Junior Alleynian 2016

Junior Alleynian 2016

Headmaster’s Highlights (Speech Day 2016)

Library and Author Visits Our library and Mrs Forbes continue to be a central part of life at the Junior School. Starting with the Roald Dahl week in Year 3, the boys have had over six author visits including Lord Winston (twice)! The visit back in October to our Year 3s drew two memorable questions – ‘Professor Winston, what is the difference between the mind and the brain!?’ Followed by ‘what is earwax made of?!’ Book week involved all things nautical which included a visit from a modern sea captain who has really fought off pirates. He was slightly nicer than the ‘Evil Captain Crane’ and had less of a West Country burr compared to ‘Captain Greybeard’ (more Year 3 play references!) Chess The chess teams have competed in numerous competitions and won a Gold award at the National Primary Schools Chess Association tournament. Jai Singh Chaturvedi from 5W represented Kent. Trips and visits The list of trips and visits this year is another demonstration of the extraordinary richness of the education the boys receive. Here are some of the highlights: theatre trips to ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ and ‘The Railway Children’ , visits to Tate Britain, Imperial War MuseumSouthwark Cathedral for Victorian and Roman experiences, Bay Pond for a science trip, the Outdoor Centre in Wales and the Fossil Coast in Dorset with PGL for a week. Then we had visits from the ‘STOMP’ workshop, Young Shakespeare Company, the London Fire Brigade, Mexicolore, Freshwater Theatre Company and ‘Henry VIII!’ Finally a party of 80 (boys, staff, parents and siblings) enjoyed our second trip of a weeks’ skiing in Alpe D’Huez. Music Music in the Junior School continues to go from strength to strength as all the boys are given wonderful opportunities to sing and to play an instrument. For those who’ve seen it, you’ll know that the most amazing part of the Year 3 play is the incredible volume and quality of the singing but the instrumental and ensemble playing is also on the rise. We have had numerous Open Concerts, Pop in and Play break time concerts, Year 3, Strings (Mr Quadros starring with his WOMBAT STEW) and the Year 4s with their wind and brass. We also had the whole school Christmas celebration concerts, the Strings Festival and the Lent term concert in the Great Hall which showcased all the talented musicians in the Junior School. 25 boys in the Madrigal and

Last week I spoke to a group of sixth formers about going to university to study social sciences. I talked to them about how, in educational psychology, there are considered to be five conceptions of learning related to maturation so in other words, as you grow up you move further up the different conceptions. They are connected to attainment, so the better you are in exams the more likely you are to have a more advanced conception of what learning is. The five conceptions are firstly, to conceive learning as acquiring knowledge. Or in other words it is just to know facts. Secondly, it can be to learn and be able to reproduce facts. In this conception you have a good memory – you could win Mastermind. Thirdly, the conception is to understand facts, in other words you can work out what the facts mean - you are clever ! Fourthly, you see the world in different ways. Here you are acquiring wisdom . But finally you conceive learning as changing as a person and becoming the best person you can be. This is where the person has acquired wisdom and has become wise . After I have finished my highlights – we can reflect on to what extent the boys are reaching those advanced conceptions of learning. So to the highlights: Academic From the academic side of the school, 11+ results were again very strong with another improvement being seen in the overall boys’ scores from previous years. In the Michaelmas term we had ‘ Dulwich Inventive’ which was a collaboration for the creative and scientific departments to get the boys to think about science and invention. Then in the Lent term we had ‘ The Junior School Academic Enrichment Symposium’ , the theme of which was ‘Movement’. All the boys spent a day taking part in an array of workshops on subjects which were usually taught at a very high level but made accessible to all the Junior School boys. It personified our desire for the boys to have a ‘wow’ learning experience that makes them think ‘outside the box’. This will become a big set piece event and next year we will be expanding it to make it a combined event with James Allen’s Prep School. Quizzes All the boys have participated in general knowledge, science and maths quizzes but the highlight was the General Knowledge team reaching the National Independent Schools KS2 General Knowledge finals.

Chapel Choirs performed at Christmas at St John Smith’s Square and over a dozen performed in the Great Hall strings concert. But the highlight was one of the most spectacular events in recent College history – a joint concert with Alleyn’s and JAGS at the Royal Festival Hall. A combined choir of over 450 and orchestra of nearly 100 all performing Verdi’s Requiem. There were over 25 Junior School boys involved. Finally the boys have had individual successes too. Alasdair Howell has continued to push the boundaries of piano playing at his tender age, winning the College Bach competition, playing all over Europe and culminating in him playing at the Albert Hall with Lang Lang. He has been selected for the National Youth orchestra to play the violin and, sadly for us but wonderful for him, Alasdair has been selected to join the elite Yehudi Menuhin School next year. We wish him every success. John Pedersen is also to be congratulated for his achievements in getting into the National Youth Orchestra. Sport It has been another spectacular year for the boys in sport. Fundamentally all the boys have played for school teams in almost every sport in every year. This is the fact we are most proud about. Also the House competitions have provided many more opportunities for all the boys including the House Aquathlon which proved to be such a great success this term. Other highlights were that we became National Prep School swimming champions at Year 5 with Christo Chilton, Zac Crowther, Alex Williams and Theo Djidetchian. In addition Alex Williams became National Backstroke champion. Christo and Zac followed this up, coming first and second in the National Prep Schools U10 triathlon. This added to Christo’s becoming world champion in Biathle (run, swim, run) in Georgia earlier in the year. I expect Mr Goodrich is quaking in his boots at the prospect of leading out the cross country in September! A mixed team of U10 and U11s competed at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the Mini Rugby Challenge Cup. In World Cup year the actual trophy visited the College and many boys got to have their photographs taken with it. The Romanian and Australian teams trained at the College and then, this term, the All Black Sevens team also trained here. Finally, the U11s were taken on a rugby tour to Wales by Mr Sewell and Mr Whaymand.

