Andrew Cleary expressed how pleased he was with the pupils’ performances:  “St John’s is a beautiful venue to perform in and all of our young musicians certainly lived up to the occasion and gave some really first class performances.  It was super to have so many of them involved and to see so many parents, Old Blues and other friends of CH there to support them.” 

More pictures

Christ’s Hospital was very pleased to host British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) Chief Arctic Leader Dr Trevor Clarke.  Dr Clarke is a veteran of 5 arctic expeditions to Svalbard and Northern Norway and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Captain Scott's final Antarctic expedition of 1910-13, signalled the beginning of the British Schools Exploring Society which was founded by the late Surgeon Commander George Murray Levick RN, who was a member of Captain Scott's 1910-13 Antarctic expedition.

Dr Clarke displayed stunning photography as he entertained the pupils and staff with tales of the challenges faced by young explorers in their "fires" (expeditionary research groups).

“The Objective of the Society is to advance the education of young people by providing inspirational and challenging scientific expeditions to remote, wild environments and so promote the development of their confidence, teamwork, leadership and spirit of adventure and exploration.”

Dr T Clarke

In sub-zero temperatures, all the squad to a man played with energy and invention on unfamiliar courts. Andea Gemade’s performances were outstanding, in a difficult singles final against a tough Eastbourne opponent, but Rory supported him admirably in the doubles, Bart led and inspired, Ben progressed hugely through the day, Conor held his nerve to win the plate, Michael Sessions partnered him with their usual comedic athleticism, Tomas did wonderfully to make a final a year young, and Will Norris was as energetic as ever.

Andea Gemade - U18 Singles Champion
Andea Gemade & Rory Keddie – U18 Doubles Champions
Bart Callaghan & Ben Eastwood – U18 Plate Doubles runners-up
Conor Morgan – U16 Singles Plate winner
Tomas Higginson – U16 Singles Plate runner-up

Now in its 30th year, the race will take place a month earlier than usual to avoid a clash with the Great South Run.  The change of date means the race will take place during term time when Christ’s Hospital’s Band, whose impressive list of engagements includes Lord’s and Twickenham, will be up and running to provide a musical accompaniment.

John Franklin, Head Master, said “We are delighted that the pupils and staff at the school will get the chance to see such a wonderful local event that last year raised over £10,000 for local causes.   We intend to have our famous Band of over 100 pupils playing in the Quadrangle adjacent to the runners as they pass through.  This will be a great spectacle and will hopefully give all those running in the race, including some of our staff and senior pupils, an extra lift.” 

For further details on how to take part in the race, please visit the Barns Green Half Marathon website

Christ’s Hospital had a visit from the local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to inspect our premises on 13th January 2012. A routine food hygiene inspection was carried out.

Following the inspection the local authority has to issue an Award of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme depending on the results of our inspection. We were very pleased to receive a food hygiene rating of 5, which is the highest scale on their ratings. We received a certificate to display in the school servery and in the kitchen so that we can make pupils, staff and visitors aware of our award. It is also going to be published for public viewing through the Food Standards Agency website on 3rd February 2012.

The Birmingham Stage Company, the official Horrible Histories theatre producers, brought their famous performance workshop to Christ’s Hospital’s Theatre. The topic of ‘Tudor Crime and Punishment’ was explored with actor Neal Foster who called on members of the audience to help him bring this gruesome era of history to life!

After this blood thirsty performance, the children stayed for a very civilised tea in Christ’s Hospital’s magnificent Dining Hall!

Horrible Histories is a famous series of illustrated books which capture children’s imaginations and engage them with history.

Commander Wynn, from the RAF Armed Forces Careers Office in Chatham, gave a brief account of the diversity of careers and entry points for CH pupil cadets who may be keen to take their interest in the RAF one step further. Commander Wynn was ably assisted by Charlie Nell, who spoke about his career journey in the RAF since leaving school.

David Mulae, teacher and Officer Commanding RAF Section, said “this was a most informative session which not only highlighted the breadth of excellent career opportunity but realistically pointed out the tough and competitive entry process”.

The school’s RAF CCF section currently has around 30 cadets. The connection stretches back to links with the 617 Squadron and Barnes Wallis, a former pupil (1900- 1904). Soon after World War II, Barnes Wallis was given an award by the government in recognition of his inventiveness during the war. He used it to establish the RAF Foundationers’ Trust to help children of RAF families to be educated at Christ’s Hospital.

Christ’s Hospital’s CCF unit is one of the oldest units in the country comprising 170 pupils which provides cadets with life skills such as teamwork and leadership.

They did really well coming 4th out of a field of 11 other strong schools attending the regional heat. The team consisted of four chemists, Hans Chan and Lydia Seeley, (aged 14), Poppy Koronka, 15, and Florence Carr-Smith, 16, (offered the Chemistry Scholarship). Florence achieved the highest mark for the practical test in the competition.

Lydia said “This was a great opportunity. It was great fun working in a different atmosphere and seeing another school, I especially enjoyed doing the practical experiment. Overall it was an interesting experience and I would love to do it again”.

Jo Shapcott was invited to judge the LE (Year 9) Poetry Competition and later in the day give a Poetry Reading to Deps and Grecians (Year 12 & 13) pupils.

Jo Shapcott has won a number of literary prizes including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Collection, the Forward Prize for Best Collection and the National Poetry Competition (twice). Her most recent collection, Of Mutability, was published in 2010 and won the Costa Book Award. In 2011 Jo Shapcott was named the latest recipient of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.

Each member of the LE was invited to write a poem about their favourite place in Christ's Hospital, the poems were then short-listed to the top six poems for Jo Shapcott to judge.

During the judging Jo Shapcott read to the audience all of the finalists’ poems giving each of the six pupils every encouragement to carry on with their writing and highlighting what she liked about each poem.

Following the announcement that Gianni Fortes was the winner of the competition he said: “I am delighted about winning the poetry competition, and was very surprised to win, as all the other candidates poems were really good. I was honoured to have been chosen by Jo Shapcott as the winner and I hope I can improve and be as good as her one day. I would not have won if it had not been for the support of my teachers who helped me as well as my friends who encouraged me. I wish poetry could be spread across communities so everyone can appreciate the benefit of poetry.

The Library

Enter the library and the world shrinks.
The outside is blind to its power.
Caged in one building knowledge unfurls.
Dancing in its halls is the music of silence.

Two hands, humble but eager,
Grasp a book, seeking words unknown in the outer world
And with swift movement turn pages,
Swarmed by curiosity and mystery.

The tired shelves, ragged with the wear of time,
Holding on their shoulders the strength of 10,000 men
Dignified and humble, stand, a waiting servant,
Fragments of fiction and history on their bare backs.

The clock chimes, reminding you of your time
Its noise subtle yet alarming
And every time you stop reading
All you hear is the inevitable tock tock tock
The air dampened by the sweat of discovery
Soothes the mind and aching soul
And as you leave this place of calm
The library dances, dances, dances on.