About us News

Neurosurgery in Nepal

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Thursday 9 May, Professor Terence Hope, a leading neurosurgeon at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham came to Repton to give a talk about life as a neurosurgeon, his experiences of Med School and the challenges facing medicine in Nepal.

There were 20 pupils gathered from O-block, L6 and U6 and Professor Hope gave a candid and exhilarating account of his early career. He gave us an invaluable insight into his life as a leading neurosurgeon and the type of work he undertook, speaking enthusiastically about the different patients he saw with lots of interesting anecdotes along the way.

One unique aspect of his talk was his travels and role as a neurosurgeon in Nepal, one of poorest countries in the world, where he faced over 100 outpatients in his clinic after a busy day in surgery, some of whom who had made the journey to see him by horseback.

We are very grateful for Professor Hope for giving up his valuable time despite his busy schedule and for enthusing the next generation of medics and surgeons, many of whom commented that his talk was 'funny, informative and entertaining'. This was a genuine highlight of the MedSoc year.

Dressage Team News

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The dressage team were out on Saturday at an event at Derby College and won second place rosettes in the Team Dressage competition. Emily Cruickshanks and Rebecca Williams rode lovely tests at Prelim level, despite some distracting plastic flowers and mirrors in the arena. Laura Bramall did well to complete her Novice test after her horse Griffin was upset by the sound of the hand dryers next to the dressage arena. All three girls received some really positive comments from the judge. They are now looking forward to the final competition of this year at Arena UK on the 8th June. This will involve team and individual competitions for the school in both dressage and show jumping.

Repton’s riding club meets twice a week and uses the horses at Hargate Equestrian in Hilton to have lessons with an instructor. Some girls choose to stable their own horses there and then join in the lessons with us using their own horse. Lessons cater from absolute beginners up to those who want to practise dressage tests or jump a course of fences New members are always welcome at all levels of experience. Please contact Miss McKenzie for further information.

1st XI Cricket Season

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

So far this season the 1st XI have not only managed to survive the spring weather and complete ten games, but they have also put together a impressive set of results, recording victories over Oakham, Oundle and MCC amongst others.

The most recent two victories have been built around the run scoring of Captain Nitish Kumar, who scored 137 against Oundle and 154 not out against the MCC. His most recent score of 154 not out was scored from just 102 deliveries and one MCC member who has represented the MCC in over 500 games, said that it was the highest individual score that he can remember being scored against them. Quite a remarkable achievement. This was made even more so when it is considered that the MCC brought their usual strong side to Repton, that included three players who had played first class cricket, and plenty more that regularly play Premier League cricket in the Midlands.

Old Reptonians may also be pleased to hear that the MCC side featured former Repton Captains of Cricket Chris Paget and Chris Murrall, as well as OR Woody Bridgeman.

Director of Sport and Head of Cricket Ian Pollock commented, “This was a fantastic schoolboy innings, and Nitish used all his experience to dominate an experienced bowling attack. His ability to score on both sides of the wicket and at real tempo simply took the game away from them.”

The 1st XI continue their season at home against Uppingham this Saturday, in the 148th year of the fixture – quite some record!

Recording Studio News

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Repton’s Recording Studio has just been significantly upgraded, to ensure that it remains a first class facility that boasts the latest technology for pupils to experience. Pupils can find out what it’s like to work in a commercial recording studio with equipment comparable to that widely used by the world’s leading sound recording artists. Indeed, Repton’s pupils are able to create multi-track recordings and to mix and edit their work to the highest standards using one of the world's most advanced audio production systems. Running the industry standard Pro Tools HD 10 and with the C24 control surface this is a very serious addition to the Music School.
Individual pupils can sign up to have studio sessions, recording their favourite pieces and bands can work with Mr Fairbrother (Head of Contemporary Music) to create and mix their recordings.
Staff training!

Prep Schools Strings Day

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Repton Strings Day has become an eagerly awaited event amongst a number of prep Schools within the region. Once again this year’s event was an outstanding success, with almost 50 young string players being led by the inspiring Carducci Quartet, our Quartet in Residence, who pay regular visits throughout the year to both Repton and Foremarke.

The day featured just the right challenge of music from duets up to to a massed string orchestra. As well as many violinists and cellists, the day included a good number of players of "endangered species" such as violists, double bass players and harps. The Carducci Quartet are exceptional leaders for this type of event and the students went home brimming with new ideas, fresh tunes to play and tips for their forthcoming ABRSM exams.

Learning a string instrument is rewarding but hard work and has to be fun! This was certainly the concept at the heart of this Strings Day, with the Carducci's showing just how much pleasure they get from playing and inspiring the young players to bring even more energy to their instruments. So popular, next year we are going to run two Strings Days!

International Debuts for Two more Reptonians

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Two more Reptonians graduated to be junior international sportsmen last week as they played their first games for their respective countries.

Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson (U6P) was selected in the squad for Northern Ireland U19 Football and was subsequently chosen in the starting line up for their friendly against Wales. Unfortunately Northern Ireland lost 3-1, but we hope to see Bradley selected as Northern Ireland start their European Qualifying in the next few months.

After being selected for England U16 Hockey training squad back in October, Elliot Hibell made his debut over the Bank Holiday weekend in a three match series against Northern Ireland at Lilleshall. England were successful in all three of the games played. Elliot now hopes to be selected for the major international tournaments in the Summer. He was also a member of the Repton U16 Boys team that won the National Championships last month.

Director of Sport Ian Pollock commented "Congratulations to both Bradley and Elliot on their achievements. An international debut is an incredible thing and something that they are no doubt very proud of. I am delighted that Repton continues to be able to support elite performers such as Elliot and Brad, and it continues to illustrate our commitment to offering all pupils the chance to maximise their potential."

200 Celebrate Confirmations

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The annual Confirmation Service in School this year took place on Sunday 12th May. The Bishop of Derby, The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern confirmed 12 Reptonians and a member of our link parish of St John’s Newhall. The Bishop preached about Humanity not just having physical and psychological needs but having a heart with spiritual needs.

We were delighted that nearly 200 family and friends attended the service to celebrate the event.

Musician of the Year FINAL

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last night saw the culmination of the year’s individual Music Competitions. We were treated to a wonderful concert, with some excellent performances in both the Junior and Senior categories.

We were particularly fortunate to have the Head of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Junior Dept, Patricia Keir to adjudicate. The evening was, in reality, a celebration of Repton Music. The level of playing was really high. She singled out four performances in the Junior category. Christopher Hill – Flute, Dominic Lea – voice, Hannah Sherry – Piano and Ankit Rai – percussion for special praise, and awarded the prize for Pahud’s arrangement of Lensky’s aria from Eugine Onegin to Christopher Hill. His assured, considered performance struck her as particularly impressive. This victory comes hot on the heels of Christopher being awarded a place at The Royal College of Music’s Junior department, which he will start in Michaelmas.

The Senior competition was undoubtedly the highest standard that has been heard for a very long time. This was also a difficult decision for Patricia Keir, as Kaan Harwood – piano, Jospeh Jankinson – Voice and oboe, and Joanna Holroyd – cello gave particularly polished, mature performances. She awarded the prize to Joseph Jankinson for his ‘gorgeous’ singing, and wonderfully ‘musical’ Marcello on oboe.

This was a night to cherish, and all performers, together with accompanist Mr Pares

should be congratulated; all their hard work really did pay off, and the appreciative audience had a treat!

Programme:

Junior Category

William Markham (O) Sonata Op. 24 ‘Spring’, 1^st Movement

Junior Strings L. van Beethoven

Christopher Hill (L) Lensky’s Aria from Eugene Onegin

Junior Woodwind P. I. Tchaikovsky arr. E. Pahud

Isabel Markham (F) Se tu m’ami

Junior Girls Classical Singing G. Pergolesi

Dominic Lea (S) The Vagabond

Junior Boys Classical Singing R. Vaughan Williams

Hannah Sherry (G) Scherzo in E minor Op. 16 No. 2

Junior Piano F. Mendelssohn

William Abell (S) Nocturne Op. 7

Junior Brass F. Strauss

Claudia Atkinson (F) Prelude

Harp G. Concone

Christopher Hill (L) Autumn Leaves

Jazz J. Kosma

Ankit Rai (P) Sonatina

Orchestral Percussion A. Tcherepnin

Matthew Bankhurst (N) Paragroover Variations

Junior Contemporary L. Westell arr. M. Bankhurst

Senior Category

Jonathan Priestley (S) Favela

Senior Contemporary N. Lederman

Francesca Beharrell (A) Ombra mai fu

Senior Girls Classical Singing G. F. Handel

Joseph Jankinson (L) Come Away, Come Away, Death

Senior Boys Classical Singing G. Finzi

Rowan Saunders (O) Asturias

Guitar I. Albéniz

Jeffrey Chow (C) Slavonic Fantasy

Senior Brass C. Höhne

Samantha Evans (F) With One Look

Girls Popular Song L. Webber

Sebastiaan Howle (L) Me

Boys Popular Song A. Menken & T. Rice

Kaan Harwood (N) Laments, or the Maiden and the Nightingale

Senior Piano E. Granados

Joseph Jankinson (L) Concerto in D minor

Senior Woodwind A. Marcello

Joanna Holroyd (F) Sonata in G minor Op. 5 No. 2, 1^st and 2^nd Movements

Senior Strings L. van Beethoven

Off to the Seaside

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Our Director of Production, Guy Levesley, has teamed up with the Mayor of Derby’s chauffeur to raise funds for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday charity which gives hugely underprivileged children the opportunity to have a short break away. The children who get to go to the centre in Skegness are referred by Social Services and Schools in our area and Guy was touched by the story of a little boy who went on his first holiday-to-the-seaside carrying a holdall, which was empty as he didn't have anything to take.

The local paper The Derby Evening Telegraph has picked up this very worthy charity and is running a campaign to buy a new minibus for the centre. To view the article please click here.

International Caps

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to the six ISFA U18 players who have received their International Caps for representing England Independent Schools against the other international teams. Alex Monro-Jones, Joe Mansfield (captain), Lewis Ratcliffe, Fraser Lane and Doug Redfern all represented England Independent Schools against Scotland Independent Schools on Sunday, 5th May. England won the game 3-2 with Alex Monro-Jones scoring one of the England goals.

Stephen Kosmala also received a cap as he played against Wales but unfortunately was injured for the Scotland match.

Organist of the Year

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last Sunday saw the fourth Organ Half Hour, a short (now termly) celebration of the musicianship and industry of our talented crop of young organists. This concert was combined with the organ section of the Repton Young Musician of the year, a category re-founded this year. The Wardle Cup, first given to the school in 1965 and last awarded in 1978, was freshly polished and glistening in the May sunshine.

The programme was wholly Bach-centric, despite not one note of the great master being played! Izzy Hurren (Year 8, Foremarke) began with the bold and declamatory Prelude in F by Johann Krebs (1713-80), a pupil of Bach. This was followed by William Markham’s (5O) rendition of a charming Cantabile by J. G. Vierling (1750 – 1830), who was a pupil of C. P. E. Bach. Joseph Jankinson (L6L) transported us to grand Edwardia with Thalben-Ball’s famous Elegy. Originally broadcast as an improvisation, this piece was immediately popular and its transcription has been played ever since, including at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Thalben-Ball also found fame after recording the complete organ works of J. S. Bach. Finally Kyoko Canaway (3G) gave us a stylish and musical rendition of a piece by Bach’s cousin, Johann Gottfried Walther (1684 – 1749). Walther transcribed this Allegro from the Concerto del Signor Meck for the organ, a practice that heavily influenced J. S. Bach.

We were delighted to welcome Mr Oliver Walker to judge the competition. Mr Walker was sometime organ scholar of Keble College Oxford and Wells Cathedral, and is now Choirmaster and Organist and Solihull School where he leads the ambitious, multifarious and highly successful choral programme. Although this was a Repton competition, Mr Walker commented on all of the pieces, praising the very many positives and offering encouragement and advice for improvement. In the end it was Joseph Jankinson who was awarded the Wardle Cup; Mr Walker commended Joseph’s expressive melodic lines and excellent organ management in particular.

An excellent time of music-making all round!