Contents Year 3 Creative writing

House competitions The House competitions continue to be a fundamental part of Junior School life, allowing all the boys to participate as well as getting to know other boys from other Year Groups and work well as a team. An early highlight, as it always is, was the team building event where the boys demonstrated cooperation, initiative, humour, compromise, energy and empathy in order to get all the tasks done. Throughout the year we have had a combination of rugby, cross country, football, hockey, cricket, pat ball, pancake racing and the maths and general knowledge competitions. But this year saw Mrs Cooper organise a House Poetry competition on the Symposium’s theme of Movement and Miss Rowe organised a brilliant House Art competition which allowed the boys to attempt to reproduce a famous art work. The results were quite stunning. The overall highlight for me, however, was Mr Broughton’s House History competition which was held at the beginning of this term. The brief was for all the boys to prepare a family history project. The result was a wonderful array of family trees and stories which the boys had researched from primary sources. The exhibition to celebrate this was testimony to the diversity and richness of the Dulwich Community. Charities During the year so far we have raised nearly £2500 for a variety of charities including Roald Dahl’s children’s charity, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Oxfam, Sense charity for the blind and deaf and for Mind. This has been through a number of ways, the usual retiring collections, mufti days and cake sales, but also collecting foreign coins, growing sunflowers and donating nearly new books. Drama Finally, in drama we have taken the boys to higher levels. Earlier in the year we had a new venture to allow all the Year 5s to get their chance in the spotlight with the Three Musketeers – a play in two days. Many of you will have seen the quality of the Year 6 play, Beaver Towers. It was a world premiere which allowed all the boys to experience a real theatre production at the hands of the talented Drama department. Then, as many of you have seen and others will see tomorrow, Mr Goodrich’s extraordinary Year 3 play, the Treasure of Cutlass Island. Such a triumph of humour, singing, musicality, confidence and fun. This has been an incredible year where the boys have learnt so much about themselves and the world around them. Staffing I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the staff. I know that over the course of your time in the Junior

School you have got to know them as professionals and have watched them in action looking after, supporting, guiding and inspiring your sons. It is a privilege to be part of such a fun, committed and hardworking team of people. This year we welcomed Ed Wickstead, Sam Neate, Martin Frost, Martin Davis, Joanna Green and Wioletta Szymanek to our staff and if you haven’t already met them, I’m sure you will in time. There are a few members of staff who are moving on this year. Mr Wilson – Form Tutor, science coordinator and inspirational rock guitarist, moves to take some A Level physics and be a Lower School Form Tutor. However he’ll still be teaching Junior School science. Similarly, Mr Sewell, who has been our Junior School Graduate Assistant Teacher, moves to the senior part of the College to study for his PGCE in PE but he will still be very much in evidence in some Junior School Games and PE lessons. Finally three members of staff will be leaving us. Mrs Barton , who has helped us out on a number of occasions in recent years (most recently in a part time role covering Chris Skelton’s teaching), is leaving us to travel around Europe for 18 months with her family. Mr Quadros , who has been the rock and inspiration for the development of our Junior School music over the last five years is taking up a post as director of Music at DC Singapore – a little bit closer to his home. And finally, Mr Broughton, is leaving after nine years of dedicated service to the boys and the Junior School where he has been a Form Tutor and history coordinator and phenomenally successful Housemaster of Howard. Before I finish my review of the year I would like to relate two stories. Firstly from a parent at the Year 7 new parents’ evening. They said they chose Dulwich because they felt it is exciting and the teachers were interesting and funny. They felt welcomed. Secondly, I was talking to one of the mums about her son going on the Year 6 trip residential trip. She asked him who he was going to be sharing with and he said he didn’t know yet but he didn’t mind who he shared with as all his Year Group are his friends. So, to finish, in the Junior School, you can see that education is a continuous life event – every day is a school day. In the Junior School and at the College we provide lessons and activities for the boys which promote extended, wow, memorable and free learning moments about the world around them and, fundamentally about changing themselves as whole people . They may not have reached an advanced conception of learning yet but this is what we are aspiring to and know that they will get there faster thanks to the experiences the school provides.

2 4 6 8 9

Art and DT

The Treasure of Cutlass Island play

Roald Dahl Day

Bay Pond and Southwark Cathedral

Year 4 Creative writing

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Art and DT 12 Viking workshop and Henry VIII visit 14 Year 5 Creative writing 16 The Three Musketeers play 19 Art and DT 20 Mexicolore, Kew Gardens and Southwark Cathedral 22 Year 6 Creative writing 24 Art and DT 26 Beaver Towers play 28 Tate Gallery, Stomp workshop and Imperial War Museum 30

Academic Enrichment Junior School Symposium

32 37 38 40 42 44 45

Dulwich Inventive

Book Week and World Book Day

Author Visits Assemblies

Inter schools quiz competitions

Clubs

Music Year 3 Strings and Year 4 Orchestra 48 Chapel Choir and Junior Strings Festival 49 Great Hall Concert 50 Junior School Concerts 51 Events Charity events 52 Boy News 53 Speech Day 54 Founder’s Day 56 Trips Wales - Year 4 and 5 58 Osmington Bay - Year 6 60 Ski trip to Alpe d’Huez 62

