Junior Alleynian 2017.pdf

Junior Alleynian 2017.pdf

2017

JUNIOR ALLEYNIAN

Emotions and emotional literacy are a very important part of life in the Junior School. Learning about them, recognising them in ourselves and others. You will remember that one of my favourite quotes which I used several years ago on Speech Day is that of Maya Angelou. Head’s Highlights (Speech Day 2017) Outside events around the world and in London have produced many emotions. They have been challenging for us all and difficult to explain. Next year we will introduce Philosophy, Current Affairs and more Citizenship to our formal curriculum. In Philosophy Club recently it was interesting to look ahead to the College Free Learning Week - Dulwich Political in October. We examined the question of ‘what is politics?’ We asked lots of questions about what it means to be a civil society, to have governance and ‘when does politics start?’ Was there always politics, what was it like back in the middle ages or ancient times, who was in charge of running society and overall, we came to the conclusion that basically politics is what happens and how you run a country without killing each other. A very deep and meaningful thing but for boys in the Junior School this was amazing. We also recently had our Magna Carta assembly looking back to when the authority of the Kings of England could be challenged and when the basis of our current government was set up. This is really getting boys to think about what and who we are. achievements, happiness and in the community. With this, I have a confession to make, I get quite emotional when I see these amazing things. Between you and me this can involve shedding a little tear. I try to hide it but often it’s quite difficult. When I see boys performing brilliantly, or observe some extraordinary happiness or when I’m thanking boys for their performances I always find it very moving. Thinking back to the Year 3 Play, Years 3 and 6 verse speaking, these are all events where I’ve had a look across at some of my colleagues and have found it very difficult to keep from wiping away a tear. I know there will be some today, I’m sure. [Postscript – after this speech the School Captain’s Speech was so emotional that he broke down in tears and gave the Vice-Captain a big hug!] Academically, 11+ results were again very strong with an improvement being seen in the boys’ scores year on year. English results were outstanding and maths results were good too particularly in how all boys are now reaching a high level. In our second annual Academic Enrichment Symposium we teamed up with the girls from James Allen’s Prep School with the theme being ‘PATTERN AND CHAOS’. We had our first of many links with Sydenham High for a Year 5 debate and we will develop this further next year and are looking to do a Model United Nations. The whole College free learning week this year was Dulwich Linguistic. Each day had a different language focus with activities in German, Mandarin, Spanish, French and Italian including a fencing demonstration in Italian. Next year we look forward to Dulwich Political. But with that sadness out there, the dominant emotion in the Junior School, this year as always, must be joy; joy in ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how youmade them feel.’

Primary Maths Challenge. The Junior School film club won the Dulwich College International film competition, - D’Oscars, with their entry, which they described as a ‘spy thriller’, on the theme of Dulwich Wonderland. Gardening club had a winning entry in the RHS Campaign for Schools Gardening competition. In the Dulwich and West Norwood Banner Competitions- Gussie Coulter, Dougal Littlewood and Wilf Edwards In House competitions, as ever a core part of school life, particular highlights were the House Photography competition and House DT in which boys had to transform a matchbox. Then we had the first House Tennis competition and, for the second year, House Aquathlon. The chess team had multiple successes reaching the National Semi Finals at Pontins once more with Jai Singh Chaturvedi going on to represent Kent. There were trips, visits and seminars for all Year Groups to many historical, artistic, local, theatre and educational venues as well as many author visits. In May the Junior School led the whole school’s sustainable travel initiative, ‘The Big Shift’ in which we made pledges to improve the way in which we travelled to school and also promoted cycling and road safety. In Music, as ever, there were an enormous number of concerts, playing of instruments and singing. From ‘pop in and play’, open concerts, music assemblies, which we introduced this year, the Junior School Christmas Celebrations and Junior School concerts. Then many Junior School boys performed in the concert at St John’s Smith Square, the College singing and piano concerts (including John Pedersen getting a highly commended in the top category for the College). Then, most impressively, were the 13 Junior School boys who went on the College choir tour of Washington, Philadelphia and New York. In Sport we are proud to say how our boys are involved in and play everything on the best facilities with expert coaching. All boys have represented teams in multiple sports across all the terms in all the Year Groups but there have been individual successes as well. In cross country, rugby, triathlon (where Christo Chilton retained his National Prep Schools title) and while we rarely focus on individual success, however when it has been this good we should recognise the amazing achievements of the U11 swimmers who became the National Prep School and National Schools U11 swimming champions. In Charities , our termly fundraising raised money for Roald Dahl’s Children’s Charity, the Brixton and Norwood Foodbank, St Christopher’s Hospice and NSPCC. We raised over £11000 this year including £7500 from the NSPCC danceathon alone. In Drama , all boys had some great opportunities to perform, either in the Christmas Celebrations or Form assemblies. But also the whole of Year 3s production of ‘Mummy Returns’, The Year 5s ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and also the stunning Year 6 production of the ‘Lion King’. Finally, huge personal thanks to all the staff that have made this happen. They are wonderful individuals and a team who really make the Junior School such a great place for the boys and a fun place to come to every day. I could say ‘work’ but it never feels like ‘work’. I am so lucky to be in charge of them. This is not just our wonderful teachers but also every member of staff behind the scenes, the office staff, our cleaners, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, caretakers, our librarian, learning support department, and teaching assistants. On behalf of everyone a huge thank you for your efforts and talents.