D of E Field Day Report

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

69 O Blockers set off for the White Peak on Saturday April 27th after many months spent planning their routes, devising menus and sourcing provisions for a three-day Practice Expedition. Walking in two triangles south of Bakewell and Buxton, the pupils were only 90 minutes’ drive from the Arch, and yet, so alien and hostile can this exposed limestone terrain precipitately become, they were very much out of their comfort zones, and relished the chance to make the most of this fact.

The teams were walking in markedly distinct environments: in the East, the gently undulating fields and quarries around the Via Gellia, and the bucolic idylls of the Bradford Valley and Lathkilldale; in the West, the wild moors above Allgreave and Upper Hulme, the beguiling beauty of the Lower Manifold, and the eerie charisma of Parkhouse and Chrome Hills, standing in dignified sentry-duty over Dowel Dale.

What a rare pleasure to spend time with such accomplished and engaging hill-walkers, whose tight campcraft, consideration and respect for the environment and for those enjoying it with them was as edifying as it had been predictable. So far from indulging in lethargy, or defeatism, one group, at the end of a tough second day, chose to run up a 1:4 road and then insisted on being allowed to cross the Roaches in the worst weather of the weekend, a hail-storm enhanced by 40mph cross-winds.

As ever, the groups were characterised by the spirit of teamwork and mutual support with which they attacked all challenges faced, and, strikingly, by their appreciation of the joys of being out in the countryside, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Southern Peak District. Most pertinent of all, perhaps, was the manner in which the pupils embraced the opportunities accorded them to stretch themselves and overcome any adversity encountered.

There was palpable disappointment on the faces of the participants that the weather had, for most of the expedition, been so clement – had it been about 10 degrees colder and if they had had to navigate in thick fog for all three days, the experience would have been more rewarding – but these Reptonians are sanguine enough to recognise that you cannot have everything.

CCF Dine Out 2013

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

After 4 years within the CCF it was time for our Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCO’s) to return uniforms and say farewell to an organisation which had provided great adventures, great memories and above all friends for life. Most had endured 8 field weekends (most of which were wet), 3 summer camps and had spent at least 2 years teaching new A block cadets the basic skills required under the cadet training syllabus. The RAF section’s remaining members had been involved in RAF summer camps, (with some having to spend time in tents rather than the 5 star typical RAF accommodation) conducted air experience flights and attended gliding scholarship courses to gain their wings.

The evening itself was conducted in the format of a military dine out which was fitting for such an occasion with Sgt Holly Harcus carrying out her duties as Miss Vice. After pre dinner drinks the 24 members moved into the dining hall of Orchard house with the kind permission of Mr Anton Smith. The room had been prepared with great detail by Matron Orchard, with Mess Silver, flowers and candles. Miss Vice said grace and the Mess enjoyed a 3 course meal followed by the Loyal Toast after which speeches were given by Sgt Gabriel Cowley (RAF) WO2 Tom Walsh (Army) which fittingly reflected on their time within the CCF. Flt Officer Anton Smith and Major Paul Whittaker then spoke of their recollections of the leaving members as Officers in charge of each section. Finally a tribute was made to the leavers by the Officer Commanding Major John Wadsworth.

An end to an era, but a great standard has been set by this group of fine Repton CCF ambassadors.

Praise for Community Service

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations go to our first group of Lower Sixth Students who are making a real difference at The Royal Derby Hospital as part of their Community Service. 10 students have committed to work as patient activity volunteers on various Derby Hospital wards every Thursday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm for a year. Following training in areas such as Health and Safety and feeding patients our merry band assist at mealtimes, run errands and offer their time to talk to patients and encourage them to engage in activities. This is improving the patient experience for many local people.

For students who are interested in a career in healthcare this is a great way to experience NHS life on the front line.

Once the year is complete the this year’s students aim to recruit and mentor a new group of Repton volunteers to work at the hospital next year and double the resource we are offering.

Mitre Celebrates 10 years

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Mitre opened as a girls House 10 years ago this year as a small House of just 36 girls under the superb stewardship of House parents David and Deborah Newman. 10 years on, the House has grown to a thriving community of 76 wonderful girls and has a prominent role to play in all aspects of school life. Old boys who return to the House are always surprised by the changes that the girls have brought, and the House, (having been newly re-furbished over the Easter holidays of 2013) now offers a wonderfully comfortable and stylish home to the Mitre girls.

As a mark of the success of the last ten years on Sunday 5th May we held a re-union in the gardens of the Mitre. One of our secrets has always been the amazing space we have at the back of the site and it was fabulous to be able to utilise this with the private side garden facilitating the drinks reception and expansive afternoon tea and the girls garden making room for the bouncy castle and giant garden games - enjoyed by current and old girls alike!

The sun shone throughout the afternoon as many old girls returned to reminisce about their time at Repton and to catch up with their domestic and tutor staff. Echoes of laughter could be heard across the afternoon as stories were told and it was lovely to see so many old friendships rekindled. It felt like a special family gathering, and was a mark of just how much the House has become a home to the girls who live in the Mitre.

Girls' House Football

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

As one Housemaster was heard to say, the girls’ house football signals the start of summer and this year was no exception as we were treated to glorious sunshine and favourable temperatures.

Unlike previous competitions, both junior and senior events were very open with all houses in with a chance of taking home the spoils.

The junior competition was won by Mitre who, with the creative duo of Isobel Emmett (3M) and Celia Newstead (3M) leading the line scored an impressive seven goals in total. Field finished as runners up with Garden in third despite not losing a game.

The senior competition was a really tight affair with three houses in with a chance of winning going into the final game. Abbey took on Field and a victory for either side would have secured the title, however the game finished in a draw and Garden were crowned champions despite losing to Abbey in the opening game. Abbey finished in second place and Field in third. Erica Sanders (5G) and Meg Ewins (U6G) were instrumental to the Garden victory with other notable performances from Lili Kettlewell (L6M) and Maud Davies (L6A).

Smile Please

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Today saw the 4 yearly whole school photo take place. Mrs Tennant's meticulous planning ensured the event ran smoothly although it was fairly tight to fit everyone in.

You will be standing for some time.

How many more?

Form an orderly queue please.

Nearly there.

Last few.

Need to squeeze some more in.

Smile Please

Musician of the Year

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

CCF Field Weekend

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The weather report identified the possibility of light showers for Sunday 28th April. This would not deter the Army section having spent the last four field weekends and one summer camp being soaked on each event; so the weather hardened army cadets deployed to Swynnerton training area with the sun shining (but not for long)!! It was only after the mandatory safety brief, given by Maj Wadsworth, as the cadets made their way on foot to the harbour locations to set up their bivvies for the night, that the heavens opened. This made the first rotation of stands interesting, but with minor adaptions training got underway. There would be no ration boxes on this exercise; catering was provided by the military chefs at Swynnerton kitchen with “all in” stew provided in containers with yogurts and doughnuts for dessert.

After a hearty evening meal the A block cadets with members of cadre were briefed on the night navigation exercise, an interesting prospect for the A blockers who in recent navigation exercises have simply followed their NCO’s. After two hours of navigation most teams had made it successfully around the course; only a couple of teams had become geographically embarrassed and collected by the staff safety vehicles.

The rain clouds moved on to leave a beautiful clear night sky which later led to a very cold night and with temperatures plummeting ice was soon forming on shelters and sleeping bags. After breaking camp in the morning and packing our frozen belonging s away the bergans were stored in a secure building whilst we carried out some morning physical training to get the bodies warm and the blood pumping. The cadets formed up in houses and started with a mass warm up followed by piggy back races, wheel barrow relays and fireman carries. After 20 minutes of activities the cadets were suitably warmed up.

A hot breakfast was provided with eggs bacon and sausages and cereals which all went down a treat. The day then followed with five stands, Paintball lanes with 2lt Shawcross, Survival skills with Maj Whittaker and CSgt Lees (and a few rabbits), GPS Navigation with Mr Mitchell and Command tasks with Capt McCallum and Miss Bench. The fifth stand was the Army obstacle course with Maj Wadsworth and 2Lt Goodfellow which enabled cadets to leap over tall walls, crawl under nets and jump over (or in some cases into) ditches. The most entertaining parts of the course were the three high climbs of cargo nets, Burma bridges and high planks course which 95% of the cadets attempted and achieved. After each cadet had rotated around all the stands the training was complete. Packed lunches were devoured and the coaches loaded for the rather quiet journey back. Not a single eye remained open as the tired cadets returned from an enjoyable, testing 24hours.

Vienna - City of Dreams

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Repton School Concerts Society’s Wednesday concert was a wonderful homage to the city of Vienna, and an acknowledgment of its place at the heart of Western Classical Music. Mr Hodgkinson began with a tour of the Zentralfriedhof Cemetery, in which are buried many of the greatest names in classical music, including Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Mozart. The audience were able to follow the directions with maps and slides of the cemetery.

We were then treated to examples of their music which kept the audience spellbound for the first half… beginning with Mozart’s jewel of a song Abendempfindung, sung by John Bowley. The rest of the first half consisted of James Rippingale accompanying John Bowley on guitar, Graham Oppenheimer playing Brahms on the viola, Nicki Kennedy, Heather Gordon-Redfearn and Luis Parés playing Schubert’s masterpiece The Shepherd on the Rock and Luis Pares being joined by Kelly McCusker and Jenny Curtis to play two movements of the monumental piano trio, The Archduke, by Beethoven.

The second half was something of a revelation as the new staff orchestra or ‘Storkestra’ was unveiled. They played a quite unforgettable version of The Blue Danube waltz, which was probably more memorable for its choreography and unusual percussion than for its finesse. There was more comedy from Alex Hodgkinson and Luis Parés as they argued and battled their way through a Brahms Hungarian Dance on the piano. This lighter Viennese mood was sustained as we were introduced to Claire Wild, new to the singing team, as she gave a rendition of Strauss’s Laughing Song and Lehar’s Vilja. John Bowley and Nicki Kennedy performed a very cheesy duet with Love Unspoken but happily acknowledge that they might benefit from some waltzing lessons!

The mood was brought to a much more thoughtful place as we were taken to Fin de siecle Vienna, Freud’s ‘City of Dreams’ with a reading about Sigmund Freud and his life given by James Dahl. As we considered the world of the unconscious, Emma Pountney helped our musings with some very poignant renditions of two clarinet pieces by Alban Berg.

Finally John Bowley and James Rippingale performed Schuberts’ great hymn to Art and to Music, An die Musik. Before leaving, the whole audience was allowed a quick trip to Salzburg to sing My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music.

Season’s Finale

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The U16 boys’ victory in the National Schools Hockey Championship for Boys brings the 2012/13 season to a record-breaking conclusion.

The U16s qualified for the national finals after becoming Derbyshire county champions and then going on to take the Midlands title.

Seven other teams competed in the nationals. Repton played their pool matches confidently and with wins in every one, guaranteed their place in the title-clinching match against Whitgift from South Croydon. Normal time saw the game end as a 0-0 draw, but Repton were dominant in the penalty flicks, beating the Southern regional champions 5-3. To read a report from the National Finals please click here.

Our U14 squad also qualified for the national finals and finished a very creditable fourth. To read a report from the National Finals please click here.

The school’s U18s won their place in the National Finals by becoming Midlands’ champions. To read their report please click here.

Last week’s victory together with participation by the squads in the highest level competitions available to them crown a record-breaking season for the School.

This year Repton has seen U18s boys become national outdoor finalists, U16 boys as national indoor runners-up and declared outdoor champions and U14 boys coming fourth in the national finals.

The girls have been equally impressive, with the U18s being national indoor champions and outdoor runners-up; the U16s crowned national indoor champions and the U14s taking the national outdoor title.

Commenting on the outstanding achievements Headmaster, Robert Holroyd, said: “Every one of the successes is important and valued by us and we recognise the hard work that has gone into achieving them. All of the players and staff involved in the outstanding results this season are to be congratulated. They have done wonderfully well.”

Martin Jones, Director of Hockey, added: “Winning places in national finals and taking titles are the result of continual hard training, discipline and dedication on the part of the squad members and the staff who coach and guide them. Everyone involved in hockey at Repton has worked hard throughout the year and as a result it has been an absolutely outstanding season!”

ISFA visits La Liga

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Over the Easter holidays six pupils were selected to play for the ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) U18 team. Joe Mansfield (C) who captained the team, Doug Redfern (P), Fraser Lane (L), Lewis Ratcliffe (L), Stephen Kosmala (O) and Alex Monro-Jones (C) all travelled to Spain for three matches against youth teams from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and CD Leganes.

