Vol.

115
2012

Vol. 115
2012
Olavian Editor: David Craig
Old Olavian Editor: John Brown
Assistant Editor: Peter Leigh
Design: William Dalton

450 Years

The modern school hall

Front Cover: Opening of the Orpington school, 1968

Contents
Contents
Headmasters Introduction
Editors Notes

3
4
5

School Notes

Staff 2012
Creative Work
Prize Day
Sixth Form News
Leavers 2012

12
19
30
39
44

Clubs and Societies

49

Maths & ICT

Science
English & Drama
The Library
Music
Modern Foreign Languages
Humanities
Sports
Art & Design Technology

57
63
71
79
81
87
97
111
119

450th Anniversary Supplement

127

Old Olavian

139

From the Headmaster

T

he theme of my second year as Headmaster of

St Olaves Grammar School was dominated by
the celebrations to commemorate 450 years as one of
Englands oldest schools. Our tributes to Henry Leeke,
Queen Elizabeth I and other founders included a fine
performance of Shakespeares Macbeth, the formation
of the 450 Parent Choir, a splendid Easter Anniversary
Concert, the special Commemoration Service in
Southwark Cathedral, and culminated with the
fascinating exhibition, including Dr Carringtons canes
which stirred a few memories!
The year also concluded with the best public examination
results in the schools history at A level, AS level and
GCSE, and a running total of nearly 90 Oxbridge
successes over the last 3 years. It was pleasing, if not
surprising, that we were ranked as the countrys No. 1
State school with mixed 6th Form at Advanced level,
and the 2nd best Boys school at GCSE, by The Times
and The Telegraph newspaper league tables.
Against a backdrop of some of the worst Public Sector
funding cuts to hit education since the 1950s, we can
be proud that our students have not only achieved these
impressive levels of scholarship but have also engaged
in international cultural activities from New York to
Namibia, ancient Greece to Ecuador, as well as Chess,
Fives, Music and Drama at National competitive levels.
My thanks go to our Latin Master, Mr Craig, for once
again skilfully editing this magazine which, I hope, will
provide you with much interesting and entertaining
reading.

Aydn na
Headmaster

4 Olavian 2012

Editorial

am very conscious for the need for variety and this years
magazine will represent a shift from the norm. What
however has not changed is the constant achievements
of our pupils both academically, theatrically, sportingly,
forensically, artistically and in numerous other activities.
Of these you will be able to read in abundance but there
has been a real growth in terms of cultural enrichment
especially in the Faculty of Modern Languages with new
trips to Spain, Germany and France. It seems that our
pupils have been kept very busy in places as far removed
as Costa Rica and Botswana. This is not to distract from
the very significant academic achievements here at
the school but to stress that the school is not merely a
place of academic preparation but a provider of vitally
important opportunities to enrich their experiences
through scholarship and cultural diversity. My hope is
that Old Olavians will enjoy reading this magazine and
the current students will give some time to reflection on
how blessed they are to be at a school of such stature.
David Craig
Editor

About the redesign

n September 2012, I was in the unusual position of

being the Assistant Student Editor both for a second
year, and for the issue celebrating the year in which
the schools long history was commemorated. When a
friend reminded me that we had previously discussed
re-designing the Olavian, I agreed that this should go
ahead (unaware of quite how much work we would be
doing at A2).
Thus it will be noted that this years Olavian has been
refreshed and re-designed, the order shuffled slightly, and
generally (it is hoped) made more accessible. The photos
have increased in number, the articles span a yet wider
range of subjects, we have enlarged the creative work
section, and it is our hope that this edition will (whether
because of, or despite, the changes!) appeal to its wide
audience of school pupils, parents, staff, Governors, Old
Olavians and others.

up with my endless comments, suggestions, requests for

change and short deadlines, at the same time as remaining
calm and amicable, and producing a brilliant design.
Thanks are also due to Olly Plumstead, who very kindly
took some of the photos at extremely short notice. And,
finally, thanks are due to all my friends, various members
of staff, and my family, who were, at some point over
October, given chunks of the magazine whenever they
saw me, and asked for an opinion.
Peter Leigh
Assistant Editor
N.B. It may be that some people reading this will
consider that the design is not as much to their taste
as the previous was. The previewers, however, seemed to
like it. De gustibus non est disputandum!

Huge thanks are due to William Dalton, who has spent

so many hours on the re-design of this magazine, putting

Olavian 2012 5

SCHOOL NOTES 2012

Admissions Olaves
011-12 was a complicated year for admissions and,
following changes to government legislation, we had
to handle admissions for September 2012 as well as
bringing forward the Open Day and application round
for the following year. However, all went smoothly with
continued exceptionally high numbers applying for
places. 904 applications were received for Year 7, resulting
in an intake from 70 different Primary schools; 432
external applications to the 6th Form resulted in a total
intake, including internal students, of 196. The result was
the maximum number on roll ever for the school of 966.

Academic Olaves
ugust can be a nerve-wracking time for students
and parents awaiting the outcomes of public
examinations, but it was smiles all round as St Olaves
excelled, even by its own very high standards, to produce
the best ever results at all levels. At A level 96% of grades
were at A*/B with 34% at A*; 12 students emerged
with 4A*grades. These results place the school as The
Telegraph and The Times No. 1 state school nationally
with mixed 6th Form. Those in Year 12 taking AS levels
achieved 87% AB grades the best results since the
examination was introduced a decade ago and up from
82% the previous year.

At GCSE there was a similar story with 87.2% of grades

at A*/A and 53.3% at A*, results which ranked
St Olaves as the 2nd best Boys state school nationally,
with 96% of the boys also qualifying for the new English
Baccalaureate. 15 students gained at least 10 A* grades,
with top performer Timothy Adelani gaining 12 A* as
well as an A* in A level Italian and an A in AS French.
Built on the highest aspirations, all of these results
represent a well-deserved outcome from the hard work
of staff and students.
An impressive number of students also furthered their
interests in Mathematics and Science, gaining top
awards in the senior National Olympiads. In the British
Biology Olympiad 16 students sat the first round, with
Thomas Watson emerging with a Gold Medal and 6
others gaining Silver. In the Physics there were 3 Gold
certificates, including Duncan Bell and Alexander
Grainger who were invited to sit the 2nd round for the top
50 students in the UK; Duncan was subsequently invited
to a training a camp at Lincoln College, Oxford, for the
best 15 in the UK. In the highly challenging Mathematics
6 Olavian 2012

Olympiad, 4 of our students Antony Barker, Duncan

Bell, Alistair ONeill and Thomas Saunders - were
awarded distinctions, with Duncan gaining a coveted
Gold medal and an invitation to join the training camp
in Budapest. In the Junior section 9 students progressed
to the Olympiad round with Bilal Chughtai, Richard
Moulange and Sachin Savur all gaining distinctions and
Bronze medals. At Intermediate level the sheer numbers
are impressive, with 92 Gold certificates in the UKMT;
39 of these progressed to the kangaroo competition and
11 on to the Olympiad round.

Scholarship
he pursuit of real scholarship in greater breadth
and depth, through wider intellectual inquiry
and subject societies, is an increasing focus. Societies
in Classics, Politics, History and Film Club also gave
opportunities for students to discover and try out new
ideas, with Jack Bradfields film clip featuring in BBC2s
Britain in a day and Theo Cliffords essay being highly
commended in the Royal Societys Young Economist
of the Year competition. 6 of our students, known
collectively as German Jamboree, translated and selfpublished Wilhelm Buschs Max und Moritz. Matthew
Burns, Thomas Bridges, Peter Leigh, Christopher
Self, Timothy Stickings and James Watson not only
translated but also reworked each couplet to produce a
full rhyming version in English. The chosen theme for
the third issue of the History Magazine was Civil War,
with articles on conflicts as long ago as AD69 and as
recent as 2011. In addition, a special 450th Anniversary
supplement included interviews with Mr Burston as the
longest-serving member of staff, a study of the schools
artwork and biographies of famous Old Olavians.
Students of all ages have contributed to the production
of several issues of The Natural Sciences Society Journal
with articles on Inter-galactic Space-travel, Darwin and
Evolution, Vortexes, Climate Change, the Importance of
insects and many others. These activities are encouraging
our students to broaden their academic studies into areas
of personal interest to levels well beyond the confines of
examination syllabuses.

6th Form and Oxbridge

s a free Grammar School we continue to champion
the idea of social mobility, supporting those from
areas of high social disadvantage to aspire to the very
best universities and careers. The 89 students who have

gained Oxbridge places over the last 3 years will be

joined by a further 24 this year and almost all of our
leavers will be going on to Russell Group universities; we
are, naturally, delighted for all of them. The table below
shows our leavers top 10 university destinations over
recent years, with Cambridge and Oxford in 1st and 2nd
places respectively.
We said farewell to Captain of School Timothy
Munday and Vice Captains Jennifer Cocke, Udit
Gadkary, Charlotte Gadsby, Frank Kibble and Jonathan
Morris. Following extensive voting and interviewing, I
was delighted to appoint the new Senior Prefect team for
2012-13: Captains of School Mohammad Fallaha and
Grace Boyle; Vice Captains James Atkinson, Eleanor
Goodman, William Pyle and James Watson.
The 6th Form Prefects have been particularly effective
this year in their roles as Ambassadors, Academic and
Sports Prefects, acting as superb role models for younger
students, promoting cultural activity and the House
System, being good ambassadors in the community as
well as helping to maintain the tone and traditions of
the school.

Cultural Olaves
t Olaves prides itself on a broad education which is
rich in culture and based on a strong set of values.
For many students, their outstanding academic results
come at the end of a year in which they have participated
in a wide range of cultural activities, committed
themselves to sports teams, musical ensembles or
dramatic productions; taken responsibility as Prefects;
experienced foreign exchanges, sports tours, Field Trips
as far apart as Malham and Iceland, Classical studies
in Greece, Political and Economic experiences in New
York and Washington, and World Challenge expeditions
to Botswana, Namibia or Ecuador.

For those wishing to develop or showcase their talents,

there were ample opportunities, with impressive
Christmas and Easter concerts, dazzling Cabaret and
Show-stoppers, alongside a number of entertaining and
thought-provoking dramatic productions.
Richard Decker provided the individual highlight of
the musical year, winning the BBC Young Chorister
of the Year 2011, in a live broadcast event hosted by
Aled Jones and composer John Rutter. In a busy year
that followed, Richard had the honour of singing in the
Queens Diamond Jubilee Service at St Pauls Cathedral.
In support of the musical dimension we were pleased
to welcome Old Olavian Dr Nol Tredinnick, Director
of Music at All Souls, Langham Place, and Professor
of Music at The Guildhall, as our guest speaker at the

annual Prizegiving. The festive season burst into life

with a dazzling Christmas Concert which gave the
packed audience an experience to warm the heart on a
cold December evening. We are fortunate to have John
Castle, Martin Bunce, Doug Blew and Nick Beston, as
well as other dedicated peripatetic teachers, to inspire our
students, under the leadership of Matthew Price. Four
members of the St Olaves Chamber Choir were handpicked to sing Parrys anthem I was glad in a special
service in Westminster Abbey to commemorate the 200th
Anniversary of the birth of Nathaniel Woodard, whilst
Thomas Bridges, who won 1st Prize in the Woodard
Composer of the Year Award, was invited to read one of
the lessons. Other notable individual successes included
Stefan Becketts invitation to perform with the LPO and
William Howarth and Thomas Steers 1st and 2nd places
in the Woodard Musician of the Year. The Jazz Band
one of our leading ambassador groups - took to the stage
at the Fairfield Halls to perform to a packed auditorium
as the highlight of the Bromley Schools Prom 2012,
before rounding off the year by entertaining a packed
Great Hall at the annual St Olaves Jazz Night.
Our links with The Queens Chapel of The Savoy have
continued to flourish, further enhanced by the generous
addition of another scholarship from the Duchy of
Lancaster; the opportunity for our young choristers to
sing at such a high level, in such a unique setting, is quite
unique.
Drama saw 6th Formers perform Our Countrys Good,
Timberlake Wertenbakers dark thought provoking play
about the transportation of criminals to Australia. The
audience clearly enjoyed Playboy of the Western World,
a funny, dark comedy directed by students Fintan Calpin
and Caspar Smart, whilst following his own school
production, Max Kennedys original play The Bistro,
was taken on and performed by professionals at the
National Theatre. Debating continued to thrive with our
Senior team participating in the Oxford Union Schools
competition and, following his victory in the South East
round of the Jack Petchey Speak Out public speaking
competition, Matthew Roberts was invited to a brilliant
final at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

European and World cultural enrichment

Olaves
f the world came to London for the 2012 Olympics,
then our students certainly did the opposite,
participating in a fascinating range of international
cultural experiences abroad.

The 6th Form trip to the United States coincided with a

heat-wave of Saharan proportions, with Washington the
hottest city in world at 42C! Perhaps most intriguing
Olavian 2012 7

was the visit to the US Capitol Building and the chance

to watch the House of Representatives in session. In
stark contrast was the hustle and bustle of New York
City, including Wall Street and the Federal Reserve, as
well as the opportunity to go into the gold vaults and
handle real gold bars!
Art students enjoyed the sights of Florence over a long
weekend in November, immersing themselves in the
culture of this wonderful city, as well as stopping off to
view the Leaning tower at Pisa on the return journey.
Florence is full of churches, galleries, statuary and Italian
life, and visits to the Academia, the Uffizi, Pitti Palace,
the Cathedral Duomo and Boboli Gardens allowed
students to savour the full passion and creative impulse
of the Renaissance.
European trips opened up new outlooks on international
culture and the importance of foreign language, with
students subsequently presenting the highlights of these
experiences to an enthusiastic whole-school assembly. 44
boys travelled by coach to LEtoile de la Mer, Normandy,
where highlights of the week included immersing
themselves in the native language in a French market,
an activities day at a chteau, and, naturally, sampling
some French cuisine of snails and patisseries. Others
visited a school in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain,
where they tried windsurfing and mud bathing (in which
they were all covered in warm, smelly mud, supposedly
good for the skin!) before visiting the Roman theatre
of Carthago Nova in Cartagena, especially interesting
for its cultural history. Exchange visits with German
schools enabled our students to visit the famous castles
in Mannheim and Heidelberg, as well as immersing
themselves in the language within their host families.
A new 6th Form field trip to Iceland - the land of ice
and fire - encompassed the Blue Lagoon geothermal
spa, the capital city Reykjavik, a geothermal power
station, volcanic crater lakes, geysers, the fissure between
the Eurasian and North American plates, a volcanic
beach with fascinating landforms and delightful
puffins. Students of Classical Civilisation and Latin
had a fabulous opportunity to visit Olympia, Mycenae,
Eleutheria, Athens and Delphi. An unexpected highlight
was a sighting of the largest cricket imaginable whose
body plates were iridescent green and black and whose
photograph has been sent to the University of Oxford
Biology Faculty for identification.
As the year concluded, two of our World Challenge
groups spent August in Africa. Despite initial misgivings
over the meagre rations of rice and biltong (a type of dried
meat), an acclimatisation phase visiting the spectacular
Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia, lifted spirits.
Riding traditional mokoros down the river to a small
island in the Okovango Delta in Botswana, brought the
8 Olavian 2012

groups up close and personal with giraffes, elephants,

hippos, ostriches and lions, before seeing 9 White Rhinos
together at a water hole whilst exploring the Etosha
National Park. At the same time as entertaining an
entire Kindergarten and teaching them new games, they
managed to help paint their school buildings. Camping
on the windy desert of the Skeleton Coast and a long
days trek round the Spitzkoppe Mountain provided
challenges in the final trek before the groups had a chance
to enjoy dune boarding or relax and unwind with a seal
and dolphin cruise. The 3rd World Challenge group
tackled Ecuador. After a cultural week living in a local
community and digging trenches for new water pipes,
they pushed themselves through a demanding trekking
phase, ascending to a height of 5000m at the edge of the
Cotopaxi glacier still part of an active volcano. This
was followed by a cloud forest phase, punctuated by rest
and relaxation with white water rafting, horse riding and
zip-wiring. Steaming in the thermal baths at Banos was
rather timely as the Tungurahua volcano which provides
the natural heating erupted one week later! After a
long month away, students returned home from all 3
expeditions exhausted, but having savoured thoroughly
amazing experiences which they will never forget.

Sport and Outdoor Pursuits Olaves

longside the impressive academic achievements the
number and variety of sports and extra-curricular
activities was maintained despite all the pressures of
time and funding. Our rugby teams toured Devon and
North Wales, and a successful season culminated with
the selection of 3 players Matthew Holmes, Richard
Adenyi-Jones and Joseph Theuns for the Kent County
squad, victory for the U14s in the Kent County Cup,
and Abigail Pottiers selection for the South East
Division. Thanks to the commitment of not only the PE
staff but also a significant number of those from other
departments, we continue to field around 12 rugby teams
every Saturday, enabling the school to participate in the
top school leagues in the South East.

Our dominance in Fives shows no sign of waning thanks,

in great measure, to the input from Old Olavian Howard
Wiseman. His enthusiasm and the opportunity for our
students to enjoy training in the Swiss Alps encourage
so many young players to take up this unique sport. Top
performances throughout the season against some of
the other best schools in the country saw Christopher
Self became the first ever schoolboy to win the adult
Midlands championship, with Antony Barker and Harry
Ravi reaching the semi-finals. Cricket rounded off the
sports season with a thrilling victory for the Year 9s in
the final of the Bromley Cup against Langley Park.
Chess also continues to flourish. In the Kent Junior Chess

Association Grand Prix Tournament, the Schools Prize

for the day was won by St Olaves, and, in a thrilling and
exciting finale to the Southern Counties Chess Union
Open U14 Tournament, Kent, including several of our
players, also came out as Champions. 4 of our senior
players starred in the Kent U18s with Duncan Bell and
Conrad Allison taking 1st and 2nd places in the Kent
Grand Prix. It was good to see Old Olavian Callum
Kilpatrick become a Chess Master after taking 5th place
in the Circolo Tournament in Italy.

chose to donate 10K to the Kariandusi Trust to support

the Woodard Foundation in the construction of a brand
new school in rural Kenya, giving hope and opportunity
to generations of students who, hitherto, never had
the chance of education beyond the age of 12. The
Amnesty Group has also been active and hosted their
own Freedom night at the school, coinciding with
Amnestys 50th birthday.

The sheer scale of the numbers of students involved in

the Duke of Edinburghs Award is becoming a challenge,
with many staff giving up weekends and holiday time to
support groups out on expeditions.

Staffing Olaves
very year brings with it some notable retirements
and 2012 was no exception. John Burston arrived
in April 1972 on a one term contract to teach History
but ended up staying a further forty years! His career
spanned Head of Economics to Deputy Head and he will
be affectionately remembered as not only charismatic,
but as one of the giants of the history of the School. As
the longest serving member of staff, John now has the
honour of a special plaque in the school Quad.

8 teams completed their Gold final expeditions in the

Black Mountains, drawing praise from the assessors for
their teamwork, leadership and potential for the future.
The Duke of Edinburghs Award is held in high regard
by many employers worldwide and I was pleased that the
London region presented us with our own Operating
Licence Certificate a recognition of the scale and
quality of the organisation of the scheme at St Olaves.
The wider Olavian community
ur students successes would not be possible without
the support of parents, particularly those who give
their time generously to the PA through a splendid
Summer Ball, Family Fun Day and Quiz Nights that
have provided much-needed additional finance. Their
contributions this year have funded the new Fitness
Suite, the Lost property Chalet, water coolers, new
furniture for the 6th Form Common Room and new
Hymn books.

The Young Olavian Day saw the previous years leavers

return for friendly matches against the current 6th
Formers in a range of sports. The Old Olavians Annual
Luncheon, held at the RAF Club, was a good time for
Old Olavians from as far back as the 1940s to catch up
with former colleagues. The school also continues to
benefit greatly from the financial support given by the
Old Olavians Society and I am working hard to keep
them up-to-date with all that is happening at the school
by including them now in the email circulation of the
weekly Newsletter.

Values Olaves
t Olaves is rightly recognised as a centre of excellence,
but there is another dimension a sense of values
which we hope all of our students will acquire. In this
respect, I was delighted when, following the Autumn
fundraising from Festival and Cabaret, our students

Dr Frank Green also retired after 22 years as Deputy

Headmaster, having organised the first Entrance
Test, assessment, calendar, timetable and curriculum
development. An outstanding Physics teacher, revered by
students; a totally honest, always kind man, deservedly
respected as a leader for his wisdom, Frank, too, played
his part in the history of this school. We wish them both
rich and enjoyable retirements.
The year was also tinged with great sadness at the
untimely death of Brian Phillips, the Head Groundsman,
who sadly passed away. Brian had served St Olaves for
over 15 years keeping our grounds in tip-top shape. He
took a real pride in his work, especially keeping the rugby
pitches in first class condition for generations of boys to
play on as well as tending the Headmasters garden. An
English oak tree has been planted in the school grounds
in his memory.

Academy Status
t is a source of considerable frustration that we have
not yet been able to complete our conversion to
Academy status. The intransigence of the Church of
England at Rochester and their insistence on trying to
use the conversion to increase their corporate power over
the Governing Body has, quite rightly, been deemed as
totally unacceptable to the governors.

Funding cuts
e have now faced two years of the worst Public
Sector funding cuts for the last half century - and

Olavian 2012 9

there are still worse to come. Grammar schools, like St

Olaves, have been, and will be, particularly badly hit.
Substantial savings have been made, especially in the
Senior Leadership Team and within the Support staff.
However, despite these, we have been able to:
- Preserve the number of 6th Form lessons
- Keep 6th Form class sizes to reasonable numbers
- Not increase teaching contact time
- Preserve all minority subjects and new options,
including Astronomy, Computing, Drama and
Spanish
- Make a substantial number of internal promotions
and support colleagues personal aspirations
- Maintain all World Challenge opportunities and
Outdoor Pursuits
- Retain staffing for Sports coaching and funding for
fixtures and transport
In this respect we remain indebted to The Foundation for
its annual grant which supports a wide range of school
activity and to the Marshalls Educational Foundation for
the grant we receive. As university fees spiral and funding
cuts bite even deeper, these grants have a significant
impact on the overall enrichment at St Olaves. Many
individuals, as well as groups of students, have benefitted
from Marshalls Awards, enabling them to participate
in, for example: residential trips, music tuition, Woodard
Master Classes, overseas exchanges, the Woodard
Musician of the Year Competition, Outward Bound,
restoration of artworks, leadership training, computer
notebooks, Sports Leaders Awards, coaching, Summer
Schools and sports tours, in addition to the valued grants
for student leavers going on to university. On behalf of the
school and the students, may I thank both organisations
for their on-going support and encouragement which is
so greatly appreciated.
The next few years are going to be very challenging and
additional financial support, particularly from our Old
Olavian community, is going to be crucial.

Chaplaincy Olaves
am pleased that the schools community service
programme known as the Le Chavetois Society
(named after a former member of staff ) has grown in
size and scope, with over thirty Year 12 students taking
part in a wide range of different projects from healthcare
to charity fundraising. A large team were based at the

10 Olavian 2012

local St Pauls Cray Church of England Primary School,

where our students helped in the literacy drive, running
a library bus and reading, with supervisors describing
them as excellent, polite, helpful, professional and always
willing to help.
Two new weekly meetings were established this year
- a Senior Christian Union, run by a group of 6th
Form students, and a Staff Prayer Meeting; these have
run alongside the Chaplains Lower School discussion
group Firm Foundations, an opportunity to explore and
debate matters of faith. One of the most popular events
continues to be Roast the Reverend, where students are
given free rein to ask the Chaplain any questions of their
choice. Some of the tougher offerings included Why
doesnt God take all the bad people away? and If Jesus
was perfect, why did he get angry with religious people?
Three students - James Byrne, Alexander Hutchinson
and Gabriel Ide - were confirmed by the Rt Revd
Michael Turnbull, former Bishop of Rochester. The boys
also helped to lead aspects of the service such as Bible
readings and prayers, while the music was led by the
Chapel Choir, conducted by Eamonn Cox and Thomas
Steer.
The annual Chapel weekend away at Carroty Wood
Activities Centre near Tonbridge, led by Mr Maltman
and the Chaplain, included activities such as low ropes,
scavenger hunt, campfire and a forest wide game. Students
had the opportunity to consider aspects of the Christian
faith such as the Old Testament story of Jonah, and how
Gods forgiveness is at the same time a comfort and a
challenge to our society.
It was fitting that the recent SIAS report commended
the good work of the Chaplain as an established strength
of the school.

n conclusion it is an impossible task to describe

everything that contributes to a year in the life of a
school like this and I apologise for the many things I
may have omitted. I have not mentioned, for example,
the names of the 300 students to whom I was pleased to
award Colours for outstanding contribution, leadership,
and conduct that brings credit to the school. It was,
nevertheless, a fitting tribute to 450 years of this great
school that 2011/12 was, academically and culturally,
one of the most successful years in the history of St
Olaves Grammar School; I am proud and humbled to
be its Headmaster.
Aydin na

Olavian 2012 11

Staffing 2011-12
Chairman of the Governors

Elected Staff Governors

S. Hibberdine, Esq., B.Sc., F.R.I.C.S.

C.E. Davies, Esq., B.A., A.T.D., M.A.

Vice-Chairman of the Governors

Mrs K.S. Brooker

Mrs J. Bell, M.A., C.Eng. MIMMM.

Foundation Governors
Appointed by the Lord Bishop of Rochester:
R.P. Highmore, Esq., M.A
M.H. Lovett, Esq., F.C.I.B.
Appointed by the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education:
The Revd H.A. Atherton,
M.A., M.Th., B.Sc., F.G.S., Dip.Ed.
I. Ketchin, Esq.
Appointed by the Chapter of Southwark Cathedral:
R.A.Watson, Esq., B.A., M.A., MIET, MBCS

Local Authority Governor

Councillor J. Grainger.
Sponsor Governor St. Olaves Foundation
M.F. Elvines, Esq., PhD, B.Sc.
Associate Governor St. Olaves Grammar School
A. Stoneham, Esq.
Ex Officio
A.na, Esq., B.Mus., BSc., ARCM, FRSA
Clerk to the Governors
J. Ayles, Esq., B.Sc. (Econ)., A.C.M.A.

Appointed by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge

acting jointly:
M.A. Edwards, Esq., M.A., M.Sc., A.C.A.
Appointed by the Senate of the University of London:
The Revd Professor P. Galloway,
OBE, JP, PhD, DLitt, FSA.
Appointed by the Dulwich Estate:
S. Hibberdine, Esq., B.Sc., F.R.I.C.S.
Appointed by the Special Trustees of Guys and St
Thomas Hospitals acting jointly:
Councillor N.R. Reddin, F.C.C.A.
Elected Parent Governors
Mrs J. Bell, M.A., C.Eng. MIMMM.

12 Olavian 2012

Assistant Staff
J.L. Burston, Esq., M.A.,
Jesus College, Cambridge
R.N. Archer, Esq., B.Ed. (Hons),
Loughborough University
A.T. Henley, Esq., B.Sc., M.Sc., C.Math,
M.I.M.A., Univ. Coll. Cork & South Bank
University
C.E. Davies, Esq., B.A., A.T.D., M.A.,
Universities of Wales, Bristol & London
D.M.G. Craig, Esq., B.A., M.Phil.,
Bristol University & Kings College, London
L.J. Ward, Esq., B.Sc., M.Sc.,
University of Sussex & City University
N. Maltman, Esq., M.A.,
Pembroke College, Cambridge

A.M. Kenward, Esq., B.A.(Ed.) (Hons),

University of Exeter
Mrs H.C. Cooley, B.Ed. (Hons),
University of Sussex
D. Bowden, Esq., B.A., University of Lancaster
Mrs. R. Maxwell, B.A., University of Manchester
Mrs M.T. Morinan, B.A., B.Sc., M.Sc., M.R.S.C.,
National University of Ireland & Open University.
Ms C.E. Marwood, B.Sc., The Open University;
L.R.A.M., Dip. R.A.M.
Mrs D.A. Ott, B.Sc., University of Sheffield
Miss M.F. Sullivan, B.A.,
Westfield College, London University
Ms. S.K. Wilcox, B.A.,
Goldsmiths College, London University
Mrs J.M.Cooke, B.Sc., University of Wales
R.M. Harvey, Esq., B.A.,
Royal Holloway College, London University
Mrs.P. Garton, B.Sc.,University of Kent
Mrs J. Upsdell, B.A., University of Surrey
Ms. J. Bradley, B.Sc., PhD, Kings College &
Royal Free School of Medicine, London
A.Pengilley, Esq., B.A., University of Nottingham
Mrs C. Johnson, B.Sc., University of Nottingham
Mrs D.E. Lewis, B.Sc., University of Portsmouth
Mrs D.A. Storrs-Fox, B.A.,
University of Southampton
P.J. Charlton, Esq., B.Eng.,
University of Nottingham
Ms G.C. Gardiner, M.A.,
Newnham College, Cambridge
Mrs E.J. Kite, B.Sc., B.A.,
University of Birmingham & The Open University
Mrs S.J. Wallace, B.A., MPhil., PhD, University of
Lancaster & Christs College, Cambridge
Mrs G.M. Morgan, B.A., University of Exeter
Ms. B. Onifade, B.Sc., PhD,
University of Central England

Mrs J.S. Penny, B.Sc.,

Royal Holloway College, London University

J.A. Greenwood, Esq., B.Sc.,

University of Bradford
Mrs K.A. Hodges, M.Eng.,
St. Catherines College, Oxford
M.G. Price, Esq., M.A.,
Trinity College, Cambridge
Miss P. Vasileva, B.Sc., University of Sussex
Miss M. Delage, Master 1, Universite de Limoges
Miss V.E. Duguid, B.A., University of Sussex
L.D. Espejo, Esq., M.A.,
University of St. Andrews
Mrs E.A. Goodman, B.A., University of York
J.R. Pendred, Esq., B.A., University of Bristol
J.K. Eyre, Esq., B.Sc., PhD,
University of Glasgow & University of Liverpool
Mrs K.A. Martin, B.Sc., University of Ulster
B.P. Larkin, Esq., M.Sc., B.A.,
University of Wales & University of Greenwich
Miss N.C. McCartney, MMath.,
Trinity College, Oxford
M.S. Cook, Esq., M.A.,
St. Catharines College, Cambridge
Miss R.E. Hawley, B.A., Middlesex University
Miss A. Wilkie, M.A., B.A., University of
Warwick & Goldsmiths College, London
Miss Z. Abrahams, M.Ed.,
Homerton College, Cambridge
Miss E. Amonoo-Kuofi, B.Eng., Aston University
G. Buckley, Esq., B.Sc., University of Sheffield
D.J. Budds, Esq., M.A.,
St. Peters College, Oxford
Mrs C. Christie, B.A., M.Phil, Kings College,
London & St. Edmunds College, Cambridge
A.R. Gyford, Esq., MSci.,
University College, London University
Miss S.L. Heraghty, B.A.,
Loughborough University
P.S. Holton, Esq., M.A., B.A., University of Sheffield Hallam & University of Loughborough
Ms. C.M.Knight, M.A.,
Selwyn College, Cambridge
Olavian 2012 13

Mrs S.G. Latcham, B.A., University College,

London University
T.A McCurrach, Esq., MMath., Magdalen
College, Oxford
M. Patel, Esq., B.Sc., University College, London
University
H.J. Waddington, Esq., M.A., MPhil. St.
Catharines College, Cambridge
J.R. White, Esq., B.Sc., University of Bath

Departing Teaching Staff, Summer 2012

14 Olavian 2012

Valete
Dr. Frank Green
Dr Frank Green retired after 22 years as Deputy
Headmaster. Frank joined St Olaves in 1990, organising
the first Entrance Test, assessment, calendar, timetable
and curriculum development. An outstanding physics
teacher, revered by students, he was integrally involved
in the design of the science block. More recently he
has organised Prize-givings, looked after new teachers,
managed the Pastoral system and still found time for
his favourite role, Health and Safety. A totally honest,
always kind man, deservedly respected as a leader for
his wisdom, Frank has certainly played his part in the
history of this school. We wish him a rich and enjoyable
retirement.
John Burston
John arrived in April 1972 on a one term contract to
teach History but ended up staying a further forty years!
He was appointed Head of Economics and Careers
in September 1972, setting up both departments. He
subsequently became Head of Middle School and then
Deputy Head with responsibility for the Pastoral work
of the school, an area of activity which he was able to
embed into the culture of St. Olaves. John became a
part-time Economics teacher in 2006 and now one of
the giants of the history of the School moves forward to
a well- earned and, hopefully, long retirement.
Andrew Pengilley
Andrew Pengilley was Head of Geography for 8 years
and Head of the Humanities Faculty for 3 years. His
enthusiasm for classroom teaching and fieldwork were
unmistakable and he led the Geography department
to be the only school department to perform above the
school average at GCSE and A2 in all of his 8 years.
He has moved to King Edward VI School, Shakespeares
School, Stratford-upon-Avon, as Head of Geography to
continue his passion for Geography and to also continue
his passion for rowing as one of their rowing coaches.
We wish Andy and his wife Sylvia and son Torin a very
happy time in Stratford.
Dr. John Eyre
Doctor Eyre came from Dartford Grammar school
with a superlative reputation as an outstanding physics
teacher. He was a very quiet member of the common
room but like Van de Graaf s generator sparkled in the
classroom with electrifying panache. He was equally at
home running the renowned Celtic music group. His
expertise brought to the school the accustomary brilliant

results in the Physics department. We wish him the

very best as he now ploughs his way through the forces,
pressures and reactions of teaching in the far East.
Paul Charlton
Paul Charlton taught
mathematics at the
school for six years
having entered the
common room first on
the GTP scheme rising
to become second in
the department. The
word commitment is
one which we would
all associate with Paul.
He was capable of
dedication to a whole range of activities from the hurdles
of trigonometry, to the church, to rugby, World Challenge
in Africa and ski trips. He was at the school a deeply
liked member of the staff whose persona will be difficult
to follow. An oenophile, extreme danger athlete, owner
of serious photographic hardware and a bewitching sense
of humour, we shall all miss him greatly as he proceeds
now to Saint Pauls. Vale, mei amice !
Matthew Cook
Matthew came to the
school armed with a
magnificent
musical
pedigree not least being
an organ scholar. His
devotion to all aspects
of the school both in
the classroom where he
was an excellent wellprepared practitioner, as
a pastoral Head of Year
and an athletic sportsman seemed to have no coda. His
lively presence in the common room was permanently
noticed. He enriched the pupils musical knowledge,
conducted orchestras, introduced assemblies, and took
enormous pride in everything he did. In his first year at
the school he coached the Under 12 X1 to success in the
Bromley Cup and winning the coveted Kent Cup against
Skinners. He was always a flamboyant, tireless worker for
the school and his presence will be enormously missed.
Our loss is Sevenoaks Schools gain.

Olavian 2012 15

Kathryn Martin
Kathryn joined the department of design and technology
after completing teacher training in her home country
of Ireland. With a traditional and disciplined attitude to
the delivery of technology, she was a well-accepted and
valuable college during her three years at Saint Olaves.
Whilst delivering excellent teaching and consistently
strong results with her GCSE and A-Level groups, it is
in her contributions to the wider school life where she
will be missed the most. Taking on the role of head of
Year 7, she was effective in supporting the transition of
pupils to secondary school, and helping to reinforce the
school ethos of scholarship, culture, and values with this
new cohort. Pupils will remember her for her active role
in the World Challenge and D of E schemes run at the
school and notable successes in leading teams of young
designers to two commendations in the annual Design
Ventura competition. She moves to American to teach
D&T and IT with our best wishes.

teacher of geography he achieved superlative results both

at GCSE and at A level in the brilliant department that
is geography. He is the most well-mannered gentleman,
beautifully dressed and the wearer of the most bespoke
of shoes .His sartorial elegance matched his acumen, flair
and diligence in the classroom which both enthused and
delighted his pupils. Frequently he was to be seen working
the very long hours required to bring academic vigour to
the students and in so doing placing geography at the
highest level of scholarship. He is an athlete of national
standard and his fitness and joy were permanently on
display to the benefit of all who had the pleasure to meet
him.

Nicole McCartney
My abiding memory of Nicole is her concerned interest
in the pupils both academically and pastorally. She is the
most kind, enduring and yet persuasive of form teachers.
She is also a brilliant mathematician to be seen in the
common room dealing with mathematics on the very
highest level. When not storming her way through the
mysteries of calculus or some such thing, she was also
giving her time to the supporting of the chess team. She
was a superlative colleague whose company all enjoyed
and she participated fully in the extra currricular
activities offered at the school. It is no surprise therefore
that when the opportunity arose Westminster had the
nous to seize her with open arms. We all wish her the
very best in her new appointment.

Luke Harding
Luke was on the staff for two years proving to be an
outstanding PE teacher and especially, a rugby coach.
Small of stature but extremely strong and very fit, he
was a role model for the students. In the course of his
time here he coached the under 14 XV to success as the
winners of both of the Kent Cup and the Kent Sevens.
He was of the old school tolerating no nonsense; a man
who did his job brilliantly and to which end he was
greatly admired by colleagues, staff and parents alike. We
wish him the very best at his new school in Henley.

James Pendred
July 2012 saw the departure of Mr Pendred as he and
his young family moved to Bath. Mr Pendred joined
the department in 2008-09 as an NQT and quickly
became an excellent teacher and the force behind the
History Society. His trademark enthusiasm for all areas
of History including Joe Chamberlains tariff reform and
Conservative party organiser W.B. Skene will be missed as
he continues his career at King Edwards School, Bath.
Brian Larkin
After three years at the school Brian left to join the staff
at Townley Grammar School. He made a huge impact
on the school with contributions to the IT Department
and started the very successful Computer Animations &
Game Development Club. He was also a very firm but fair
form tutor to years eight and nine. He will be much missed.
Humphrey Waddington
Humphrey Waddington has left to join the staff at
Merchant Taylors school in Watford. An outstanding
16 Olavian 2012

Zoe Abrahams
Zoe was Head of RE at the school albeit very briefly.
She made a very positive impact in the school and was a
superlative form tutor. We wish her the very best in her
new teaching post.

Richard Harvey
Richard Harvey has left the Modern Languages Faculty
to pursue a new project. He has contributed a very great
deal to the school with numerous trips overseas and
where possible has encouraged the teaching of German
to the very highest level.
Catherine Knight
Catherine joined the Science Faculty albeit very briefly.
In her short time at the school she made a very strong
contribution. She has now left to train to become a
member of the clergy.
Mitul Patel
Mitul joined the Biology Department for a year where he
made a positive contribution and helped out a great deal
with the Science Facultys links with primary schools. A
very flamboyant and jovial man, he has now decided to
train to become a dentist.
Catherine Christie
Catherine joined the Classics Department on a one
term contract from Putney High School for Girls. She
brought with her tremendous expertise especially in
the teaching of the very popular Art and Architecture

module. She was an outstanding classroom practitioner

at key stages three and five. The department achieved
a very laudable ninety percent A/B grade at A/S , a
percentage which was significantly above the national
average and her results in the Greek Tragedy module
were exceptional given the national disappointment at
the results in this area. As ever the department bucked
the trend! A committed Christian, she made valuable
contributions to the prayer group and to the Christian
fellowship weekend. We extend our thanks.
Headmasters P.A. Joan Law
The School said a sad farewell in September to Joan Law,
who retired after nineteen years as the Headmasters P.A.
In addition to her inimitable professionalism and detailed
knowledge of every aspect of school life, Joan had a great
sense of fun and quite a reputation for dressing up as
a Christmas fairy, Hospital nurse or School Prefect for
charity fund-raising. Staff and Governors wish her every
happiness in her retirement; she will be greatly missed at
St. Olaves.
Kerry Evans
Kerry worked in the Finance Department with
astonishing verve, tenacity and achievement. She
seemed permanently to be preparing for the next wave
of fiscal legislation or for her accounts to be inspected
by auditors. Not surprisingly she was always victor

Brian Phillips
It was with great sadness that we had to inform staff,
students and governors of the death of Brian Phillips,
the Head Groundsman, who sadly passed away on
Saturday 19th November following a long illness.
Brian had served St. Olaves for over 15 years keeping
our grounds in tip-top shape. He took a real pride in
his work, especially keeping the rugby pitches in first
class condition for generations of boys to play on as
well as tending the Headmasters garden. He will be
remembered with affection and sadly missed by staff and
students. A commemoration service was held to mark
Brians contribution and length of service at the school,
and an English oak tree planted in the school grounds.

pecuniarum. Alongside Elaine Vago she worked with

charisma, wit and panache. In between managing the
complexities of school finance she managed to fit in the
onerous tasks of doting grandmother, dog walker, motor
cyclist and remarry. We wish her the very best in her new
school, Townley Grammar. They will benefit much from
her chrematistic acumen where no doubt she will plough
a straight feer.
Jane May
Jane May has now retired having run the school catering
with considerable flair and efficiency for some many years.
A very competent and diligent woman she produced
excellent fare for generations of school pupils and staff
alike. We wish her the very best in her retirement.
Rob Gardner
Rob has been on the staff for some many years and in
many guises. He has worked in the music faculty, and
in computer support .He has sung with various choirs,
he has been a cover assistant and put his knowledge to
all things technical. Presently he is writing a history of
the men who attended this school and died during the
First World War. He has had a very varied life from
working as a film projectionist in Brighton, to working
for Olivetti in technical support. We wish him well in his
long retirement.

In Memoriam

Tim Jarvis
Staff, students, Old Olavians and Governors were all
shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the accidental
death of former student Tim Jarvis (St Olaves 2004
2011) at his university hall of residence. A thoughtful
young man, Tim took his passions seriously, showing
dedication to his Mathematics and great commitment
to Judo where he led classes for younger students. Polite,
friendly and self-motivated, he was popular within his
year group and well-liked by all staff.
Olavian 2012 17

18 Olavian 2012

Creative Work

This years creative work reaches out to many different subjects within the school, showing
individual/group excellence within them. It is our hope that every reader will find something to interest them within this section containing works from English, French, German,
History and Science.

Max und Moritz Translation

ndoubtedly, one of the outstanding academic
achievements of the Autumn term was the German
Jamborees translation and publication of Wilhem
Buschs Max und Moritz. This childrens story, a tale
of two young miscreants who play devious pranks on
their neighbours, is a darkly humorous tale, part and
parcel of Germanspeaking culture. Six of our students
- Matthew Burns, Thomas Bridges, Peter Leigh, Chris
Self, Tim Stickings and James Watson - supported by
Frau Cooley and hungry for more advanced German,
took on this most challenging project of not just
translating an entire book, but working through each
couplet, to produce a full, rhyming version in English,
of the exquisite German verses. However the boys did
not stop there and the idea of publishing their book was
conceived. Copies were in such demand on Open Day

that the entire batch was bought up, and another lot had
to be ordered! I have to agree absolutely with the outside
reviewer who said A wonderful example which will, I
hope, inspire many others to enjoy the work of Wilhelm
Busch and the talented St Olaves students as much as
I have! Congratulations to all the boys for this classic
example of true scholarship, St Olaves style.

Fnfter Streich

Fifth Prank

Wer im Dorfe oder Stadt

Einen Onkel wohnen hat,
Der sei hflich und bescheiden,
Denn das mag der Onkel leiden.
Morgens sagt man: Guten Morgen!
Haben Sie was zu besorgen?
Bringt ihm, was er haben mu:
Zeitung, Pfeife, Fidibus.
Oder sollt es wo im Rcken
Drcken, beien oder zwicken,
Gleich ist man mit Freudigkeit
Dienstbeflissen und bereit.
Oder seis nach einer Prise,
Da der Onkel heftig niese,
Ruft man: Prosit! allsogleich,
Danke, wohl bekomm es euch!
Oder kommt er spt nach Haus,
Zieht man ihm die Stiefel aus,
Holt Pantoffel, Schlafrock, Mtze,
Da er nicht im Kalten sitze,
Kurz, man ist darauf bedacht,
Was dem Onkel Freude macht.
Max und Moritz ihrerseits
Fanden darin keinen Reiz.
Denkt euch nur, welch schlechten Witz
Machten sie mit Onkel Fritz!
Jeder wei, was so ein Mai
Kfer fr ein Vogel sei.
20 Olavian 2012

Aydin na
Below, we have reproduced the text (but unforutunately,
due to print costs, not the amusing pictures) of the Fnfter
Streich (Fifth Prank) from the book. If you are interested,
and potentially want to buy a copy of the book, please see
http://germanjamboree.webege.com. This Streich will be
available on the site, complete with pictures, for you to
download free.

He who in the town or village,

Has an uncle living nearish,
Always works hard to provide
What will keep him satisfied.
In the morning says, Hello!
Can I help you? There you go!
Bring him what hell need or like,
Paper, lighter and his pipe.
If theres something on his back,
A biting, poking bug attack,
One leaps, both swift and eager, up,
And brushes off the nasty grub.
Or maybe, with a pinch of snuff,
He starts to sneeze and wheeze and huff,
One calls bless you! in half a tick,
And checks at once if he is sick.
Or if, at night, he comes home late,
One scrambles to accommodate.
Night cap, slippers, dressing gown,
To keep him warm are hurried down.
To put it briefly, one will try,
To keep him happy, warm and dry.
Max and Moritz, for their part,
Found this hard to take to heart.
Think yourselves, what kind of tricks,
These two played on Uncle Fritz?
Were all aware what kind of brute,
May Beetles are without dispute

In den Bumen hin und her

Fliegt und kriecht und krabbelt er.
Max und Moritz, immer munter,
Schtteln sie vom Baum herunter.
In die Tte von Papiere
Sperren sie die Krabbeltiere.

In trees and bushes here and there,

It eats or buzzes through the air.
Max and Moritz, ever scheming,
Shake these horrors from their sleeping.
Our awful boys in bags of paper,
Put the beetles in for later.

Fort damit und in die Ecke

Unter Onkel Fritzens Decke!
Bald zu Bett geht Onkel Fritze
In der spitzen Zippelmtze;
Seine Augen macht er zu,
Hllt sich ein und schlft in Ruh.

These two, who really feel no guilt,

Put beetles in their uncles quilt!
Uncle Fritz comes up to bed,
A pointed cap upon his head.
He settles down and shuts his eyes,
Soon in restful sleep he lies.

Doch die Kfer, kritze, kratze!

Kommen schnell aus der Matratze.
Schon fat einer, der voran,
Onkel Fritzens Nase an.
Bau! schreit er Was ist das hier?
Und erfat das Ungetier.

But the beetles, Scritter, Scratter,

Soon crawl up to spoil the latter.
Now the leader boldly goes,
Up to Uncle Fritzs nose
Ouch! he screams, Whats happening!?
And holds a monster dangling.

Und den Onkel voller Grausen

Sieht man aus dem Bette sausen.
Autsch! Schon wieder hat er einen
Im Genicke, an den Beinen;
Hin und her und rund herum
Kriecht es, fliegt es mit Gebrumm.

And now the Uncle, full of horror,

Leaps from bed and starts to holler,
Ouch! more horrid bugs emerge,
And on his neck and legs converge.
Buzzing here and all around,
Poor Uncle Fritz they fiercely hound.

Onkel Fritz, in dieser Not,

Haut und trampelt alles tot.

Despite this rumpus overhead,

He swats and tramples each one dead.

Guckste wohl! Jetzt ists vorbei

Mit der Kferkrabbelei!
Onkel Fritz hat wieder Ruh
Und macht seine Augen zu.

There you are! Ive killed the lot!

Theres no more beetles here to swat!
Now through the house, the silence fell,
He settled down and soon slept well.

Dieses war der fnfte Streich,

Doch der sechste folgt sogleich.

This prank youve read was their fifth one,

The sixth will shortly follow on.

Olavian 2012 21

Words
Matthew Roberts (Year 10) Speak Out! competition speech
Its something that we all use, on a daily basis. Something
with immense power, perhaps the most powerful thing
that humanity has at its disposal, the power to create,
but also to destroy. Im talking about language, but more
importantly words, words that we all use as mundane
tools of our existence.
When I speak of words and their effect Im sure many
of you will conjure images of uncomfortably warm
afternoons spent in classrooms dissecting unintelligible
speeches by long dead politicians, but I tell you today
those words have power, power that you can harness in
everyday life. What if I told you that just through use of
words you could evoke fear, anger, paranoia, anxiety but
equally joy, elation and most importantly hope. Every
great conflict in history has been in at least part caused
by conflicting ideologies, ideologies, beliefs proliferated
by language. We all have this power at our fingertips on
a daily basis but so often we let it go to waste.
Theres that old Adage: sticks and stones may break my
bones but words alone cant hurt me, this Im sure we all
know is a fallacy, anyone whos been at the sharp end of
a cheap jibe or an offhand comment knows how painful
words can be. But equally every great achievement in
human history has been facilitated by communication;
the pyramids could not have been built without words,
communication between engineers and builders. So I
implore you, next time you speak, remember the words
you use are the same words not necessarily, in the same
order, or tone or even language but nonetheless the same
words that rose skyscrapers from the ground and sent
man into space. Equally theyre the words that convinced
thousands of German fascists to commit the worst
atrocity known to man. Words have power, use them
wisely.
Trapped
Pablo Rose
I arise from the bed. I look around, wondering where
I am. Its a bleak, circular room with barely a feature.
How can a room have no features, the fact that it exists
means it must. My mind feels knotted; I stop thinking
and look around. As I look, I notice objects, features, that
werent there before. Theres an intricate wooden table
stationed idly at the centre of the room, with a lit wax
candle placed at the centre of it, waning in the hallowing
breeze. Theres also a bed, with stale looking sheets and
a yellowing feather pillow. They seem vaguely familiar
when I remember I had just been laying on them...
Its been weeks since I observed those features, nothing
happened then and nothing since. I dont know how I
22 Olavian 2012

got here but it feels like the seventh ring of hell, full of
sorrow and boredom and lacking compassion. So why am
I here, what did I do wrong to deserve this excruciating
punishment, how many must I have slaughtered
to generate this wrath. But maybe I can outlast my
tormentor; maybe if I am patient they will falter and
decease in their attempt to destroy my consciousness.
Years! How have I lasted this long! I have awaited my
release patiently but I feel as if my sanity is slipping away,
oozing into the hands of my captor. Soon, nothing will
be able to redeem me. Well, not my mind at least. For the
worst of my torture is that I am deprived of those basic
human necessities; food, water and even sleep! Its as if
I have been constrained to never need such delights. A
lack of taste I can manage, but to be incapable of sleep,
unable to dream, where the mind is set free to roam the
vastness of reality... I fear that if presented with a meal
and a warm bed I would not know what to do. This is my
curse. This is my torture.
Thats it, Im I am done no, I am not done! I will
not give in to this inhumane deprivation. I will escape.
But for the life of me, I must have been here a century
and still I havent contemplated upon a feasible means of
escape. I know Ill think of something, and when I do,
it will lead me out into the everlasting light that gleams
through the window. Wait! How have I not noticed the
window before! But now is not the time to question
myself, now is the time to act. I must jump; it is the only
way to break free from this eternal prison.
It has been a long time since I concluded upon my escape
plan and yet I cannot bring myself to attempt it. I cant
even glance at the window, at what awaits me beyond.
Theres no reason not to take a peek, yet I still cannot
bring myself to do it. Is it fear that grips me or is there
some unknown force preventing me? But I will look, and
damn the consequences. I walk hesitantly to the window.
I feel as if Im gliding towards it. Im close, Ive reached
it. My eyes are closed, as if Im not meant to look. Just
jump.
I will not succumb to the laws of this room, I may not
be able to look out of the window, but never will I leap
blindly into the abyss. I shall glide. I have devised a plan.
I shall use the wax from the candle to mould wings and
bind feathers from the pillow to them; I shall glide out
of here. I will re-enter the free world with the grace of a
phoenix. I shall return to the land I first saw a millennium
ago. The world I have forgotten.
The time has come. Im standing by the window. A slight
breeze is tickling my face, drawing me closer and closer
to the edge. I turn back to the room one last time to
gaze on the confinement that had driven me to the brink
of madness. Theres the bed, the table, the candle and

and something else. Something lurking in the corner of

my eye, where I have never dared to look before, where
I never wanted to look before. I rotate my sight just one
degree to the left to see what it is. The door. It is ajar,
with a slither of light shimmering through. I am not
going to turn back, I have worked too hard. I close my
eyes and jump.
The Chinese Civil War (1927-49)
An article by Samuel Bentley (Year 12) from the school
History Society magazine
The Chinese Civil War was one of the most influential
wars of the twentieth century, and had enormous effects
on the development of modern China and consequently
the modern world.
China had been unstable since the collapse of the Qing
dynasty in 1911, and civil conflict never really stopped
between 1911 and 1949, lurching from civil war to
revolution and back again, with one interlude of foreign
invasion The Japanese invaded China in 1937 under
the guise of creating a Greater East Asian Co-prosperity
Sphere, committing terrible atrocities such as the Rape
of Nanking.
In 1927, a split began between the KMT and the CCP,
who were at the time allies, supported equally by Moscow,
trying to stop the warlords who ruled most of China,
and thus unite the country once more. The country had a
nominal government based in Beijing, but this had little
influence outside the city, despite being internationally
recognised The split occurred over seemingly trivial
reasons the decision over where to move the capital
city to. However, the real issue at stake was the KMTs
anger at the CCP being too eager to follow the orders
of the Soviet Union. What followed was a purge of left
leaning members of the KMT and CCP members in
Shanghai, the largest city in China at the time.
This massacre split the two groups, and there were
effectively three capitals in China: the KMT capital in
Nanking, the CCP capital in Wuhan, and the republics
official capital in Beijing. The KMT promptly captured
Beijing and the rest of the East Coast, and was recognised
internationally. The CCP retreated into the countryside,
relying on the support of peasants, and gained control of
several areas in Southern China.
Fighting continued until 1937, with a major escalation
in 1930 as the Central Plains Wars broke out. These
were part of an effort to encircle and enclose Communist
forces. Five encirclement campaigns were launched, with
the first four failing as the advancing KMT columns
made swift progress but were overwhelmed by the size
of the countryside they were trying to hold.

During the fifth encirclement attempt in 1934, the KMT

troops built blockhouses every few miles to help the
advance. The CCP troops took advantage of gaps in the
lines of blockhouses, and escaped while the KMT forces
were preoccupied fighting the forces under CCP member
Zhang Guotao (who had a much larger force than Mao).
The massive retreat of Communist forces lasted a year
and covered 12,500 km, in what was famously known as
the Long March.
Although few troops arrived in Shaanxi at the end of the
Long March, the destruction of Zhang Guotaos army
made him the undisputed leader of the CCP.
The fighting continued into 1937, when the Japanese
invaded. Originally, Chiang Kai-Shek refused to
consider an alliance with the CCP against the Japanese
this ended after two of his generals kidnapped him. The
Second United Front, as the alliance became known, was
an alliance in name only. The CCP engaged in guerrilla
warfare against the Japanese, and there were still clashes
between the CCP and KMT.
The war proved beneficial to the CCP, whose guerrilla
actions endeared them to the local populace, while the
KMT were severely weakened as the Japanese assaulted
the coastal regions where the KMT were strongest.
However, the war would only end when the US bombed
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and part of the US peace deal
demanded the Japanese in China to surrender to the
KMT, not the CCP. The first peace negotiations occurred
in August-October 1945, when both sides stressed the
need for a peaceful settlement but could not reach a
deal. Fighting continued even as the negotiations were
occurring.
The fighting began again in earnest as soon as the peace
negotiations ended except this time, the Communists
had the upper hand, aided by the Soviet Union (in control
of Manchuria) handing the region to CCP troops. The
CCP had captured a large amount of weapons and
vehicles from the Japanese, and were being supplied by
the Soviets. In addition, their promises of land reform
(taking land from landlords and redistributing it to
peasants) gained them so much local support that they
had effectively limitless manpower and a strong logistical
base.
The KMT had been supplied and trained by the US, and
launched an all out offensive in July 1946. The CCP used
a passive defence strategy, where they gave up territory to
preserve their forces while simultaneously wearing down
the KMT troops as much as possible. By the time of their
counterattack in 1947, they had a numerical advantage,
having wiped out 1.12 million KMT troops. Encircling
the KMT provided them with large numbers of tanks
and artillery, and by late 1948 they had captured most
Olavian 2012 23

of the North-East of China. Their capture of the rest of

Northern China in early 1949 resulted in the deaths or
capture of some 500,000 KMT troops. This effectively
wiped out the backbone of the KMT.
By the 23rd of April 1949 the CCP had captured the KMT
capital of Nanjing, and was forcing them to retreat south
across southern China. Eventually the KMT was forced
to relocate to Taiwan. At this, Mao Zedong proclaimed
the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. Taiwan
remained under the control of the Republic of China,
despite PRC attempts to invade and capture it.
The outcome of the Chinese Civil War had momentous
effects on the world. The CCP controls China to this day,
and has presided over its emergence as a world power.
Although Maos attempts to industrialise resulted in tens
of millions of deaths of starvation, later leaders presided
over the rapid industrialisation of China, which is now
the worlds second largest economy. Had the KMT been
victorious, it is likely China would have remained a
corrupt, warlord ridden third-world nation, although a
democratic one. Which was more beneficial for China
and the Chinese populace in the long run is highly
debatable.
La Bataille de France
Tim Stickings (Year 12) essay in French, given the task
Choisissez un vnement significatif pendant la priode que
vous avez tudie et valuez son importance :
Lhistoire sociale, conomique et politique de la France
pendant la deuxime guerre mondiale a t dtermine
en grande partie par la Bataille de France en mai-juin
1940. Le soulagement de la plupart des Franais aprs
lArmistice le 22 juin sexplique en considrant la
bataille.
Ltat-Major franais avait dcid avant lattaque que la
dfense reprsentait la priorit. On a construit la ligne
Maginot le long de la frontire franaise-allemande pour
protger la France contre les soldats hitlriens, mais il ny
avait aucune stratgie offensive. Nanmoins les Franais
faisaient confiance la Ligne, donc larrive de larme
allemande tait un grand choc. En reconnaissant que la
seule stratgie dfensive avait chou, les Franais ont
accept lArmistice comme une solution prfrable une
rptition des horreurs de la Grande Guerre.
Le souvenir de la Grande Guerre tait aussi important
au niveau politique. Marchal Ptain, le hros de
Verdun en 1917, esprait viter de crer une nouvelle
gnration perdue . Les Franais ont montr leur
terreur en fuyant leurs maisons vers le Sud de la France
- et le gouvernement les a suivis. Ptain avait besoin de
rassurer la population, pour cesser le grand chaos de juin
1940, et il sest convaincu que les Franais prfreraient
24 Olavian 2012

la capitulation. LArmistice reprsentait une triomphe

politique de Ptain, qui est devenu chef de ltat.
Donc, la bataille de France a termin lpoque de la 3e
Rpublique, et a inaugur le rgime collaborationniste
de Vichy.
En somme, le contexte de la dfaite des soldats franais
par la suprieure arme hitlrienne a dcid le sort de la
France pendant les prochaines annes.
Sociobiology
An article by Asher Leeks (Year 12) from the school Natural
Sciences Society journal
How the methodologies and theories of evolutionary
biology inform sociology and other social science
disciplines
The natural and social sciences, both applications of the
scientific method, usually form distinct groupings with
little clear overlap. However, ever since the emergence of
modern biology with the publication of the, Origin of
Species, in 1859, attempts at linking studies of human
society with knowledge of our biological origins and
of analogous societies throughout nature have been
attempted. Sociobiology is the most recent and rigorous
example of this, and as a discipline it bridges the divide
between the social and natural sciences. Understandably
politically loaded, sociobiology is nevertheless a field of
biology with the potential for strong intellectual integrity
and high utility as well as being both intellectually
stimulating and of great interest and importance to
many.
In this article I will briefly outline the basic principles of
sociobiology and attempt to show how they can link to
human society, illustrated throughout with examples. To
begin with I will give some background to the field and
to finish with I will investigate some of the criticisms of
sociobiology.
History of biological thinking in the social sciences
Whilst relatively new as a discipline in its own right,
forays into how the accepted mechanism of natural
selection has affected the development of human society,
and indeed how the same processes may affect us in the
future, have been made ever since the theorys publication
in 1859. Indeed in the great book itself, Darwin wrote,
In the distant future I see open fields for far more
important researches. Psychology will be based on a new
foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each
mental power and capacity by gradation. Later on we
will cover how evolutionary psychology has begun to
take off as a field of study in its own right, over a century
after Darwin laid the path for it.
Moving into the second half of the 20th century, the
fusion of sociology and biology was able to leave many

of its political connotations behind. However, the ideas

were still to be distorted, although this time by scientists
themselves. In his 1967 book, The Naked Ape,
Desmond Morris made one of the most famous attempts
at explaining human society with evolutionary ideas,
although whilst the book achieved great commercial
success, it received heavy criticism from many angles.
In general the book incorrectly portrayed evolutionary
principles and lacked both evidence and suitably rigorous
scientific explanations for its rather wild assertions. This,
like its failed application in the form of Social Darwinism
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, again generated
distrust & some degree of scorn for the topic. This time,
however, it was far less significant, as at the same time as
Desmond Morriss work was receiving criticism, his peers
were ushering in rapid advances in our understanding of
many aspects of biology, on paths which would ultimately
lead them to again question sociology.
Sociobiology
The 1930s and 40s saw one of the most important
developments in the history of biology, with the
neo-Darwinian synthesis. This was the fusion of
Darwinian evolution with Mendelian genetics,
incorporating the sciences of population genetics,
taxonomy, palaeontology and more to create a more
unified science of biology, with contradictions between
disciplines resolved.
Emerging from the neo-Darwinian synthesis was
sociobiology, defined in 1975 by its principal founder,
entomologist E.O.Wilson, as the extension of population
biology and evolutionary theory to social organization.
Seen as both the completion of the Darwinian revolution
(which had already changed biology enormously) and the
logical extension of Darwinian evolution, sociobiology is
both highly influential and controversial.
Myrmecologist E.O. Wilson
One of the tasks of evolutionary biology is to examine
observable features of organisms in nature and determine
why they possess such features, i.e. what selective
advantage they confer. Sociobiology differs somewhat
in that instead of assessing physiological and anatomical
traits, it examines behavioural traits. An example would
be the behaviour of male lions which, when entering a
new pride, eat the young lions present there. While this
may seem an inexplicable behavioural feature since it
confers such a disadvantage to the species as a whole,
on a genetic level it makes good sense. Essentially,
lions which display this behaviour will decrease the
reproductive success of their competitors (other male
lions) significantly, meaning that an increase in the
allele/s for this behaviour will be observed relative to the
frequency of the allele/s which does not result in this
behaviour.

