Scissorum Issue 198 May 18 2018 - mtsn.org.uk · Tchaikovsky to Yello. The cast, inspired by the...

ScissorumIssue 198

Merchant Taylors’ School

BattlefieldsTrip

September 29 2017

Weekly Newsletter 18 May 2018

02

From the Head Master

This WeekMerchant Taylors’

This week I have been most impressed by the intellectual engagement of our senior boys who have presented on some especially challenging topics. Joey Ricciardiello led the second in our series of lunchtime politics seminars with an introduction to Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince. In addition, there was a fascinating collaboration between the English and Geography departments as Fin Oxenham and Nikhil Kapadia spoke about the Dust Bowl of America, linking the landscape to the literature in A Level texts

such as The Great Gatsby and The Grapes of Wrath.

As the weather improves our cricketers seem to be hitting better form, none more so than our 1st XI who won convincingly against St Albans in the HMC National T20 competition to become North London champions. Aaran Amin scored a fi ne 68* to ensure MTS won by six wickets - we look forward to playing the winners of the Southern Section in the next round in what promises to be a memorable encounter.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate

all those boys (many from the

Lower School) who helped

showcase the school on Open

Morning. We have had some

wonderful feedback from

prospective parents and, while we

have just bid farewell to our Upper

Sixth, it is heartening to see our

younger boys so eager to pick up

the baton.

September 29 2017


03


Battlefields TripThomas Groves and Marcus Burns (4ths) write:

The trip began with a painful 3.00am start, followed by travelling to Albert in France. Our first stop of the day was the Devonshire cemetery, home to the 163 graves of the 8th and 9th Devonshire regiments. Here, we visited the headstone of Lieutenant William Hodgson and Mr Manley read the poem “Before Action”, written by Hodgson before he went into battle for the last time. After that, we witnessed the Lochnagar crater, 100m across and 30m deep, created on the first day of the Somme by a 27 tonne ammonal mine.

Next we arrived at the Ulster Tower where we had lunch and met our entertaining guide, Teddy, whose knowledge of the war was truly impressive. A highlight of the day was watching Mr Try don an authentic, British WW1 uniform, complete with thick, itchy wool jacket and trousers, rifle and bayonet. Thankfully no one was skewered. We bid farewell to Teddy and marched through the heat to the Mill Road cemetery where OMT G. A. Ward is buried. It was moving to see the opening lines of the school song inscribed on his headstone.

On the second day, after recharging our batteries, we travelled to Mametz Woods. Here there is a memorial for the 38th (Welsh) Division. Mr Taylor then told us engaging stories of how 20,000 Welsh volunteers had to make an attack on the German lines to relieve pressure elsewhere on the British in the Somme. Unfortunately, the German professional soldiers had been extremely well trained, setting traps and killing the Welsh from the deep undergrowth. Unfortunately, the Welsh got heavily defeated and were given much stick and were called “pathetic.” Although, clearing this wood in the dense undergrowth was an impossible task, with acres of land and three times more German soldiers. Then, Mr Manley read a familiar poem we had all been studying back a school called “Mametz Woods” by Owen Sheers. It describes how the truths that were untold rose, telling stories in harmony. This made a real connection with actually being there, as a farmer had kindly made this public land in remembrance. Inside the woods we could see shells.

Next, we visited the Newfoundlanders’ memorial which remembered the Royal Newfoundland Regiment containing

800 Canadians. This area of land is now owned by Canada. Unlike most of the land which had been filled in by farmers, this was kept identical. You could see holes from shells and both the intricate trenches of Germans and Canadians. Mr Taylor then told us how this battle played out and where everything happened, including the unfortunate deaths of many young Canadians (not much older than us).

Next, we took a walk through the beautiful fields, to an extremely large bunker and learnt how Geoffrey Malins, photographing the war, took an identical picture of the landscape but with the explosion, a 100 years before. Finally, we travelled to one of the largest memorials in the Somme, including the grave of OMT A. Middleditch. There we laid another wreath in remembrance of him. We travelled home from such a great trip, reminded about the vast number of deaths in the war, but also with a more personal touch having seen memorials of Old Merchant Taylors.