There were many quizzes which included the maths team getting getting to the London finals and 10 boys went through in the

CONTENTS 2

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

EVENTS

40

HOUSES

56

SPORT

64

TRIPS and VISITS

72

FAREWELL

82

WELCOME

85

1

JUNIOR ALLEYNIAN 2017

1

HAMLET

Numerous things have happened recently, that I feel the need to write it all down to make sense of my feelings. It has only been three months since my father sadly died. Then, I had more evidence that King Claudius murdered my father. I started to feel rage and fury. After my mother married my uncle Claudius, I felt exasperated. Therefore, I came up with a cunning plan to see if King Claudius was guilty or not; I felt really intelligent for coming up with this sneaky plan. When I saw that King Claudius was praying, I got my dagger out and I…refused to kill him! I felt really annoyed not to kill him but at the same time I knew he would go to heaven if I had killed him. At that moment I went to the battlement and suddenly saw the ghost of my father. I felt very ashamed of myself for just acting like a lunatic and not getting revenge on my uncle. What’s even worse was Ophelia, my true love, gave all of her gifts back. I felt alone and sorrowful like I was standing on an isolated island. When I got to my mother’s bedroom I heard someone spying on me, so I got my dagger out to defend myself but murdered Polonius by accident! I was full of rage so I did not know that I killed him. ...and in this village, there were lots of beautiful houses. There were also lush, green fields where there were multiple animals grazing. The animals there did not harm anybody. It was a peaceful community. However, at night when everyone was sleeping within the village there stood a gigantic beast that roamed the area. The beast had robotic legs and it loomed as tall as a tower...a very tall tower indeed. It strode around the village, quietly but menacingly. When the beast arrived at Bob’s house, he heard the loud footsteps of the beast approaching towards him. Nervously but quickly, Bob grabbed an object to defend himself and his family and rushed outside. He opened the

The next thing that made me devastated was Ophelia’s funeral. I felt tearful and sorrowful for her. I heard that she got drowned in a lake while picking up flowers. I could not feel more miserable than I do now. When my friends took me to see the Queen in England, I suddenly realised that they wanted to betray me! I was horrified when I discovered this because they are the only ones I can trust. I felt powerless after all of this happened but I still have to overcome it. Also, I felt so confused, I do not know what to do. I have a fencing competition coming up, yet that is the only thing I feel excited by. door and was startled by the size of the beast, it was massive, but he tried to be confident as he began fighting the beast under the midnight moon. It was a long and tiring battle, and as the clock struck 3am Bob had a brainwave. Carefully he crept behind the beast and tried to cut his foot off. The beast groaned and moaned in pain, and fell to the ground with a THUD! Once the beast fell to the ground, Bob puffed out his cheeks as he was so tired but fortunately the beast was defeated. Bob returned home to the comfort of his bed and nobody from the village was ever threatened again. Ryan Nguyen, 3G

In a lowly land far, far away there was a village…

Gianluca Della Ratta Cabrera, 3C

2

The Haunted House

The very next morning Joe told Mary and Leo all his suspicions. Everyone became instantly scared. Just then the doorbell rang. Mary answered it. There was a strange man at the door. He said, or creaked, “Can I please see Mr Leo?”

Q One dark, gloomy night in a rather welcoming and cheery pub, lots of people were gathered together in there socialising. It was very loud and noisy. This caused great disturbance to animals outside in the wild…especially to one particular kind. Draculas are different from vampires because vampires turn people they bite into themselves, however Draculas simply suck the blood out of people. Well here in this place there was a Dracula in the darkness. Joe, who was a 93 year old man with white hair and blue eyes, came out of the pub. He had a younger brother and sister; Leo was 89 and Mary was 88. They lived together, in a haunted house. The entire house was positively spooky and creepy. It was a huge mansion surrounded by dead trees and howling winds, but it was still close to the pub. It even had its own graveyard. At that very moment, Dracula was inside the house. Since Dracula had incredible hearing, he could hear everything that was going on inside the pub. By this time Joe had reached the front gate. As he opened it, Drac heard the noise and with his stealthy speed went past Joe in a flash. Joe was so startled that he fell over. As he got up slowly and carefully, Joe began wondering about the mysterious thing that had startled him. At first he thought it was just an animal, but now he wasn’t so sure! Then he realised something. His house (or Joe, Leo and Mary’s house) was rumoured to be the hideout for a Dracula!