Sport Rugby

64 65 66 67 68 69 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

Rugby Tour and Tennis Aquathlon and Swimming

Triathlon

Hockey and Cricket

Sports Day Houses Teambuilding

Poetry

Art

History

Pat ball and Pancakes

Leavers Staff Farewells Year 6 Leavers

Dr Toby Griffiths

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YEAR 3 CREATIVEWRITING

One day Jack was swimming in the sea with his brother and sister (Scott and Emily) when he found a stone as clear as glass with red serpents inside. So Jack picked it up and showed Scott and Emily. So they took it home and examined it. When Emily rubbed it she disappeared, so Jack and Scott rubbed it too and found themselves at the bottom of the sea! There were sleek red serpents gliding through the sea elegantly! So they decided to swim around and they saw giant dolphins and sea serpents the colour of the rainbow swimming around the speed of a speeding bullet, it was paradise! They suddenly re- membered to breathe so they swam up to the surface then dived back down. When they got to the bottom they heard a lurching sound and looked up to see a giant serpent with pincers the size of a bus, and teeth that could break a rock swimming towards them. The monster called all the sea creatures to attack them! Jack, Scott and Emily swam for their lives, just when they thought The Serpent Stone Explorers

they were going to die they climbed onto an iceberg. “Phew I thought we were going to die” panted Scott. Just when they thought their troubles were over a giant shadow loomed over them, it was a giant snake. “Hissss” screamed the snake. “Run” Jack shouted over his shoulder. As they ran they heard more and more ‘hisses’ so they looked behind them and saw a hundred thousand snakes following them. Just then they remembered the serpent stone (that was the name of their stone) and they rubbed and got back to their house! So they wrote their story and became famous authors. Jack’s dream of being a famous author has come true and Scott and Emily’s dream of having an adventure came true too! So Jack became a famous author and Scott and Emily became famous explorers. Conrad Summers, 3D

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YEAR 3 CREATIVEWRITING

The Thor’s Thunderer I was just walking along a nice beach in Antarctica when I saw a golden pebble glittering and shimmering in the morning sunlight. I bent down but before I could pick it up I felt a blast of heat and fell over! By the time I got up, it was gone. Quick as a flash, it was right there in front of me like it had never been away! I picked it up and instantly I was surrounded by lightning, streaking up into a green cloud. I recognised it from the ‘Incomplete Book of Dragons’ as a cloud made by a Thor’s Thunderer. Sure enough, the Thunderer swooped out of the cloud and grabbed the pebble from me. “YOU WILL NOT HANDLE DRAGON JEWEL!” said the Thunderer in Dragonese. “Is this really the Dragon Jewel?” I asked inquisitively. Without as much as a growl he scooped me up and placed me on his bare, scaly back. Firing clouds to block me from view, he took me all the way to his lair. On our way we passed a very nasty dragon who tried to take the jewel. When we finally arrived, we found an army of stealth dragons waiting for us! They started attacking as soon as they saw us, but the Thunderer eliminated them with a thrash of his tail, but another sent flares at the Dragon Jewel. The Thunderer moved the jewel out of the way and got him with a thunder cloud. The rest fleed and I lived happily every after, riding Thunderride (that’s what I called him) every day. Alasdair Mackintosh, 3N promised not to be mischievous and naughty. When David was sitting down for his lunch of sausages and mash, the island started shaking and David saw the volcano erupting and heard a booming voice in his head saying “the volcano erupting is a sign that a dragon has been born and you are the chosen one to destroy it. Jump into the sea and you will be able to breathe under water.” Then the voice disappeared and David stood open mouthed looking at the bright blue water. He flung himself at the water and held his breath. He knew he didn’t need to but he did and then he got out and felt a tingling feeling all over himself. The he heard a deafening roar and jumped suddenly backwards into the water. A cutlass flew into his hand at that same moment and he did a practice swing and accidentally it flew out of his hand and BANG, it hit the monster directly in the forehead and stayed there for a second. Then a piercing scream came from inside the dragon. David nearly went deaf and the dragon stumbled down. David was awarded a bravery award from the Prime Minister and a thousand bags of gold from the King. The family were soon wealthy and David’s name went down in history. And that is why we are celebrating St David’s day from this day on. Kiran Slatter, 3G

Long ago in a faraway land there was a teenage boy with the name of David. He lived in a small cottage on a big round island. In the distance you could see the faint outlines of a gigantic volcano. It hardly every erupted but to be safe David’s mum told him, when you are allowed to row a boat yourself never row it near the volcano. David always listened to what his mum said and never missed a word his mum told him. He was very adventurous and loved to explore. He had blonde hair and bright crystal eyes. He was the most intelligent boy on the island and was the only boy on the island. David didn’t go to school so his mum and dad gave him home schooling. David’s cottage was lovely on the outside and inside. It was painted white with ivy hanging on the walls. There was expensive furniture hanging from the stone walls inside. To get food for the family David’s dad had to sail to the main land and buy things from the supermarket. His mum and dad still went to work but worked on different days so they could still look after David on different days. The Ultimate Sea Quest

One day David’s mum and dad had to go to work together and couldn’t afford to buy a nanny. David was left alone and

3

YEAR 3 ART

Pointillism, Portraits and Colour Spinners

4

YEAR 3 DT

5

YEAR 3 PLAY

The Year 3 play, the Treasure of Cutlass Island, was a rollicking rumble across the high seas with the obligatory pirates, treasure, maps, cutlasses and...accountants! Mr Goodrich, Mrs Bishop, Mrs Greenaway, Mr Quadros and Mrs Medland, along with the whole of the Year 3 team, produced an amazing show. The boys’ performances (and accents) were something to behold and the fact that they all got their chance in the spotlight to perform with such confidence and talent was a super testament to their skills and the staff for bringing that out of them.