It was a great two days where we all had great fun and learned a lot thanks to our great guides, Mr Taylor, Mr Try and Mr Hale complemented by the moving poetry of Mr Manley.

September 29 2017


04


September 29 2017


05


September 29 2017


06


September 29 2017


07


September 29 2017


08


The Wind in the Willows

It is fitting the Mr Garnett’s swansong as Director of Drama should feature a set a swan could swim in. The audience members at last week’s junior play were greeted by Savio Gimmi’s superb realisation of Mr Garnett’s vision of a sylvan riverbank, complete with monstrous bulrushes, taller than the cast, a river full of (plastic) ducks and even a miniature radio-controlled boat. Lighting was evocative or sinister as the drama progressed, and the music was inspired in range, from Tchaikovsky to Yello.

The cast, inspired by the set, the receptive audience and Mr Garnett’s admirably tight direction rose to the challenge of conveying Kenneth

Graham’s world, via Alan Bennett’s adaptation, and Mr Garnett’s blue pencil, in a lightning-fast production that got us all home before dark.

The large ensemble cast were impressive throughout, and the villainy of the Wild Wooders had a contemporary twist, as they showed their colours as enemies of expression, with their anti-free speech placards held aloft. Elliot Lovegrove’s Toad was the embodiment of vainglorious self-expression, resplendent in shimmering green pantaloons and velvet jacket, and his passing fads and enthusiasms were cleverly evoked by the use of umbrellas symbolising his gypsy caravan, and

a simple steering wheel enough to evoke his beloved motor car. Josh Morris was an engaging Mole and Rahul Shah a steady and dependable Ratty. Daniel Odejinmi was a really marvellous Badger, the very model of power and good sense among the mayhem of Toad’s passing crazes and crimes. Eva Morris and Sim Dasgupta whipped up terrific costumes and inventive make up that really put the (cricket) cap on a wonderful production.

This was a really imaginative and enjoyable evening for which Mr Garnett and his team of talented actors and crew deserve high praise. Poop-poop!

Mrs J.M. Cox

September 29 2017


09


September 29 2017


10


September 29 2017


11


Political SeminarJoey Ricciardiello led the second in our series of lunchtime politics seminars with an introduction to Niccolo Machiavelli’s much maligned and little understood 16th Century treatise The Prince. Joey’s defence of Machiavelli’s pragmatic, realistic and influential guide on how to rule prompted much debate about the nature of leadership, the enduring ambiguity of his ideas of criminal virtue and its relevance to the politics, statecraft and morality of the contemporary world.

September 29 2017


12


The Herrick and Senior Geography Society collaborationThis week’s SGS Herrick brought two subjects together in ways that have not been attempted before. Fin Oxenham and Nikhil Kapadia were a credit to themselves and the subjects they represented so intelligently. They spoke about the Dust Bowl of America, linking the landscape to the literature in

A Level texts such as The Great Gatsby and The Grapes of Wrath. It was particularly nice to see the boys engaging in a free-flowing conversation towards the end as new connections dawned. Clearly a lot of work went into researching and preparing for this, and it showed in the way the

talks were structured and how the presentations were delivered. Really well done to both boys and thank you to all who turned up to take part. It is hoped that this occasion has forged a new relationship between the Geography and English departments, which will continue to thrive.

September 29 2017


13


September 29 2017


14


Boys performing in Spanish on Open Morning!Boys perform in Spanish on Open Morning as they interpret a work by Lazarillo de Tormes. A special thank you to our Spanish Assistant Irene for preparing the boys!

September 29 2017


15


Moses Ng performs at Windsor Castle Moses was invited to perform a solo piece on piano as well as being part of a chamber ensemble at a Summer Concert organised by the musical charity Future Talent, at the magnificent Windsor Castle on 5th May. The solo piece that

he performed on that day was the same piece that he performed at the Merchant Taylors’ Young Musician Final on Tuesday 15th May.