Myrmecologist E.O. Wilson

Many San Bushmen of Southern Africa still practise

a hunter-gatherer lifestyle

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a typical eusocial

insect
Olavian 2012 25

Sociobiologists thus observe aspects of behaviour

present in modern humans and relate them to a selective
advantage in the context of prehistoric conditions. For
instance, the human disposition towards enjoying the
taste of refined sugar can be explained by the fact that
fruit produces simpler forms of sugar when ripe. Thus
individuals with a genetic tendency towards enjoying the
taste would be more likely to eat food when ripe rather
than when unripe, thus their reproductive fitness would
increase as they would be less likely to become unwell.
Applications of sociobiology altruism
Some of the most interesting applications of
sociobiology, however, stem from explaining the aspects
of human behaviour which apparently confer a selective
disadvantage, and thus shouldnt have come about
through natural selection. First among these is altruism,
the tendency of humans to act in a way that decreases
their own relative reproductive fitness, for instance giving
money through charitable donations. There are several
explanations for altruism within evolutionary biology,
but I will focus here on just a few of them.
The first and most obvious explanation for altruism is
reciprocity, hypothesised by Robert Trivers. This states
that altruistic behaviour develops when a temporary
decrease in an individuals reproductive fitness comes
with the expectation that other organisms will act in the
same way towards the organism at a later date, thus the
organisms net reproductive fitness increases. While it
can be difficult to find clear examples of this in nature
(as is usually the way with sociobiology), many instances
of altruism in humans can be explained with this idea.
Perhaps one of the most obvious examples is friendship,
where an individual may feel a moral obligation to
sacrifice resources or some other limited factor for
a friend, with the expectation that the friend will
reciprocate this activity in the future. In human terms
we would conceptualise this as the idea that friendship is
worth more than physical possessions (up to a limit), and
Sociobiologists (and indeed evolutionary psychologists)
would assert that this is an emotional tendency brought
about directly through evolution.
However, many aspects of altruism appear still to be
left unexplained by this idea, for instance the occasions
when individuals sacrifice their life for others (thus no
reciprocity can be expected on an individual scale). The
reciprocity principle may still apply here if we consider
that the individual can expect his close relatives to receive
benefit for his/her death, for instance the families of
soldiers who sacrifice themselves in battle usually receive
some benefit (which may be of selective advantage if
not of advantage to their wellbeing). However, a better
explanation perhaps comes from the idea of kin selection,
proponents of which have included J.B.S. Haldane, W.D.
Hamilton and George Price.
26 Olavian 2012

The eusocial insect example is obviously not directly

applicable to humans; however elements of it are relevant.
This would offer a strong explanation as to why humans
so readily sacrifice their own reproductive fitness for
their relatives; however it does not immediately explain
why humans act in such a way towards individuals who
are only very distantly related to them. At this point
we need to examine the make-up of society itself more
closely and in particular observe the social constructs
which influence human behaviour. It may be that the
social construct of patriotism is left over from our
hunter-gatherer days, when sacrificing oneself for the
tribe would have obeyed the principles of kin selection
due to how closely related individuals would have been.
However, cultural changes occur too rapidly to allow
for this and it is more likely that social constructs such
as nationalism, which result in individuals sacrificing
themselves for unrelated individuals, have emerged
through other mechanisms. It has been suggested that
evolution occurs not just on a biological level but also
on the level of ideas and social constructs themselves, as
the study of memetics investigates. While this science is
treated with some disdain by many scientists, it may have
something to offer in this situation. If we consider that it
is of selective advantage to the majority of individuals in
a society if, for instance, their young males are strongly
motivated to fight other societies for resources, it follows
that societies with mechanisms for motivating their
young men to do so should prevail over ones which dont.
In this way, social constructs which motivate individuals
to act directly against their own and their inclusive
reproductive fitness may have come about through the
same mechanisms that govern the natural world. Indeed
it follows that if individual imperatives can be explained
through evolution, so too must larger scale societal ones.
Applications of sociobiology sexuality
Many aspects of human sexuality can also be usefully
explained through sociobiology. One of the first instances
of this came from Robert Trivers, who theorised the idea
of parental investment and consequently developed the
idea of parent-offspring conflict. Parental investment is
the idea that having offspring decreases the reproductive
fitness of the parent in other ways, for instance by
decreasing its ability to care for other offspring, its
survivability or its inclusive fitness (as covered earlier).
The way in which the parental investment disparity
influences human society is more profound and
far-reaching than in other animals. This is essentially
because human parental investment is much more
significant in humans, with childhood extending for
well over a decade and involving investment from
many members of the community. This is thought to
be because human strategies for finding food & other
aspects of survival require significantly more knowledge
and skill, which are passed down through society rather

than instinct, which is passed down genetically.

The theories of parental investment and parent-offspring
conflict may thus be able to explain many aspects of human
sexuality and by extension explain the structures prevalent
in human society. For instance, the reliance of pregnant
females on males has led to many human societies being
patriarchal, as well as perhaps the expectation that males
should materially provide for females, which exists on
many levels. Indeed it is interesting to note that human
males who successfully reproduce with multiple females
are generally looked favourably upon by society, whereas
for females the same behaviour is frowned upon. In
addition, long-standing marriages are generally looked
favourably upon, whilst cheating is often not, and
in fact the notion that marriage favours women more
than men seems to be an undertone in society. There
are undoubtedly many reasons behind these perceived
societal sentiments, but it nevertheless seems that the
two evolutionary strategies adopted by men and women
are, to some degree, approved of or disapproved of by
society in accordance with their evolutionary suitability
for each sex respectively.
One aspect of human sexuality which again appears
to contradict reasonable evolutionary predictions is
the prevalence of homosexuality within humans. It
goes without saying that homosexuality hinders the
reproductive fitness of the individual on an evolutionary
level significantly, and similarly to altruism it is not
immediately apparent why it has come about. If we are
to assume a genetic basis for homosexuality, and there
is a significant body of evidence to support this, then a
biological explanation can be conceptualised, and there
are currently two such arguments. The first is purely
genetic and asserts that there is some sort of gene complex
coding for homosexuality, which, in a similar way to
sickle cell anaemia, is of reproductive advantage when
in heterozygous and homozygous dominant form and
can thus proliferate. Some evidence appears to support
this in the form of female relatives of homosexual men
reproducing more successfully than female relatives of
heterosexual men, perhaps suggesting some advantage
in terms of fertility. The other biological explanation for
homosexuality stems from kin selection, which has been
covered before, and asserts that homosexual individuals
would have enabled their group to support its children
more successfully, thus homosexual individuals inclusive
fitness was increased. Of course, there could be a
non-biological, societal explanation for the prevalence
of homosexuality, although its prevalence in non-human
species indicates otherwise.
Problems & controversies with socio-biology
One of the underlying concepts in order for sociobiology
to be applicable is that features determining human
behaviour must be heritable. Thus it follows that they

Two red deer rut for territory

have a genetic basis and by extension it should be

possible to identify individuals future behavioural
patterns and aptitudes from a genetic analysis. This
therefore supports the nature side of the nature vs
nurture argument which raged throughout the latter
half of the 20th century in sociological and biological
academic circles. The nature side of the argument is
essentially deterministic in arguing that all, or nearly
all, of an individuals intelligence is determined by
their genetic make-up and thus environmental factors
play a less significant role. While the argument is not
yet concluded, the general compromise reached is that
both genetic and environmental factors play significant
roles in the development of the individual, and each
may contribute differently (e.g. genetics may provide the
potential, whilst society determines the degree to which
the potential is fulfilled), and this article is not long
enough to delve into too much depth on this issue.
The significance of biological determinism is, as
mentioned, that it places a far greater emphasis on
pre-determined factors in deciding aspects of human
behaviour. In turn, this has been used to justify eugenics,
intelligence testing and controversial welfare policies
which place high emphasis on individualism. Thus for
many,accepting sociobiology means accepting contentious
political ideologies with far-reaching consequences. The
involvement of politics in what is ultimately a scientific
issue has resulted in the facts becoming blurred and
difficulty has arisen in understanding what are scientific
criticisms of sociobiology and what are ethical and
political criticisms. Indeed eminent scientists such as
Stephen Jay Gould have pointed out that historically,
theories which have experienced such negative political
involvement as sociobiology have also been scientifically
flawed.
Other, more clear-cut scientific criticisms of sociobiology
remain, however. Amongst these is the fact that
while palaeoanthropology is constantly improving,
our knowledge of the evolutionary period of human
development is still lacking as it is very difficult to
determine what conditions were like so long ago. This
Olavian 2012 27

can make it difficult to judge many sociobiological claims

if they rely on specific conditions which may or may not
have been present ~200,000 years ago.
Another issue is that sociobiological hypotheses, like
many pertaining to evolution, are fundamentally difficult
to test as it is very difficult to design valid experiments.
This leads to problems with sociobiological methodology,
as science must necessarily be falsifiable and the way
that is usually done is through experimental testing
of hypotheses. Indeed due to the lack of testability of
sociobiological hypotheses, it may be, as Gould points
out, nearly impossible to distinguish between which
facets of human behaviour are spandrels, by-products
of selective processes carried along as they confer no
disadvantage, rather than selected-for adaptations. The
complexity of the human brain compounds this issue
and threatens to undermine much of sociobiology.
Conclusion
To conclude, sociobiology is undoubtedly an area of
great interest to many. With a troubled past, it is a field
which evokes strong sentiments from many angles
and has experienced significant political interferences,
which many consider to have hindered the science. Such
involvement has led to prolific use of the straw man
fallacy against sociobiology, in particular concerning
what is necessary to the theory and what has come about
as a result of the political uses of the theory covered
earlier. One line of thought follows that such political
applications are another extension of sociobiology
necessary to attain logical consistency, and thus criticisms
of these political applications are valid as criticisms of
the science itself, however this line of thought relies
on heavily subjective judgement of the relevance of the
various political applications of sociobiology. Indeed
many of the political arguments against sociobiology
are based on the premise that humanity has overcome
the influence of natural selection and evolution, and
thus represent an overly anthropocentric view of nature
which is unscientific and stems from a lack of genuine
understanding of the science.
Similarly, many of the criticisms of sociobiology are
assertions that the science has gone too far rather
than being fundamental criticisms in their own right.
This counterargument is obviously applicable to the
political arguments against sociobiology, but also to
those arguments which claim the science is invalid
due to our lack of understanding of the evolutionary
period of human history and that there is generally a
lack of empirical evidence for sociobiological ideas.
These arguments are based on the premise that there is
currently not enough evidence to support sociobiology,
so even if we accept them, they do not discredit the
methodology of sociobiology itself, merely the evidence
upon which it bases hypotheses and consequently the
28 Olavian 2012

specific hypotheses & theories it has produced.

However, the explanations which sociobiology offers for
societal phenomena are perhaps not just useful but can
even be considered a logically necessary step following
the scientifically universal acceptance of Darwinian
ideas. Indeed whilst potentially reductionist in their own
right, sociobiological ideas nevertheless contribute to a
holistic understanding of the human condition which
other branches of science are unable to offer, since they
elucidate not just how but why human society is the way
it is.
Sources
http://darwin-online.org.uk/graphics/Darwin1881s.
jpg
http://www.econ.tuwien.ac.at/hanappi/Lehre/
Classics/Wilson.pdf
http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/Wilson.jpg
http://jeremylent.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/kungbushmen.jpg
http://www.greensmiths.com/images/honey.7.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pic
tures/2009/11/9/1257793960593/deer-rut-001.jpg
http://www.biography.com/imported/images/
Biography/Images/Profiles/G/Stephen-JayGould-9316907-1-402.jpg
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/sociobiology/
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/sociobiology.html
www.wikipedia.org
http://www.worldtransformation.com/freedomsocial-darwinism-sociobiology-and-evolutionarypsycholog/

Prize Day

Prize Day
The Headmasters Speech
hairman, Mr Sims, Mr Mayor, Madam Mayoress,
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to welcome
you to this celebration of the achievements of our senior
students as we look back on another excellent year.

Against a backdrop of the worst public sector funding

cuts of the last half century the number and variety of
sports and extra-curricular activities was maintained,
enabling our students to set their academic excellence in
a wider cultural context.

A Headmaster was teaching his class one day. In English

and Maths, he said, a double negative forms a positive. In
some languages, though, like Russian, a double negative
is still a negative. However, there is no language where
a double positive can form a negative. A voice from the
back piped up: Yeah, right.

Our rugby teams toured Devon and N Wales, and a

successful season culminated with the selection of 3
players Matt Holmes, Richard Adenyi-Jones and Joe
Theuns for the Kent County squad, victory for the U14s
in the Kent County Cup, and Abigail Pottiers selection
for the SE division. In Fives, Chris Self became the first
ever schoolboy to win the adult Midlands championship,
with Tony Barker and Harry Ravi reaching the semifinals, before 20 young Olavians set off for training in
the Swiss Alps. 4 of our chess team starred in the Kent
U18s with Duncan Bell and Conrad Allison taking 1st
and 2nd places in the Kent Grand Prix. It was good to
see OO Callum Kilpatrick become a Chess Master after
taking 5th place in Circolo tournament in Italy. Cricket
rounded off the sports season with a thrilling victory for
the Y9s in the final of the Bromley Cup against Langley
park.

In education we are constantly faced with the challenges

of change, whether in society, expectations, knowledge,
science or, as in my anecdote, the evolution of language
through the influence of street or text talk. Whilst
embracing the opportunities therein, it is good to hang
on to some of our traditions and celebrating 450 years as
one of Englands oldest schools enabled us to do just that.
Our tributes to Henry Leeke, QE1 and other founders
included a fine performance of Shakespeares Macbeth,
the formation of the 450 Parent Choir, a splendid Easter
Anniversary Concert, the special Commemoration
service in Southwark Cathedral, and culminated with
the exhibition (including Dr Carringtons canes which
stirred a few memories!)
I hope that tonights prize-winners will build on this
great heritage as they embark on life with optimism and
excitement for the future in a new and changing world.
Our Year 13 leavers produced the best A level results in
the schools history, and with 96% A*/B grades we were
ranked No.1 state school with mixed 6th Form by the
national press. 12 of our students gained 4 A* grades, and
24 will take up Oxbridge places this Autumn to read a
wide range of subjects. The whole year-group, as well as
staff and parents, can look back with great pride on these
achievements.
Year 12 students also produced the best AS results for
the last decade with 87% at A/B grade, a superb overall
standard which augers well for next year.
And to complete the triple, Y11 produced a record 87%
A*/A grades at GCSE, making them the 2nd best boys
state school nationally. With 15 students gaining at least
10 A* grades, led by Timothy Adelani (who also gained
A* in A level Italian and A in AS French), we have great
confidence in a strong 6th Form intake this autumn.
30 Olavian 2012

At this school, the pursuit of real scholarship in greater

breadth and depth, through wider intellectual inquiry
and subject societies, is an increasing focus. From the
impressive number of students gaining top awards in
the Maths and Science Olympiads, there were Gold
medals in Biology for Tom Watson and in Maths &
Physics for Duncan Bell who was subsequently invited
to training camps in Budapest and at Lincoln College,
Oxford, for the best 16 in the UK. Societies in Classics,
Politics, History and Film Club also gave opportunities
for students to discover and try out new ideas, with Jack
Bradfields film clip featuring in BBC2s Britain in a day
& Theo Cliffords essay being highly commended in the
Royal Socs Young Economist of the Year competition.
For those wishing to develop or showcase their talents,
there were ample opportunities, with impressive
Christmas and Easter concerts, dazzling Cabaret and
Showstoppers, alongside a number of entertaining and
thought-provoking drama productions. Highlights of
the musical year included Stefan Becketts invitation
to perform with the LPO, Richard Decker winning
the BBC Young Musician of the Year, with the honour
of singing in the Queens Diamond Jubilee service
at St Pauls; William Howarth and Tom Steers 1st
and 2nd places in the Woodard Musician of the Year;
and Thomas Bridges who, following his success in the

Woodard Composer of the Year, has now won First Prize

in the Eltham Choral Societys Young Composer of the
Olympic Year. Drama saw student-directed Playboy of
the Western World, Max Kennedys play The Bistro
performed by professionals at the NT, Matthew Roberts
in the final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out comp at the
QEH, and mature performances from Michael Yates
and Grace Boyle in Macbeth. It is easy to focus on the
successes of a small number of individuals; but one
cannot overlook the huge number of talented students
at St Os, as evidenced by the 300 colours I was pleased
to award for outstanding contribution, leadership, and
conduct that brings credit to the school.
None of our activities would flourish so effectively
without the valued support and commitment from the
staff, for which I thank them greatly. Indeed the time
that they generously give has enabled a range of other
local and international trips that so enrich the cultural
experiences for our students.
8 teams completed their DoE Gold expeditions in the
Black Mountains, drawing praise from the assessors for
their teamwork, leadership and potential for the future.
40 Econ and Hist students learned about the World
Bank and the US political system in an exciting trip
to Washington and NY. Trips to Paris and Boulogne,
exchanges with Heidelberg, work experience and travel
in Segovia and Murcia opened up new outlooks on
international culture and the importance of foreign
language. A new field trip to Iceland, Classical studies
in Greece and World Challenge summer expeditions to
Namibia, Botswana and Ecuador saw students return
with new energy and a broader outlook on life.
These and our students successes would not be possible
without the support of parents, particularly those who
give their time generously to the PA through the splendid
Summer Ball, Family Fun Day, Quiz Nights etc. that
have provided much-needed additional funding.
St Olaves is rightly recognised as a centre of excellence,
but there is another dimension a sense of values which
we hope they all acquire. In this respect, I was delighted
when, following the Autumn fundraising, our students
chose to donate 10K to the Kariandusi Trust to help
the building of a new school in rural Kenya, giving hope
to generations of students who, hitherto never had the
chance of education beyond the age of 12.
Chairman I believe that our prize-winners here tonight
have built on tradition to embrace real educational
enlightenment, but with a sense of balance. They have
combined glittering academic scholarship with rich
cultural involvement, underpinned by true values, to
become compassionate, well-rounded individuals. As
we look back on 450 years of this great school, they can

be confident that they are part of its history; they have

earned their prizes in another highly successful year and
deserve our warmest congratulations.
Aydin na

The Head of Sixth Forms Speech

ood evening ladies and gentlemen. As you have
already heard it has been an excellent year for the
Sixth Form with records being set both at A2 and AS
Level.

This is an outstanding achievement particularly as in

addition to these qualifications over one hundred students
successfully completed a range of first year degree level
modules as part of the Open University young applicants
in schools scheme and at the beginning of March, 28
Year 13 students completed their Extended Project
Qualification with presentations of their 6000 word
dissertations. EPQ topics ranged from Is Time Travel
Possible? to Considering whether the British political
system is truly democratic.
However, as a school we believe strongly that a key factor
in this academic success is our students involvement in
the wider aspects of school life. And this year was no
exception with members of the Sixth Form finding time
to get involved in a huge range of activities.
Starting with sport, in rugby, the First XV enjoyed an
excellent season, only losing one match after Christmas
and with notable victories over Judd, Reigate and
Hursterpierpoint. It was also an excellent season for
the 2nds often showing the strength and team spirit
to overcome more powerful teams. Three of the Senior
Team played for Kent U18 and one represented the
Welsh Exiles. Not to be outdone, Abigail Pottier was
nominated for the Womens London and South East
Divisional Squad after a number of strong performances
for her club. The Netball squad enjoyed a very good
season, gaining convincing victories at the Kent U 19
tournament and beating rivals Charles Darwin and
Darrick Wood during the season. In Football, the First
XI and second XI enjoyed a wide range of fixtures,
with the first XI progressing to the later stages of the
English Schools Cup. The talent in the senior basketball
team augurs well for the future, despite losing some key
players this year, and in fives among the many highlights
were the outstanding performances by members of the
Sixth Form at both school and senior level. The first
XI mens hockey goes from strength to strength with
fierce competition taking place against local Sixth Form
colleges, a highlight this year being the win over Reigate
Sixth Form College. Finally with sport, Chris Miles was
successful in the Kent County Swimming Competition
Olavian 2012 31

and less popular sports such as squash and badminton

continue to be established in the school due to the help
from the Sixth Form Prefects.
Aside from Sport, the Sixth Form have enjoyed many
other proud achievements. In Chess, two Sixth Formers
fought it out for first and second in the Kent Junior
Association Grand Prix. Drama continued to go from
strength to strength with a range of productions, including
the Great Hall being lit up by the world of musicals in
Showstoppers and an impressive production of Macbeth
In Music, Tom Bridges won the Young Composer of
the Year Competition, two students reached the finals
of the Woodard Musician of the Year and Sixth Formers
have continued to play a key role as performers in the
Christmas and Easter concerts as well as through their
involvement in orchestras, ensembles and choirs.
An astonishing 380 Senior Mathematicians competed
in the Senior Maths Challenge and after progressing
onto the Olympiad stage of the competition, four of our
students gained distinctions, including a Bronze and
Gold Medal. In the Science Olympiads, Tom Watson
was selected to sit the second round paper in Biology
after being awarded a Gold Medal, four students won
certificates in Chemistry and Duncan Bell was placed
in the top 16 in the country in Physics. The Duke of
Edinburghs Award scheme saw Sixth Form students
taking part in the Gold award and Senior Debators
participated in the Oxford Union Schools Competition.
The Young Enterprise Scheme once again proved to be
extremely popular with one team getting even Boris
Johnson, London Mayor to endorse their cufflinks
Senior students once again found themselves organising
a wide range of events this year with probably the
highlight for most being Festival with afternoon lessons
being suspended in order that students could enjoy the
various stalls run by form groups. Events ranged from
firm Festival favourites Just a minute and University
Challenge to some new ones such as Beat The Goalie
which matched student against teacher. Over 10,000
was raised for the nominated charity the Kariandusi
Schools Project. The finale of that week was Cabaret
held on the Friday night before the end of the Christmas
term, and which showcased the extensive talent in the
Sixth Form including a range of bands, singers and
even a tap dancer. The generosity of our students for all
charitable causes organised by the Sixth Form continues
to be so pleasing.
The Sixth Form provides students with many
opportunities to take on positions of leadership within
the school and our local community and this year was
no exception. Numerous members of Year 12 took up
positions as form, duty, ambassador, sports and academic
prefects. Sixth Form students visited St.Pauls Cray
32 Olavian 2012

primary school to assist with their French day, Science

Week and their Sports Day. The school was once again
host for the annual Mathematics and Science Challenge
Day for Year 5 pupils from our partner primary schools
with activities organised and led by the Year 12 Academic
prefects. Student led societies continued to flourish
highlighted, not only by St Olaves Amnesty Group,
being joined by the Mayor of Bromley, when they hosted
a freedom night which coincided with Amnestys 50th
birthday but also the scholarly periodicals being created
by the Natural Sciences and History Societies.
It has also been a busy year for trips. The Historians
joined the Economists on the New York trip. The Art
Department visited Florence, the Classicists travelled
to Greece and Biologists and Geographers enjoyed field
trips to Flatford Mill and Malham respectively. Sixth
Form students made their way to Paris on a French visit
and our German students took part in exchange with
students from Heidelberg. The World Challenge Trips
have also recently returned from Namibia, Botswana and
Ecuador with students talking enthusiastically about
their experiences of different cultures.
And finally at the end of the academic year, following the
end of the A level examinations, Year 13s took time to
celebrate the end of their school careers, but hopefully not
the end of their contact with the school, at the Leavers
Ball held in the Westerham Golf Club, and the Leavers
Dinner where students, parents and staff enjoyed food
and speeches in the Great Hall.
This is truly a year of amazing achievements, with my
report only really scratching the surface, and reflecting
the hard work, talent and determination of our students.
Students, your commitment, alongside the support of
your parents and a committed and dedicated staff have
gone into making this yet another outstanding year
for the School and for the Sixth Form. You have set a
fantastic example for the new Year 13 to follow and you
have been a credit to the School and to your parents.
Thank you, congratulations and very well done.
Andrew Rees

Head of Year Elevens Speech

ne year ago, the previous incumbent of the role
of Head of Year 11, Mr. Davies, stood in this
same place and did me a very great favour. I had the
privilege of taking over the responsibility for leading a
group of remarkable young men from Miss Gulliford
in September of 2011 and during the course of my first
year teaching and leading a year group at St. Olaves, Mr.
Davies was a consistent source of wisdom, patience and
good advice, but the best advice came as he stood at this

podium and praised the achievements of his year group,

ending with the words Beat that, if you can. Now I
cant take much credit for what the young men of my
year achieved, but it seems they did just that. They took
last years outstanding GCSE performance figure of
87% A*and A grades at GCSE and improved upon it,
albeit fractionally, raising that figure to 87.2%. Indeed
as you know 53.3% of the grades awarded were A*s and
15 students achieved at least 10A*s. It is the best ever
set of results which the school has achieved since the
qualification was first introduced in 1988. So, thank you
for the advice, Mr. Davies, and, to the students of my
year group, thank you for acting on it so spectacularly.
Whilst the aggregated headline statistic is remarkable, it
can obscure the fact that this represents the achievements
of 119 individual students, and that the achievements
of each of those students are aggregated across a range
of 9, 10, 11, sometimes even 12 subjects and that even
within each of those constituent subjects there is always
a broad range of topics, of information, of assessment
modes, of skills, disciplines and techniques which must
be mastered, not the least of which is efficient time
management. The aggregated statistics in some sense
then are in danger of masking the incredibly diverse
range of personal battles and personal triumphs which
have been hard fought and hard won by the students of
last years Year 11. At one stage the range of different
disciplines and the coincidence of timing this year gave
me the idea that I might spend my speech bludgeoning
you with an extended Olympic metaphor and, very often,
working in such a high performing school, whose motto
may as well be citius, altius, fortius and where excellence
is so consistently and broadly displayed, the temptation
was huge. I felt, as an English teacher, that I ought to
act to type and weave in some kind of flashy motif or
rhetorical flourishes. At one stage, before the Olympic
idea lumbered into view, I was going to offer a speech
based on characteristic Olavian virtues inspired by our
namesake and patron saint, lauding the triumphant year
11s as Sons of Olaf , until I decided that the phrase
Sons of Olaf sounded like some kind of shadowy and
sinister paramilitary organisation. In the end, and for
once I decided, that perhaps ironically for an Olavian
occasion, purple prose was inappropriate. Plain English
and the results themselves are all that is required. The
take home message is that this has been great year for
great students.

support and good counsel which they offered me as

Head of Year. Subject teachers and the departments they
represent have also provided these students with time
and wisdom above and beyond the call of duty and the
students triumphs are also theirs. Some particularly
impressive results were achieved in terms of percentage
A* and A in the following departments: 100% for DT for
the resistant materials course, 96.6% for Maths, 96.1%
for History and 95.8% for both English Language and
Biology. In addition, this year was the first occasion that
our students were offered the opportunity of sitting
iGCSE Physics, an opportunity which led to A*s for all
students concerned and the Chemistry department also
led a highly impressive inaugural cohort of students to
an iGCSE qualification. In the extra curricular sphere,
five students from the year group (Chiha Choi, Skanda
Rajasundaram, Keir Bowater, Samuel Rowe and Charles
Jones) were awarded prestigious Arkwright scholarships
for outstanding work in the field of Design Technology.
Also in that field, Keir Bowater, Daniel Dawson, Robert
Edghill, Ben Kwok and Max Legemah beat hundreds
of other teams in the London area to get through to
the finals of the Design Ventura competition in which
they won a commendation for professionalism. In
Duke of Edinburgh awards, 38 students accompanied
Mr. Holland on an extremely damp expedition to the
New Forest in order to progress to their Silver Award.
A range of sporting achievements continues to impress,
with three students from the under 16 rugby squad,
Mitchel Fruin, Angus Dalgleish and Nicholas Colling
winning promotion to the first XV this year. That same
under 16 rugby squad, even without three of their star
players, won 12 out of 16 fixtures during the year. Angus
Dalgleish has also recently been promoted to the under17 Kent cricket team. There have been triumphs in a
diverse range of other sports as well including Timothy
Adelanis accomplished performance in the Kent County
Swimming Competition. In short our students are not
only great at individual subjects and pursuits. They are
great all rounders. The range of extra-curricular triumphs
and the astonishingly good English Baccaleureate
statistics of 96% (again, up on last years 93%) suggest
that the school not only has a maths specialism is also a
polymath specialist school. Rest assured, there will be no
further attempts at wordplay and the end of my speech
is rapidly approaching. Before I finish though, I wish to
share with you some of the most memorable moments of
the year from my perspective.

The lions share of the triumph rests with the young men
of the year group, but the remarkable level of support
which they were offered by their form tutors Mr.
Charlton, Mrs. Goodman, Ms. Wilcox, Mr Pengilley
and Mr Espejo will have proved of immeasurable benefit
to the students and I know that I would like to thank my
former tutor team as well for their consistent care and
efforts with the students and the unflinching reliability,

Two of my proudest occasions as Head of Year sit outside

of the academic realm and were as follows: Firstly when
I heard of the commendably great maturity, compassion
and presence of mind with which several members of
my year group behaved when they found themselves
at the scene of a road traffic accident during a Duke of
Edinburgh expedition. The boys concerned did not panic,
they took control of an unfamiliar and potentially very
Olavian 2012 33

distressing situation to ensure that practical concerns

were taken care of efficiently whilst offering the sort
of care which one would wish for oneself if injured
in a similar circumstance. The other was watching a
performance in the Lent Term of The Playboy of the
Western World, a magnificent production which was the
independent vision of two members of the year group,
Fintan Calpin and Caspar Smart, and in which several
members of the year group also performed: an enterprise
which characterised many of the Olavian virtues of
diligence, ambition and extra-curricular breadth which
the school holds dear. Both events abundantly illustrate
the point that this school is not merely some kind of
incandescently high wattage scholastic hothouse, it is a
place in which strong social and moral values are fostered
and celebrated and in which the triumph of independent
cultural endeavour is not only an aspiration, but a reality
and a form of communal recreation and a source of
inspiration to others as well.
The best individual moment of my time as their head of
year was discovering that I would have the opportunity
to continue working with the vast majority of these
remarkable young men until 2014. By nature a cautious
man, I reflected carefully on the opportunity, before
leaping on it with a sense of enthusiasm and great
privilege.

34 Olavian 2012

I want, perhaps controversially, to end with a note

of disappointment and finally, some advice to my
successor as Head of Year 11, Mrs. Johnson. My greatest
disappointment as Head of Year was to miss what I
gather was one of the highlights of last years school
assembly calendar, when one member of my year group,
Skanda Rajasundaram, stood here and delivered what was
universally acclaimed to me as an incisive, impassioned
and fascinating insight into the Sri Lankan civil war, an
achievement for which he will shortly be receiving a Jack
Petchey award, including a sum of money which, with
characteristic generosity of spirit, he has chosen to spend
on additional student printing facilities. I was absent
from school on the day of this assembly owing to the
birth of my son, Monty, who is now a robust ten months
old. The greatest compliment and salutation that I can
pay to my year group is that I sincerely hope he grows
up to be a young man cut from the same cloth as that of
my Olavian students in last years Year 11. The Olavian
qualities of diligence, modesty and aspiration shine
brightly through you as a body of young men and it has
been my privilege to be your Head of Year. Now finally
some heartfelt advice to my colleague, Mrs. Johnson, the
current Head of Year 11 and her own remarkable young
men. It will be hard advice to follow, but it can be done.
Beat that, if you can.
David Budds

Special Prizes
Giles Pilcher Prize for Public Service
(Awarded by The Old Olavians Lodge No.5758)

Timothy Munday
John Marshalls Educational Foundation Prizes

Jennifer Cocke

Udit Gadkary

Charlotte Gadsby

Frank Kibble

Jonathan Morris
Chambers Prize for Leadership
Matthew Holmes
The Anthony Jarvis Shield
Isobel Eaton

Lydia Leather
The Woodard Board Prize
Jonathan Morris
Michael Pugh Prize for Public Speaking

Barney Holleran
The Renshaw Shield for Debating

Alexander Schymyck
O.O Lodge Prize for Contribution to School Life

Robert Laidlow
Cathedral Parish Prize for Voluntary Service

Alistair ONeill
Leslie Sanders Prize for English Literature

Laurence Tennant
French Prize
Louis Vaughan-Williams
A.W. Walker Prize for German Matthew Edwards
Spanish Prize
Elizabeth Wood
Matthew Holmes Prize for Classics William Dudley
The Ashley Prize for History
Jack Sutton
Antiquarian Society Prize for a History Project

Kate Richards
Geography Prize
Christopher Speller
Economics Prize
Timothy Munday
Harry Little Prize for Mathematics
Duncan Bell
Paul Slade Prize for Physics
Alexander Grainger
Brian Ruth Memorial Prize for Physics

Thomas Saunders
Gnaanachelvan Prize for Biology
Matthew Waite
Biology Project Prize
Harriet Millar
George Dyson Prize for Chemistry Matthew Wootten
Chemistry Project Prize
Brian Wang
Computing Prize
Not awarded this year
Phyllis Packer Prize for Practical Musicianship

Robert Laidlow
An Old Olavian Prize for Music Thomas Saunders
Religious Studies Prize
Molly Simpson
Art Prize
Aedryan Chklar
Graphics Prize
Michael Battle
Design Prize
Not awarded this year
Susan Owen Medal for Drama
Elizabeth Wood

L.W. White Prize for Sporting Activities

Christopher Barnett
I.W. Kirk Prize for Sportsmanship Matthew Holmes
Ben Read Trophy
Matthew Holmes
Senior Victor Ludorum
Oliver Taylor
Sidney Tweedy Chess Cup
Duncan Bell
Douglas Keeble Prize for Fives
Harry Ravi

Governors Awards
Angus Dalgleish
Kent U17 Cricket
Suraj Sridhar
Kent U17 Cricket
Timothy Adelani
Kent Swimming
Matthew Holmes
Kent U18 Rugby
Richard Adeniyi-Jones
London & South East

U18 Rugby
Abigail Pottier
Kent U18 Rugby
Duncan Bell
Outstanding achievement in National

Mathematical Competition
William Howarth
Woodard Musician of the Year
Thomas Steer

Woodard Musician of the Year runner up
Eamonn Cox

Exceptional Contribution to School Music
PRIZES FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS
H.G.Abel Prizes for A-Level
Michaela Agapiou
Folu Awe
Tony Barker
Michael Battle
Duncan Bell
Payal Chheda
William Dudley
Roy Edward
Ahmed El-Hussein
Udit Gadkary
Charlotte Gadsby
Alexander Grainger
Rebekah Grant
Shubham Gupta
Jed Hemsley
John Holden
Matthew Holmes
Daniel Hong
Yibo Jin
Priyanka Kulkarni
Zoe Liu
Alexander Robbins
Evelina Russell

Timothy Munday
Tobi Rotimi
Thomas Saunders

Ginny Shooter
Jack Sutton
Matthew Waite
Tom Watson

Christopher Speller
Eddie Vander
Brian Wang
Matthew Wootten
Olavian 2012 35

PRIZES FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC

EXAMINATIONS (continued)

GRANTS FOR OUTWARD BOUND,

TRAVEL & GAP YEAR PROJECTS

For G.C.S.E.
Michaela Agapiou
Timothy Adelani
Lucas Bertholdi-Saad
Fintan Calpin
Angus Dalgleish
Jordan Fisher
Mitchel Fruin
Max Hamilton-Jenkins
James Laing
Bennett Marcellus
Skanda Rajasundaram
Dominic Robson
Caspar Smart
James Wood

The James Burdett Prize for Gap Year Travel:

Lydia Leather.
Gap year placement for 5 months in a Law firm in
Ghana.

Alexandros Adamoulas
Gavin Benson
Charlie Bishop
Anthony Cheuk
Arun Desouza-Edwards
Thomas Franks-Moore
David Giles
Charlie Jones
Max Legemah
Kishan Ragutheeswaran
Aleksandar Ristic-Smith
Will Shanks
Suraj Sridhar

FORM PRIZES
11J Ben Cole, Timi Soyombo
11K Nikhil Patel, William Ruiz
11L Isaac Muk, William Shanks
11M Jordan Fisher,

Aleksandar Ristic-Smith

11N Joe Cox, Benjamin McKechnie
10J Joe Dudley, Janushanth Sritharan
10K Matthew Allen, Teddy McAleer
10L Jack Bradfield, Peter Debenham
10M Hao Zen Ho, Matthew Roberts
10N Abhishek Patel, Gautham Reddiar
LOWER SIXTH FORM PRIZES
These are awarded by the Parents Association for
enthusiasm,commitment and imagination in the use of
the Lower Sixth year.
Charlotte Flowers, Daniel Powell, Yasmin Razzaque,
Caroline Yuen, Jack Cordrey, Asher Leeks, Ben Fryza,
Katherine Shanahan, Abraham Siregar,
Matthew Burns-Watkins

The War Memorial Prize:

Matthew Edwards.
For travel to Germany to practice linguistic skills before
going to University.
Zoe Liu.
For travel to Hong Kong and Japan to experience
culture and heritage before going to University.
Oliver Taylor.
For Gap year travel to Australasia.

The Potto Hicks Award:

Michaela Agapiou.
For travel to Europe to experience the culture and to
practice linguistic skills before going to University.

The Witton/Newmarch Award:

Jonathan Morris.
For travel to several European cities to experience the
culture and engineering marvels before commencing a
Gap year placement with an Engineering Consultancy.
The Lennie Award:
Robert Laidlow
For travel to Germany to experience the musical culture
before going to University.
Anomitro Ash
Gap year placement in the London Audit sector with
KPMG

MARSHALLS AWARDS
Grants were made towards expenses as follows:for the Woodard Foundation Senior Prefects Course
for Woodard Foundation Masterclasses
for the Woodard Musician of the Year finals
for a JACT Ancient Greek Summer School
for entry to Mathematics Competitions
for Fieldwork including Biology, Geography, History
and Languages
for Senior Art and Design Project Installations
In addition a number of students received expenses in
regard to music tuition.
Awards were also made to a number of students at the
start of their Higher EducationCourses last year.
Marshalls Grants were also awarded to assist in
enabling students to go on field trips
which families could not otherwise have funded.

36 Olavian 2012

FULL COLOURS 2012

Senior Colours
Senior Prefect Colours for Commitment to the School:

Timothy Munday, Jennifer Cocke, Udit Gadkary,
Charlotte Gadsby, Frank Kibble, Jonathan Morris

For contribution to the life of the School Community:
Isobel Eaton, Robert Laidlow, Lydia Leather,
Udit Gadkary, Jonathan Morris, Jack Drabwell
BADMINTON

Eamonn Cox, Vincent Lam

CHAPEL

Eamonn Cox, Thomas Steer

BASKETBALL
CHESS


CRICKET

DEBATING
DRAMA



FIVES

FOOTBALL

HOCKEY

MUSIC:







NETBALL
RUGBY

SQUASH

Scott Johnson, Daniel OConnor

Duncan Bell, Udit Gadkary,
John Holden, Casper Poole,
James Side, Miles Thomas
Christopher Barnett
Barney Holleran

Edward Barker, Eamonn Cox,

William Howarth
Louis Vaughan Williams,
Elizabeth Wood

Anthony Barker, Davin Chandra,

Edmund Phillips, Harry Ravi,
Brian Wang
Daniel Hickey, Declan Murphy,
James Murphy, Callum Scotland

Shubham Gupta, Edmund Phillips

Edward Barker, Finnuala Butler,

Eamonn Cox, Jonathan Essam,
William Howarth, Robert Laidlow,
Daniel Morland,
Timothy Munday,
Thomas Saunders, Thomas Steer,
Madeleine Stein, Jack Sutton,
Matthew Wootten
Eloise Andrews, Emma Simber
Richard Adeniyi Jones,
Matthew Holmes
Daniel Morland

TABLE TENNIS Cameron Sanders

Medics Society:

MUNGA:

Languages Clubs: Alexander Czepliewicz,

Shubham Gupta, Yibo Jin

Charlotte Gadsby,
Vincent Pang, Kaushik Ramesh,
Alexander Robbins,
Matthew Waite,

Harriet Millar,
Kaushik Ramesh

Barney Holleran

Intermediate Colours
BASKETBALL Mitchel Fruin
CHESS
Justin Brown
CRICKET

Angus Dalgleish, Suraj Sridhar

DRAMA

FIVES:

MUSIC:



RUGBY:

Fintan Calpin, Max Miller,

Fergus Macdonald
Samuel Fergusson,
Benjamin Kwok, Dominic Robson
Sebastian Cook, Thomas Dean,
Anton Levi, Shunta Takino,
Samuel Williams, Matthew Yau,
Dominic Jelf, Fergus Macdonald
Angus Dalgleish, Nicholas Colling,
Mitchel Fruin

DESIGN VENTURA

Maximilian Legemah,

Benjamin Kwok, Keir Bowater,

Daniel Dawson, Robert Edghill

TENNIS

Shunta Takino

Junior Colours
RUGBY:
William Adams, William Belsham,

Ernie Chan, Tom Cordrey,

Micaiah Felix, Leo Henderson,

Daniel Jenkins, Douglas Mathers,

James Perera, Sean Seeds,

Javagar Selvarajah, Dylan Stewart,

James Wagstaff-Hall, Iwan Haines,

Tom Willis, Samuel Wootten,
FIVES:

William Belsham,
William Edmonds,
Leo Henderson, Nathan Lewis,
Harry Russell, Nicholas Wright,

DRAMA:

Oscar Ridout,

ATHLETICS:
CHESS:

OTHER CLUBS
& SOCIETIES

Chemistry Club:

Amnesty International:

Lydia Leather, Harry Ravi,

Harriet Sands,

Branan Sivanantha,

MUSIC:

Benjamin Stanbury,

Xavier Chitnavis,
James Wagstaff-Hall,

Mark Appiah, Peter Gibbs,

Jonathan Lancaster,
Thomas Miller, Oscar Ridout,
Laurence Squires, Iwan Haines,

Olavian 2012 37

Vi Form News

VI Form News
Year 12 Team Building Day
At the beginning of the term, the whole of Year 12
travelled to Blacklands Farm to take part in a variety
of challenges in a variety of team-building activities.
The day proved to be a fun-filled eggstravaganza [sic]
culminating in the whole year turning out to watch the
final test of their teams ingenuity in creating a parachute
to safely return their carefully guarded egg to terra firma
from the abseil tower.

name of raising money for charity. Highlights included

students and staff taking part in Just a Minute and Beat
the Goalie. This years chosen charity is the Woodard
Schools Foundation charity initiative to complete the
building of a new Langalanga school in Kariandusi,
Kenya. A firm Festival favourite is Cabaret which this
year gave members of the Sixth Form the opportunity to
show case their various talents and was attended by over
two hundred people on Friday 9th December.

Young Olavians Day

On Wednesday 7th September, current students and
recent leavers enjoyed a day of sporting events as part
of our annual Young Olavians Day (now occupying its
new, earlier time slot in the Schools calendar) There
were many close fought matches in rugby, football,
hockey, basketball and fives and final results included a
3-2 victory in the football for the 1st XI and a 19 -19
draw in the rugby for the 1st XV. Many thanks to all the
Young Olavians and parents who came along to support
the teams taking part.

Higher Education Evening

The schools annual Higher Education Evening was
held on Thursday 15th March for all Year 12 students
and parent(s). Presentations provided an overview of the
whole UCAS application process, including key dates
and finance, with representatives from the universities
of Bristol, Queen Marys and Birmingham presenting
important information. This was followed by an Oxbridge
Evening on Thursday 29th March providing additional
information specifically about applying to Oxford and
Cambridge.

University Interview Preparation Day

Fifty Y13students took advantage of the Interview
Preparation Day held on Saturday 19th November.
David Vaiani of Aspire2oxbridge ran a debating skills
workshop and as wellas mock interview practice for
Geographers and Historians. Dr Steffen van Bakel and
Dr Maria Vigliotti of Imperial College,presented a
seminar to those applying to read Mathematics and a
variety of Science related degree courses. And Veterinary
Scientists participated in discussion groups with our
Medics on top of gaining interview practice.

Extended Project Qualification

This year a record number of Year 13 students completed
the Extended Project Qualification, culminating with a
Presentation Evening on the Monday 5th March. The
project involves writing a six thousand word dissertation
on a topic chosen by the student linked often to what they
are to study at university. There have been a number of
interesting choices this year, including the sustainability
of energy, time travel, bankers bonuses and an assessment
of the perception of the controversial Pope, Alexander
VI and his family the Borgias.

Prizegiving
The annual prize day was held in the Great Hall
on Thursday September 15th when the prizes were
presented by Old Olavian Dr Nol Tredinnick, Director
of Music at All Souls Langham Place and Professor
of Music at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
As usual the Chairman of Governors, the Headmaster
and the Heads of Year 11 and Sixth Form all provided
a review of the year and the musical items concluded
with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem conducted by Dr
Tredinnick.

Prefect Teams
This year over a hundred and sixty applications were
submitted to be part of the Sixth Form Prefect Team
and since February half-term the new prefects have been
in place helping with the smooth running of the school.
Students have been selected to carry out a number of
different roles ranging from form and academic prefects
to duty and sports prefects.

Festival 2011
This years Festival took place on Thursday 15th
December and saw students enjoying an extended
break and an afternoon off timetable running stalls and
attending events such as Boys vs Girls netball, all in the
40 Olavian 2012

Traffic Education Course

At the end of the Spring Term, all Year 12 students
attended an intensive PSHE session on Traffic Education
featuring accident causation analysis, hazard perception
skills, attitude to driving and road traffic rules. The sessions
were delivered by the Casualty Reduction and Sustainable
Travel Unit from Bromley and raised awareness of
Road Safety as students begin to past their driving tests.

Scottish Dancing
On Thursday 10th May, Year 13 was collectively herded
into the Great Hall to partake in a session of Scottish
dancing, guided in part by some seasoned professionals.
Students were shown their first dance move and were
soon twirling and dancing around, making sure they
knew the difference between a strathspey and a reel.
interview Skills Workshop
On Tuesday 17th July Year 12 took part in an interactive
and practical conference to help prepare them for the
inevitable interviews they will face in the coming month.
The day gave students an insight into what universities
look for in successful candidates, how to make an
outstanding impression, how to handle interview
questions and how to give an engaging presentation and
get your message across.
Senior Prefects
Congratulations to the new Senior Prefect team for
2012 2013. School Captains are Mohammad Fallaha
(12P) and Grace Boyle (12P) and are supported by Vice
Captains James Atkinson (12Z), Eleanor Goodman
(12P), William Pyle (12W) and James Watson (12W)
The role of the School Captain(s) is to be the leading
role models and ambassadors for the School, playing
a key part in the public face, making speeches at
important formal events such as Open Day, Prizegiving, Leavers Dinner and Sixth Form Information
Evening, welcoming and hosting visitors to the School.
They respond to occasional events which require special
arrangements, attendance at Year Meetings or outside
ceremonies, e.g. serious illness or death of a student or
member of staff. Old Olavians who reach 100 years of
age are visited by the Captain of School, and there have
been two in the last four years! With responsibility for
managing the team of Senior Prefects, they promote a
full involvement of the Sixth Form in School life, leading
by example, and maintaining an ethos which is a credit
both to individuals and the School.
The responsibility of the Vice-Captains of School is also
to make a very significant contribution to the ethos and
day-to-day running of the School. They too represent
the School at formal occasions and also lead by example
as role models for the whole School in their various
daily activities and commitments. Their duties include
supervising the Duty Prefects in charge of the break
and lunch queues, organising House Competitions such
as House Football, House Debating and the O-Factor,
and overseeing the integration of new students, both
external and internal, into the Sixth Form through the
Ambassador Prefects.
To guide their work and involvement, as well as
promoting opportunities for an exchange of views, the
whole Senior Prefect team meets regularly with the

Joint Captains of School, 2012-13

Headmaster, the Director of Sixth Form, and the Sixth
Form Association. Their influence is wide-ranging, they
take their responsibilities very seriously and their value
to St Olaves should not be underestimated.
News of Recent Vi Formers
Luke Abraham has been awarded a First Class in his
university exams at Saint. Johns College Cambridge.
He has been made a scholar of the college and has been
awarded a Leathem (Wright) College Prize and is the joint
winner of the Johnston prize for Part 1A Mathematics.
David Hewlett has attained a First Class at Emmanuel
College Cambridge and has been elected into a Senior
Scholarship.
Elizabeth Wilkins has gained a distinction in the
first Public Examinations in Human Sciences at Saint
Catherines College, Oxford.
Rishi Dutta has attained a First Class in the Economics
Tripos, Part 11A at Fiztwilliam College Cambridge.
Zubin Siganporia has gained a First Class Degree in the
Final Examinations in Mathematics at Saint Catherines
College, Oxford.
David Long was awarded with a MEng with First
Class Honours degree in Aerospace Engineering at the
University of Bristol.
Olavian 2012 41

Benjamin Dixon has been awarded with a First Class

MEng Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at
the University Of Bristol.

Do one thing every day that scares you. Like doing a

bible reading in assembly or telling Mrs Updsell that
youve forgotten your homework.

Georgina and Elizabeth Dalgleish (2008 2010) have

both kept themselves busy since leaving St. Olaves two
years ago. Having won places at Cambridge University,
both spent a year rowing for their colleges with both
winning the prestigious blades for their performances.
They then returned to the netball court where they
participated in the varsity match against Oxford and,
despite losing, both were awarded Full Blues, the highest
sporting award that can be bestowed a university player.

Sing. Whether it is by repeating some of the amazing

performances we saw by both boys and girls in Cabaret,
the heartfelt and tear jerking rendition of Jerusalem at
the 450th Anniversary Commemoration or even during
the high quality performances of the O Factor. I never
thought I would be hearing Year 13 students singing the
following lines from a Wham song: You put the boomboom into my heart You send my soulsky high when your
lovin starts Jitterbug into my brain Goes abang-bang-bang
til my feet do the same.

Leavers Weekend
The Leavers weekend began on Friday 22nd June when
Year 13 students dressed up in their dinner suits and ball
gowns to attend the Grand Leavers Ball at Westerham
Golf Club. The students thoroughly enjoyed dancing the
evening away and looking forward to the long break they
so thoroughly deserved. This was then followed by the
Leavers Dinner on Saturday 23rd June where students
were joined by their parents for a formal meal and
speeches, given by the Headmaster, Mr Rees, Director of
Sixth Form and Tim Munday (13I), Captain of School.

Floss. Floss daily.

Mr Rees speech at the Leavers Dinner

Ladies and Gentlemen, Headmaster, parents, teachers
and the class of 2012- be happy.
If I could offer Year 13 only one tip for the future,
happiness would be it. It was one of the things I said that
I wanted you all to be when you joined the Sixth Form
and I hope that happiness has followed you through and
remains with you after you leave St Olaves.
The long term benefits of happiness have been proved
by lots of research whereas the rest of the advice in my
speech has no basis more reliable than my own views.
I will share this advice with you now.
Enjoy the power of being young. In 20 years youll look
back at photos and videos of yourself, such as wearing a
crown as King Duncan, Alex Ekong; racing Mr Craig at
Olympia; wearing rabbit ears, Yahya; standing with your
team mates on the Sydney Harbour Bridge; preparing
to dive off the coast of South Africa or even when you
re-enacted the Apprentice for Festival and recall in a
way you cant grasp now how much possibility lay before
you.
Dont worry about the future; or worry, and know that
worrying is as effective as trying to stop Julian Bell
playing his music too loud in the Common Room.
42 Olavian 2012

Try not to be jealous of other people; sometimes youre

ahead, sometimes youre behind. The race is long, and in
the end, you are only racing yourself. Surely, it is far too
time consuming running a race against yourself?
Keep your old school reports, throw away your old bank
statements. Except the one which says that your student
loan has been paid off. Frame that one and stick it on your
wall! Wow thats going to be a long time coming!
Some of your old school reports may include words of
wisdom of your ability in Mr Craigs subject, Classics:
On the one hand he is really a boy to whom I warm especially
when he tries hard and really commits himself. At other times
he becomes this boy who wants to give a running commentary
on everything as though he were in the Royal Enclosure at
Ascot. I imagine that Dionysus was in his cups when he heard
Jack singing Black Sabbath at Epidaurus!
He will need to go into the examination armed like Achilles
to slay any question on the nature of the gods, the presentation
of war, the wreckage of human hope and the optimism of the
Golden Age.
Never pat an animal with sneaky eyes. I should have
given this advice at the beginning of Year 12 to Isobel
who I recently spoke to about the state of her uniform
only to be informed that the large rip in her tights and
cut on her leg was due to a dog attacking her in the street.
You will be pleased to know that the Isobel and the dog
eventually recovered.
Dont feel guilty if you still unsure about the course you
about to start at university or what you want to do when
you leave university. The most interesting people I know,
did not know at 22 what they might do with their lives,
and some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know
still dont.

Use plenty of sunscreen. Just look at how Bridgit Bardot

has changed over the years.

school children never blocked residents driveways when

parking their cars.

Be kind to your bodies, rugby and netball injuries will ache

when you are older. Think about Ilyas missing out on the
Scottish Country Dancing and the Softball during the
last few days of the Sixth Form to remind you of that.

Learn to play the banjo.

Maybe youll marry, maybe you wont, maybe youll have

children, maybe you wont, maybe youll divorce at 40, and
maybe youll mimicking the Rees hand dance as shown
by the tutors and I during the Leavers Video or even tap
dancing like Eamonn on your 75th Wedding anniversary.
How did you persuade me to do that Chris Barnett?

The Senior Prefect Team, especially Tim, as School

Captain, for all your help running the school. I dont know
how it would be done without you. This team has been
the constantly looking for improvement in everything
they have been involved in. An overnight visit last year
to Worksop College as part of their prefect training lead
to Udit expressing concern on his evaluation form that
there were not enough mirrors in the toilets to ensure his
hair was neat, gelled and tidy for breakfast.

Get to know your parents, talk to them about university,

include them in your decisions. You can then ask them
to visit you in late November when your student loan is
running out and youre in need of a good meal or some
new clothes.
Be nice to your brothers and sisters; they are your best
link to your past and the people most likely to stick with
you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but for the
precious few who you keep hold of. Right now most of
you maybe sitting by those precious few! Work hard to
bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the
older you get, the more these people will be a gateway to
the past. When new doors open, never close the old ones.
Travel. Mr Heap keeps telling me constantly that
Bermuda is very nice this time of year.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, Wales
will never win the rugby world cup, although we were
so close this year, England will never again win the
football world cup, you too will get old, and when you do
youll fantasize that when you were young, prices were
reasonable, England had a fantastic football team and

There are a number of people I would like to thank for all

the hard work they have put in with you as a year group.

Your tutors have worked so hard all year, defending

you when things have not quite gone to plan, writing
references, supporting you, and passing on messages
when needed.
Mrs Johnson, for her work with Oxbridge and UCAS
through interviews, workshops, advice and talks.
Your teachers for the extra revision sessions, answering
emails, patience, lots and lots of patience, feedback on
your homework, however late it was handed in and
their immense hard work to ensure that you get the best
teaching possible.
Lastly, Mrs Updsell, your Head of Year who has
defended you constantly, worked tirelessly to
ensure the smooth running of the Year group and
been a supportive ear, not just to students, but
to me throughout your time in the Sixth Form.
I thank all of you, but finally remember, trust me on the
happiness.