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YEAR 3 PLAY

7

YEAR 3 TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

Roald Dahl DAY

FromMr Twit to a ‘Very Hungry Crocodile’, Charlies, Mr Foxes and even a brave Miss Trunchball, the Year 3 boys entered into the spirit of Roald Dahl with a host of activities and a costume parade.

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YEAR 3 TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

BAY POND The boys had a fantastic time at Bay Pond collecting, identifying and examining a huge range of mini beasts!

Southwark Cathedral

The boys took part in an array of Roman workshops at Southwark Cathedral

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YEAR 4 CREATIVEWRITING

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE The Hidden World

The bubble was there too. Then he realised something truly wondrous: all around him, were mermaids. Real mermaids!

Jack earned his living on a farm, perched atop a cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean. The bitter winds and salty spray ruined the soil. Sometimes Jack tried to fish, but recently the seas had become barren and empty. One cold morning, Jack left his beachside shack to make the arduous journey up the cliffs to the farm above. As he started to climb the ramshackle wooden steps, he noticed a glint in the sand; a bottle, washed up on the shore, with something inside. Lying in the old bottle, was a scroll. Jack removed the cork, and took out the parchment, which read: Underneath the mysterious scroll were the bearings for an island, apparently just off the shore, though he had never seen or heard of such a place. Jack was bewildered. Stranger still, in the dim light, the watercolour sketch portrayed a beautiful underwater world inside a colossal bubble. He held the bottle in his hands, and it trembled. To his amazement, and terrible fear, the ground beneath his feet opened. A flurry of faces emerged: female, and strangely beautiful. Then a deathly, skeletal face peered at him through the crowd. Its eyes bored into Jack’s head, penetrating his mind. The ground fell and so did Jack. When Jack awoke he was falling through a swirling vortex of light. Suddenly he was through the portal. He considered the map, still in his hand, and knew he was in the underwater world. Only thee who really helps, is worthy of claiming my treasure.

It seemed to be a place of great abundance. Everywhere, the mermaids were feasting on plates of marvellous looking seafood: fish of all varieties, crabs and lobsters, giant prawns. Jack looked down at the riddle and map in his hand. What did it all mean? Why was he here? He was underwater, breathing perfectly normally. How could that be? The riddle told of treasure. Now that was something! “What is this place, and how do you have so much food to spare?” Jack asked a forlorn looking mermaid. “Well”, said the mermaid, “a long time ago, when the earth was born, a mighty sea serpent gave us a treasure chest like no other; it produces unlimited quantities of food.” The mermaid looked back at him. “But, you humans have ruined these seas, so nowwe’ve made this air bubble to protect us. “You must help us!”, commanded the mermaid. “You were called to be our messenger. You have discovered the secret treasure of the ocean, the source of all its life. But we cannot live in a poisoned sea. Go back and tell the world above. Tell them to stop polluting our realm. Your reward is that we will then be able to remove the bubble and then provide for you once again.”

Jack did as he was told. Before long, he was a wealthy fisherman.

THE END

Robin Choudhury-Collins, 4C

10

YEAR 4 CREATIVEWRITING

The Moon is Shining

Iron Man Diary Entry

She leaps right over the clouds,

Dear Diary, I woke up at 5:00am to lure the Iron Man into a trap. At first, I felt a little bit nervous because the Iron Man may not have gone into the hidden pit me and the farmers’ dug, or maybe he might have noticed me and I might have ended up in the trap. I waited for hours and hours. Then, I heard a big, loud thumping noise. It was the Iron Man but he wasn’t heading to my direction. Then I had to figure out how to bring him closer to the hidden pit. Grab that barb-wire fence and bring it to the pit? No. Make a circle out of knives and put it around the hidden pit? The Iron Man would’ve probably known that it would be a trap. Hook a car wheel onto a fishing rod and keep it above the pit? Maybe, but then, I had the greatest idea. I rushed back home, grabbed my father’s tool kit and rushed back to the pit. Then, I started lightly tapping a nail onto the hidden pit’s surface. Jink! Jink! Jink! And again Jink! Jink! Jink! The Iron Man heard the tinking sound and came closer and closer to the trap. KA – CRASH! The Iron Man fell in. Then, the farmers buried him. Triumphantly, I ran home and told everybody about the great event. Later in the evening, I remembered the Iron Man’s helpless attempts to try and get out of the pit. Then, to myself, I thought maybe I shouldn’t have trapped him. He only ate metal, but we were afraid that he eats humans too. Too bad the farmers don’t want to dig him out. If he ever gets out, I’ll talk to him.

Illuminating the spookiness of the dark night sky.

Amongst the eeriness of the never ending open space,

The silver patball dominates all around.

Like a grey, ancient lamp hovering above the emerald Earth below,

The mind boggles how it reflects so bright and so true.

Eventually though the moon falls back and disappears from view,

When the majestic sun rises to replace it.