Moses was thrilled at the precious opportunity to perform in such a magnificent venue. It was an

experience of a lifetime. Performing on the same stage included the finalist at this year’s BBC Young Musician, the saxophonist Robert Burton. Moses also got to meet the Duchess of Kent, who is a steadfast supporter of Future Talent.

September 29 2017


16


L6th Boys - Sequences and Series: learning about the formula to find the minimum number of moves in the Towers of Hanoi

September 29 2017


17


Mental Health Awareness Week This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and in our tutor groups we talked through how to deal with different issues - but most importantly the various ways to seek guidance and support. Websites were recommended and we were reminded of the school counsellor who is available for us to talk to. In this stressful build up to exams it was a timely reminder of the support we are afforded. This photo shows Amar Ali (4ths) presenting the PowerPoint on mental health to his tutor group (Clive House).

September 29 2017


18

Friday 29 Junefrom 19.30 in the MTS Dining Hall

Buffet & BarTicket prices £20 and £10 concessions,

these can be purchased through the school’s website www.mtsn.org.uk/events

Closing Date 22nd JuneIf you have any trouble booking, please contact Lucia Hull in the Development

Office at [email protected] or 01923 845545

We look forward to your company

Serenaders, Supporting Music at MTS

Serenaders Jazz Night

NoticesMerchant Taylors’

September 29 2017


19

Serenaders Jazz NightWe should be delighted if you could join us for Serenaders Jazz Night on Friday 29th June 2018 at 7.30pm in the Merchant Taylors’ Dining Hall, an evening which promises to be exhilarating and fun. You can look forward to a delicious buffet, bar and the opportunity to relax with friends at the end of a busy school year. You will be able to hear Hot Jazz, Cool Jazz, Dixieland, Swing and New Jazz, played and sung by pupils and staff. The groups will include Dixieland Band, the Merchants of Groove, Swing Band and the

fabulous Merchant Taylors’ staff band, Roses are Blue, featuring the superb Roselyne Hayne (Modern Languages) and Gregg McCann (Admissions Officer).

Following the success of last year’s Jazz Night, we have again invited the St Helen’s Big Band and St Helen’s Dixieland Band to be our special guests for the evening. There will be an opportunity to hear the stunning sounds of the Merchant Taylors’ and St Helen’s Joint Jazz Band. We look forward to welcoming the St Helen’s girls, their teachers, parents and friends.

Tickets can be purchased through the Merchant Taylors’ website at www.mtsn.org.uk/events.

If you have any trouble booking, please contact Lucia Hull in the Merchant Taylors’ Development Office at [email protected] or 01923 845545.

Please be advised that this is a popular event and numbers are limited, so please book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £20 or £10 for concessions. Booking closes on 22nd June. We look forward to welcoming you.


September 29 2017


20


BBQ by the Lake

‘

£15.00 adults, Children and MTS Students £7.50, under 5’s free

To book your places please complete this form, attaching your cheque for the total amount and send it in to School Reception Envelopes please to be clearly marked “Yardarms BBQ” by Friday 8th June latest.

Places must be booked and paid for beforehand for catering purposes.

No tickets will be issued, an email confirmation will be sent to the email address given on your Application form.

Cheques made payable to: “The Yardarms”

Name: Address:

Phone number:

Number of adults (£15 each):

Email address

Number of children /MTS Students (£7.50 each):

Enclosed cheque payable to “The Yardarms” (total):

£ Number of children under 5 (free):

Number of vegetarians:

Please bring your own rug, Picnic tables &chairs, plates, wine and soft drinks.