24 students
gained
Oxbridge
Offers

Olavian 2012 43

Leavers Destinations
Richard Olufemi Adeyemi
Adeniyi-Jones

University of Exeter

Sinclair Kweku Mensah Adu

University of Warwick

Michaela Agapiou

University of Manchester

Mohammad Salman Agha

Eniola Alonge
Eloise Andrews
William Baguley
Thomas Robert Ballaster
Antony Barker
Edward Barker
Christopher Barnett

University of Nottingham
University of Durham
University of Birmingham
University of York
Pembroke College - Cambridge
University of York
University of Manchester

Freddie Barr-Smith

University of Nottingham

Elliot Lawrence Bates

Michael Battle
Alexander Matthew Bear
Duncan Bell
Julian Bell
Jack Bint
Sean Alexander Paul Bossick
Charles Bowen
Grace Boyle
Susan Bradford

University of Exeter
University of Bristol
University College - London
St. Johns College - Cambridge
London School of Economics
University of Exeter
University of York
University of Exeter
University of Nottingham
University of Glasgow

Jobie Budd

University College - London

Finnuala Hallett Butler

Patrick Carter
Taylor Cavendish
Davin Harish Chandra
Ryan Charnock
Payal Chheda
Aedryan Chklar
Joseph Cobham
Jennifer Amy Cocke
Yinsu-Claire Collins
Benedict Cook
Eamonn Cox
Alexander Makoto Czepliewicz
Deeya DSouza
Drew Davis
44 Olavian 2012

University of Leeds
University of Exeter
University of Bath
University College - London
University of Bristol
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
University of Warwick
University of Bristol
London School of Economics
University of Sussex

Philosophy and Political Economy

Mathematics, Operational Research,
Statistics and Economics
Biochemistry with Industrial/Professional
Experience
Economics
2013 Application
History
Chemistry
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Management (Marketing)
Computer Science and Management
Studies
Geography (Science)
History
Medicine (6 years)
Mathematics
Geography with Economics
Geography (Science)
Politics
Classics
American Studies and English
English Literature
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
(International Programme)
2013 Application
Graphic and Communication Design
Economics
2013 Application
Mathematics
Economics
Law
Economics
Mathematics
Classical Civilisation
Ancient History
2013 Application
Economics and Economic History
2013 Application
Psychology

Jack Drabwell
William Dudley

University of Newcastle
Brasenose College - Oxford

David Duncan

University of Lancaster

Isobel Eaton
Roy Edward
Matty Edwards
Conor Egan
Jennifer Kenechi Ekere
Alexander Ekong
Ahmed El-Hussein

University of Newcastle
University of Bristol
University of Loughborough
University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Queens College - Cambridge

Jonathan Essam

University of Cardiff

Dario Ferrari
Raphael Kumin Rothschild
Fischer
Jennifer Flagg
Elizabeth Alice Foster
Nicholas Mark Meredith Foster
Udit Gadkary
Charlotte Jean Gadsby
Alexander Grainger
Rebekah Grant
Samuel Greenslade
Shubham Gupta
Rajvir Singh Guram
Robert Haythorpe

Royal Holloway - London

Classics
Classics I
English Literature, Creative Writing and
Practice
Architecture
2013 Application
French and German (4 years)
Business Economics and Finance
Law
French Studies and History (4 years)
Medicine
Mechanical Engineering (Year in
Industry)
Classical Studies

University of Bristol

Economics

University of Reading
University of Liverpool
University of Bristol
London School of Economics
University of Bristol
Wadham College - Oxford
University of Edinburgh
University of Lancaster

University of Exeter

Daniel John Hearn

University of Sheffield

Jed Hemsley
Yvette Nicole Lifton Heslop
Daniel Hickey
John Arthur Holden
Barney Holleran
Matthew James Holmes
Daniel Peng Xiang Hong
William Andrew Howarth
Jack Howse
James David Jackson
Yibo Jin
Andrew Johns
Scott Andrew Johnson
James Hassan John Kenward
Frank Kibble
Laura Kate Krywko
Priyanka Kulkarni
Robert Laidlow

University of Warwick
University of Durham
University of Leeds
Downing College - Cambridge
Hertford College - Oxford
University of Durham
University of Durham

Psychology
Mathematics
Biochemistry
Economics
Medicine - MBChB Standard entry
Physics (4 years)
Veterinary Medicine
Economics
2013 Application
2013 Application
Mathematics with Economics
Mechanical Engineering with a Year in
Industry
Economics
Geography
Mathematics
Land Economy
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Economics
Economics
2013 Application
Digital Film Production
Mechanical Engineering
Natural Sciences
Materials Science and Engineering
International Relations
Film & Theatre
History
Mathematics
Politics, Psychology and Sociology
Music

Ravensbourne
University of Warwick
Trinity College - Cambridge
Imperial College - London
University of Loughborough
University of Reading
University of Exeter
University College - London
Pembroke College - Cambridge
Emmanuel College - Cambridge

Olavian 2012 45

Mechanical Engineering/Sustainable
Energy Systems
Lydia Leather
University of Nottingham
Law
Ryan Lok Wai Lee
University of Reading
Graphic Communication
Lap Bon Leung
University of Cardiff
Biomedical Sciences (Standard Route)
Callum Little
2013 Application
Zoe Liu
Clare College - Cambridge
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Politics with French (4 years including
Hannaire Marion Mekaouar
University of Warwick
year abroad)
Olga Mikhailovski
2013 Application
Christopher Miles
University of Loughborough
Chemistry
Harriet Olivia Blanche Millar
University of Birmingham
Medicine (5 years)
Edward James Millard
University of Warwick
Physics
Daniel Robert Morland
University of Bath
Civil Engineering
Vanessa Moro
Queen Mary - London
Physics
Mechanical Engineering with a Year in
Jonathan Philip Morris
University of Sheffield
Industry
Ilyas Morrison
2013 Application
Frederick Morton
University of Exeter
Classics
Timothy Munday
Gonville&Caius Coll. -Cambridge Economics
Declan Murphy
University of Leeds
Mechanical Engineering
James Murphy
Imperial College - London
Biochemistry with Research Abroad
Ryan Murphy
University of Exeter
Geography (Science)
Navani Navaratnarajah
Queen Mary - London
Medical Engineering
Ashaki Newton
University of Manchester
Modern History with Economics
Harriet Noble
Ravensbourne
Animation
Joseph Dominic Patrick OBrien
London School of Economics
Law (Bachelor of Laws)
Daniel OConnor
University of Nottingham
American Studies and English
Peter Kagame Ocen
2013 Application
Daniel Oldham
University of Southampton
Environmental Sciences
Alexander Patrick Openshaw
University of Nottingham
Geography
Vincent Chun-Yip Pang
University of Durham
Combined Honours in Arts
Mirej Patel
2013 Application
Edmund Phillips
University of Sussex
Medical Neuroscience
Simon Pimm
University of Newcastle
Mechanical Engineering
Caspar Poole
University of Bath
Mathematics
Abigail Victoria Frances Pottier Royal Veterinary College - London Veterinary Medicine
Kiran Preddy
University of Southampton
Geography
Luqman Randeree
University of Newcastle
Medicine (stage 1 entry)
Harry Ravi
University of Exeter
Economics
Kate Richards
University of York
History
Marko Ristic-Smith
University College - London
Geography
Alexander James Robbins
Christs College - Cambridge
Medicine
Daniel Rogerson
University of Exeter
Biological Sciences
Eliott Rooke
University of Exeter
Geography
Oloruntobi Rotimi
2013 Application
Joseph Runicles
University of Leeds
History and Roman Civilisation
Vincent Hei Man Lam

46 Olavian 2012

University of Southampton

Evelina Russell
Leonora Ryle
Cameron Sanders
Harriet Sands
Thomas Saunders
Jacob Savage
Alexander Schymyck
Calum Scotland
Abilasa Selladurai
Ginny Shooter
James Side
Emma Jane Simber
Molly Simpson
Ramciyan Sivakumar
Branan Aaron Sivanantha
Sanadani Sivapalan
Adam William Smith
Liana Jade Smith
Rosannah Smith
Christopher Speller
Madeleine Rebecca Stein
Jack William Sutton

Medicine (5 years)
Mathematics and Philosophy
Economics
2013 Application
Gonville&Caius Coll.- Cambridge Mathematics
University of Warwick
Physics
Trinity College - Oxford
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
University of Nottingham
Modern Languages with Business
University of Leeds
Dental Surgery
University of Bath
Physics
University of Durham
Geography
University of Durham
Geography
University of Bristol
Philosophy
2013 Application
2013 Application
2013 Application
University of Birmingham
Ancient History
University of Durham
Classical Past
University of Durham
Natural Sciences
Mansfield College - Oxford
Geography
Royal Veterinary College - London Veterinary Medicine
University of Bristol
English
Selwyn College - Cambridge
History

Oliver Taylor
Loren Emily Tearle
Laurence Tennant
Miles Douglas Thomas
Shyam Kishorchandra Vadukul
Edward Vander
Louis Oscar Vaughan Williams
Nahid Ahmed Wadud

University of Nottingham
University of Birmingham
Gonville&Caius Coll. - Cambridge
University of Bath
University College - London
University of Bath
University of Leeds
University of Bristol

Veterinary Medicine
Biochemistry
English
Mathematics
Economics
Civil Engineering
French and Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering

Oscar Wallace
Edward Wallis
Brian Wang
Jaideep Wasu
Rebecca Watson
Thomas Watson
Jonathan Webb
Ryan Kenneth Wilkinson
Elliot Williams-Fletcher
James Wong

University of Exeter
University of Southampton
Robinson College - Cambridge
University of Bristol
University of Bristol
Kings College - Cambridge
University of Portsmouth
University of Warwick
University of Exeter

Elizabeth Wood

University of Bath

Matthew Makoto Wootten

Kevin Wing Yip

St. Catharines Coll. - Cambridge

University of Southampton

Philosophy and Sociology

Archaeology and Geography
Medicine
Management
Physics
Medicine
Business Economics
Philosophy
Physics with Astrophysics
2013 Application
Modern Languages and European Studies
(Spanish and ab initio Italian)
Natural Sciences
Medicine (5 year)

Gabrielle Ami Harrison Stocker

Jamie Taylor

Matthew Malcolm Andrew Waite

University of Birmingham
University of Nottingham
University of York

University of Exeter

Girton College - Cambridge

Economics

Medicine

Olavian 2012 47

48 Olavian 2012

Clubs & Societies

Clubs & Societies

Chemistry Club
Last year, Chemistry Club remained as popular as ever
at Saint Olaves. Great fun was had with old favourites
such as the screaming jelly baby and elephants
tooth paste experiments, whilst Olavian ingenuity
shone through when the Club improvised their own
gunpowder recipe. Students enjoyed making their own
glow-worm fireworks and seeing who could produce
the most vigorous sodium bicarbonate volcano, as well
as witnessing the usual complement of explosions. The
lower school students who make up Chemistry Club
displayed impressive scientific curiosity throughout the
year, taking advantage of this opportunity to extend
their knowledge of practical science far beyond the
curriculum. The sixth form team involved in running the
Club was responsible for designing and demonstrating
each weeks experiment, and this provided a valuable
opportunity both to apply our A level knowledge and
to broaden our understanding of chemistry as a whole.
We would like to thank Mrs Morinan for making these
fantastic opportunities possible, and hope that the fun
will continue next year.
Asher Leeks 13X
Natural Sciences Society
The Olavian Natural Sciences Society was founded by
lower sixth science students at the start of last years
autumn term, and has expanded substantially upon
its modest beginnings over the course of the past year.
Student-led contributions have taken the form of
weekly speeches and presentations, as well as articles
written for the three journals which we have published
to date, examples of which are included below. Of note
for both the wide range of topics covered and the depth
of understanding shown, these contributions represent
valuable opportunities which Olavian scientists have
taken to show-case their impressive academic ability and
commitment, valuable skills for life at University. The
Society has also been pleased to welcome such external
speakers as a representative from Mott MacDonald
engineering firm and an old Olavian now studying
Biological Sciences at Oxford University, and has also
enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Natural History
Museums Coleoptera department. On top of this, the
Society has attended Friday night science lectures at
University College London on a weekly basis, which
have effectively complemented the societys own weekly
speakers, and has travelled up to Cambridge University
on two occasions in order to attend lectures on topics
within Biology and Chemistry. As a student-led society
50 Olavian 2012

throughout, the Natural Sciences Society strongly

reflects the sense of enthusiasm and affinity for science
which pervades Saint Olaves, and we hope the Society
will continue its growth in coming years.
Chess 2011-2012
Chess versus Kings School Canterbury
On Wednesday 18th January, the chess A team travelled
to Kings School in Canterbury for the second round of
the Yateley Manor chess competition. The team, made
up of Captain Duncan Bell (13M), John Holden (13G),
Conrad Allison(12R), Raunak Rao (10L), Owen Messere
(8L) and Rohan Shiatis (7H) performed brilliantly, each
one winning his board on the way to a comprehensive 6
0 win. The third Kent Junior Chess Association Grand
Prix tournament was held at St. Olaves on Saturday 21st
January, with good representation by our own students
in the U14 and U18 sections. Duncan Bell (13M) was
joint winner of the U18s, with Conrad Allison (12R)
coming third. The Schools prize for the day was won
by St. Olaves, who are heading the GP table after three
tournaments.
Yateley Manor Chess Comp 03/02/12
On Friday 3rd of February six students represented St.
Olaves against Eltham College in the Yateley Manor
chess competition. The match ended 3.5 2.5 in our
favour, but the victory went to Etham due to their
age advantage. A big well done to Duncan Bell, John
Holden, Conrad Allison, Raunak Rao, Nigel DSouza
and Owen Messere, who will now compete in the Plate
Championship.
Chess v. Wilsons Grammar School
On the 15th March 2012, St.Olaves Chess Team faced
a strong Wilsons Grammar School B Team in the first
round of the Yateley Manor Plate Competition.
The team of Duncan Bell, Rohan Shiatis, John Holden,
Conrad Allison, Raunak Rao and Owen Messere, were
able to win convincingly, with an almost perfect 5.5
points out of the six matches played.
Unfortunately, subsequently, the team played Wilsons
A and lost 4-2, thus being knocked out at the quarter
finals.
Russell Trophy Schools Jamboree
The St. Olaves U18 chess team achieved a very creditable
result in the Surrey Russell Trophy Schools Jamboree

held at Wilsons School on Friday 16th September against

twelve other teams from Surrey, Kent and Middlesex
schools. There was some exciting chess played by John
Holden (13G), Duncan Bell (13M) Raunak Rao (10L),
Gautham Reddiar (10N), Owen Messre (8L), Conrad
Allison (12R), Alex Tse (12Z) and Asher Leeks (12X).
Millfield 15th October 2011
Saint Olaves A-team narrowly came second, behind
Winchester College, and Duncan Bell and Conrad
Allison won board prizes, as did Robert Lobo in the B
Team. Well done to all who took part.
Southern Counties Chess Union Open U14
Tournament
There is always that special story to tell with every hard
fought victory. Every county and virtually every player
will talk about that elusive half point that evaded them or
that they managed to grind out through sheer obstinacy,
or that victory which somehow turned to defeat or that
win from a completely lost position. This tournament
had it all and more.
The counties entered were Kent, Essex, Surrey, Berkshire
and Sussex and excitement mounted as all counties were
still within a shout of winning going into the last round.
Kent was equal first with Berkshire. Surrey was just a
point behind and Essex a seemingly distant fourth. Then
for Kent, three early losses in the last round started the
heart racing. Perhaps it was not to be our day after all.
Berkshire was out in front, but Essex was churning out
win after win and was soon leading the way. Surrey was
quietly creeping up in the background. Kent finally
rallied with three successive wins and nosed themselves
in front once more.
It came down to the last five boards playing. I watched
anxiously as each game practically went the distance;
with Kent locked in a must win game against a talented
Berkshire player.
In order to lift the trophy, we needed the following to
happen in three of the remaining four games: Essex to
beat Berkshire, Surrey to beat Berkshire and Sussex to at
least avoid a defeat against Essex. Gradually, gradually
the results started filtering through. Sussex attained the
draw we needed, Essex had the win we needed, Surrey
the win against Berkshire and finally Kent the win which
ensured we came out as Champions; based on number
of wins after a three way tie on points with Surrey and
Essex.
A thrilling and exciting finale!
All players played exceptionally well and for a team which
were all under 12 playing in a under 14 tournament this

was truly commendable. We were very proud to lift the

trophies. Hearty congratulations go to all the players and
enormous thanks to the parents. Thank you to Sussex for
hosting the event and the magnificent organisation of
Anil Anilkumar.
Final points were:
Kent 13.5 (12 wins), Essex and Surrey 13.5 (10 wins),
Berkshire 12 and Sussex 7.5
Rohan Shiatis
Counties finals - National Youth Chess
Association
St Olaves provided half the membership of the Kent
under 18 team which travelled to Telford on Saturday
24th September to compete in the National Youth Chess
Association Inter - Counties finals. John Holden, Duncan
Bell, Raunak Rao and Conrad Allison enjoyed some very
challenging games, with Raunak winning all four of his.
The championship title, taken by Warwickshire (who did
not have to endure such an early start!) eluded the Kent
team by the narrowest of margins - just half a point.
ECF U18 inter-Counties Final
The U18 Kent team, which included four St Olaves
students (Duncan Bell (13M), Conrad Allison (12R),
Gautham Reddiar (10N) and Raunak Rao (10L) were
very narrowly beaten by Hertfordshire in the English
Chess Federation National Inter-counties final, held
at Eton College on Saturday 30th June. Hertfordshire
finished with 18.5 out of a possible maximum 24, with
Kent just half a point behind. It was a very exciting days
chess.
Kent Junior Chess Association Grand Prixes
The third Kent Junior Chess Association Grand Prix
tournament was held at St Olaves on Saturday 21st
January, with good representation by our own students
in the under 14 and under 18 sections.
Duncan Bell was joint winner of the U18s, with Conrad
Allison coming third. The schools prize for the day was
won by St Olaves, who are heading the GP table after
three tournaments.
Duncan Bell and Conrad Allison had a very successful
day at the last Grand Prix event of the Kent Junior Chess
Association on Sunday 1st July, held at Sevenoaks School,
with Duncan winning the Under 18 section and Conrad
coming second. They also achieved these positions in the
overall Grand Prix series for 2011 - 2012 and received
Managers Awards for their contributions to the Kent
Under 18 teams over the past season. St Olaves won the
Schools Trophy.
Olavian 2012 51

Old Olavian becomes FiDE Chess Master

The School is please to report on the recent achievement
of Old Olavian, Callum Kilpatrick (2003 - 2010) During
12-18th September Callum competed in the Circolo
Scacchisto Amos Cusini Livigno chess tournament in
Italy, finishing in joint 5th place. This was a very strong
International event, littered with many Grand Masters
(GM).
Callum secured his 1st GM norm (in order to become a
GM he needs to secure 3 such norms and have his Chess
rating at GM level 2500). This is a fantastic achievement
considering Callum was not even at master level prior to
the tournament. It is very rare for a player to make such
a leap in playing strength. As a result of this performance
he has now become a FIDE Chess Master.
We congratulate him on this fine achievement and wish
him continued success.
Congratulations also go to Rohan Shiatis (7H)
who played in the Open Section at the Hampshire
Chess Congress winning the prize for best player. His
performance was particularly notable because he was the
youngest player in the entire competition, playing some
of the strongest adult players.
Adult County Chess
St Olaves boys helped the adult Kent chess team to
a victory over arch rivals and neighbours Essex. They
were Rohan Shiatis, Duncan Bell and Raunak Rao. It
is an honour to be selected as part of the adult team and
indicative of the standards that these excellent juniors
are capable of playing. The victory was secured by the
slim margin of 1 point particularly amazing as Kent
were out-gunned on grade across all the boards except
one!
Olavian Chess player selected for England
Rohan Shiatis has been selected to play chess for
England against Norway and India in the upcoming
Internationals to be held at the London Chess Classic at
The Olympia Conference Centre, Kensington.
The main tournament is one of the most prestigious chess
tournaments in the world and the top four players in the
world will be arriving shortly in the UK to participate.
Rohan will be rubbing shoulders (though not playing
unfortunately!) with the likes of Magnus Carlsen GM,
Vishy Anand GM, Nigel Short GM and Luke McShane
GM.
The matches which Rohan will be playing (as a member of
the England junior team) will be part of all the off-shoot
satellite activities taking place around the main event.

52 Olavian 2012

This is an impressive achievement and we wish him

continued success.
Raunak Rao
Raunak Rao (year 10) came tenth out of 75 junior
players at the second English Junior Rapidplay, held
at the London Chess Classic tournament on Saturday
10th December 2011. This tournament was attended by
some of the best junior chess players in the country and
Raunak was also able to secure third place in the Under
16 section of the tournament. Well done!
D of E Update
A total of twenty seven awards have been presented in
the Spring term which included sixteen bronze, six silver
and five gold awards. On Friday 30th March thirty two
Year 13 students set off for the wild country of the Brecon
Moorland to complete their Gold Qualifying expedition.
This involved four days of trekking as a self-sufficient
team, covering around 80km and spending three nights
under canvas. The teams worked extremely hard in the
preparations for this expedition; congratulations on their
success in this venture.
World Challenge Expedition to Botswana,
Namibia and Zambia
Last August, 19 students and Mr Gyford embarked on
a month-long World Challenge expedition to Botswana
and Namibia. Over the course of a hugely enjoyable trip,
the team developed a wide range of new skills through
coping with many unfamiliar situations, as well as
building a strong sense of camaraderie along the way.
The trip began in Orpington, when we convened in the
Pavilion on the 31st July. After a final kit check and
discussion with our World Challenge leaders, Glyn
and Josh, we left for Heathrow, with an 11-hour flight
ahead of us. The flight was surprisingly enjoyable, largely
thanks to the hospitality of South African Airways,
and when we disembarked in Johannesburg, it was the
first time many of us had set foot outside Europe. With
spirits running high, we then boarded our transfer flight
to Windhoek airport, which was surprisingly windy, and
not nearly as warm as wed expected!
Camping in a youth hostel for the first night, we cooked
on a Braai (a wide grill over an open fire), eating such
Namibian specialities as oryx and kudu steak. We left
early the next morning after some supply shopping, and
arrived at Spitzkoppe in the early evening, cooking a
disastrous potato and kidney meal in our trangia stoves
not the first time we would miss home-cooked food!
The next day we spent trekking around Spitzkoppe
as our acclimatisation trek, led by a local guide who
showed us the famous rock art, whilst also explaining
to us the differences between the click languages spoken
by many the indigenous Bushmen. The scenery around

Spitzkoppe was breath-taking, with wildlife to match.

Our guide also showed us his village, which was a
thought-provoking experience, and we spent some time
buying provisions in the local shop, which doubled up
as the social centre of the village. This evenings more
successful meal, based around biltong (dried beef ) was
preceded by a dusk walk, where we watched a spectacular
Namibian sunset.
Leaving early the next morning, we made a start for the
Skeleton Coast, which was to be the location of our main
trek. So named due to the large number of shipwrecks to
be seen off-shore, unfortunately we saw no shipwrecks
on our section, but seals (alive and dead) and even whale
skeletons were in abundance, whilst a penguin was also
spotted. Although the sand and wind made for difficult
walking conditions, it was impossible not to admire
the scenery, which was desolate and uniquely beautiful.
After hiking for nearly 20km on the first day, we set up
camp only to find out that our support vehicle was stuck
in the sand, with the on-board water container empty
and no fuel left for the trangias. To compound the
problem, darkness came quickly, with gale-force winds
and subsequent low temperatures. With attempts to dig
our vehicle out failing, we excavated a large wind-break
for an open fire, cooking whatever we could without
water. The next morning a relief vehicle arrived with
water, and after refilling our water bottles, we set out
for another 20km hike, terminating at the bizarre (and
deserted) Cape Cross hotel complex. Camping wild for a
second consecutive night, the next morning we drove to
Swakopmund and were immensely relieved to find out
that we would be staying in bedded accommodation for
the next two nights.
Our day in Swakopmund was spent sand-boarding in
the morning an activity developed in Swakopmund,
involving jumping on thin sheets of cardboards and
careering down sand dunes. After the mornings
exhilaration, we boarded a small motor-boat for an
afternoon spent cruising the Western Atlantic just
off Walvis Bay. With endemic Benguela dolphins
accompanying our boat, we passed enormous seal
colonies and even had one jump on the boat with us,
whilst the luxury of eating oysters caught in the bay the
same morning was in no way lost on us.
After Swakopmund, our next destination was to be the
renowned Etosha national park. On a stopover on the
way we visited a local Himba village, where our guide
detailed fascinating aspects of their culture and heritage.
These included a Himba bath, a technique for washing
involving making use of the smoke from the leaves of a
particular tree, which is vital for saving water in such a
dry environment, plus the requirement for a man to own
five heads of cattle before he can marry.

Etosha national park certainly impressed, with its

magnitude blowing us away, despite the present-day
park only covering a quarter of the original 100,000km
conservancy. The park surrounds a central salt pan
130km long (and in some places as wide as 50km), with
many waterholes around the park making it a reserve
of paramount importance. Our safari was self-driven,
with our driver both spotting and identifying much of
the wildlife of the park. The list of game we spotted
is extensive, but highlights on the first day included
elephant, martial eagle, giraffe, springbok, oryx, kudu,
enormous herds of zebra and even the notoriously elusive
white rhino. The next day was spent driving to a camp in
a different park of the national park, and on the way we
saw birdlife which included black bustard, kori bustard
and secretary bird, plus a number of lions. Visiting the
waterhole in the evening also proved very fruitful, with
some touching views of elephants interacting with each
other and another rhino sighting.
The next stage of the expedition was our project phase.
This was at Hippo primary school, near Gobabis, east of
Windhoek. We arrived late after a long drive south, and
were immediately struck by the enthusiastic greeting of
the children. Hippo school caters for children between
the ages of seven and thirteen and is a selective primary
school, offering full board and accommodation. Our
project involved painting the walls of one of their
dormitory buildings and repairing a number of chairs.
We got stuck into the project quickly, and the interest
the children showed in us came as quite a shock! With
many of them writing letters to us, they were without
exception friendly, charming and impressively gifted,
with most speaking several languages. This made working
in the school a rather novel experience, with many of us
engaging with the students enthusiastically and learning
much about Namibian culture this way. We also played
a St. Olaves vs Hippo football match, where Hippos
approximately 10:1 numerical advantage on the pitch
helped them to beat us decisively. Unfortunately, the
children went home four days into our project, but we
made the most of the remaining five days although we
did attempt to bring our transport forward, difficulties in
communication meant that we were unable to arrange an
earlier transfer into Botswana, where the next phase of
the expedition started.
When our transport finally arrived, we waved goodbye
to Hippo primary school before a long coach journey
took us across the border into Botswana. The first
place we camped was a small game lodge near Ghanzi.
Several kilometres off the main road along a dirt track,
the lodge was quite isolated, and consequently we saw a
sizeable herd of roan antelope by the watering hole in
the morning.
Our next stop was Audi Camp, just north of Maun. This
Olavian 2012 53

was our base for exploring the Okavango river delta, the
largest inland river delta in the world and one of the
most important hotspots for biodiversity in Africa. The
next morning we left for the Okavango, with an off-road
drive through the flooded lowlands leading to the delta.
Once there we boarded mokoros, small dug-out canoes,
which were poled by guides from a local village through
the delta to our camp for the night. Being surrounded
by such an extensive system of waterways made a stark
contrast with the arid conditions we had previously
experienced, whilst the abundance of bird-life on the
delta was spectacular. After setting up a wild camp on
one of the deltas myriad islands, we were taken for a
dusk walk by one of the highly knowledgeable local
guides, seeing big game without being behind a vehicle
for the first time, with hippos being the highlight of
the evening. We set out again before dawn the previous
day, and this time we boarded the mokoros again to be
taken to another island. The dawn walk was even more
successful than the walk the previous day, with sightings
of hammerkop, blue wildebeest, and even spotted hyena
at an excitingly close distance. Once the walk was over,
we returned to camp to pack our things, boarding the
mokoros a final time to return to Audi camp, although
our passage was delayed by a herd of elephants crossing
in front of us.
The next stop after the Okavango was a campsite in
Kasane, on the border of Chobe national park, famed for
having the highest game density of any national park in
the world, and overlooking the mighty river Chobe. We
booked a sunset cruise on the river for the next evening,
which was a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting.
Giant kingfishers, monitor lizards and crocodiles made
for memorable viewing, as did the extraordinarily large
herds of elephant roaming the banks. Sunset over the
river was equally unforgettable.
The final stage of our expedition was a day spent
in Livingstone, Zambia. The principal attraction of
Livingstone is the Victoria Falls which, despite it being
the height of the dry season, were spectacularly impressive
and were a perfect way to round off the trip. On our
final day we made many excursions into Livingstones
lively market, which was an eye-opening and certainly
very practical lesson in haggling, with the remaining
group kit being traded for some paintings to bring back
to school.
It was finally time to return home after a truly exceptional
month. Thanks from all the team go out to Andy, Glyn
and Josh, for making such an unforgettable experience
possible.
Asher Lecks

54 Olavian 2012

World Challenge Expedition to Ecuador

2012 Ben Cole
August 2012 saw twenty Olavians and two staff embark
on a once in lifetime opportunity, trekking through and
engaging in the South American country of Ecuador.
The trip lasted for a month, but will stay in the memories
of the challengers forever.
The journey began from the school itself, with the
students, Mme Delage and Mrs Smith sleeping overnight
in the pavilion for a last kit check, before being woken
up at three in the morning to get the coach to Heathrow
airport. The first flight to Miami took ten hours, followed
by catching a three hour connection flight to Quito, the
capital city of Ecuador. The team then jumped in the
cabs to their first of many sites of accommodation in the
city centre.
For the first four days the challengers stayed in Quito,
getting to grips with the local cuisine (Subway) and
the Spanish language. Whilst the area did not seem
the most luxurious, it would become apparent that
Quito was the most developed area we would be staying
in, and the quality of washing facilities would soon
deteriorate. On two of the days, the team had their first
two acclimatisation treks, getting used to the 3000+m
altitude. Everyone thankfully completed the climb, and
were happy to get back to the hostel to rest.
The next stop on the journey was San Clemente, the site
of the teams project phase. For a week, the challengers
had the experience of communicating and interacting
with the villagers of the area, engaging in football and
volleyball matches and other games. The teams project
was laying a pipeline for the community by digging a
trench, replacing a broken pipe, and refilling the trench.
It was a tough physical strain, but with encouragement
from the locals and the energy from the sugar canes
the work was done with a day to spare. This gave them
the opportunity to have a rainforest tour with the host,
Jos. While being drenched by the river, the team saw
the true beauty of the forest, spotting wildlife, and being
informed of the medicinal benefits of some of the plants.
As the week came to the end, the team had their last
waterfall shower and freshened up for the leaving meal
prepared by Joss wife (a woman whose name was never
mentioned). The food was incredible, even better than
the cuisine dished up by the nominated team chefs,
finished off with chocolate cake and unknown-fruit
crumble. After an emotional goodbye, the team ventured
back to the town of Tena for two nights in the Limon
Cocha hostel.
In Tena, the challengers had their first taste of rest and
relaxation by going white water rafting down an Amazon
tributary. The rapids were fast and rough, and everyone
was pushed to the limit, working hard to row down.

Perhaps more fun than the rafting itself was jumping out
of the boat and splashing other rafts, with some showing
their acrobatic skills with back and front flips. Halfway
along the team were treated to burritos, one of the best
lunches had on expedition. Everyone slept very well that
night after an exhausting days activities.
The team then travelled to tourist town of Baos, famed
for its volcano powers baths which the challengers
submerged themselves in. After very careful budgeting,
there seemed to be incredible savings made somewhere
along the line that allowed everyone to have two meals
worth of dinner that evening resulting in a lot of
very full people going back to the hostel and having a
very good nights sleep (sleep that might not have been
enjoyed so much if they knew the volcano was to erupt
a week later, fortunately the team were nowhere near it
at the time).
The challengers travelled to the village of El Chaupi the
next day, staying in tents in the freezing cold. This was
the first time that the team needed to take Diamox
altitude sickness pills, or more commonly referred to
by many as anti-height pills courtesy of Fitchs mums
friend, as they were now going to be above 3000m for
over a week. After seeking refuge in the warm lodge, and
a game of poker or two, the team retreated to their tents
to sleep. The following two days consisted of trekking
to the summit of the infamous Mount Kundu and
another peak. The next day was the start of the ascent of
Cotopaxi the ice-capped volcano. After meeting the
guides Marco and Daniel, everyone wrapped up warm to
start the trek. These next four days owned the best views
seen all expedition: canyons, volcanoes, cliffs, rivers,
lakes, everything. A few had the experience of bathing in
the glacier sourced river which was absolutely freezing,
much to the delight of locals who thought those involved
were clinically insane. On the fourth day of trekking, the
team reached the Cotopaxi glacier, standing at a modest
5000m above sea level. For many, it was the greatest
achievement of their lives, and would go some to beat;
but perhaps the following day could top it, for the team
were to attempt to summit the volcano Rumiahui. This
was by far the steepest ascent, and most dangerous, as
falling rocks were potentially lethal. However, the team
managed to get to the top, rewarded with one of the
most beautiful views in the world. But the fun part was
to come, for the three hour ascent was followed by a ten
minute run down the volcano-side, kicking up volcanic
dust along the way. This was considered by many as one
of the highlights of the trip.

general consensus was it was very tasty, it was a very small

animal with not much meat, and so if youre considering
trying one, make sure you get plenty. The day after the
team went to the market at Otavalo, trying their hand at
haggling with the local people for souvenirs.
The team then started the Cloudforest Phase. After
meeting the guide, Gabriel, the challengers learnt how
to make chocolate, Ecuador style. After feasting upon
fruit and melted chocolate, the team went to bed in their
cabaas (small cabins) to sleep. The following day the
team split into Year 12s and 13s to contest the highly
competitive football match. For the first five seconds,
the game was pretty level, before the year 12s started
to dominate quite heavily, winning the game 11-1.
Next, the teams trekked through the forest and swam
under the waterfalls there. The third and final day in the
Cloudforest saw the team go to a fruit farm and gorge
on some 32 tropical fruits, and also have the opportunity
to make some jewellery from nuts.
The next day, the team had the privilege of going to
zipwire through the Cloudforest canopy. This was one
of the ultimate experiences for some of the adrenaline
junkies on the team. The team then went back to their
accommodation, drank wonderful coffee and ate excellent
chocolate, and then hit the hay. The following morning,
the team went back to Quito for one final night before
getting a flight home, enjoying one last meal together.
Many were sad to leave a country they had lived in for
a month, a country that almost felt like a second home,
but everyone wanted to get back to England to see their
families and share the stories that they had to tell. It was
one of the greatest adventures anyone could go on, and
the twenty-two came home changed by the sights they
had witnessed, and experiences theyd had.

This was to be the end of the trekking phase and the

team were rewarded by horseback riding in El Chaupi,
and many also managed to get internet access to get their
examination results. This evening the team also had the
chance to try the local dish Guinea Pig. Whilst the
Olavian 2012 55

Word Challenge - Namibia & Botswana

56 Olavian 2012

Mathematics & iCT

Specialist Status

The Faculty of Mathematics,

iCT & Computer Science

he past year has seen the Faculty continue to

build upon the firm foundations of previous years
endeavours. The traditional high levels of academic
success have been augmented by the introduction of new
House mathematics competitions. The propensity for
Olavians to enjoy the challenge of a good mathematical
problem never ceases to amaze and the skills that they
develop in its solution will stand them in good stead in
later life.
The Mathematics students in Year 13 achieved
another outstanding set of results with over 80% of
A2 Mathematics and A2 Further Mathematics entries
being awarded A* or A grades. As in previous years, a
healthy number of Olavian students are embarking
upon mathematical degrees at a variety of universities.
Among them are three students, Thomas Saunders,
Tony Barker and Duncan Bell, who secured their places
to study Mathematics at Cambridge, having met the
demanding requirements of the STEP papers. Indeed
Duncan achieved an outstanding S grade in all three
STEP papers, probably a unique feat for an Olavian and
a testament to the effectiveness of Mr Henleys afterschool STEP classes.
Not to be outdone, the largest-ever cohort of Year 12
Mathematicians achieved incredibly good results with
over 80% of the 165 students achieving A grade in
AS Level Mathematics and almost two-thirds of well
over a hundred students achieving the top grade in AS
Further Mathematics. St Olaves continues to have the
highest proportion of double mathematicians of any
school in the country which indicates the willingness of
Olavians to take on an extra challenge when offered the
opportunity.
The GCSE results were very encouraging with over
three-quarters of students achieving an A* grade which,
whilst not a record for the school, was in line with the
year achieving their potential. A first for the department
was that every student in both of the top two sets
achieved an A* grade. These results bode well for future
achievement.
In the lower years, alongside the regular features
of the Mathematics in Motion Club, Mathematics
Challenges, the Mathematics Clinics plus Mathematics
Buddies, the major innovation this year has been interhouse Mathematics competitions that have been run
throughout the year.
58 Olavian 2012

These competitions have featured problem-solving often

linked to some running around between locations in the
case of mathematics relays. Details of these can be found
below.
Performances in national mathematics competitions
have continued to be impressive with huge numbers
of certificates and many qualifiers for further rounds
de rigeur. In team competitions, our students continue
to exhibit effective collaborative skills allied to genuine
insight as to how to solve unfamiliar problems under
pressure.
On the ICT front, Year 8 achieved impressive results
in the ITQ course with all one hundred and fifteen
students entered achieving creditable passes. The ICT
AS Level results were encouraging plus the Robotics
and Computer Games Development Clubs were wellsupported.
At the end of the year the Faculty bade farewell to
three members of staff, namely Mr Paul Charlton,
Miss Nicolle McCartney and Mr Brian Larkin. Within
the Mathematics department, Mr Charlton will be
remembered for his enthusiastic teaching allied to
some great story-telling, whilst Miss McCartney leaves
memories of a caring, effective teacher with an astute
mathematical mind. Mr Larkin contributed significantly
to the running of the Computer Games Development
Club plus the delivery of ICT throughout Key Stages 3
and 4. We wish all three every success in their new posts.
In September the Mathematics department welcomed
two experienced new members of staff: Mrs Joanna
Munday who takes up the role of second in charge of
the Faculty and Mr Ian Sanderson who has been Head
of Mathematics at a school in Australia. We wish them
well in their time at St Olaves.
Finally, on behalf of all the Faculty and students, thanks
must be expressed to Mr Michael Evans who has
relinquished his role as Head of Faculty in order to focus
upon his many responsibilities as Assistant Headteacher.
Without his dedication, hard work and attention to
detail, the Faculty would not be in the immensely strong
position it finds itself at the beginning of the 2012-2013
academic year.

Neil Maltman

Head of Mathematics

National Competitions
Senior Maths Challenge
A record three hundred and sixty-eight senior students
from Years 11, 12 and 13 sat the Senior Mathematical
daunting, but the students enjoyed testing their problemwell over two hundred achieving a certificate, including
twenty-six gold and seventy-eight silver certificates
awarded.
British Mathematical Olympiad
mathematical competition and it is most encouraging to
see that four of our students, Tony Barker (13L), Duncan
(13J) gained distinctions. Outstanding amongst these
were Alistair who was awarded a bronze medal and
Duncan who gained a coveted gold medal. Both were
invited to sit the second round, after which Duncan was
invited to further International Olympiad training.
UKMT Senior Team Challenge:
National Final
Having qualified at the regional final at Ravens Wood
School in November, Duncan Bell (13M), Tony Barker
(13L), Alistair O Neill (12Z) and James Allen (12X)
competed in the UKMT Senior Team Challenge
National Final in London against over sixty school
teams from all over the UK, finishing an impressive sixth
overall.

ORourke (11J) achieving the highest score in their year.

Twelve students progressed for the prestigious Olympiad
competition by achieving one of the top four hundred
scores nationally. Noteworthy performances included a
certificate of distinction by Kush Banga (10L), a bronze
medal by William Edmonds (9H) and a silver medal,
placing him in the top thirty nationally, by Ian Chang (9L).
UKMT Junior Mathematics Team Challenge
On Wednesday 22nd February, a selection of the brightest
mathematicians from thirty local schools arrived at St.
Olaves to compete in the regional final of the UKMT
Junior Team Challenge. Final honours went to the A
Team of William Edmonds (9H), Kenneth Liu (9H),
Richard Moulange (8B) and Owen Messere (8L) who
pulled ahead of the crowd, including St. Olaves B team
in second place, to win and progress to the National
Final.
On Monday 18th June, the same four students
represented St. Olaves in the national final of the UK
Mathematics Trust Team Challenge in London. After
spending the morning investigating the subject of
mathematical impossibility, they faced four rounds of
fiendishly difficult tasks, designed to challenge even the
most able mathematicians. Pitted against ninety-five
other teams from across the UK, the team performed
excellently throughout the day, finishing a creditable
tenth overall.

Intermediate Maths Challenge

11 produced another impressive performance in the
Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC) for the
UK Mathematics Trust. Almost ninety per cent of the
students received recognition with ninety-two gold,
eighty-eight silver and sixty-seven bronze certificates
awarded. Best-in-School went jointly to Alistair Haig
progressed to the Kangaroo competition (an international
mathematical contest originally developed in Australia).
Twelve boys did so well that they qualified for the
Olympiad competitions.
I ntermediate Maths Olympiad & Kangaroo
competitions, placing them in the top 1500 nationally.
Ten students achieved certificates of merit with Sean
Seeds (9H), Aran Sivapalan (10L) and Anthony

High-scoring Olympiad entrants:

Maths & ICT 59

Congratulations go to Bilal Chughtai (8H), Sachin Savur

(8H) and Richard Moulange (8B). This is the first time
for several years that St Olaves students have achieved
three medals.
House Mathematics Competitions
During the year various house competitions took
place, pitting forms against each other in mathematical
endeavour.

Year 8 JMO Medallists

In November teams of four students from Year 8

competed in two rounds of competition consisting
of a group problem-solving activity followed by a
mathematical relay. The results of the competition were
as follows :
Form

Round 1
Score

Round 2
Score

Total
Score

Position

8B

85

215

300

1st

8C

65

125

190

4th

8H

100

180

280

2nd

8L

80

190

270

3rd

Congratulations to the winning team of Ritwick

Chatterji, Richard Decker, Tomas Gallagher and Richard
Moulange.
During the two activity weeks, Years 8 and 9 each had
mornings of competitive mathematical activities that
involved problem-solving and sudokus plus for Year 9
designing racing cars. In Year 8, 8H emerged victorious
whilst in Year 9, it was 9L who took the honours, narrowly
defeating 9B.
Y10s take part in the inaugural House Mathematics
Competition

Junior Mathematical Challenge

On Thursday 26th April students from Years 7 and Year
8 sat the JMC paper. Another encouraging set of results
was achieved with 85% of entries gaining an award, which
consisted of seventy-two gold, seventy-seven silver and
forty-five bronze certificates. Adrian Santhiapillai (8H)
achieved the best in school and he joined eight other
Year 8 students in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad.
Junior Mathematical Olympiad
Of the nine Year 8 Olavians who qualified for the Junior
Mathematical Olympiad, three performed so well that
they were awarded a bronze medal placing them in the
top around two hundred students scores nationally.
60 Olavian 2012

The year of competition culminated on Monday 16th

July, when nearly fifty students from Years 7 to 10
contested the inaugural St Olaves House Mathematics
Competition which consisted of a problem-solving relay
with students criss-crossing the quad between nine
classrooms.
After forty-five minutes of frantic mental and physical
activity, the winning teams for each year were as follows:
Year 7

Bingham

Ali Mehmood, Henry Miller,

Tanay Vankayalapati

Year 8

Leeke

Owen Messere, Coby Plews,

Anik Roy

Year 9

Harvard

William Edmonds, Bradley

Sawyer, Sean Seeds

Year 10

Cure

Kush Banga, Teddy

McAleer, Anthony Tang

Other Activities & Clubs

Royal institute Mathematics Masterclass
During the autumn term, on eight Saturday mornings,
Finn Duggan (9B), Rishil Patel (9B), Rowan Wright
(9B), Tom Wang (9B), Mithiran Ravindran (9H), Qahir
Bandali (9H) and Samarth Tyagi (9C) took part in
the RI Mathematical Masterclasses at Bromley High
School. Topics under consideration included algorithms,
probability, symmetry, algebra, trigonometry and various
puzzles. All the sessions proved to be very mathematically
challenging, yet rewarding.
Maths in Action
On Tuesday 15th November, a group of Year 12
Mathematicians travelled to the Institute of Education
for the yearly Maths in Action day. The lectures did
not disappoint, encompassing a wide range of areas
of Mathematics, with pupils discovering how Barnes
Wallis famous bouncing bomb was recently reproduced
from scratch; measuring the age of the universe; finding
that infinity is not necessarily the end; and learning that
something can be true and yet impossible to prove.

Maths in Motion Club

The Jaguar Cars Maths in Motion club has continued
to be very competently run by Peter Leigh, Iain
McGowan and Matthew Burns (Year 12). Students have
an opportunity to use mathematical skills to design and
fine-tune their racing cars in order toseek places on the
podium in races around simulations of various formula
1 race tracks.
Mathematical Lecture Series
The Olavian Mathematical Society continued its
programme of lectures in 2011-12, with former student
James Munro, who is currently reading Mathematics
at Cambridge University, returning to provide a highly
entertaining talk on the subject of proof. This was
followed up later in the year with a presentation from
Niko Laaksonen, a PhD student from University College
London, on Prime Number Theory.

All in all, the group had a fantastic time, with the

acknowledged highlight of the day being the exploration
of additional dimensions, including a 5D Rubiks Cube.
Peter Leigh & James Allen (12X)

You may have solved it in 3D - now try to do so in 5D

UKMT Junior Team Challenge Regional Final

hosted at St. Olaves in the Great Hall
Maths & ICT 61

62 Olavian 2012

Science
Specialist Status

The Faculty of Science

ooking back over my first year as Head of the

Science Faculty, I am struck by the continual search
for improvement and understanding to be found in
the entire Science community. Teachers have worked
tirelessly to support and encourage their students while,
at the same time, furthering their own subject knowledge
and seeking new ways in which to bring the curriculum
to life. Students have made their mark in many areas,
most notably in the Friday lunchtime buzz of the newly
launched Natural Sciences Society and the establishment
of many valuable mentoring sessions between Sixth Form
students and boys in years 10 and 11. A group of year 13
students planned and led the popular Chemistry Club
for lower school students and the Biology club extended
their indoor activities to include dissections of fish,
earthworms and frogs. Year 12 biology students visited
a range of institutions where they able to appreciate
some of the work being done in the exciting world of the
Biological Sciences, and Sixth Form students regularly
attended lectures on all aspects of Science at UCL. Once
again, students have been successful in a number of
national competitions, including the Biology Challenge,
Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads and the
Salters Festival of Chemistry.
The Faculty maintained its links with local primary
schools this year, with Sixth Form students visiting
St
Pauls Cray Primary School on several occasions.

VI Formers teaching science at St Pauls Cray

Primary School
64 Olavian 2012

In addition, a group of gifted and talented year 6 students

attended after-school sessions in the summer term, and
the traditional Year 5 Maths and Science Day involved
more students than ever before and was a huge success.
Public exam results were our best ever. At A Level, in
Chemistry, 92% of students achieved A* to B grades,
with 91% and 98% in Physics and Biology respectively.
The number of students achieving A* grades was also
impressive with 43% gaining A* in Biology, 33% in
Chemistry and 12% in Physics. Similarly, at GCSE,
students in Biology, Physics and Chemistry achieved an
average of 94% A/A* grades.
At the end of the year, we said goodbye to two members
of the faculty staff who had been with us for just a short
time, Mr Mitul Patel and Mrs Cathy Knight, who
both move on to new challenges beyond the world of
teaching. Dr Frank Green, a long-standing and much
venerated member of the Physics department, retired at
the end of the year and we wish him a long and very
happy retirement.

Caroline Marwood

S___Head of Science Faculty

7H at Colchester Zoo

Year 7 Zoo Trip

As traditional, Year 7 went a trip to Colchester Zoo.
Firm favourites of the day included feeding times at
the Giraffe and Elephant enclosures, with most of the
boys happy to give a tasty, veggie treat to Tembo, Opal
and Tanya the elephants, although some found the long,
curly, purple tongues of Lili and Isha, the giraffes, a little
disquieting. Students also had the opportunity to see the
three young cheetah cubs, Milawi, Tatu and Savannah,
as well as lots of other strange but interesting animals,
including the sloths and komodo dragons.
GCSE Science Live
On Friday 25th November Year 10 pupils travelled
to London to hear a set of lectures from some of the
countrys leading scientists. After an interesting first talk
on expanding populations and diminishing resources the
boys were riled up by Professor Richard Dawkins views
on re-evolution and some heated discussions ensued over
lunch. The day was completed by a talk from a leading
geneticist and some explosive chemistry, courtesy of Dr
Andrea Sella. The boys left with plenty to ponder and
some useful exam tips.

8B at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

Science and Engineering Week

St. Olaves celebrated National Science & Engineering
Week in March with the early part of the week seeing
Sixth Formers lend their hands to teaching science in
a local primary school. Sound, habitats and rocks were
creatively delivered to a captive audience of 9 year
olds. Other events included a lecture from the schools
Natural Sciences Society; the Chemistry Club running
special experiments; various quizzes and challenges for
the Lower School; and ended in a non-uniform day in
aid of Jeans for Genes.
Science in Activities Week 1
During the first Activities week, Year 7 visited the
Natural History Museum to visit the Cocoon and
immerse themselves in the world of Darwin. The lifesize dinosaurs proved a huge hit as did the miniature
creepy crawlies.
Year 8 pupils travelled to the Royal Observatory in
Greenwich and got to see parts of the observatory that
are not normally visible to the public. Meanwhile at
school the Science department were on hand to provide
revision sessions to Year 10 who were about to sit the
GCSE examinations.
Activities' Week 2:
Year 9 trip to Tilbury Power Station
During Activities Week 2, Year 9 travelled to Tilbury
Power Station for a trip to help us explore the ins and
outs of everyday power stations and how they generate
our electricity.

9L visit Tilbury Power Station

The day began with a talk about the power station,

including: how they use biomass as their fuel (to be
environmentally friendly); health and safety measures;
electrical appliances in the home; and key parts of the
power station and what function they serve. We were
also given high visibility jackets and helmets with ear
defenders (which would prove to be very useful!). We
were then taken on a guided tour of the power station,
enabling us to see how Tilbury turns pellets of biomass
into the fuel needed around the country. A particular
highlight was being able to go into the furnace, the only
power station furnace in the world that people can go in.
However, with all that machinery constantly on the go
there was a huge amount of noise!
After lunch, we did some work on water purification
at Tilbury and Tilbury pond. We were told how they
purify the water (by passing it through an assortment of
Science 65

The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and the prefects

were brilliant at organising and executing the events.
Salters Festival of Chemistry
On Wednesday 13th June, four Year 7 students, Eugene Lee
(7H), Ammar Kisat (7L), John Bentas (7L), Cristiano Da
Cruz (7C) and Mrs Morinan, took part in the Salters Festival
of Chemistry at the London South Bank University. Four
children from different schools participated in the festival.

Y5s enjoy spray flame tests on

Maths & Science Day

We started off with a forensic experiment in which

someone had been murdered and the body had been
hidden behind some rocks. To solve the mystery, we
had to split up into two pairs. One pair had to find out
which person had the same salt on him/her self as the
victim, and the other pair had to use chromatography,
a technique which separates the pigments in different
colours which were found on the suspects clothing.
Once we had had lunch, we came back to try out
the University Challenge: a challenge set out by the
university teachers. We had to mix sodium chloride,
distilled water and hydrochloric acid in a beaker on top
of a tile marked with an X. When you couldnt see the X
from above, the reaction was over because the solution
would be cloudy. We could vary the amounts hut had
to finish the reaction in 2 minutes. For this task we did
not have help from teachers, so it was harder than the
previous task.

Mrs Morinan and the Y7 team at the Salters

Festival of Chemistry

minerals) so that it is suitable to be vaporised within the

furnace and prevent the furnace pipes from damage. At
Tilbury pond we used fishing nets to catch pond-dwelling
life. After sorting the creatures into groups we took the
plates of them back inside and used identification sheets
to see what sorts of creatures wed found. We found
plenty of minute fish, insects and even a newt!
Tilbury was a very interesting trip and helped to
supplement our work on power stations in Science over
the year.
Year 5 Maths and Science Day
On 20th June, St. Olaves held its annual Maths & Science
day for Year 5 pupils from neighbouring primary schools.
240 pupils descended onto the school on a bright sunny
day. The Science Prefects created and acted out a murder
mystery scenario setting the scene for an explosive
chemistry lesson that included chromatography, flame
tests and a screaming jelly baby. Out in the sunshine
the pupils were put through their paces on a speed
challenge which crossed over nicely into mathematics.
66 Olavian 2012

When everyone had completed the second task, a former

pupil of the university came and did a chemical magic
show. She showed us many different experiments; one
was to prove that air actually existed. She put water in
a cup and covered the top of the cup with some paper.
When she turned the cup upside down, the water didnt
move. She also showed us some illusions, such as when
you look at the centre point on a picture, then look at a
white screen, you will see different columns replacing the
ones on the picture.
After the magic show, the judges presented the prizes for
the winners of the two different tasks. Our team came
second in the Salters Challenge and received prizes for
our good work. Being our first Chemistry competition,
it was a memorable experience for all of us. Many
thanks to Mrs. Morinan for giving us the opportunity to
participate at the Salters Festival of Chemistry.
Cristiano Da Cruz (7C)
Year 13 Chemistry Olympiad 2012
A number of students took part in the 2012 Olympiad.
They were awarded two silver and two bronze certificates
which is a great achievement considering that two of
those students are in Year 12. The silver certificates went
to Duncan Bell (13M) and Alistair O Neill (12Z) and
the bronze to Yibo Jin (13N) and Sudhir Balaji (12W).

Clockwise from left: Sampling

the Mill Pond; Year 12 Biology
field trip to Flatford Mill;
Asher Leeks (12X) outside
Willy Lotts Cottage, featured in
Constables Haywain.

Science - A Level Biology Trips

During November, all eighty Year 12 Biology students
were given the opportunity to visit a range of sites where
scientists are working on important issues in Biological
Sciences. Students were introduced to the work being
done, engaged in activities to enhance their understanding
of the issues, and met some of the scientists involved.
Visits were made to the Sanger Institute, Howletts
Animal Park, the Millenium Seedbank at Wakehurst
Place and the research laboratories of the Royal Free
Medical School.
Biology Olympiad
In February sixteen Year 13 students sat the first round
of the British Biology Olympiad. One student, Tom
Watson, (13K), gained a Gold medal and was invited to
sit the second round paper. Six students, Yibo Jin (13N),
Madeleine Stein (13K), Alex Robbins (13K), James
Wong (13K), Brian Wang (13K) and Edmund Phillips
(13L) were awarded Silver medals, and Bronze medals
went to Jennifer Quan (13M), Oliver Taylor (13K) and
Matthew Waite (13K).
Biology Conference
Fourteen Year 13 Biology students attended an A level
conference in London where they were given a series
of exciting lectures by scientists at the cutting edge of
Biological research. Speakers included Professor Steve
Jones (UCL), Professor Austin Smith FRS (University
of Cambridge) and Professor Julian Ma (St Georges

Medical School), and the subjects ranged from new

medicines and GM plants to genes, doping and the 2012
Olympics.
Year 12 Biology field trip: Flatford Mill
At the end of June, close to seventy year 12 biologists
travelled to Flatford Mill in Suffolk for the annual weeklong biology field-trip. The trip took the form of a fieldcourse, which started with two days of teaching, both
inside and outside the classroom, where we learnt many
recording & statistical techniques from the resident
ecologists. These skills were vital for the second half of
the week, which involved each student carrying out a
personal fieldwork investigation to form the basis of the
A2 coursework module.
Arriving at Flatford Mill after a long coach journey,
we disembarked on a hot summers day in the heart of
Constable Country. After being greeted by the centre
staff, we were handed the keys to our rooms, which were
split between Valley Farm, the Mill itself and Willy
Lotts cottage. It was a novel experience for all students
to be staying in such historical buildings, all of which are
not only Grade I listed, but also feature in many of John
Constables most notable paintings, such as the worldfamous Haywain.
Teaching began the night we arrived, with the first of
many late-evening lessons. This enabled us quickly to get
stuck into the course, with the next two days of hands-on
Science 67

took the form of mini investigations, with supervised

fieldwork and lab-based analysis being complemented by
statistical testing and theoretical evaluation. By the end
of the two days we had valuable experience in sampling
both freshwater and terrestrial habitats, learning how
to use a range of equipment and carry out a variety of
to be crucial over the next three days, as we decided on
and carried out the fieldwork which would ultimately
account for 20% of our A2 grade.
then conducting a full investigation into the relationship
between a chosen non-living factor and a related change
in one or more living organisms abundance, distribution
skills we had developed earlier in the week, requiring
a high degree of individual thought and motivation.
With many original ideas, Olavians were to be seen all
over the Mill & surrounding areas, taking all manner of
recordings, often using equipment or techniques they
had improvised themselves. Despite working tirelessly on
their projects, many students also found time to engage
with the never-ending steam of the curious visiting
the Mill, and of course to appreciate the beauty of the
English countryside.
With the trip drawing to a close, there was still time for
the ever-popular traditional take-away meal, plus some
last-minute collecting of results. On Friday afternoon,
after what had been a highly eventful week, we returned
to Orpington with fond memories and (hopefully!)
successful results.
Asher Leeks, 12X
Physics Olympiad
Physics Olympiad, and congratulations must go to all
the students who have taken part. Results included five
Commendations, one Bronze, one Silver and three Gold
certificates. Duncan of 13M and Alexander Grainger
(13K) were in the top fifty students in the country and
sat the next round of the Olympiad.
Duncans performance placed
him in the top sixteen in the
UK and he was invited to attend
a training and selection camp
held at Lincoln College, Oxford
and at the University of Oxfords
was very intensive, with some
extremely challenging physics,
but there was time for a tour of
Oxford and some competitive table tennis.
68 Olavian 2012

Duncan was not selected as one of the five-strong team to

represent the UK in the International Physics Olympiad
in Estonia, but he was subsequently invited to a special
presentation ceremony, having been awarded a gold
medal, at The Royal Society. Surrounded by portraits of
famous scientists, the award winners received their Top
Gold certificates and listened to two presentations by
practising physicists. Dr Kamal Hossain OBE, Research
Director at the National Physical Laboratory, talked
about metrology, the science of measurement; and
Professor Peter Wells CBE FRS, of University of Cardiff
School of Engineering, described the development of
medical ultrasound from early low-resolution imaging,
through to the state of current research. It was a very
stimulating and enjoyable afternoon.

Natural Sciences Society

The following are extracts from the introductions
of articles written for the Natural Sciences Societys
journals. The full articles can be found within the
journals online, at tinyurl.com/scijournal1 and tinyurl.
com/scijournal
The first half of the history of Science
Asher Leeks, Sam Bentley, Esme Chowdhry
In 1561, about 9 months prior to the first teaching at
St Olaves, Francis Bacon was born, a man who would
change the way science works forever. His specific
achievements will be dealt with towards the end of the
article; for now it suffices to say that he conceptualised
the modern scientific method in a way that was unique
at the time, ushering in a new scientific age. This article
will attempt to cover very briefly the history of science
up to that point, including pre- and post-Roman
science as well as advancements in both the Eastern and
Western hemispheres. Ultimately we hope to illustrate
the significance of Bacons philosophy and by extension
the importance of the modern scientific method in the
light of the earlier history of science.
Nanotechnology
Fadil Nohur
Many people thinking of nanotechnology associate the
word with technology far in the future, and theyd be right;
nanotechnology is a developing technology and its finest

hour is a long way away. Unsurprisingly, nanotechnology

concerns itself with structures nanometres long. To
put this into context, 1 millimetre on your ruler is
equivalent to 1,000,000 nanometres. Nanotechnology
is manipulation of matter on a very tiny scale, a scale
so tiny that the world it is concerned about is not even
visible with a light microscope. In fact, the definition of
nanotechnology only means the manipulation of things
on this very small scale: on a molecular scale. Such a
broad definition is used since nanotechnology may have
the ability to affect many different fields in the future.
Sociobiology
Asher Leeks
The natural and social sciences, both applications of the
scientific method, usually form distinct groupings with
little clear overlap. However, ever since the emergence of
modern biology with the publication of the Origin of
Species, in 1859, attempts at linking studies of human
society with knowledge of our biological origins and
of analogous societies throughout nature have been
attempted. Sociobiology is the most recent and rigorous
example of this, and as a discipline it bridges the divide
between the social and natural sciences. Understandably
politically loaded, sociobiology is nevertheless a field of
biology with the potential for strong intellectual integrity
and high utility as well as being both intellectually
stimulating and of great interest and importance to many.
The edge of knowledge
James Teoh
Physics has come an incredibly long way in the past
century. Arguably, our knowledge about the universe has
advanced more in the past 100 years than it has in all the
time before the turn of the 20th century. In 1905 Einstein
published his revolutionary theory of special relativity
which transformed our view of space and time. With the
inclusion of gravity in general relativity in 1916 and the
redshift observations of Edwin Hubble, the stage was
set for the Big Bang theory and we could finally begin
to answer empirically the ancient question of where the
universe came from and what its fate will be. Physics
has also massively advanced our understanding of the
atom, enabling us to harness nuclear energy. Perhaps
even more important was the development of quantum
mechanics in the 1920s and 30s, which was crucial in
the development of the transistor. In addition, quantum
physics has shown how our knowledge of the universe is
inherently limited by the uncertainty principle and has
enabled physicists to formulate the standard model of
particles, drastically increasing our knowledge about the
fundamental forces of nature.
However, with the advent of high energy physics, black
holes, the big bang theory etc, there are a number

of crucial unsolved questions in physics. Whilst our

current understanding of the universe is thought to be
considerably more accurate than previously, it is still
incomplete and inconsistent.
The discovery of the Higgs Boson
Thomas Russell
On July 4th, 2012, a seminar held at CERN, the
prestigious nuclear research organisation, announced
that they had gained enough data from two of their
particle accelerators (ATLAS and CMS) to announce
the discovery of a newly-found sub-atomic particle. The
particle was described as a boson with a mass region in
the range 125-126 GeV/c2 (slightly below the massrange expected for the Higgs boson), and the discovery
had been made with a statistical significance of 5 (i.e.
with a 0.00006% chance that the data was simply a
statistical anomaly).
The media, of course, instantly announced the discovery
of the previously elusive God Particle, despite no
official confirmation that the new particle was in fact
the Higgs boson. This lead to wide-ranging discussion
with regards to the meaning of the discovery, along
with various politico-economic debates, such as the
expenditure involved in running such experiments as
the LHC. This article is intended to help disambiguate
some of the explanations surrounding this new discovery,
whilst also providing a historic and scientific background
surrounding the Higgs field and associated boson.
Can Humans live forever?
Fadil Nohur
For years, in reality and myth, people have longed to live
forever. Whether through joining a religion and praying
to various gods or turning to science for a possible
solution, the reason why is simple. Many people are
unafraid of death because of a belief that they will one
day live again after they die, while others fear the finality
of death and wish to find a way to avoid it. While many
people who did actively try to stop death were ridiculed
for their actions, there are a number of educated people,
including doctors and scientists, who do believe that we
will one day be able to find a cure for death. Can this
really be done, or are we simply deluding ourselves?
Global warming and carbon sequestration
Mounif Kalawoun
We are all familiar with the major issue of global
warming, which refers to the rising average temperature
of Earths atmosphere and oceans. Temperatures started
to increase significantly in the late 19th century and are
projected to continue rising. Since the early 20th century,
Earths average surface temperature has increased by
Science 69

about 0.8 C, with about two thirds of the increase

occurring since 1980. Warming of the climate system is
unambiguous, and scientists all over the world are more
than 90% certain that most of it is caused by increasing
concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human
activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil
fuels. Carbon dioxide is seen as the main gas that has been
causing and accelerating the greenhouse effect, released
by the combustion of fossil fuels. Global warming is
itself a natural process, as it is widely acknowledged
that we are moving out of the previous ice age, into a
warmer, interglacial period. However the rapid release of
greenhouse gases has led to global warming happening
at a much faster rate than it should be. It should take
tens of thousands of years for earth to move to the next
interglacial period; however humans are speeding up the
process considerably, to the extent that it may be a matter
of centuries, not millennia.
Are we still evolving?
Rahul Bagga
When asked what people think humans might look like
millions of years into the future, one of two answers is
usually given. Either the old science-fiction vision of
a big-brained human with a high forehead and higher
intellect (this doesnt actually have any scientific backing)
is given, or [most] people say that humans have stopped

70 Olavian 2012

evolving and natural selection no longer applies to us.

That everything we have built our cities and our culture
itself was built with the same body and the same
brain. However, they are wrong. Over the last 10,000
years data shows that human evolution has occurred a
hundred times more quickly than in any other period in
our species history. Data shows that if anything, the rate
of human evolution is speeding up, not slowing down or
stopping.
Food for life
Stanley Ho
The idea of food as a life saver is not a new idea. However
in recent times modern society has turned to drugs for
every illness when a simple diet change might be all
that is needed. Food is the most-consumed cure out
there, available at local grocery stores, supermarkets and
produce barns. Certain foods can act as cancer-blockers,
antidepressants, diuretics, anticoagulants, painkillers,
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, tranquilisers
and so much more. And these foods in turn can ward
off headaches, arthritis, heart attacks & strokes, colds,
influenza, ulcers, cancers of many types, gallstones,
constipation and most other disorders and afflictions you
can think of.