The team produced a good performance against an unsurprisingly strong Real Madrid U17 team but lost 4-0. They bounced back from the defeat with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Atletico Madrid and despite playing three games in as many days the ISFA U18 boys ended their tour with a thrilling 4-3 defeat to a CD Leganes U18 team.

Road to Rio

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Five members of the senior women’s GB and England hockey squad named this week are former pupils of Repton School.

London 2012 bronze medallist Georgie Twigg (F) retains her place in the national squad, as does Susie Gilbert (F), who just missed out on a place in the Olympic team, and they are joined by Jo Leigh (G), Shona McCallin(A) and Ellie Watton (M).

Ellie Watton and Jo Leigh have secured their places after successful international debuts at the Investec Challenge in South Africa earlier this year.

In addition two places in the senior men’s GB and England hockey squad will be taken by Arjan Drayton-Chana, who left School House last year, and our own Head of Politics Tim Whiteman who will join the squad during the summer.

The next three years will see these OR’s preparing for and building up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. We will be following their progress with interest and their success will continue to be a huge inspiration to the hockey community here at Repton.

Science Priory Progress

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Science Priory is really taking shape and is on schedule for a July handover ready for pupils at the start of the Michaelmas term. The glass panels in the Atrium look stunning and much of the external cladding has been done. Work on the interior has started and will continue over the next few months.

Iceland Easter 2013

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

At the start of the Easter holidays Miss Mckenzie took her second group of A and O Blockers to Iceland. Please click here to read Mrs Rushton's diary of what proved to be an amazing experience for all.

Engineering can be glamorous

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

It’s good to know that there is a small but successful automotive industry in the West Midlands that bucks the national trend in these times of recession. That was the message that was delivered at the inspiring talk on engineering, given as part of the Careers programme of evening events by Julian Turner (Cross 91-96) on Wednesday 17 April.

Julian took over the ailing Westfield car company 5 years ago and in that time has transformed their fortunes by imaginative marketing of their vehicles in the UK and pioneering new markets around the world. Westfield now builds one of the world’s most enjoyable, reliable and affordable sports cars. Their company re-invests a substantial proportion of their profits in research and development in future automotive technology including hybrids and electric vehicles.

After leaving school his university product engineering sandwich course took him to Boeing in the USA for a year where many of his business skills were honed and developed, preparing him for the world of work. He talked passionately and persuasively about the possibility of engineering as potential careers for both our boy and girl pupils but stressed the importance of experiencing the workplace while still at school. To that end, he has offered work placement opportunities for Reptonians in the future. He encouraged the pupils to be agile in their thinking about their role in the world of engineering in its broadest sense.

Repton GCSE Music Study Day

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

At the very end of last term, we were delighted to welcome around fifty visiting students and staff for our second Repton GCSE Music Study Day. Pupils from Derby Grammar, Newbold Community School and Chellaston Academy joined our own GCSE music candidates for a day of focused and intensive revision in preparation for the Easter break, led by home and visiting staff.

The day was highly rewarding and extremely useful for all concerned, both as a method of revision and as an opportunity to share ideas and tips. Following the success of these two events it is hoped next year will be even bigger and better!

Paul Lewthwaite exhibition

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

This exhibition will showcase Paul's work from the recent past and the newer body of work under development in his on-site studio at Charterhouse. Also included are a series of drawings produced when he was Artist in Residence at Can Serrat Arts Centre, El Bruc, Spain. This project was based upon Montserrat, which dominates the landscape and is the location of the internationally important Montserrat Monastery.

For more details about the artist visit www.paullewthwaite.com

CCF Climbing trip to Malta

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On the first Saturday of the Easter holiday 18 cadets left the winter wonderland of Repton in search of warmer climates in Malta for a week of rock climbing. As we touched down on the Mediterranean island, with the 33°C heat welcoming us into the country, the cadets were excited about the week of climbing ahead of them.
We stayed in the thriving town of Bugibba, a town popular with British tourists on the north coast of the island, travelling daily to the south side to the prime climbing locations.
In addition to Major Wadsworth, 2Lt March-Shawcross and 2Lt Goodfellow, there were four highly experienced adventure training instructors accompanying the trip. As all adults had attained qualifications in rock climbing, we were able to split the cadets into three small groups. This gave them the opportunity to try abseiling, bouldering, multipitch, sport and lead climbing.
Primarily, we climbed at Wied Babu, Blue Grotto and Motorbike Slabs. These locations were ideal for development of technique and confidence, with the improvement of all of the cadets climbing skills evident throughout the week.
In addition to climbing, cadets developed their belaying and teamwork skills and were encouraged to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and each other throughout the trip. They received lectures during the evenings on rope management, adventurous training in the armed forces, equipment care and using guidebooks.
Once the cadets were back at the accommodation and had received their lecture for the evening the cadets and instructors would visit local restaurants, go to the cinema and relax in their rooms, preparing for the next day!
The group visited Valletta, the country’s capital, on Good Friday to watch the parades throughout the city centre. The city is filled with atmosphere, with buildings dating from the 16th century. There were hundreds of floats, children dressed in traditional Maltese attire and religious symbols moving through the city’s streets.
After an exciting night in the nations capital, the group travelled back to England to be greeted yet again by snow!

Extra-Curricular Easter

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Despite the freezing temperatures over the 3 week Easter break many staff and pupils have been busy out and about in the UK and Europe.

A CCF contingent set off for exercises in Malta, the Geographers went to Iceland, there was an Art trip to Madrid, the Dubai exchange returned to a chilly UK, 6 pupils represented the ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) U18 team on a tour to Spain, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh pupils were out on an expedition, the U16 Boys’ Hockey team played matches against the Welsh U16 team, the 1st XI and U15 cricketers had some warm up matches…. oh, and 12 B and A Block pupils ran alongside Michael Johnson. Keep an eye out over the next few weeks for more detailed reports on some of these events.

Marathon Man

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Sunday Head of Science, Dr Stuart Ingleston (aka Doc i), completed his very first marathon in 3 hours 58 minutes and 17 seconds. Running in the Brighton Marathon Doc i achieved his sub 4 hour target and also raised nearly £1,000 for Great Ormond Street hospital. At the end of the race he said, “The last few miles were indeed tough, and I had a few very painful cramps in my legs, but I had a really, really enjoyable time”.

If anyone would like to support Doc i and the Great Ormond Street charity please go to http://www.justgiving.com/stuarti

Reptonians coached by Michael Johnson

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

During the Easter break 12 pupils experienced 4 days in the life of elite athletes at a partnership launch of two of the globe's leading performance companies.

Michael Johnson Performance, the company owned by four time Olympic Gold Medallist Michael Johnson, and Perform, the Healthcare provider for St George's Park, recently announced a series of Performance Camps in the UK. They opted to launch the partnership with a 4 day pilot camp and 12 of the 20 available places were offered to Repton pupils.

These two companies are very much leaders in their fields of athletic performance, and they offered the chance for our young sportsmen and women to experience the world class facilities of St George's Park, as well as the latest ideas in the delivery of athletic performance from the lead coaches at Michael Johnson Performance, and the highest level of sports science from Perform's Elite Physiotherapist.

The selected Reptonians underwent a lengthy process of performance testing, including tests of functional mobility, power, strength, reaction time and an orthopaedic screening. Following this they took part in a number of sessions to improve their athleticism and technique with both linear and multi-directional running, as well as gym work and nutritional guidance.

This is such a major project that it featured on both Sky News and Sky Sports News, as well as on regional news programmes. One of the major highlights was, of course, the chance to meet Michael Johnson himself, and he was present at a number of sessions to offer his advice on their techniques. He also gave an hour long lecture on goal setting, his experiences as a young professional athlete and how he coped with being the best in the world.

The pupils were not only able to experience the cutting edge of coaching athleticism, but also to be able to work with some of the leaders of their field, in what is now regarded as the UK's best sporting facility.

Repton's Director of Sport, Ian Pollock, said "This was a phenomenal opportunity for the youngsters involved and we were delighted to be approached by Perform to be part of this pilot camp. It has empowered our pupils with a greater knowledge base to allow them to be more athletic for their sports, and given them a much deeper understanding of what is required physically to compete at the top level. Hopefully it will make the difference for them as they aim to make the next step up in their sporting careers. The staff from MJP and Perform delivered sessions of the highest quality both on and off the field."

After the camp A Block pupil, Elliot Hibell (O), said “The whole experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We found out how our bodies worked and what they are capable of. I would love to be able to go back in the future to see how I have improved.” Esme Burge (3G) added “Meeting Michael Johnson is an experience I will never forget. In a race against him he beat us all while he was only jogging but I guess losing to a 4 time Olympic gold medalist isn't something to be too ashamed of.”

Russell Cup

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Thursday afternoon saw the annual Russell Cup House Competition taking place in unseasonably cold conditions. Each house entered two teams of 6 pupils from O block and above who faced 8 tasks to test their physical strength and skills. As usual competition was fierce in testing conditions and the final results were exceptionally close.

The overall winning team was Priory who were separated from runners-up New House by only 3 points. Congratulations to all those who took part. Click here to see a gallery of photos.

Barnes Squad displays strength of CCF at Repton

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Yesterday was a key date in the CCF calendar.

The day started with our annual Guard of Honour in The Garth. Confidently managed by Senior Cadet Sergeant Major Tom Walsh(O) and Staff Sergeant Mark Goodhead(S), the O Block Army and RAF Cadets clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of their training to date. This year the inspection was done by Mr Holroyd who reviewed the uniform, turnout and drills of this very capable bunch of cadets. Mr Holroyd commented on the exceptionally high standards achieved and stressed the importance of CCF as a key part of our community at Repton.

To review more photos of the Guard of Honour click here

At 2pm the annual Barnes Squad Event saw A Block and O Block cadets compete in a fiercely fought inter house competition. All teams circulated around 9 set activities organised by Commanding Officer Major John Wadsworth to test their military prowess and adventurous training skills. Cadets faced a drill test, mountain bike course, shooting and pool tasks, a climbing wall challenge, map skills, First Aid, weapons Stand and aviation challenges. Congratulations to the top teams who finished as follows:-

1st place - Garden
2nd place - Field
3rd place - Priory

Major Wadsworth commented, “Having reintroduced the Barnes Squad competition as an inter-house event, cadets’ standards of turnout, drill and basic military skills, have improved dramatically: inter-house rivalry was apparent on all stands with the will to win ethos displayed with every cadet that took part.”

To review photos of the Barnes Squad Event click here.

Repton and Foremarke "Mathletes"

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On 19th March four pupils, two Reptonians and two from Foremarke, made the journey to Keele University where they competed in the regional final of the junior team maths challenge. The competition was stiff with 35 teams taking part including Derby High School and several large state schools.

The two Repton pupils were Amelia Tarrant (3M) and Nathan Hurdman (3P) and the two Foremarke pupils were Katrina Rai and Thomas Hvass.

The first round was the all important group round where the competition can be lost almost immediately. Pupils are given 45 minutes to solve 10 complex problems with 6 marks being awarded for a correct answer and a brutal 0 for a wrong answer, regardless of how close you were or if you had any correct processes. A superb performance from the team meant that we scored 60/60 and set ourselves up nicely for the rest of the day.

The second round was the cross-number which is very much like a crossword, except as the name suggests with numbers! The team splits into two pairs, who are not able to communicate and one pair has the ‘across’ clues and one pair the ‘down’ clues. They fill in a central grid but must work on their clues independently. Again, another excellent performance took us into lunch with a score of 58/60.

After lunch was the mini-relay which is a pressurised round containing four sets of four questions each with an 8 minute time limit. Again the team is in two pairs and the questions follow on from one another i.e. the answer to question 1 is required to answer questions 2 and so on. One pair starts with questions 1 and 3 and the other pair has questions 2 and 4. This proved to be our Achilles’ heel as a score of 39/60 albeit solid, was not quite as high as our other rounds.

The final round was another relay, again completed in pairs but this time the pupils are at opposite ends of the round and have to frantically sprint to one another passing the baton (in the form of questions). Again, another excellent performance saw us score 56/60 and finish the day with an impressive score of 213/240.