Yardarm

s

Proudly Supporting Merchant Taylors’ Watersports

Activities for the students:• Canoeing• Kayaking • SUP • Indo boards • Ergo Competition • Boat Building competition• Mountain bike trick station

Activities for adults:• Parents obstacle race

• Ergo Competition

Activities for under 10s:• Treasure hunt • Indo boards • Boat building competition

Interest stands:• Impulse/BISS ski racing • The Kitesurf Centre • Mojo Clothing

• Ticket to Ride Surf/Snow

Saturday 16th June, 2pm - 6pm£15 Adults Children and MTS Staff £7.50

Pimms Tent

Strawberriesand cream

LiveBand

September 29 2017


21

Merchant Taylors' Medics and Dentists’ Convention

Saturday 23rd June 2018

10.45 am

Merchant Taylors’ School

Please register as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]

Is your son interested in a career in medicine or dentistry? If so, we invite students and parents from the 4th form upwards to attend this event and hear from our guest speakers who will share their experiences. Are you practising medicine or dentistry and interested in networking or helping MTS boys start their careers? If so, the date for the Merchant Taylors’ Medics and Dentists’ Convention should be in your diary.

Outline Programme

10.45am Seminar Presentations in the Lecture Theatre

12 -1.00pm Networking Reception for MTS Pupils & Parents with OMT’s & Medical Professionals

Guest Speaker Programme General Practice Dr Gary Solomons (OMT) Anaesthetics Dr Suraj Shah (OMT) Neurosurgery Dr Thomas Doke (OMT) Paediatric Surgery Dr Joe Davidson (OMT) Dentistry Dr Rahul Bose (OMT) Community Pharmacy Hatul Shah (OMT) Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Mr Pranai Buddhdev (OMT) Deciding on Medicine James Holt (U6th MTS) There will be no charge for the event, but we do ask that you register in advance so that we know who will be there on the day. If you would like to help with any aspect of the day, or represent your profession during the networking section of the event, please contact Lucia Hull at [email protected] . For any further details, please contact Karen Richards, at [email protected] or telephone 01923 845532.


September 29 2017


22

SocietiesMerchant Taylors’

SGS FIFA Tournament Writes Lakshman Samarakoon (L6th):

Over the past two weeks from the 30th April to the 11th May, the Senior Geography Society ran a FIFA tournament to raise money for the charity drive. Thirty two teams (of two) eagerly took part in the competition, all striving for the chance of glory (and amazon gift cards). The initial planning was tedious with the SGS team devising a tournament tree with the intention of making sure each team was able to make their timings. Each team had to answer three geography

related questions to determine the quality of the team they played with. The tournament ran smoothly with fi erce competition between each team. The corridors were fi lled with both cheers and jeers from supporters. A last minute winner from in the round of thirty two stage sent the crowd into uproar with cheers being heard all the way from the physics classrooms. A personal favourite of mine was the team nicknamed ‘Oh Lord Pope’ consisting of Dylan Bhundia and Charlie Bridgewater, who played as the underdogs, Burnley F.C., during the entirety of the tournament

till the semi-fi nals. Against the odds they managed to have the second best goal difference out of all teams who took part in the tournament. Udi and Rana Menon came out victors with a convincing 3-0 victory against Thomas Nayrouz and John Hoh in the fi nal, hosted in the Lecture Theatre. The tournament was both fun to or organise and a joy to be part of with the help pf the SGS team. Our thanks go to Miss Innes who kindly gave up her classroom for many more lunchtime sessions than initially anticipated!

Monday 30th April – Tuesday 8th May 1:30-2:30 lunchtimeTeams of 2 open to all year groups

Answer Geography based questions to determine the team you will be playing with.1 correct = 3-3.5* team, 2 correct = 4* team, 3 correct = 5* team

PLEASE RESPOND TO SGS EMAIL TO APPLY

FIFA 18 Tournament-SGS

September 29 2017


23

SportMerchant Taylors’

Cricket1st XI North London Champions against St Albans

The 1st XI are through to the last 16 of the National Cup Competition after beating St Albans in the North London Final. Bowling first, the XI bowled outstandingly well and restricted St Albans to just 15-1 off 6 overs. St Albans fought back to post a challenging total of 139 from their 20 overs. Alex Palmer and Aaran Amin started the MTS innings well with some powerful boundaries. After losing a couple of wickets, the XI chased the total off in the 17th over to complete a resounding victory. Aaran Amin was the star of the show, hitting a sublime 68 not out. The XI now face the winners of South London in the Regional final.