English & Drama

The Faculty of English & Drama

he English Faculty has continued to raise its profile

within the school, enjoying an excellent year in
terms of student involvement and academic results.
Opportunities for drama have expanded throughout
both the taught curriculum and extra-curricular activities,
with students across all year groups involved.
At Key Stage 3, students have all taken part in interhouse competitions as part of English Week. Year 7s
were asked to prepare speeches for a Balloon Debate.
They chose a person, dead or alive, and had to justify why
their subject should stay in a balloon that desperately
needed to lose ballast to stay airborne. There were some
amusing choices from business, politics, literature and
entertainment. The best three speakers from each form
battled for first place in a closely-contested competition
in the chapel. Meanwhile, Year 8 had to compose and
present stories, and Year 9 wrote monologues which were
learned and performed. James Patterson told his story
and David Van Egghen showcased his monologue at
Open Morning in front of very large audiences. We also
had the Key Stage 4 Drama club perform a production
of Frankenstein and in collaboration with the German
department, the Key Stage 3 Drama club performed a
selection of German fairytales from Der Struwwelpeter.
English Week reached out to the whole school: students
and staff were encouraged to dress up as a fictional
character and donate to a literacy charity. There were
some impressive costumes that must have required quite
a lot of courage on the bus or train on the way to school.
The Invisible Man, Arthur Dent and Willy Wonka were
amongst the most popular choices. We raised nearly
1500 and created quite a buzz of excitement on the day.
Tibor Fischer, author of Under the Frog, visited the
school in the same week to give a reading from his novel
and answer questions about being a writer. At the end of
the week Max Kennedys play The Bistro, which he had
written as part of a school playwriting scheme supported
by the National Theatre, was performed in the chapel.
Max became one of ten finalists whose plays were given
professional read throughs in June at the National.
Productions burgeoned, starting with Our Countrys
Good, a Sixth Form play in November, followed by a
whole school performance of Macbeth in March and
finishing with a lower school piece, Grimm Tales, in
July. We were delighted to welcome two Year 11 student
directors, Finn Calpin and Caspar Smart, to the stage with
a witty production of John Synges The Playboy of the
72 Olavian 2012

Western World, and look forward to further contributions

in the coming year from our students. Finally, in a joint
venture with the Music Faculty, Miss Wilkie directed
Showstoppers, song and dance from musicals staged
in a sophisticated cabaret style setting, in February.
The Olavian Theatre Society enjoyed another busy year.
Members saw One Man, Two Guvnors, Saved, Posh,
Noises Off and Love Song. All were challenging
productions that provided plenty of heart-searching
and discussion. Meanwhile, half of Year 7 saw a special
playing Shakespeare performance of A Midsummer
Nights Dream at The Globe, as an introduction to
Shakespeare in performance.
Matthew Roberts (Year 10) followed Timmy Soyombos
victory last year in the Speak Out! Challenge with another
impressive win and represented Bromley in the London
final at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank
Centre. Olaves hosted the Bromley Final, entertaining
18 schools from across the borough. An eminent judging
panel included the Deputy Mayor and local business
people who, along with parents, provided a real audience
for the young people to perform in front of.
Our team was enhanced by the addition of Mr David
Budds, an Old Olavian, to our ranks. He has provided
many hours of erudite wisdom to his pupils and has been
an invaluable Head of Year to Year 11. He moves with
them to the Sixth Form, from where he will continue to
offer support to our university applicants for Literature.
My thanks must be extended to all the staff and students
for an exciting, fulfilling year.

Liz Goodman

S___Head of English Faculty

School Productions 2011-12

Showstoppers
Showstoppers saw St. Olaves spend a February evening in
the world of song and dance with a sensational showcase
of hits from the musicals. Sixth Formers, Years 7 to 11 and
the whole of year 8 combined song and dance to produce
a stellar show that dazzled a sold-out audience. Draped
fabric, tea lights, gold confetti and embossed tablecloths
transformed the Great Hall into a sophisticated, intimate
setting. On such an evening anything was possible
James Watson proved to be a professional Master of the
House starting off proceedings with wit. Finn Butler and
Jen Cocke demonstrated their strong, sweet voices with a
superb performance of I know him so well from Chess.
Tom Haddens Maria captured the charm and passion
of Tony from West Side Story while Mike Yates Mack
the Knife was smooth. Olivia Jenkins gave a passionate
performance from the rock opera Aida. Grace Boyle
and Lucy Clarke transported us to the magical Land of
Oz performing a dramatic duet from Wicked, relying
on perfect timing, pitch, green face paint and pink
paper. James Bowman, Alex Ekong and George Mesure
presented a wonderful and lively rendition of Fugue
for Tin Horns. A touching, romantic scene from My
Fair Lady was created by Charlotte Flowers affecting
a convincing cockney accent and George Mesure
providing sensitive support. The vocal highlight came
from Richard Decker, BBC Young Chorister of the Year,
singing Bring him home from Les Miserables.

Showstoppers - My Fair Lady

A medley from Oliver! opened the second half. Will

Howarth created a confident, strong and unnerving
portrayal of Fagin against Jack Bradfields cunning
Dodger and Oliver Thompsons engaging Oliver.
The entire year 8 gave a rousing chorus of Consider
Yourself dressed as ragamuffins. Dance completed the
show. An ensemble of Sixth Form girls leapt to Fame,
choreographed by Shannon Lavender and Georgia
Amos, and Kezia Mithra Johnson choreographed a
sharp shoe shuffle from We Will Rock You. Eamonn
Cox punctuated a suave rendition of Luck be a Lady
with just enough tantalising tippy tappy toes. A jazzy
troupe brought All That Jazz to life with energetic vocals
and choreography. Jets and Cell Block Tango brought
together musical talent and vivid characterisation for the
jaunty jets and menacing murderesses.
The unanimous view was that this was a fabulous
occasion, held together by Ed Barkers slick lighting
transitions and an impressively accomplished band. The
evening oozed talent and flowed seamlessly thanks to
Mr Price, Mr Cook and Miss Wilkie for direction.
Long may such events continue!

Showstoppers - Jets
English & Drama 73

Our Countrys Good

During the last week of November, Sixth Formers
performed Our Countrys Good, Timberlake
Wertenbakers dark, thought-provoking play about the
transportation of criminals to Australia. Written in the
1990s, the play tells of how the convicts and officers
struggle to cope with their new home, facing starvation,
on a play which blurs the boundaries between them
and challenges the audience to ask questions about the
penal system and humanity. A strong cast was supported
by ingenious set design and atmospheric audio-visual
effects.

VI Form Production Our Countrys Good

Macbeth
To recognise the links that the original school had with
Shakespeare, a production of Macbeth was staged
at the end of March for the 450th Commemoration
year. Michael (12O) and Grace (12P) gave
powerful performances as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth,
showing how their initially intimate relationship was
torn apart by the murder of King Duncan. In this
sinister portrayal, the witches were clearly in control
of events as they manipulated the Macbeths, who were
themselves terrifying at some times and at others clearly
lost. Congratulations to the whole cast, directors and
technical team for a job extremely well done.
Playboy of the Western World
Congratulations to Fintan Calpin (11J), Caspar Smart
(11J) and their cast for their fantastic production of
enjoyed this very funny, dark comedy. Particularly
memorable moments included Emily OMalleys (12O)
scathing tongue as Samuel Luker Brown (10N) cowered,
Skanda Rajansundarums (11N) unravelling of his head
bandages to reveal a slight scratch, Alex Tate (11K) and
that pesky line, Jordan Butts (10M) drunken father,
Colm McElligott (10J) being dragged along by a rope,
the comedy duo that was Timmy Soyombo (11J) and
Daniel Finucane (10N) and the flirtatious tactics of
James Laings (11L) widow Quinn.

New Views Playwriting course &

The Bistro

Students from Year 12 and 13 participated in a playwriting

Following workshops and theatre visits,William Howarth
(13F), Marko Ristic-Smith (13J), William Dudley (13J),
Grace Boyle (12P), Michael Yates (12O), Max Kennedy
(12O) and Eleanor Goodman (12P) completed the
meetings with the playwright Matt Hartley to discuss
their plays.

Playboy of the Western World

74 Olavian 2012

by Max Kennedy, following his involvement in the New

working in France, and their bet to see who could make

the most money in one evening. Congratulations to the
cast for their fantastic performances and to Max for his
witty writing.
Lower School Drama
At the beginning of July, Lower School students
performed in a production of Grimm Tales based on
adaptations by Carol Ann Duffy.
P UBLIC S PEAKING

&D

EBATING

Speak Out! Challenge

Following last years success in the Speak Out
Challenge, St. Olaves hosted the regional final, for the
first time, on Wednesday 21st March.

Year 12s portrayal of Macbeth

to promote confidence in public speaking, attracted

hundreds of entrants from schools all over the borough.
In front of a large, enthusiastic audience in the Great
Hall, the 18 finalists each spoke for 3 minutes on a topic
of local business and education and our own Timmy
Soyombo, the winner from last year, joined the panel.
Congratulations to Matthew, of St Olaves,
Year 10, who won the regional final! Matthews winning
speech Words focussed on the power and importance
of language. Professionally delivered, it was creative and
sophisticated in its use of vocabulary, and fully deserved
the first prize. Matthew therefore went on to represent
Bromley in the London final at the Queen Elizabeth
Hall at the Southbank Centre.

The cast from the premiere of The Bistro

and it was delightful to see the Year 10 students

effortlessly build rapport with their audience. Well done
also to Samuel Luker Brown who stepped in as a reserve
Astronaut inside us all.
SpeakersBank
Last December saw the fourth annual public speaking
day for Years 9 and 10. Led by an expert practitioner,
students honed their presentational skills as they
progressed throughout the day culminating in a three
from euthanasia and weapons of mass destruction to
resilience and being optimistic. Each of the students
enjoyed the experience and learned some valuable tips
and strategies, as well as having fun.
Senior Debating
in the Autumn term to take part in a regional heat of
turned in a creditable performance on the prepared topic

Speak Out! challenge Regional winner

English & Drama 75

and argued convincingly that sports clubs should not

valuable experience for the team.
In February, the school then took part in the Oxford
Union Schools competition at Whitgift School. Well
done to the team, which comprised William Pyle (12W),
Ashaki Newton Alkebulan (13H), Alexander Schymyck
(13F) and Barney Holleran (13G).
During March the new year 12 team then organised an
senior school inter-house competition where teams were
able to flex their intellectual muscles and use their guile
on such topics as the necessity of exploiting child labour
in developing countries, assisted suicide and compulsory
contraception.
House Senior Debating competition was held as part of
the English and Drama week. Harvard, the opposition,
emerged as winners in an exciting and close debate on
bounty hunters to capture and, if necessary, kill indicted
war criminals. Congratulations go to Aish Pai (12V),
James Watson (12W) and Conrad Allison (12R), who
carried the day with confident and persuasive arguments.
Junior Debating
this year by Cure House which won in both the Year
7 and 8 finals. Congratulations to the winning teams
of 7C (Michael Damoah, Tom Lambourne and Ken
Yanagida), 8C (Nathaniel Amos, Finn Robinson and
Miles Gulliford) and 9H (Sean Seeds, Matt Simpson
and Conor Watson); well done also to all participants
who represented their forms.
Snails and Sonnets in White City
And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school.

A ROUND S CHOOL
Book Character Day
On Friday 20th April St. Olaves was filled with literary
characters with a dress up as a book character day. At
break and lunch time, corridors were filled with Gandalph,
Willy Wonka and Oliver. Lessons were taught to James
Bond, Gatsby, Jekyll and Hyde, and a whole host of
other characters. Students were impressive in their
imagination and creativity and raised around 1500,
which was split between the National Literacy Trust and
a mobile library travelling around Africa and India.
English and Drama Week
At the beginning of the Summer term, students enjoyed
an English and Drama week which included, amongst
other things, a Year 7 inter-house balloon debate as
well as a Year 8 inter-house competition where students
were asked to write their own story subverting our
the misunderstood Bogeyman, the overworked Tooth
Fairy and the Easter Bunny who was anything but
sweet. On the Wednesday afternoon, local author Tibor
Fischer spoke to Sixth Form students about his own
writing and how they might progress further in their own
work. To round off the week, there was a Lower School
production of German Tales from Der Struwwelpeter, in
collaboration with the German Jamboree, and Year 10 and
11 presented Mary Shelleys classic tale, Frankenstein.
Budding Film Maker
Congratulations to budding film-maker Jack Bradfield
(10L) whose film clip was selected to be part of Britain
in a Day, a unique documentary which offers remarkable
insight into the lives, loves, fears and hopes of people
shortlisted extracts from nearly 12,000 entries, was given
its first showing at the British Film Institute and was
broadcast on BBC 2 in June.

But we werent going to school! Sam Luker Brown,

Peter Debenham and I were off on the Central Line to
the BBC to participate in the regional heats of Off By
Heart Shakespeare. We had each memorised a speech
muttering them under our breaths as we entered the
aptly put it, than you could shake-a-speare at.
Despite our best attempts at luvvie-dom, other budding
thespians stole our thunder and the game was up. We
resolved to return to fight another day: Once more unto
the breach, dear friends, once more!
Jack Bradfield (Yr 10)
76 Olavian 2012

Off By Heart Shakespeare Year 10 participants

curriculum extenSion
Year 9 Drama
On Thursday 8th of March, the company Tender came
to school to work with the whole of Year 9 exploring
with each form for two and half hours, through the use
of drama and dialogue, the nature of both healthy and
unhealthy relationships.
Off-stage choices at the Churchill Theatre
GCSE students recently visited the Churchill for a
behind-the-scenes tour and some hands-on experience of
working in the theatre.This formed a valuable introduction
to their course and gave them a taste of work-related
learning, as well as helping them plan future productions.
The Tempest at the Roundhouse
Year 12 English students enjoyed an intriguing
performance of The Tempest at Chalk Farm as an
introduction to their A2 set text. They left the auditorium
convinced, if they werent already, by this spectacular
show that Shakespeare is magical, funny and retains his
topical relevance.
One of Shakespeares last plays, The Tempest is a drama
about redemption. Jonathan Slinger played a tenderhearted Prospero, full of care towards his daughter
Miranda, choked up with emotion when recalling his
wife and outwardly tender towards Ariel.

The most striking aspect of the production was the way

that Prospero and Ariel had an identical appearance in
both looks and clothing. This provided a sense of Ariel
and Prospero learning from each other as they assumed
aspects of each others characters. It also meant that the
audience was never quite sure which of the two was being
watched, as events unfolded, giving the impression that
they were omnipresent a clever device. The army of spirits
doing Prospero/Ariels bidding all wore similar clothing
too, creating the effect of livery-clad servants, almost as
if anticipating Prosperos return to his palace in Milan.
Towards the end, the duke and his sprite reversed roles:
Ariel dressed Prospero in his formal suit as he prepared
to assume his dukedom, while, a few minutes later,
Prospero unbuttoned Ariels jacket as the spirit finally
achieved his long-sought freedom.
Stephanos and Trinculos double-act was genuinely funny
and the transparent box that served as both Prosperos
cell and the stricken ship was a neat idea.
Year 13 Workshop - The Chaucer Man
Year 13 enjoyed a workshop from Trevor Eaton, the
Chaucer Man, who brought to life The Pardoners Tale
and helped them compare it with Dr Faustus, putting
both into context. He offered a gritty, fascinating
rendition that made a lively end to the term.

Clockwise from left: Year 12 at Chalk Farm to see

The Tempest; Senior Debating Society;
and Playboy of the Western World
English & Drama 77

Macbeth

78 Olavian 2012

Library

Library News

ith a stock of more than 14,000 books, both

libraries continue to thrive and be at the heart of
St Olaves. New stock has been bought to keep abreast
of changing curriculum and to ensure that we meet the
needs of our highly academic school.
Both libraries are in constant use. Throughout the day
there are lessons in the Main School Library and it
is always busy at break and lunch time, with students
browsing, borrowing, reading, and studying. As well as
the wealth of books that are available, there is always
a wide choice of newspapers and magazines available
for pupils. How It Works is a popular new addition
to our collection, kindly donated on a regular basis by
Sean Gebbett (7H). The most popular author amongst
Olavians is Robert Muchamore, with his CHERUB
series catching the imagination of wannabe spies; our
most prolific reader this year has been Jonathan Joel (8B)
followed by Advik Chaudhary (8C) and Jordan Adesina
(7B).
For the first time this year we introduced a Reading Bingo
to Year 7s as part of their library induction lessons, where
they were encouraged to broaden their reading habits.
They acquired stickers, bookmarks and erasers along the
way, as well as discovering different genres that they may
not have otherwise selected.
We also expanded our shelves to include graphic novels
in response to requests from Year 10s and these have
proven popular. Students are able to relax in the alcove on
the new stools that have also been provided for them.
World Book Day heralded a library competition with a
difference! The crime scene in the library was cordoned
off where a murder had taken place. For three weeks the
library was abuzz with amateur detectives, as every week
brought a different set of tricky clues about books and
authors that would help pupils solve the crime. The three
successful sleuths and lucky winners of the competition
were Finnian Robinson (8C) who won a 15 cinema
voucher, along with runners up Kai Smith (9C) and
Abishek Patel (10N) who each won Easter eggs. They
correctly deduced that the poor victim was Mr Kenward
(P.E.).and the fiendish murderer was Mr Davies (Art).
The appropriate authorities were informed about this
heinous crime!
The Sixth Form Library is an integral part of our
academic success. Sixth formers can choose to study in
80 Olavian 2012

Murder in the Library! World Book Day

competition

the common room, or in the pavilion or elsewhere in

the school but the Sixth Form Library is the one place
they can go where they know that they can focus on
their essay, revision or research without being disturbed.
It is often packed with pupils and of course this is
excellent preparation for future independent study at
university. The library is well equipped with books and
periodicals that take them beyond the curriculum and
give them the extra knowledge that the top universities
are looking for, and we continue to subscribe to daily
newspapers and Private Eye, as well as to New Scientist
and The Economist amongst others. We also updated
our collection of DVD resources.
Both libraries are managed by two part-time staff and
this year would not have been successful without the
support of Peter Leigh (12X) who organised our student
library monitors. We are enormously grateful to them
all.

Jackie Humphries

S___Senior Librarian

Music

A Year of Music

ighting off the effects of a global economic crisis

doesnt sound as though it has much to do with the
remit of a schools Music Faculty, but seemingly few in the
world are exempted from having to tackle this challenge.
That said, in spite of what could still be the most difficult
of financial conditions this country well ever see, its
good to know that the family of St Olaves is determined
to battle on. Those student, parent and staff members
connected with the various musical events this year will
be able to testify that not only are we continuing to offer
the regular programme, but we are also still managing to
develop. For everyone else in the wider Olavian family I
hope we have helped in some way boost your spirits with
our music-making! Of course we also now welcome Mr
Geoghegan to the fold, following the departure of Mr
Cook in the summer. We look forward to discovering
the many talents that Mr Geoghegan will share with the
Faculty in his time at the school.
Highlights for me of the calendar to date have included
the Commemorative Concert in April, which had a
warm and enthusiastic reception from the audience. The
ensembles were sounding as good as Ive ever heard them
and the atmosphere was truly exciting, everyone there
present to celebrate the long history of St Olaves. With
William Howarths composition finding its way onto the
music stands of our mighty Symphony Orchestra and
the swelling of our choral and instrumental forces by
parents and friends, the whole evening had a genuine
community-spirited feel.

place respectively in the Woodard Schools Musician

of the Year Competition in the schools first year of
entering the contest. Thomas Bridges did it again this
year, by winning the Eltham Choral Society Composers
Competition, which was judged by none other than the
choral worlds international favourite John Rutter CBE.
(Youll no doubt remember that Tom impressed choral
composing heavyweight Bob Chilcott in the Woodard
Schools competition previously.)
It is hard to imagine how such achievements can be
topped. One thing is certain: I am sure the next generation
of musicians is not going to take that challenge lying
down. Many thanks, as always, are extended to those
who support the activities of the Music Faculty in any
big or small way Long may they continue!

Matthew Price

S___Head of Music

Year 8 enjoyed (endured?!) a spot of additional musical

attention this year, with almost everyone in the cohort
singing Consider Yourself from Oliver! at our
Showstoppers evening. This is also now amongst my
favourite memories of the year. The variety of solo and
group talent seen that night was inspiring and it was a
privilege to collaborate with the Drama Department on
this one, to make it such an all-round memorable event.
The very same Year 8 group also featured prominently
in O-Factor, as well as the Samba Competition at the
Summer Fun Day. Future Year 8 students have much to
live up to in order to better the standards set.
There were some impressive individual achievements
during the year, gaining for those concerned and
for the school very high regard nationally. Richard
Decker won the title of BBC Young Chorister of the
Year a title which has been a springboard for many
of his predecessors into the professional world of music.
William Howarth and Tom Steer won first and second
82 Olavian 2012

BBC Young Chorister of the Year

BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2011

Having distinguished himself in two earlier rounds,
Olavian Richard Decker, (8B) won the final of the BBC
Young Chorister of the Year competition on Monday 24th
October at St Martin-in-the-fields, London. Aled Jones
hosted the evening, with composer John Rutter, media
marketing specialist Simon Abbott and professional
singer and former YCOTY winner Laura Wright on the
judging panel. Richard then had a busy year, carrying his
well-earned title and all that arrives with such prestige.
Woodard Bicentenary Commemoration
A group of over thirty students representing all year
groups attended a special service in Westminster Abbey
on Thursday 24th November to commemorate the
200th anniversary of the birth of Nathaniel Woodard, an
Anglican clergyman who founded eleven schools.
Four members of the St Olaves Chamber Choir were
hand-picked to sing in a combined Woodard choir,
which performed Parrys anthem I was glad as well as
Stanfords setting of Psalm 150. Thomas Bridges (12W),
who last year won the Woodard Composer of the Year
Award, read one of the lessons.
Woodard Schools Musician of the Year 2012
William Howarth (13F) and Thomas Steer (13F)
reached the final of the Woodard Schools Musician
of the Year Competition 2012, held on Saturday
5th May at St Johns, Smith Square. Against strong
opposition from 15 other accomplished senior finalists,
St Olaves swept the board, taking the top 2 prizes.
Congratulations go both to William who took 1st Prize
with a splendid performance of the Woods Sonata for
Alto Saxophone and Piano, and to Thomas who took

2nd place with his performance of the Gregson Tuba

Concerto. Both William and Thomas have played a
huge part in music at St Olaves for the last 7 years and
these prizes are a fitting tribute to all they have done.
The Norman Trotman Music Competition
The Norman Trotman Music Competition final took
place at BYMTs Southborough Centre on Saturday 28th
January and this year not one but two current Olavians
were among the nine finalists from across Bromley
Borough. William Howarth (13F) stunned everyone
with the virtuosic first movement of Phil Woods Sonata
for Alto Saxophone, followed by stylish interpretations
of classics My Funny Valentine and Have you met Miss
Jones? James Watson (12W) then performed charming
pieces on the French horn by Carr, Strauss and Cooke
with great flair.
The competition was judged by Jo Cole, Head of Strings
at the Royal Academy of Music. She made a particular
point of saying how amazed she was at the standard
displayed throughout the evening. From someone so
highly regarded in their field, and who must see very many
talented performers come through the conservatoire, this
was praise indeed for William and James.
In the end, the trophy was taken by another worthy
contender, Claudia Fuller from Newstead Wood
School, on the violin. However, for all nine who took
part, it was a major triumph to have reached the final,
distinguishing themselves out of more than sixty already
very talented candidates. All of these students no doubt
have bright futures ahead of them in various musical
circles. Congratulations go to both William and James
for highly impressive performances.

Olavian finalists in
the Norman Trotman Music Competition
Music 83

Olavian in the Olympics

It was the moment at which one could suddenly impress
ones hosts (if one was on holiday) by saying, I know
someone in that choir [on the television screen]!. We
were delighted to see Oscar Ridout (9L), one of the
Savoy Choristers, singing in the Dockhead Choir, which
comprised forty children and teenagers, in the Olympic
opening ceremony.

Oscar Ridout (9L) was part of the Dockhead choir,

which sang in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Junior Jazz Ensemble at the Mid-Term concert

You can listen to Calibans Dream, the Underworld

song involving the choir which many will undoubtedly
remember (as well as Jerusalem) at youtu.be/
Mec8GZkEpD4.
concertS
Recital Week
Held in October, the schools first Recital Week for some
years saw a showcase of the schools musical talent in
a series of lunchtime recitals. Performances included a
sparkling rendering of Matthew Woottens (13J) A-level
composition, saxophonists Will Howarth (13F) and Rob
Laidlow (13F), Ms Marwood wowing the audience with
a stirring Oboe solo and The Jazz Professors. Wednesday
saw chamber music from Tom Saunders (13J), Eamonn
Cox (13J) and Finn Butler (13F), and Thursdays brass
spectacular featured a quartet of Jack Sutton (13J),
Eamonn Cox (13J), Tom Steer (13F) and Tim Munday
(13I), followed by James Watson (12W) performing
Maria from West Side Story. Tom Steer rounded off
on the tuba with two impressive Bach Suites and the
week ended in style with a Jazz marathon.
Autumn Mid-Term Concert
The Autumn terms mid-term concert once again
showcased the wide-ranging talents of the schools
soloists and junior ensembles. As parents, friends and
teachers gathered in the chapel on a crisp November
night, they were impressed by the standard of all involved,
notably the Jazz Ensemble and the Intermediate Strings.
Meanwhile, the Intermediate Wind Band graced the
audience with their contemporary interpretation of the
Largo from Vivaldis Winter. Performances from Guitar
Group and Percussion Ensemble were enjoyed by all, in
addition to those from soloists across the school, ranging
from Harry Haynes (7C) to Eamonn Cox (13J).

Christmas Concert 2011

84 Olavian 2012

Christmas Concert
The festive season burst into life with a dazzling Christmas
Concert which gave the packed audience an experience
to warm the heart on a cold December evening. There
were particularly beautiful vocal solos from Richard
Decker and Eamonn Cox, and an impressive piano solo
from Matthew Wootten. The choirs, including the new
450 Parent Choir, Bands and Orchestras gave spirited
and moving performances, with the inimitable Jazz
Band rounding off the evening in style. We are indeed

fortunate to have John Castle, Martin Bunce, Doug Blew

and Nick Beston, as well as other dedicated peripatetic
teachers, to inspire our students, under the leadership of
Music Faculty teachers.
Showstoppers
An outstanding event of the school year was the
Showstoppers evening in February, a collaboration
between the Music and English & Drama faculties. A
more detailed description is contained within the latters
section of this edition of The Olavian.
Bromley Schools Prom 2012
The Jazz Band, the jazz ambassadors of St Olaves, took
to the stage at Fairfield Halls on the evening of Monday 5
March to perform to a packed auditorium. The audience
(mainly consisting of parents of the young musicians
in the boroughs schools) was very enthusiastic and
supportive, giving our students a real lift as they played
the theme from Family Guy and the classic What is
hip? in our fourth appearance at this biannual event. The
group represented St Olaves very favourably, under the
capable direction of Old Olavian Nick Beston. There was
a buzz about the performance, with literally thousands
unable to stop themselves tapping toes, nodding heads
and hand-jiving to our beat well done to all involved.
450th Anniversary Easter Concert
Wednesday 29 April: a packed audience was treated
to a splendid concert in the Great Hall at St Olaves.
For the schools flagship musical ensembles, weeks of
rehearsal came to a head under the banner of celebration
for this special anniversary year. As well as the stalwarts
of the annual concert line-up, there were some new
inclusions in this programme to mark the occasion. The
Symphony Orchestra as an ensemble gave possibly its
best performance in recent memory. It was obvious that
a students own composition, written especially for our
musicians at the time, captured the imagination of all the
performers and also of those listening. William Howarths
Migration, tailored to St Olaves Symphony Orchestras
own quirky configuration,took everyone on a journey from
quiet, reflective beginning, through some good-humoured
moments and on to a rousing, earth-shuddering finale.
After the echoes of both the piece and the applause had
died away, the newly-formed Byrd Choir, a small group
of 7 soloists (Richard Decker, Ollie Morrell, Thomas
Bridges, Oscar Ridout, Peter Leigh, Tom Saunders,
Eamonn Cox) directed by student Peter Leigh, stepped
onto the stage. The quality of the singing particularly
stood out in terms of the confidence, excellent pitch and
range of timbre with which they tackled Haec Dies, a
motet in six parts. Symphonic Wind Band was on fine
form, as usual, with Gordon Jacobs suite. All players
really gelled to perform this great piece, with both its
proud and more lyrical passages.

Oliver! from Showstopppers

Jazz Band at the Bromley Schools Prom

The Symphony Orchestra in the

450th Anniversary Concert
Music 85

Thomas Saunders deserves special mention also, for his

spirited playing in Telemanns Viola Concerto with the
Chamber Orchestra. The four movements of the work
give a rarely-heard instrument the chance to express the
heights and depths of emotion and Thomas controlled
all of these with great command.
Highlight for a number in the audience was the Choir,
which included the new 450 Parent Choir, and that
magical moment as they hit, with a power that filled the
Great Hall, that first note of Handels Zadok the Priest.
A small semi-chorus of students (Oscar Ridout, Thomas
Bridges, Finn Butler, Peter Leigh, Seb Cook, Tom
Saunders, Eamonn Cox and Daniel Morland) also had
moments to shine out during Purcells Rejoice in the Lord
Alway.There was also no mistaking the energy with which
the Brass Band and Jazz Band rounded off the evenings
musical entertainment. Capturing all the vitality and cool
needed, both groups swung with gusto and completed
the picture of a fantastic night of music-making for all
concerned. Without exception, every musician leaving
the Hall that night should have had a sense of great
accomplishment and every audience member will have
the memory of what was a truly first-rate St Olaves
concert, worthy of the name it was commemorating.
Jazz Night
Wednesday 2nd May saw the return of the annual St.
Olaves Jazz Night. A packed Great Hall was host to the
magnificent St Olaves Jazz Band, The Dixieland Band
and the Junior Jazz Ensemble. A highlight of the evening
was the performance from renowned jazz trumpeter,
Paul Eshelby, accompanied by his pianist Cliff Hall. This
was the final Jazz Night for many of the Jazz Band, and
was a fitting send-off for the Year 13 Leavers.
Summer Mid-Term Concert
Thursday 21st June saw the final Mid Term Concert of
the academic year. A wide-ranging programme included
soloists on a variety of instruments as well as the Junior
Jazz Ensemble, the Guitar Ensemble and the Summer
Strings. Performances included Samuel Wootten (9L)
playing Autumn Leaves on the piano, Richard Decker
(8B) giving a sensitive interpretation of Verdis Volta la
Terrea and a superb performance of Kabalevskys Presto
by Abhishek Patel (10N).
Year 8 Samba Band of the Year
The second year of the Inter-House Samba Band of the
Year competition took place at the Summer Fun Day
on Saturday 7 July. There was a good turn-out from
each Year 8 form to compete and everyones spirits were
high, despite the rain-dodging going on! The publics
excitement was unmistakeably building as Cure were the
first House to take to the Sambarena. They were followed
(in chronological order) by Harvard and Leeke, with
Bingham House rounding off the musical entertainment.
86 Olavian 2012

Jazz Night The Dixieland Band

8C were victorious, becoming the St. Olaves Samba

Band of the Year

Each group had their own unique style, shall we say, and
each performance was met with cheers and thunderous
applause from the family and friends gathered in
support. A tense atmosphere descended as voting took
place. Binghams sambistas had clearly brought along the
most support, Harvards performance had real finesse to
it, Leekes musicians were energetic and enthusiastic.
Who would win? Well, with a particularly high turn-out,
excellent public support and a solid musical performance,
the sambistas of Cure House reigned victorious and
retained for themselves the trophy again this year.

Modern Foreign
Languages

Modern Foreign Languages

The Department of French
Le franais est une langue vocation universelle, de
gentillesse et dhonntet, et il nous a fait don de ces mots
abstraits si rares dans nos langues.
Lopold Sdar Senghor

he department has, as ever, lit up like the Bastille!

There has been understandably a huge enthusiasm
for the French, which has been underpinned by ever more
trips overseas to France which have been experienced by
most tranches of the year groups. There have been trips
to Boulogne, Paris and Normandy. These have been a
great success engendering a real want for a command of
the French tongue not only in grammatical acuity but in
idiom too. Several excellent assemblies highlighting the
pleasures and benefits of these trips have emphasised to
pupils the importance of learning French, and the sense
of endearment to France was palpable - both in these
assemblies and in the classroom as a whole - throughout
the academic year. We look forward to our continuing to
make French language, culture and learning ever-more
exciting over the coming year.

Marjorie Delage

S___Head of French

A-Level French Pupils in Paris

88 Olavian 2012

Paris Trip
On Friday 24th October, Mlle. Delage, Mr. Evans and
20 students from the St. Olaves Sixth Form converged
on St. Pancras International with sleep still lining their
eyes, packed and ready to embark on a 4 day trip to Paris.
After buying some last minute supplies and a surprisingly
uneventful Eurostar journey for the Year 13s, we arrived
at the Gare du Nord in the French capital.
A short Metro journey brought us to our hostel in the
vibrant community of Le Marais, only a stones throw
away from the Hotel De Ville and the church of Notre
Dame. The hostel itself was of beautiful 17th Century
architecture, with a courtyard and restaurant on site,
something that none of us were expecting. We checked
in our bags and set off for our first destination, the Stade
de France.
Here, two lucky students had the chance to lead two
carefully selected teams out of players tunnel, the first
highlight of the trip. Following dinner and a walking
tour of the district led by Mlle. Delage which included
the former site of the Bastille we retired to bed, anxious
to see what tomorrow brought.
The next drizzly morning, we began seemingly endless
train ride, marred with accordion players, to the Palace
of Versailles and we were justly rewarded with striking
architecture, stunning gardens, and one of a kind
artwork. After we had eaten lunch and got out of the
cold, the sun made an appearance and we went for some
free time in a park, met some charismatic ducks, and ate
crepes. We ambled leisurely along the Seine back to the
hostel and, after eating dinner, visiting the surrounding
area of the Pompidou centre, which contained some
ingenious fountain sculptures and extremely talented
street performers. We then indulged our immature sides
at the cinema, watching an animated film called Le
Monstre Paris; it was full of laughs and an excellent
way to close out the night.
Although we spent the first part of the morning at the
beautifully designed Saint-Chappelle (literally holy
chapel), many minds in the group were on the Rugby
World Cup final between France and New Zealand,
so afterward we jostled for space in the Hotel de Ville
square to watch it on the big screen. France lost the game
by one point, much to Mr. Evans approval, but it gave
us the opportunity to mingle with the locals, learn some
French chants (and swear words!), and make some cameo
appearances on French national television. After Mlle.

Delage solemnly wiped away her Tricolore face paint,

she led us to Chartier, a favourite restaurant on last years
trip, for a hearty lunch. We would then burn all of this off
during the exhausting uphill trek to Montmartre, where
we took in the sights and bought various souvenirs. After
trudging back to the centre of Paris and experiencing a
stunning view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, we
strolled down the Champs Elyse and got the Metro to
the Hostel for dinner. We spent our last night in Paris in
style with a sublime after-dark view of the Eiffel Tower
and the surrounding area from Trocadero.
After the customary breakfast of a croissant, a pain-auchocolat and a glass of orange juice, we spent the day
visiting the Louvre, the gardens of the Tuilleries and
the Muse dOrangeries. In the former, many of us
laid eyes on the Mona Lisa and the statue of Venus de
Milo in person for the first time, but some people found
it impossible not to get lost inside the vastness of the
Louvre. When wed rounded up the group; counted and
double-counted, we said our final goodbyes to Le Marais
and to Paris and boarded the train home. We will always
be thankful for this opportunity to integrate with people
from the other half of the 6th form, practice our spoken
French in the proper environment and have fun whilst
doing it. Special thanks to Mlle. Delage and Mr. Evans
for making it possible.
French Christmas Cookery
Excitement (and a delicious chocolaty smell) filled the
air on Wednesday 7th December, as Mlle Delage led
her A-Level French group in a masterclass of traditional
French Christmas cookery. The students saw both their
language and culinary skills pushed their absolute limit
as the usually serene Mlle Delage became a tough
taskmaster in the kitchen, instructing them to create
une bche, the French take on a Christmas Yule log
and cornerstone of their festive celebrations, from a
foreign recipe. We were guided under the watchful eye
of Mlle Delage to make sure our tasty treats turned to
perfection!
Blazers came off, aprons put on and we were soon beating
eggs and getting straight into the thick of things. The
assignment required concentration, dexterity and good
translation skills only one of which the students been
taught in an A-Level French class so needless to say
there were occasional mishaps. Luckily, Mlle Delage and
Mr Arnold were there every step of the way to bring the
recipes back on track.
To add a bit of friendly competition, we were quickly
divided into two teams of 4 and one of 3, each of us set
the task to make one. Unfortunately, one of the teams
got off to a bad start and after an incident concerning a
broken egg and flour, they were quickly out the running
and made to watch.

French Christmas Cookery with the Lower Sixth

However, the two remaining (more competent!) teams

battled it out; following the original French instructions,
slowly but surely, the Bche de Nols began to take
shape and after some rolling-out and chocolate stealing
(!), both teams had managed to produce some delicious
looking cakes.
After some expert piping by Mlle Delage and a
discussion of how delicious Crme de Marrons, a
typical French ingredient, never to really trouble British
shores, is, we finally sat down to eat our delicious
creations accompanied by some French squash, which
could have won the award for Most Diluted Squash
Ever. A tie was announced between the two groups and
the two logs were quickly devoured, with many of us
returning for seconds, and extra chocolate! This proved
to be an innovative new way of learning vocabulary for
all involved and we all had a fantastic time. A huge thank
you to Mlle Delage for making this possible by assisting
in, critiquing and introducing us to this lovely dessert!
Matthew Burns-Watkins & Alex Ekong
French Day at St. Pauls Cray Primary School
On the Friday 3rd of February the St. Olaves Year 13
French class were again invited to St. Pauls Cray Primary
School to help out at their annual French Day. Separated
into small groups and assigned a year group, the Sixth
Formers worked on preparing different activities suitable
for their year group, with activities ranging from flash
card number games to French animal bingo. The day also
gave students the chance to visit the French Caf set
up in the school for everyone to enjoy both a croissant
and a drink, before enjoying the Year 4s performance of
Boucles dor et les Trois Ours.
French Conference
On Tuesday 21st February twenty five Year 11 French
students attended a day conference with the aim of
improving their skills before the summer reading
French 89

and listening exams. Various sessions included work

on their French orals, a writing session and in the
afternoon reading and listening tests. Both of the days
competitions were won by Olavians Jamie Cawley (11J)
and Tomas Dean (11K) for their excellent contributions
and questions.
Europa French Trip
In March, Year 7 travelled to the Europa Centre in Essex
where they had the opportunity to walk around French
shops including clothes shops, a much-frequented
bakery and a butchers asking for various items in French.
Students also had to ask about a missing person using
their French vocabulary to describe eye colour, height,
age and so on.

7L at the Europa Centre

French Film Society

In the autumn and spring terms this year, Sixth Form
students were invited to join the French film society
which aimed at meeting up regularly at the Cinma
Lumire in South Kensington. This was the opportunity
for our linguists to watch films with subtitles in order
to gain some insight in both French culture and society
as well as develop a greater understanding of the
lexception culturelle franaise. Over the two terms,
they all thoroughly enjoyed a wide range of films from
La Conqute to Les Adopts.
Year 8 Boulogne Trip
On Wednesday 30th May, the whole of Year 8 went to
Boulogne in France for a day trip. We all had great fun
and it was a very enjoyable experience.
We met at school at 5:30am before setting off in our
coaches to the Euro Tunnel. Once in France, we drove
from Calais to Boulogne and arrived there at 10:15
French time. To start off, we all went round the old town
and the ramparts. This was an opportunity to take a lot
of lovely pictures of the amazing views and beautiful
buildings. We then went into the Basilique NotreDame, a lovely, old cathedral where we saw fascinating
paintings.

Year 8 in Boulogne, home of Nausicaa

Next, we had to put our French skills to the test in the

Boulogne market where the majority of us bought fancy
hats and stylish shades. People also bought baguettes
and other French delicacies, and someone even bought 3
kilos of onions!
At 12:30, we left the market and had a refreshing walk
along the sea front before reaching the beach for our
lunch. We ate our food quickly and all ran onto the
warm sand where we played tag and messed around; we
enjoyed the beach.
After lunch we visited Nausicaa, an interesting sea-life
centre. We saw many stunning sharks and fascinating fish
90 Olavian 2012

Year 10 French Pupils in Normandy

in the centre, as well as shells and under-water plants. We

also saw a sea-lion show which was very interesting and
fun, even though it was hard to understand the French
speaker. The tricks that the animals pulled off were
extremely impressive and really showed the intelligence
of these creatures. We all found it a fun experience.
Once we had finished spending our final cents in the
Nausicaa gift shop, we went and played games on the
beach. We played a wide range of games such as football
and cricket, and some of us still hadnt lost the pleasure
of pushing others over.
At 17:20 we departed for the Euro tunnel and had
another pleasurable journey home. We arrived back at
school with our hats and shades on (and a little bit of
sunburn) at 19:30 (English time) and all went home
weary yet very satisfied.
All in all it was a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
We particularly enjoyed playing on the beach and
spending time with our friends. Thank you to Mr Bowden
and all the staff for making it a great day for all of us!
Jonathan Buchanan (8H)
Year 10 Normandy trip
On the 9th of July, 44 boys, Mr Evans, Mademoiselle
Delage, Mrs Goodman and Madame Storrs-Fox set
out for Normandy at an ungodly hour of the morning.
Travelling by coach, they reached LEtoile de la Mer,
which was to be their home for the next five days. A
variety of activities included a riveting visit to Le Mont
St Michel, which they left with much lighter pockets.
Alongside this, the group ventured to a 360 cinema,
where there was a film on the D-Day landings.
Other highlights included a visit to a French market,
where students immersed themselves in the native
language, and an activity day at a chteau. A memorable
afternoon was spent playing on the beach, in torrential
rain. They rounded off a fantastic trip with some French
cuisine, including snails and various ptisseries. All of
the boys had a brilliant time, and thanks must go to all
the dedicated teachers who made this trip happen.

The Department of German

The German Jamboree & Max und Moritz
Lower School pupils, and a teacher, in school on a day
during the summer holidays? Unheard of!
Nevertheless, for a day in the August of 2010, this was
what took place, as the German Jamboree met up to
put the finishing touches to the first stage of what was
undoubtedly our most ambitious project yet.
The German Jamboree is a German extension club
which was started by Frau Cooley to satisfy the six pupils
(Tim Stickings, Peter Leigh, Matthew Burns, Thomas
Bridges, James Watson, and Chris Self ) hunger for more
advanced German, only in their second year of learning
the language. We had looked at word puzzles, moved on
to history and culture - learning about Die Weie Rose
- and now, having translated several German childrens
songs, we decided to start our most challenging project
yet. Not just a translation of a entire book, but one in
verse, and not just any book, but a book whose stories
every German child probably knows by heart: Wilhelm
Buschs Max und Moritz.
Max und Moritz is a childrens story, a tale of two young
miscreants who play devious pranks on their neighbours,
and is a darkly humorous tale, part and parcel of Germanspeaking culture, firmly embedded in the minds of almost
100 million people and often referenced in literature and
common parlance.
Within a few months, and with many hours spent
bent over Frau Cooleys yellowing copy of the original,
the group had literally translated all of the Sieben
Streichen, the seven pranks which Max und Moritz play
on people. But the literal translation, finished on that
summers afternoon, was only the easy part: while it was
a translation, it didnt work in English At this point
goes with a plate/Widow Bolte into the cellar/That from the
Sauerkraut/She could fetch a portion for herself/Of which she
was a fan/When it had been re-heated may perhaps work
for a cookery book, but did not match Buschs exquisitely
rhyming German.
But instead of giving up and descending into gloom,
with the start of their Year 11, the group started
immediately a task which would take us several months,
as we painstakingly worked through each couplet, with
the original side by side with the literal translation, and
slowly but steadily produced a full, rhyming translation
in English, of the German book. - Widow Bolte then
went down/Into the cellar underground,/Where she kept her
favourite snack/(Sauerkraut her lips did smack!)/And with
exceeding great desire/Did warm a little at the fire. - Then,
we came to GCSEs, and, for the moment, the translation
was forgotten about.
German 91

Coming back to Year 12, now Sixth Formers, we

pondered how German Jamboree would work, and came
back to the translation. Surely, we though, it did not
seem right that such a project should remain as a dusty
stapled booklet in the deep archives of MFL. And it was
at this point that the idea of publishing our own book
was conceived. Undeterred by our teachers reminding
us that we should be spending an equal amount of
time outside lessons studying the subjects that we were
spending studying them in school, we began to meet
several times a week, as we strove to produce a book in
3 weeks, to ensure that we could present it to the world
on Open Day. We agreed on a format, of German on the
left page, and English on the right. Then, the text had to
be formatted, a cover designed by a friend, and the entire
book manuscript printed out in A4, as we checked every
page for errors, and changed lines of translation that
seemed slightly off, before producing a final manuscript.
Within a week, a copy had arrived, printed for us by a
self-publishing company. We gathered round it excitedly,
and, with a check-through, ordered the first copies,
ready for our table on Open Day, where they were in
such demand that our entire batch was bought up, and
so many staff also wanted a copy that another batch had
to be ordered!
In just over a year and a half s solid work, we had
produced a piece of work of which the outside reviewer
said A wonderful example of what todays much maligned
youth is capable and which, I hope, will inspire many others
to knuckle down to their studies. Reader, I hope you will
enjoy the work of Wilhelm Busch and the talented St Olaves
students as much as I have!.
Our translation is not the first, nor is it the most
professional. But it seems, given peoples reactions, that
it has lost none of its ability to entertain.
Peter Leigh & Tim Stickings

ax und Moritz aside, the trips were, once again,

the highlights of a very busy year in the German
department. We took part in two exchanges, the superbly
subscribed sixth form exchange with Heidelberg (62.5%
participation) and the year 10 exchange with Starnberg.
Both were thoroughly enjoyed by all participants,
English and German, and many new friendships were
forged and horizons widened. Many thanks to parents
who supported, ferried, organised and, hopefully, also
enjoyed the experience. My thanks go to the students,
who enjoyed themselves greatly and impressed with
their openness, pleasantness and generally excellent
behaviour.

Hanna Cooley

S___Head of German

Aachen Christkindlmarkt Trip

On Thursday 8th December, Olavians had the
opportunity to visit the charming, twinkly and wonderful
Christmas Market in Aachen. They enjoyed Kaffee und
Kuchen, stocked up on Christmas presents, visited the
cathedral, which was the first monument in Germany to
be included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list, and
the gothic City Hall in which thirty two German kings
celebrated their coronations, all in the heart of Aachens
old city centre.
Sixth Form German Exchange - Heidelberg
On Thursday evening, 9th February, 11 intrepid travellers
(10 VIth form German students and Mrs Cooley) set off
from London to take a coach via Frankfurt to Heidelberg
in Germany, where the temperatures were below -100C.
We were hoping to get some sleep on our 15 hour
journey, but for many of us the opportunities in a fully
booked coach and with stops on the way, were rather
scarce. As the hosts had been forewarned that we might
arrive rather tired, they let most of us have a good nap
in the afternoon after our arrival, so that the welcomecelebrations on Friday evening could be enjoyed to the full.
The weekend was spent with the host families, some
joined up in groups to do and see a number of things;
and then there was a full programme for the week.
On Monday morning, after a reception by the
headmistress of the school, the students shadowed their
partners for the 6 morning lessons. The reward was a visit
to the Heidelberg brewery, a very popular item on our
itinerary as it included free refreshments. On Tuesday, all
of us the German partners and teacher included- spent
a day in Frankfurt. By now the weather had warmed up a
little, to about 3, and it was snowing.
The roads were slushy and it was a little too unpleasant
to appreciate fully our guided tour through Frankfurt,

92 Olavian 2012

but we thoroughly enjoyed lunch in the Ebbelwoikneip

(Apple wine pub for the uninitiated) in Sachsenhausen;
it was warm, friendly and the food was very reasonably
priced. Both the following visit to the art gallery Stdel
and the shopping time on the Zeil went very quickly,
giving us just a taste of what Frankfurt has to offer.
On Wednesday we had a guided tour through old
Heidelberg, a small town dominated by the university,
the oldest within the present boundaries of Germany.
The highlight here was the Studentenkarzer, the student
prison, where the university, which had an independent
judicial and penal system, incarcerated students for
wrong-doings, from the early 18th century up to the
First World War.
In the afternoon we went ice-skating, which we
thoroughly enjoyed, although it left one or two of us
with aches and pains for the rest of the day/week.
Thursday saw us in Mannheim, a more industrial town
and a stark contrast to the romantic Heidelberg.
We loved the dressing up in historic costume for the
guided tour through the castle in Mannheim and,
having recharged our batteries with sausages, crepes etc
from a kiosk, we took a tram to the technology museum
where we spent a couple of hours doing lots of hand-on
experiments.

Visting the German Wine Vat

The next morning, the morning after the last night of the
exchange (!!!), saw us at the school with all our luggage.
We left it there for the morning, while we climbed up to
the famous romantic castle ruins of Heidelberg.
By now the weather had warmed up to above zero,
causing a lot of chilly mist across the town and the river
Neckar, which rather spoilt the splendid views from the
castle and caused us to take refuge in the vaults near the
huge wine vat, thoroughly appreciating the warming
powers of hot chocolate!

The VI Form Germanists in Mannheim

After picking up the luggage from the school we took a bus

to the station where there were many tearful good-byes.
In spite of a train delay caused by a fire in Stuttgart, we
arrived at Frankfurt station in time to have some lunch,
get food supplies for the journey and be at the coach stop
early enough to get the best seats at the back of the coach
and on the ferry quickly enough to get comfortable seats.
We arrived early in London, 5 am in the morning, ready
for some sleep (or a music lesson in the case of Tom
Steer!) at the end of a great week.
Then, in May, it was time for our German Exchanges
to enjoy some English culture. Ten students from the

VI Formers and their German Exchanges, Heidelberg

German 93

Hlderlin Gymnasium in Heidelberg came on their

return visit of the 6th form exchange, having what they
described as the best week of their year! A glimpse of the
Queen caused great excitement as she left Buckingham
Palace in her coach and, again, on her return later,
virtually at arms length! Not surprisingly, pictures galore
flew to Germany; what a stroke of luck! During a day
at school they enthusiastically took part in the Scottish
dancing laid on for Year 13 students. A hearty meal,
accompanied by bilingual conversations, drew to a close
a week that was declared a great success, in which we had
an excellent time with fun to be had all round.
The German Exchange was a brilliant experience and
one that has developed the pupils passion for German
language and culture.
GCSE German Exchange Starnberg
At the beginning of May Olavians and their families
very much enjoyed the company of the Starnberg group
on the first leg of the exchange.
Then, on Saturday 7th July, the beginning of activities
week 2, six Year 10 students set off with Frau Cooley
on the return leg of the Starnberg exchange. We were
looking forward to seeing our friends again who had
spent a week here after Easter. It turned out to be as
great as we had hoped.
Although the weather was not brilliant it was good
enough for us to do everything we had planned and

enjoy it. We spent two days in Munich, seeing the

historic centre, the Olympic Park and the Bavaria film
studios; we had two great days in the Alps, one walking
through an amazing ravine cut by a river, the other to the
fairy tale castle Neuschwanstein; a day at school and on
a boat trip round Lake Starnberg and lots of free time
with our German friends.
We thoroughly enjoyed the times out with our partners
and even the food-faddies among us found German fare
rather better than feared! The Germans hospitality and
friendliness was thoroughly appreciated and we have
deepened our existing friendships and forged new ones.
The week passed far too quickly.
GCSE Rhineland Trip
In Activitiy Week 2, those Germanists not on the
Starnberg exchange went on a trip to the Rhineland,
one of the most scenic areas of Europe. The group was
based in Boppard, a charming market town to the south
of Koblenz in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, and made
trips from there each day. Excursions included a boat
trip along the Rhine to St Goarhausen followed by a
cable car ride up to a viewpoint at Rdesheim; a day at
Phantasialand, one of Europes largest theme parks; and
trips to Marksburg and Koblenz to see the confluence of
the Rhine and Moselle. The pupils engaged in a range of
activities in the local area: there was an opportunity to take
part in a bowling evening, an afternoon of swimming and
trips to ice cream parlours, and shopping and sightseeing
in Cochem was also part of the programme.

Starnberg Exchange (clockwise from top-left): Olympic Park, Munich; outside the Universitt (street named after students
Hans and Sophie Scholl, of Die Weie Rose); Neuschwanstein (albeit in scafolding); and a rather misty Bavaria.
94 Olavian 2012

The Department of Spanish

he Spanish department has changed a great deal

in the last five years, from only teaching a one year
sixth form AS course for external students, to being
taught in every year of the school.

Tapas as well as cakes and biscuits and non-alcoholic

sangria to help them get through the hard work in the
kitchen.

Students understandably wanted to carry on studying

the subject to A2, so some went to other centres for the
necessary lessons although most were examined at St
Olaves. Eventually, we were able to run an A2 course
in school.
Students in year 12 are strongly encouraged to undertake
a period of work experience in Spain, and always find
it very beneficial. Selina Li has written about her work
experience below. We may also be able to organise a year
13 visit to Andaluca, our area of special study for the
A2 course. Clearly, seeing the places and smelling the
air will help us understand what it is really like to live in
the region.
Four short years ago, two year 8 form groups started
learning Spanish, while their peers started on German.
Having chosen Spanish for GCSE, most of those students
are now heading for their GCSE examinations, having
already done some controlled assessments towards their
final grade. Classes in year 8, 9 and 10 are following the
same pattern.
These Spanish students went on an amazing visit to
Murcia in South East Spain during activities week 2,
and Callum Urwin of 11O has written about it below.
We had a wonderful time, as well as learning a surprising
amount of Spanish.
This year, two year 7 tutor groups have started Spanish,
while their peers have started French. There will also be
more students from the same cohort opting for Spanish
when they reach year 8, although these students will
have given up Latin and the chance to study German if
they do so.
The Spanish department is an exiting place to work,
with many new developments still working their way
through the school. We will welcome our first internal
AS students to the sixth form in September 2013.

Gillian Gardiner

S___Head of Spanish

Annual Spanish Cookery Extravaganza

Once again, Ms Gardiner and her Year 12 Spanish class
took over the main school kitchens for an afternoon to
produce a range of South American specialities including
Fajitas, Traditional Spanish Paella, Tortilla Espaola and

At the end they were joined by A2 Spanish students for

a tasting session, along with other members of the Sixth
Form and Mr Buckley.
Year 12 Work Experience in Segovia, Spain
Every year the school offers language students in Year 12
and 13 the opportunity to do work experience in Spain,
France or Germany, which is organized by Halsbury
Work Experience. Taking advantage of this exciting
offer, our Spanish class travelled to Segovia, a small,
picturesque and historically rich town situated to the
north of Madrid.
At Stanstead Airport, we met other Spanish students
from different schools all over the country who were
also going to Segovia. It was refreshing and inspiring to
meet people who were so eager and passionate to learn
Spanish. The flight lasted only around two and a half
hours. When we landed in Madrid, we took a coach to
Segovia which didnt take long either. Looking at the
unfamiliar scenery out of the window, we were desperate
to get out and step into Spain! Soon enough, we arrived
at Hotel Corregidor, which was a very pleasant and
comfortable place to stay. The rooms were of a decent
size, and it was within close reach to our work placements
and Segovias many shops and restaurants.
Our work placements varied, with Harriet working in a
primary school teaching Spanish children English, Lucy
answering the telephone in a tourist office, Ria selling
shirts in a Mens Clothes Shop and Becky and I serving
food in a Spanish restaurant. We were given a great
choice as to where we wanted to work: in retail, hotel or
restaurant management, in education, or even in the field
of medicine or law.
Being a small and not very industrialized town, very few
people in Segovia spoke English, which was all the better
as we had to communicate solely in Spanish! Talking to
Spanish 95

people at work and outside of work was great speaking

practice. Being a waitress, I learnt the names of many
Spanish dishes on the menu which I had never come
across before. My tasks involved greeting and serving
the customers, and helping with the daily running of the
restaurant. I really loved talking to the customers there,
many of whom were regulars. I was also lucky enough to
receive free lunch every day, where I was served Spanish
cuisine - a delicious three-course meal of the day.
After work, we were free to explore the culture of
Segovia. Segovia is without doubt a unique and beautiful
town with its snowy mountains and historic castles. I
will always remember vividly walking down the streets,
watching the light snow fall down on the town, and
thinking that Segovia was a fairy-tale land in an oldenday romance movie. Despite the chilly weather, we
managed to warm ourselves up with a trip to the caf
and churros con chocolate caliente thick hot chocolate
with warm, chewy, fried sweet bread. Heaven. At night,
we danced away, enjoying a taste of Spanish night life.
All in all, the trip was an unforgettable experience for all
of us. By the end of the week, which had seemed to pass
incredibly fast, we had made many new friends and felt
sad saying goodbye to our colleagues who we had got to
know at work. We would strongly recommend taking up
this opportunity if you take a modern foreign language at
A level, or wish to study languages at university (working
in a foreign country is a great way to develop employment
skills, like communication and the ability to adapt to a
new environment). It is certainly an extremely valuable
and rewarding experience, and most importantly, a lot
of fun!

Year 12 Spanish Students in Segovia

Year 10 in the theatre of Carthago Novo

Selina Li (Year 12)

Spanish trip to Murcia
On the 9th of July, a group of year 10 students departed
from Southend airport, finally on their way to Spain
after a lot of waiting and preparation. When they arrived
at the school where they were staying, they managed to
find the energy to go for a splash in the pool despite
being tired after the flight. Over the course of the week
in Spain, they tried a variety of activities, including
samba drumming, sailing kayaking and windsurfing,
mud bathing, in which they were all covered in warm,
smelly mud (supposedly good for the skin!). They also
visited the Roman theatre of Carthago Nova, in the town
of Cartagena. This visit was especially interesting as it
allowed them to learn about the past, as well as giving
them the chance to practise their Spanish reading skills.
The teachers accompanying them on the trip to Spain
were also very helpful, especially the Chaplain, who
earned the nickname Bantersaurus from some of the
boys. On one of the days the boys took the opportunity
to visit the local market, where they had no choice but
96 Olavian 2012

Visiting the local market (and speaking Spanish)

to speak Spanish if they wanted to be able to taste the
local food. On the final evening of the trip, the students
were given awards, ranging from best samba drummer,
to dormouse award for sleeping anywhere. It was a
memorable visit which none of them will forget.
Callum Urwin (11O)

Humanities

The Humanities Faculty

he year 2011-12 was one of transition for the

Humanities Faculty. As the departments within
the old Humanities GCE (Geography, Classics and
Economics) and HR (History and RS) Faculties merged,
they sought to emphasise their common links. These
were drawn out during the first Utopia Day for Year
7 pupils in November 2011. Pupils were set the task of
designing their own utopian society. Having studied a
variety of case studies they worked in small groups from
across the year group to consider the features required
to create their own utopia! Needless to say, concepts of
what a utopian society might look like were divergent,
with several identifying the need for a single strong ruler
against others who saw the need for anarchy at the heart
of their vision.
The Humanities Faculty continued to run a wide range
of trips and extra-curricular activities. Visits were paid to
Greece, Washington & New York and Iceland with year
12 at the end of the summer-term. This alongside the
well-established Political Economy and History societies
means that pupils have ample opportunity to indulge
their interests in the Humanities beyond the bounds of
the curriculum. These will supplemented by the newly
founded Classics and Geographical societies as 2012-13
promises to be an exciting year for the faculty.
Daniel Espejo
Head of Humanities

The History Department

Yes, yes, yes, I do see that there is a real dilemma here. In
that, while it has been government policy to regard policy
as a responsibility of Ministers and administration as a
responsibility of Officials, the questions of administrative
policy can cause confusion between the policy of
administration and the administration of policy, especially
when responsibility for the administration of the policy of
administration conflicts, or overlaps with, responsibility for
the policy of the administration of policy.
A characteristically long and convoluted sentence from
Sir Humphrey Appleby provided one of the highlights
of the History Departments visit with Year 13 pupils
to see the acclaimed stage production of Yes, Prime
98 Olavian 2012

Minister in September 2012. The department also

ventured into central London for a production of Three
Days in May, which detailed the intense deliberations
which took place in the British cabinet as the sceptre of
defeat at the hands of the German Wehrmacht hung over
Winston Churchill in May 1940. These visits, alongside
the now-traditional crossings to the battlefields in
France and Belgium - including a detour to Dunkirk for
the first time - and the Sixth Form trip to Washington
and New York, were the highpoints in a packed year
of extra-curricular activities. The History Society also
continued to flourish, producing an excellent magazine
based around the theme of Civil War, and this was
accompanied by a special supplement to commemorate
the schools 450th anniversary. These truly impressive
endeavours were complimented by the best results in the
departments history at both GCSE and A-Level.
2012-12 promises to be another year of action for
the History department, with new extra-curricular
opportunities, including a return to the Normandy
beaches for Year 9, available for pupils to enjoy and
enrich their understanding.
Daniel Espejo
Head of History
Year 8 Rochester Visit
On a mild October day, Year 8 visited Rochester Castle
and Cathedral as part of the Humanities curriculum a
combination of History and Religious Studies. Pupils
had the opportunity to explore the castle, learn about
the monks who once resided at the (no longer existent)
abbey and at the end of the day, they went the cathedral
for a service led by the school chaplain.
Year 13 History Theatre trip Yes, Prime
Minister
Soon after the start of the Autumn Term, Year 13
History students were lucky enough to see the staged
version of the popular TV political sitcom Yes Prime
Minister in its final week in the West End on Tuesday
13th September. Jim Hacker, the sweaty, dithering Prime
Minister, Sir Humphrey Appleby, the devious publicschool civil servant and Bernard the naive cabinet private
secretary, with a steadfast moral compass entertained
students whilst they observed features of the British
political system which will inform their essay writing for
the Development of Democracy course.