I just wish it could stay out forever,

Hovering so magically,

But sadly it has to fade,

Well at least for another day.

Oscar Nowastchek, 4C

From Hogarth

Joshua Shuster, 4C

11

YEAR 4 ART

TUDORPORTRAITS

CANOPIC JARS

ROTHKOPRINTS

CARTOUCHES

12

YEAR 4 DT

WALLETS

CAM TOYS

PORTABLE LIGHTS

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YEAR 4 TRIPS AND VISITS

The boys in Year 4 had a royal visit from ‘King Henry VIII’. The boys enjoyed finding out about Henry’s ancestry, his reign, six wives and also what happened after he died. The boys really enjoyed their day which was full of much learning, fun and laughter.

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YEAR 4 TRIPS AND VISITS

Viking Workshop The boys were enthralled when a Viking visited them in school with an array of artefacts to deepen their learning of the period. Quick to learn the ropes, Year 4 soon embraced what it was like to be on board a Viking ship and they even re-enacted a Viking raid.

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YEAR 5 CREATIVEWRITING

Clovis braves entering the Carter’s stronghold

Lord Fauntleroy,” Beatrice yelled half-heartedly. “Will I have to stop being your little boy?” both of the girls said in a voice half way between an old woman’s screech and a wolf’s deep growl then, both burst out laughing. Clovis stood stock still and waited for Maia to cut in…but she didn’t. Clovis tried to explain that all he needed was a bed to sleep in for a few nights but Mrs Carter cut her short. “We shall take this filthy little boy back to Manaus at once. I suppose the play director must be looking for you” Mrs Carter said to Clovis. “Someone should take him away at once”, Mr Carter said angrily, “what do you have there, fleas or something?” “I should do that,” Maia said quickly. “No” Mrs Carter said “Miss Minton shall do that.” Miss Minton took Clovis by the arm and led him outside. “Please don’t send me back Miss Minton,” Clovis pleaded. “Trust me Clovis” Miss Minton said, “I’m trying to find you a place to stay. Oh, I know! The empty hut for the rubber collector.”

Clovis rode upriver in a mucky, dirty old tramp steamer. He had paid all of his money to the boat driver, begging him to take him to the Carters. The boat driver had refused to drop Clovis off at the Carters’ jetty because he had referred to it as a ‘BAD PLACE’. Clovis got out at an unstable wooden plank landing stage, a little up river, so by the time he saw the Carters’ house emerging from behind a thick line of creepers, he was already scratched, tired and hot. He strode up the gravel path and peered through the window. Mrs Carter was plump with fair hair, wearing a pleasant sky blue dress, serving English jelly at the table. Mr Carter was at the end of the table, looking gloomy with his gold-trimmed spectacles. What a nice family Clovis thought. At last he plucked up courage and knocked on the door. A shrill alarm bell sounded the moment he had pressed the button. The spinach-green coloured door swung open and the sullen face of a maid appeared. “What’d you want?” she moaned in frustration. “Er…um…I…I want to see the ….Carters” Clovis murmured under his breath. “Mrs Carter,” the maid screeched. “There is a tramp whacking on the door, should I bring him in?” “OK, but get on with it.” Mrs Carter’s echoing voice came from the other side of the corridor. The door flew open and instantly the twins exploded. “Everybody look, it’s Little

Yilin Wang, 5W

JOURNEY TOTHE

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YEAR 5 CREATIVEWRITING

Life in the Amazonian Rainforest – a diary entry from the perspective of Maia in Journey to the River Sea

Miss Minton told me that she’d once whacked a boy with her ugly umbrella! What if she does the same to me? I am not looking forward to the long, tiring journey ahead; what if our canoe capsizes into the amazon? What if the hostile Indians attack us? I am frightened diary, frightened of the unknown. The journey will be difficult as well, not to mention how long it will take! Over 6000 miles! It will take forever! Oh diary, I do hope it will be alright. I think that I will be seasick on the boat journey because it will take so long to arrive and we might see lots of unusual animals as well. The temperature will probably be so hot that I start sweating and fanning myself uncontrollably. To relieve myself I think I will rejoice if I see any butterfly species: if they are my absolute favourites.

I have never been more frightened in my life. It was both a comfort and surprise to me that I had distant relatives in South America. Not being alone in the world…well, I just feel so much warmth inside. As I walked down the corridor to the towering door of Miss Banks’ office, I felt a dreading sensation creeping up into my throat, feeling smaller and smaller with every step I took. The moment that Miss Banks told me the news, the words sent me into this engulfing daze, it made me extremely dizzy. The month passed way too quickly for me and as I solemnly waved goodbye to my friends from the coach window, I couldn’t help feeling the coldness of the new governess, Miss Minton. It was no match for the warmth of my friends saying farewell.