“Of course,” said Mary.

As soon as Mary called for Leo, the man took a potion from his pockets and emptied it all over Mary and Leo. They both slowly transformed into Draculas too. They spotted Joe and chased him all over the house and even around the local area.

“Why are you doing this?” Joe cried desperately.

“Because I am lonely and sad, and wanted to amuse myself,” replied Dracula.

“H…Ho…How…about…you come…and live with us?” asked Joe nervously.

“Really? Gee, thanks,” replied Drac.

And with that, Dracula turned the frightened Mary and Leo back to their original form, and he moved in with Joe and his siblings where they lived together happily.

Magnus Hayes, 3N

3

MOVING MONSTERS, MAZES AND HEDGEHOG HOLDERS

4

5

DID ST GEORGE SLAY THE DRAGON?

“Hey Daniel, do you want to play this new game I was given for my birthday?” George burst in screaming. “I’m sorry but I’ve got History homework and I have to write about Saint George,” Daniel explained. “Are you sure?” George questioned inquisitively, raising his eyebrows. Daniel worriedly thought, his PLQGVKXIÁHGKHNQHZKHZRXOGJHWDWULSOHGHWHQWLRQLIKHGLGQ·WGRLW “Alright then!” David and George killed a few minutes playing the game. Whizz! Bang! Pop! Whizz! Bang! Pop! Whizz! Bang! Pop! That noise continued until something very weird happened to them. The game came closer. The boys couldn’t move forwards or backwards. Suddenly they fell uncontrollably into the machine. Unexpectedly the boys found themselves in a large, eerie room. They could see speakers, levers and buttons. There were whizzes, bangs and pops they could hear. They could feel cold metal under their feet. It was the taste of salty air and the smell of burning smoke that convinced them that they weren’t dreaming. The room was a colossal cave and they were like minute pebbles within the cavernous space. Immediately the supersonic speakers burst out saying, ‘TIME, DESTINATION 99AD, 31ST DECEMBER!’ The machine spun around rapidly like a ballet dancer pirouetting. ,QDÁDVKWKH\HQGHGXSLQZKDWORRNHGOLNHDYLOODJH$FRORVVDOPDQVFUDPEOHGXSDQGVWXPEOHG towards them. “Look out, look out!” George and Daniel yelled. The man came closer. He was only a foot away. George grabbed Daniel by the collar and dived away. A tall man stood up. He had a thick, EXVK\PRXVWDFKHDQGDEUDYHFRQÀGHQWODXJK'DQLHOUHFRJQLVHGWKHPDQDWRQFH “YOU’RE ST GEORGE,” he burst out. “Yes I am,” he replied. “Come with me on my adventure! Oh, and you too.” George’s eyes widened. The man led them to a cart with two horses. They sprinted towards it, “Giddy up horsey,” they all yelled, and off they went on their merry way. After a thirty minute journey, they stopped abruptly. A dragon came out of nowhere. The dragon was a mountain and the people were simply grains of sand in comparison. St George took out a sword. 7KHGUDJRQEOHZVRPHVPRNHDQGEUHDWKHGRXWDEOD]LQJEDOORIÀUH6W*HRUJHGURSSHGWKHVZRUGWKH dragon leaped onto him, George grabbed the sword and stabbed it furiously into the dragon. The dragon yelped, Daniel grabbed the sword and stabbed it even harder. The dragon fell to the ground. Five minutes later they heard multiple whizzes, bangs and pops. They arrived back to where they were. St George left and Daniel knew exactly what to write for his History homework! Rajan Philip, 4S

6

When they entered the forest neither of the boys were scared, but then the forest started to haunt them and take over their feelings. Mist started to rise and the trees began shaking violently. A shiver ran down both the boys’ spines. Then they stumbled on a cut down tree which looked like the FSR]¿RKIVWSJE[MXGL Suddenly there was a loud crack and a crash of thunder. There was an owl hooting, ringing in their ears, and the boys were XIVVM¿IHEWEREFERHSRIH coal mine appeared before their very eyes. The boys then heard a rustling and a swelling…it sounded like a creature or a human. The mist reluctantly went away revealing a narrow path and a fountain. There was a loud crack. When they boys emerged out of the narrow path, a decrepit, torn down house stood before them. They paused, their hearts beating, then they felt a long claw run down their spines! They ran and ran as fast as their legs could carry them to their tent. Was it a human?