As it turned out we were narrowly beaten into second place with Christchurch Academy taking the title and qualifying for the national final outright. We have our fingers crossed however for qualifying as a best runner-up but will have to wait for the results of the other heats before finding out. The pupils should be proud of their performance and have earned their self proclaimed title of ‘mathletes’.
MRW

Keyboards Concert

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The annual Keyboards Concert will take place on Wednesday, 20th March 2013 – 8.30pm in the Beldam Hall.

This is the last musical event of the term and it promises to be a great display of talented young musicians - 23 young pianists will perform 22 pieces by 18 composers in approximately 75 minutes! Cakes and drinks will be offered at the end of the concert. All welcome to attend.

Lent Charity Cabaret 2013 is “astoundingly good”

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The audience at this year’s Cabaret was treated to over 40 confident acts showcasing the amazing breadth of talent at Repton. Over the four nights the variety of work presented covered many genres including mime, comedy, dance, music and film. It was simply impossible to pick highlights as act after act delivered top quality entertainment. The slick scene changes and clever lighting added to the feeling that this very talented group really knew how to put on a show.

Guy Levesley our Head of Dramatic Productions commented “The cooperation and mutual support of these pupils is phenomenal. They make being extraordinary look easy but most importantly nobody does this for personal glory, it’s all about supporting Dreamlands and giving our audience a quality experience. Everyone works as equals and pulling this together to this standard is an amazing achievement”

180 pupils were involved and the talent was not just on stage. The technicians working behind the scenes and the front of house team, under the guidance of John Sentance, were highly professional adding to the “theatre experience” offered by Repton’s stunning 400 Hall facilities.

To view a gallery of photos please click here

Dressage Team ride out in style

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Sunday the dressage team competed in the National Schools Equestrian Association qualifying round at South View Equestrian Centre in Cheshire. Emily Cruickshanks (4A) on her horse Whiz and Rebecca Williams (4M) on Mabel completed successful tests at Prelim level, receiving many positive comments from the judges, while Laura Bramall (3A) on her horse Griffin stepped up to Novice level, performing well in a difficult test. It was a great day out for the team and although we didn't win any rosettes on this occasion, it was a good oportunity for the team to practise at this level as they will be riding the same dressage tests early next term at another NSEA qualifying round. Congratulation to all the girls who rode this weekend and many thanks to the parents who gave up their Sundays to allow the girls to compete.

Best Hockey Season Ever

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last week was Midlands’ Finals week for the boys’ hockey teams and certainly one to remember.

The U14s were first up on Monday and played in truly arctic conditions. They battled through to the finals and were unlucky to lose to Bromsgrove. This week they will play in the regional play-offs for the remaining place in the National Finals. Click here to read the report from the day.

Next to play were the U16s who, as an U14 team, had made it through to the National Finals two years ago. The team didn’t disappoint again and won all their matches without conceding a goal. Click here to read the report from the day.

Finally on Friday it was the U18s to take to the pitches at Cannock. Their season has been unpredictable but the boys saved some of their best hockey to be crowned Midlands’ Champions and take a place in the National Finals. Click here to read the report from the day.

These results reflect the depth of hockey talent throughout the school and the outstanding support and training the hockey coaches continue to offer our boys’ and girls’ teams. The 2012/13 season has been exceptional with all age groups so far reaching 7 of the 10 National Finals available to schools.

Repton Top Debaters in action

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Tomorrow morning, Miss Sims and Mr Crombie are taking four students (Kate Benn U6A, Rosie Wilson U6F, Tom Hunter L6P and Guy Davis U6L, to Durham for the Clifford Chance Debating competition. This is the largest schools' debating competition in the world with institutions from Ireland, Indonesia, Canada, Greece and India all regularly competing alongside schools from the UK.

This event provides a unique opportunity for school pupils from a variety of backgrounds to come together and debate topical and thought provoking issues. We compete in five rounds of competition before a semi-final and final. The catch is that the students only find out the debate motion fifteen minutes before hand!

After two days of debating, the competition is narrowed down to the Grand Final, in which the best four teams are given the chance to speak in the historic debating chamber, which has hosted famous speakers such as Nick Clegg, David Miliband, Bertie Ahern and many others.

Dubai Exchange 2013

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

This afternoon, fourteen A-block pupils, along with Mr Dan Clark and Miss Gemma Hill, left Repton for the fourth exchange with our partner school in Dubai. The group will fly overnight, arriving tomorrow where they will spend their first day at Repton Dubai.

The pupils are chosen for the 2 week exchange via a competitive process where any A Block pupil submits an essay on how they would benefit from participating in the exchange and what they will bring to the trip.

As in previous years the Reptonians will become full pupils of the Dubai school - wearing the same uniform (glad you remembered the girls’ ties Miss Hill!), taking part in the same lessons and competing in the same sports as their Emirati partners.

In addition to the academics, the group will have a chance in the second week of the exchange to see some of the famous sites around Dubai, including the world's tallest building the Burj Khalifa.

The group will be running a daily blog on their trip, which you can follow by clicking here. And to view photos from the trip please click here.

Mobile Website

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Smart phone users of the website will have noticed a change to the website as our mobile version was launched today.

Over the last eighteen months the number of users accessing the Repton website, via a smart phone, has increased from just 3% to over 20% and so we have created a more tailored version for mobile users. The website content is arranged in a single column layout, sports fixtures can be accessed from the Home page and, by clicking on the postcode Google maps will open at Repton.

When the website is accessed via a mobile device the new version will be automatically displayed.

Pyjamas for Dreamlands

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

With snow on the ground the Dreamlands team is delighted to be able to offer you a new range of pyjamas designed to keep you warm and toasty whilst raising money for our Lent charity.

The long pyjama bottoms come in a maroon or pink checked brushed cotton fabric with DREAMLANDS down the side and the shorts are currently available with white spots on navy or pink, or pink checked fabric. These have DREAMLANDS around the waistband.

Sizes available are S, M, L and XL sizes but please note the S is very small. The pyjama bottoms cost £25 and the shorts cost £23 with all profits going to the Dreamlands School in Ghana.

To place an order please email Miss Davison, on cld@repton.org.uk stating the colour, style and size you would like.

Journey to Japan

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Friday, six linguists of varying ages, accompanied by Mrs Lees, travelled to Brooksby Hall in Melton Mowbray following an invitation to a Language and Business Masterclass to compete with 60 other students from 12 schools. The theme of the day concentrated on Japan and its thriving economy, unique culture, great food and technological edge; a theme which certainly managed to fascinate and inspire the students.

The keynote speaker was an international businessman boldly claiming to have 'the best job in the world'. The entrepreneur continued to explain his claim, using his financial security and experiences from travelling the world as contributing factors! However, what was most interesting was the content that his job entailed: acting as an incubator for new businesses to set up their ideas in Japan, helping them to structure and put in place the necessary foundations to succeed in Japan. The students were then split into mixed school and mixed age teams before being given the challenge of developing their very own 'Manga' character such as Hello Kitty and Super Mario. Based on this character, each team was provided with a brief to design an innovative piece of related merchandise. Some fantastic ideas flew around the packed hall, with teams cooperating superbly. Special mentions must go to Jack O' Callaghan who was recognised and commended for his part in the presentation of his team’s design; as well as to Manon Allen and Maxim Hibbs who were each a part of a winning team.Jake Bullock, Zoe Mitchell and Katie Guest also competed well.

Arguably the highlight of the day was the carousel of activities that the students took part in after lunch. These activities ranged from further language and writing taster sessions (in Japanese), to the preparing of sushi (hosted by the well-established Yo! Sushi chain) and the business etiquette talk which comprised of some quite astounding ideas - none more bizarre than the formal exchanging of business cards at meetings in Japan.

All in all, the day was hugely successful, with the students coming away with an enthusiasm to delve deeper into the details of the fascinating Japanese culture, as well as gaining vital experience of working as part of a team in a 'Young Apprentice' style challenge.

Geography Field Weekend

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last weekend the Lower 6th Geographers travelled to North Wales with Miss McKenzie, Mr Warrilow and Mr De Rosa to complete their fieldwork. Friday involved a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology where pupils were able to find out about sustainable energy and see some examples of wind turbines, solar panels and biogas generators in action. The pupils then took part in a competition to see who could design the most effective miniature wind turbine, testing their designes in front of a fan. Some of the pupils have clearly been paying attention in their Physics lessons and produced some very fast wind turbines! After that it was on to our hostel, Plas Curig, for a bit of preparation work for the next day before the pupils were treated to a fish and chip supper.

Come Saturday morning it was time to head out to the River Conyw for our data collection day. Spirits were high as the pupils clambered across the moorland, trying to avoid the think patches of heather and the boggy ground. Not everyone escaped without finding themselves suddenly knee deep in a muddy pool of water. The sun shone and despite the cold water the pupils did an admirable job of collecting the data they will need in their exams. That evening the Lower 6th took over the kitchens and rustled up a very impressive spaghetti Bolognese for staff and pupils alike.

Sunday morning brought more sunshine and a climb up into Cwm Idwal from Llyn Ogwen to study glacial landforms in and around the corrie. The pupils got to grips with field sketching and annotation while looking down over the U-shaped valley of the Nant Ffrancon. This is one of the best areas in the UK to see clearly the shape and scale of the landforms produced by glacial erosion. After lunch we drove further down into the valley to have a look at a roche moutonnee, a rock landform caused by ice flowing through the valley. The Lower 6th pupils were able to climb up onto this to get a sense of scale before trying to explain how it had been formed.

It was an excellent weekend all round, thanks in no small measure to the excellent cooperation and willing spirit of the pupils involved as well as the hard work of the staff. We are looking forward to taking this group away on fieldwork again in their Upper 6th year.

RockIt 2013

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Rockit 2013 lived up to expectations and continued the annual tradition of an eclectic musical evening with a mixture of many genres of the music world, varying from Indie, to Pop, to Soul and a myriad of others in between.

The evening kicked off with a cover of the Oasis classic ‘Wonderwall’, with Charlie Hill, Gloria Chan and Mr Fairbrother providing an excellent cover of this generation defining track. Next, Matt Elliott took to the stage providing a solo performance of the infectious ‘I need a Dollar’ and ‘Beneath You’re Beautiful ‘, a very talented performer who was instantly loved by the audience. Maddy Galbraith and Jamie Clarke performed an outstanding acoustic set including a cover of ‘These Streets’ and were, once again, a firm crowd favourite.
Phoebe Jones, Chris Hill and Jonathon Priestly gave an inspiring version of Florence and the Machine’s ‘The Girl with One Eye’, Phoebe filling the shoes of Florence excellently. Frannie Beharrell, John Priestly, Chris Hill and Alastair Robson took to the stage to perform ‘Let’s Start a Band’ and were greeted with a warm reception. Contrasting with this Indie hit, was a more blues-based set performed by Will Abell, Fearghus O’Sullivan, Mr Fairbrother, Mr Bournon and Will Markham, who opened with Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Hey Joe’. This soulful performance was immediately followed by Mr Mitchell and his backing singers joining the band onstage for a rendition of Mustang Sally, which really got the crowd moving.

The energy of the crowd reached fever pitch as Guy Davis, Seb Howle, Jamie Clarke and Connor Matthews took to the RockIt stage. The boys gave an energetic 3 piece set consisting of ‘If you Wanna’, pop-punk track ‘All the Small Things’ and finally Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ ‘Can’t Stop’. Next, the talented soloist, Sam Price, performed an inventive mash-up of The White Stripes’ ‘7 Nation Army’ and Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’ identifying the great creativity of the Latham boy. Sam finished with Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ which ignited the crowd as they heartily joined in with the chorus of the classic track.

Finally, the self-proclaimed headliners of the event, ‘Blue Floor Corridor’ clambered onto the stage. The band, consisting of members James Nijar, Dan Williams, Jamie Clarke and Fergus Polglase, performed ‘Red Morning Light’, ‘Norgard’ and concluded the entire night with the Kaiser Chief’s ‘I Predict a Riot’, all with the utmost professionalism and vigour. All in all, RockIt 2013 was a truly outstanding show that flaunted the musical talent that our school has such a brimming abundance of. Huge thanks to everyone who helped both on stage and behind the scenes. 159 pupils attended the event which raised a sum of £397.50 for the Lent Charity.