Year 13 History Trip to the Houses of

Parliament
Later in the term, the Year 13 Historians spent a day
at the Houses of Parliament. Their tour included the
impressive atrium of Portcullis House, the Central
Lobby and the House of Commons and the House of
Lords. They then got the opportunity to link up with
several other schools to have a go at mock coalition
building and Mr. Pendred soon revealed himself to be
a budding Nick Clegg, throwing principle aside with an
eye for the top job. Overall it was a brilliant trip, which
taught students a lot about the democratic system in
Britain and its nuances.
Sixth Form History Theatre Trip Three
Days in May
On Tuesday 10th of January a group of Year 12 and Year
13 historians visited Trafalgar Studios in central London,
to watch a performance of the critically acclaimed play,
Three Days in May, a play exposing in great historical
detail the little known events of the 26th, 27th and 28th
of May 1940. The play was a fantastic night out and has
brought a fascinating area of our history course into
sharp focus.
History Society Magazine
The chosen theme for the third issue of the History
Magazine was Civil War, and articles were submitted on
conflicts as long ago as AD69 and as recent as 2011 with
contributions from almost every year group. In addition
a special 450th Anniversary supplement was issued,
including interviews with a former student and Mr
Burston as the longest-serving member of staff. Articles
ranged from a study of the schools artwork to biography
of famous Old Olavians. Both magazines can be found
at tinyurl.com/olaveshistory .
Year 9 Battlefields trip
During the Year 9 battlefields trip in Activities Week 1,
we visited the Somme, Ypres and Dunkirk. Our visits to
Ypres and the Somme focused on World War 1.
We visited a variety of different WW1 cemeteries around
Ypres. In Lijssentheok, at the Commonwealth cemetery
we learnt about the way in which those who lost their lives
have been commemorated. We also visited Langemark,
a German war cemetery, with over 44,000 war dead
buried. This was very different in many ways. Instead of
having individual head stones there are plaques on the
floor with up to twenty war dead buried underneath and
several much larger mass graves. There were also a lot
of oak trees, the national tree of Germany, which kept
the cemetery in shade and made the atmosphere very
sombre making you think about them in a different light
than Lijssentheok.
At Langemark we also learnt the exhilarating story of

Year 8 visit Rochester Cathedral

Year 13 Historians visit the Houses of Parliament

Private George Dancox, a latrine attendant who won the

Victoria Cross having run ahead on into the German
bunkers at Langemark. He captured an entire bunker
having crossed no-mans-land by bursting into it armed
only with a live grenade in his hand. The German soldiers
all knew what this meant; if they shot him they would all
die from the grenade explosion. He made them surrender
and his company subsequently captured the surrounding
bunkers all thanks to his bravery and luck to not getting
shot. He spent the next two weeks telling his story and
recruiting new soldiers back in England before returning
to the trenches and unsuccessfully trying to recreate his
feat of heroism!
At the preserved German trench system at Bayernwald,
it was great fun running around in them and climbing
into the bunkers and tunnels. They did, however, make
you think what it would have been like when shells were
dropping all around you and machine guns hitting the
mud an inch above your head. It gave us the idea of how
the soldiers must have felt. It must have been absolutely
terrifying.
On the last day we travelled towards Dunkirk as the
British Army had in 1940 during WW2. On the way
Olavian 2012 99

we visited Cassel and heard stories of the gallantry

performed by men to hold off the Nazi advance so that
their friends on the beaches could be evacuated. It was
interesting to learn about the things they did to stop the
Nazi war machine steam-rolling them. They used mines,
Molotov cocktails, grenades and in one case a JCB to
block the entrance to a nearby village which halted the
Germans for days. The stories were fascinating but sad as
most of the men died.
Overall we learned that if those men hadnt sacrificed their
lives during WW1 and WW2 then the world wouldnt
be what it is today. We also learned that their sacrifice
wasnt quite what it has been glorified to be. Often they
were running straight into machine gun fire with shells
exploding around them and wading through barbed
wire. It was truly barbaric. I think that the one thing we
took from it was that if must have been petrifying to be
standing in that trench before you went over the top yet
those brave men still did it. They were truly courageous
and should be remembered and respected as long as the
memory lives on - which should be forever.
Alex Mulroy (Y9)
Washington & New York Trip - Economics
and History trip 7th-14th July
Activities week 2 saw over forty Economists and
Historians brave the blistering heat in Washington and
New York to develop their knowledge and understanding
of the history of the United States and its economy. Visits
to the World Bank and US Capitol in Washington proved
to be particularly useful in highlighting the role played
by the bank in funding capital programs in developing
countries and in developing an understanding of the
machinations of the US political system.
Above: photographs from the Year 9 Battlefields trip

Despite the searing heat everyone enjoyed the trip and

the cultural and educational opportunities provided by
two of the USAs most vibrant and hottest cities!

The Geography Department

eography is going places is certainly an
appropriate summary of the departments activity
this year. Fieldtrips in years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12, including
exciting and inspiring residential trips to Malham
Tarn and our first superb trip to Iceland, have occurred
alongside another extremely successful year in terms of
examination results. 90% of students at GCSE achieved
A*/A and 100% of students at A2 level achieved A*/B,
the eighth year that the department has been above the
schools results average. The continually updated VLE in
Geography allows students to remain up to date with

Grand Central Station, NYC

100 Olavian 2012

contemporary issues on a variety of scales, essential

when the topics and case studies covered in class are
continually updating. We wish our students leaving St.
Olaves to study Geography at university all the best and
look forward to the development of the newly formed
Geography Society and another exciting year!
Victoria Duguid
Head of Geography
Year 7 Geography & RE fieldtrip:
Farningham and Eynsford
During their first Activities Week, Year 7 were taken on
the traditional Geography & RE field trip to a number
of locations in the Darent Valley, visiting the villages of
Farningham and Eynsford, the hamlet of Hulberry and
the Roman Villa at Lullingstone.

Year 7 Geography & RE fieldtrip to Farningham

and Eynsford

The aim of the RS part of the trip was to visit and learn
about parish churches and the role they play in the local
community. During the course of the day, the groups
visited the parish church of St. Peter and St. Pauls in
Farningham, and the parish church of St. Martins in
Eynsford. On arrival at St. Peter and St. Pauls, everyone
received a small booklet with questions regarding the
churches to complete over the course of the day. Some of
the questions required the boys to observe the features of
the church and grounds; others asked for thoughts and
opinions.
The well known Roman villa at Lullingstone was also
visited, allowing the boys to see the house chapel, one
of the first recorded pieces of evidence of Christianity
coming to Britain.
Having walked back to Eynsford, and avoided falling
into the river by the ford, Year 7s were to be seen all
around the village, carrying out a count of pedestrian and
traffic activity (low in both cases!), before returning to
school at the end of an exhausting, but satisfying, day.
Year 8 Fieldtrip: Ashdown Forest
During activity week 1, Year 8 travelled to the River
Warren so that we could complete our IPMs as well as
having a great time. During our activity week the standard
of the activities was very high, as we had recently visited
Boulogne, France, the day before and this trip was no let
down.
Firstly we set off on a coach to our destination. When
we arrived we walked a fair distance so that we could see
the source of the River Warren and drew a field sketch
of the area. Many great sketches were drawn from the
two forms. Next we strolled down towards our location
where we would collect the information for our IPMs,
taking a quick stop to learn how to complete some of the
tasks, it made us very eager to complete the tasks in the

Year 8 Fieldtrip to Ashdown Forest

river! After that we took a break lunch! - before the

hard team work began. Having eaten and arrived at our
assigned sections of the river, it was hard to get going, as
the team roles and actions were hard to adapt to as some
of us were in the wrong place or carrying the wrong
equipment! Eventually the teams set off like steam trains
all trying to collect all the data we possibly could in the
amount of time we were given.
Soon the day came to a close and we all sat back on
the coach exhausted from the days tasks but everyone
would agree that it was a fantastic day out. Thank you
to everyone that helped and organised this amazing day
out, especially to all the staff that accompanied us on
the trip. Without these people this day would not have
happened!
Michael Jacobs (8L)
Olavian 2012 101

Year 9 Fieldtrip to Clacton on Sea and Walton on

the Naze

Year 12 Fieldtrip to Malham Tarn

Year 9 Fieldtrip: Walton on the Naze &

Clacton on Sea
During Activities Week 2, Year 9 went on a fieldtrip
to Clacton on Sea and Walton on the Naze in Essex.
After a two hour coach journey, we arrived at Clacton
and proceeded to examine the myriad of sea defences
employed along the coast there. Clacton has been
considered so worth saving that over 270 million has
been spent on the sea defences there. The defences
include a re-curved seawall, fishtail breakwaters, rock
armour groynes and revetments. We walked along the
defences as they were explained to us. The beach, although
appearing to be sandy, is in reality a muddy beach. The
sand is brought there by trucks to attract tourists and act
as a barrier against the sea.
We then drove to Walton on the Naze, a few miles up
the coast. We had lunch on the grass outside the tower
which overlooks the beach. We then went down to
examine the defences. At Walton, only the south side has
been protected, mainly to save the tower from falling into
the sea. The defences employed are a stepped sea wall, a
revetment, rock armour and an A-frame groyne, which
consists of a wooden frame with rock armour inside.
This prevents long shore drift as well as defending from
the sea. Although the south side of the Naze has been
well defended from the sea, the north side has largely
been left to nature. This can be seen by the fact that the
cliffs on the south side of the Naze are stable and have
plants growing on them, whereas the cliffs on the north
side are slumped and are relatively bare of vegetation.
Frequent landslides can be seen in the cliffs, caused by
the combination of the permeable Red Crag overlying
the impermeable London Clay beneath. This causes
water to seep down through the Crag until it reaches the
impermeable clay. The build-up of water causes rotational
landslips in the cliffs.
As it was a bright sunny day in Essex, we went on a walk
along the beach until we reached the end of the spit.
We then walked back to the tower and took the coach
back to school. Naturally it started raining as soon as we
reached Kent!
During this fieldtrip we had an opportunity to appreciate
the geography and geology of the sites as well as the man
made defences employed. Our thanks are to Mr Pengilley
and the teachers who helped to run the trip.
Thomas Miller (Year 9)

Year 12 Geographers in Iceland

102 Olavian 2012

Year 12 Fieldtrip: Malham Tarn

On the 16th of October 40 Geography students from
Year 12 made their way to Kings Cross for their AS
Level Fieldtrip to Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. A 3
hour train journey took them to Settle, a small town in
North Yorkshire. A short 3.5 km trek followed as the

students walked past Malham Cove, a location which

made up one of the CGI back drops in Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows.
After catching their breath and taking in the scenery, the
group continued up to Malham Tarn, which the Field
Work Centre overlooked. With luggage dropped off
and beds claimed everyone met for dinner and later an
introductory lesson. After a long day everyone headed to
their rooms to get some much needed rest.
Early the next morning some dedicated Geographers got
up at the crack of dawn to head off to Gordale Scar. They
arrived just before sunrise, seeing the stunning waterfall
by the light of a misty dawn. Soon after they walked
further downstream to see Janets Foss, an example of a
waterfall that had been taught in previous lessons.
After breakfast half of the group got into their waterproofs
and wellies in preparation for a day measuring the river
channel characteristics of Cowside Beck. This is a small
tributary stream situated just north of Malham Tarn.
This took almost 6 hours, with most people arriving back
with a soggy clipboard and wet feet.
The other half travelled to three settlements, investigating
how their population characteristics changed according
to their location. The groups then swapped over the
following day. Unfortunately due to bad weather the
sunrise trek was cancelled on the second morning.
After three longs days everyone got up on Wednesday
ready for the 5 hour journey home, anticipating warmer
weather and less rain back in the south east. The
fieldwork was then be written up over the next month to
help prepare for the Paper 2 Geographical Skills exam
in January.
Olly Plumstead (Year 12)
inaugural Year 12 iceland Trip
On Sunday 15th July twenty nine sixth form geography
students, accompanied by Mr. Pengilley, Miss Duguid and
Mr Waddington arrived at Heathrow for the schools first
ever trip to Iceland. From the moment that we first saw
the country through the clouds it was clear that we would
be experiencing a very unique and dramatic landscape,
seemingly quite barren in places. Our first stop was the
beautiful Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, renowned for
the therapeutic qualities of its rich minerals and for the
steamy water temperatures, averaging between thirty
seven and thirty nine degrees Celsius. Having relaxed
in there for a while we went to Perlan in Reykjavik, a
very popular tourist attraction due to the spectacular
views that it provides of the capital. There was plenty of
time left to find our hotel as the sun didnt set until after
midnight!

In the morning we set off to the Svartsengi Geothermal

Power Station in the south-west of the country.
Geothermal Power is very significant in Iceland, supplying
ninety percent of its power and much of its hot water,
making it largely self dependent. From there we visited a
volcanic crater lake, and climbed down the banks to the
centre of the caldera where the water was crystal clear.
Equally impressive was Gullfoss, a spectacular two-tiered
waterfall and the most powerful one in Europe. We were
able to wander right out onto a ledge from which we
could really hear the power of the water. Later we went
to see some geysers. One in particular was erupting every
five minutes, sending super-heated water up to thirty
metres in the air, thoroughly drenching those standing
downwind of it! From the geysers we went on to see the
fissure that marked the boundary between the Eurasian
and North American plates before ending our day at
the site where the first Icelandic Parliament, the worlds
oldest, convened over a thousand years ago.
Our third day began with a visit to a stunning sixty metre
high waterfall called Skogafoss. The more adventurous
ones among us were able to climb right to the top, from
where the views were amazing. After that we took a walk
on the Solheimajokull glacier! Not the clean white mass
of ice we had imagined but instead a raw and rugged
glacial tongue covered with black volcanic ash. Our next
stop was Reynisfjara beach, famous for its black volcanic
sands, stunning basalt rocks, which were excellent for
climbing, and the delightful puffins. Our third and final
waterfall was called Seljalandsfoss, which was special
because you could walk behind it, an opportunity for
some really great photos.
On our final day we began with a short tour of Reykjavik,
learning much about Icelands proud Viking heritage.
This was followed by a visit to an interesting but rather
smelly sulphur spring! Finally, we visited a bridge over
the scar of the constructive plate boundary that allowed
us to stand with one foot in Europe and one in North
America. From there, we said goodbye to our tour guide,
whose singing and tales of elves and trolls had kept us
thoroughly entertained throughout coach journeys.
Everybody really enjoyed the trip. An extraordinary
experience to the land of ice and fire, which has helped
to prepare us for both our studies of Tectonic Activity in
Year 13, and for university.
Ben Fryza

Olavian 2012 103

Iceland: Puffin & Skogafoss Waterfall

104 Olavian 2012

The Classics Department

Bassae, Brasenose and brilliance!

he Classics Department had a rather excellent year

with two Oxbridge candidates William Dudley and
Marie-Clare Doran attaining their places at Brasenose
and Trinity respectively. The latter was strictly speaking
a Newstead Wood girl but did all her Latin here at the
school. Many of the this years Upper Sixth Classical
Students who garnered 95% A/B grades have gone on to
read Classics at University which has been a trend now for
some years. It is very warming to think that they want to
further their understanding of this subject at tertiary level.
There were highlights too at AS with several candidates
scoring the maximum points available, namely Eleanor
Goodman, Thomas Silver, Alex Rodker and Emily O
Malley. The indefatigable and wholly exceptional Peter
Leigh scored full marks in his Greek GCSE. In all of this
I have been superbly assisted, advised and aided by my
two colleagues Mrs Sarah Latcham and Mrs Catherine
Christie. Mrs Latcham had particularly difficult shoes
to fill after the departure of Greg Cook but has more
than amply done her task. She is a brilliant classroom
practitioner, a demon cricketer and is partial to DoE.
Sadly Mrs Christie left to re-join her old school Putney
High but performed her duties with equal aplomb and
was especially effective in her teaching of the Art and
Architecture course.
The year saw an excellent trip back to our old stamping
ground of Portchester and to the Greek mainland. As
ever we tried some new sites some of which were simply
staggeringly good such as Bassae and some not so good
such as Tegea and Tripolis. For any readers out there
contemplating a trip to Greece I advise a strong detour
of Tripolis! This coming year we are doing a similar trip
but trying out Orchomenos and Rhamnous.
The Department is as ever fighting fit and like the welltrained Spartan ready to take on the new challenges
which lie ahead of us. Unlike Leonidas content to fight
in the shade while grooming his flaxen locks, we will not
wait in readiness but go forth in full preparedness.
David Craig
Head of Classics
The 2012 Greece Trip
Mad dog and English folk go out in the midday sun
Why had I never thought of it before? Take the
underground, the hotelier advised, and for once I
agreed. The walk from the Hotel Achilles which we have
used on several occasions is an unpleasant one to the
Acropolis and yet until this trip I had never taken the
underground. In future I will always; it is much easier
and safer. It is also very cheap. Athens, a city which has

so much to offer for the Classicist is not the safest place

to visit in these dire economic times. It is very disarming
when on arrival at the hotel of choice that the first thing
you are told about is the large number of streets which
are not to be trod.
We were accompanied on this sojourn by my new and
excellent colleague, Mrs Sarah Latcham whose support,
knowledge and enthusiasm were wholly invaluable.
It was the first time that she had been to the city and
indeed to Greece. This year as ever we tried very hard
to see all the main sites and do something different too.
For those who have long read my ramblings, you may
be assured that there is something new to discover here:
new pictures to see and a new dog. You will recall that
in the past Olavians have had their encounters with the
ubiquitous Greek museum dog! Miss Gemma Gulliford
was especially keen on one on the Acropolis. This time
we met one who was most inappropriately christened
Cerberus at Nemea and not on the banks of the Styx.
Athens in its sweltering heat still had the draw it has
always had for me and by visiting the Acropolis on the
Sunday, after having seen the New Acropolis Museum
on the Saturday, the Parthenon was relatively quiet
and singularly lacking the whistle-blowing guards. We
managed to discuss the architecture, the frieze and the
fact that the Parthenon was a statement of Athenian
power and a celebration of the victory over the Persians.
There was much enthusiasm for the Erechtheum, its
asymmetry, its oddly placed porticoes and its split-level
design.
Escaping the heat and the noise of Athens we embarked
in the afternoon for Delphi via Eleutheria, a Fourth
Century BC hill fort. Every time we visit this site in its
beautiful setting the pupils are inspired to become the
inner warrior with great zest to reach the top and man
the battlements.
What is so important about Eleutheria is its position
on the road to Delphi bringing to our attention once
again that the pilgrimage to the Pythia was arduous. All
who went there went by terrible roads, in frightful heat
or indeed in snow. It is no surprise that Oedipus was
waiting so long for the return of Creon. Its remoteness
adds to its mystique, its overhanging Mountains
of Parnassus, its site crammed full of objects of
extraordinary wealth never fail to astound. There could
be seen a colossal Sphynx, a bronze replica of the Trojan
Horse, huge cauldrons, shields , treasuries , a race track
and a theatre. The visitor in the Fifth Century must have
been overawed by the utter glitziness of the place. The
heat here was overpowering and the normally stalwart
Olavian did not all manage the ascent to the race track at
the top. I like Dephi the small town too. It is safe, car free
mostly and full of rather quaint shops. I have been there
Olavian 2012 105

so frequently that I was even greeted as a long lost friend

by one of the shopkeepers. The greeting was somewhat
marred by a strong dialogue about the economic crisis
which I had already had with another shopkeeper earlier
in the evening. Money or lack of it is at the forefront
of the Greek. Nonetheless I managed to buy an antique
acroterion which past students of mine will be delighted
to know sits in my garden along with other Classical
objets dart. Sadly however because of the economic
recession the magnificent eco-train has now gone out
of service.
The journey to Olympia was not quite as successful
as in previous years. Before we had crossed the sea in
some style on a beautiful ferry but this year because of
the single-mindedness of a truculent driver we went on
another crossing which was rather unpleasant. It was
particularly poignant that we should be visiting the
site of the original games in the year of the London
Olympics. The site was as every year very crowded with
people heading in droves off the cruise ships to the
dromos missing the key temple of Hera and Zeus and
apparently not appreciating the significance of the place
as being primarily of religious importance. Away from
the masses we really enjoyed looking hard at the Roman
bath house complex and I hope now that all my students
will be able to tell their children and grandchildren how
to spot a Roman site.
The gem of this site is its wholly wonderful museum.
This contains the pediments from the Temple of Zeus,
and the metopes depicting the labours of Herakles. One
of the pediments depicts the chariot race of Oenomaeus
and Pelops, the founder of the Peloponnese. It is about
the perils of cheating, about hubris and above all a dire
warning to the competing athletes. It was a joy to hear
so many of the pupils enthuse about the sculptures
which had formed so much part of their work during the
course of the year. This is what teaching is about, helping
children to see and learn for themselves.
For many years my colleague and dear friend Greg Cook
had enthused about the Temple of Apollo Epikouros
at Bassae though we had never managed to persuade a
coach driver to go the summit. It is an extremely remote
temple at the summit of a mountain. It had been erected
by the Phigalians and may have been designed by the
architect of the Parthenon, Iktinos. It is reached after the
most beautiful but hair-raising journey. Although only
twenty miles from Olympia,the journey took two and a
half hours. It is as though the architect was playing with
design and its strange inner naos walls and window are
bewildering. One of the great joys of teaching Classical
Civilisation students is their depth of their knowledge
and on this trip we had the wonderful Asher Leeks, who,
as one of the girls, Anna Chadwick, said at Heathrow on
the way out, Asher, Ill ask Asher, he knows everything!
106 Olavian 2012

In her case it was how to remove Biro ink from her

handbag, but Asher is a bit of a Gussy Finknottle when
it comes to locusts and there we saw the most enormous
variety ever. I could not help thinking of the irony as the
temple was built to thank Apollo for keeping away the
plague.
The final days ran their normal course with excursions
to Mycenae, Argos, Nemea, Nafplion and Epidauros.
Every year I make a small mistake and think that visiting
somewhere entirely different will be a good idea and this
year was the site of Tegea. We found it but it was very
small but enlivened by an archaeologist from Sweden
who was so astounded that anyone would wish to visit
the site he had mostly excavated in recent years that he
actually gave the site a great deal of meaning. Equally
every year we have the tradition of giving a singing
performance at the theatre at Epidauros. On the trip we
had the delightful Peter Leigh who surely must share
the title of the boy who knows everything with Asher.
Peter is a complete joy and a musical supremo who sang
a piece from Handels Semele to almost as much rapture
as James Robinson two years earlier. As ever too we had
a sprint race at Nemea which I in my accustomed mode
lost with grace even though Cerberus the museum dog
chased me all the way. Watched by a British family who
were staying in the same hotel as us, the mother said
Gosh your pupils are beautifully behaved!
This trip as in previous years was a complete joy with the
pupils being a standard of how to behave on a school
trip. The first thing I did on my return was to e-mail the
Head of Sixth with the message that I was very proud of
them. Indeed the word proud is inadequate. They were
completely hilarious with the traditional last night mini
cabaret being an utter success with this year seeing the
first use of a bullet point comedy sketch. I will never
forget the normally cerebral Asher evolving into a very
naughty Zeus! The trips success though mostly down
to the glorious behaviour of the pupils owes much to
my colleague Sarah Latcham and to my wife Julia. My
thanks go to both of them for enduring the heat and
me!
David Craig
Year 12 Classics Trip to the British
Museum
Year 12 Classical Civilisation students visited the British
Museum for a study day. A highlight was the challenge
to the students by one of the curators of Greek sculpture
to analyse and comment on a range of marble body parts,
some dating back over 2500 years. The group also admired
the vast scope of the Parthenon sculptures, brought to
Britain by Lord Elgin, and listened to academic and
TV documentary presenter, Dr Michael Scott, on the
significance of the sites of Delphi and Olympia.

Greece Trip 2012

Olavian 2012 107

Year 9 Classics Trip to the British Museum

Later in the year, as part of the enrichment programme,
all of Year Nine - though fatigued by the visit to First
World War Battle sites also spent some of a day in
Activities Week 1 at the British Museum, where they
enjoyed studying the Elgin Marbles.
They learnt about the symbolism of the marbles with
particular reference to the metopes, the Great Panatheniac
Frieze and the West Pediments. Their superb attention
to the detail meant that they understood the context of
the marbles within the political and military milieu of
the last quarter of the fifth century and were able to posit
some sensible analogies to conflicts being waged today.

The Department of Religious Studies

ver 20 years ago, I entered St Olaves with an
ill-fitting uniform, a heavy bag and a vague sense
of good fortune. 7 years later, I left with a tasteless suit,
a dodgy haircut and a certainty that it is a rare privilege
to be an Olavian. Nevertheless, I must admit to being
a little surprised to find myself back here, this time as
Head of Religious Studies.

Seeing the whole thing from a fresh perspective, it has

been entirely apparent that what I had always thought
of as just the way it is at St Olaves is in fact quite
extraordinary. Students demonstrate a remarkable depth
of thought and willingness to engage with difficult
concepts.
Accordingly, the department offers a stretching and
challenging curriculum that gives students scope to
synthesise, evaluate or tear to shreds ideas from a range
of secular and religious sources.
Years 9 and 10 continue to take the Short Course GCSE,

Year 9 visit the Jewish Museum

108 Olavian 2012

taking the exam at the end of Year 10. Religious Studies

has benefitted from the demise of modular GCSEs in
that RS will now be the only exam being taken in Year
10 this year, which will, Im sure, allow the boys to devote
to it the laser-like intensity of their undivided attention.
In the school year 2011-2012, the department introduced
a new A Level course for Year 12, covering Philosophy
and Ethics from Plato to the present. The current group
of Year 13s will be the first year group to complete the
course, no doubt blazing a trail for others to follow.
Back at St Olaves for the second time, the suit fits slightly
better, the hairline is receding, but the knowledge has
been re-affirmed that for todays students it remains a
wonderful thing to be an Olavian.
Andrew Lake
Head of Religious Studies
More Questions than Answers
On Friday 27th January, the Religious Studies AS
level students went to Bloomsbury Baptist Church for
a fascinating Philosophy and Ethics conference which
included talks on the philosophical and ethical issues
surrounding the embryo, Religion and Relativism and
how recent developments in quantum physics affect
philosophical issues. In the afternoon speakers and
participating students hotly debated whether Kants
moral argument and ethical theory were a miserable
failure. Philosophy is a fascinating subject and, as the
day showed, well worth exploring.
Year 10 Philosophy and Ethics Conference
On Thursday 9th February, ten students from Year 10
went to Newstead Wood School for a Philosophy and
Ethics Conference led by Sixth Form students on topics
covered in the GCSE course. During the day, the boys
went to various workshops where they discussed topics
such as arguments for design, the existence of God, and
the soul.
Year 9 RS trip to Jewish museum
Despite
being
exhausted
after
a
jam
packed and rewarding History trip, Year 9 were on
excellent form when they visited The Jewish Museum
during Activity Week. The visit was designed to
complement their GCSE course and allowed them to
discover the different practices in the home and the
synagogue according to the various strands of Judaism.
The visit began with a general introduction during
which the boys answered questions with aplomb and
asked interesting questions to the delight of our hosts.
In smaller groups they then participated in different
workshops which allowed them the opportunity to
explore items found in synagogues and Jewish homes as
well as attempt to write Hebrew with a quill. The day was

a great success and many thanks are due to the boys for
their excellent behaviour and enthusiastic participation.

Young Enterprise
In September Year 12 students formed two companies
to represent the school; Resolve and Skyline. Both
companies have made excellent progress this term.
Having raised sufficient funds, Resolve are beginning
large scale production of innovative stationary solutions
and in the future look to expand their range of intelligent
stationery. SkyLine enterprises has focused on two main
products; personalised USB memory sticks, which will
be pre-loaded with school material, and personalised
cufflinks.

This success encapsulated John Burstons fortieth and

final year in the department before retirement. He will be
solely missed. His replacement is Dominique Ellis who
joins us after working in the city. Dominique is a graduate
of Economics from Pembroke College Cambridge.

Following further development, Resolve made swift

progress continuing to sell leaflet advertising space to
local businesses as well as creating an innovative design
for a folder with an integrated hole punch. Skyline
specialised in designing and manufacturing personalized
sustainable products, including cufflinks made from
wood, and has received orders from many high-end
clients, including the Mayor of London.

The Department of Economics

he Economics department has had another
successful year. This success has taken many forms
which include: 40% of A level candidates receiving an
A*,competing in the national final of the BASE Charted
accounts challenge and competing in the London final
of the Bank of Englands target 2.0 competition.

John Greenwood
Head of Economics & Work Related
Learning
Young Economist of the Year
Title: Theo Cliffords essay was highly commended in
the Royal Economics Society competition
The annual Royal Economics Society essay writing
competition takes place between February and May. This
year a number in Year 12 entered the competition which
involved writing a 2500 word essay. This years topics
included how to solve youth unemployment in the UK
; whether sustainable development is best for Africa; and
whether the Eurozone should be broken up. One essay
that was highly commended by the Royal Economic
Society was written by Theo Clifford (12T) which
debated whether there is a better way to solve the debt
crisis than austerity. The competition enriches university
applications and allows the students to undertake
independent research in an area of Economic Interest.
CEO of B&Qs National Youth Board
Jaideep Wasu (13H) has recently been announced CEO
of B&Qs first ever national Youth Board. Its task is to
provide the youth perspective to re-think, re-design and
shape the future of the company. Over four thousand
individuals applied 4 months ago and the judging panel
consisted of B&Qs senior executives and main board
members. Since his appointment, Jaideep has chaired
a Youth Board meeting and represented B&Q at a
reception in the House of Commons where he discussed
B&Qs work with government ministers and MPs of all
parties.

The two teams then represented the School at the south

London final on Friday 18th May. Resolve did very well
to win best company report, with the judges indicating
that the team had written the report to 100% of the
criteria used for judging.
Political Economics Society
So popular have the weekly meetings been this year that
the society has had to move to a larger room. There have
been excellent presentations and lively debates on the
on-going economic crisis of recession, sovereign debt,
the euro and the failure of government policy. Broader
social and political issues have included the role of the
UN and NATO, the class war, poverty, the environment
and a ban on smoking.
Target 2.0
On Wednesday 30th November Udit Gadkary (13G),
Barney Holleran (13G), Payal Chheda (13N) and Deeya
DSouza (13K) took part in the Bank of Englands Target
2.0 Inflation Challenge. In the presentation the team had
to consider the factors affecting the UKs economic and
inflation outlook and then decide what rate of interest
should be set. After outlining the main economic issues
and giving their decision, the team was then questioned
by a judging panel. The team performed very well on the
day and it was enjoyed by all.
Economics Conference
On Monday 5th December thirty Year 13Economists
attended the annual Economics conference in London.
The students were treated to talks from Alistair Darling
MP, Hugh Pym, Larry Elliott, Tim Harford and Douglas
Carswell MP. The conference provided a valuable insight
into current economic events and areas of debate which
link to the theories being studied within the classroom.
Olavian 2012 109

The BASE Chartered Accountants team

BASE Chartered Accountants Challenge

After last years success in the competition when the
school achieved the prize of national runners up, six
students represented the school in the London Heat of
the challenge on Thursday 4th February at the Chartered
Accountants Hall London. James Narula, James Allen,
Michael Le Guillou, Ben Fryza, Kathryn Deegan and
Lorraine Li were selected from 42 in year 12 based on
their solving of a business problem and interview.
At the London heat the students had to solve a business
problem for a company producing magazines based on
profitability and ethical issues. In doing this the students
had to analyse lots if data and make a presentation to a
large audience. The team came first and therefore went
through to the national final.
Then, on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th June the team
took part in the national final in Birmingham. The
team had to analyse accounts and make a presentation
to a large audience as part of the process. This involved
coupling the Economic climate with that of a set of
business accounts. Despite not winning, the challenge
was enjoyed by all.
Work Related Learning and Enterprise
Days
On Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th July Year 10
visited the Bank of England as part of a work related and
enterprise day. Students learned about how monetary
policy is used to control inflation within the economy
and the day also involved playing an enterprise game
which involved running their own pizza business.

110 Olavian 2012

Sports

The Sports Faculty

he PE Faculty has continued to develop its

programme and add to the activities available. One
exciting development is the fitness suite (mainly funded
by the PA) which opens officially in September 2012.
Sports Prefects and staff continue to provide a range
of oppotunities for the students which all support the
Faculty in its aim for every student to find an activity
that they will continue to be involved in at university
and beyond.

Andy Kenward

S___Director of Sport

London Youth Games

Congratulations to David Johansen(8H), Michael
Jacobs (8L), Theo Haslam (9H) and Thomas Hart (9H)
for being selected to represent Bromley in the London
Youth Games, which were held on Saturday 30th June.
Sports Leadership
The Sports prefects continue to raise the bar in terms of
their input into various sporting ventures at the school.
They have run many practices, helped coach teams,
organised fixtures and competitions as well as celebrating
these successes in assemblies. Year 9 have undertaken
sports leadership sessions course in their PE lessons
and the Year 11 have completed their JSLA course. The
students input into developing sport and physical activity
is recognised and valued by the school.
Sports Dinners
The traditional Sports Dinners to celebrate the end of
season for the various winter sports continue to be a
huge success. Hosted by those on the next senior rugby
tour (South America, 2013) the evenings consisted of
dinner, speeches from the captains and various staff, as
well as the presentations of the awards as voted for by the
players. The quality of the speeches from the boys was
again spectacular and matched the quality of the food
provided by Head Chef, Jane May, and her staff. Thanks
go to Mr Archer who has organised these evenings for us
all to enjoy, and to all those who came to them.
Games Days
The Games Days during the Activities Weeks were,
as ever, keenly contested with both Year 7 and Year 10
competing in House matches in AW1. A wide range
of activities were undertaken including cricket, tennis,
112 Olavian 2012

softball and table tennis. The results have been added

to the House totals and more activities for other year
groups were played during Activity Week 2. Well done
to everyone who participated in these events.
Marshalls Educational Foundation
It was a pleasure to host the annual meeting of this
charitable organisation which, each year, gives grants to
St Olaves and to the Stamford Schools in Lincolnshire.
These are used to support students attendance on school
trips where families are experiencing financial hardship,
as well as providing small grants to our Year 13 leavers
to help them with initial university expenses. The day
included rugby and netball matches between the schools
and, although St Olaves emerged as the losers on this
occasion, the matches were highly competitive and
played in good spirit.
Rugby
U18 London & SE Rugby Squad
Congratulations to Abigail Pottier (13M) who was
nominated for the London and South East under-18
Divisional rugby Squad, following her performances at
County level. Given that England is split into only four
Divisional squads, Abigail was really pleased to have
been invited to the trials.
Kent County Squad
Congratulations to Matt Holmes (13H), Richard
Deniyi-Jones (13H) and Joe Theuns (12W) who,
following trials, were all selected for the Kent County
U18 squad. It is something of a record to have three
Olavians playing at this level and could be a step towards
possible representation at an even higher level.
Welsh Exiles Call-Up
Kiran Preddy (13N), a member of St. Olaves First XV
squad, has been selected to play for the Welsh Exiles
U18 Squad. It includes a number of Welsh schoolboy
internationals in a team compromising of boys of
Welsh origin attending schools in England. Kiran
played at scrum-half in a narrow loss to the Newport
Gwent Dragons Academy.
U15 Rugby Tour
During October half-term, the U14 squad headed off to
Torquay to play matches against Torquay Athletic RFC,
where they eventually ran out 57-10 winners, and Brixham
RFC, where they produced an impressive performance
against some physically stronger players to finish with

a final score of 51-0. The team were well hosted both

after the matches and at the hotel and the players and
coaches all enjoyed another successful tour to Devon.
U13 Rugby Tour
October half-term also once again saw the Year 8 Rugby
squad troop off to North Wales to take on the might of
Llangefni and Bangor RFC. The squad of twenty two
players and three staff had a great time as always with
some strong fixtures, excellent hospitality, and the usual
array of weather that North Wales could throw at them.
Results included a narrow loss to a very large Llangefni
side and a last minute try against Bangor to secure a win.
Kent Cup Winners
The St Olaves U14 A team defeated an extremely
physical Kings School Canterbury team in the Kent
Cup final on 23rd November. Playing under floodlights
for the first time, the players stuck together as a squad
and this was proved by the commitment they put into
their defence. Great solo tries from Douglas Mathers
(9B) and Tom Willis (9C) put St Olaves into an early
lead. Kings Canterbury hit back with some quick pickand-goes and finished with their Centre powering over
the line. St Olaves spirit did not drop and after a nerve
racking second half, they went on to achieve a 14-7
victory, earning them the title Kent Champions.
1st XV Rugby
The St. Olaves 1st XV enjoyed an encouraging start
to the season. Following a few disappointing results
early on, impressive victories against Trinity and Beths
produced some of the best flowing rugby of the season
and were followed by a further win against Wallington.
After a disappointing early exit from the Daily Mail
Cup at the hands of Langley, the return fixture resulted
in a more than convincing win. The highlight of the
season however was the later 25-19 win over a strong
Hurstpierpoint College team which set us up for a
strong finish to the season, resulting in a successful
year for the 1st XV. Impressive victories over Reigate
(25-22) and Judd (29-0) followed on in the lead up to
Christmas. This form was continued after the break with
only a singular loss against a strong Brighton College
team. Victories against Robert Clack (50-17) and local
rivals Chislehurst and Sidcup (15-14) in a nail-biting
encounter rounded off the season in winning style and
the team then looked forward to continuing such success
in the rugby sevens season.
2nd XV Rugby
The 2nd XV had a successful season, often showing the
strength and team spirit to win against more powerful
teams. The season opened with a win against a strong
Colfes side. Other notable games included a closely
fought defeat against Skinners and an emphatic win
against a big Trinity side. The highlights of the second

U14 Kent Cup Winners

The 1st XVI, 2011-12

The 2nd XVI, 2011-12

half of the season included the game against Langley and
the 48-0 drubbing of Dartford. However, the heart the
team showed in the home fixture against Hurstpierpoint
College was undoubtedly the highlight of the season for
many of the players.
Under 16s Rugby
The current U16s have been a promising year group
all through their school careers and, this season, the
squad has not disappointed. The team won eleven of
their regular fixtures, losing seven, although many of
these losses came after three players, Mitchel Fruin
(11M), Angus Dalgleish (11M) and Nicholas Colling
(11L) were promoted to the 1st XV. They are a squad
Sports 113

who have developed great depth, and with an improved

sophistication to their level of attack, the team were able
to record notable wins over Skinners, Langley Park and
Eltham College.
Under 15s Rugby
This was a very good season for the U15s with a series
of good wins over some excellent opposition. The season
started well with some solid victories. However after
losing a couple of important matches in the Kent cup
and the Daily Mail the season looked a little fragile.
After the half term tour to Torquay normal service was
resumed with some excellent wins over Brighton College,
Langley Park and Hurstpierpoint. The squad should
be very proud of their season with particular mentions
to Joshua Searby (10J) and Teddy McAleer (10K) for
captaining and leading from the front.

Under-15 A, 2011-12

Under 14s Rugby

The U14s have had an extremely successful season with
notable wins against Dulwich College and Kings School
Canterbury in the final of the Kent Cup. The seasons
success has been down to a squad effort with noticeable
changes throughout the two teams. The B team only lost
two games all season allowing the winning atmosphere to
flourish through the age group. Particular thanks go to the
parents for their continuing support on and off the pitch.

Under-12 A, 2011-12

Under 13s Rugby

The U13 squad is one with much potential as
demonstrated by their wins over Eltham College, St.
Dunstans and Brighton College. They have shown that
they can play an exciting brand of running rugby, with a
robust set of forwards and creative backs who have been
well-orchestrated by captain Oliver Tomkins (8B) and
fly-half Alex Lamberti (8B). Well done to everyone who
worked hard through the season to improve their game.
Under 12s Rugby
The U12s enjoyed an excellent season and the players
were committed and trained hard. The A team had
a very good win against Brighton College, but the
performance of the season came at the unbeaten Trinity
where only one score separated the teams. They also
reached the semi-final of the Tiffin Tens Trophy, losing
to John Fisher. The B team are currently ranked fourth
nationally.
Rugby 7s
The Sevens season started brightly for the school with
many tournaments and successes. Firstly the U13
attended the Judd tournament and secured a place in the
final, for the first time since 2004, and were narrowly
beaten by John Fisher. The U14 squad managed to return
with the silverware after beating Colfes in the final of
the Beths 7s, while the U15 and U12 squads reached
114 Olavian 2012

Under-13 7s, 2011-12

the semi-finals of the Kent and Tiffin tournaments
respectively. With several more tournaments to go there
is much anticipation of further success.
CRiCket
Kent Cricketers
Congratulations go to Angus Dalgleish and Suraj
Sridhar who have both been selected for the U17 Kent
Cricket squad.

U15 Cricket
The cricket season is a busy time of the year with so many
fixtures and such little time to fit them in. St. Olaves
struggled in their first two matches losing to Sevenoaks
on the last ball of the game and Ravens Wood the same
way on the next fixture. After that they found their feet
with good wins against Langley, Wilsons and Skinners.

Under-15 Team, 2012

Under-13 Team, 2012

Devon Cricket Tour 2012
Can a tour ever have been run in worse weather? Probably,
but spirits were not dampened as the Year 8 cricketers
embarked on a five day tour to Devon. Students got
to enjoy Exeter Universitys new cricket centre and
unfortunately were only able to play one fixture against
Shaldon, a match they won easily, posting 143 for 3
and then dismissing them for 31. A frustrating tour in
cricketing terms, but so much more than just cricket is
learned on such a tour, and so the experience was very
worthwhile and enjoyable.
Cricket Dinner
As always this evening was well-attended and a fitting
event to reflect on the season. Director of Sport, Mr
Kenward, and Deputy Headmaster Dr Green both spoke
about the history of Cricket at St. Olaves given that
this event also celebrated the 450th Anniversary of the
school. An enjoyable evening was had by all, noting the
many cricketing successes that school has had this year,
including three players being selected for Kent, Sohayl
Ujoodia, Angus Dalgleish and Suraj Sridhar.

U14 Cricket
The U14 XI have played eight games to date, winning
five and losing three. The most notable game was against
Dartford when the opposition were bowled out for
just fifteen runs, the captain Prabu Sathananthan (9C)
taking five for five and Daniel Briscoe (9L) taking four
for five. The team then reached the Bromley Cup final,
after beating Ravens Wood, which will be played at the
Kent County ground at Beckenham.
U13 Cricket
The U13 1st XI has gone from strength to strength
since winning the Kent Cup last year. There is some
exceptional talent in this team, both with bat and ball
and, at the time of writing, they are currently unbeaten
in both the Bromley Cup and the Kent Cup, hoping for
a place in both finals during the last week of term. The
boys also had an excellent tour away to Devon during
the recent half term, securing an emphatic 100-run win
against a local team, Shaldon Optimists; unfortunately,
the persistent bad weather forced Torquay CC to cancel
our two other tour matches. This team has great potential
and will hopefully be crowned Champions of the two
20/20 tournaments!
U12 Cricket
The Year 7 cricketers hit the ground running thanks to
the pre-season nets in the Spring Term and they have
continued on a high through the season. They have only
lost two matches, and have won their last seven. This has
included progressing through to the semi-final of the
Kent Cup after a thrilling 1-run victory over Skinners.
Joint captains Matthew Lane (7H) and Sohayl Ujoodia
(7C) have led the squad well and have been well-backed
up by a very talented and committed group of boys.
Fives
Eton Fives: Autumn Term
There were thirty five fixtures and tournaments in the
term in which over one hundred Olavians competed.
All matches were won or drawn with the 3-0 win over
Cambridge University being a particular highlight.
Harry Ravi (13I), Tony Barker (13L), Brian Wang
(13K), Ross Henderson (10M), Josh Ravi (10M) and
Alexander Weeks (10L) dominated the Rossall Schools
Championships winning Singles and Doubles Titles in
both the Open and Colts categories. Harry Russell (9L)
Sports 115

won a major U14 individual event held at Eton College

whilst Morgan Pugh (8H) also reached the final. Chris
Self (12P) became the first schoolboy player to win
the adult Midlands Championships, in which Barker
and Ravi also reached the Semi-Finals. The enormous
and very talented year 7 squad also started to feature in
matches and to benefit from additional coaching support
from the Senior Team members.

U15 Fives
Jonathan Leech (10N) and Nirjithan Sivapalan (10L)
took part in the Turnbull Trophy and reached the SemiFinal. This is a prestigious event in which partnerships
are a school boy with an Old Boy from the same school.
William Phillips (10K) and Josh Ravi (10M) reached
the 3rd round of the Senior U18s in the National
Championships an outstanding achievement.

Swiss Fives Tour 2012

Twenty young Olavians from the Lower School travelled
to Zuoz in the Engadine Swiss Alps for a week of non-stop
activity! Fives training took place every morning, with
mountain hikes, cricket matches, basketball challenges,
football matches, tennis tournaments and waterfall visits
all adding variety during the afternoons. Every evening
was Fives Club-night, all mixed in with the girls and
boys from the Lyceum Zuoz, the Host school.

U14 Fives
Harry Russell (9L) enjoyed an outstanding season in
which he won both regional Individual Competitions
held at Eton College. William Edmonds (9H), Nathan
Lewis (9H), Leo Henderson (9L), Nick Wright (9B)
and Billy Belsham (9H) were all key players in the squad
and their game benefited enormously from the extra
training they attended.

Eton Fives: Spring Term

This was a great term with wins over Berkhamsted,
Eton, Harrow, Ipswich, Emanuel, QEB, Westminster
and a number of adult sides. The juniors performed
particularly well to defeat Ipswich 15-1. The seniors
and U16s travelled to Shrewsbury to combine a fixture
against Shrewsbury School and the Adult Northern
Championships. Sanjay Kundu (12Q), Christopher Self
(12P), Tony Barker (13L) and Harry Ravi (13I) were
outstanding performers at both school and adult level
and their seedings in the National Championships will
be very high this year.
Senior Fives
Tony Barker (13L) and Harry Ravi (13I) won the
Pepper Pot trophy for the second year in a row; this
is the Plate of the Mens National Championships.
They remain the only school pair to have ever won it!
Christopher Self (12P) became the first schoolboy to
ever win the adult Midlands Championships. Sanjay
Kundu (12Q), Tony Barker, Harry Ravi and Christopher
Self all played in the Adult First Division, competed in
all major adult weekend tournaments and were seeded
second and fourth in the Schools Nationals. Both pairs
featured in the National Semi-Finals, a superb testament
to their level of play.
U16 Fives
Dominic Robson (11L) was the outstanding figure
for the U16s. Often playing in the Senior squad and
outside school with the Old Olavians, he has become a
very intimidating and effective force on the Fives court!
Dominic stepped up and partnered Brian Wang (13K)
in the U18 National Championships. Ben Kwok (11K)
also played well for the Team and there were always
determined performances from Sam Fergusson (11M)
and Ben McKechnie (11N).
116 Olavian 2012

U13 Fives
Kosi Nwuba (8B) was the rising star of the entire school
team, having worked especially hard and with great
dedication in the evening Top 16 training. He joined
Thomas Gallagher (8B) and Morgan Pugh (8H) as
players who could represent the School at the highest
level at U13 age. Thomas Gallagher and Morgan Pugh
won the REFCA U 13s Championship held at Eton
College and then a few weeks later, Morgan and Kosi
paired up for the National U13s. They played brilliantly
to reach the semi-final in which their three-hour epic
match was lost on sudden death in the fifth set after a
great come-back from 0-2 down in sets. This is the best
result achieved in the U13s by any Olavian pair.
U12 Fives
A fantastic Year 7 squad recruited by the sixth Form have
been working very hard at Fives training. Kieran Walton
(7L) and James Tate (7C) performed especially well to
reach the fourth round of the U12 Nationals. James Tate
and Josh Limbrey (7C) also reached the U12 Individual
Final. William Carew (7L) and Sohayl Ujoodia (7C)
travelled to Wolverhampton where they won the
Midlands Schools U14s Plate competition. The Team
enjoyed great results, including wins over Berkhamsted
and Emanuel School.
Netball
The Netball Squad started the season with a fixture
against old rivals, Colfes. An encouraging draw for
the A team promised well for the new season with the
team benefiting from new Year 12 talent. The B team
showed a level of enthusiasm and commitment which
was maintained throughout the term, and the skills of
all these players were nurtured through the enthusiasm
of captains, Emma Simber (13N) and Eloise Andrews
(13G). Losses against strong teams from Newstead

The Intermediate boys also performed well and Jon

Pairman (10L) scored over twenty one points in the
High Jump saw St Olaves win this event overall.
High Jump
Congratulations to Benjamin Stanbury, Year 9, who won
the Kent Schools Junior High Jump competition with
an exceptional jump of 1.67m.

Netball 1st VII (A Team), 2011-12

Wood and Stamford were balanced by convincing
wins against Darrick Wood and Charles Darwin, and
the A team performed strongly at the Kent Under 19
Tournament.
Lent term then saw the final A team league match
against a strong Colfes team with St. Olaves starting the
game strongly and gaining an early lead. Unfortunately,
a better performance by Colfes in the latter half edged
them ahead and the final score was 12-16. The B team
game also resulted in another loss but there was some
very promising play and some wonderful shooting from
the St. Olaves team which bodes well for the future.
Thanks go to the captains Eloise Andrews (13G) and
Emma Simber (13N) for their excellent leadership.
Football
Fantastic results in the England Schools Football
Association Cup and the Kent Under 19s White Cup
saw the 1st XI progress through the early stages of each
competition with ease. Great team performances against
St. Gregorys and Phoenix High School were highs
for the team, whilst dogged and sterling performances
against Alleyns School and Dane Court School showed
grit and character despite losses. Stars of the squad
included James Narula (12T), a new joiner and individual
with flair and an eye for goal, James Bowman (13J) and
Declan Murphy (13G), new and old captains of the
squad and two of the hardest workers on the pitch, the
industrious team man Joe Coleman (12S), and the ever
reliable goalkeeper Callum Scotland (13I), to name just
a few of a talented and successful team who this season
have represented the school to the highest standard.
AthletiCs & spoRts DAy
ESAA English Schools Track & Field Cup
This is one of the premier events of the athletics
calendar and so it was encouraging to see so many fine
performances. In the juniors both Tito Adesanya (8B)
and Kosi Nwuba (8B) gave noteworthy performances.

Sports Day 2012

Fortunately the weather improved enough so that this
years Sports Day can be remembered for one of excellent
achievements from several of the competitors. Though
no records were broken, the standard was extremely
impressive in many events, with several closely-fought
races and field events. The winner of the Junior Victor
Ludorum, beating Tom Willis (9C) by just one point, was
Ben Stanbury (9L) who was particularly awe-inspiring
in the High Jump.
Overall the results were as follows:
1st Bingham (1093 points)
2nd- Harvard (1027 points)
3rd Cure (995 points)
4th Leeke (928 points)
Well done and thank you to everyone who took part or
helped with the organisation of this occasion.

Hockey
The 1st XI first had to rebuild, as must happen every
autumn, with the influx of new Year 12 players. Teamwork
was good, with players supporting each other positively.
Indoor practice took place on Mondays in the Sports
Hall. On Wednesdays, when the team did not have a
match, they were able to use Darrick Wood schools
Astroturf pitch. This was a great advantage as all games
are now played on Astroturf. Results included a 2-1win
against Reigate Sixth Form College and an away loss
against a strong Notre Dame side. The traditional hockey
season for schools started seriously after Christmas and
the squad enjoyed the Sixth Form Colleges cup as well
as friendly fixtures.
Captain Ed Phillips (13L) led the team on the field by his
exemplary play and conduct. Meanwhile, the best goals
of the year were put in by Ryan Lee (13L). Cameron
Saunders was splendid in goal and John Holden (13G)
the best defender. It is unfair to pick out players for
special mention as the whole team put in tremendous
effort against very strong and experienced opposition.
Sports 117

Badminton
With the new Sports and Drama Hall in full operation
badminton has emerged as a very popular sport. The
weekly clubs are well attended and skill levels of the
players are developing significantly. House matches
have been played by the younger years and there is a real
hunger for more. Matches against other schools have
been restricted but nonetheless those who have played
have performed very well, only just losing to Sevenoaks
earlier in the year: most of the games were won or lost
by just a few points and eventually Sevenoaks ran out
winners by sixteen games to ten.
Squash
Squash has proved a popular sport this year with several
players taking advantage of the well-attended weekly
clubs now running. The first team travelled to Sevenoaks
School to play some fixtures and, despite losing overall,
played very well and gained valuable experience. Many
thanks to Daniel Morland (13I), squash prefect, for the
time he put into organising teams and practices.
Basketball
The senior basketball teams have gone from strength to
strength, with tightly contested games against the St.
Olaves Old boys, a decisive victory against the Bromley
Mens team and an impressive score line against Newstead
Wood highlighted the schools basketball superiority.
Even with the impending departure of veterans Scott
Johnson (13I) and Daniel OConnor (13H), the future
still looks bright for the squad, with senior starting
members found in year 12 and 11 as well. The Year 11
recently beat Coopers School in a tournament with our
teams finishing first and second. Basketball remains an
important part of the curriculum and is also a popular
extra-curricular activity. The younger year groups have
competed in House basketball matches organised by the
Sports Prefects, as well as playing in local competitions.
Tennis
Tennis remains a very popular summer sport and this
year there have been increased opportunities for the
pupils to get involved. The Sports Prefects have run
extra-curricular sessions and a professional coach has
helped at lunch-times and during Games. Years 8 and 10
as well as the Sixth Form entered the AEGON National
Championships. The senior team lost their first match
but the Year 8 and Year 10 teams were both undefeated
and looked likely to top their pools.
In addition, table tennis is one of our most popular
sports throughout the year, with many pupils playing
either recreationally or in matches against other schools.
A professional coach comes in on a Monday to help
support this programme and those that attend have been
fitted hugely and improved their skill level significantly.
118 Olavian 2012

Kent County Swimming

Theo Haslam (9H) competed in the Kent County
Swimming Championship swimming in fourteen
individual events.
He achieved the following: eight gold medals in 200m
butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50m butterfly (gaining the Kent
all time record in his age group), 100m freestyle, 50m
freestyle, 100m breast, 50m breast (gaining the Kent all
time record in his age group) and 100m individual medley
(gaining the Kent all time record in his age group); two
silver medals in 400m individual medley and 200m
freestyle; two bronze medals in 200m individual medley
and 50m backstroke; and two fourth place medals 200m
breast and 100m backstroke. He also swam in the 13/14
age group 4 x 100m medley and freestyle relay teams,
both of which reached the finals. In terms of his overall
position he came second in Kent in the 13-year-old age
group.
Well done also to Michael Jacobs, Year 8, who came also
2nd overall for his age group in the Kent Swimming
Championships, setting four event best performances
and gaining many medals. Michael also gained three
national qualifying times in the Regional Championships
and then competed against some of the top swimmers in
Great Britain in Sheffield at the end of July.
St. Olaves also entered the Kent County Swimming
Competition with much success. Timothy Adelani (11L)
came second in the intermediate 100m freestyle, Michael
Jacobs (8L) came first in the junior 100m backstroke and
David Johansen (8H) took bronze in the junior 100m
freestyle. The seniors also did well with Chris Miles
(13K) winning the 200m individual medley.
Fencing
Congratulations to Adam Whitelaw (9B) who has been
selected to represent his country in the England U15
Epe Fencing team. Adam has been competing all over
the country for the last year to build up points towards
this selection. We wish him luck as he joins eleven
other boys and twelve girls for a major international
competition in Poland in March.
On Monday 7th May Adam won a bronze medal in
the final of the U14 Epee British Championships in
Sheffield. Adam had already competed earlier in the
year to gain one of the four places to fence on behalf of
south east England (Kent, Surrey and Sussex). This is the
biggest annual competition and, as usual, all regions of
Great Britain were represented.

Art, Design &

Technology

Art, Design & Technology

The Department of Design Technology
o be successful in the modern world, pupils need
to be able to engage with, apply and learn new and
evolving technologies. The pace of our world is dictated
by the devices we rely on, the social networks we are
addicted to and the structures and vehicles which shape
our environment. Whilst the D&T of old could be called
wood tech without a second thought, modern design
and technology is about conceptual and innovative
design, using new and aspiring technologies, and looking
for opportunities to improve the way we live our lives
through unique products and solutions.

The philosophy of the department is wherever possible

to provide our pupils with access to modern design and
manufacturing techniques, to develop creative problem
solvers, and to helping those who study with us at GCSE
and A-Level to move into careers in engineering and
product design at the top Universities in the country.

Design Ventura
For the second year running, a team of aspiring
designers from the department developed a unique and
innovative concept product for the Design Museums
annual competition. This year saw Year 11 once again
outshine teams from lower year groups to represent the
school, with a product called Sixty, a set of tiles which
slot together as a toy or installation, meeting the brief
of fun set by the competition sponsors, Deutshe Bank.
The group consisted of Keir Bowater, Max Legemah,
Robert Edghill, Daniel Dawson and Benjamin Kwok.
Once again the team from Saint Olaves came close to
winning, attending the awards evening for the top ten
teams in the country, and receiving a commendation
for professionalism, placing them fourth from over 900
schools. A fantastic result for the team, with a product
which has since been queried for commercial production
by a local manufacturer.

The department continues to grow in strength and size

through the hard work and dedication of the staff in the
department, and pupils who study in our workshops;
prefects and Arkwright scholars demonstrate excellence
in the subject both in the classroom and in the running
of extra-curricular pursuits.
2012 promises to eclipse 2011 with the department
becoming a centre of excellence in D&T teaching,
offering training to local D&T teachers. New additive
manufacturing equipment compliments the laser cutting
and Dye Sublimation facilities that are available to
pupils, and new Science, Technology, Engineering and
Maths challenges will help pupils link their learning of
core subjects to the modern practical projects D&T now
offer.

The Lower VI Arkwright Scholars

Philip Holton

S___Head of Design & Technology

Arkwright Scholarships (currently 11

between Year 12 and 13)
The department remains the strongest provider of
candidates for the prestigious scholarship scheme in the
UK, with 5 new scholars in Year 12 joining 6 in Year 13.
With more applicants than ever for the award each year,
and greater expectations on those looking to enter the
world of Design and Engineering, those lucky enough
to now have sponsors are in a fantastic position to realise
their career aspirations.
120 Olavian 2012

The Year 11 Design Ventura Team

D&T Thorpe Park Trip

running, an educational visit to discover what career
opportunities were available in the field of engineering
pupils with first-hand knowledge of engineering,
marketing and the electronics associated with ride
development, as well as ample time to experience some
of the most exhilarating rides in the UK today. Whilst
the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the weather and the quiet
park, all left wanting to become designers, structural
engineers, or any of the other fantastic and inspirational
roles that make the parks attractions the cutting edge
thrill rides they are today.
Food Technology

Year 11 discover the Food Technology room

addition of the Food Technology room. Year 7 pupils

can now study food as part of the curriculum, developing
skills and techniques to design and create tasty meals
and snacks alongside their design and make projects in
the workshops. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 also have access
to the room as part of the PSHE rotation as well as Year
12 students as part of the Elective programme.
Spring Board Cooking Competition 2011
For the first time ever, Saint Olaves pupils entered
cooking competitions on the back of the launch of the
new food room in the department. Competing against
local food colleges and academies with dedicated rooms
and staffing, pupils at the school excelled in the school
heats of the Spring Board competition, producing
delicious main courses such as butternut squash risotto,
pan-fried chicken and bacon in a creamed leek sauce,
and roasted vegetable pasta. Budding Chef Alexander
from 7H shone above his peers, and went on to represent
cook off took place at Croydon College in a professional
kitchen. Alex excelled despite his competition all being 5
years his elder, and in the end came second for the South
of England. Professional chefs judging the competition
challenged him to return next year having demonstrated
ability and maturity above his years.
Kent Young Chef Competition
As a Kent school, Saint Olaves pupils were invited to
challenge was to develop a new dish using locally sourced
ingredients. Pupils from across Year 7 entered, with
dishes such as Kentish roast pork and apricot salad, and
a Kentish shepherds pie the highlights of another strong
school based heat. Despite the excellence demonstrated
in both technique and professional presentation, the boys
failed to make the local heats, but were pre-registered
to enter again next year due to the quality and level of
application from such a young group of pupils.