Finn and Ben had always dreamed of camping together without their parents. They had been best friends since they were toddlers and now they were alone in the middle of the forest. It was just them, no one else. No bossy teachers, no worrying parents, it was their chance to make their dream a reality. Soon the light was beginning to fade and the last pole of their tent had been hammered down securely into the ground. Excitedly they unzipped the tent doors and unfolded their sleeping bags. The XIRX[EW¿REPP]VIEH]ERH a chill began to creep into the air. Now all they had XSHS[EWKEXLIV¿VI[SSH to keep them warm and, more importantly, to toast their marshmallows.

Finn Nadenic, 4C

WAS IT A HUMAN…?

7

TUDOR PORTRAITS, WACKYWALLETS AND CAMTOYS

8

9

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Schooling

In Britain, 90% of children learn in school. +RZHYHUWKLVVWLOOPHDQVWKDWDVLJQLÀFDQW number of children also learn at home. The reasons why a child might be home schooled include: the child might have had bad experiences in school, the parent may believe it’s better for the child to be home schooled or due to the family’s religious and social beliefs. The advantages of KRPHVFKRROLQJDUHWKHÁH[LELOLW\RIWKHWLPHWDEOH the prevention of bullying and it strengthens family relationships. On the other hand, the disadvantages are a lack of social interaction for the child, not enough resources or equipment, and it is time-consuming for the parent. However, what is the right decision for a child’s education? There are numerous considerable arguments for learning at home. One of the biggest advantages LVWKHÁH[LELOLW\RIWKHWLPHWDEOHDQGV\OODEXV The child’s parents can decide what to teach relating to the child’s interests. The teaching could be tailor-made so their progress is assured. Parents can also determine when to start and end the teaching. Visiting places such as museums and parks can be much easier arranged for one child than 60 pupils. The children can learn more from the outside world rather than sitting in a classroom all day. For instance, if a child was interested in politics the parent could very easily organise a trip to the House of Commons at a time that suited them. In addition, home schooling prevents bullying DQGEDGLQÁXHQFHVVXFKDVVZHDULQJDQG ÀJKWLQJWKDWFDQRFFXULQVRPHVFKRROV

%XOO\LQJFDQFUHDWHDODFNRIFRQÀGHQFHDQGWKH child could feel vulnerable. At school children FDQFRPHXQGHUSHHUSUHVVXUHWRÀWLQZLWKRWKHUV Moreover, home schooling strengthens the bond between the parent and child since the child is spending all day with the parent. Even though there are a lot of great advantages, there are equally a vast number of considerable disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is that WKHFKLOGZRXOGÀQGLWKDUGWRPDNHIULHQGVGXH to a loss of social interaction with other children. This might become a big problem in later life. Secondly the home that the child is living in may not have all of the equipment and resources that a school might have. For example, in a Science lesson at home you wouldn’t have access to Bunsen burners or chemicals. Also the parents ZRXOGOLNHO\QRWEHTXDOLÀHGWRWHDFK)LQDOO\WKH parent may have to give up their job to teach their children day in day out. Teaching a child can be very exhausting and time-consuming for the parent. Although there are many strong reasons for being home schooled, I think that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. In my personal opinion, one of the most important disadvantages for home schooling is the fact that the child may have less opportunities to make lifelong friends. In the long run, the lack of social skills may cause the child problems in later life when they are trying to get a job. Laurence Skinner, 5M

10

Letter to Sir Ernest Shackleton Dear Sir Ernest,

Having seen your advert, I feel inspired to be a part of your Antarctic expedition. As a lover of adventure, and with my qualifications, I can assure you that I will be an asset to you and the crew. I have a degree in engineering from Oxford and I am very skilful at mapping too. I have worked as a Naval officer but since the challenges were lacking in difficulty I soon got bored and requested to be relieved from duty. I deliberately did not marry as I wanted no burden of family or children. I always wanted to be an explorer but never knew how to go about it, until I saw your advert. My strength is reflected in my rowing, and I was in the Oxford team in the year we beat Cambridge. In addition I have read many inspirational articles about you which have given me immense inspiration in helping you achieve your dream. It goes without saying that I love to take on challenges as they give me a moral boost and enhance my confidence. My ancestors were also explorers but they could not take it to another level as they joined the Navy and took on the responsibility to earn for their families. I think they would be happy too and will shower me with their blessings when they see me fulfilling their dreams. I am excited to start my new life on the sea, I would love every second of the 1800 miles which we would travel across the Antarctic continent. I would happily serve under yours and Captain Mackintosh’s command, as long as I get to fulfil my ambition and desire to explore the world under your flagship. I can be of help and support to the group with my experiences as a naval officer. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to being able to serve with you. Yours sincerely, Shreesh Shreesh Mehrotra, 5W