Chapel Choir perform in Worcester Cathedral

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Chapel Choir visited Worcester Cathedral on Thursday to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Oswald, a medieval saint who was Bishop of Worcester and of York. Oswald was buried in Worcester Cathedral in AD 992, and the choir sang in the quire, where his remains lie. Oswald built a cathedral there, and built up the monastery. He died whilst washing the feet of the poor, as was his daily custom during Lent.
90 singers sang the mass setting Ireland in C, Psalm 15 and Wesley’s anthem Wash me throughly. The quire was filled with supporters, and members of the St Oswald’s Alms House in the city. It was a treat for the choir to sing in such a wonderful building. Mostly 13th and 14th century, the sun shone through the enormous west window, and as the benches had been removed from the nave for Lent the building could be seen in all its splendour.

Music Competition Results

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last weekend the Individual rounds of the Music competitions were held. With approx 300 entries the competition was fierce! Preliminary rounds were held before half term, and over the weekend our musicians battled it out to see who would win each class. We were fortunate to have two excellent adjudicators; Janet Hilton and David Richardson. Hugely experienced musicians and adjudicators, they were on duty from Saturday evening right through until late on Sunday, delivering pearls of wisdom to all performers.

The winner of each section will now go forward to compete for the title of Musician, and Junior Musician of the Year, in the final on 8th May.

RESULTS

Junior Piano
Winner: Hannah Sherry (3G)
Highly Commended: Samantha Allsop (4F)

Senior Piano
Winner: Kaan Harwood (U6N)
Highly Commended: Nathaniel Paxton (L6C) and Ellie Rayfield (U6G)

Junior Strings
Winner: William Markham (5O)
Highly Commended: Katie Jankinson (4M)

Senior Strings
Winner: Joanna Holroyd (U6F)

Junior Woodwind
Winner: Christopher Hill (4L)
Highly Commended: Polly Sloman (5M)

Senior Woodwind
Winner: Joseph Jankinson (L6L)

Junior Brass
Winner: William Abell (5S)
Highly Commended: David Glanville (4O)

Senior Brass
Winner: Jeffrey Chow (U6C)
Highly Commended: Scott Hammond (U6N)

Junior Girls Classical Singing
Winner: Isabel Markham (3F)
Highly Commended: Claudia Atkinson (3F)

Senior Girls Classical Singing
Winner: Francesca Beharrell (L6A)
Highly Commended: Charlotte Graham (U6M)

Junior Boys Classical Singing

Winner: Dominic Lea (4S)
Highly Commended: Connor Wright (3L)

Senior Boys Classical Singing
Winner: Joseph Jankinson (L6L)
Highly Commended: Kaan Harwood (U6N) and Sebastiaan Howle (U6L)

Girls Popular Song
Winner: Samantha Evans (U6F)
Highly Commended: Katie Guest (5F) and Ella Nieper (3F)

Boys Popular Song
Winner: Sebastiaan Howle (U6L)
Highly Commended: Matthew Storer (5P)

Classical Guitar
Winner: Rowan Saunders (L6O)
Highly Commended: James Nijjar (5C)

Harp
Winner: Claudia Atkinson (3F)

Junior Contemporary
Winner: Matthew Bankhurst (4N)
Highly Commended: Christopher Hill (4L)

Senior Contemporary
Winner: Jonathan Priestley (L6S)

Orchestral Percussion
Winner: Ankit Rai (5P)
Highly Commended: Finley Saunders (4O)

Jazz
Winner: Christopher Hill (4L)
Highly Commended: Samuel Price (U6L)

House Music Competitions this Weekend

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

This weekend we are holding our annual House Music Competitions. We are fortunate to have 2 fantastic visiting adjudicators, Janet Hilton and David Richardson – please see biographies below.

Please feel free to come to some / all of the following sessions, all of which will be in the Beldam Hall, Repton Music School.

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY
Junior Boys Classical Singing 6.30-7.00pm
Junior Girls Classical Singing 7.00-7.30pm
Junior Brass 7.30-8.00pm
Junior Strings 8.20-8.50pm
Junior Piano 8.50-9.20pm

SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY
Classical Guitar 10.00-10.30am
Junior Contemporary 10.30-11.00am
Senior Contemporary 11.00-11.20am
Harp 11.45am-12.00pm
Orchestral Percussion 12.00-12.20pm
Jazz 12.20-12.50pm

SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY
Junior Woodwind 2.30-3.10pm
Senior Girls Classical Singing 3.10-3.40pm
Senior Boys Classical Singing 3.40-4.10pm
Girls Popular Song 4.30-5.00pm
Boys Popular Song 5.00-5.30pm

SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY | 7.00pm
Senior Woodwind 7.00-7.30pm
Senior Strings 7.30-8.00pm
Senior Brass 8.20-8.50pm
Senior Piano 8.50-9.25pm

David Richardson
Active throughout his career in voluntary positions, he is a past Chairman of the ABO and recipient of the ABO Award in 2006. He helped to found the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. He is presently a governor of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and board member of Music in the Round. He is married to the clarinettist Janet Hilton.

Janet Hilton
A leading international teacher of clarinet, Janet Hilton was Head of Woodwind at the Birmingham Conservatoire and then for twelve years at the Royal College of Music London, where she still teaches. She is now in demand for concerts and master classes, most recently at the Paris Conservatoire, Germany, Poland, Norway, the USA, Singapore and Hong Kong. She has been a juror on leading competitions in England, Ireland, Italy and Canada.

Gabriel Tejada Exhibition

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Art Department would like to extend an invitation to the private viewing of new works by Gabriel Tejada.

Private View: Tuesday 26th February, 6-9pm
Exhibition Dates: 27th February until 19th March 2013

For more details about the artist please see the website: www.gabrieltejada.com

Exhibition Details:
New Court Gallery Open Mon-Wed 12-4pm
Fri-Sun by appointment only
Contact: 07808930141

Girls Senior Interhouse Netball

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

It was a beautiful afternoon yesterday and perfect weather for netball. The spirit of the matches was as ever lively and spirited, yet fun and fiercely competitive. The matches were incredibly close. Here are the results:-

A team
Winners - Garden
Runners Up - Mitre
3rd Place - Field
4th Place - Abbey

B team
Winners - Mitre
Runners up - Garden
3rd Place - Field
4th Place - Abbey

The A team final was a real nail biter and based on the group results could have gone either way. The swelling crowd certainly added to the drama!!!!! Garden sped into the lead and with 2 minutes to go were ahead by 4 goals. The Mitre drew level in a very exciting last few minutes and were two seconds from being victors as their final goal went through the net after the whistle had blown. This meant it was 8 goals all at full time. They then played 6 minutes one way, and Garden pulled ahead 4-1, 4-2, and managed to hold on 4-3 by the time the final whistle was blown.

See the House Pages for more detail and images.

Brilliant Clarinettist visits Repton

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

EMMA JOHNSON VISITS REPTON THIS WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday , as part of The Subscription Series, the celebrated clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE will be performing in the Beldam Hall. With pianist John Lenehan they are giving a programme which promises to be outstanding. The repertoire includes Mendelssohn, Brahms and Bernstein and Eliot Carter! Tickets are available on the door. 7.45pm, The Beldam Hall.

Emma Johnson is one of the few clarinettists to have established a career as a soloist. She performs all over the world. In 1984 she won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Emma has achieved great success as a recording artist, selling well over a third of a million discs.

A frequent broadcaster on both radio and television, Emma's TV appearances have ranged from prime time chat shows to gala concerts with Yehudi Menuhin and Cleo Laine. Recent radio includes Artist of the Week on Classic FM as well as presenting various features. Emma was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1996.

Senior Mathematicians Attend National Final

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Tuesday 5th February four of our brightest mathematicians travelled to The Camden Centre in London to attend the national final of the UK team maths challenge. After qualifying comfortably from the regional heat in November, hope were high that we could achieve a top ten finish with a strong team consisting of Honglie Chen (U6S), Dake Qi (U6O), Raees Rauf (L6C) and Jonathan Lueng (L6L).

The opening round was the group round and the pupils had the simple(!) task of completing 10 questions within 40 minutes. This round can often set the tone of the whole competition and although we scored a respectable 8/10, this probably meant we were out of the running for the main prize.

The second round is the cross number which is completed by the team in two pairs who are unable to communicate. One pair is given the ‘across’ clues and the other the ‘down’ clues and they both attempt to fill in a central grid. This has been a real strength in the past and indeed a flawless score meant we entered the last round in a strong position.

The relay, so often another strength, unfortunately proved our downfall. It is a very unforgiving round with pairs taking it in turns to answer questions against the clock, with each answer being carried forward into the next question. Although three out of the four relays were completed well, and two within the bonus time allowed, a mistake in one of the first questions led to a score of zero in the fourth relay. This cost us our desired top ten finish and in the end we finish 30th out of the 62 finalists. This was an improvement on last year and bodes well for the future.

Congratulations to Westminster School who were worthy winners and to Eton College and RGS Newcastle who finished as joint runners up.

A Cultural Fiesta

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Parry Society, Repton’s new symposium for academic musicians, teamed up with the Art Department and members of the MFL Society to present this year’s David Wilkinson Memorial Lecture. Reptonian artists, linguists and musicians were joined by staff, villagers and other guests for this biennial lecture held in memory of David, a distinguished and beloved member of Common Room for very many years. The evening was celebration of the art of Goya and the music of Granados.

The Head of Art, Jeremy Bournon, gave an illustrated talk on the paintings of the artist Francisco Goya. Goya’s subjects included portfolios of drawings of Spanish society, painting of the Carlos IV and the Royal Family, the Queen Maria Luisa, the Duchess of Alba, the Majas and the portrayal of the two tragic days in the Peninsula War entitled 2nd and 3rd of May. There were musical interludes by Granados: Kaan Harwood (U6N) played Quejas, o la Maja y el Ruiseňor, Ms Kennedy sang four songs from the Tonadillas collection, and the evening was completed with a virtuosic rendition of Los Requiebros, given by Mr Parés at the piano. Huge drawings of a Majo and a Maja made by Margaret Orrell (Painter-in-Residence to Repton School) provided a fitting backdrop in the Beldam Hall.

The evening was introduced in Spanish by the secretaries of the MFL Society, Brooke Hadeed (U6A) and Scott Hammond (U6N), and the society very kindly supplied some delicious nibbles and drinks in the form of queso manchego, chorizo, aceitunas and (non-alcoholic!) sangria. It was an absolutely wonderful and very memorable evening, made all the more rewarding by the collaboration between artists, linguists and the Parry Society.

Sensational Harmonies

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Inter-House Music Competitions continued at the weekend with the House Harmony competition. Held separately from the Unisons for the first time, it was standing room only in Pears School. Each house put out a team of singers who were well drilled and gave some superb performances.

Latham were the deserved victors, with an innovative rap song Let’s get it Started. Beginning with the singers placed all over the hall, this took everyone by surprise, as we waited to see what would unfold. Arranged by Sam Price (U6L), this had a drive and tightness that it would be totally unreasonable to try and find in a school. They all sang nerveless, and their fun was infectious. Fraser Lane and Sebastiaan Howle as rappers-in-chief were fearless, but every performer was energised and right in the spirit of the song. This performance raised the bar for future competitions.

The two highly commended houses also gave contrasting and effective performances. Field’s And so it goes was a highly polished performance, beautifully balanced. School house gave a really quirky and highly entertaining performance of Waltzing Matilda, arranged by Tom Main (U6S).
We were fortunate to have the ex King’s Singers Bass Stephen Parham-Connolly to adjudicate. He gave insightful thoughts for all competitors, and said:
"It was so refreshing to hear that the art of unaccompanied, small group singing is more than alive and well at Repton School. A "sold out" hall of local support witnessed a high standard of A Cappella singing, with some lovely harmonious sounds as well as some very entertaining moments. Congratulations to all those who took part and a special thanks to Mr Bowley and all the teachers who have helped guide and enthuse the singers along the way. I certainly look forward to a return visit"

There was a surprise too, while we all waited for the adjudicator to gather his thoughts Messrs Bowley, Crombie, Earwicker, Hodgkinson, Kew and Odell got up and sang an arrangement of Tears in Heaven. It was quite a night!