Year 7 Olavian represented the school in the

Spring Board cooking competition

Year 8 Food Challenge Days

As part of the 2nd Activity week, all year 8 pupils
were introduced to the new food room and took on
the creative challenge of making Pizzas from scratch.
Despite some sticky dough and a few too many handfuls
of cheese being stuffed into the crust, all pupils learnt
how to create a dough mixture, prepare ingredients and
enjoyed it, even if the staff were a little bored of seeing
pizzas all day!
D&T 121

Olavian Design Company

With so many talented creatives in the sixth form this
and next year, the department set up their own design
practice, offering custom made designs for every day
products with an Olavian brand. Whilst the website is
still in development, pupils met every week to design
their company logo, build a portfolio of products from
phone stands to toys and cufflinks, before planning and
launching the sale of their first product, a travel chess
set commemorating the 450th anniversary of the school.
Next year the company is hoping to grow, providing
products to sell at annual school events and as an
enrichment club for GCSE and A-Level pupils.
Year 12 Seymour Powell enrichment day
Pupils studying Product Design at AS level were lucky
enough to be able to work one to one with some of the
most talented creatives and designers from the UKs
number one design firm. The challenge of the day at the
Victoria and Albert Museum was simple, gather together
inspirational images by exploring the miles of design and
art based collections the museum had to offer, before
conjuring up a new brand or concept technology for a
product. Taking our extremely talented technologist out
of their comfort zone for the first time was a fantastic
experience for the group, who all came up with brilliant
and innovative product concepts for a Retro-sexual
male, and Future-dreamer female.
Guest Speakers inspiring engineers
Taking a day out of their busy careers, guest speakers
from the South Bank University Product Design degree
and Engineering software company Autodesk provided
engaging talks to sixth form pupils with a keen interest
in becoming engineers and CAD designers in the future.
Learning about how Autodesk software shapes the
cutting edge blockbuster movies we see in the cinemas
was enough for some to start using the new software
suite in the ADT computer room straight away.

The Department of Art

he Art department is now separate from Design
Technology, but it continues to thrive and develop.
Following the departure of Joel Fayers after family
relocation, Siobhan Heraghty was appointed as an NQT
in September 2011. Joel had great strengths particularly
in graphics and printmaking and served the school both
within the department and in the wider school setting
in sport and as a Head of Year. He was also instrumental
in helping to organise the very successful New York Art
trips.

Siobhan has settled in well, passing her NQT year and

122 Olavian 2012

establishing her unique and individual, more fine art

approach.
The department continues to put students through to
higher education in art, fashion, graphics, animation, film
and architecture. In a highly academic institution such as
St Olaves, it is good to see the success of our students
in what is a highly lucrative sector of the economy the
creative sector.
GCSE examination results were improved and the A
levels grades excellent with a wide variety of sculpture,
paintings, photographs, films and prints produced by
the 6th Form artists. One highlight was the selection
of Aedryan Chklars computer drawing Owl for the
Royal Academy online exhibition. Another was Oliver
Plumsteads timelapse film of a day in the life of London.
The standard gets higher every year.
The Royal Academy came to the school with a tutor and
model for the regular life drawing day for the 6th Form.
They worked hard all day, producing creative outcomes
useful for coursework and portfolios.
Curriculum trips included galleries, Greenwich and
London, and the 6th Form trip to Florence. This involved
a guided tour and visits to all the wonderful cultural
highlights of this fascinating city.
A large part of this year in the Art department was
organising the 450th exhibition, commemorating the
schools anniversary of the granting of the Elizabethan
charter of 1562. We borrowed a range of fascinating
artefacts from Southwark library, which houses much of
the schools historical papers, documents, photographs
and objects.
This was combined with other items from the schools long
history, and paintings and prints from the Governors art
collection. The chapel was converted into a gallery for a
week, housing what was seen as a stimulating exhibition
and an insight into life of the school through the ages.
Notable items included the original royal charters from
the reigns of Elizabeth 1, Charles II, and George III, and
an old school algebra exercise book from 16th century.
Additionally we were fascinated by photographs of
school camps from the 1930s and the activities planned
for the evenings, school reports, the clock donated by
the family of Matthew Le Chavetois in memory of this
Olavian pupil and later teacher killed in 1st World War,
and canes from the period of the extraordinary but also
notorious Dr Carrington. This headmaster oversaw the
school being evacuated to Sussex and then Torquay
during the 2nd World War, and then the whole school
from Southwark to the green fields of Orpington in the
1960s.

Thanks must go to Mrs Karen Smith who spent hours

organising and cataloguing items for this tremendous
exhibition.

Chris Davies

S___Head of Art

Yr 10 Art Trip to London

Year 10 artists enjoyed a trip to London on Thursday
6th October taking in sights, transport, buildings
and people. The group recorded their journey through
drawings, photographs, film and notes, including visits
to Greenwich Park, the Observatory, the Painted Hall,
Trinity Hospital, the Island Gardens, Tower Bridge and
City Hall. Although exhausted, the group recorded many
images and ideas for their London project.

Year 10 artists in London

Royal Academy Outreach Life Drawing

Workshop
On Tuesday 15th November a tutor and model from
the Royal Academy Outreach programme came to
the school. Year 12 and Year 13 Art students spent all
day on an intensive exploration of drawing, visualising,
discussing and discovering many aspects of the drawing
of the human form.
Sixth Form Art Trip
On the afternoon of Friday 3rd February, the Year 13
Art group travelled to Beckenham to visit the archive
collection and gallery of the Bethlem Royal Hospital.
Students were treated to a fascinating brief history of
the hospital and the part that art and photography have
played in mental health.
OpinionARTed Competition
This years exhibition of art from all Bromley schools was
held at Darrick Wood School. Adryan Chklar (13H)
submitted fantasy figures drawn by hand and on the
computer. Joanne Maure (12P) entered her tree against
a sunset fabricated using the new Laser cutter. Oliver
Plumstead (12P) created nine photographs around the
theme of illusion, with light paintings and Photoshop
manipulations.

Year 13 Art students visit the Bethlem Royal

Hospital

Art Club
Art club has been thriving this year under new
management. It takes place every Tuesday and involves
pupils from Year 7 to 9. In one set of sessions, the links
between food and art were explored during these sessions
with icing biscuits and a gingerbread house. Thanks to
the Art prefects for their organisation and enthusiasm.
Olavian Artwork shortlisted
Congratulations to Aedryan Chklar (13H) who was
shortlisted for the Royal Academy of Arts online
A-Level Summer Exhibition Online 2012 Aedryans

OpinionARTed participants at Darrick Wood School

Art 123

was one of over 1,450 submissions made from students

across the UK, and the judging panel commented on
the high quality of work received.across the UK, and the
judging panel commented on the high quality of work
received.
Year 12 Florence Art Trip
Year 12 and 13 Art students, accompanied by Mr Davies
and Mrs Smith, enjoyed the artistic sights of Florence
over the long weekend of 10-13th November. There is so
much for everyone to see and enjoy in this fantastic city,
but particularly for those studying art.
The weather was beautiful and sunny which meant that
the whole experience was very enjoyable. Visits to the
Academia, the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, the Cathedral Duomo
and Boboli gardens were all stimulating. Florence is a
city full of churches, galleries, statuary and Italian life,
and the group ended up immersed in the culture of this
wonderful place.
On the return journey we stopped off to view the Leaning
tower at Pisa.
It was, in everyones view, a brilliant trip.
Chris Davies

Year 12 Art students in Florence

124 Olavian 2012

Olavian 2012 125

450 Anniversary:
1561 2011
th

450 Years: A brief context

In 1013 (almost 1000 years ago) King Olaf of
Norway sailed his Viking long-ships up the
river Thames, tied ropes to the wooden piers
of London bridge, then sailed back down river
again so that the bridge collapsed, throwing
the occupying Danish army into the water, and
ensuring victory for the English King Ethelred.
This most spectacular event was commemorated
by the poet Ottar Svarte in the 13th century
King Olaf s Saga:
London Bridge is broken down,
Gold is won and bright renown.
Shields resounding, war horns sounding,
Arrows singing, mail coats ringing,
Odin makes our Olaf win!
and gave rise to the childrens nursery rhyme.
Olaf was later made a saint and part of his
legacy was the naming of a number of churches
and, of course, our school. It was almost 550
years later that Henry Leeke, a Southwark
brewer, with property on both sides of Borough
High Street, left a will in 1560 giving 8 a
year from the rents towards the finding and
erection and maintaining of a Free school in
the parish of Southwark. The conditions stated
that the parish of St Olave had to create 1 free
school within the space of 2 years and that
all the children and scholars dwelling in the
parish should pay nothing. This was done by
Michaelmas Day, 29th September, 1561, when
the first schoolmaster, one Richard Marlow,
took up office, on an annual salary of 13 16s.
8d. The legacy of Henry Leeke is our very own,
St Olaves Grammar school still free, and
thriving to this day after 450 years as one of
Englands oldest schools. Ten years later in
1571, that amazing lady, Queen Elizabeth I,
secured the continued existence of our school
by the conferment of the Royal Charter as a
Grammar school.
It was fitting, therefore, that we should celebrate
and commemorate our 450th Anniversary in
style, reflecting on some of the traditions that
we still hold dear. The founding of the 450
Parent Choir will, I hope, be a lasting legacy;
there is now a core of parents, friends and
Old Olavians who rehearse weekly and whose
inclusion in the Christmas and Easter concerts
provided a new dynamism.

128 450th Anniversary Supplement Olavian 2012

A packed audience was treated to a splendid

450th Commemoration Concert which
included the full Symphony Orchestra, Jazz,
Wind and Symphonic Wind Bands. The Byrd
Choir, a small group of eight soloists, directed
by Peter Leigh, stood out for the excellent pitch
and range of timbre with which they tackled
the very difficult Haec Dies. The highlight
was the massed Choir, including the new 450
Parent Choir, and that magical moment as they
hit, with a power that filled the Great Hall, that
first note of Handels Zadok the Priest.
The magnificent setting of Southwark Cathedral
played host to the 450th Commemoration
Service for St Olaves, as well as for the
Foundation and the original St Saviours
Grammar School, allowing us to retain our
annual link with the borough in which the school
was founded. This was a very special event with
contributions from students from both schools.
It was good to see so many Old Olavians and
parents in attendance at this historic event. A
special Commemorative Dinner rounded off
the day for invited guests at The Athenaeum.
The 450th Exhibition and Celebration started
in the Great Hall with an entertaining history
of society and the School given by myself,
former Head of History, Mr Alan Evans
and former Deputy Head, Mr John Burston,
before the departing School Captain Timothy
Munday and Vice-Captain Jennifer Cocke
brought things right up to date. The exhibition,
organised by Head of Art, Mr Davies, displayed
a fascinating collection of manuscripts, paintings
and artefacts, some dating right back to the
schools origins, including original Charters
from Queen Elizabeth I dated 1562, and from
King Charles II, dated 1674.
Other highlights included an Art Poster
competition; a Find the missing St Olaves
Steam Engine Name-plate essay competition;
and a splendid Cricket Dinner. Drama too
played its part, recognising the links that the
original school had with Shakespeare by a fine
production of Macbeth, including powerful
performances from Michael Yates and Grace
Boyle as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Aydin na

The 450 Exhibition

Olavian 2012 450th Anniversary Supplement 129

450th Anniversary Poster Competition

The two winners of the poster competition for
the 450th Anniversary of the school were Leon
Brown (11N) and Thomas Miller (9L). Both
received iTunes vouchers which were awarded in
an Art Assembly, which also showcased some of
the wide variety of work produced by the Sixth
Form, from paintings to sculptures, graphics,
photographs and filmmaking. Thomass and
Leons posters form the divider for this section
of the Magazine.

and Jen Cocke, Vice Captain, gave their views

on being students at the school in 2012. Food
and refreshments were provided by the PA. An
amazing 450th cake baked by Karen Smith
and iced by Clare Slyfield was the spectacular
centerpiece. No-one dared to cut the cake, but
it was then consumed at the Governors garden
party!

450th Anniversary Celebration:

Full Report
To help celebrate the schools 450th Anniversary
celebrations, there was an exhibition of historical
artefacts gleaned from Southwark Library, but
mostly from the school itself. This made a
fascinating display of times past at the school,
from the 1698 bible, to the bundle of canes
from the 1960s, from the original 1562 charter
of Queen Elizabeth 1st, complete with handdrawn portrait, to an 1851 book of calligraphy
exercises.

Probably one of the most moving items was

the Handbook of algebra and geometry for
schoolboys. This had the name Hosier
written in the front, dated 1840. It was then
left to the school in 1917, having belonged to
another student named Brown who was killed
in the First World War, inscribed by his father.
This meant that this one book had been used by
schoolboys for over 60 years!
As well as the historical items, on display were
maps, paintings, prints and drawings associated
with the school that belong to the Governors.
To complete the exhibition current 6th Form
artists displayed their A level work from this
years examinations.
On the evening of Thursday 28th June in the
Great Hall, the audience of over 200 were
treated to a talk by Alan Evans, previous Head
of History, on the school over 400 years. This
was followed by John Burston, teacher at the
school for 40 years, giving his impressions of the
school since it moved to Orpington in 1967.
Music was provided by Eamonn Cox, Finn
Butler and Tom Saunders. Songs given by
Richard Decker. Tim Munday, School Captain

130 450th Anniversary Supplement Olavian 2012

A good time was had by all, and much

appreciation expressed by the audience.
C E Davies (Head of Art)

450 Creative Writing Competition:

St Olaves Steam Train (30938)
Nameplate
One of the interesting features of the 450 year
history of the school is the fact that it has a
steam engine named after it. The Schools
class consisted of 40 engines all named after
Independent schools. A combination of short
frame length (4, 4, 0 wheel arrangement) and
high tractive effort (Power Class V) made the
engines ideal for the Tonbridge/Hastings line
with its tight curves and narrow tunnels. All
of the class probably spent significant time at
both London Bridge and Orpington Stations.
St Olaves (938) was the 39th in the class built
at Eastleigh Works in 1934. It was renumbered
30938 post the 1948 nationalisation of the
railways.
St Olaves is the only school in the class which
is now in the state sector but many still feature
on our Rugby/Fives/Chess fixture list notably
Eton (900), Dulwich (907), Whitgift (916),
Hurstpierpoint (918), Harrow (919) and Kings
Canterbury (933). Only three engines still exist
in preservation Cheltenham (925), Repton (926)
and Stowe (928). The rest, including St Olaves,
were withdrawn in 1961/62, as diesel/electric
traction became the norm, and subsequently
broken up for scrap metal. A nameplate was
presented to the school and is on display by the
entrance to the Great Hall.
Having been given this information, the
competition asked boys for a piece of creative
writing that included more specific details of
the St Olaves engine any distinctive features
or unusual stories about it and addressed the
question Where is the other nameplate?

(There would have been two nameplates (one

for each side of the engine). It is likely that
the other one was melted down but we do not
know.)
Congratulations to the six winners who wrote
engaging, well crafted stories to solve the
mystery of where the second nameplate the
partner to the one outside the Great hall - is now.
It was Dr Green who inspired this competition,
and who kindly provided the prizes.
Two entries from each year group were chosen as
winners. They were each awarded a book token
and had the promise of having their stories
published in the Olavian Magazine, which
they are,* immediately below this article. Well
done to each of them and all who took part.
The winners were:
Sam Caine 7B
Henry Miller 7B
Kayo Kufeji 8H
Lucas Golding Yee 8H
Matthew Simpson 9H
Bradley Sawyer 9H
* Unfortunately, as we went to press,
Sam Caines piece could not be located.

Where is the Missing Nameplate?

The old man sat on the bench, watching the
rabble of schoolchildren rush past. As they
ran, something fell out of one of their pockets.
When they had gone, the old man bent down
and picked the paper up. Squinting at the small
letters, he read,
St. Olaves Train Competition - Where is the
Missing Nameplate?
He smiled. He knew where the nameplate was,
unlike all these people. It had belonged to the
30938 St. Olaves train, one of the SR V class,
also known as Schools Class trains. Apparently,
they had been the most powerful 4-4-0s in
Europe, perfectly designed to navigate the
twists and turns of the Tonbridge-Hastings
line. It had been based on the existing King
Arthur trains, which were 4-6-0s, but were not
suitable to this railway line, due to a building
error in one of the bridges. Most of the trains

were 8 ft. 6 in (2.16m) wide stock. Designed by

R.E.L. Maunsell, these trains had been known
as Schools Class trains because each one of the
forty of them produced belonged to a different
independent school and at that time, one of
them, now the only one of these schools in
the state sector, was St Olaves. The St Olaves
was the 39th Schools Class train, built in the
Eastleigh railway works in 1934.
It had been a cold, wet day, in November 1961.
The St. Olaves train had made its last trip,
and was due to be sold for scrap metal. This
was because of the new British Rail Class 201
diesel-electric multiple units, which took over
the line from 1957 and the completion of the
electrification of the South Eastern Main Line
in 1961. One of its nameplates had already
been given to St Olaves, but the other was to
be scrapped with the rest of the train.
When it was driven in to be scrapped, he had
been working at the scrapyard. As he was
taking it apart for scrap metal, he had noticed
a nicely-curved piece of metal amidst the rest
of the scrap. Intrigued by its shape, he had
taken it home because he knew that with its
strange shape that it could have some purpose,
oblivious to the fact that it was actually the
second nameplate for the St Olaves train. He
had taken it home that day and had used it as
a shelf, with the flat back of the nameplate on
top, for his tools in his shed. However, that had
not been the end of the nameplate
When he had had a child, he had taken down
the shelf, polished it and used the plate as
a small bench for his son when he was little.
When his son, after a few years, had grown out
of it, he stored the bench, with the rest of the
baby things in the attic and forgot all about
them.
Now the school were looking for it. He
wondered if the nameplate was still there.
Tucking the sheet of paper into his pocket, he
rose onto his old, shaky legs and returned home,
to check on the nameplate.
When he got home, he hurried, as fast as his
weary legs would allow him, up to the attic.
Opening the trapdoor, he climbed up and he
searched for it. There it was, under a thick coat

Olavian 2012 450th Anniversary Supplement 131

of dust. Excitedly, he brushed away the dust.

The nameplate sat there, freed from its dusty
prison, gleaming in the light. He smiled. He
had found the nameplate.

Henry Miller (7B)

The Saint Olaves Steam Engine

The Saint Olaves steam engine lazily puffed its
way out of the station, leaving behind it a trail of
billowing cloud. It was six fifteen in the morning
and for the boys, it was a routine schedule. They
munched away in the carriages, tucking into
their favourite snacks and treats whilst chatting
amongst themselves as they shared the latest
copies of The Daily Mail. The rhythmic sound
of coal being flung into the hearth gave the
train a rather busy atmosphere. Ms. Fleemon,
the supervisor for the boys and notorious Latin
teacher, sat away in the corner, submerged in
the eerie darkness. For some reason it seemed
to fit her as her beady eyes darted swiftly from
side to side. She looked shattered already. The
day hadnt even started.
In carriage four on the left hand side sat the
four boys of this story, Edward, John, Blake and
Joseph. They were a mischievous bunch who had
a thing for getting themselves into an awful lot
of trouble. They were eagerly discussing weird
and wacky news stories. Hey guys, come look
at this! Edward said as he gingerly popped the
last Skittle sweet of the packet in his mouth.
What is it, mate? Joseph replied. He leant over
and stared quizzically at the newspaper. Can
you believe it? Those blasted Germans have
attacked again! It was indeed true. On the page,
a headline read, WWII HAS REACHED A
NEW LEVEL AS V2 BOMB KILLS 470 IN
COVENTRY. The headline was as striking
as it was clear. Wow, Blake whispered. Now
weve got a fight.
***
They were well past halfway of the journey
as the clock struck seven oclock. Noise still
remained in the carriage but at a mellower tone.
The four were quiet and calm for once. As the
others began to shut their eyes, John, the most
mischievous of all the boys noticed a faint but
undeniable ringing sound. He slowly lifted his
head and peered out of the cramped and dusty

132 450th Anniversary Supplement Olavian 2012

window. A single bolt was rattling out of place

on the name plate which hung on the outside
of the train. He quickly tapped on Edwards
shoulder. Abruptly, Edward awoke, blinking to
regain his focus. Look! John said. That bolts
unscrewed. That plates going to come off.
Go get it then! I dare you, Edward snapped.
And so John came to his final decision.
Well, I do need a bit of action today. He
grinned to himself. Edward raised an eyebrow.
John stealthily opened the window and climbed
out, using the railings at the top of the train
for the little support he could get. Immediately
he was shocked by the force of the wind which
rapped ferociously around his ears and almost
took him off balance. John was nervous. He
was well known for doing crazy things, but this
by far was the stupidest thing he had done so
far. The train roared across the railway tracks,
leaving endless fields of British countryside
behind it. As John looked down, he gulped
nervously at the blur of track that would mean
imminent death if he fell onto it. Slowly he
edged himself over to where the name plate
hung. It took him a good five minutes, and by
the end of it his muscles were burning, almost
crying out for help. The bolt was an arms length
away. All he had to do was stretch an inch more,
just a tiny space away. He had it! But suddenly
the light was cut out as the train eased itself
around a sharp corner. It had gone underneath
a tunnel! John lost his grip and the plate slipped
onto the track, pinging off his shoulder and
landing on the track with an almighty screech.
There was a rain of glaring white sparks before
it disappeared in seconds. John shrieked out
as the pain kicked in. Blood gushed profusely
from his shoulder and his legs suddenly gave
way underneath his weight. He heard a brief
knock and a few cries coming from the carriage
window. John screamed his final scream as he
fell, further and further down below, before
landing with a thud on the tracks. He was dead
within seconds and a streak of blood splattered
onto the steam engines wheels.
The driver heard something, shrugged his
shoulders and continued on into the early
morning light

Kayo Kufeji (8H)

The St. Olaves Steam Engine

Nameplate
16th June 1940
Come on guys, lets do the final check. Make
sure absolutely everything is turned off and
locked up, we dont want anyone finding this.
Jeff Carter shouts to his employees as they
secure the now dormant MI5 base. With the
war going on, the government want every able
operative to be working as spies. The top-secret
MI5 base is no longer needed and is being used
as storage for Englands most precious goods.
All systems shut down sir, shouts military
officer John Wood. Looks like we can lock up
this place for good.
Great, Says Jeff, I cant wait to get out of
here. With all this ancient junk, its made
this base seem like a dusty old attic. Then he
bellowed, Alright then, everyone out! We are
now locking up! You dont want to be trapped
here for who knows how long. After everyone
evacuated, Jeff closed the thick steel doors
and locked them with the automatic lock on
the door. This could only be opened by the
passcode that not even Jeff knew, which was
stored in the database of a microchip Jeff put
in his pocket. Okay everyone, thats it for now,
so run off and do whatever you need to do. Jeff
went to his car, and tried to open the locked
door. Damn. He said. Where are my keys?
He reached into his trouser pockets and pulled
out a set of keys. Unknown to him, the small
microchip came out with it and fell onto the
tarmac road. Unfortunately nobody seemed to
notice and Jeff drove off in his car, followed by
the volunteer soldiers.
21st August 1943
Harvey Stuntel tried to maintain balance in
his jet. The English were on his tail, rapidly
gaining speed. He tried to shoot them down,
but theyd taken off half of his jet and Stuntel
was going to crash-land. He was dimly aware
of his engine exploding to his left. He cursed.
His plane was now on fire, and he knew he only
had a few seconds to live. As his jet went down
he aimed for the seemingly open space with a
slim hope of survival. As his vehicle exploded,
a few pieces of debris ricocheted off the once
MI5 secret base.

12th January 1956

Lets see if this new technology actually works
for a change, says Gerald Brown, fiddling
around with the state of the art item finder.
Its already programmed to track down the
microchip, so all I need to do is search these
areas. Says Brown to himself; studying the
map he was given. Well this cant be too hard.
Brown and a number of others were tracking
down the lost passcode for the secret MI5 base
in Devon. This was lost 16 years ago by a man
named Jeff Carter, who has now devoted his life
to finding it. Gerald, and some others, had been
hired by him to help find it, although they had
no idea as to where it might be. The only clue
they had was that a German aircraft had crash
landed near it and it was now scrap metal. They
had searched that entire sight but they hadnt
found a trace of it. Now they were searching
nearby towns for it in case it had been made
into a car or something.
Thats it for this town, he said as he heads
towards the train station. The next city is 14
miles north, in a town called Moontown. This
train should take me there, the St Olaves steam
engine 30938 He climbed aboard, and bought
a ticket. He decided to explore the train to pass
time. As he approached the engine, his tracking
device started beeping uncontrollably.
Excuse me, shouted a middle-aged man,
trying to be heard over the noise, but could you
turn that racket off!
Sorry sir, said Brown, but this is government
order. The man grunted and went to sit in the
next carriage while Brown tried to work out
the problem. He eventually blamed it on the
government. They should always test these
things before sending them out. Or they will
always break!.
When he got off the train, the noise finally
stopped. What a relief. Gerald said. Then the
truth dawned on him. Oh God. He said. I
must get back on that train! As quickly as he
could, he stopped a car and flashed his card.
This is the governments orders. I need to
borrow your car, and it will be returned to you
in top condition.
He was soon on the highway, in pursuit of

Olavian 2012 450th Anniversary Supplement 133

the Steam train. As he drives along, he gets

ready to jump onto the train. He jumps, and
then misses, distracted by the car smashing
into the tree and then exploding. So much for
returning it he thought. As the train speeds
past him, he quickly throws a grappling hook,
which gets caught on the last carriage just in
time. Phew he says. But as he hit the track he
starts shouting with pain as he gets thrown into
the air after every bump. As he is dragged along
the ground he reached and took a young boys
sledge, which he used to save him from the
pain. He slides along the snow until he reached
a steep hill where he starts overtaking the
steam engine. With skill, Brown jumps into the
carriage where he comes face to face with the
middle-aged man from earlier. Hello again.
He says and then rushes to the engine. Brown
whips out his device and searches from top to
bottom, until he comes to a nameplate with the
words Saint Olaves on it. This is it! Gerald
exclaims. What everyone has been waiting for.
Ive found it! The passcode! He gently removes
the nameplate and holds it in his hands, staring
at it. Then he goes to sit in the carriage to await
his journey home.
Lucas Golding Yee (8H)
Steam Engine and Olavian
His hands in his pockets, the young boy made
his way down the train, weaving in between
his fellow passengers. Flynn stopped at the
end of the carriage he was in and leant against
the door. Train journeys bored the young boy
immensely. Flynn gazed through the doors
window, searching for something to alleviate
his boredom. To his dismay, the other carriage
seemed as dull as this one.
Suddenly, a scream rent the air. Flynns breath
caught in his throat, and his heart began to
pound violently in his chest. In the carriage
across from him, a man had come to his feet.
He was dressed in rags, with a dirty face and
desperate eyes- no different than any of the
beggars and miscreants Flynn had seen on this
train. But it wasnt the mans choice of clothing
that shocked Flynn- it was the gun he held in
his hand- and how casually he had just put a
bullet through the head of a passenger.
Terrified, Flynn broke and ran. He stormed

134 450th Anniversary Supplement Olavian 2012

through the cabin, screaming at the other

passengers to run for their lives. Behind him
the carriage door flew open and a man jumped
across. His heart beating like a drum on parade
day, Flynn ran even harder. He ripped open
the door at the other end of the carriage. Cold,
country air tore at his skin and clothes and
his eyes began to water. Flynn froze. The gap
between carriages seemed huge. More shouts
rang from the man back in the carriage. Gritting
his teeth, Flynn jumped.
Only as his boots connected with the other
carriage did Flynn realize his mistake. The door
on this side did not open. Flynns blood seemed
almost to turn to ice. Turning back was out of
the question- the gunman was too close. With
horror, Flynn realized what he would have to
do. Holding back a sob, Flynn slung his leg
around the side of the train, and began to pull
himself onto the roof.
Within seconds of Flynn slumping on the roof
of the train, he had been spotted. The man yelled
something at him, but it was snatched away by
the wind. Then, the man began to climb up.
Adrenaline filling his system, Flynn scrambled
backwards. The man followed. As he gained his
balance, the man took aim at Flynn and fired.
The momentum of the train threw the shot
off wildly, and it ricocheted off the side of the
train. Another shot. This one struck the trains
nameplate, punching straight through the weak
metal. The man took aim once more. Flynn took
a deep breath. And the train rounded a corner.
The man was pitched from the train like a sack
of rocks, his gun flying through the air. Flynn
himself was thrown sidewards, and off the top
of the train. Instinct prompted him to grab the
closest thing possible- as luck would have it,
the carriages nameplate, now hanging from the
train by one bolt. Yet even as Flynn clung to it
with all his strength, he knew it would not be
enough. The plate was loosening- a screw that
had been designed to hold a sheet of metal was
now holding a teenaged boy. It could not hold
for long. Flynn closed his eyes, and waited for
the end.
His body was discovered by the tracks less than
a day later, the nameplate clasped in his hands.
The boy was given a heros funeral, and laid to

rest in a beautiful grave. Below the gravestones

inscription was affixed the nameplate Flynn had
died clinging to. Even now, his grave stands- a
monument to Flynn Preaker; hero and Olavian.

Matthew Simpson (9H)

The Saint Olaves Train

The Tonbridge/Hastings line. Miles and miles
of metal rails separated by thousands of sleepers.
Winding tracks and an eternity of narrow, sooty
tunnels. Not fit for any normal train but this
train was far from normal. The ground starts to
shake. The tracks rattle, and a speck emerges
from a line of trees in the distance. Smoke
bellows from the top, and a tremendous noise
is heard. The speck grows larger and enters the
tunnel. The train - small yet strong - powers
through, unaffected by the tunnels that are too
narrow for most other trains. At the end, the
engine erupts from a cloud of smoke and soot.
Up ahead the track curves sharply, a problem
for the larger trains. The short frame means
the train thunders round at a high speed. The
track suddenly gets a lot steeper, but the train
carries on going, pushed up the hill by the
brute force behind the machine. Ahead a
station. In seconds the train transforms from a
savage animal to a dignified beauty. It stops in
the station, and the steam shoots out onto the
platform. Now, before the passengers stood a
glorious marvel. A wonderful spectacle. The sun
glinted off the perfect, shiny boiler, and on the
sides were the two nameplates with the words
Saint Olaves. For many more years the train
ruled the rails. Constantly travelling backwards
and forwards down the line, the train never
failed to surpass its rivals. Whether it was about
power or looks, the Saint Olaves train always
came out on top.

the engine yard. The carriages were detached

and taken away. The sky seemed to turn from
a bright blue to a murky grey as the train was
pushed slowly forward by another engine. The
points changed, and the train was wheeled
down the line. The lantern beneath the boiler
swayed in the wind, a cold breeze that had not
blown before this fateful hour. Its light shone
upon a sign, and two words. Smelters Yard.
The lantern, a sign of the burning light of the
train, flickered, and died. Just days later, the
once amazing engine was now a pile of scrap.
The only two parts that stood out from the pile
of dull, broken metal were the nameplates. They
were removed from the pile, and the only two
reminders of the former glory were separated.
One was sent away and presented to the school,
but the other could not be saved.
One of the very last parts of the very special
train was melted down, and became part of
some very special gates, for a very special school.
The nameplate isnt as far away as we think.

Bradley Sawyer (9H)

The train carried on going strong for years and

years. The engine had no weakness, but nothing
can last forever. The old tracks the train would
navigate, with their winding rails and beautiful
landscape, had changed. The line now ran past
houses and buildings, the natural beauty ruined.
Also, as the train sped along, diesel and electric
trains would pass in the other direction. The
once classical, wonderful scene now gave way
to an industrial horror. For this new, advanced
world, the Saint Olaves train just wasnt good
enough. For the last time, the train arrived at

Olavian 2012 450th Anniversary Supplement 135

Top & Top left: The St. Olaves Schools Class locomotive,
No. 30938
Left: Royal Train arriving at Tattenham Corner
station on Derby Day. View southward, towards Purley
and London; ex-SE Purley - Tattenham Corner branch.
The Station is all prepared for HM the Queen to attend
the primary horse-race of the year. Her Pullman train
is hauled by a resplendant SR Maunsell class V Schools
4-4-No. 30938 St Olaves (built 7/35)

Archive footage of the organ at Tooley Street

136 450th Anniversary Supplement Olavian 2012

Top: The Orpington school in its original shape

Above: 1967/8 ( Just before the school move), Boys
sketching in London
Left & Above left: Moving from Tooley Street to
Orpington

Olavian 2012 450th Anniversary Supplement 137

Old Olavian

Contents
Editors Notes
Chairmans Report

Chris Harris

Annual General Meeting

Chris Harris

Annual Lunch

Kit Harris

History of the Old Olavians Fives Club, Pt 2

John Brown

STOGS in the Fifties

Robin Dadson

David Goulds Leave May to June 1943

David Gould

Life on the troopship Mooltan 1944

Alan Wright

142
143
144
145
149
155
163

Clubs and Societies

Old Olavians Lodge

Peter Hudson

Cricket Club Tour 2012

Lance Giles

Eton Fives Club

Howard Wiseman

168
168
172

Old Boys Notes

1950-2004

John Brown

1940-49

Leslie Watmore

In Memoriam

140 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

173
173
174

Editors Notes
2012 what a wonderful year that has been and how
privileged we are to have been able to live through
it. I am sure that there will be many of my older
readers who, like me, will have been reminded of
events during their youth: there was the spectacular
celebration of the Queens diamond jubilee and this
brought memories of my mother taking me and my
brother to sit all night on the edge of the pavement
in The Mall to watch the coronation procession on
2nd June 1953. I also remember the special assembly
held during the afternoon early in 1952 when Dr
Carrington told the whole school of the death of the
king.
The jubilee celebrations were followed by the Olympics
and Paralympics when we were all reminded of the way
in which sport can bring countries together in peaceful
competition, and we wondered at the supreme effort
and achievements of the many athletes from around
the world. I thought back to the Olympic Games of
1948 when I, as an eleven year old, first became aware
of international sport. Those games were held in
London, only three years after the war, and they were
necessarily on a much smaller and less extravagant
scale than the modern version. I still remember the
names of Fanny Blankers-Koen and Arthur Wint
who must have made some sort of impression on me
at that tender age.
Although those two major events were celebrated
across the whole country and around the world, I
must admit that my own most special day came at
a much more local level. Regular readers of these
notes will know that I have for the past thirteen years
been privileged to be the official scorer for Derbyshire
County Cricket Club, and those who follow cricket
will also know that Derbyshire have been one of the
less affluent and less successful teams in the county
championship during that time. So, when, on Friday
14th September, Derbyshire beat Hampshire and
sealed, not only promotion to the First Division of the
championship, but first place in the Second Division
by the narrowest of margins, this was a very special
occasion in my own personal calendar.

In past years I have often asked for contributions from

my readers this year three of them have responded
magnificently, and I hope that you will enjoy what they
have written. I would especially recommend Robin
Dadsons submission. He remembers, in fascinating
detail, the way life was for those of us who attended
STOGS before the momentous move to Orpington
in 1968. I attended the school a few years before
Robin, but his article brought back so many memories
of those days, upon which I suspect that the majority
of us look back more fondly than we did while we
were living through them. I especially remember, as
does Robin, many good Sundays on the north Kent
marshes and other exotic places with Geoff Chapman
and Aubrey Buck who jointly ran the Field Club for
many years.
I would also commend two further fascinating
contributions, both recalling events during WWII
David Gould kept a detailed diary of his extraordinary
adventures in the Himalayas while on leave, and Alan
Wright has reminisced on his wartime experiences in
the navy. Both of these are thoroughly good reads, and
I am sure my readers would find them worthwhile.
I am pleased to report that Robin has written a
second instalment of his recollections, and that this
will appear in next years edition of this magazine.
I hope that some other of my readers will think to
themselves something along the lines of, I could do
that, and then sit down and do it. I look forward to
receiving many more contributions next year.
As always, I give my special editorial thanks to Jane
Wells who has given me so much help and support in
producing our section of the magazine.
John Brown
Editor, Old Olavian

When I was a boy at St Olaves and living barely a mile

from Kennington Oval, I used to watch and support
Surrey, at that time one of the greatest county sides of
all time, as they won seven successive championships
during the fifties. Now, however, my allegiance has
shifted entirely to Derbyshire, and I would suggest,
in what is no doubt a somewhat biased way, that
Derbyshires, with its limited resources, is almost as
great an achievement as that of Surrey all those years
ago.
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 141

Chairmans Report
Sadly the year started with the news of Derek Standens
passing in October 2011. Derek was instrumental in
setting up the Forties Group of the Old Olavians. He
arranged their reunions and kept everyone in touch.
In Dereks absence, a lunch was booked for the 40s
group at the RAF in April. It was very well attended,
and he was, and is, much missed.

and at the school for 36 years) and Mr John Burston

(former Deputy Head, and a teacher at the school for
40 years), as well as from the Headmaster.

I attended Remembrance Service, which took place on

November 11th in the Great Hall and, as ever, it was
good to see Old Olavians attending, especially from
The Old Olavians Lodge who are always represented
at this service. I would encourage those local enough
to be at the school at about 8.30am to try to come
along in 2013. It is a solemn, but uplifting experience,
and provides another opportunity to reflect on the
sacrifices made, often by ones so young. The date is
announced quite early in the winter term, and it will
be in the newsletters.

Following the presentations, there was a chance

to look round a fascinating collection of splendid
pictures and significant artefacts in the Exhibition
put together by Chris Davies, Head of Art. It was a
wide-ranging display of times past at the school, from
the 1698 bible, to the bundle of canes from the 1960s,
from the original 1562 charter of Queen Elizabeth
1st, complete with hand-drawn portrait, to an 1851
book of calligraphy exercises. There was so much
to see and so little time, that I am hopeful that the
exhibition can be put on again in the not too distant
future.

The 450th Anniversary of the school was celebrated

in fine style last year with some excellent events.
I am told by a reliable source that the Anniversary
Concert in April in the Great Hall was possibly the
best performance that he had witnessed at the school
to date.
The following day was the annual commemoration
service at Southwark Cathedral. Old Olavians met
up in the morning to relive memories of days spent
in the Tooley Street school buildings. More than
a dozen spent perhaps an hour or more travelling
through the building and sharing or just listening to
recounted stories of Dr Carrington, Aubrey Buck,
Geoff Chapman and Butch Howell to name but a
few. We then adjourned for a quick bite to eat at the
Bridge, some with their partners, before walking the
short distance to Southwark Cathedral.
This year, of course, was very special being 450 years
since the school was founded. Although we will be
able to celebrate another 450th anniversary in just 9
years, that being the anniversary of the signing of the
Charter by Queen Elizabeth I, establishing the school
as a free grammar school. Sixth formers from St
Saviours joined the school for the commemoration
service, as the establishment of the St Olaves & St
Saviours Foundation is their history also.
The Celebration and Exhibition in the Great Hall and
Chapel in June took us back through the history of
the school and included interesting and entertaining
talks from Mr Alan Evans (former Head of History
142 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

This evening included a musical interlude from a

student Chamber trio, and the BBC Young Chorister
of the year, Olavian Richard Decker aged 13, who
sings at The Queens Chapel of the Savoy.

After 40 years John Burston, my 6th form tutor, retired,

and now only one member of staff from my time at the
school remains - Mr Archer. So it was good that they
were both able to attend the Old Olavians reunion
just a week or so ago, in September. Replying to
the Headmasters toast to the Old Olavians this year,
our guest speaker was Sir Roger Sims. He attended
the school in the 40s, served in the RAF, travelled
and then settled into a life in politics, serving as MP
for Chislehurst in Margaret Thatchers government.
He has been a governor of the school and still sings
at the school from time to time. His recollections
from his school days, travelling in Africa, and from
his time as an MP kept us both attentive and amused.
I certainly didnt know that a three line whip was
simply indicated by underlining the debate/session
on the letter from the party whip three times.
It is likely that we will return to the RAF Club in
Piccadilly for the 2013 reunion.
And so that brings us to the beginning of a new year.
The Society, and ultimately the school, is grateful to
those who remember this great institution in their
own wills. No matter the amount, the funds can
always be put to very good use.
Last year the society donated about 10,000 to the
school and, amongst many other things, in these
straitened times, it went to maintaining the services
of an instructor for the school chess club. The results
can be seen earlier in this edition of The Olavian.

Previous donations have helped kit out the kitchen

area for Domestic Science, which is not only used
for meeting the National Curriculum requirements,
but also provides for the much-needed education of
the Sixth-formers about to embark upon University
existences.
And finally, Id still like to know what else you would
like from the Old Olavians Society, preferably with
a suggestion of how it can be achieved. Write or
email via our administrator at the school, Jane
Wells at HYPERLINK mailto:jwells@saintolaves.
netjwells@saintolaves.net.
Looking forward to serving, and hearing from, you.
Chris Harris (1970-77)
Can be contacted via OOs Administrator hyperlink,
jwells@saintolaves.net

3. Chairmans Report
3.1 Membership
Old Olavians on Web Database 6928, of which
2204 have provided their email addresses. 440,
including 25 sponsorship members, have paid
full membership of 20, entitling them to The
Olavian, with a further 498 paying something.
3.2 Society Administration
This continues to be managed entirely by the
schools OO Administrator ( Jane Wells). Audit
& Magazine managed by the committee pro
tem.
3.3 Magazine
2011 edition distributed to 452 members thanks
again to the OOs section editor, John Brown.
4. Finance Report
4.1 Accounts

Old Olavians Society Annual General

Meeting, 6th March 2012
1. Minutes of Last Meeting

Agreed

2. Matters Arising
2.1 Licence to sell alcohol
With no regular usage of the Holyoak room as
licensed premises, the licence was not renewed
in November. This saves the society 350 per
annum. Reinstatement cost is estimated at 500
- 1,000 should we require it; however special
licences are available for about 25. These cover
96-hour periods and only require 2 weeks notice
to be given to the borough council.
2.2 Next AGM
It was agreed last year that the committee would
aim to hold the AGM closer to the financial year
end, and would aim for November. This was
not possible as the accounts were not completed
in time. The meeting was reminded that only
subscription members are eligible to vote. It
is still preferable to get notice of the meeting
to all members if possible, however not even all
subscription members have an email address.
Notice will still be given by email, and if the date is
known by the date of publication of The Olavian,
then it will be included in that mailing also.

General Fund
Income
Expenditure
Profit/(Loss)
Balance Sheet
Benevolent Fund
Income
Expenditure
Profit/(Loss)
Balance Sheet

2011

2010

18,204
25,523
(7,319)
36,213

19,312
9,318
9,994
43,532

2,677

0
2,677
58,519

1,873
1,725
145
55,842

4.2 Notes General Fund

Income Subs and sponsorship were up over
1500, and investment income was also up by
180.
Expenditure The donation made to the school of
13,352, a correction of 1,157 between General
Fund and the Benevolent Fund, and a restocking
of OOs ties 1,298 during the financial year
accounted for most of the increase in costs
4.3 The cost of maintaining the investments with our
broker is becoming prohibitive. They have informally
advised us that each account with them is likely to
attract a management fee of 1,000 per annum.
The meeting agreed that the committee would look
into other options. Our rules simply state that any
investments must be in fully quoted stocks. The
meeting also agreed that the committee should act,
once a suitable alternative way of holding the stocks
had been found.
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 143

4.4 It was agreed that the donation to the school

would be 9,618, in order to maintain a reduced
balance sheet of about 25,000. This includes the
Sponsorship Income totalling 2,118. It was felt
that 25,000 will leave more than sufficient cash to
meet the outgoings of the Society, without having
to sell any investments. Most of our income
occurs in the first two months of the year.
4.5 Notes Benevolent Fund
There were no requests for funds received during
the year. Discussions would take place again with
the Headmaster, regarding finding suitable uses
for these funds, remembering that the objects are
summarised as:
TO ASSIST NECESSITOUS OLAVIANS,
WHICH TERM SHALL INCLUDE BOTH
CURRENT AND PAST PUPILS AND
STAFF OF SAINT OLAVES AND SAINT
SAVIOURS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BY
PECUNIARY GRANTS OR IN SUCH
OTHER MANNER AS MAY BE DEEMED
APPROPRIATE.
4.6 Following the demise of the Old Olavians Rugby
Football Club, the OORFC committee have
asked the Old Olavians Society to maintain their
remaining funds in a separate bank account. The
money will be invested in short term investment
accounts/bonds. This money will be held for the
purpose of setting up a new Rugby Football Club
in the future. If the funds have not been used for
that purpose by 1st January 2037, then the funds
can be paid to another Old Olavians Sports Club
or to the school for projects that support sporting
activities.
5. Functions Report
The reunion dinner at RAF Club 16th September
was attended by 72. Three headmasters attended,
and a good time was had by all. The 2012 reunion
is scheduled to be a lunch at the school on 22nd
September.
6. Club Reports
6.1 Rugby Club
The club will continue to exist in a hibernated
state. 500 will not be paid to the Rugby Club
this year. Old Olavians Rugby Football Club
committee have asked the Old Olavians Society to
maintain their remaining funds in a separate bank
account. The money will be invested in short-

144 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

term investment accounts/bonds. This money

will be held for the purpose of setting up a new
Rugby Football Club in the future. If the funds
have not been used for that purpose by 1st January
2037, then the funds can be paid to another Old
Olavians Sports Club or to the school for projects
that support sporting activities.
6.2 Cricket Club
Ian Giles reported another successful tour, which
has been in existence since 1908. The 500
donation was agreed for another year. These funds
are used to assist with travel and accommodation
costs for the more junior members of the tour.
In order to promote the tour, and bring new
players to the club, a match against the school,
either in the evening or on a weekend has been
suggested.
7. Election Of Officers
7.1 There were no resignations, and the Committee
members remained in office:
Committee
Chairman Chris Harris
3 Ex-Officio Members
Paul Ouseley, Bill Prouse, Trevor Read
8. Other Business
8.1 Promoting Old Olavians Society
In order to make the current Olavians aware of
what we do for them, the Chairman will discuss
with the Headmaster ways of making the Society
more visible. Where we have provided funds, then
perhaps there should be a visible acknowledgement
that it was paid for by Old Olavians.
Chris Harris (1970-77)
ANNUAL LUNCH
As a recent leaver, I was pleased to attend my first
Old Olavians lunch. Joining in the meal excellently
prepared by the catering staff and smartly served by
members of the rugby squad, were current students
and staff, ex-staff and leavers across eight decades.
During the meal, old friends shared stories of old and
new of shared lives at the school and events in recent
years, and before and after it a wider reunion took
place. People who attended the school in different
eras were drawn together by a shared memory and
it was fascinating to listen to Olavians contrasting
experiences in the 1940s, 1960s, 1970s and the present
day.

Following the meal, keynote speaker Sir Roger Sims,

MP for Chislehurst for 23 years, gave an energetic
account of his travels and career as well as his
experience at Tooley Street in the 1940s. The schools
current headmaster highlighted the latest successes in
individual and overall achievement at St Olaves and
encouraged the Old Olavians to support the schools
work today. As the chairman (aka Dad) said at Grace,
let us be thankful for what we have.
Kit Harris (2004-2011)
A brief history of The Old Olavians
Fives Club
1928-1971
Fives: A game of handball played in a roomy court against
a wall, chiefly at the great public schools of England (origin
obscure). [Chambers 20th Century Dictionary]
As promised in last years edition of The Olavian, here
is the second part of the history of the early years of
the Old Olavians Eton Fives Club (written in 1971):
it continues from shortly after the Second World War
until 1971, when the Olavians won the Alan Barber
Cup for the first time:
Chapter 6
Maturity
The revival after the war had been a slow one, but
the roots had been so well established before 1939
that there was little doubt that the club would grow
again. As early as 1951 RA Bodey, the captain,
had prophesied that the club would attain a higher
standard in Old Boys Fives than we had ever reached
before the war if the present school team were to join
us. Jim Biggs and Ian Stuart were the school first pair
at the time: they did join us and there is little doubt
that we can now be numbered among the strongest of
all club sides.

In 1952-53, for the first time in the clubs history,

one of our own pairs reached the third round of the
Kinnaird Cup competition. Indeed in all our years,
although at least one pair, and sometimes as many
as five pairs, had been entered for this competition,
not one of them had managed a win. Our first
members to enter the Kinnaird Cup had been AHP
Holyoak and AW Thompson, and RA Bodey and JG
Ward, both of which pairs had drawn a bye in the
first round in January 1932 and both of which pairs
were defeated 3-0 at the Queens Club. In 1953-54
Jim Biggs reached the semi-final in partnership with
Old Reptonian Philip Curtis; in the next two years he
went one better and reached the final, and, in 1957,
went on to win the cup. Biggs and Curtis reached the
final again but in 1961 the Kinnaird Cup was won by
our own two Jims, Biggs and Wallis, and they went on
to repeat this twice in the next three years. There can
be little doubt that the clubs stock rose in the Fives
world as a result of their success.
Jim Biggs had always shown a talent for the game
from his earliest playing days at school and for those
who had followed his progress his eventual success
was really no surprise though nonetheless pleasing for
that. Jim Wallis, on the other hand, left school young
without having reached a particularly high standard
of play. By application to the game, coupled with
his extraordinary ability to keep the ball in play, even
with the most ungainly of styles, he managed to reach
the top flight in Fives. It is worth remembering that
he first reached the Kinnaird Cup final some ten
years after leaving school, and now ten years later the
same two Jims are still one of the top two pairs in the
country.
In June 1958 a dinner was held to celebrate the clubs
twenty-first playing season and Jim Biggs success
in winning the Kinnaird Cup. This occasion was
so successful that it was decided to hold another
dinner to celebrate the thirtieth year since the clubs
inauguration. Thereafter it was decided that we need
seek no reason to hold a dinner: the dinner itself was
reason enough. Every year since then, therefore,
there have been some most enjoyable evenings in
Westminster, Tooley Street or the Petts Wood area.
R.A. Bo Bodey resigned as captain in 1958 after
ten years which had seen the club achieve a greater
standing than that reached at any time earlier in the
clubs life. Much of the credit for this must go to
Bodey for his enthusiastic approach. He was well
supported during the greater part of this period by
Doug Keeble, the secretary, who was particularly
good at persuading the young talent at school to come
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 145

and sample old boys Fives. Bodey was succeeded as

captain by Jim Biggs who had contributed so much
by his ability on court to help to achieve the clubs
improved standing. It was during his six years as
captain that tours were revived as a regular feature.
There had been two earlier tours, one in 1955 when
four bachelors played Berkhamsted one Saturday and
King Edwards School, Birmingham, the next day;
and a second in the following year when, in atrocious
weather, two stalwarts, Doug Keeble and John Harvey,
visited and lost to King Edwards School and Repton.
The first of the new tours was a visit to Stratfordon-Avon with matches against Old Edwardians and
Old Berkhamstedians, both of which were drawn.
This tour took place in 1959 just a week after the first
stretch of the M1 had been opened. There was no
speed limit in force then and Jim Wallis frightened
the life out of the writer of this article by driving at
over 120 mph most of the way.
In 1960-61 a second tour was added to the fixture
list when we stayed at Worthing following a match
at Charterhouse and one of Mark Cregeens meals in
Godalming: we played pitch and putt at Worthing
before travelling on to Lancing for another match
on Sunday afternoon. This last-named tour has
continued ever since with variations only in hotels
and the number of players, while the Midlands
tour underwent several changes, both of opponents
and resting-places. The most popular hotel was
certainly that provided by Jack Sayers who lived in
Sutton Coldfield for a few years and provided us with
superb beds and breakfasts. When he moved south
again the taste for Fives in the Midlands was not so
strong, and this tour, which later included Repton,
was not continued.
For a short time three tours were run: in 1964-65, for
example, four pairs visited Charterhouse and Lancing
in October, four pairs played against Old Edwardians
and Old Berkhamstedians in November, and two
pairs went to King Edwards and Repton in January.
By 1967, however, the Birmingham tour had lost
its popularity, although with better cars and roads a
really long-distance tour to Shrewsbury and Repton
was introduced in the same year and this too is a tour
which is still going.
There can be little doubt that one of the reasons that
the club has been able to extend its fixture list has
been the advent of the motor car. Over the years the
club has been blessed by a succession of wealthy and
willing car-owners who have transported members
to all parts of the country for the sake of a game of
Fives.
146 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

Tribute has already been paid to Jim Biggs playing

ability: to his captaincy he brought almost as much
energy and certainly as much enthusiasm. As well as
developing the tours he was keen to see the fixtures
increased in number and widened in scope. More
teams were invited to play on our courts at Tower
Bridge and gradually the number of matches and
distances travelled became larger. In every season but
two, 1929-30 and 1935-36, the club had won more
games than it had lost, but now the proportion of
games won to games lost began to rise almost yearly.
It is interesting to trace the development of the
fixture list in the post-war years. All three of the
schools which were played in 1948-49, St Olaves,
Charterhouse and City of London have been everpresent opponents except that Charterhouse missed
one season, 1951-52. The Old Citizens have been
played twice every year since 1949-50 and have
always provided us with the sternest opposition, until
in 1967-68 a third match was arranged with them.
The Old Chigwellians have played us regularly every
year since 1950-51 apart from a two-year lapse in the
mid-fifties. The Old Aldenhamians, too, played us
in that season, but did not appear regularly on our list
until 1956-57. Mill Hill School were played in 1951
but the game has never been regarded as a major one
there and their name has appeared only four times
since, the last occasion being 1967.
The 1951-52 season saw the introduction of five
new matches: Old Cholmeleians, amongst our most
regular and best-liked opponents; the Jesters, a must
on the fixture list of any self-respecting club; Old
Harrovians, who beat us easily and did not play us
regularly until 1956-57; Old Reptonians who have
played us in at least one evening match in every year
since then; and Old Westminsters who arranged
matches with us throughout the fifties and again
twice in the mid-sixties, but who found it increasingly
difficult to raise teams as no young men joined them.
In 1953-54 new games were played with Old
Carthusians, who have been with us ever since, and
Harrow who have provided regular opposition since
1956-57.
Eton were played for the first time in 1954-55, but
only for three seasons, until the fixture was renewed
for two further years in 1962-63 and again in 196768. Repton, too, were played this year and the next,
though not again until 1963-64.
Our first visit to Oxford came in 1956-57 when two
pairs played the University, but Oxford was not visited

again until 1961-62 when two pairs met the Peppers,

the Universitys second team. The full Oxford side
was not played again until 1965-66. Two pairs from
King Edwards School, Birmingham, visited us in
January 1957, again in 1961, and every year since
1963. We took three pairs to Berkhamsted in 195657 and have been there every year since then, usually
with five or six pairs.
In 1957-58 we went to Marlborough, an excursion
to the west which we repeated in the following six
years and once more in 1967-68. The game is only
played by one house at Marlborough and they seldom
provided us with worthwhile opposition so the fixture
has lapsed. For the first few years of this fixture Larry
West would join us at Hungerford and, after playing
in the match, take us all to his home near Newbury
for drinks and snacks. This much appreciated event
was brought to an end by the untimely death of
Larry in 1961. For a short time there was an Old
Marlburian Fives club which met us at Marlborough
and in London, but this too was unable to continue
after 1965-66.
There was one remarkable afternoon towards the end
of the 1958-59 season, when the Old Citizens, Old
Cholmeleians and Old Olavians all met at Highgate
to play in a Triangular Tournament organised by
Gordon Stringer, that celebrated Old Citizen. Six
pairs from each club played against their opposite
numbers from the other two clubs, the result being
chaotic but enjoyable. The idea has never been
repeated.
The Old Berkhamstedians came into being in 195960 and have developed into one of our more respected
and reliable opponents, while we went north to play
the Old Edwardians at Edgbaston for the first time
in this season, and they too have always been strong
opponents until the last two or three years.
There were five new fixtures in the 1960-61 season
when we met Cambridge University Penguins at home
and Cambridge, the Old Salopians, Lancing College,
Stowe and Westminster City School. We have played
the first three named every year since then, and Stowe
in most years, while Westminster City were regular
opponents until 1968-69, since when their interest in
the game seems to have died.
Old Stoics joined the ever-increasing ranks
of opponents in the 1961-62 season and Old
Westminster Citizens followed them in the next year
as did Lancing Old Boys and Old Uppinghamians
in 1963-64. Old Cranleighans appear on the card

for four years starting in 1964-65 including a visit to

their courts in 1967.
The full Cambridge University team was first played
in 1965-66 which is the same year that saw the
reformation of Old Emanuel Fives Club. In 1966-67
the Old Ipswichians were started and are now playing
regularly at home and away, while Imperial College
made a brief and ineffective appearance on the scene.
1967-68 provided us with our first sight of Shrewsbury;
we played Emanuel School for the first time post-war
in 1968-69; in 1969-70, thanks to the Barber Cup
draw, we came face to face with the Old Etonians at
long last; and in 1970-71 we played Highgate and
Aldenham schools for the first time.
In July 1960 Dick Spooner and Neil Davenport left
school and started playing regularly for the club. They
were the first of several good players to join the club
during the sixties, and the strength of all pairs began
to improve considerably.
When Jim Biggs resigned as captain in 1964 after six
successful years, his place was taken by Dick Spooner
who applied a fresh and enthusiastic mind to the job.
For Dick Spooner, Fives is not a game which provides
gentle exercise and enjoyment, but one in which every
opponent, ledge or ball is seen as an instrument of
destruction which must be destroyed before they are
able to do their own destroying. Not a smile will
be seen or a kind word heard on a court on which
Dick Spooner is playing. Off the court, however,
he is almost normal and he has spent many hours in
thinking of ways in which the lot of members and
the results of the club can be improved. Much of
his waking life since his election as captain has been
spent in thinking of ways in which the Old Boys
knockout competition, later known as The Alan
Barber Cup, could be won. The club has had a series
of misfortunes in this competition, however, and our
hopes have always been cruelly dashed.
The first inter-club knockout competition took place
in 1936-37, but the Old Olavians were beaten 3-0 by
the Old Citizens in the first round; in 1937-38 they
lost 1-2 to The Wyverns in the second round, having
had a bye in the first round. The war brought an
untimely end to this competition and it was not until
the 1964-65 season that the idea was revived by the
EFA. Our results in these games can be read in full
in the appendix.
The first club tournament took place on 17th March
1934. Fourteen players entered and were divided
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 147

into two sections, the strong and not so strong: pairs

were formed by drawing one player from each section.
The pairs then played a knockout tournament, each
match being decided by the best of three games. The
score in the final which was between Bodey and SC
Edwards and Waring and Norkett was 14-17, 15-12
when fading light brought play to an end for the day.
The match was finished one Thursday evening four
weeks later when Waring and Norkett emerged as
winners. They were presented with Silver Spoons
after the Match with The School on 14th April. The
club continued to hold a tournament twice a year (in
April and October) until the war, and it was revived
as an annual competition in April 1948. The system
was changed in April 1952 to an American System
where everyone remains in the competition for about
five rounds until the four with the best records are
discovered and put into a final round. This method
has continued with only slight variations until the
present day. The spoons are now known as the
Cregeen Spoons since Mark Cregeen first generously
presented the club with enough silver spoons to last
for over a dozen years (first presented in 1963).
In April 1968 the first of our Invitation matches was
to have taken place: this was originally the brainchild
of Neil Davenport who had suggested that we should
arrange a match against chosen and well-liked
individuals from several clubs who should provide us
with stiff opposition on our new courts at Orpington
and then with friendly company at a dinner afterwards.
Our first efforts to arrange this seemed doomed to
failure. First it was difficult to find twelve guests who
were all able to play on the appointed day, but once
this had been done, we found that the courts were not
going to be ready in time, and the project had to be
cancelled until the following season when the whole
procedure had to be gone through again. When the
first of these matches was played in October 1968 it
was so successful, however, that it has been repeated
each year since and looks likely to be a regular feature
of the Fives calendar.
Another club tournament for the Joe Ward Tankards
was introduced in season 1971/72 in recognition of
the services rendered by this much-loved President of
the club.
The move of the school from Tower Bridge to
Orpington was viewed with some apprehension
by club members. It meant the loss of the courts
on which the club had played its best Fives, and it
seemed likely that we would be unable to keep many
of our popular midweek fixtures since our opponents
would not want to travel to Orpington after a hard
day in the City. There is much correspondence on
148 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

the files between the secretary, the Headmaster, the

Education Officer and Norwood Technical College
which tells the story of how we tried to keep the use
of the courts at Tower Bridge, but in vain. The chief
difficulty from the running-of-the-club point of view
was that no-one could give a definite date for when
the courts at Orpington would be ready. We were
told they would be ready by September 1967, then
October, then the middle of January, then the end of
February, then an indefinite date in the future, and
then by May. It was not until 11th June 1968 that we
first hit the ball on these courts. All this meant that
we were never sure where our next home game was to
be played. We had to leave Tower Bridge at Christmas
1967, and for the rest of the season played our home
matches on other courts in London - at Westminster,
Wandsworth and Highgate: even Spoonsday had to
take place at Highgate.
However our earliest fears about the move to Orpington
proved to be unjustified: the courts are much cleaner
and provide good playing conditions in all weathers,
while there can be no courts in the country (world?)
which provide better viewing facilities for spectators.
The number of midweek fixtures actually increased as
more matches were arranged on the Westminster and
Emanuel School courts.
Several times during the clubs history there has been
talk of how to instil more urgency into the play at
practice sessions. One method which was tried but
soon faded was the November Handicap of 1959 in
which players were given a plus or minus score according
to their ability, and they started each game with a credit
or debit score. In 1970 it was agreed to play, for a trial
period, only set fours who could then proceed to play a
proper match, best of five games. This too had a mixed
reception, but the experiment continues.
The most important match in the history of the Old
Olavians Fives Club so far came on Sunday 25th April
1971. This was the final of the Barber Cup and was
to be played on the Eton College courts against the
Old Edwardians. The Old Eds had won four recent
finals so they were clear favourites on the day, but the
Olavian team of Jim Biggs, Jim Wallis, Dick Spooner,
Neil Davenport, Ray Toomey and Roland Williams
all excelled themselves and the match was won 3-0.
This was a fine performance which delighted the Old
Olavian supporters. One feels that our founder, Bert
Holyoak, would have been proud of them; the Old
Olavians Fives Club had come a long way since that
day in November 1928 when Holyoak waited alone
on the courts for another three players to join him in
a game of Fives.
John Brown (1948-55)