The Dormitories are Dark Dungeons with No Light….. Approaching the workhouse, the first thing you notice is the enormously tall, looming buildings standing ominously in the distance. As you come closer you catch sight of the twisted iron bars blocking any possible view. The massive brick walls tower gloomily in the darkness like evil sentries guarding their prisoners. Hopeless people slouch against the spiky iron railings, their hands cupped begging desperately for food. When the deafening ring breaks the silence, a porter emerges from the darkness of the workhouse and drags open the gate which creates a high pitched shrill as the wrought irons scrapes over the cracked cobblestones. Inside the main door a long, damp, dark corridor leads to an echoing hall filled with hundreds of boys all dressed in identical rags, their hair short and spiky. A faint smell of watery broth fills the room. They sit on benches eating in absolute silence. You can faintly taste the dampness of the air wafting to the back of your throat. The dormitories are dark dungeons with no light. The boys sleep under scratchy blankets in their cramped wooden boxes... claustrophobic at best. The only light comes from the old woman’s candle as she prowls up and down the room. The workhouse is a human with no heart. Dominic Doepel, 5M

11

AZTEC TEMPLES AND WILLIAM MORRIS PRINTING

12

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE PASTELS, BUGGIES AND SHELTERS

13

FESTIVALS OF

January

Vascant Panchami: A new spring begins Worshipping Sarawasti Neighbours in-sync

July

Dharma Day: Four noble truths are told Buddha’s teachings are desired Eight fold paths are led The Feast of the Assumption: Mary may return Seated by her son forever She watches over us

February Valentine’s Day: Love is in the air

August

Friendships will be evolving Togetherness is the way

March

International Women’s Day: Women all over We support you no matter Sexism abolished Passover: Jews ran for freedom Remember your past for life Horrors to arrive International Workers’ Day: Working for ever Searching for a better life Hard work everywhere World Humanist Day: We recognise you Nomatter what your past may be We’ll stick together

September International Day of Peace: World peace has the key Doves are no longer burdened We will have the freedom

April

October

All Hallows’ eve (Halloween): Peek round the corner The spirits will be on to us Pray for our safety

May

November Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Food for remembrance

Dried food for all the dried souls We salute you all

June

December Christ’s mass (Christmas): A joyous occasion Birth we celebrate… for us Our saviour has come upon us

Benjamin Tarrant Onuorah, 6R

THE YEAR POEM

14

15

LICHTENSTEIN pop art and FAIRGROUND RIDES

16

PICASSO ABSTRACT AND GOLDFISH COLLAGES

17

The Junk Orchestra performs in the Edward Alleyn Theatre

PATTERN and

The Sierpinski Triangle

18

PendulumPainting leaves everybody in a spin!

cH A oS Q The Junior School boys teamed up with James Allen’s Prep School and enjoyed an action-packed day of free learning, exploration and fun in the Junior School Academic Enrichment Symposium this year. Based on the theme of ‘Pattern and Chaos’, the children took part in a wide range of activities at both schools. The activities ranged from the cerebral to the creative with a large pinch of fun and collaboration thrown in. Sessions were led by teachers from departments across James Allen’s Girls’ School and Dulwich College Senior Schools and visitors from further afield. The headline acts included a pyrotechnic show which had the boys spellbound; a group of African drummers who had everyone dancing - even the teachers; and a mad mathematician whose ‘Murderous Maths’ show captivated his audience from start to finish.

George Croally’s winning logo design

‘How to convert a book into a hedgehog’ by Matthew Smalley

19

Xylophone duets and Mozart’s dice

Solving Hanjie puzzles collaboratively

20

Nature photography

Barn dancing

More pendulumpainting!

Getting into the spirit of African drumming and dancing

21

ROALD DAHL DRESS UP DAY In celebration of Roald Dahl’s 100 th birthday, the Junior School was invaded by some of his most loved characters – Fantastic Mr Foxes, Willy Wonkas, Golden Tickets and Twits.

Q The parade was splendiferous, the sun shone brightly and everyone loved the whole day’s activities – making BFG dream catchers, Willy Wonka hats and launching the 10 book reading challenge – ‘The Year 3 Jumpsquiffing Journey’. We also held a cake sale at break time raising £155.00 for The Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s charity. A huge thank you to Mrs Forbes for her organisation and energy towards this wonderful day.

