonian, was appointed Knight of the
Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce) by the President of italy at the Quirnale Palace in
Rome. Lord Skidelsky was honoured for his work as an historian and economist. His much
heralded new book ‘Keynes: Return of the Master’ is now out in paperback. Lord Skidelsky spoke
at the College in October on the subject of ‘Stimulus or Austerity’ in the first of this year’s
Head Master’s lecture series.
Lord Skidelskyachieves top italian honour
The College rugby sides have all made impressive starts to the 2010
season. in the 1st Xv match against Daily Mail Cup champions
whitgift, Brighton recorded one of their best wins in a close-fought match by
23 points to 22. Full back Alastair Chisholm won the match with the final kick
of the game held at The Stoop, home of Harlequins RFC. Meanwhile, those
starting their college rugby careers have been impressive too with the Under 14s
beating Cranleigh 7-5. Last year’s Twickenham finalists, the Under 16s, have
also continued to impress and drew on the experiences of their cup run to win
their opening fixtures in fine style.
ten rev iew
1st Xv victories overCranleigh and whitgiftherald good season ahead
Sport
Brighton’s reputation for Sport is clearly reflected
in the number of former pupils playing
significant rôles at national and international level. in
cricket, Matt Prior has been named in the Ashes squad
to tour Australia this winter. Laura Marsh, Holly
Colvin and Sarah Taylor will join Matt ‘down under’ as
part of the england women’s Team. in rugby, Jordan
Turner-Hall has been joined by Ross Chisholm in the
Harlequins side, Ross making his premiership debut
against exeter Chiefs in September. Members of last
year’s 1st Xv are also showing promise: Ollie Richards
has been selected for the england Under 19 team while
James Tyas and Max Maidment have both represented
the Bath ‘A’ side. elsewhere, Ben Maidment has been
selected for the Blues Squad for Cambridge University
and will hopefully gain his second blue against Oxford
this December.
Sporting Stars
rev iew eleven
Competing at the Sussex Schools’ Championships, seven of
the College’s athletes met the exacting standards necessary
to compete at the english Schools’ Championships in July at the
Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. in the junior boys’ competition,
Dominic Reid (200m), Michael Papanicola (High Jump) and
Bryce williams-watson (Pole vault) all qualified. Jordan Auburn
(Hurdles) and Gabi Harris (Triple Jump) competed in the
intermediate competition, as did Matthew Gue (Discus) and
Matthew Lasis (Hammer) in the senior boys’ event.
Brighton’sMagnificent Seven
On Friday 8th October, the College is holding the first of a series of evenings
with parents and pupils to discuss our plans for sport within the wider school
community. Following the opening of the excellent new fitness suite at the heart of
the College, attention now turns to the New Ground where we are planning to erect a
stunning new pavilion, complete with viewing gallery, café and changing rooms. it is
hoped that construction will start in 2011.
New Sports Pavilion for the New Ground
Three of our girls have won national recognition. izi Noakes,
Sofie Cawley and Georgia Adams will join 40 of the top girls
from across the country at the eCB Super 2s competition. All three have
played for the College boys’ teams over the last few months, including
Sofie making her debut for the 1st Xi against Dulwich. izi Noakes also
made her Sussex senior debut, opening the bowling against Kent in the
County Championship, where she claimed the prized scalp of the
england Captain, Charlotte edwards.
Brighton College girlsachieve national cricketrecognition
twelve rev iew
Prep School
After their hard work in the scholarship and common entrance
exams, our Year 8 pupils headed to Cornwall for their end-of-
year activity holiday. They enjoyed a variety of treats, including a
sailing day and, of course, the Newquay surf !
Mastering the waves
BCPS continued its exceptional record in the United Kingdom
Junior Maths Challenge, winning a fantastic 15 gold awards.
Out of the 240,000 best pupil mathematicians entered nationally, only
the top 6% were awarded gold certificates. Four pupils qualified for the
Junior Mathematical Olympiad, a competition for the top 1000
national entries.