Maia

Oliver Godbee, 5M

Mrs Carter…undoubtedly the tidiest woman in the Amazon Mrs Carter is certainly one of a kind, and far from your average woman who lives in the depths of the Amazonian rainforest. This glove wearing clean freak is constantly ensuring that no dirt, grime or creepy crawlies encroach on her precious house. She is rarely seen not wearing her gloves to protect her hands from the potent Lysol. Wherever she strolls, you can be sure that her flit gun (fly killing device) isn’t far behind. Swatting away flies or barking orders at Miss Minton, she has an earsplitting shriek that scares even the bravest birds who nest in the vicinity of their home. But it is her menacing stare that pierces the depth of your heart, and this stare simply makes your thoughts run cold from your head incinerating any negative feelings you may have had about her. Mrs Carter’s love of fashion certainly has been passed down to her despicable daughters who use an awful lot of energy on their appearance despite their highly annoying personalities. They are quite rightly referred to as the gruesome twosome! Although Mrs Carter has a rather plump and rotund figure, her husband is quite the opposite. Skinny and gaunt in the face, Mr Carter doesn’t look like he has seen the Amazonian sun for years. Perpetually engrossed in his precious glass eye collection, it would be an understatement to say his social skills were lacking. The Carters are quite simply ‘the loveliest’ family in whole of the Amazonian rainforest. Benedict Apponyi 5W

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YEAR 5 CREATIVEWRITING

DARK DAYS

Please sir… not the workhouse I am writing to politely beg you not to banish our family from our temporary residence in your exquisite home. Though we do not have the means to pay our rent, there are countless reasons to why we, the Jarvis family, deserve to stay in our room which I will clearly outline below. First and foremost you are putting my mother’s life in grave danger by forcing her to live on the streets, have you seen how frail and pale she is! Mr Spink you’re not only putting our mother’s life in danger but our lives in danger too. Are we really expected to live on the grim streets of London? Mr Spink, place yourself in my shoes, how would you like your family to be banished to the streets? Only a fool would say you’re doing the right thing….and I expect you are no fool! Now Mrs Spink, as a child I don’t know too much but even I know your actions are wrong. Mr Spink, as an honourable family and one that has never caused you any problems prior to this incident, I honestly believe that we could come to some sort of financial agreement. It wouldn’t be difficult for myself, Emily or Lizzie to get extra work and earn some surplus monies to help us pay our debt. Surely you would spare us a few extra days to earn money? Mr Spink, I do naturally feel that you are a nice and decent man and I feel you should consider my request for our family to not be evicted from our room.

Could life get any worse? The towering, grey walls seemed to go up forever and the cold, iron bars trapped mercilessly anyone who went into the workhouse. The massive golden bell which bonged every hour appeared to drag on endlessly. He looked upwards and saw the dull, grey sky mocking him. Every step he took would hurt his soft, small feet and he looked at the hard, rough ground in pain. Finally he realised he was wrapped in a cold, spine-chilling mist which made him shiver because of his loneliness. The horrible smell of the infirmary reminded him sadly of Ma. At the sight of the foul smelling and fly-covered trough where he saw pale-faced boys eating rotten food miserably, he felt greatly distressed. As he edged into the austere building which was as silent as a graveyard, he wished the grey and cold floor would swallow him up. Suddenly, he was brought back to his senses as he heard the lashing of a whip and it made his hair stand on end. Then, Mr Barrack dashed out of the room and snarled “who wants some more?!” Thinking fast, Jim rushed into an immense, hostile and unwelcoming room and the smell of unappealing broth wafted into his nose. Jim saw frail-bodied boys eating silently at the table and being watched over by the eagle-eyed Mr Scissons. After that, he was taken to a wooden bed which was lumpy, filthy, rough and box-sized. That was what he slept in just like the other boys did.

Yours sincerely Jim Jarvis

Benjamin Tarrant Onuorah, 5W

Scott Cheung, 5B

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YEAR 5 PLAY IN TWO DAYS

The Three Musketeers When faced with the prospect of learning, rehearsing and performing a play within two days, many Year 5 boys thought that they were embarking on the impossible. However, after a day and a half of intense rehearsals under the expert guidance of IanMurchie, our visiting director, the boys produced a magnificent performance of “The Three Musketeers”. Despite the fact that many of the Year Group were asked to step outside of their comfort zones and act as 17th century French females, all the boys rose to the occasion when performing the 45 minute production to their parents. The final result was quite spectacular!

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YEAR 5 ART

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YEAR 5 DT

Elastic powered buggies

AZTEC TEMPLES

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YEAR 5 TRIPS AND VISITS

MEXICOLORE

Aztec and Mayan ancient cultures were the order of the day for the Year 5 boys as they immersed themselves in 15th century culture. Dressed in traditional clothing, the boys chanted and sang to the Sun God, and the morning culminated in playing the famous but rather difficult Aztec rubber ball game of ‘Ullamaliztli’.

The boys visited Kew Gardens to deepen their understanding of how plants and animals thrive within a rainforest environment. As well as participating in a number of workshops, they also enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens. Particular highlights were the treetop walkway, tackling the log trail and exploring the dark passages of the badger sett.

Kew Gardens

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YEAR 5 TRIPS AND VISITS

VICTORIAN EXPERIENCE AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL Dressed as

Victorian children, the boys stepped back in time to experience life inside the classroom. Working on slates they learned the ‘three R’s’ and exercised in the courtyard of Southwark Cathedral.