22

500 WORDS STORY COMPETITION As has become customarywithBookWeek, the boyswere set the challenge of writing a story that did not exceed 500words. All the storieswere based around the theme of theweek, ‘Shakespeare’, and the followingwinning entries in each Year Groupwere read aloud in assembly. Enjoy reading them yourselves…

A school trip to the Globe Q When the class entered the Globe Theatre, all of the children looked around in amazement. It was unlike any theatre they had ever seen before. There were no seats and all around the edges were old, pretty wooden balconies. Strangest of all they could see the clear blue sky above them as there was no roof. But Jack was just bored, all he could think about was when he could next go on the computer to play Mario when he got home. While he was thinking, his teacher, Miss Hathaway, was giving instructions to the class, “Right children, you know what to do, here are the worksheets we looked at in class. Now go off in your pairs, and we’ll meet back here in forty five minutes.” Suddenly, Jack found himself alone. He called out, “George, Charlie, Miss Hathaway!” But there was no answer. He felt a rising sense of panic and he wished that he had been paying more attention. He walked around helplessly calling out the names of his friends. The next second he found himself on a backstage balcony, it was made of stunning wood engraved with wonderful patterns. He had a marvellous view of the stage up there. He could see the beautiful marble pillars and the incredible doors. He was astonished. All of a sudden, he heard a squeak! He listened closely and heard a high pitched “hello.” He was confused, he peered round the edge of the balcony, but no one was there. He glanced down and saw a little mouse blinking up at him. The mouse was old but adorable, he had a wise expression on his face. Even better, the mouse could speak! Jack was gobsmacked! The mouse jumped up on to the edge of the balcony and exclaimed that he was called William and he had been living in the theatre since Shakespeare’s time. All at once Jack remembered about the worksheet. Then he had an idea. He asked the mouse if he knew a lot about Shakespeare. The mouse nodded. He told Jack about Shakespeare’s plays, his early life and when the theatre broke down. He also answered all of Jack’s questions. Jack was very interested, he had definitely changed his mind about Shakespeare. He realised that it was time to meet the class, he thanked the mouse and went off. When all the class were back, Miss Hathaway checked the worksheets and was very impressed with Jack’s. She was so amazed that she gave him a commendation. Jack was thrilled After a final, quick look around the theatre and a final count of everyone by Miss Hathaway, the class walked off in pairs. As they were leaving, George asked Jack, “How did you do so well on your worksheet?” Jack looked around and he saw a little mouse on a balcony, winking. Jack smiled, he knew that he would see William the mouse again one day. Fraser Pelly, 4S

Ivy Q My pa said he and ma had fallen in love, naturally, as is customary. He always warned me not to go chasing after pretty girls. This is the story of my life after I did just that. My name is Samuel Williams, and I grew up in the town of Shaftesbury, a fine Saxon hill-top town in North Dorset. I am a good Christian and I pray each day to our Lord Jesus. I’d been raised by my family well. I could ride a horse, handle a sword and hunt a pheasant for our table. My parents were kind, loving and gentle folk. Ma worked in the local bakers, making bread, day and night. Pa was a blacksmith and worked his socks off making horseshoes the size of buns and axes so wickedly sharp it was rumoured you could cut yourself just by looking at them. And me? I worked in the local theatre; I had a job as an apprentice actor! I dreamed that one day, I would perform at Shakespeare’s Globe in London Town. When I was thirteen, I played Joseph in the Nativity in town, and a fine Joseph I was too. I had acquired a covering of downy hair like a newborn rabbit and I had a knack for winking at the audience at the end of my show; they went wild! By the age of fifteen I was on my way to London. Through bristles and thorns, over hill and dale I did go, in search of my true love, the Globe. I slept in barns on the way, and rowdy did my hair look after a night buried in the hay. The apple-faced farmers would shout, and some would set their dogs on me; “I’ll get you for that lad, you mark my words!” but I was long gone. As I approached the great city, I stopped in an old tavern on the edge of the river. An elderly man, overflowing with beer-ridden tales walked up to me, chuckled to himself and proclaimed: “A young, handsome half pint like you could do with a damsel to keep you company!” A huge cheer went up and I stormed out of the drinking house, half pleased by the attention, half enraged at the rudeness of an old man, oblivious to my talents. On I went, as the sun waned, looming in the shadows was a red brick clock tower, glaring menacingly down. I must be nearing London. It was raining now and my smile faded. I’d have to bed down under the shelter of this immense steeple. Morning. The sun was bright and the green grass fresh with dew, twinkling in its magical way. I gazed up towards the daunting tower. In the belfry was the most beautiful thing I ever did see. A girl as lovely as any other, whom no words could describe. “My name is Ivy,” she said softly. “I am the daughter of one Edward Alleyn; I can make you famous.” Robin Choudhury-Collins, 5M