Organ Half Hour

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Last Sunday saw the third Organ Half Hour, an event that has now become well-established in the Repton Music Calendar. This short concert featured our Reptonian organists Joseph Jankinson (L6L) and Kyoko Canaway (3G), alongside Izzy Hurren and Matthew Rhodes, both pupils at Foremarke. The mixed and varied programme included works by Thalben-Ball, J. M. Bach, Gordon Phillips, Guilmant (whose brother taught French at Repton in the early 20th century, and whose nephews were Reptionians), concluding with Kenneth Leighton’s stirring and strident ‘Fanfare’.

As well as playing for Chapel services regularly and the Christmas Carols Services, out gifted young organists were lucky enough to be able to invited to play at Southwell Minster recently. It was wonderful to hear them play ‘at home’ on Sunday, and I look forward to great things to come from these very talented musicians.

House Play

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

“The Painting”, a one act play by Charles Robertson, was performed in the Studio Theatre by pupils from Field House and Latham.

Two full houses saw 31 pupils taking part, watching as the plot followed 3 criminals (Jack Carter, Jamie Clarke and Guy Pass) as they tried to gain revenge on an art-collecting aristocrat and his wife (Stefan Nowacki and Emily Fitzsimons).

Butlers, maids, teachers, auctioneers and many more characters were well acted by the strong cast, with pupils from all years well-represented.

David Wilkinson Memorial Lecture

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Monday evening the Parry Society and the MFL Society will join forces for the David Wilkinson Memorial Lecture.

Entitled Goya and Granados: An exploration of one of the masters of Spanish painting with the music of one of Spain’s most acclaimed composers, Jeremy Bournon will give a lecture on Goya's most important paintings (including the subjects of the Royal Family, Maria Luisa, the Majas, 3rd of May and the Black paintings). Kaan Harwood (U6N), Nicki Kennedy (Head of Singing) and Luis Parés will perform songs and piano music of Granados, which was inspired by the paintings of Goya. The MFL Society will provide nibbles at the end in what promises to be a great celebration of Spanish culture! All are welcome 8.00pm, Beldam Hall, Monday evening.

Hockey Fixture Changes

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Due to the recent bad weather the Boys' Hockey Midlands Zone rounds have been changed to:

Under 16 Midland Zone Monday 25th February
Under 14 Midland Zone Wednesday 27th February
Under 18 Midland Zone Friday 1st March

Details on venues and times will be available nearer the dates.

The Repton Beach Bike Ride Challenge

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On the first Saturday of the summer half-term (25th May) a group of staff, pupils, parents and friends are setting off from the Arch and cycling to the beach at Hunstanton in Norfolk.

The Repton Beach Bike Ride Challenge is the brainchild of the Wilbraham family to raise money for cancer charities as several families associated with The Abbey have been supporting loved ones fighting cancer over the last 12 months. Last summer Tim Wilbraham and daughter Sophie (who was 14 at the time) completed the 140 mile route without a great deal of preparation and found it was sufficiently testing to be a challenge, but certainly easy enough to be fun.

On the first day the group will leave the Arch and travel to Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Stamford where Stamford School have very kindly offered overnight accommodation. The following day they will make their way across the Fens to Spalding, King’s Lynn and finishing on the beach at Hunstanton. It is rumoured that two members of staff are considering running back to Repton over the following few days!

If you are interested in taking part or helping to support the riders contact the Wilbrahams at The Abbey on 01283 559 258 or email timwilbraham@repton.org.uk.

For details of the Just Giving page please click here.

Careers in The City

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

OR, Adam Ross (P’92), returned to Repton last night to give a talk to pupils on careers in the City. He spoke about his time as an Equity Trader, Investment Banker and Private Wealth Banker and gave the pupils advice on applying, work experience and what personal qualities it takes for these roles. There was time for questions and some pupils stayed on to speak to Adam on a one to one basis.

Head of Careers, Melissa Blain, was very grateful to Adam for travelling up to Repton for the evening and is keen to hear from any more ORs who may be able to give a talk to pupils on their field of work.

House Harmonies

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

This weekend sees the annual House Harmonies competition and we are very fortunate to welcome Stephen Parham-Connolly as adjudicator.

From 1987 – 2010, Stephen sang bass and co-directed the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, The King's Singers. For almost a quarter of a century, he performed in excess of 120 concerts each year, as well as making frequent appearances on both TV and Radio around the world. Stephen recorded extensively with EMI, BMG Records, Signum Records and Sony, collecting many awards along the way, including three Grammy nominations and a Grammy.
As well as devoting much time to masterclasses and residencies abroad, Stephen enjoys regular appearances as an adjudicator for the BBC Choir of the Year competition as well as having featuring on S4C Welsh Television’s Cor Cymru.
As a guest director, he has worked with the National Youth Choir of GB as well as with the Academy Choir at the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival.
He is a regular guest of Leipzig’s International A Cappella Festival where he appears in masterclasses with the competition finalists. In 2013 he will appear as President of the Jury in Leipzig as well as accepting an invitation to judge at the prestigious 24th European Grand Prix for Choral Singing to be held in Slovenia.

For details if the evening please click here.

Royal Northern Head of Singing Masterclass

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The singing department was treated to a fabulous masterclass by the Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music on Thursday 24th January. Lynne Dawson, a hugely experienced performer and teacher, came and worked with a number of our sixth form singers as they prepare for the House Music competitions next week.

Lynne’s engaging personality shone out as she helped the singers with their vocal technique and with their performance and communication skills. In the morning she worked with Phoebe Jones, Eve Thomas-Davies, Francesca Beharrell and Brook Hadeed on songs and arias by Rodrigo, Handel, Faure and Giordani. Phoebe was a particularly good sport as was selected to work on the very important business of getting on and off stage elegantly and with poise! The afternoon was a real treat as we heard Lynne work on vocal technique and musical phrasing in two fiendishly difficult arias by Bach, sung by Joseph Jankinson and Charlotte Graham.

Sammy Evans and Kaan Harwood demonstrated some very stylish French singing with Hahn and Lalo songs. Mr Parés accompanied beautifully throughout and I am certain that every pupil and teacher present in the room will have learnt a great deal.

Saturday's Sports Fixtures - Updated 10:25am 26/1/13

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Please see details of all the aports fixtures below. Any changes to this schedule will be done tomorrow morning.

Hockey
1st XI (2.15pm) and U16A (3.30pm) v Oundle at Repton – OFF
2nd XI, 3rd XI v Oundle - OFF
U15A, B, C and U16B away at Oundle - OFF
U14A (2:15pm)& B (3:15pm) at Dean Close - ON
U14C at Dean Close - OFF

Netball – All matches v Trent College
U15A (1pm), U15B and C (2:00pm) at Repton Sports Hall - ON
2VII (1:30pm) and 4th VII (2:45pm) at Trent - ON
3rd VII - OFF
U14B and C v Trent postponed until 5th March
U14 and U16 Regional Finals postponed until 9th February

Rugby
1st XV v Derby GS - OFF

Badminton
v Uppingham - ON at present

New Concerto Competition

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

This week we held the first, and annual Concerto Competition for Upper Sixth musicians. Brought in to give an Upper Sixth pupil the opportunity to perform a work accompanied by an orchestra, we held a public audition/concert, to see who would be given this exciting opportunity. Six pupils performed, with singers Charlotte Graham (U ), Brooke Hadeed (A) and Sebastiaan Howle (L), pianist Kaan Harwood (N), cellists Ellie Rayfield (G) and Joanna Holroyd (F), and saxophonist Stephanie Hale (M) taking part. All accompanied by the incomparable Mr Parés, we were treated to some highly polished performances, with two in particular standing out. Kaan Harwood’s performance of the Andante from Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Joanna Holroyd’s Elegy by Fauré were particularly fine. Stephanie Hale’s playing of the 1st movement of Binge ‘s Concerto for Alto Sax and Orchestra was highly commended.
It would have been such a shame to deny either of these fine musicians the opportunity to perform, and so both Joanna and Kaan have been invited to perform these works with the School orchestra at the end of the year. Already highly polished, they promise to be highlights of the year.

Bee Eaters Fly in...

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Music School was treated to a surprise visit from the Bee Eaters last week. They are a traditional American group, made up of a fiddle player, cellist and dulcimer player! They were on their way to perform in the Celtic Connections Festival, in Glasgow, and just happened to drop in!

Formed in 2008, the trio is made up of Grand National Fiddle Champion Tashina Clarridge. Joining her was her multi-instrumentalist brother Tristan, himself a 5-time Grand National Fiddle Champion and a pioneering cellist, who synthesises traditional folk influences with rhythmic vocabulary from jazz, rock and pop music. Hammer dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman brought a whole new approach to an instrument that has previously been thought to have limited range and technique. The last time a dulcimer was played in Repton could well be 1000 years ago!
Members of the B Block were treated to a wonderful concert. The Bee eaters performed music in a variety of styles, from bluegrass to Michael Jackson. All improvised, and relaxed, their virtuosic playing enthralled their audience. The session ended up with everyone in the room jamming together. It was incredible to have players of such distinction perform for us, as they passed on the road. How generous they were to spend the morning with our students, simply because they could!

Oxbridge Success

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Seven pupils from this year's Upper Sixth are celebrating as they have been offered conditional places to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in October this year.

Kate Benn (A) - Arabic and Persian at Wadham College, Oxford
Honglie Chen (S) - Engineering at Oriel, Oxford
Kaan Harwood (N) - Chemistry at Oxford (open offer)
Dake Qi (O) - Mathematics at Pembroke, Oxford
Joe Sorrell (S) - Law at University College, Oxford
Katie Driver (F) - MML (French & German) at Trinity Hall, Cambridge
Rebecca Wilson (F) - Human, Social and Political Science at Homerton, Cambridge

Non-academic Scholarships

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Monday and Tuesday's 13+ non-academic scholarships will run as planned.
Monday: Art, Design Technology and Music.
Tuesday: Drama, ICT and Music.

If there are changes to this due to the weather details will be posted here.

Updated - Saturday's Sports Fixtures

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

ALL MATCHES ARE NOW CANCELLED

Please find below updates for fixtures tomorrow:

Cancelled Matches:
Boys Football Vs Staffordshire
All Boys Hockey Vs Worksop College
Cross Country Vs Uppingham
Rugby 1st XV and U15a Vs Oswestry
Netball 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 15B, 15C, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E Vs Rugby School
Squash Vs Wrekin
Netball Vs Rugby School 1sts Home (2.15pm) followed by U16A (3.00pm).
At Rugby, the Under 15As (leave at 12.20pm) and the Under 14A's (leave at 12.20pm)

Should there be problems with transport these will be reviewed first thing Saturday morning.

Poetry Winner

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In the build up to National Holocaust Memorial Day, Derby City Council ran a poetry competition for pupils of all ages from across the county, to help engage young people with the issues surrounding genocide.

Isabella Markham (B Block, Field House) was the very worthy winner, submitting a poem that wowed the judges with its genuine artistic merit and significant emotional maturity. The Mayor of Derby will present Isabella with her prize, and she will read her work aloud as part of the memorial event at Derby Cathedral and Derby Quad on the 28th of January. Congratulations to her on this notable achievement.

Charity Concert Recital

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Sunday Joanna Holroyd (U6F) gave a solo cello recital as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. It is a truly outstanding achievement to have put on such a fine concert, and to have raised the sum of £1760.

The capacity audience was treated to a poised performance of a lovely programme, full of variety. She was joined by her sister, Ellie and her singing teacher Miss Kennedy and accompanied by Mr Parés. The programme included works by Faure, Handel Beethoven, Rachmaninov and the Beetles.

This was a highly accomplished recital, and the warmth for Joanna, and support of her ambition was tangible. Donna Young from the Cancer Trust spoke briefly about her work, in a way that touched us all. This was truly a concert to be proud of.

Indoor National Titles

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Repton Hockey team had a successful weekend with the girls’ U16 and U18 teams each victorious at the National Indoor Hockey Finals 2013 and the U16 boys finishing as runners-up in their competition.

The girls played at Bromsgrove, each competing with the top ten teams in the country who had won their places through regional competitions. Repton’s U16s won every one of their first round matches except the one against 2012 winners Coopers Co. and Coborn.

Revenge, however, was sweet in the competition final when the two teams met again and Repton took the title with a resounding 5 – 0 victory.

The U18 girls had to fight their way through to the semi-final, and then this penultimate match went to penalty flicks with Captain Katie Hopkisson scoring to secure a place in the final against Dean Close, which Repton won 4-2.