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YEAR 6 CREATIVEWRITING

In the Sea There Are Crocodiles

A diary entry from the perspective of the main character in The Arrival Dear Diary, I have been feeling deeply apprehensive ever since that first, and possibly fateful, step onto the departing steam locomotive. Leaving my wife and daughter behind was nothing short of heartbreaking. They feel so close yet also so far away. Yes, I am in search of a new and better existence but the pensive feeling inside me gnaws away like an infection of sadness, plunging me further into a pool of sorrow. Every day commences and finishes in the very same manner with me staring lovingly at my only memory of those closest to me…the picture. It’s my most treasured possession and will remain with me until we re-convene, wherever and whenever that may be. I just hope that day comes sooner than I expect in reality. The amalgamation of sadness and despair is controlling me beyond repair. I am aware that I need to find a source of happiness to break me from this sorrowful state. Life on board is rather solemn and conversation between those on the ship is limited to say the least! I did though encounter one polite gentleman who, like me, had left his family behind in hope of finding a better quality of life in a more prosperous land. Only time will tell if our gambles will pay off, but he offered some words of encouragement as his father had emigrated 30 years ago and set up a successful business in his new land. So it can work; I just hope the same success can come my way in the weeks and months to come. The picturesque view of the sapphire blue sea gently splashing against our bow does provide my mind with temporary respite. The ship slices effortlessly through the water like brand new scissors cutting paper. I get lost in the beauty but then my mind snaps back to the reality of my situation.

Dear Enaiat,

I should never have left you at the Samarat Qgari. Quelta is a dangerous place and the only reason I left you is because the Pashtun would have killed you if they came to Nara. I was scared so I took you to Quelta to see if there were any other Hararas that I could trust enough to look after you for a while until you became older and more responsible. But there weren’t so I talked to Kaka Rahin and told him to tell you I had gone. I am so sorry I left you. The world contains many bad things Enaiat as I have shown you before but unfortunately you may have to experience some of them. The main reason I left you with Kaka Rahim is because behind all the roughness he has a kind heart and also he will see the good in you and probably recommend you to an employer. But I am truly sorry. I haven’t taught you the way of the world so my advice (if you receive this letter) is that not everyone in life is someone you can trust and that if you are in a new place filled with strange people then ask yourself what to do, not a stranger. There are other reasons I left you in Quelta like that instead of me watching you being killed by Pashtuns or Taliban you may live a peaceful life with others who love and care for you. I know you will make a living for yourself and settle down somewhere and there are two more things I want you to know. One is that seeing a loved one die in front of your eyes is worse than being killed and that life may be a labyrinth but I know you will always find your way out.

Samarat Kandahar

Afghanistan

Ollie Monblat, 6R

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YEAR 6 CREATIVEWRITING

be wading through rivers or climbing up mountains, Torak had to reach the mountain of the World Spirit. Part of Torak nagged at him to give up and live a normal life on his own, but the other part was telling him that he had sworn to reach the World Spirit or die to his father and even if he did give up the bear would surely eventually kill him. Wolf whined that he was hungry, completely unknowing of what he would have to face as the time passed by. Suddenly, a pack of youthful deer passed by and Torak realised how starving he was. As quick as a flash, Torak wielding his bow and arrow took aim and fired. As he released the arrow it soared through the air and found its mark on the deer and it fell helplessly. The rest of the deer herd scampered off leaving the deer carcass behind. A smile whipped over Torak as he bent down to inspect the body. Proud as he was for making his second kill ever on his own, Torak had to get to work before the flies came. Wolf howled in delight, for he probably had never seen an animal killed from such a long distance before. Torak then thought of what his father would have said; he probably would have patted him on the back and congratulated him. Torak fumbled around for some leather cloth to wipe away its blood. Pulling the arrow out of the back of the deer Torak started to see flies and ravens swarming in. Hastily he set alight some twigs and leaves and threw them up into the air. Getting Torak’s message, the creatures started to disperse amongst the smoke and the pests soon flew away. Pleased with himself, Torak set to work.

It’s strenuous not to implode and succumb to further sadness. I stare intently at the picture with a glint of happiness in my eye as my loved ones stare back. Stepping cautiously down to metal steps, I enter my cramped dorm and vouch to remain strong. Tomorrow will bring me something positive, I just know it… Sam Morrissey, 6W

Torak pushes on (based on the novel of Wolf Brother)

Pain swept over Torak as he stumbled over a rock and fell into a thorny bramble bush. Torak lay there for a moment, watching wolf lick his paws. “Torak, run.” That’s what he thought his father had said in his final farewell. Torak couldn’t remember the exact words, but he remembered the general gist. Peering through the drooping leaves, which only let through small wisps of the gleaming moon, Torak saw the vast landscape stretching out as far as the eye could see. Towering mountains loomed over the forest, threatening to send heavy storms that would tear the forest apart. Slowly, Torak brought himself to his feet. Lonely, tired and hungry he pressed on knowing time was against him. It must have been so hard for wolf, for Torak, one minute everything was normal, and then the next the whole of his pack was killed. Torak then thought about his own family and he felt engulfed in sadness. However, whatever it took, whether that

Hector Senior, 6C

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YEAR 6 ART

ABSTRACT PAINTINGS

HENRY MOORE SCULPTURES WITH BACKGROUNDS

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YEAR 6 DT

CLOCKS

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YEAR 6 PLAY

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YEAR 6 PLAY

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Y6 TRIPS AND VISITS

The boys enjoyed a fantastic day at Tate Britain where they observed the Barbara Hepworth exhibition, ‘Sculpture for a Modern World’. Each pupil created sketches of the work which allowed them to really engage with the impressive abstract shapes.

The beats from the Stomp workshop filled the Pavilion Salle to the delight of the cricketers below. A variety of ‘instruments’ were used demonstrating that the conventional drum need not be the only percussion instrument!

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Y6 TRIPS AND VISITS

To assist with their History topic, the Year 6 boys visited the Imperial War Museum to view WWII exhibits and attend a workshop. The day finished with a trip to the shop for souvenirs!