v The John Lyon School

U14A

Result – MTS won by 74 runs First Innings and Score – 153/3 Major Performances - David Justice 45 not out, Niam

Battacharya 38, Tom Groves 2-0-6-2, Suraj Shankar 3-1-10-2 MoM - David Justice

On Wednesday the 16th of May Merchant Taylors’ played John Lyon School in the Middlesex U14 T20 Cup. Taylors’ lost the toss and put in to bat first and initially struggled to get going. However, Niam Battacharya (38) and Ayaan Sheikh (28) lifted the run rate with some destructive shots. The real star of the Taylors’ batting innings was David Justice (45). David played with elegance and power using his feet to the John Lyon seam attack to strike the ball both offside and leg side which was difficult to defend against. MTS posted a more than competitive 153/3, an excellent effort considering they had only scored their slow start.

John Lyon never really looked like chasing down their target with Tom Groves and Ayaan Sheikh picking up two wickets a piece. Two good run outs showed improvement from Taylors’ in the field too. It was a comfortable win against John Lyon and now the side look forward to a

tough test against Bancroft’s School this Saturday.

v Merchant Taylors’ Prep

U13B

Result – MTP won by 48 runs First Innings and Score – MTP 118/6 Major Performances - Theo Russell for this bowling and taking a spectacular catch. Aayaan Patel for his mature captaincy and controlled innings. MoM – Theo Russell

Despite some high-quality individual performances with bat and ball, the U13Bs came up against superior opposition in MTP, who delivered a master class in mature batting and working collectively as a team. Aayaan Patel led by example as captain and kept his calm at the crease, and Theo Russell performed well with the ball and bat, and took a spectacular catch to dismiss their best player. Lessons need to be learned on how to play the straight delivery, and how to come together as a team when the chips are down.

September 29 2017


24


Tennisv Berkhamsted

Last Saturday the 1st team played Berkhamsted and, as ever, it was a tightly contested match. Younes Guezour and Joel Goldie both played with great control to win their singles matches, 6-4 and 6-3

respectively. Ayush Popat lost 6-3 and Zohair Din lost 6-1 so it was all to play for in the final round. In the doubles Ayush and Younes struck some fine shots and were unlucky to lose 7-5 with a few key points deciding the encounter. Zohair and

Joel played very solid doubles to win 6-1 and ensure that honours were even. The match was played in a very good spirit and we were fortunate that the rain held off just long enough to allow us to reach a conclusion.

September 29 2017


25


EquestrianThe boys working towards their first British Horse Society Exam Level 1. The task entailed tying the tail bandage on the horse.

September 29 2017


26

OMTsMerchant Taylors’

Merchant Taylors’ and St Helen’s Arts and Creative Networking ReceptionParents and OMTs working in, or interested in working in the creative industries are invited to the fourth Arts and Creative Networking Reception on Wednesday 13th June from 18.30pm – 20.30pm at London’s House of Illustration, Kings Cross.

We’re delighted to announce that Neil Lawson-Baker, OMT 1952 – 1957, who graduated as a dentist but is now a sculptor, painter and author will be speaking at the Arts and Creative Networking Reception this year.

It promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening and we hope you can join us. Tickets cost £10 to contribute to the cost of the event and can be booked online this link.

September 29 2017


27


September 29 2017


28


September 29 2017


29


Afternoon Tea

All proceeds to Watford Workshop

RSVP : [email protected]

The Ladies’ Association warmlyinvite you to an Afternoon Tea

of strawberries and sconeson

Thursday 24th May 2 - 4pmat

The Headmaster’s House

£5

September 29 2017


30

Scissorum Issue 198 May 18 2018 - mtsn.org.uk · Tchaikovsky to Yello. The cast, inspired by the...

Documents

Transcript of Scissorum Issue 198 May 18 2018 - mtsn.org.uk · Tchaikovsky to Yello. The cast, inspired by the...