The boys’ national finals were at Whitgift School in South Croydon where over two days the U16 team won through to the final match. They were convincing winners of their group and at the end of a 0-0 semi-final against Ipswich maintained the competitive edge by also winning on penalty flicks.

The U18 and U14 girls are now back training outside, weather permitting, for the outdoor National Finals at the end of February.

To read reports on all the finals please click on: Boys’ U16, Girls’ U16, Girls’ U18.

Needle's Eye

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The Art Department would like to extend an invitation to the private viewing of ‘Needle’s Eye’. The exhibition is curated by Ruth Solomons and features paintings by Kim Baker, Louisa Chambers, Lisa McKendrick and Ben Walker.

The four artists presented here are all working with ideas of impossibility. Symbology, gesture, emotion and playfulness push each of their subject sources through the eye of a needle into works of vast connotation and visual richness.

-Text by Ruth Solomons

Ruth Solomons combines her practice as a curator, arts reviewer and painter. Recent exhibitions in 2012 include The Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London and Games People Play, Nolias Gallery, London.

Needle’s Eye is a touring exhibition previously shown at Transition Gallery, London and BayArt, Cardiff in 2012.

For more details about the artists and previous exhibitions please click on the following links.
Catalogue of featured works at BayArt Gallery, Cardiff: http://issuu.com/lisamckendrick/docs/needle_s_eye_catalogue

Needle’s Eye Website:
http://www.scoop.it/t/needle-s-eye

Private View: Monday 28th January, 6-9pm
Exhibition Dates: 29th January-21st February 2013

Exhibition Details:
New Court Gallery Open Mon-Wed 12-4pm
Fri-Sun by appointment only

Gallery No.1 Open:
Fri-Sun by appointment only
Contact: 07808930141 or 07876280621, louisa@louisachambers.com

Chamber Choir at Durham Cathedral

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

On Monday, the Chamber Choir followed in the footsteps of Michael Ramsay OR (Mitre 1918, Bishop of Durham 1952–56, Archbishop of Canterbury 1961-74) to sing Evensong in one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the country, Durham Cathedral. About 25 Reptonians, together with staff and friends, made the long journey to the North East to sing in what is arguably the greatest Norman building in Europe.

Directed by AJRB and PAJH, the choir sang Responses by Byrd, verses from Psalm 37, Dyson’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in F, and Villette’s beautiful ‘Hymn a la Vierge’, accompanied by PAS at the organ. Particular mention must be made of the magnificent Magnificat soloists: Eve Thomas-Davies (L6F), Katie Guest (5F), and Claudia Atkinson (3F). The Chamber Choir sang incredibly well, with great sensitivity and musicality; all the more impressive considering they had not sung together for a number of weeks. It was a huge privilege to contribute to the worship in such a beautiful place and the choir deserves the highest praise and congratulations on a job very well done.

Youth Olympic Selection

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Four “young” Old Reptonians have been selected for the U21 GB Hockey squads to compete for Team GB at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) in Sydney from 16-20 January 2013.
Jo Leigh(G), Shona McCallin(A), Will Byas(S) and Arjan Drayton-Chana(S) will be travelling to Australia early in the New Year to join approximately 1,700 athletes aged 13-20 from 30 nations who will be competing across 17 Olympic sports. The 120 squad of athletes from Team GB will compete in 11 of the sports: badminton, basketball, diving, golf, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, shooting, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling.
The last time the hockey teams attended this Youth Olympic Festival was in 2009 when Charlotte Craddock (A), Georgie Twigg(F) and Susie Gilbert(F) won a gold medal by beating Australia in the final. We hope both teams do as well in 2013.

Mathematical Relay

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The School's Mathematics Department recently kept the ‘Olympic Spirit’ going with a mathematical relay. Mrs Beckett’s and Mr Goodhead’s A-Block sets formed nine teams of four and each team then split into two pairs, positioning themselves at opposite sides of Pears’ School.

The relay consisted of 24 quick fire questions based on topics studied this term. Each pair had to solve a problem and then run with their answer across Pears’ School to the other half of their team. They then took the answer and used it to solve another problem which they then ran back to the other pair. In this way teams were constantly running answers back and forth across Pears’ School!

At the end of the lesson all 9 teams were tied so the winners were decided with a ‘quick fire shoot-out’ of just 3 questions. The winners were then duly awarded their ‘trophy’ a Christmas chocolate snowman! However consolation Quality Streets were given to all participants!

Scholarship Success

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Continuing the success enjoyed in previous years by Repton Design and Technology pupils, Alex Nield and Marcus Wilcock received an Arkwright Scholarship at the recent presentation ceremony in London.

Held in the elegant surroundings of the Institute of Engineering Technologists, the ceremony was the result of having passed a challenging elimination paper and a searching interview at a leading university.

Approximately 1200 pupils started the process with 330 Scholarships being awarded to students who have expressed a desire to enter engineering as a career, whilst also exhibiting a fine academic record.

Linguistic Festivities

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The Linguists gathered together on a freezing December evening to enjoy a soirée of European style festivities in the delightful surroundings of the Mitre private side, complete with twinkling lights and a roaring fire. Activities included tasting typical treats such as Stollen and Lebkuchen and singing a variety of traditional Christmas songs including ‘Mon beau sapin’, ‘Il est né le divin enfant’, ‘Vive le vent’, ‘Hoy es Navidad’ and ‘Ein kleiner weißer Schneemann’ all expertly accompanied on piano by Alex Hodgkinson. Oliver Parker also played the guitar to accompany ‘El burrito sabanero’ which added a real Latin flavour to the evening.

Jack Sanders, Brooke Hadeed, Annabelle Buckland, Meg Ewins and Haidee Hunt informed us of the different European customs which make their experiences so different and Jack O’Callaghan confidently recited a festive German poem: ‘Die Heiligen drei Könige’ by Heine. Nigel Kew entertained us with a history of the most-translated Christmas carol ‘Stille Nacht’ which was then beautifully sung in three languages with outstanding performances by Brooke Hadeed, Joey Holroyd and Charlie Graham.

Fauré Requiem

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Last Sunday evening, a packed Pears School was transported effortlessly to the colourful world of 19th century Paris, the world of the emerging impressionism of Fauré, Villette, and the king of the Bohemians, Berlioz. Before crossing the border into la belle France, we began with a Viennese palate cleanser: the School Orchestra, led by Joanna Holroyd (U6F), gave us the first movement of Schubert’s 7^th (‘Unfinished’) Symphony, which epitomises music in transition between the rigid Classical style and the liberal, emotive language of the European Romantics. The Chamber Choir, conducted by Mr Hodgkinson, then sang two celebrated motets, both rich in the tonal colour of the French style – Duruflé’s ‘Ubi caritas’, based on the ancient plainsong melody, and Villette’s ‘Hymne à la Vierge’. MusSoc concluded the first half with a fine performance of Berlioz’s rather sentimental ‘The Shepherds’ Farewell’, with Joseph Jankinson (L6L) and JER providing the pastoral calls on the oboes.

The second half was devoted to the music of Gabriel Fauré: his ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’, and the celebrated Requiem of 1890, in the edition by John Rutter, conducted by Mr Bowley. The massed ranks of Reptonians, Villagers and friends – about 150 in total – gave us a night to remember, with beautiful, sustained melodies rubbing shoulders with the fiery passion of judgement day. Particular mention must be made of the evening’s soloists: the renowned baritone Roderick Williams held us on the edge of our seats with his sensitive rendition; Olivia Thackray (4A) sang the Pie Jesu beautifully, accompanied by Katie Jankinson (4M) on the violin. It was a wonderful evening, with a great balance in terms of performers and repertoire, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by performers and audience alike.

Broken Bones

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Last night, MedSoc were delighted to welcome the return of Professor Rohan Rajan, a Repton parent and consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Once again he gave us a captivating and humorous insight into life as an orthopaedic surgeon revealing the variety of surgeries he performed from simple plates and frames to correct broken bones, to complex surgeries correcting deformed joints and traumatic injuries. He spoke about prioritising treatment towards the most life-threatening conditions first, and also emphasised the importance of team work between the anaesthetist, nurses and surgeons. However, he also stressed the most important person in the theatre was the patient themselves.

He spoke candidly and honestly about the variety of patients that he encountered, and described ways that doctors could communicate and treat patients that were unable to speak for themselves perhaps due to age, disease or language. At the end, the questions and answers that were asked were both thought-provoking and fascinating, and by the end the group of O-block, L6 and U6 medics commented how brilliant the talk was with one simply commenting that Professor Rajan 'was awesome!'

We are very grateful to Professor Rajan for giving up his time at the end of a very busy day in clinics and consultations and are looking forward to his return in February for an afternoon of invaluable hands-on surgery skills and practice with his team of surgeons and support staff.

United Youngsters' Taste of Repton

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Some of the best U15 and U16 football scholars at Manchester United’s Football Academy visited Repton earlier in the week for a match against a team made up of our U15/U16 pupils.

The close relationship between Manchester United and the School has involved us hosting various prestigious fixtures between Academy teams including Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Repton teams visiting the Carrington training centre to play matches against the Manchester United link school of Aston-on-Mersey.

During the visit the football scholars had a tour of the School and had lunch in various Boarding Houses before playing. The match was played in great spirit with the visiting team winning 5 –1, although Repton did lead 1-0 at half-time.

Commenting after the day, Tony Whelan, the Manchester United’s Assistant Academy Director said, “We feel, strongly, that these visits greatly enhance the work we do with our aspiring professional footballers, by showing them other kinds of high quality educational establishments.

We hope to continue this extremely positive collaboration with the School well into in future and I would like to thank all the staff at Repton for all their help, support and hospitality over the last few years.”

Sunday Leisure?

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

A brilliant day was had by over twenty boys and one brave girl at Wildpark Leisure Paintball Centre. Nine games were played in good, November, winter sunshine; and to add to the fun it had rained for the previous week. Puddles had turned into lakes and streams into raging torrents. All great for hard-core Paintball action. And there was time to warm up at lunch over baked potatoes and stew.

Oranges beat Greens (consisting mostly of School House boys) eventually, with one Latham boy actually swimming five yards to a tower in order to place a bomb. Despite one teacher's best efforts, single-handedly winning three flags and pulling a hamstring, Greens eventually conceded defeat in the last game, Suicide Alley.

As a special concession to Repton, smoke bombs and paint grenades were on sale and the pupils certainly took advantage of it. With comments on the bus of, 'Best day I've had all year' and 'That was utterly amazing' and 'When's the next one sir?', it was clearly worth the money!

It's also fantastic to hear that the staff at Wildpark Leisure love having us there as we play so hard but so fair. A genuine tribute to the pupils of Repton.

The next one is January 27th by the way. Pupils - start forming an orderly queue!

Senior Maths Challenge success

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Every year, Repton enters its most able mathematician in the UKMT maths challenges. The UKMT Individual Maths Challenges are lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in mathematics from a large number of pupils. The three levels cover the secondary school range 11-18 and together they attract over 600,000 entries from over 4000 schools and colleges worldwide.

The most recent round was the Senior Maths Challenge and pupils at Repton secured 10 gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze certificates from our 50 participants. In addition, Honglie Chen (U6S), Dake Qi (U6O), Mark Jia (U6C), Edward Coleman (U6L), George Moss (U6O), Raees Rauf (L6C) and Charles Hu (L6P) qualified for the follow up round this week.

Particular mentioned should go to Honglie Chen however, as he was ranked in the top 100 pupils worldwide between the ages of 15-18. This is a fantastic achievement demonstrating problem solving, speed of thought and accuracy matched by few. His final rank was joint 80th.

Below is a picture of Honglie (centre) captaining the mathematics team at the recent regional finals.

Sparks Sparkle

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The third Art Department Christmas SPARKS Exhibition opens on Tuesday 4th December with an evening event from 7-9pm. Several guest artists will be joining the The Repton School Art staff as contributors to the show which will run until January. There will be many affordable works of Art on sale. All welcome.

England Hockey Selection

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to Aaron Hibell (U18), Dan Darby(U18), Erica Sanders(U16) and Elliot Hibell(U16) who have all been selected for the England Hockey National Age Groups Squads (NAGS).

All four pupils played for the Mercia Lynx region at the Futures Cup during half-term and following that were selected to join the National Age Group training squads. Since then they have all been involved in intensive weekend training camps and learnt this week that they have been successful.