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JUNIOR SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

JUNIOR SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

The Junior School Academic Enrichment Symposium, based on the theme of ‘Movement’, saw boys from Years 3 to Year 6 enjoy a wide range of activities, from dance and drama workshops to discovering how birds fly and how sneezes spread germs, all helping to extend their learning beyond the curriculum. Ses- sions were led by teachers from departments across the College and visitors from further afield includ- ing a group of Masai dancers who led the boys in African dance workshops. In addition representatives from the deafblind charity SENSE demonstrated what it would be like to be visually and hearing impaired. The day culminated in a rambunctious re-enactment of the Battle of Zama with the Junior School boys as Roman soldiers – armed with a colourful collection of their own custom-designed shields – charging against the Upper School boys as Hannibal’s elephants.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

Today it was The Dulwich College Junior Symposium based on movement. This was a whole day doing fun things, but learning too, instead of normal lessons. I had looked at the programme, which was really colourful and eye-catching, so I knew what activities were on offer. We made our way down to the Edward Alleyn Theatre to start the day. Now the moment I had been waiting for arrived. A man, with a bright patterned shirt, came onto

or not. There were two teams – one for and one against. The team for said things like, ‘children our age are drowning in the Mediterranean sea trying to get to us,’ and the against side argued that they come into the country illegally and they don’t want anyone to know and then the government has to pay for them to be looked after. Then one speaker explained about the problems the immigrants face. They can be robbed or

the stage with a drum. He started a beat that made us all feel excited. A few minutes later more people came onto the stage in fantastic costumes. These were Masai dancers who told us they were from

bullied by people but they don’t always call the police because then they might find out that they have entered the country illegally. It made me think how hard it is for people who have to

Review of The Dulwich College Junior School Symposium

leave their country where there is a war. At the end of this we had a vote and ‘letting immigrants in,’ won (for). This was very interesting but sad too. Finally we went back to our classroom and found cardboard shields around the walls. A teacher called Miss Cooke from the Classics Department, which is where they do Latin, came into our class and told us about The Romans and Hannibal, The Carthaginians leader. After the Romans’ first battle with them, the Romans were believed to have 85,000 men and the Carthaginians much less, yet they won the Battle as they were more superior in their tactics. Now we were told that we would be re- enacting The Battle of Zama which was The Romans’ revenge battle, outside on the playing fields. We then made ourselves each our own shield with a design on it. Now we marched onto the field in formation ready to attack the Carthaginians (which were some Upper School boys being elephants with people on top). They charged at us and we moved out of the way for them to aimlessly run away because elephants couldn’t really turn. We then charged on the Carthaginians and destroyed them. This was very, very funny and I really enjoyed it. Everyone was laughing and cheering, including all the teachers and Dr. Grifffiths. At the end of the day I was intellectually and physically exhausted but I had learned so much and had the best fun ever.

Africa. Their dancing was amazing and they really got us involved in it. Some people went up on stage and joined in. It just made me want to move. Next my class made our way back to our classroom where Dr Griffiths talked to us about ‘Mind over Matter’ and how elite athletes and sport players deal with all the pressure that is put on them. We all had to throw pieces of scrunched up paper into a bin together. Then one at a time-to see what happened when you’re under pressure. This was very interesting because it did feel different. After break we were split up into two groups and we went over to the Art Department in the senior school. That made me feel very grown-up. One group made mobiles and another did ‘Drawing through Dance and Movement’ . Miss Griffiths gave us some charcoal pieces and instructions. She showed us how to make a circle all around your body as far as your arms can stretch. We then got into partners and followed the other person’s drawing. This was fun and interesting. Next we went back to the Theatre and started a workshop with Masai dancers. They taught us some dance moves which we copied and put together to make a dance. We asked them some questions about where they came from and they started singing and they also spoke different languages. This was a very fun workshop and I really enjoyed it. After lunch we went to the Great Hall to watch the Upper School boys in a debate led by Kenza Wilks. They were discussing whether should we welcome immigrants

Samuel Waldron, 6R

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YEAR 5 DT JUNIOR SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

Dear Friends of Dulwich College,

Thank you very much for donating money to the Junior School for the recent Symposium on Movement. Personally I had an outstanding day and there were many engaging and memorable activities that everyone was able to do. I particularly loved the Upper School debate over whether migrants should be able to come into our country. It was very interesting seeing the two different opinions but I think we should let migrants into our country. Maybe I might choose to debate when I am older. I also liked the Masai dancers. They were very entertaining and I learned some dance moves that I would never have thought even existed! One of them was a basketball player for his country, but he was too small to play professionally so he decided to start dancing. The Battle of Zama was undoubtedly though my favourite part of the Symposium. After lunch we knew we were going to be doing something about the Romans, but no one knew what that would entail. First we watched a short film about Roman battles and fighting tactics. Then everyone started to make a Roman shield while the sixth formers were making Carthaginian shields. After twenty minutes of making our Roman shields we went to the grass behind the Pavilion. We practiced getting in the battle formation of the tortoise and marching, as well as rehearsing other different Roman strategies. We even had instructions in Latin to make it more realistic. Then came the order to charge but no one in the whole year decided to listen to the order of the general. Instead we ran past the elephants and ran wild around the fields. It was fun and an amazing activity to finish off the day. The battle was just simply brilliant. Thank you so very much for donating the money to the Junior School to allow this special day to take place. It is not just me saying thank you, the whole of the Junior School are.

Thank You!!!

from

Edward Doepel, 6R and everyone in the Junior School

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