STOGS in the Fifties

On a typical early September morning in 1954 I
stood, with approximately ninety-nine other boys
of a similar age, behind the gates of the somewhat
imposing red brick building which still stands to this
day adjacent to the southern end of Tower Bridge.
We were, of course, the latest annual intake of students
to St Olaves and St Saviours Grammar School for
Boys and I think it is fair to say we all awaited our
fate with a certain nervousness. I remember quite
clearly the first boy that I spoke to as we stood in that
group, and those few words we exchanged led to a
lifelong friendship. We kept in touch for somewhere
in the region of fifty years until, unhappily, I had the
sad honour of composing a tribute to him which was
published in The Olavian following his sudden death
about five years ago when in his early sixties.
The main recruitment area for the school lay in the
south-eastern suburbs of London stretching as far out
as Eltham and Bexley although a few foreigners did
come from the other side of the river and had to cross
that busy waterway in order to get to and from school
each day.
Before very long we were all instructed to enter the
building through the main entrance. This was the
last time a boy would enter through this door for
several years, maybe never again, as it was reserved for
staff and the most senior monitors. Other monitors
and sixth form students were permitted to gain access
through the covered playground which was under
the building to the left of the school and was used as
a car park by those few staff members that had a car or
motor cycle. Any boy below this level was required to
walk along the front of the school and enter through a
side door. We were directed into the main hall which,
with its panelled walls and beamed ceiling, seemed to
resemble the great hall of an Elizabethan nobleman
complete with an upper gallery running around three
sides of the hall at first floor level. This was actually
known as the balcony but it was as good as a gallery.
The fourth side of the main hall was formed by a
number of long windows built on top of an outer wall,
perhaps eight feet in height, and stretched from the
top of this wall up past the first floor to upper ceiling
level and looked out onto Tooley Street. No doubt,
as Good Queen Bess herself had placed her seal on
the foundation document of the school nearly 400
years earlier, this was the whole intention but it all
seemed very grand to boys that had grown up in south
London. There were a number of classrooms leading
off the balcony which had windows on their opposite
side facing north towards the river. Little could be
seen, however, due to an extremely high wall which
formed part of a then very active warehouse as, in

those days, the Pool of London was still an extremely

busy dockland area.
In no time at all the newcomers were split up and
allocated their individual forms which were entitled
1A, 1B and 1C. There was no consideration of ability
at this early stage; this would come later, and I was
delighted to find that my newly-found friend whom
I had met by gates had been allocated to 1C along
with myself. By sheer coincidence there was another
young lad allocated to my form that I already knew
as we had previously been in the same Cub-Scout
pack in Denmark Hill where we both lived. We
were also allocated to our individual school Houses
all of which were named after former benefactors of
the school as follows: Bingham, Cure, Harvard and
Leeke. There was a short phrase circulating in order
to help new recruits remember the four house names
Dr Harvard Cured Mrs Binghams Leeke. I found
myself in Harvard house which was allocated green
as the house colour whilst the other three carried
red, yellow and blue as far as I can recall. This led
to two very healthy, separate reasons for rivalry in
sporting events and other competitions. Each form
had loyalty from its members in inter-form events
but, equally, members of the same form could become
deadly rivals when inter-house events were involved.
During the 1940s and 1950s very popular reading
for boys were books featuring fictitious schools - who
hasnt at least heard of Billy Bunter and Greyfriars or
Tom Merry and St Jims? St Jims had two houses,
namely School House and New House, which were
always depicted as great rivals. Although St Olaves
had no such houses there was a New Building and
I regarded this as putting STOGS on a par with the
famous, all though fictitious, St Jims.
Every boy had already met the headmaster of the day,
the formidable Doctor Roger Clifford Carrington,
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 149

when interviewed for a place at St Olaves and they

were now introduced to his very strict rules which
were applicable from the very start without any
relaxation whatsoever.
Late arrival at school in the morning was a very
serious offence and the outer gates were closed each
day precisely at a certain time. A boy might be seen
running as fast as possible down Tooley Street and
be but a hundred yards or so from the school but
the gates would be shut at the appointed hour and
he was deemed late. This resulted in an interview
with Dr Carrington but it was no use making up
excuses such as a train being late as he would ring the
railway authorities to verify the story and, if the train
had been on time, there would be dire consequences.
As Carrington himself commuted to London Bridge
Station from Penge he had a fair idea of what was going
on with the train services so you had to be very wary.
A genuine problem on the railway would, however,
be accepted. If the few boys that lived north of the
river found that Tower Bridge had been raised and
they were obliged to divert over London Bridge and
arrive late at the school as a result, this was deemed no
excuse. Carrington maintained that they should never
have relied on Tower Bridge in the first place and the
offence of laziness would be added to their late arrival
and the penalty calculated accordingly.
There were both morning and evening religious
assemblies every day in the great hall which followed a
time honoured ritual. Each form had its own allocated
position in the hall with the more junior forms at the
front and the higher forms positioned to their rear
in progressive ranks until the most senior forms were
reached at the very back. A long open space was
reserved down the middle of the hall and it was here
the school monitors (prefects) stood with the school
captain at the front and the lesser monitors lined up in
single file behind him. There the entire school would
stand, staff and students alike, awaiting the entry of
Dr Carrington. His arrival would be announced by
the ringing of a hand-bell by the school janitor as the
headmaster entered through a door which was faced
by the whole assembly. He would then proceed to
climb a few steps in order to take his place on a fairly
large dais from whence he conducted the service.
There was always a group of boys lined up before this
dais and Carrington would give them a curt nod of
dismissal at which they would file out of the hall and
thus not participate in the forthcoming service. These
few boys were of other faiths and I recall at the time
wondering how such students had got into St Olaves
in the first place as it was very much a Christian school
with close connections to Southwark Cathedral. The
service would commence and consisted of the singing
150 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

of an opening and closing hymn and the reading of a

lesson from a large bible, which resided on a lectern
to one side of the dais, by one of the monitors. The
hymns were sung to the sounds of the school organ
which was accessed from the first floor balcony, sited
immediately above the dais and usually played by
the music master. After the religious aspect of the
assembly had been concluded the boys of other faiths
would return before proceedings ended. Carrington
would dismiss the monitors first with a curt nod
followed by each form in turn being given permission
to leave in the same manner. The only real difference
between the morning and evening assemblies was that
after the morning gathering Carrington would make
any relevant announcements concerning the school.
On reflection the whole procedures could be likened
to a Royal Navy warship in the Napoleonic era with
the captain being initially piped on board before
conducting prayers and then addressing his officers
and crew from an upper foredeck.
Lunchtimes were taken in two separate sessions at
folding tables which were set up in the main hall.
A long line of tables placed immediately under the
windows was reserved for the staff and monitors and
was mainly occupied during the first dining session
with Dr Carrington sitting at the head. It was made
very clear on day one that first-form boys were strictly
forbidden to talk at the dinner table until such times
as Dr Carrington, commonly referred to as The Old
Man, gave his permission for them to do so. This
rule normally stretched right through the first term
so it meant around a hundred eleven-and twelve-year
old boys had to sit in absolute silence as they dined
for three months. Some found this impossible and,
if caught by Carrington, they would be introduced
to his magic wand which turned naughty boys into
good ones, in theory that is. The meals were served
by boys from the middle school forms acting as
waiters on a rota basis and the food was dished out by
dinner ladies who stood at long tables in one corner
of the hall. Seated boys awaiting food were required
to order their meal from the waiter allocated to their
table who would then fetch the required meal from
the dinner ladies. Occasionally a waiter might get
an order wrong and fetch something a boy did not
like, maybe cabbage for instance, but every boy had
to eat whatever was on his plate come what may.
This most likely came from the immediate post-war
situation when many food items had been rationed
and it was frowned upon to waste anything at all.
Two or three masters officiated at each meal session
and a boy was obliged to obtain a masters permission
before his plate could be passed down the table and
placed in a pile to be carried away and washed. A

more lenient master might nod his head to indicate

that a boy was permitted to leave a little on his plate,
but any individual who had misbehaved in class could
well find such permission was not forthcoming and
he had to stomach whatever was before him. The
hall was a hive of activity at lunchtimes which could
lead to unfortunate situations. On one occasion a
waiter carrying several full dishes turned away from
the dinner lady serving sweets and either tripped or
collided with another boy. The sum result was the
plates spilled all over the unfortunate waiter leaving
him dripping in custard from head to toe. On another
occasion a group of boys became quite rowdy on the
first-floor balcony and engaged in a bit of pushing
and shoving. Sadly for them they were immediately
above the dinner ladies serving area in the hall below
and a satchel fell from the balcony and landed in a
large container of custard. Only the most senior boys
were allowed to remain in the school buildings during
the lunch period unless given special permission so
the thunder was going to roll. The storm broke after
assembly that evening when Carrington announced
the names of several boys whom he wished to interview
the following morning. The whole school knew
exactly what that meant, six apiece, and the culprits
had around eighteen hours to contemplate their fate.
There was a large concreted playground around the
school building together with some fives courts and
those boys not dining played various games either
before or after their lunchtime meal. Boys allocated
to the second dining session were required to queue
up along the warehouse wall until they were allowed
to take their seats in order to eat. The rule forbidding
access to the school building during lunchtimes applied
even during the most adverse weather conditions so, in
winter time, unless it was pouring down or snowing
heavily, you were outside for an hour or more, no
matter how cold it became.
To illustrate the sort of thing that was quite acceptable
during my time at St Olaves I would like to mention
an incident which I am certain would have caused
absolute uproar in 2012 and may well have been
brought to the attention of their MPs by irate parents.
It should be made clear that there was a very strict
dress code with regard to what was worn to school and
the official supplier of the school uniform had a small
outfitters shop in London Bridge Station Approach.
Parents were directed to this establishment and I
believe I am correct in saying it was the only place
where the school badge, cap, scarf and tie could be
purchased along with a rugby shirt in the appropriate
house colour, in my case green, and a school rugby
shirt which was black. Every pupil was obliged to
have all of these along with regulation black blazers,

grey flannel trousers, black shoes and grey or black

socks. I distinctly remember how parents remarked
on the extortionate cost of those items they were forced
to obtain from this outlet although black blazers,
trousers, shoes and socks which complied with the
rules could be purchased from alternative suppliers at
half the cost. Outer coats were required to be black
or grey in colour and conform to the rules and dufflecoats of any kind were strictly forbidden. Now the
mid-1950s were not so very long after world war two
and there was a great deal of army surplus stock on
sale at very reasonable prices. Duffle-coats had been
very popular with the Royal Navy and were worn in
abundance by all sorts of civilians when they became
readily available. It was only a matter of time before
some boys started to wear them to school on freezing
winter days and, as nothing was said, the practice
spread. Please remember at the time efficient central
heating was a rarity and it was virtually unknown in
private households many of which still relied on open
coal fires. Things came to a head one particularly
cold winters day when the thermometer had fallen to
well below zero and it was snowing. After evening
assembly all boys went to the cloakroom to collect
their coats before returning home only to find every
duffle coat had been confiscated. In his wisdom Dr
Carrington refused to return them that evening so all
the lads that had worn them to school in the morning
had to travel home with just their blazers and flannels
for warmth. There was a subsequent outcry by parents
but this came to nothing as school rules, of which they
were completely aware, had been broken. The duffle
coats were handed back after a short time but were
never seen again on a pupil commuting to St Olaves.
There were no sporting facilities as such at the Tooley
Street site apart from a gymnasium, four fives courts
and, of course, the tarmac playground. Swimming
lessons were held at Grange Road public baths which
were about a fifteen-minute walk away and cricket,
rugby, tennis, athletics and the like took place on the
school playing fields at Dulwich some three miles or
so distant. Most boys participated in some sort of
sporting activities on the tarmac playground during
their daily lunchtime break which ranged from
football using a tennis ball, cricket which was played
with a tennis ball and using a hymn book as a bat with
a wicket consisting of a bin, crate, box or anything
else that came to hand. There were also games of
tag using a tennis ball to hit any one of the many
opponents involved who then took over with the ball.
Being boys the idea was to fling the ball at someone as
hard as possible in the hope of knocking his head off.
Conkers were very popular in the autumn and nobody
ever seemed to get hurt. The only game I ever recall
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 151

being banned was called something like High Jimmy

Nacker. A team of about eight boys would bend
over from the waist in the fashion of a rugby scrum
using a convenient wall as a support and the opposing
team would then run at the scrum one at a time
and leap onto the backs of those bent over against
the wall. The idea was to collapse the scrum with as
few of your team as was possible but quite often this
had not been achieved with all eight aboard. It was
then quite acceptable to bounce up and down until
the scrum had collapsed and all sixteen boys were
in a struggling heap on the ground. The thought of
broken backs, necks or injured skulls through going
clean over the scrum and hitting the wall never
seemed to occur to anybody and there was quite a lot
of resentment when Carrington, quite rightly, banned
the game. There was another traditional activity at
St Olaves when newly enrolled first-formers, known
as the weeds, were cordially invited to come and view
the famous St Olaves tadpoles. Such invitations
came predominantly from the newly-promoted
second-year students who, of course, were no longer
weeds. The actual dastardly game involved enticing
an unsuspecting weed into an isolated washroom and
then sticking his head under a tap which was turned
on covering the victim in cold water. A very unlucky
weed might suffer the indignity of being shown the
tadpoles that lived in the toilets which involved the
flushing of the loo but I will say no more!!!! The
practice was officially frowned upon but nobody
did very much about it provided there had been no
aggressive bullying as the monitors had suffered the
same fate perhaps seven or eight years earlier and so
turned a blind eye.
One day each week all the forms of a given year were
required to make their own way to the sports ground
at Dulwich after lunch for a sporting afternoon.
On their sports day pupils would all have attended
the first-session at lunchtime and then spend the
afternoon participating in the sporting activity of
the season. This really meant cricket in the summer
months and rugby during the winter and nobody
was excused unless there was a valid medical reason.
There were a number of ways of getting to Dulwich
from Tooley Street which were as follows - by train to
either West Dulwich, East Dulwich or Denmark Hill
then walk the mile or so to the grounds or alternatively
by taking a number 78 bus to Peckham then changing
to a number 37 which dropped you off within a few
hundred yards of your destination. It sounds easy, but
all routes were fraught with danger. True to style Dr
Carrington required every boy to present himself at
Dulwich in good time but trains could be cancelled or
Tower Bridge could be raised thus causing unforeseen
delays to the buses. Over and above this it was a
152 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

school rule that no more than two boys should occupy

an individual train compartment and, on occasions
the normal eight-coach trains could be reduced to
four. It was not unknown for Carrington to appear
at London Bridge and join the Dulwich-bound train
in order to ensure rules were observed.
In many ways the grounds at Dulwich were quite
magnificent compared to the facilities enjoyed by
many other Inner London schools of the era but there
were also marked disadvantages which would not be
tolerated in 2012 and I will come to these later. I
seem to recall there were four individual pitches,
so four separate games of either cricket or rugby
could be played out simultaneously. Unfortunately,
to the north of the grounds was a gradual slope
beyond which lay Denmark Hill and, as a result of
this terrain, the grounds could become waterlogged
following heavy rain or snow. Fear not, however,
for the boys of St Olaves were not deprived of their
weekly sporting activities as, at such times, they were
despatched on a circular cross-country run which
took them through Dulwich Village, round the park
and back. Alternatively they could be directed to run
up Greendale, which was an unmade muddy track
leading up the northern slope, where it joined a tarmac
road and took you to Denmark Hill then back past
East Dulwich station. The latter route was shorter
but did involve the climbing of the slope as opposed
to the flatter route around Dulwich Park. Masters
positioned themselves at intervals along the chosen
route and, if any boy was caught cutting the distance
short, at the very best he would be sent off to do the
whole run for a second time. As I have said every
able-bodied boy was required to actively participate
in sports which could lead to amusing situations. I
myself have always been very short-sighted and thus
obliged to wear spectacles. This was not so bad in
summer when cricket was on the agenda nor was it a
problem with cross-country running, but rugby and
glasses simply do not mix. In spite of this Robin was
going to be made to learn to play the noble game of
rugby come what may, and I can still recall looking
up at this huge games master named Mr Howell and
being told so in no uncertain terms. The said Mr
Howell had earned the nickname of Butch from us
juniors for obvious reasons. A very funny incident
occurred some years later as a result of this eyesight
of mine. I was wandering around one cold winters
afternoon in my capacity as one of the wingers in an
inter-form rugby match. Blinking upwards at the
fuzzy-looking sky, which was completely out of focus,
I spotted the ball sailing high above me. Clearly
someone had given it a hefty boot and it was rapidly
heading for the oppositions goal-line. For some
inexplicable reason everyone else was slow off the mark

after the mighty kick and I was the only one chasing
it. Eventually it dropped to earth a few feet from the
goal line. This was going to be a certain try for yours
truly, and right between the posts as well. I rushed
forward to gather the ball when, to my astonishment,
it flew away. Damn thing was actually a pigeon. The
best bit was walking back down the whole pitch to
the astonished looks of twenty-nine other players plus
the master who was acting as referee.
There was another more serious incident on the rugby
field when one chap, who had the notorious reputation
of always running in the opposite direction to the ball,
inadvertently caught it one afternoon when he got in
the way of a misplaced kick. Edmondsons got the
ball came the cry (name changed for obvious reasons)
and all twenty-nine other players immediately flung
themselves on the fictitious Edmondson who was
flattened to the ground. When the refereeing master
got us all off poor Edmondson he could not walk and
was immediately carted off to Dulwich Hospital where
it later transpired he had multiple fractures in one leg.
But, as I have said, we were all going to learn rugby.
The disadvantages I mentioned earlier were the
changing facilities which consisted of two wooden
structures, one of which was about half the size of
the other, and I cannot recall either having any sort of
heating installed. I suspect they were left over from
WW2 and may have housed troops or anti-aircraft
crews during that conflict as they were both adjacent
to the railway line which formed the southern border
of the grounds. Alternatively they may have been
purchased after the war and re-sited at Dulwich in
order to provide some sort of changing facility. Snacks
and drinks could be purchased at a small tuck-shop
which was housed in the larger hut, but showering
facilities were minimal and, even then, hot water
virtually unknown. With around a hundred boys
attending every sports afternoon it was usually quite
difficult to get to have even a cold shower and not
infrequently I remember washing down the muddy
bits that showed at a standpipe out in the open air.
There were two highlights of the year consisting of the
Masters v Boys cricket match and the school sports
day. In actual fact the masters could field a pretty
good cricket team and never disgraced themselves
when playing against the schools first eleven.
Basil Taylor, who was of Anglo-Indian descent, was a
damned good batsman and Geoff Chapman a steady
medium fast bowler. If I remember correctly Butch
Howell was a useful all-rounder, but other names
escape me. There was never a Masters v Boys rugby

match - I wonder why?

I have few memories of the annual sports day as
athletics were never really one of my skills. The two
things I do recall were one boy having to be taken
to hospital after he had wandered into the shotputt area and had one bounce off his head. To
everyones amusement the sports master who had the
responsibility of driving him to hospital was more
concerned about blood dripping onto the upholstery
of his new car than the severity of the injuries.
Fortunately these were by no means severe although,
being head wounds, they bled profusely. Another
highlight was assisting Mr PG Ramm, maths master,
to get his ancient car going. He was a very pleasant
young man, possibly on his first appointment, who
had immediately been awarded the nickname Piggie
as a result of his initials. Judging by its looks his car
might well have qualified for the London to Brighton
Rally and seldom started without trouble but, at the
annual sports day, there were always plenty of eager
boys anxious to volunteer to give it a push. Once
the thing got rolling everybody was treated to a series
of grunts, rattles and bangs until the engine literally
exploded into life and Piggie trundled off followed
by clouds of smoke to the sound of rousing cheers.
We also had an annual swimming gala at Grange
Road Baths which is when I came more into my own
as I had been a regular swimmer since teaching myself
at Camberwell Baths from about the age of seven or
eight. No glasses again, of course, but that didnt
matter in a swimming pool and I enjoyed representing
my house on several occasions.
There were a number of out-of-school-hours activities
such as a chess club, an RAF cadets squadron and
many others. I joined The Field Club which was run
by Geoff Chapman, a geography master, and Aubrey
(Michael) Buck who taught biology. Mr Chapman
was a keen ornithologist and led groups of boys on
bird-watching expeditions at weekends, mainly to
the north Kent marshes. Mr Buck, who was very
diminutive in stature but a giant amongst men, oversaw
various weekend expeditions when we participated
in fossil-hunting at various disused quarries and
clay-pits scattered around the home counties and
also visited other venues such as the River Lea and
the River Mole where we studied fresh water-life.
It was all very educational and I was surprised just
how easy it is to find fossils if you know what you are
looking for. It also gave boys from Inner London the
opportunity to enjoy a day out in the fresh air - there
were frequent smogs in London in those days - and
was also great fun. I do recall chugging back one
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 153

winters evening just before Christmas from the North

Kent area behind an ancient steam-engine heading
for Gravesend where we would pick up the train for
London Bridge. I think we had been out to a place
called Cliffe on the old Sheerness branch where we
had been fossil-hunting all day in a disused chalk-pit
under the supervision of Mr Buck. The train was
limited to just a few very old coaches which were
quite crowded so we boys sat in the corridor in order
to allow adult travellers the limited number of seats.
We were all very tired but started up a sing-song and
were delighted when several other passengers joined
in including Mr. Buck and we had a most enjoyable
journey as we rattled merrily on our way.
Yet again occasional amusing events occurred whilst
out on these expeditions. There was one time when I
believe Geoff Chapman came very close to throwing
one youth, whom I shall call George for the purposes
of this narrative, into the Thames Estuary. We had
gathered at London Bridge Station to catch a train for
Gravesend where we changed onto the branch line for
the North Kent marshes and a day of bird-watching
when George suddenly realised he had failed to pack
anything to drink. After a bit of faffing around I
think Geoff lent him some money to enable him to
buy something from the station buffet. All was well
until George realised he needed a bottle-opener to get
at the contents of his bottle and he then proceeded
to drive everyone barmy by worrying about finding
one as none of us had brought along such an item.
Once at our destination George was ordered to stay
well to the rear of our little party where his constant
worryings could not be heard. Some hours later we
all stopped to eat our packed lunches and George kept
ranting on about opening his bottle. In the end Geoff
told him to go away in no uncertain terms and leave
the rest of us in peace. George vanished accordingly.
We munched away in silence for fear of frightening
off the bird-life when Geoff shushed us into being
even further silent. It cant be, he whispered Boys
I do think that over there is the very rare North Kent,
lesser-spotted oohmegoolie bird which has only been
seen on two occasions since 1931. Ill just adjust my
binoculars to confirm my suspicions. Before poor
old Geoff could raise his glasses to his eyes there was
an almighty crash and the distant bird took off at a
rate of knots. George then appeared from behind
some bushes with a wide grin on his face, a large rock
in one hand and a bottle with the neck missing in the
other. Opened it, he announced happily as Geoff
visibly fumed, totally speechless.
I also joined the Life Saving Society and practised
at Grange Road Baths under the supervision of Mr
Wilby, Physical Training Instructor. Boys could
154 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

achieve a series of levels of proficiency in very

worthwhile skills.
Dr Carrington had always carried an air of absolute
authority and he would only have to appear on the
balcony and overlook the hall for it to fall into absolute
silence in seconds. Years after I had left school I
bumped into Butch Howell, the giant of a man who
had taught me rugby. As I shook his hand I looked
down upon his medium-sized frame from my own 6
3 and things suddenly fell into perspective. I also
kept in touch with Basil Taylor, the talented batsman,
but said a final goodbye to him in a nursing home in
Sydenham where he was suffering from Alzheimers
some fifteen years ago. So sad. Geoff Chapman and
Aubrey Buck also stayed within my list of contacts and
they both lived to a ripe old age. Geoff retired to his
home town of Axminster, but we spoke on the phone
for many years. Sadly, for a person so interested in
bird life, he lost his sight in his latter years and finally
passed away in his nineties. Dear old Aubrey - I
looked him up by chance at his address in Edgware
when I was in the area on business some twenty years
ago. We had exchanged Christmas cards for decades
but the look on his face when I introduced myself was
amazing. I was invited in for a cup of tea, met his
wife, and when I left he had tears in his eyes from
realising I had remembered him for so long. One
very interesting fact came to light, however, during
our conversations which was that the entire staff
were all as terrified of Carrington as the boys were!!
Aubrey passed away some four years ago, a few days
short of his hundredth birthday.
My final observation is on just how much the world
has shrunk since the 1950s. Field trips were available
during some school holidays and groups of students
from St. Olaves went as far afield as Flatford Mill in
East Anglia and Slapton Ley in Devonshire. Very few
boys had actually been abroad and some had not even
seen the sea. There were no numerous jet-airliners,
and package holidays to places like Spain were just
starting to be marketed. I myself did not cross the
channel until I was in my early twenties and it took
until I had retired in 2008 to get any further than
Florida although I had seen the wonders of ancient
Greece. I have since made up for those earlier years
and have now been all around the world, but I find it
interesting to read in The Olavian of present school
expeditions to South Africa and other distant shores
we could only dream of sixty-odd years ago. Are
present students luckier than we were? I think not,
for what is normal to them may seem very run-ofthe-mill to those attending St Olaves in 2100 as they
return from their Easter scientific trip to the moon.

All I can say is that in the Great Hall in Tooley Street

in the 1950s there hung two framed editions of the
school songs. One, of course, was Olaf to Right the
Wrong and the other was entitled Forty Years On.
I remember discussing the implications of the latter
with my teenage contemporaries and they seemed
beyond belief. Well here I am nearly sixty years
on, wondering where the hell they all went, and still
remembering so vividly that typical early September
morning way back in 1954. Such is what STOGS
is made of.
Robin A Dadson (1954-59)
David Goulds Leave: May - June 1943
In last years edition Tony Gould, son of David
(1923-32), wrote to tell us of the death of his father
in February 2011 at the age of 98. He sent us a
copy of the diary which his father had kept during a
month-long period of leave while he was serving in
India during the war. We feel that this is well worth
reproducing for younger generations of Olavians to
share.
Tuesday 11th May, Karachi - After 18 months
continuous service, interrupted by three days casual
leave, my 31 days war leave in India began. Alladin
awakened me at 05:00hrs and, having put the final
touches to the packing, we left the mess and caught
the 07:30 train for Lahore at the Cantonment station.
This journey to Lahore, running relentlessly through
the heart of the Indian Desert is probably the hottest
and dustiest in India and, having already completed it
three times before, I steeled my heart to twenty five
hours monotony and discomfort. The windows never
fit exactly and through the interstices the dust pours
in just as if a March wind has blown over a pile of
ashes.
Wednesday 12th May - I arrived in Lahore at 08:30hrs
and spent twelve hours at Falettis Hotel, impatiently
awaiting the departure of my train to Delhi. My only
travelling companion was an R.I.A.S.C. Major who
taciturnly contented himself with a Good Evening
and thereafter held his peace.
Thursday 13th May, Delhi - On reaching Delhi at
08:30hrs, I proceeded by a horse-drawn carriage to
the Cecil Hotel, where Wilfred had booked me a
room for the day, warning me that this was the last
taste of luxury that I might expect for a month. There
I breakfasted in royal ease and bathed in one of the
two bathrooms inside my room. The rest of the day I
spent swimming and sunbathing in the pool pleasantly
situated in the grounds of the Cecil. Wilfred called at
tea-time having come straight from his office. Over

two years had elapsed since I had last seen him as a

Guardsman in the Welsh Guards. He had become
much thinner as a result of living in the heat of Delhi.
He described me as strong and brown and compared
himself with Da Vincis pale scholar bent-of-back. We
reminisced about the Welsh Guards securely laughing
at the far-off unhappy days of humble servitude.
The train for Bareilly was packed to suffocation and
people in the 3rd Class carriages were standing and
sitting on the running boards. A Parsee 2nd Class
passenger ousted from the compartment into which
he had climbed, sought asylum with us and promised
to retire on reaching the next station where he hoped
that with a policemans help, he would obtain justice
against the scoundrel who had thrown him out and
then ungraciously encumbered us with his goods
and chattels. At the next station, the gentleman,
having meanwhile contrasted the amicability of our
compartment with the hostility of the one next door,
leaned out of the window, poured abuse on deaf ears,
proclaimed that he had been outraged and that justice
would prevail, then thinking that this display of injured
innocence would enlist our sympathies and lull to
sleep our memory of his promise to retire, he relapsed
into the comfort of his seat, indignantly mopping
from his brow the perspiration which his mimic anger
had caused. He further displayed his gratitude to
our kindness by stumbling over our luggage to the
compartment door at every halt throughout the night
and shouting with a stentorian voice Koi barf wala
hai?, Barf Wala kahan hai? (Wheres the fellow
with the ice?) Though, repeatedly awakened and
very resentful, I kept my patience and endeavoured
to sleep. There was one pleasant feature in a journey
that was otherwise tedious. About an hours journey
from Delhi, we saw frequently in the long grass
beautifully feathered peacocks in twos and threes
enjoying the liberty afforded by the veneration of the
local inhabitants.
Friday 14th May, Bareilly - We arrived at Bareilly
at about 05:00hrs. After wending our way through
the sleeping bodies on the platform, we found the
1st Class waiting-room and drank tea and shaved.
Wilfred had discovered that the bulk of our luggage
which had been put into the brake at Delhi, had gone
astray. He had made a frantic effort to telephone
back and a railway official, on receiving a handsome
tip, had given Wilfred an assurance that all would
be well. We were, however, very anxious when we
took our seats on the narrow-gauge railway. About
thirty miles from Kathgodam, we were refreshed by
the first sight of the hills. As our luggage did not
arrive with us, at Kathgodam we decided that Wilfred
should proceed with the first bus to Ranikhet to make
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 155

preliminary preparations for our expedition and that

I with Alladin should await the arrival of the next
train. We waited in vain for the first train and, as the
next train was not due until the morrow, Alladin and I
took the bus to Ranikhet. After three days travelling,
in the plains in May, I was much relieved to be driven
up a serpentine road, partly sunlit and partly shaded,
which promised to bring me to a cool place, but my
expectations were dampened when some British
soldiers on leave from the Eastern Army declared
that there was nothing to do in Ranikhet. On arrival
at Ranikhet, I went straight to Mrs Brownes - here
I found Wilfred as I had hoped. Mrs Browne is the
local secretary of the Himalayan Club, and the widow
of an Indian Army Officer. Though in the evening
of her life, she is young in mind, enthusiastic about
climbing and characteristically wears slacks. She saw
that we were tired, offered us tea and soon dispelled
our gloomy forebodings by assuring us that our kit
would arrive the next day. She indicated where we
might buy stores, how we might engage porters and
from whom we should obtain small change. Although
we often had to accept a row of ten stamps as change
in railway stations, buses and restaurants, we could
scarcely expect the porters to accept stamps.
Saturday 15th May, Ranikhet - In order to intercept
our luggage at the DAK bungalow where we were
staying, we undertook to act as sentries and stop
every bus as it came up. Wilfred and I did a couple
of hours each and Alladin did the next. Wing
Commander Smyth who was to join the expedition,
arrived suffering from high fever and stated that he
would have to spend a fortnight in hospital. Wilfred,
Tony and I held a conference; Wilfred stressed the
importance of our leaving the next day. Tony had
brought equipment and food for a month for three,
fearing that we might be inexperienced in preparing
for a Himalayan trip. He gave us sleeping bags,
ice-picks, wind-proof suits, rope, climbing boots
and many kinds of tinned foods. From his stock of
6,000 cigarettes, he gave us 2,000 for the coolies. I
volunteered to go and order the bus for 05:30hrs next
morning and I was overjoyed on inspecting a newly
arrived bus to find that all our lost luggage had arrived.
When I reached the DAK bungalow, I saw Wilfred
negotiating with the porter contractor and weighing
out our luggage in 80 lb loads. As there were just
eight loads, we engaged eight Dothial porters. These
come seasonally from the mountains of Nepal and
work for one to four rupees a day. They are hardy,
willing, bare-footed and wear the same clothes in the
cool of the morning as in the heat of midday. As
I was doubtful whether Alladin was capable of the
physical exertion which I had anticipated, I decided
to leave him behind in Ranikhet.
156 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

Sunday 16th May, Ranikhet - At 06:30hrs, a rickety

bus containing two officers, eight porters and at least
800lbs of luggage bounced and jolted out of the DAK
bungalow. Our five hours journey was thrilling and
precarious. The engine roared as we climbed steeply
and the chassis rattled as we plunged downhill; repeated
blasts on the horn echoed in the hills as we rounded
hairpin bends; now we looked down valleys 1500ft
below into which we might plunge precipitously,
if there were any mechanical defect in the steering
and now we could descry in the distance Kamet,
Nandadevi and the snow-plumed crest of Trisul. On
our arrival at Garud, the villagers swarmed around
our bus and so great was the multitude of onlookers
when I gave instructions to the booking clerk that I
felt I was addressing my Company. When we left
Garud, at 12:00 hrs, we adopted the following order
of march. Wilfred led, followed by the eight porters
and I brought up the rear. Wilfred and I carried
rucksacks in the orthodox European manner over
our shoulders whereas the porters bore the main
weight of their loads on their foreheads by means
of a strap. This method restricts the movement of
the head and compels them to lean forward, but they
go with amazing speed and energy up and down the
steepest mountain paths. Barefooted they never slip,
and never complain of gravel, rocks, mud or thorns.
After five and a half hours marching in the heat of the
afternoon we arrived at Gwaldam (7,000ft). We had
covered eight miles only, but as we had gone up and
down continuously I felt more tired than I used to feel
after a twenty-mile route march in the Welsh Guards.
After our evening meal, which the porters prepared,
we distributed a handful of cigarettes. Contentment
reigned around the camp fires until night fell. We
crawled into our tents and were soon asleep.
Monday 17th May, Gwaldam - Having risen at
05:30hrs we drank some tea and ate a slice of bread.
We arrived at Debal (4,200ft) at 11:00hrs after an
easy journey that was mainly downhill. We chose a
delightful camping ground on a sward at the rivers
edge and spent the rest of the day swimming in
ice-cold water and sunbathing. Some boys attracted
by our caravan, the tents and the tins of food, gathered
round and I spoke to them. Two boys aged about
14 revealed that they wished to join the Army and
enquired whether I could enlist them. They were
so eager that they professed to be 18. Later a man
came bringing gifts of milk, potatoes and onions.
He informed us that his son was sick, so we gave
him two pills from Wilfrids medical box. He was
apparently so satisfied with the success of the pills
that he afterwards sent us a fish that he had caught
in the river.

Tuesday 18th May, Debal - We were up at 06:00hrs,

struck camp and were away by 06:40hrs. We marched
up the valley for three hours and then breakfasted
from fish, chapattis and onions. The porters always
made our chapattis. They take a quantity of flour, add
a little water, and knead the dough in a bowl. Then
they detach a lump, roll it into a ball and throw it
from one hand to the other, until it assumes the shape
of a pancake. This is then thrown on a hot flat metal
disc as big as a meat plate. After baking both sides
they remove it from the disc and drop it among the
burning logs. Having brushed off some of the ash,
they hand it to you piping hot. We could not eat
butter or dripping with these as the butter immediately
melted, but quince jam was delicious. Owing to a
lack of water at Lohajang (8,200ft) we pushed on
until we came to a mountain stream (7,300ft). Our
site commanded a magnificent view over miles and
miles of mountain forest. The Sherpas included in
our evening meal the ferns they had collected during
the day.
Wednesday 19th May, Lohajang - When a Sherpa
called me at 05:30hrs with a cup of tea, I discovered
that I had been bitten ferociously during the night.
I was constantly being stung whereas Wilfred was
rarely troubled. As we rolled up the tents, so the
smell of the nettles we had crushed became pungent.
Having earlier discovered the value of marching in
the cool of the day we set off at 06:10hrs in order
to have breakfast at Wan (8,200ft) about eight miles
distant. As we went we reminisced about the Welsh
Guards and saw the sun rise over the hills at an
elevation of about 30o. En route we met Mr Davies
who suggested that we might go to Bhuna where
there was excellent hut accommodation and whence
an excursion to Trisul would be possible. When we
arrived at Wan the Sherpas had our breakfast ready.
Wilfred and I bathed in a pool of pellucid water
and afterwards gazed at the hills which rose sharply
to heights ranging from 10,000ft to 13,000ft all of
which except the very highest were thickly grown
with pine.
At about 14:00hrs we continued our journey to
Bhuna. As the porters, who had already marched
eight miles, could reasonably consider their days
work over, we decided to distribute cigarettes and
money as baksheesh. The track to Bhuna rises to a
height of 12,200ft, over 4,000ft above Wan. It goes
through magnificent country and at about 10,000ft
rhododendron trees grow in great profusion, the
flowers of which were in full blossom, and spread
on the ground was a velvet carpet of mauve peonies.
Every step we took, we climbed three inches and if

the path had been a consistent gradient we should

have had to take over sixteen thousand steps to reach
the summit of the pass. As a matter of fact, the path
goes up and down and all you lose in height has to be
made up later. As we encountered no streams for the
first three hours of climbing, we offered our thirsty
porters water from our flasks, but being Hindus they
refused. They were not rewarded for their strict
adherence to their religious customs until an hour
later, when we chanced upon a trickle of water on
the mountainside. As we ascended beyond 11,000ft
I became increasingly weary and took two steps for
every breath. My disappointment grew with every
bend I turned when I saw the path winding up another
mountain slope ahead. Finally, having passed the
tree line, we reached the summit of the pass and were
rewarded by a magnificent view of Trisul, snow-clad
and resplendent in the westering sun, and to the left
thirty miles away the Kamst and Badrinath group of
mountains perfectly clear in outline, towering above
us at a height of 25,000ft. We were enraptured by
the vision of this majestic range of mountains rising
above intervening clouds, like a heavenly castle.
As we descended toward Bhuna, 1,200ft below the
summit of the pass, every step I took was accompanied
by a dull ache at the back of my head. I ascribe
this weakness and discomfort to inadequate eating
arrangements. Up at 05:30hrs I had marched four
hours on a cup of tea and then another seven miles
climbing to 12,200ft with one moderate meal taken
at 11:00hrs. The combined effect of the altitude and
the empty stomach produced the feeling of fatigue
and sickness. My heart, breathing labouredly and
feeling that there was little blood in my head, I was
very thankful when I reached the Forest Department
bungalow at about 19:00hrs. After eating half a
chapatti which I could scarcely swallow and drinking a
cup of water I felt a little restored. When the Sherpas
brought the porridge I ate about half my ration. I
fancied some tinned grapes, but although I recognised
the excellence of the flavour I could not really relish
them. With few words, I raked over some straw,
unrolled my sleeping bag and slipped in. I vaguely
wish that I were in the valley below, but soon sleep put
my troubles to rest.
Thursday 20th May, Bhuna - I was awakened at
about 07:30hrs having almost slept the clock round
and enjoyed breakfast in my sleeping bag. Wilfred
and our porters went down the valley to Sataul to buy
vegetables and to have clinkers put into my boots to
make them safe for rock climbing. I washed socks,
took photographs and decided to make up my diary,
but horse-flies and ordinary flies so pestered me that
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 157

to keep them off my body was a full-time job. My

legs had already been savagely bitten by a small bloodsucking fly that seems the most obnoxious. General
Bruce regretted that the anatomical structure of flies
was such that they did not squeal when he killed them.
I was exasperated to the degree of vindictiveness.
When I had the good fortune to strike down one
of these brutes as it hovered around me I had the
great delight in hearing the crackle as I focused my
magnifying glass on its convulsing body. The marvel
was that there should be so many flies at this height.
In the afternoon Brigadier Williams, a Lieutenant
Colonel and his wife arrived with a vast train of
porters. I was diffident about meeting the lady as my
beard was about a week old. When I told Wilfred
on his return, he regretted the arrival of Piccadilly
Circus.
Friday 21st May, Bhuna - We set off early for Bagchor
Karak (12,300ft) taking the two Sherpas and four
porters. As we intended to live two days in the snow
above the tree-line, we all collected huge bundles of
firewood, which, clumsily strung over our rucksacks,
encumbered us especially when passing through
narrow ravines. After about four hours climb, during
which we rose 2,000ft, I began to tire. On and on
over boulders and snow we went. My Sherpa would
go forward over the snow and make footsteps. Often
however, treading in his footsteps with my greater
weight I would sink into the snow up to my knees
and sometimes, when the snow covered a hollow, up
to my thighs. I began to discern which snow would
hold me and which would not, and I soon learned to
handle my ice-pick to prevent my slipping hundreds
of yards down the icy slopes. The exertion and glare
of the sun gave me a slight headache.
Saturday 22nd May, Bagchor - Wilfred and Gialjin,
the Sherpa who had been up to the North Col
(24,000ft) Everest, set out about 06:00hrs to do some
high altitude climbing on Trisul. They took the Meade
tent and pitched at 16,600ft. Wilfred wrote his diary
and regretted that he had brought neither tobacco nor
reading matter. I arose at a more gentlemanly hour
and greatly improved my technique in crossing snow.
In about an hour and a half I reached a local summit
some 1,000ft above the camp and could not refrain
from gazing at the majesty of the dazzling snowcapped mountains. After about an hour the glare
gave me so severe a headache that the descent was
purgatory. That evening Piccadilly Circus arrived.
Sunday 23rd May, Bagchor - I had agreed to climb
and meet Wilfred on his way down, but after the
ill-effects of the previous day I determined not to
158 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

go beyond a height that I could conveniently stand.

Angfourba and I climbed one of the lower ridges
(14,000ft) of Trisul. At this height I soon began to
feel weak and with a splitting headache it was as almost
as much as I could do to reach the camp. Above the
vegetation line there was neither tree nor bush to give
a moments relief from the glare of the sun. Having
arrived back at camp I placed a groundsheet over the
tent roof, and a gas cape over the tent pole and guy
ropes, and crept in under the shade, preferring to suffer
the heat of the oven rather than the glare of the sun
through one thickness of canvas. While I lay with
my eyes closed listening to the constant roar of the
mountain stream as it plunged down the rocky gulleys
to the valleys below, a member of Piccadilly Circus
came to invite me to dinner thinking that Wilfred
would not return. I thanked him but assured him
that Wilfred did intend to return and would expect
me to dine with him. Wilfred attained 18,000ft on
the pyramids of Trisul. Gialjin declared the climbing
more difficult than on Everest. I was envious of their
exploits and disappointed, but nevertheless thought it
wiser to return to Ranikhet a fit man, having achieved
a height of 14,000ft rather than to return triumphant
but exhausted. Balls of hail, the size of marbles, fell
during supper and before we went to bed the whole
mountain and valley were enveloped in a huge inky
cloud.
Monday 24th May, Bagchor - Wilfred got up at
07:00hrs. The Sherpas brought in tea, chapattis and
porridge, in which they had thrown the remainder
of the monkey-nuts. Three porters arrived about
09:00hrs and, to prevent their waiting in the rain, I
got up. Loaded with 80 lbs each and barefooted, they
made as good progress over snow, grass and boulders
as I did. Their footwork is excellent over boulders
which may slip or crack when they bear the weight
of a mans body over huge tufts of grass which may
conceal stones or gaps and along the flinty paths as
we dropped steeply into the Bhuna. From there I
watched a storm six miles away over towards Nanda
Ghunti. From the clouds were falling dark columns
of rain which, caught at a lower altitude by wind,
fanned out like the folds of a vast curtain drawn to
one side.
In a talk with the Dhotials after lunch I learned that
they came from their native Nepal for as long as four
years to act as porters before going back. I enquired
their names and ages: Nagia, head man, tough and
reliable, 26; Jogia, young, strong and cheerful, 24;
Arzan, wizened, skinny but hardworking, shyly
laughed when addressed, 32; Doljit, big but declining,
39; Shiv Mal, average good type, 24; Kora Singh,
understudy to Nagia, 34; Dollu & Gutia, unobtrusive

hard workers, 30, 25. That afternoon I filled my

water-bottle, flask and kettle with hot water and had
a complete bath, the first since Wan. As the Sherpas
were due to leave the next day we had to discuss their
pay. They asked for five rupees each a day. As they
had been up Everest and we did not know their rates
of pay, we gave them all they asked for and wrote off
the amount as an unnecessary luxury.
Tuesday 25th May, Bhuna - The next day an
unimpressive and self-appointed guide took us down
to an ex-Subedars farm in Sutol. Anticipating our
arrival the Subedar had made preparations. A blue
quilt had been placed on a big seat made of earth.
On the quilt was a bowl of bilberries and more flies
per square foot than I have ever seen before. From
the door and windows of a mud house five yards away
there peeped from time to time modest women and
shy children. The Subedar gave us milk and butter,
spinach and fruit. His conception of duty as a host
was not confined to gifts of fresh farm produce. He
stayed with us all day long. I feigned interest in the
Hindi version of Fauji Akhbar and suffered him to go
painstakingly through every Battalion of the Baluch
Regiment reading the number, rank and name of every
sepoy NCO, VCO and officer killed or wounded or
taken prisoner. Next he related his exploits in the
last war; he had been to France and Egypt and could
take an interest in the Tunisian victory, which had
just been celebrated. The latest news that he could
give me was that of the 16th of that day I had left
Ranikhet. He had married four wives, because the
first, then the second, then the third had failed to give
him male issue. His fourth union had been no more
blessed than the others. On his mountain farmstead
he had six buffaloes, six cows, thirty sheep and some
goats. The cultivation of the land was the province
of the women. He spent his time at the manly
occupation of spinning and in conformity with the
rest of the farmers and shepherds he carried, wherever
he went, his spindle and coarse wool. Ex-Subedar
Umaat Singhs kind consideration finally culminated
in negotiating the purchase of a sheep for us, and he
used his influence to persuade an unwilling shepherd
to accept rupee notes. The shepherd complained that
he had nowhere to put them except in his hand. I felt
too that the shepherd thought notes were a suspicious
abstraction to be avoided if tangible coins could be
given in their stead.
Wednesday 26th May, Sutol - Accompanied by our
self-appointed mountain guide, we set out next day
along a valley to approach Trisul from the southwest. We travelled six hours through untrodden
jungles.
I experienced the following difficulties:

led by the guide, who despite his unprepossessing

appearance and incomprehensible language, knew
the mountain jungle as a bus driver knows his route;
then followed our eight porters and I brought up the
rear. At an extremely difficult obstacle we would
close like a concertina, then as each man surmounted
the obstacle we spread out. Once I was left behind
and for trees and undergrowth I could not see ahead
and for the roar of the torrent and the booming notes
of the coppersmith bird my voice did not reach my
companions.
A second difficulty was to remain on ones feet. The
guide would cut the bamboos 1-5 feet from the
ground. Many of them were 12-15 feet long. If
they fell parallel to the line of advance one tended to
slip forward or backward according to the slope of the
hill, whereas if they fell athwart one would slip to the
right or left. I kept thinking of the prayer, If we have
slipped, permit us not to fall. As a matter of fact as
we were never on level ground but always climbing
or descending or skirting hills we were all falling
Sahibs and porters and Mana the sheep.
A third torment was the danger from low overhanging
trees. The more protection a topi gives from the sun,
the less the field of view it affords, and mine was
certainly designed to protect me from the sun. The
result was that as I was groping my way forward
studying the ground for my next footstep so with a
shuddering crash my head would collide with the
branch of a tree or else a bamboo suddenly released
by the preceding man asserting all its malevolent
resilience would strike my face with a vicious swish.
Shiv Mals eye was cut in this way.
Fourthly we were ever apprehensive that if we slipped
we might fall foul of the bamboos cut at three feet
pointed like spears at our bellies or else become
impaled on the bayonets cut at one foot.
Finally compelled by the density of the jungle we
made our way along a path skirting a precipice, about
6ins wide, consisting of loose earth held together by
bamboo roots.
For six hours we struggled and battled, crawled and
kneeled, pushed through undergrowth back first,
sweated and shed blood, and finally having covered
four or five miles, we halted in sheer exhaustion and
pitched camp. Our sheep Mana lay down too tired
to move. One hour later all gathered in a circle for
the ceremonial slaughter. A sacerdotal atmosphere
was created when the Hindus took pieces of burning
charcoal from a blazing log fire to placate their deity.
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 159

Dollu slipped off his jodhpurs, sharpened his curved

knife, seized the sheep between his legs, gripped its
mouth and hacked at the jugular vein. The spurting
blood was caught in a bowl and offered steaming to
the sahibs. I dissuaded Wilfred from drinking. The
head was chopped off and the sheeps body, wool and
all, was cast into the fire. Jogia directed operations
at the fireside. He broke legs in twain, cut them off,
washed them, ripped open the belly, extracted the
heart, liver and kidneys, using his hands and one small
knife. Two men tore out the entrails with the same
nonchalance as they might collect firewood. Each
man had now lighted his own little fire. Some placed
on their fires bowls of saltwater in which they threw
heterogeneous parts such as eyes or bits of entrails,
the appendix or a chunk of tongue, while others as
the work progressed, fling titbits according to their
fancy into the burning embers, then, rummaging with
their bare fingers in the fire, they would extract and
eat their tasty morsel covered in charcoal and ashes.
That evening, as Wilfred and I sat in the setting sun
in our clearing overarched with pine trees enjoying
heart, liver and kidneys, we agreed that we had never
eaten sweeter or tenderer meat.
Thursday 24th May, Jungle - We journeyed for five
hours through even more difficult country, forcing
our way over ground overgrown with rhododendron
bushes and bushes of the prickly variety. Once on
a hillside I slipped and fell octopus-like and my legs
and arms and head became entangled in the branches.
The gradient was so steep and the ground so slippery
that I could not use my legs. Around my head the
branches and undergrowth were so thick that, far
from being able to move forward, I could not extract
my arms to resume a position consonant with human
dignity. By dint of careful easing here and a judicious
tug there I was able to disentangle myself. None the
worse except for a few scratches I pushed on in the
wake of the others.
We arrived at a clearing suitable for camping at
13:00hrs and Wilfred and I regaled ourselves with
chine. In the afternoon Wilfred displayed abounding
energy by making a four hours reconnaissance of the
next days route. Realising that I was on the eve
of my last chance to climb a creditable height and
mindful of my disappointment at Bagchor, I decided
to conserve my energy and read The Mill on the
Floss until Wilfred returned. In the evening, amid
the serenity of the Himalayas, I bathed naked in an
icy mountain stream.
Friday 28th May, Base Camp, 11,500 ft - After
climbing up a steep rock-face, parts of which were
160 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

almost perpendicular, we pitched our tent on a ridge

(13,900ft). We had left all trees behind at our base camp
and were now living on the confines of the snowline.
When the porters had returned to the base camp, I
tried to light a fire with juniper wood, but it was so
damp that I had no success. That afternoon Wilfred
made an excursion to a glacier a thousand yards below.
From our tent there was a magnificent panorama.
On the left rose the twin peaks of Nanda Ghanti,
then slightly to the right a high pass some 15,000ft
on which two porters had recently died of exposure to
the cold, and then in front of us beyond the glacier the
vast mass of TRISUL surmounted by its snow plume,
towered 10,000ft above us. Throughout that day and
night avalanches came grating and rattling down the
mountainside and, as frozen masses of snow and ice,
stones and rocks gathered momentum, so the roaring
crescendo was taken up and reverberated among the
mountains like thunder.
Saturday 29th May, 2nd camp point above glacier
13,900 ft - Wilfred awakened me at 06:00hrs asking
me to cooperate as he wanted to light the primus in
the tent. We warmed up some bully and potatoes
which he had cooked the day before, but, when he
reached for something outside the tent, he upset the
saucepan of cocoa. Our blankets were inundated
and we had little to drink that morning. We set
off at 07:00hrs over stunted juniper bushes and snow.
I felt in good form but could have wished that my
boots, like Wilfrids, had clinker nails. By 08:30hrs
he had already begun kick-stepping and zigzagging
over the snow which was variously one to two feet
deep. About halfway up the peak Shananian Shankar
our route lay over a series of boiler-plate slabs on the
edge of a precipice. These boiler-plate slabs are fairly
smooth convex rocks encrusted in ice but, where the
sun has melted the ice, they are bare and of a crumbly
texture. On such a surface I had little confidence in
my boots unfitted with clinkers. Wilfred proceeded
over the first in a masterly fashion, taking 15-inch
steps and slipping back three or four inches at every
step. Having reached the top, he laid onto the rope
and I went up rather against my better judgement,
but exhilarated that I was doing things that I had
never dreamed of. The next was much more difficult.
Wilfred went up as if he had been a fly on a wall.
Then I began securely fastened by the rope. My boots
would not grip, and, when I tried to crawl forward on
hands and knees, I slipped back towards the precipice.
I could maintain my position only by the contact of
my whole body with the rock.
Having somehow manoeuvred into a new startingpoint, I began desperately to move up using hands,
belly, knees and feet on the little purchase there

was, while Wilfred tugged at the rope with might

and main. After that we had half an hours kickstepping and zigzagging up a snow-covered slope. I
kept retarding Wilfred as, less experienced than he, I
kept sinking knee-deep and waist-deep into the soft
snow. I became so tired that I could hardly extricate
myself and scarcely wanted to, but Wilfred plodded
ruthlessly on and on, and, as I was fastened to him by
the rope, I was determined to go on until I dropped.
The elevation attacked me violently. At last I had to
ask Wilfred to halt. We sat down and he consulted
his altimeter. Owing to some barometric interference
it read 15,850 ft. I was completely exhausted and
confessed to Wilfred that I could not manage another
700ft. Not willing to let me be defeated he offered
me some bully, but I had not the strength to bite and
masticate. I let a cube of sugar melt in my mouth.
Seeing that I was unlikely to improve, even if he could
afford to give me an hours rest, he decided to climb
the peak alone. When he had departed, I felt cynical
about my fond ambition to climb a point higher than
any in Europe without previous mountaineering
experience. I had set that as the culminating physical
achievement of the expedition. Within ten minutes
Wilfred was back and to my astonishment claimed to
have reached the peak. He estimated the peak to be
about 150 ft higher just above a false crest. Surely I
could reach it. There was no need of a rope.
I accepted the challenge, resolved at any cost to make
the effort.
In five minutes I was standing on the summit of
Shananian Shankar 16,586ft above sea-level. This is
a triangulated height and we corrected the altimeter.
We could see Bhuna some 6,000 ft below, but the
view began to be restricted by approaching cloud. I
was thrilled to have reached the summit, thought of
Mont Blanc 15,780 ft, then I decided that I must face
the problem of the descent. The elation at having
achieved my objective somewhat offset the effect of my
tiredness. From the summit northwards the mountain
slopes down gradually until it meets the glacier. The
whole way is covered with snow. Wilfred decided
that glissading down this slope would be the quickest
and least fatiguing method of making for camp. He
stood on the surface of the snow, dug his ice-pick in
behind and slipped gracefully down on the surface for
about 500 yards. I was not so successful with the
standing position so adopted equally good results in
the sitting position. To stop I had merely to press
heavily on the pick. After three minutes glissade I
would stop to recuperate my strength and in that time
I would cover some 600 yards. If I had felt strong
I should have been fascinated by this novel method

of descending. Sometimes, if I thought there was

little likelihood of my feet striking a submerged rock,
I would allow my speed to increase to ten miles an
hour. Then I would lose hold of my pick, flounder,
stop and make my painful way 50 yards uphill to
recover the pick. We halted together once and rested,
then glissaded another 400 yards. To my anguish I
discovered I had left my woollen gloves behind at the
last halt, Wilfrid chivalrously went back for them as
I would rather have paid for them than climb all the
way back. At 14:00hrs we reached camp No 2 and
were greeted by the porters. We had reached the
summit at 12:00hrs, and had taken only two hours
to come down in contrast to the five it had taken
to climb. I attributed my success to a combination
of three factors (i) Wilfreds moral support; (ii) my
increased acclimatization; (iii) the fact that on the two
days preceding the climb I had eaten meat. Before we
left this high camp I dropped my pack inadvertently
on the ground and it rolled downhill and by virtue
of its rotundity kept rolling. To my consternation
I noticed my camera bounce out. At last it came to
rest about 600ft below. Gutia dashed after it and
retrieved both pack and camera. The view-finder
window was broken and the snap release missing, but
otherwise all was well.
Wilfred decided that he would look for the snap
release, not so much for its intrinsic value, as for its
usefulness and irreplaceability. Among the juniper
bushes he might have searched a week in vain, but
fortunately discovered it within two minutes after
arriving at the spot which we had noted. We arrived
at our base camp at 17:30hrs feeling fit and strong.
I took out The Mill on the Floss and for half an
hour lived in the domestic simplicity of 19th century
England.
Sunday 30th May, Base camp 11,500 ft - We left the
base camp for the return journey through the jungle
at 09:00 hrs. The heavens opened and drenching
rain fell. At first the deciduous trees gave us some
protection, but soon the merest contact with a bush or
bough released a shower of rain upon our heads. After
an hour I was soaked to the skin. Water collected
between my pack and the back of my battledress and
slipped down through my shirt and was partly caught
by the waist belt of the battledress and partly in the
turn-ups of my trousers. Everybody was slipping
about uncontrollably; our sodden clothes made us cold
and our spirits fell. After three hours unremitting
rain we chanced upon a huge rock in a clearing in the
jungle, the face of which was overhanging a shelter
some ten yards long and two yards wide. With the
dry leaves we found under the rock we lighted a fire,
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 161

then pitched the tents tying the guys onto branches

of trees, removed jackets and pullovers, massaged our
damp bodies to restore the circulation, aired shirts,
shorts and stockings torn impatiently from the
rucksacks and handed round to the porters windproof
suits, pullovers and scarves. That afternoon we read
in our rock cave while our trousers, socks and sleeping
bags were airing. We had hung them on a rack formed
by two small uprooted firs lodged against the face of
the rock. Night fell before the airing was complete.
Monday 31st May, rock SW of Trisul - The Dhotials
awakened us at 06:00hrs next morning. They gave
us our breakfast and sat around ostensibly packing
and doing odd jobs. They were in fact so familiar
that they had gathered round for a kind of dressingparade. One would hold my socks over the fire for
the last minutes airing before handing them to me,
while another would singe my trousers endeavouring
to be equally helpful. It was a fine morning and after
three hours delightful journey we arrived at Sataul.
We noticed from Sataul that the snow now lay on the
mountains as low as 11,000ft. Before lunch I had a
bathe in the rushing mountain torrent and washed all
our socks, handkerchiefs and towels and then spread
all the damp clothing in the sun. After lunch we
had our clinic a not infrequent performance when
the villagers got wind of our coming - and Wilfrid
distributed medicines according to the ailments of
our patients. After this we were forced to retire to
our tents to wait the dispersal of the multitude. The
Subedar gave us more fresh butter, milk, vegetables
and rice, and we in exchange gave him a tin of coffee.
After smoking a cigarette in the light of our dying fire
he departed and we went severally to our tents.
Tuesday 1st June, Sataul - The Subedar saw us off
and gave us his blessing. As we went through the
mountain forest one of us happened to turn back
and then we both beheld Trisul appear as a celestial
mountain. Set between dark ominous cloud and the
black foreground of the pine forest with its lower slopes
apparelled in white mist Trisul shone resplendent in
the morning sun. Our path then lay through fine
parkland reminiscent of the downs of Surrey. We
had no sooner arrived at Wan and pitched our tents
on a lawn beneath the shade of some magnificent 800
year old cypresses than heavy rain and hail enveloped
the whole valley. As on the morrow Wilfred and
I were to part company, we celebrated that night by
regaling ourselves with our best tinned pears.
Wednesday 2nd June, Wan - After bidding farewell
to Wilfred at 07:30 hrs, I set out with the four oldest
men, Arzankara, Singh, Jogia and Doljit. I had a
melancholy feeling of separation as if I had been
162 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

bereaved. This feeling seemed even to be shared

by the porters, for we had all been happy together
participating in the same joys and the same difficulties.
It was as if we had all been in action and our party
alone had survived. Wilfred had taken the best of the
equipment and the youngest men as he had another
week before he need return. That night I slept with
my porter companions in the big bell tent.
Thursday 3rd June, Lohajang - We set off at 06:45hrs
and our route lay along beautiful fresh valleys. The
lower we went the more extensive was the cultivation.
One of the greatest problems in Indian agriculture is
the soil erosion. Torrential rains rapidly wash away
the topsoil which is carried by the river current to
form alluvial plains hundreds of miles away. All the
rivers of the Punjab are red in the monsoon season,
saturated with particles of soil. To counteract erosion
the system of terracing has been adopted. All down
the sides of the lower mountains in Garhwal terrace
succeeds terrace, each sown with different crops
and each contained and demarcated by rock walls.
The rains fall and the water percolates from terrace
to terrace, irrigating all and carrying no soil away.
Standing on one side of the valley and contemplating
the other side I was struck at once by the ingenuity of
mans organisation and the picturesque fairyland he
has created. At 1500hrs I stopped at a ford and being
weary decided to have tea made for the porters and
myself. Gradually the inevitable little crowd gathered
round and among them a party of boys. One about
twelve was wearing a Gandhi cap, an immaculate dhoti
and a fine tailored coat. He immediately aroused my
interest and on my enquiring who he might be, he
told me in pure Hindi that he was learning Sanskrit
as he hoped to become a pundit. The purity of his
language, his intelligence and education contrasted
strongly with the illiteracy and gibberish of the
Nepalese porters, who only knew enough of the lingua
franca of India to enable them to call me at the right
time and supply me with the necessities of life. The
boy was so cultured and handsome that I called him
Pundit Jawarhar Lal Nehru and he was pleased with
the epithet. When I arrived at Gwaldam, I found
Piccadilly Circus in occupation. Brigadier Williams
insisted upon my having tea and dinner with them.
Despite my unkempt and hirsute appearance, they
treated me charmingly and we compared notes.
Friday 4th June, Gwaldam - To let Piccadilly Circus
get well clear, I started late at 08:30hrs. I met Tony
and the two Sherpas coming from the other direction.
He gave me the latest news about the destruction of
two important German dams and declared that he
was daily expecting an invasion of Sicily. I gave him
a short account of our expedition. That evening I

visited a temple of Vishnu, but was not allowed to go

inside. A young priest however gave me a bouquet of
a rose and three marguerites. As it was very warm in
the valley we all five slept in the open.
Saturday 5th June, Jayghnath - I was called at
05:00hrs, drank a cup of tea and was swimming in a
nearby river before six. We reached the bus terminus
by 07:00hrs. Many distressed sepoys came to me
with the complaint that there was no accommodation
on the bus and if they were left behind they would
unavoidably overstay their leave. For each one I
wrote a certificate to their commanding officers
explaining the circumstances. The journey was hot
and noteworthy by virtue of an hours breakdown. At
17:00hrs we reached Ranikhet and Alladin greeted
me. He was so disgusted with my beard that I shaved
it off immediately. I went to Mrs Brownes and read
sixteen letters that had accumulated.
Sunday 6th June, Monday 7th June, Ranikhet - I
spent the day in Mrs Brownes bungalow, reading
from cover to cover all the Statesmans from the
16th onwards. She treated me handsomely, giving me
tea at mid-morning and throwing open her house to
enable me to answer letters and read the newspapers.
I much appreciated the comfort of her house and her
bounteous generosity after the rough life I had been
leading.
Tuesday 8th June, Wednesday 9th June, Karachi As the heat, dust and noise of the next three days and
night spent in trains on my way back to Karachi were
a grim anticlimax to the purity and serenity of the
Himalayas, I realised that I must bid farewell to the
spiritual company of Mallory and Smythe and take
my place once again in the prosaic task of winning
the war.
David L Gould (1923-32)