We wish all four players success with their training over the coming months as they work towards the Four Nations Tournament at Easter with Germany, Spain and Netherlands.

Double Midlands' Titles

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to the Girls’ U18 and U14 hockey teams who have been crowned Midlands Champions and now go through to the National Finals in February.
For the U18s their victory marked a record eleventh successive title and they now go forward to defend their title.

The U14 team has had a remarkable year, winning all of their 12 inter-school matches so far by scoring 92 goals and only conceding 6.

To read the reports from the Midlands finals please click on the links below.
U18
U14

Organists at Southwell

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The Repton cohort of organists (what is the collective noun, I wonder? Rank perhaps? Bombarde?) was busy again this weekend, this time in Southwell Minster by kind invitation of the Rector Chori (Organist & Director of Music) Paul Hale. Paul is a great friend of Repton, school and village: he was the consultant for the new Peter Collins organ in the Parish Church and also played a vital role in the restoration of the historic Harrison organ in our own School Chapel.

Southwell Minster has an extensive and, if I may say, eccentric collection of organs (five in total, I think), and it was a privilege for our young organists to be let loose in the Minster for a couple of hours after Evensong. Joseph Jankinson (L6C), Kyoko Canaway (3G), Izzy Hurren and Matthew Rhodes (both Foremarkians) played a fine selection of pieces on both the Nicholson ‘Screen organ’ and the Wood ‘Nave organ’, whose pipes stretch along the length of the Nave, hidden in the triforium. It was exciting, if somewhat daunting, for our young organists to play unfamiliar instruments of such magnitude, but play they did, and very well indeed.

Our hearty thanks must go to the kindness and generous hospitality of Paul Hale and all at Southwell Minster.

Biology Field Trip

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Unlike previous and highly successful pilgrimages to Dale Fort in Pembrokeshire, this year's Upper Sixth Biology field trip, from the 19th to 23rd October 2012, visited a different part of Wales and a different FSC centre. Despite our new destination, the trip was just as rewarding, providing vital and relevant hands-on experience to the teaching and learning of ecology and population biology in our A-level course. Being able to study the distribution of populations of plants and animals in their native habitats is an invaluable tool to cement the learning taking place in theoretical classroom lessons.

Set in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely, Margam Discovery Centre in South Wales is a state of the art low carbon footprint building designed by The Welsh School of Architects. The park boasts an Iron Age hill fort, 12th Century Cistercian Abbey remains, Margam Abbey Church, a Celtic Stones Museum and a beautiful 18th Century Orangery. Spanning both a coastal plain and upland area, Margam Park was the ideal venue for five days of ecological adventure and study for 32 Upper Sixth pupils accompanied by Dr Ingleston-Orme, Mrs Goodhead, Mr Shawcross and Miss Baker.

Margam Country Park provided a variety of ecosystems at our doorstep, including woodlands, rivers, grasslands and lakes, and we were only a 10 minute drive from the coastline and stunning sand dunes of Kenfig Nature Reserve where pupils could get their hands wet, literally. We carried out far too many investigations and studies to mention here, although a real highlight was freshwater sampling on a beautiful, crisp and autumnal Sunday and joining a select and inspiring group of pupils on their daily morning run, catching the grazing deer unaware whilst the sun rose on the horizon. The campfire on Saturday evening was also great fun with the homemade 'twisted'' bread tasting far better than it should have!

As always the pupils were perfect ambassadors and enjoyable company and the Biology was genuinely first-rate; we look forward to our return next year.

Christmas Band Concert

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This year's Christmas Bands Concerts are on Wednesday and Thursday, 12th and 13th December.

Admission is free with a ticket, which are now available from The Lodge and The Music School.

Royal Society of Chemistry Launch

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On the 12th and 13th November 2012, the School, in partnership with the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry, successfully launched their first conference in their new role as a satellite centre of the East Midlands Science Learning Centre.

A group of secondary science teachers from schools in the local area attended the first two days of a four day conference aimed at building the confidence, understanding and skills of non-specialist chemistry teachers through hands-on practical experiments and demonstrations led by Mark Leahy, an expert from the Royal Society of Chemistry. The delegates stayed overnight to get the most out of the first two days, and benefitted from an evening meal to network and to share ideas and wider thoughts in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sue Bull, Director of the Science Learning Centre at the University of Leicester, commented that "the feedback from the delegates was superb and the course was a real success" and the teachers left with a wide range of practical suggestions and experiments to use in their own schools.

Stuart Ingleston-Orme, Head of Science, added "One of the aims of our collaboration with the Science Learning Centre is to enhance wider cooperation and networking in science education. We are developing strong links, not just with teachers in local schools but also some key partners who share our vision to promote excellence in science teaching throughout the UK."

We look forward to the final two days of the conference in January and March next year, and to hosting more events once the new Science Priory opens in the autumn.

War of the Words

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

‘War of The Words’ was the title of the debating challenge which four A-Level French pupils attended last Friday at Trent College, with teams from seven other schools in the region. Repton, represented by Rosie Cordingley, Emily Welsh, Michael Hynes and Jacques Taylor, were set to oppose the initial motion ‘La Journée de la Femme est une perte de temps’ (‘Women’s Day is a waste of time’).

The event got off to an inspirational start with an opening talk on ‘The importance of international communication’ from keynote speaker, Roger Helmer, MEP for East Midlands. An ‘icebreaker’ session followed, team members mingling in a lively loto-style game (questions and answers in French, of course!), before the first debate began.

The Repton pupils, suitably primed by thorough preparation, put forward a convincing string of arguments in round one, emerging victorious against Nottingham High School. Other teams debated the pros and cons of public and state school education, the highest scoring four teams overall then progressing to round 2.

Technical standards improved for the second debate, following a talk by event organizer Sally Fagan, who amused and enlightened the audience on the theory and practice of public speaking. After lunch, and further tips on how to structure a speech quickly and engage the audience, the four intrepid Reptonians resumed their quest, with only fifteen minutes to prepare the proposal that Paul McCartney would be a better dinner guest than Robbie Williams!

A second victory took Repton through to the final, where they were just pipped at the post by Ratcliffe College, who, with fine tactics of rebuttal, convinced the judges that ‘La cuisine anglaise est meilleure que la cuisine française’!! The four Reptonians can be delighted with their performance in securing the runners-up slot in this challenging competition. The judging panel commended them on their good humour, their positive, ‘have a go’ attitude, and the excellent level of their spoken French.

Our thanks go to BLC Business Language Challenges for providing such a stimulating and enjoyable day out at the competition, and to Trent College for hosting this event. Debating will be firmly on the MFL department’s agenda in the future.

Genes on Toast

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Early last Saturday morning saw the first gathering of Genes on Toast, a breakfast club run by the school's newest society, GeneSoc. A group of early-rising but enthusiastic L6 and U6 biologists gathered to carry out hands-on molecular biology techniques such as how to extract their own DNA and how to pour electrophoresis gels for the separation of DNA fragments. The DNA bracelets and necklaces proved to be a big hit as did the coffee and croissants in recompense for the early start before lessons!

Over the course of the year the budding geneticists will carry out a multitude of real-life experiments and investigations such as gene cloning and genetic modification, protein expression and forensic biology. Their exposure to cutting edge technology and equipment in these sessions equals that of any PhD student, giving the pupils a wonderful and exciting insight into frontline scientific research. Rumours that the group will double in size once they work out how to clone an organism are, at present, unfounded...

It's all in the Mind

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On Tuesday evening a group of U6 biologists, many of whom are hoping to read Psychology, Medicine or Biology at university next year, travelled to the University of Birmingham to hear a lecture by Professor Bruce Hood on the subject of the brain and self illusion, and how the brain creates an individual's own reality and perception of the world around them.

This prestigious annual Charter Lecture, organised by the Society of Biology, was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to hear about the latest research into psychology and brain development. They discovered how early childhood experiences not only shape personality and perception but how our brains allow us to experience esteem, identity, recognition and the ability to take someone else's perspective - a trait unique to humans in the animal kingdom.

Professor Bruce Hood is Director of the Bristol Cognitive Development Centre, and he presented the 2011 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures on TV, following in the footsteps of such scientific greats as Sir David Attenborough, Lord George Porter, Dame Nancy Rothwell and Nobel Prize winners William and Lawrence Bragg.

His Christmas Lectures from last year are well worth a look and you can view them by clicking here.

Second Award for 400 Hall

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On Saturday 17 November 2012, at their annual awards dinner, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technicians presented the 400 Hall Architects, Avery Associates, with the top award of the evening. Architect Anthony Carlisle accepted the award in the open category for Technical Excellence in Architectural Technology. The judges said that “this was an outstanding project that achieved the highest standard of technical design”. They commented on the way that the “new theatre has been inserted into the existing structure of the school theatre with impressive results”.

The awards dinner took place in the iconic Titanic Suite in the recently opened Titanic Belfast, an appropriate venue for these prestigious architectural technology awards.

MedSoc Highlight

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On Thursday evening MedSoc was delighted to welcome Dr Colin Melville, a consultant paediatrician, Repton parent and current Head of Paediatrics at Stafford Hospital. He captivated the 20 or so pupils that had gathered and spoke honestly and enthusiastically about life as a paediatrician revealing the daily challenges of treating and dealing with the huge variety of symptoms, diseases and injuries in children from the acute and moderate to the life-threatening.

He spoke about the routes and varieties of careers in paediatrics and then discussed, often humorously and candidly, the skills, observations and procedure necessary during different consultations, challenging the pupils to describe and explain what they would look for when meeting a patient for the first time. Dr Melville took us on a journey through a recent medical case that he had been involved in, explaining at every stage the procedures and investigations that were necessary along the way to establishing the cause and treatment.

The pupils from the O-block, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth really benefitted from Dr Melville's teaching style and we are very grateful for the time he gave us and the insight and knowledge we gained. This was an engaging, thought-provoking and hugely enjoyable evening and a real highlight of our MedSoc year so far.

Cross Country by a Mile

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Four of Repton's best junior athletes have competed in the District Cross Country championships with remarkable success! Olivia Mair (A Block) led from the off and won her race by what was deemed "a cross-country mile" by shameless pun-maker and Master i/c Cross Country, Mr Wilton. Hermione Wright (B Block) and Dom Annable (O Block) did fantastically too, placing third in their year groups, and with John Harlow (A Block) in sixth place, all will go through to represent the South Derbyshire/East Staffs district in the County Championship in February.

MusSoc

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Tickets (£9) are available from the Lodge or ring 01283 559200.

Christian Birmingham - Last Day

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Last Day of his Exhibition

Christian Birmingham

Meet the artist and book signing

Gallery No.1

High Street Repton

Saturday 17 November 2012

Between 1-5pm

Bring copies of your books to sign or buy from the gallery

Senior Mathematicians Retain Regional Title

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On 7th November, four of the School's leading senior mathematicians travelled to Derby University to attend the regional finals of the Senior Team Maths Challenge. The challenge is run by the United Kingdom Mathematics trust and aims to promote enjoyment of the subject through problem solving and team oriented tasks.

The team this year was led by Honglie Chen (U6S) and he was ably accompanied by Dake Qi (U6O), Raees Rauf (L6C) and Jonathan Leung (L6L). First up was the group round and our boys performed well, correctly solving seven of the ten questions presented to them. Then followed the cross number round (as you might expect – a crossword with numbers!) and again the team performed very well as they were able to fill in 53 of the 56 squares within the time limit.

A short break was followed by the final round which is a mini-relay. Here the team is again against the clock and the answer to the first question is required to attempt the second, the second solution to answer the third as so on. Repton shone in this round with every question being answered correctly, three of which within the bonus time limit.

In the presentations that followed Repton were deservedly crowned champions for the second consecutive year. The national finals in London now beckon shortly after Christmas.

Dressed to Impress

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

A range of colourful characters attended lessons yesterday as pupils and some members of staff “Dressed to Impress” for charity.

Batman and Mrs Incredible, a group of students adding up to a bunch of bananas, a Rubix cube and several Incredible Hulks were among the characters and costumes on show.

Money from “Dress to Impress” will be added to that raised at the annual Sale of Work, taking place on Saturday and from House dinners and auctions. Last year an outstanding total of £30,000 was raised for a variety of local, national and international good causes.

Please click here to see more pictures from the day.