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A Nasty Spell Q A long time ago there were three witches, stirring a magical potion and saying some magical words. “Double, double, toil and trouble Fire burn, and cauldron bubble” (Macbeth) The three witches said and they decided to pour their potion into somebody’s drink. The three witches were in a wood and saw a traveller on a donkey. One of the witches approached him and said in a cackling voice, “you must be very thirsty young man, do you want a refreshing drink?” “Yes, thank you and my donkey is parched too as we have travelled for days,” replied Ben, as that was his name. The witch handed Ben the cup and filled a bowl for his donkey. They gulped their drinks rapidly before the bulging eyes of the witches and then there was silence. Suddenly there was a bang and a crash which resounded through the whole woods. The witches stared at Ben and his donkey in amazement as they were floating in the air for thirty seconds. As this occurred Ben’s ears grew longer and longer, grey fur grew all over his body and a tail stuck out of his bottom. Ben was bewildered and scared, not to mention his donkey who now had miraculously turned into a human. The witches chortled with laughter at their wicked spell and foul play. Poor Ben could only trot around on four legs, trying to speak. However, all that came out of his mouth was a deafening “Ee aw, ee aw.” Meanwhile, his donkey stood in the light of the moonbeams, looking as handsome as any man could look. The donkey-man let out a loud roar of surprise and said with awe “I can speak and can finally tell you my real name. It is Herbert Beerbottom the Third.” Sneakily, without Ben and Herbert realising, the witches had slowly been circling them trying to get close enough to imprison them. Luckily Ben spotted the witches edging closer and he reared on his hind legs and punched them with his fore legs. Herbert saw their chance and said to Ben “let us swap roles this instant and allow me to ride your back, if you please.” Ben ee awed in agreement as they set off at full gallop through the woods. They sped through the night, their only thought to escape the witches. As luck would have it they happened across a small cottage in a clearing. They stopped to catch a breath and Herbert climbed down from Ben’s back. An old man came out of the cottage to get water from a well and stopped in his tracks when he saw them. For this old man was a power wizard who recognised that Ben and Herbert were under an

What Really Happened in Shakespeare’s Lost Years?

Q Shakespeare was humbly strolling round to the bakery to buy a fresh cake and eight bread buns, it was of course his son Hamlet’s birthday, when he saw an odd looking fellow slouched in a corner. Most people would ignore a tramp wearing dirty rags, but this fellow was not wearing rags he was wearing the finest of robes, deep purple stretching down to his ankles. His pointed hat was slightly drooping to the left but it too was a deep purple. Shakespeare trotted over to the man. “Ahh, William Shakespeare I do believe,” smiled the man. “Yes, but what is a man in your garments doing in this mangy place?” replied Shakespeare. “Lean in and put your ear to my mouth. I am a wizard and I’m going to give you two potions. One is going to travel forward in time to 2017 and you will find out much about your future,” the old wizard remarked. “Go now, drink the potion! The other one is a return.” So Shakespeare tipped the potion down his throat and his world went black. Shakespeare woke in the dark, he was in a stinking alleyway. He got up and trundled towards the light at the end of the alley tripping over bin bags and a black cat. He finally tumbled onto the street and brushed himself off. He was on a huge street with masses of people bustling around but they were not wearing anything like him. They wore baggy tops and baggy trousers and white shoes with ticks on them. Shakespeare looked up at a big sign that read Brixton. “I fink iss over der,” replied the woman pointing down the road. She ran off before Shakespeare could thank her. Eventually, after hours of wondering around in this new world, he finally saw a sign for ‘The Globe Theatre’. He followed its directions until he saw another then another and another, and eventually he saw, within fifty metres, the round shape of the Globe Theatre. When he reached the entrance the man at the ticket desk looked up in surprise, remarking, “You’re so appropriately dressed that you may as well go right in!” So he walked into the stands. He took up a seat two rows above the front and listened to the man on stage talk. “Today we are going to perform another wonderful play by the amazing William Shakespeare, this time it’s going to be Hamlet!” The crowd cheered. “I haven’t written any plays,” muttered Shakespeare curiously, “Maybe it ismy destiny though. Yes I must go straight back and start now.” So he gulped down the potion and found himself at home with a cake and a handful of bread buns. No-one was home yet, he went straight to his desk and started on his first play…‘Henry VI’. Tyler Biggs, 6F “Doth thy know where thy Globe Theatre is?” Shakespeare asked to a woman in a pink suit.

enchantment. He got out his wand, changed them back and warned them not to accept drinks from strangers ever again. THE END Eddie Harris, 3N

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Blindfold potion tasting

MUCH ADO ABOUT SHAKESPEARE This year’s Book Week was

packed full of Shakespeare themed activities and workshops. Mrs Forbes was instrumental in organising the week and ensuring each Year Group had many excellent experiences. This is just a taster of what the boys got up to...