Multiplying Success
rev iew thirteen
Our talented chamber choir performed with professionalism and
maturity, impressing their audiences at their two concerts in
Paris in July. They sang at the eglise Saint André, Bobigny and the
American Church. On the final day of the trip they let their hair down
at Disneyland, using their vocal chords for screaming instead of the
previous beautiful harmonies!
Singing in Paris
Many of our present and former pupils were involved in the
exhilarating dance show that was performed over two
evenings in June. High skill levels, passionate enthusiasm, brilliant
choreography and stunning costumes combined to make these
performances superlative experiences that will live long in the
memory of all who were privileged to be in the audience.
Just Dance 2010
BCPS teams are defending a number of titles this
year, as they currently hold the national iAPS
Under 12 netball title and are also Sussex Under 13
County champions at netball. The Under 13 boys are
hoping to retain shields won in 6-a-side tournaments
in both cricket and soccer.
Title Holders
fourteen rev iew
Pre-Prep School
it was a perfect summer’s afternoon on Thursday 1st July,
when the Pre-Prep children, staff, parents, Governors,
Headmasters and guests gathered together to celebrate the 30th
Anniversary of the Pre-Prep. One of the highlights of the
afternoon was a special performance from the Nutcracker Suite,
the ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ which was performed by a Senior School
Dance scholar accompanied by a Year 3 pupil as Clara.
30th AnniversaryCelebrations
we are delighted to welcome our new Headmistress, Jo williams.
Jo began her teaching career at a prep school in Chichester, before
progressing to the role of Head of the Foundation Stage and a member of
the Senior Management Team. Jo joins us from Tanglin Trust School in
Singapore, where she worked as a member of the leadership team, in an
infant department with 800 children. Jo is really looking forward to her new
role and said, “This really is a very special opportunity and one which i
intend to fully embrace. i am passionate about this age phase and i believe
that the importance of instilling a love for learning at this age is imperative.
The school has such a wonderful atmosphere, which nurtures individuals
and allows them to reach their full potential. My aim is to maintain the
strong traditional values, combined with a 21st century education.”
A Special welcome!
rev iew fifteen
This school year has seen some brilliant musical presentations,
including ‘Harvest Hope’ by Nick Perrin, and two Christmas
productions. The first was a rendition of ‘Shine Star, Shine!’ by Niki
Davies, from children in the Foundation Stage. Years 1 and 3 sang a
selection of secular and world music on the Christmas theme. Finally, Year
2 performed the second nativity ‘Babushka’ by Ruth Kenward. The music
continued throughout the year, right into the Summer Term, with an
instrumental Concert from Years 2 and 3. The Summer Show theme was
‘weird and wonderful’. There were pets in Nursery, dancing robots and
rapping aliens in Reception and an underwater world in Year 1. we had
cockerels doing the tango and donkeys doing the Can-Can in Year 2,
whilst Ancient creatures came back from the dead in Year 3. The final
highlight was the premiere of the musical ‘Fossil Rock’.
Marvellous Music
Year 3 participated in the eagerly
awaited swimming gala. All the
children swam one length front crawl
with great determination and energy!
SwimmingSensations!
The biggest event of the year in the PTA calendar, the easter
Fayre, was once again a complete success. it was a gloriously
sunny day and the Sports Hall had been transformed into a riot of
colour with balloons, bunting and daffodils. easter eggs, homemade
cakes, plants, donkeys and stalls galore, along with our wonderful
easter bunny, Richard Bennett, and our MC “Mad Hatter”, Brian
Cannon, made the Fayre a truly joyous occasion. The Fayre was a
great success and raised £2,500 for our two supported charities:
‘Fun in Action’, a befriending service for disadvantaged children in
Brighton, and ‘Age Concern’, who provide valuable support for the
elderly in our city.
An extravaganza!
“e best A-level results of anyco-educational school in england”
Daily Mail 2010
Best GCSe results in Sussex 2010e Times 2010
Best A-level results in Sussex 2010Financial Times 2010
Sixth Form Open Morning (16+)Saturday 13th November 2010
9.30-12 noonCollege Open Morning (11+, 13+, 16+)
Saturday 5th February 20119.30-12 noon
01273 [email protected]
www.brightoncollege.org.uk
Bus routes across SussexDay, Weekly and Full Boarding