Life on the Troopship MOOLTAN in

summer 1944
notes made in 2005 by Alan John Wright (1936-42)
(former Sergeant in the RAF)
I travelled on the Troopship Mooltan in July and
August 1944 as an RAF Sergeant. There will soon be
no survivors left of those who travelled on troopships
of this pattern those used later were less crowded
and had better feeding and sleeping arrangements. I
am therefore making this record in 2005 before all
survivors are dead. I have dealt with the matter under
the following headings:

Preface
1. Ships Permanent Staff
2. Lay-out of Mooltan
3. Accommodation for Other Ranks
4. Feeding Arrangements for Other Ranks
5. General Conditions for Other Ranks
6. The Mechanical Condition of the Mooltan
7. Safety and Emergency Equipment
8. The Ships Armament
9. The make-up of the Convoy and its Escort
Preface
I travelled from Liverpool to Bombay in His Majestys
Troopship Mooltan between 17 July and 20 August
1944. She was of about 22,000 tons. Prewar she had
been a Pacific and Orient Liner on the UK to India
run. She was driven by steam-reciprocating engines,
and was built about 1922. She and her sister ship
Maloja were among the last liners of this size to be
built with such engines.
The route was Liverpool, Gibraltar, Port Said, Suez
Canal, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Bombay. None
of the troops carried were allowed ashore at any
intermediate point.
There were no Service Policemen on the draft, and I
was one of the RAF sergeants detailed to act as police
in the first two weeks of the voyage. These duties
necessitated me visiting, especially at night, parts of
the ship which were out of bounds to Other Ranks,
and parts outside the Officers areas. I chatted at night
to the gunners and the crewmen who served on the
Bridge. This enables me to make these notes more
fully than would otherwise have been possible.
1. The Ships Permanent Staff.
She was an RAF Troopship - that meant that the Ships
permanent staff, including the Officer Commanding
troops and the Ships Warrant Officer were RAF.men.
The Captain was a Merchant Navy Officer and the
crew mainly lascars, but the helmsmen were English.
We sailed in convoy and the Commodore of the
convoy, a Merchant Navy Officer, was on the Mooltan,
notwithstanding there were more prestigious ships
(the Strathaird and her five sisters) in the convoy. I
remember seeing the Senior Naval Officer (a Royal
Navy Commodore) on the Mooltan when we were in
port in Aden, but I cannot be sure he travelled with
us all the time.
The Gunners on the ship were Royal Marine and
Royal Navy, but may have included merchant seamen
- some dressed so casually that it was not possible to
tell. The gunners slept by their guns and never paraded
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 163

formally, so I cannot tell who commanded them. The

highest-ranking gunner I saw was a Royal Maritime
Sergeant, and he served on the stern guns.
So far as I recollect there were no females among the
permanent staff.
2) Lay-out of the Mooltan when used as a
Troopship
The Mooltan for housing other ranks had three main
troop decks below the principal open deck (which I
will call the promenade deck). The boundaries of
each mess deck consisted of the plates of the ships
sides, one of the ships main bulkheads at the foreend, and a similar bulkhead at the aft end. The
bulkheads had watertight doors which were normally
left open. Each troop deck was divided into a Port
and a Starboard Mess deck. There were cabins for
Officers and Indian Army Officer Cadets, some on the
promenade deck and others on the deck above (which
I will call the boat deck). The open promenade deck
was used for exercise and sleeping by other ranks: the
open part of the boat deck was out of bounds to other
ranks and was used for exercise by officers.
On our trip the numbers carried were approximately
as follows:
3,300 RAF Other ranks (Sergeants and below) - all
ground staff.
40 RN Chief Petty Officers,
150 RN Petty Officers and
100 Commandos (either Army or Royal Marine)
(Later we picked up 100 Jewish Troops in
the Mediterranean and dropped them before
entering the Arabian Sea).
There were about 250 RAF Ground Staff Officers,
and about 50 Indian Army Officer
Cadets.
There were no females carried on this voyage.
As seen from the side in silhouette the Mooltan as a
troopship was very much the same as the model in the
Maritime Museum at Greenwich, except that at the
stern there were the temporary screens which hid the
guns and the temporary latrines and ablutions.
3) Accommodation for Other Ranks
The majority of the other ranks were quartered in the
three main troop decks. The top one was below the
promenade dock and had its portholes normally open
by day: the middle main troop was below that, and
164 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

the portholes were never opened: the bottom main

troop deck was below that, was partly below the water
line and had no portholes. Each of the main troop
decks was divided laterally by a partition into a port
and a starboard Section.
There must have been one or two small mess decks
either fore or aft or even below the main troop decks
the Chief Petty Officers, for instance, were not in
the main mess decks. There were prison cells at the
stern of the ship1 - these may have been lower than
the third troop deck.
The permanent staff were housed separately. I cannot
remember whether they all had cabins, or whether
some were in mess decks.
There was a large hold towards the prow of the ship,
and a large hold towards the stern. One RAF corporal
who had survived the sinking of the Lancastria was
housed in a cabin.
Each port and each starboard mess deck was equipped
with mess tables running from the side of the ship
towards, but not touching, the centre dividing
partition. Each table took nine men per side. On
both sides of each table was a bench. The tables were,
but the benches were not, fixed to the floor. The
centre dividing partition was about 10 feet wide, and
contained the stairs to the deck above, ships trunking
and a limited number of lavatories (part of the peacetime equipment). There were gaps in the partition for
reaching the opposite mess deck.
The mess tables seated 18 men, nine each side. On
one side of the top troop deck were over 400 RAF
Sergeants - on the other (in which I was housed)
were 250 RAF Sergeants and 150 RN Petty Officers.
Above the tables were hooks so that hammocks
could be slung fore and aft. Above the hooks was
trunking, ventilation tubes and wiring. Everyone
was issued with a hammock and a blanket for the
trip. There were only hooks for two out of every
three men - the rest had to sleep on or under the table
or on the promenade deck. When all the hammocks
were slung the deck above could no longer be seen.
The hammocks had to be rolled (making a bundle 24
inches long and 18 inches in diameter) and slung in
an allocated place by day. Some of the Petty Officers
made theirs into a Zeppelin-shaped roll eight feet
long this apparently made a life-raft in emergency.
There were small lavatories and washrooms on the
1

Prisoners were carried on the boat. These were

British men who had committed a military or
civilian crime, or men who had tried to evade being
drafted. Habeas corpus did not apply.

troop decks, and these were left over from the days
when there had been cabins below the promenade
deck. They were quite inadequate for the number of
men housed below the open deck. I describe below
the temporary washroom and set of latrines which
had been installed on the promenade deck between
the rearmost cabins and the rear gun position. This
made it nearly impossible to do a complete walk right
round the open deck. The temporary structure was
surrounded by canvas walls.
The washroom consisted of three or four long tables
athwart-ships with hot and cold saltwater taps above
them. On the tables were wash basins. The latrine
section consisted of four or more planks athwart-ships
each 18 inches wide which were fixed about 15 inches
above the deck. They had egg-shaped holes spaced
about 30 inches apart. These were for defecating there was no privacy and no distinction for Senior
NCOs. Under each plank there was a trough which
sloped gently towards one side of the ship: through
the trough ran a stream of salt water, and this went
straight over the side of the ship into the sea, carrying
with it the excreta. In rough weather the stream and
all it carried could slop over the sides of the trough.
When we met bad weather part of the canvas walls
was blown down and there was even less privacy. All
were given a Board of Trade lifejacket, a torch, and a
tinned emergency ration. I describe these more fully
in the Safety and Emergency Section below.
4. Feeding Arrangements for other ranks
Each mess deck had 36 plates, 18 pint mugs and two
dixies (oval shallow buckets of 2 gallon capacity
with a lid) and a tea dixie. Each table for Sergeants
was provided with two orderlies, who came from one
of the decks below. Members of other messes had
to appoint two orderlies from among their number.
There were three meals a day: - Breakfast consisting
of porridge, bread, butter and egg or bacon or fish and
tea.

enough to fill each of the 18 tea mugs.

The bread was cooked on board and was better than
any bread obtainable in wartime Britain. The rest
of the food was not very appetizing. The meat was
normally of poor quality, was tough and stringy and
was served in a stew-form with fat floating on the
surface. The custard was watery, and tasted as though
it was made with dried milk. The vegetables arrived
with some of the cooking water and were overcooked
and tasteless.
The worst meal I remember was reconstituted
dehydrated cod. This had been cooked in the same
water in which it had been reconstituted; ammonia
had been formed and the meal was probably poisonous
- certainly nobody ate it.
After each meal the orderlies collected half a dixie
of hot water (I cannot remember whether salt or
sweet) from the galley for washing up. There was a
50-gallon tank with a tap providing hot salt water on
the promenade deck.
A small can of unsweetened lime juice was provided
each day for each table. Each Sergeant and Petty
Officer was given a measure of rum, and corporals and
airmen a portion of grog each day. This was meant
to be drunk at once, but some of the Petty Officers
stored their portions until they had a larger quantity.

An extra mug of tea was sometimes provided between

mid-day and the tea time.

Every morning all had to queue at a sweet water tap

and were allowed to fill their regulation two-pint
water-bottle once with water. Other than this, fresh
water was not available. Most used some of their
water for brushing teeth, and some for shaving, either
daily or occasionally - it is almost impossible to shave
satisfactorily with salt water. All were provided with
one bar of salt water soap (more could be bought) for
washing. The soap was poor for laundry use: when
used for personal washing one never felt really clean
as the soap left the skin feeling slimy. There was a
canteen open for a short time each day - each table
had a specified time. Orders were given to the table
orderly; he brought back the goods and was paid by
the recipient. Cigarettes, and tobacco, soap, thread,
buttons and so forth were available. Chocolate was
available but rationed. Virginian cigarettes were not
available from the canteen - only inferior Indian ones.
Officers were able to get Virginian cigarettes from the
Officers shop.

The food was collected by the orderlies from the galley

in the dixies and the tea dixie, and was divided at the
mess table. The tea dixie contained 18 pints - just

5) General Conditions for Other Ranks.

Most other ranks found the conditions unpleasant worse than any they normally encountered in England

Mid-day meal consisting of a meat (normally stew)

or fish dish with potatoes and vegetables and a sweet,
such as tinned fruit or roly-poly pudding or rice with
custard, and tea.
Tea consisting of bread, butter, jam and tea.

Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 165

or abroad (other than in the field or in action).

Both by day and by night the air was always of poor
quality in the middle and lowest mess decks. This was
made worse at night when large blanket-like cloths
were put across the stairways to prevent light being
shown. At night and in danger spots (such as passing
Crete) the top mess deck became equally short of good
air because the portholes were closed. There were
air-ducts which forced air into the mess decks, but
this was inadequate for the numbers housed below.
The forced air system was very noisy and kept people
awake until they got used to it. Such conditions led
to more than half the other ranks seeking to sleep on
the open deck. Some felt more secure on deck rather
than below in view of the risk of being torpedoed. As
space on the promenade deck was limited, a rationing
scheme was enforced - each man could only sleep
on the open decks every third night. The shortage
of hammock hooks and the rationing of open deck
space meant that some had to sleep on or under the
mess tables. The mess decks below were warm when
we went through the Atlantic. Once we reached the
Mediterranean the heat became unpleasant. In the
Red Sea it became very oppressive below. Men were
sweating a pint or more each, and with over 400 men
in my mess deck, there was moisture in the scuppers.
We were encouraged to take extra salt with our food
and salt tablets were available.
In order to keep the air clearer, smoking was
discouraged after dark in the mess decks. Smoking
was banned after dark on the open deck on all ships
in convoy, in order to prevent the glow being visible to
the enemy, and an important part of police duties was
the enforcement of this ban. I was surprised to find
that on clear nights one could see a cigarette glow one
mile away on other ships when the ban vas ignored .
So far as I recollect a blind eye was turned to smoking
in the mass latrines at the stern of the ship. Some
men found this ban on smoking at night very irksome,
and smoked under their blanket on deck. Some men
found the absence of shower or bathing facilities for
five weeks irksome. We had fairly good weather until
we entered the Arabian Sea. There was then a lot of
sea-sickness, there were insufficient lavatory bowls and
the floors of the small lavatories below deck became
awash with sick matter, and a small amount of this
overflowed. There was also sick matter on the stairs
when men could not reach the open deck in time. The
RN Petty Officers said the conditions on the mess
decks were a little worse than what would normally be
expected in a Royal Navy Ship. There was insufficient
open deck space, and the police had trouble enforcing
a ban on the dangerous practice of lying on the hatch
covers. In short the conditions were unpleasant, but
166 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

not as unpleasant as the conditions I was later to meet

in the jungle. The cumulative effect of the conditions
(poor food, insanitary conditions, overcrowding, poor
air, lack of exercise, repeated dehydration and lack of
personal cleanliness) was such that the men were not
in a good battle-worthy state when they left the ship,
and the mens resistance to germs was lowered. I was
subsequently hospitalized with many of the Mooltans
passengers and was told by the medical staff that the
personnel from this ship suffered an above average
rate of diarrhea, dysentery and other stomach illness
after landing. The debilitating effect of overcrowding
on troopships was known to the authorities. When a
trip lasted eight weeks or more as when going east via
the Cape, they sought to give the troops a fortnights
leave ashore in mid-trip. The two troopships I
travelled on later in the war had been fitted out later
than the Mooltan, and were much less crowded, and
had cots and the troops on each deck were fed by shift
on a cafeteria system in a dining mess-room.
6) The Mechanical State of the Ship.
The RN Petty Officers who were with us were very
critical of the state of the ship and it appeared to me
(as a landlubber) that the ship was in urgent need of
a refit. There were three major visible defects that to
me seemed a hazard to all on board.
Firstly, each main troop deck was ended fore and aft
by a waterproof bulkhead, with waterproof doors
which were normally left open and unlocked. Each
door was equipped with six or eight bolts. Some of
the bolts were broken short and others were bent so
that the hasp could not be engaged or so that that the
thread was distorted and useless. The worst-equipped
door had only two working bolts. One could not see
how it could withstand a pressure of thousands of tons
if the adjoining compartment were full of water. The
watertight doors had brass seals - some were damaged
and would have allowed a slow leak.
Secondly, there was something audibly wrong with
one of the bearings on the propeller shaft at the
stern of the ship. It had an irregular moan at each
revolution, so clear that one could count the number
of revolutions per minute. When she tried to go
faster than 10 knots, the defective bearing caused a
shudder throughout the ship. The Germans already
were using acoustic torpedoes - this noise was an
obvious target.
Thirdly, the steering gear failed twice during the
voyage.
When the convoy was in mid-Atlantic
doing zigzags the rudder seized up. This steering
failure caused the ship to go round uncontrollably
in a large circle. The escort and most of the convoy

had vanished over the horizon before the fault was

repaired; and we then had to catch up. Most of the
troops were asleep and were unaware of the crisis. A
further failure occurred when we were going down
the Suez Canal: they put us to one side and let the
rest of the convoy go through. We followed after the
steering was repaired
Ships were still being sunk by submarines regularly, so
skilled ship-workers were needed for new ships. This
may explain the absence of proper maintenance.
7) Safety and Emergency Arrangements
Boat Drill was held from time to time - everybody
knew their boat station. The ship had all the pre-war
lifeboats of whaler pattern suspended from davits.
They had water tanks - I dont know if any food was
stowed. There were, I believe, two or four of the
war-pattern flat-bottomed type lifeboats on ramps
sloping at 45 degrees. All were at the boat deck
level, that is to say, out of bounds to other ranks. In
my night patrols I did a rough calculation and found
there were lifeboat places for no more than 600 to
1000 men. There were two stacks of Carley floats,
about ten floats in total divided into sections by the
usual watertight bulkheads with watertight doors. I
have already mentioned the poor state of some of the
fastenings.
All men were given a Board of Trade jacket. This
was two kapok-filled pillows joined side to side with
a hole in the middle for the head, and with tapes at
the corners for tying so it could be worn as a sort of
short vest. All were also given a small red-lensed
torch on a string that lit when immersed in water and
also an emergency ration consisting of an airtight tin
containing 250 grams of cocoa powder and dried milk
powder held together with the minimum of water.
It was self-evident that there could well be chaos if
we were hit. I could understand the disorder which
had arisen on troopships, allied or enemy, when they
sank. I think we, as policemen, may have been given
revolvers but if so I do not think we carried them on
our rounds. My personal rifle and the side-arms of
all troops had been collected and put in the ships
armoury when we boarded.
Security was excellent.
Weapon instruction at
Blackpool had been solely on German anti-personnel
weapons. I and two colleagues knew our destination.
No other ranker knew it - most hoped we were going
to Italy and the Mediterranean.

8. The Ships Armament

At the start of the war the Mooltan had been
commandeered and converted to become an armed
merchant cruiser. She was a slow ship and when
she exceeded 10 knots she made heavy smoke, and
was thus not suitable for this role. She had been
converted to a troopship about three years previously
(as had most of the other armed merchant cruisers).
By reason of her previous role she was relatively
well armed. She had at the stern of the promenade
deck a pair of 6 inch naval guns: this was unusual
in a troopship. They were largely hidden by canvas
screens, and were out of bounds. I was shown them
by the Royal Marine Sergeant who commanded the
gun crews. When the whole convoy had gun practice
in mid Atlantic, all our guns other than the 6 inch
guns were fired. The Marine Sergeant told me that
the blast on firing them would have destroyed all the
canvas around them and around the promenade deck
washroom and lavatories.
At boat deck level there were several 3 inch quick
firing guns - probably about nine or ten of them.
Each was surrounded by a thick steel circular wall
about 3 feet high. A gap on the inboard side allowed
access. The crews stayed with them, night and day.
Hot cocoa was provided in stainless steel buckets for
those manning the guns at night.
The policemen on night duty brought the cocoa to the
gunners to ensure the guns were fully manned.
There were several Bofors guns, and also several
Oerlikon guns. I have no recollection of bringing
cocoa to them - I assume they were not manned by
night.
I remember several small signal guns in an out of
bounds forepart of the ship - they looked like small
naval ships cannon from the Napoleonic age. In
addition, above the boat deck, there was a mass of
framing of the sort used for firing anti-aircraft rockets.
This looked rusty and disused, and was certainly not
used when we had gun practice.
At times the ship used paravanes - anti-mine floats at
the end of lines fixed to the prow of the ship. When
we passed Crete, we did so at night, and all the ships
in the convoy put up barrage balloons.
9) The Make-up of the Convoy and its Escort
There were seven P and 0 liners in the convoy: the
Mooltan, the Strathaird and its five sister ships. In
addition there were three other liners, a Dutch liner,
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 167

a French liner and a pre-1914 steam-driven liner.

There were also about twelve medium-size freight
ships, some of which made clouds of smoke when
maximum speed was called for. It was a slow convoy
and averaged about 10 knots. The convoy remained
in Bombay at least two weeks after arriving. The
ships in it were held together as a group - when I
spoke to Canon Gordon Davies who had been sent to
Bombay at the end of that year it was apparent that
his convoy had substantially the same composition as
the July convoy.
The convoy went far west into the Atlantic and we
took eight days to reach Gibraltar. The escort for
this part of the voyage consisted of a small number
of cruisers, some destroyers and corvettes (we were a
slow convoy) and a Woolworth Carrier (merchant
ship with a landing deck) with one or two observation
biplanes. An American Cruiser was apparent for part
of the Atlantic journey - I dont know whether this
was part of the escort.
After a two-day stop in Gibraltar - Patton had been
crossing the Mediterranean to invade France - we
picked up a new, much smaller escort. This included
two Italian co-belligerent destroyers which were fast,
but much smaller than any British ones, and which
had orange patches on the sides. Sister ships were
working for the Germans - it was necessary to identify
the co-belligerent ones. A small part of the convoy
left us, with part of the escort and made for Italy. I
believe the escort changed again between entering the
Suez Canal and entering the Arabian Sea. It was not
a big escort.
Clubs and Societies
Old Olavians Lodge No. 5051
An influx of young men, several of whom were former
students at our school, has revitalised the Masonic
Lodge during the last year.
The older members are particularly pleased that our
links with their old school remain strong - even
though some friendly banter about which is the real
School Song is always a good subject for debate!
We are always ready to meet and welcome men with
an interest in exploring Freemasonry.
We are a really open group nowadays, primarily
existing in order to raise funds for charity. Visitors to
the Lord Mayors Show will have seen us on parade
celebrating with St Barts Hospital the success of our
fund-raising which has put some really wonderful
machinery into the hospitals front-line battle with
168 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

cancer. London Masonrys next endeavour will be to

raise funds in order to put several millions of pounds
at the disposal of the Royal College of Surgeons for
vital research.
Interested in learning more? Contact Peter Hudson,
our Secretary on 01689 858583?
Peter Hudson
Old Olavian Cricket Tour - South Devon 2012
OO tour 2012 was hit by a couple of bracing revelations
a few days before the first game. The first was that
there had been a date mix-up and we had been doublebooked out of our hotel. The second was that our first
fixture opponents, Barton, had been stricken with an
(apparently emergency) christening and couldnt get
a side out to face us. Not an ideal start to the week,
but people rallied round and we soon found ourselves
with a new hotel and new opponents for the Sunday.
Many tourists remembered Babbacombe from when
we had played there a few years previously. Theyre
a very friendly bunch and have a lovely rustic ground
with some charming contours. Anyone who thinks
Lords has a bit of a slope has obviously never seen
Babbacombe, where if you are fielding at deep square
leg or sweeping the cover boundary your feet are
considerably higher than the batsmens heads.
Due partly to the last-minute tour changes the OOs
only had nine men on hand at the start of play, but
since we had agreed with the opposition that we were
probably the stronger side on paper this didnt perturb
Babbacombe at all. In fact they tried to even things
out even more by having twelve or thirteen players
while they were fielding, which we only noticed about
half-way through our innings. The rules of the game
were as unique as the pitch - two hours for the first
innings and an hour and twenty overs for the second,
with batsmen retiring on 50 (although they can return
if their side is all out). Tyrell Duberry opened the
batting with Sanjay Ranasinghe and hit a boisterous
34, before skipper for the day, Lance Giles, contrived
to be dropped five times and hit four sixes on the way
to 50 and early retirement. Mike Mitchell and Tom
Parsons waved the willow vigorously and perished for
the good of the team run-rate, and then the innings
suddenly became becalmed. New tourist Tom Gallop
was next in to bat but hadnt twigged it yet and was
still sitting in his civvies admiring the scenery. Dave
Golbey, perhaps not realising the implications of being
two men short, was in the pavilion keenly messing
around with a new scoring program hed bought for
his laptop and didnt seem to realise that play had
ground to a halt. Since Golbey hadnt got changed
either, the skipper had to grab his kit again and head
back to the crease to keep things ticking over until

one of them was fit to take the field. Perhaps it is

just as well that John Brown had been sadly unable
to tour this year, because he would no doubt have had
a few things to say about proceedings. Throughout
all of this it should be noted that the official scorer
remained completely serene and with a neat and
accurate sheet, which was a very respectable effort
considering it was Tom Ps girlfriend and first-time
tourist, Laura Pangbourne, who had never scored in
her life before.
At the end of their two hours, the tourists had reached
169 for 7. To defend this total, Tom Gallop and
Mitch opened the bowling and both proved all but
unplayable, taking two wickets apiece and going for
nine runs between them from ten overs. Tom P (3
for 35) and Sanjay continued the good work, spinning
the ball opposite ways in most wily fashion. Kenny
Maxwell chipped in with his first wicket in his first
game in Devon, and Ty Turn is over-rated Duberry
even showed us an over of spin as Babbacombe were
bowled out for 114 with only S Lewis (52) showing
much resistance.
In high spirits and full of confidence we headed to
Sidmouth the next day eager to put on a better show
this year than last, when they had got the better end
of a draw and one Zac Bess scored 154no against
us. It had been raining that morning and conditions
were still pretty fresh as OO captain Ian Jonty Giles
chatted with the Sidmouth skipper. Apparently they
were fielding five first-team batsmen that day, and
so everyone agreed wed let them go out and get as
many as they could and wed try to chase the target
down (when things had dried out a little, we added to
ourselves.) Lawrence Roots had arrived to take over
keeping duties from Dave Golbey, who had managed
it with some poise the day before, so Dave opened the
bowling instead, along with Tom Gallop. Marching
out to face them came Z Bess (who had been playing
for Somerset 2s this season) and A Griffith (who had
smashed us for four of the biggest sixes youre likely to
see during a thumping they had given us a couple of
years before.) Despite it being his first bowl all season,
Golbey immediately hit a length with some movement
and had both batsmen looking uncomfortable.
With Gallop providing good tight support from
the other end, the OOs had taken the initiative and
were rewarded when Dave clean-bowled Griffith in
his fourth over. It was vital we didnt let their star
batsmen settle, and Ian Giles brought himself and Jay
Patel on to keep up the pressure, which they managed
admirably. In either over-confidence or impatience
at being shackled Bess walked across his stumps to
scoop Gilesy down to fine leg, but was deceived in the
air and bowled middle and leg. In his next over Jonty

bowled a fullish one and L Bess (brother of Z) latched

onto it, sending it screaming towards the sea. Chris
Swadkin at shortish mid-wicket leapt a foot in the
air and intercepted it cleanly with both hands, arms
fully extended, as if he was doing his early morning
stretches. You couldnt hope to see a better catch. Jay
then joined the party by bowling S Szobchak (who
had got 95 against us a couple of years ago.) Could
the OOs keep it up? Yes they could! A couple of
overs later Miles dollied up a far easier catch off Ian to
Swaddy at midwicket and Sidmouth were five wickets
down and reeling, and Ian wasnt quite finished yet.
In his next over he swung another one away late and
Lawrence took the catch behind the stumps to leave
the home team stunned at 74 for 6. Ty Duberry and
Mitch came on to see us through to the end, and
both bowled exceptionally well too, Ty giving away
only twelve runs in six overs and taking the wicket
of W Szobchak (who had got 70 opening the batting
against us two years ago), and Mitch picking up 3 for
24 with a catch and stumping from Roots. Sidmouth
finished on 140 from 38 overs and the Old Olavians
were effervescing as they left the field.
Everyone was so keen to see how our batsmen
would fare that we didnt even have to extricate our
umpires Stephen Parsons and Jasper Gundry-White
(enthusiastically taking to the white coat after hanging
up his pads for good last season) from the Sidmouth
tea area with heavy artillery. T Parsons (20) and D
Golbey (30) were first up, and put on a nice 46 opening
stand to settle the nerves. Tom Gallop (26) carried
on the good work before being bowled by a straight
one pitched up (apparently they dont bowl many of
them in Australia), and despite a little wobble with a
couple of quick wickets, Jay (24) and Mitch (14) saw
us through to complete a terrific team performance
and a very satisfying win.
After a pleasant spot of pitch and putt at the Torquay
ornamental gardens the next morning we headed
north to take on the might of our old friends at
Sandford. After winning the toss in a forty-over
game, skipper Swadkin confidently elected to bat.
Although Golbey (29) continued his good form, we
lost three quick wickets, and then another two to
leave us on 84 for 5. Our run-rate was good, but
could anyone stick around long enough to see out the
overs? Enter Jay Patel. For the third year on the
trot he strolled to the crease and casually proceeded
to biff the Sandford bowling to all parts as if he was
switching the heads off dandelions during a wander
down a country lane. Mitch provided elegant and
assured support with a very well-paced innings of 40.
By the time Jay was out for 69, caught at the long-on
boundary down the long Sandford hill, the pair had
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 169

taken us to 168. With further quick runs by Swaddy,

Roots and Ty, the OOs ended their innings on 217 to
complete a first-rate rearguard attack.
Despite the rousing finish to our innings, the tourists
were under no illusions that it would not be a stiff
task to defend their total against the locals on their
home patch. Sandford started their reply aggressively,
but the OO bowlers refused to wilt. Coming on first
change, Jay Patel wasnt content with his achievements
with the bat and also removed both opening batsmen
clean bowled.
At the halfway stage, Sandford
were 104 for 3 and game was balanced very evenly.
Mitch put in a classy spell of tight spin, taking two
vital wickets and holding everything together. Jay
returned for a few overs and decided to give spin a
try too, and he took two wickets in his first over back.
The required run-rate was rising to seven an over, but
it would only take a few sixes from the new batsman,
the big-hitting Matt Theedom, to swing things back
in Sandfords favour. Swadkin brought himself on
and kept things under control well in the face of some
desperate hitting from Sandford. Coming into the
last few overs it could still go either way, but Golbey
caught Theedom out off Jays bowling to give him his
fifth wicket of the match and capped a superb personal
effort. Swaddy picked up a couple of wickets too, and
Sandford were all out for 199. Another fine win for
the OOs.
The forecast for Wednesday had been bleak all
week, and for once the weathermen had it right.
Wellington boots or possibly a small rubber dinghy
would have been required by fielders at Torquays
sea-level ground. In place of cricket some tourists
played golf at Starcross, where the sun came out and it
actually turned into a very fine day, and where the tour
party was bolstered by the arrival of a car of Colloffs
- Janet, Amanda and Dave - who had made a little
unexpected detour towards Wales on the way down
from London. We found a lovely new pub called
the Anchor on the edge of Starcross harbour to have
lunch in.
Since James Hubbard and family were regrettably not
able to tour this year (having just had a new addition
to their ranks) and Jo Swadkin had unfortunately had
to return home earlier in the week, Terry Smith took
up the challenge of being Master of the Wednesday
Quiz. Perhaps taking inspiration from his footballing
days, Tel kept everyone in line by brandishing red
cards at teams for any infringement of quiz discipline,
real or imagined. The tension was high as the final
round was completed, and after the scores were read

170 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

out Terry had one surprise left. His revelatory red

card mechanism included variable points deductions
for scale of offence. Totting each teams cards up,
it transpired that the quiz was a dead heat between
every single team in it. What a coincidence!
As a side-note, during the quiz we were treated to
this memorably surreal exchange between Stephen
Parsons and Dave Golbey.
DG: My phones a bit loud, isnt it? Im going to
turn it off.
SP, from across the room: We can still hear you.
DG, rather pointedly: Im not a phone.
If that doesnt look that funny on paper, well you just
had to be there.
The weather was pretty gloomy on Thursday morning,
but we headed off to Newton Abbot as optimistically
as possible. Opposition skipper Conrad said he had
quite a young side and thought it would be best to let
us have a bat first, so Mitch and Derek Birmingham
opened the innings for the tourists. Derek had been
putting a tremendous effort into the social side of tour
during the week so far, and being last to bed every
night sadly cant have helped his reactions much to
one of South Devons notorious scuttling deliveries
which kept low and disturbed his timberwork.
Mitch played some nice shots in his 29, and Chris
Swadkin looked in fine fettle during his 41, which
included two excellent sixes, one of which went like
a tracer bullet! according to the proud and seemingly
surprised man himself. As play progressed the skies
were darkening, and then a light drizzle started that
gradually grew heavier, making the already slippery
ground even trickier to negotiate. Play was halted
for rain once, and the young men of Newton Abbot
showed the gumption of barnacled sea sailors to
manoeuvre the covers over the wicket in a fierce and
chilly squall as everyone else hoofed it for the shelter
of the pavilion. The game was eventually restarted in
a reduced 20-over format. Stuart Captain Incredible
Taylor, all the way over from America, came a cropper
on a muddy patch and pulled a hamstring and had
to retire. Dave Colloff had already changed clothes
four times as he thought the game was off and on, and
seemed rather exasperated as he had to quickly buckle
on some pads once more and stride to the crease. One
ball later his stumps were out of formation and he was
striding back again with a wry grin to some ebullient
applause. As conditions worsened again Conrad had
a chat with the batsmen in the middle and graciously
offered to finish up this innings and then call it a day,

to which the batsmen resignedly agreed. We played

out the remaining overs and trudged off to the warm
bar. Quite a while later we realised nobody had told
Jay that we werent coming out for the second innings,
and he was still in the scorebox at the opposite side
of the ground.
That night we had the tour dinner which was ably
orchestrated by Brian Cantle, who, in the absence
of the usual incumbents, took on the role of master
of ceremonies in addition to his regular entertaining
report of the weeks cricketing ups and downs and
giving out awards for achievements cricketing and
otherwise.
And so to the last day. Several tourists bade their
fond farewells and headed back to the big smoke,
but the rest of us had time for lunch in the Ship on
Teignmouths back harbour before heading up into
the hills for the last game against the friendly village
of Kenn. We were greeted with the sight of their
spankingly fine new pavilion, finished at last and
lovingly varnished and with hot showers to boot.
The pitch was almost as damp as Newton Abbots
had been, but delaying the start and reducing the
game to 30 overs a-side gave it just time to dry out
enough to become playable. We also had to play on
the highest strip on the square, which meant that the
boundary up the hill was a scant thirty yards away
from the batsmen. Sanjay (17) and Lawrence (34)
got the batting off to a nice speedy start. Jay the
skipper moseyed up to the wicket and creamed a
couple of pleasing fours and seemed all set to carry on
from his Sandford heroics. Then he prodded one out
towards Kenns overseas pro Vinny and set off on the
gentlest of jogs towards the other end. Vinny picked
up the ball and threw the stumps down, running
out Jay by a good couple of yards. Jay carried his
walk on towards the pavilion and sat down. After a
few minutes unusually stunned silence he remarked
that he had quite forgotten that he could be run out.
Swaddy succeeded in continuing his good form from
the day before and smashed 43 including five sixes,
although he did blot his copy book a tad by calling
Derek through for a single that Usain Bolt would
have thought twice about, and Lance also chipped a
few into the nearby field in scoring 63 not out. With
the score on 199 and four balls of the innings left,
Stephen Parsons arrived at the crease. The last over
of an Old Olavian innings at Kenn always seems to
generate unusual events, and having scored 31 on
both his highly entertaining previous two knocks at
Kenn the crowds attention was glued to Stephen as
he took guard. Vinny the pro was bowling left-arm
round, and although he had mighty swings at the first
three balls Mr Parsons was unable to connect with

any of the spinners angled deliveries. On the very

last ball Stephen swung again and middled the ball
straight back at the bowler. Vinny swiftly pouched
the chance and immediately threw the ball to the floor
in a gesture of final triumph (no doubt a bit annoyed
that his side had conceded so many runs). Seeing the
ball on the ground, Stephen called Yes! confidently,
and set off for a run towards the bowlers end. A few
moments of general pandemonium ensued as some
fielders scampered for the ball while others clamoured
that it was actually out, until the umpire agreed that
Vinny had had control of the ball long enough for
it to be judged a catch, and off we went to one of
Kenns gorgeous teas with Kenn needing a round 200
to win.
Dave Colloff and Grant Ward, a friend of Lawrences
living locally, opened the bowling and couldnt seem
to bowl a bad ball. DC got a wicket and Grant got
two, including Vinny with his very last ball, which was
a slower one cunningly disguised with a loud grunt of
apparent effort. Mr Incredible Stuart Taylor came
on first change, and despite not bowling since his last
tour three years ago hit a length immediately. He
also took two wickets, spinning it up the slope and
varying his flight beautifully. Derek Birmingham
showed no ill effects from his social exploits and put
in a good spell from the other end, before Stephen
Parsons came on to tease with his leg-spin. 14-yearold Jimmy Gosling, who many tourists had seen grow
up from a bouncing baby, had opened the bowling for
Kenn very well earlier, and now showed he had also
developed some incredible hitting power during the
last year. Walking to the crease with his team on 54
for 5, he walloped six sixes to all parts of the ground
and ended up on 67 not out. Although Kenn finished
well short of their target it had been a very enjoyable
game and we were just happy to be able to play at
all, given the weather conditions. In fact, in light of
the terrible season for rain, we had been exceedingly
lucky to only lose one and a half games all week to
the elements. It had been another brilliant tour,
made all the more so by the contributions of everyone
not mentioned here already, such as Ray and Linda
Michael, Ed Davey, Jim and Pauline Edwards, Jackie,
Penny Cantle and Pennie Giles, Dani Hewitt (and
Ralph the dog) and Margaret Roots, who it was so
lovely to see on tour again after the awful loss of her
husband and enthusiastic tourist Ken. Many thanks
to everyone who scored during the week, particularly
Jim and Ray, and also to Sanjay for handling all the
match fees and tea money.
The last words for this years report go to Penny
Cantle. On the Saturday morning after the last game,
when everyone was packing and settling their hotel
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 171

bills, Brian was relaxing in an armchair surrounded by

OO memorabilia with his feet-up, recalling past tours
and landladies he had known. Penny appeared in the
doorway looking slightly exasperated.
Penny: Have you got the keys, Im just popping down
to the car.
Brian - pausing briefly in mid-flow: Certainly, here
you are.
Penny: I dont want them - that was what you said
half an hour ago!
If anyone reading this thinks they may fancy a few
days cricket in Devon next year, dont hesitate to get
in touch and join the party.
Lance Giles (1988-95)
Results
Sun 12th August v Babbacombe
(2 hours v 1 hour and 20 overs) WON by 55 runs
OOs 169 for 7 (30 overs)
(L Giles 64*, T Duberry 34)
Babbacombe 114 (32 overs)
(T Parsons 3 for 35)
Mon 13th August v Sidmouth WON by 5 wickets
Sidmouth 140 (38 overs)
(I Giles 4 for 26, M Mitchell 3 for 24)
OOs 141 for 5 (34 overs)
(D Golbey 30, T Gallop 26)
Tues 14th August v Sandford (40 overs)
WON by 19 runs
OOs 217 for 8 (40 overs)
( J Patel 69, M Mitchell 40, D Golbey 29)
Sandford 198 (39 overs)
( J Patel 5 for 32, C Swadkin 2 for 28,
M Mitchell 2 for 29)
Wed 15th August v Torquay (40 overs)
Match Abandoned
Rain no play
Thurs 16th August v South Devon (20 overs)
DRAWN - Rain
OOs 137 for 5 (20 overs) (C Swadkin 41)
South Devon did not bat
Fri 17th August v Kenn (30 overs)
WON by 53 runs
OOs 199 for 8 (30 overs)
(L Giles 63*, C Swadkin 43, L Roots 34)
Kenn 146 for 6 (30 overs) (G Ward 2 for 13,
S Taylor 2 for 14)
172 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

Fixtures 2013 (all 2pm starts; all to be confirmed):

Sunday 11th August v tba
Monday 12th August v Sidmouth
Tuesday 13th August v Sandford
Wednesday 14th August v Torquay
Thursday 15th August v South Devon
Friday 16th August v Kenn
Old Olavians Eton Fives Club
Another spectacular year for the Old Olavians Mens
and Ladies Fives club! As the season opened last
September, eight of the top ten nationally ranked
men were Old Olavians, and two of the top four
ranked ladies were also ours!
The season that
followed reflected this amazing strength in depth.
The three major Mens events all featured three Old
Olavians in each Final the London, The Northerns
and the Kinnaird (Mens National Championships).
Matthew Wiseman, James Toop, Peter Cohen,
Howard Wiseman and Seb Cooley all featured in at
least one final each. Congratulation to Seb Cooley
for winning them all his second outstanding season
in a row. As a Team, the Old Olavians convincingly
won the prestigious three-pair club knock-out event:
the Barber Cup, for the twelfth time in the last
thirteen years. The Midlands Championships was
well populated with Old Olavians who had chosen to
pair up with the top players from the school. Chris
Self (lower 6th), became the youngest-ever winner of
the Midlands in partnership with Seb Cooley.
Peter White, Luke Stradwick, Peter Cohen, Anita
Ganguly and Marianne Rees continued to play a very
active role in the England International Handball
Team, competing in Italy, Spain, USA and Ireland.
The Old Olavian Ladies also enjoyed a fantastic
season, winning the Richard Black Cup the ladies
three-pair club knock-out event. Charlotta Cooley,
Marrianne Rees, Emma Wells, Anita Ganguly, Anna
Shelley and Sharon Greaves (guest player), all played
brilliantly to win the event it was especially pleasing
to have back with us Anna Shelley who had travelled
from the other end of the country to complete the
team line-up!
The Club also piloted a number of Saturday morning
club meets at the School which were really successful
and will become a weekly event in the 2012-2013
season. Almost 200 fives-playing ex-pupils from
St.Olaves have been kept in regular contact, through
Facebook, with what is going on with the Fives
club. The main aim of the club going forward is to
encourage as many past leavers to come back and join
in on court! Many faces re-appeared through the

season and the number is growing fast! A number

of players based abroad such as David Haydon, Ed
Sanderson, David Eames and Chris Cooley still all
manage to get some matches in whenever they visit
England!!
Howard Wiseman (1980-87)
OLD OLAViANS NEWS
OLAVIANS 1940-1949
The rebirth of the 40s
In 1999 Derek Standen (1941-46) conceived the
idea of bringing together OOs who joined the school
in 1940-42 to an annual luncheon in the centre of
London.
Probably he had in mind the shared
experience which we would all have had in Torquay
during the war years. To succeed he had three hurdles
to overcome: to find a suitable venue, to trace a set of
elderly gentlemen who had left the school over fifty
years earlier, and then to persuade them to join the
lunch table.
Michael Pugh (1940-48) kindly helped him over
the first hurdle by using his membership of the RAF
Club Piccadilly to host the meal. Derek overcame
the other two with the assistance of the OOs records
and his quiet persuasiveness in writing to each of
us from his home in Oxfordshire to urge us to join
in. Gradually our numbers increased until by 2008,
when the Headmaster Tony Jarvis came as our guest
and speaker, we had up to forty OOs attending, and
our reward was a fascinating lecture contrasting the
classrooms and lessons as we knew them long ago
with present day classrooms equipped with (to us)
mind-boggling modern technology.
Then in 2009/10 Derek became too ill to arrange the
lunches for 2010 and 2011 and in those years no 40s
lunches took place. Sadly, on 16th October 2011
Derek died, greatly missed by all of us for his personal
qualities and for his efforts to foster the Olavian
spirit.
By the best of good fortune as the 40s lunch was
being consigned to history, a deus ex machine (or
rather dea ex machine) came forth in the person of
Jane Wells, the excellent and universally popular OOs
administrator, who volunteered to try to revive the
annual lunch using her records to do so. She was now
of course dealing with octogenarians whose numbers
must have been depleted by the passage of time,
but for this year she managed to obtain seventeen
acceptances although on the day (25th April) only
fourteen were able to attend.
With a smaller than usual group the RAF club

assigned us to a smaller banqueting suite but this had

the advantage of a long oval table around which we
all sat with Jane as our guest of honour. The table
enabled us to talk across it thereby facilitating general
conversation and turning the meal into a light-hearted
symposium. This was further enlivened after the meal
when the eldest among us, Eric Hibbs, who joined the
school in 1936 and remembered RCCs predecessor,
HG Abel, began the post-prandial reminiscences by
regaling us with some entertaining memories of his
days in Torquay. A ready succession of contributions
then followed from most people round the table,
the final word coming from one member generously
offering to buy us all a drink at the bar afterwards.
Though he had very few takers it reflected the
bonhomie felt by us all as we set off for home.
Leslie J Watmore (1940-47)
OLAVIANS 1950-2012
Ron CORK (1962 to 1968) has written the following
very welcome brief report on his life since leaving
STOGS more than forty years ago: he started his
school career at the Tooley Street building and moved
from there to the new school building in Orpington.
I was not a success academically (unlike the majority
of my contemporaries) and I left St Olaves after my
O levels. Careerwise, I started work (in February
1968) as an office junior at Lambeth Borough Council
and continued working in Local Government in
London until I retired in 2010 at the age of 59 as
Head of Cabinet, Committee & Member Services at
Westminster City Council.
I was brought up in Tulse Hill, South London, I
married in 1972 and moved to Guildford, Surrey
in 1973. Now I am seriously enjoying my leisure
time - heavily engaged in voluntary work locally,
and travelling (I have a second home in Paris), with
occasional short-term work on local authority election
duties.
At St Olaves, my house was Bingham, and names from
my year included, S. Ahmedzai, Robin Hood-Leader,
Fokias, Malcolm Peach, Burgess, Ross, Upshaw,
Callendar, Godwin, Savage, Norman Cockett, Fraser,
Bennett, Hardy, Nelson, Evan-Cook, Graham DeRoy,
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 173

Nick Turner, Gilbert, Mann, Davis, Darrell, Baulch,

Beaman, Winchester.
Masters included Wimpenny, Renshaw, Newmarch
please excuse me for not remembering all forenames.
I would welcome any contact to catch up on the last
forty plus years! (ronaldcork@googlemail.com )
Ross PENNELL (1989-1996) has written the
following contribution about his life during the last
fifteen years: Life after STOGS began with furthering
my education, rugby and social skills at Loughborough
University where I gained weight and my BSc (Hons)
in Business Economics & Finance.
Post-graduation, having sworn I would never write
another exam in my life, I qualified as an accountant
with ACCA (of which I am now a Fellow), and am also
a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities
& Investment. On the work front, my career in
financial services in London comprised working for
global investment banks, inter alia, Nomura, Barclays
Capital and RBS.
It was at RBS in 2007 where, although I was
powerless to help avert the banks near financial
collapse, I happened to meet my now wife Lisa, who
soon persuaded me to leave behind the grey skies of
London and emigrate to the perpetual blue skies of
South Africa, the country of her birth. So I now live
in Cape Town and work as an Independent Financial
Adviser, with views of Table Mountain and the ocean
from my office window. I guess every cloud has a
silver lining, hey?
It is fair to say that Saffas love their sport, as do I,
and the numerous England v SA encounters in rugby
and cricket keep the banter flowing. I no longer play
rugby for fear of doing myself a nasty injury given
the size of some of the locals; instead I run and cycle
competitively, racing in the local league at weekends.
Lisa and I have a young son, Kristian Thomas Pennell,
who was born in October 2011 and keeps us very busy
and amused!
Ross finishes by adding that he is happy to be contacted
either by e-mail (rosspennell@gmail.com), or he can
be found on social media websites Linkedin, Twitter
and Facebook (search Ross Pennell).
in Memoriam
James ( Jim) R ANDREWS (1930-36) died in
April 2012 at the age of 92: his son, Colin has sent
us the following tribute, an abridged version of the
eulogy he gave at his fathers funeral: Jim, who was
born in Sheffield in December 1919, spent his early
childhood in Hither Green, Lewisham. On leaving
school, his father introduced him to the senior partner
of a small firm of Scottish Chartered Accountants in
London, Finnie, Ross, Welch & Co, these days part
174 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

of the worldwide BDO organisation. Unfortunately,

or fortunately in Jims case, the war interrupted
his accountancy exams, and, through a connection
with one of his firms clients, in November 1939 he
volunteered to become a Paymaster Midshipman on
HMS Derbyshire, an armed merchant cruiser being
commissioned on the Clyde. During the war, and now
a Lieutenant, he served on three ships, being involved
in protecting North Atlantic and Mediterranean
convoys, supporting landings in Salerno and Southern
France and in various actions in the Far East.
When the war ended, he returned to his studies and
qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1947, being
appointed Partner shortly afterwards. He spent his
leisure time playing club cricket and developed into a
useful leg-spin bowler. Having now met and married
his wife, Sheena, in 1950 he moved to Glasgow to
run the firms office there. He loved life in Glasgow,
and the Scots, and learned to play golf, becoming a
member of the Glasgow Golf Club. The firms clients
in Scotland included wealthy estate owners and Jims
specific areas of expertise were farming and forestry,
tax planning and wealth management. He was a very
astute investment adviser, and his clients had reason to
be grateful for his expertise.
In 1969 Jim moved back down south, to Berkhamsted,
and became Senior Partner a few years later, remaining
so until 1983. When he retired he spent many years
as Treasurer of the seniors section at Ashridge Golf
Club. When not golfing, he was in the garden, where
the lawn was his pride and joy and his roses a subject
of great admiration.
Jim was a calm, patient, modest, self-effacing and
gentle, in the true sense of the word, man. He was
also a wise head and always gave sound advice, both
professionally and privately; his command of the
English language was second to none. Let me quote
from a letter I received from a member of staff at BDO,
While I believe that I only met your father once, I
heard his name many times and it was always with
both love and respect. He was from the generation
of Accountants when senior partners were exactly that
and both the other partners and the staff looked up to
them for guidance and assistance and this was exactly
what they received. He will be missed by whomever
he came in contact with.
Jim, who died peacefully on 6th April 2012, is survived
by his wife, Sheena, two children and five grandsons.
Raymond W COOPER (1949-54) Derek W
Burgess (1949-54) has sent the following tribute to his
old school friend: I was saddened to hear of the sudden
death of Raymond Cooper on August 29th 2012 in
Canada. He had recently been diagnosed with cancer
but was responding well to treatment. Unfortunately
he caught an infection which his weakened immune
system could not cope with and his body gave up.

I first met Ray in 1949 at Tooley Street when we both

joined St. Olaves. We became friends but drifted
apart when we left school in 1954. Ray was a southeast London boy, as I was, and was intensely proud of
being accepted into St Olaves. We next met in 1957
at Inkerman Barracks, near Woking, when we were
both training to be Military Policemen during our
National Service days. Our reunion was short lived
as Ray was posted to Cyprus and I went to Germany.
Ray signed on for an extra year and rose to the dizzy
heights of Corporal.
We totally lost touch then until about five or six
years ago when Ray contacted me through Friends
Reunited from Canada. He lived in Canada for many
years where he had his family. Four years ago Ray
came to England and we met up for the brunch before
the Annual Commemoration Service at Southwark
Cathedral. Ray was with his partner, Toni, and my
wife was with me. We had plenty to talk about and
enjoyed the company of other Tooley Street veterans.
Last year we met again, this time at the school in
Orpington where we were shown around the premises
by a young student. Toni was with Ray and two of
his grandchildren were with him. During their visit
to England Ray proudly showed the Tooley Street
building.
I enjoyed our long-distance friendship and was shocked
and saddened to hear of his death. On behalf of all
Old Olavians, especially those that knew him, I send
sincere condolences to Toni and all of Rays family in
Canada.
The editor remembers that Ray wrote a very full report
on his visit to the school for Commemoration Day in
May 2010 this report appeared in The Olavian for
that year, together with a photograph of Ray and a few
friends.
Peter John GODDARD (Staff c1970) died suddenly
on Sunday 6th May 2012 at the age of 73. Jonathan
Hinton (1966-72) has sent us the sad news. He tells
us that Peter taught Geography at St Olaves, I believe
around the late 1960s until the early 1970s before
moving on to Homewood School in Tenterden where
he taught until his retirement. On his retirement he
served as Councillor for the Tenterden South Ward
on Ashford Borough Council for 10 years up until his
death.
Raymond HIBBERT (1938-1945) Dr Geoffrey
Hatcher has sent the following tribute to his old
friend and contemporary, Raymond Hibbert who died
in 2011. Raymond left St Olaves from the Classical
Sixth in 1945, having been School Captain for the
previous year. In Torquay he had broken the school
mile record with four minutes and twenty-one seconds
on a grass track and had represented the school in
athletics, boxing, cricket and soccer.
He spent his time in National Service in the Intelligence

Corps, mostly in Italy, where he interviewed

prospective Italian brides of British servicemen. At
a Christmas party in Rome he met and fell in love
with Anita Garibaldi when she was sixteen. In
1947 he brought her as his wife to Oxford, where he
read PPE at The Queens College. He subsequently
joined the Civil Service and worked with Christopher
Soames in Paris before becoming Private Secretary to
Julian Amery when he was Minister of Aviation. He
clearly had a promising future but unfortunately, the
night before he was due to fly to Moscow to discuss
aviation policy with the Russians, he was thwarted by
a cerebral haemorrhage caused by a previously occult,
congenitally-abnormal blood vessel in his brain. This
tempered his further promotion to high office. He
lived out his retirement, firstly in the Canary Islands,
and then quietly with his daughter in Dulwich.
Raymond and Anita and their family of six children
lived for many years in Dulwich. I well remember
having dinner there but was not allowed to help with
the washing up because there was only one comparable
dinner service and that was in the Vatican, belonging
to the Pope.
Sadly, I believe that I was the only Old Olavian at his
funeral in January last year.
Kenneth Anthony Reginald ROOTS (1955-1962)
Ray Michael (1955-63) has written the following
tribute: Ken died in March of pancreatic cancer aged
68. He played a wide range of sports at school and for
the Old Olavians including cricket, rugby and fives,
but he excelled at athletics. He was an outstanding
sprint hurdler and was not only school champion but
also set the school record which stood for many years.
He was also South London Schools hurdles champion
for many years. As a cricketer he was a stylish batsman
with a textbook forward defensive stroke but with a
penchant for the sweep shot, which often got him into
trouble! On the Fives court he was a reliable and
enthusiastic player who always played the game with a
smile. He won the Joe Ward Tankard in the club pairs
competition in four successive years from 1973-1976.
After leaving school Ken began his working career as
a Trainee Hospital Administrator at Guys Hospital
moving into Sterile Services management which he
specialised in for the rest of his working life. Although
he remained connected with Guys for twenty-nine
years he took on wider management responsibilities
within Lewisham and North Southwark Health
Authority. He moved to the Royal United Hospital,
Bath from where he took early retirement and then
worked as a management consultant for various health
trusts, commercial companies and NHS Estates.
He was a member of various national standard
committees and was elected as a Fellow of the Institute
of Decontamination Science in recognition of his
contribution to the Institute and his profession for
over forty years.
Olavian 2012 Old Olavian 175

He spent his latter years with his wife, Margaret, and

children in Colerne, Wiltshire, where he indulged his
great love of horticulture and developed a passion for
cooking (particularly his own produce). He was a
cheerful and well-liked friend to many Old Olavians
and he will be sadly missed.
John SWINDELL (1941-46) died on 5th November
2011. His friend, George Parslow (1939-46), has
written the following tribute. John was born with
a twin sister on 9/10 January 1930 - a surprise to his
parents who thought they were having only one baby!
He lived in south-east London for his whole life - from
Greenwich to Charlton, Eltham and Charlton again.
In 1939 he was part of the mass evacuation at the start
of the war. He lived in the village of Trottiscliffe in
Kent in a farm labourers cottage where he was given
the job of collecting eggs from the farms free-range
chickens. He passed the Scholarship, as it was then
called, and joined St.Olaves Grammar School which
was evacuated to Torquay. He was practically starved
at one billet as they were called.

He returned to Eltham in 1944 when the School

returned to Tooley Street. His school reports show
that he was a good scholar. He left STOGS in 1946
and joined Hulton Press where he worked in the dark
room and developed his lasting interest in photography.
He belonged to the local Sea Cadets where he won
an award for best cadet of the year. In 1948, he was
called up for his two years National Service and joined
the Royal Navy where he became a meteorological
observer on HMS Vengeance, travelling as far afield
as South Africa and the Arctic. In 1950 he returned
to Hulton Press, where he played a part in establishing
the Eagle comic. In his spare time he captained a
mens hockey team and did some private wedding
photography. In 1957 he had a change of career
and joined Ascots Camera Shops, who were later
taken over by Dixons, where he won the Chairmans
Shield as the most successful shop manager. In
1971, he made another partial career change when
he joined the ILEA as a Media Resources Officer, a
position he held until retirement. He then enrolled
on a Greenwich Guide Course and became one of the
official Greenwich Guides, something he continued to
do until last year. He was an active member of the
Greenwich Historical Society, producing the annual
newsletter, was a committed Mason, holding several
Offices and was Treasurer of the local Parkinsons
Group which he supported. He married his wife Jean
in 1957 and they had a son Robert. Sadly Jean died
two years ago but John enjoyed his two grandchildren,
Anna and Ruth.
John had contracted prostate
cancer in 1999, but had dealt with it with his usual
good humour until recently, when it became suddenly
more aggressive. He died quietly in Greenwich and
Bexley Community Hospice on 5th November 2011.
John was a member of the OOs Forties Group and
attended many reunions taking group photographs
which appeared in the magazine.
176 Old Olavian Olavian 2012

THE OLD OLAViANS

HONORARY OFFiCERS 2012
PRESIDENT
Aydin na, Headmaster
The Headmasters House, St Olaves Grammar
School,
Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent BR6 9SH
Tel: 01689 820101
CHAIRMAN
Chris Harris,
chris.r.harris@ukgateway.net
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Bill Prouse
Paul Ouseley
Trevor Read
EDITOR OF THE OLD OLAVIAN
John Brown, 60 The Lawns, Rolleston-on-Dove,
Staffordshire, DE13 9DB
Tel: 01283 813976
e-mail: johnmbrown60@gmail.com
OLD OLAVIANS ADMINISTRATOR
Jane Wells
Tel: 01689 820101 extn 161
email: jwells@saintolaves.net
SECRETARiES OF AFFiLiATED CLUBS
AND SOCiETiES
CRICKET CLUB
Lance Giles, c/o 44 Harwood Avenue, Bromley, Kent,
BR1 3DU
Tel: 07891 725488 e-mail: lancegiles@hotmail.com
FIVES CLUB
Howard Wiseman, 7 Genoa Road, Anerley SE20
8ES Tel: 020 8778 0752
OLD OLAVIANS LODGE (No. 5758)
Peter G Hudson OBE
9 Downs View Close, Pratts Bottom
Orpington, Kent, BR6 7SU
Tel: 01689 858583
e-mail: hudsons91@btinternet.com
RUGBY CLUB
Phil Grayson,
57, Byrne Road, Balham, London SW12 7JB
Tel: 07971 878750
HOLYOAK ROOM
St Olaves School, Goddington Lane, Orpington,
Kent, BR6 9SH