Hamlet by The Young Shakespeare Theatre Company

Folios from the College archives

Macbeth drama workshop

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Year 4 providing tuneful backing vocals for No Direction

3N celebrate World Hello Day

CLASS ASSEMBLIES Who would have thought that Vasant Panchami could be celebrated with a rap? 5M clearly did!

6F’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

6C present an assembly on the International Day of Peace

4D’s Human Rights singalong

4C deliver an acting masterclass to celebrate Chinese New Year

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VISITOR ASSEMBLIES

The London Community Choir

Ian Warner

Electric guitar masterclass with Louis Carrigan, Year 11 Q We were very privileged to have Helen Hayes MP come to talk to the boys back in November. She talked about how humbled and proud she was when she was elected but how she would not like to be Prime Minister – she just wanted to be the best MP she could be for her constituency. The boys asked many testing questions about Brexit and Donald Trump, and she spoke about the desperate need for more affordable housing. Ian Warner , a Paralympian in Sledge Hockey, came to speak to the boys about his experiences of going to two Winter Paralympics and his quest to qualify once more. He inspired the boys with what it takes to be dedicated to an activity and reach for a dream; they even got to try on some of the kit and look at the sticks and pucks. GB Olympic hockey gold medallist, Lily Owlsey , spoke to the Junior School about her team’s emphatic victory in the 2016 Rio Olympics and shared first-hand the emotions of that memorable final. She also spoke very maturely about her own personal ambition and how through sheer hard work and dedication she has reached the pinnacle of her sport.

The Senior School Clarinet Quartet (including Mr Eno)

Helen Hayes MP

Lily Owsley

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Will Mabbitt Q The Year 3 and 4 boys were thrilled to have a visit from Will Mabbitt , author of The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones . Will inspired, terrified and tested our powers of observation during his presentation, with much laughter and fun. It was a wonderful visit with lots of boys enthused to read this hilarious and well-written trilogy of books. DARKMOUTH , COGHEART AND THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF MABEL JONES

Shane Hegarty Q We were delighted to welcome Shane Hegarty , author of the DARKMOUTH series of books, to speak to all of Year 5 and 6 in the summer term. Shane flew over from Dublin to speak about the fourth book - HERO RISING - ahead of publication, and wowed us with tales of dragons, magic and why he became a writer. Hot on the heels of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, the DARKMOUTH series is already in film production due for release in 2019. The boys loved meeting this author and many bought the whole set of books for a summer’s worth of reading.

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Peter Bunzl Q The author Peter Bunzl spoke to all of Year 5 and 6 in the Auditorium about his book COGHEART - a prizewinning debut in the steam punk genre. “Will robots have feelings in the future?” the author asked, and he showed a variety of historical automata. Bunzl spun his spell and the boys were left intrigued.

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DEBATING AT SYDENHAM HIGH

Q In the summer term all the Year 5 boys headed up to Sydenham High Junior School for a morning of debating. The morning commenced with a feisty ‘Sydenham vs Dulwich’ debate, with our team (Henry Gooderham, Nikolas Vrahimis and Daniel Bristow) opposing the motion that the voting age should be lowered to 16 here in the UK. The boys then broke off into smaller debating workshops where they worked collaboratively with the girls to prepare proposing and opposing arguments on motions linked to healthy eating, gun crime and the role of the royal family in the 21st century. It was a great experience for the boys and will hopefully be the catalyst for more debating opportunities for Junior School boys in the next academic year.

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Dulwich Linguistic

Taking pupils on a journey beyond languages and cultures Q In November, Dulwich College embarked on its latest Free Learning enterprise, ‘Dulwich Linguistic’. The week saw the whole school from Reception to Year 13 crossing frontiers into the languages and cultures of countries beyond the English-speaking world, and challenged pupils’ linguistic limits, their perceptions of how they see themselves in an ever shrinking world and heightened their appreciation of communication in all its forms. In the Junior School the

boys experienced a different language for each day of the week. Particular highlights of the week included a visit from a ventriloquist, an Italian fencing master class, German singing in the Auditorium and Chinese flag raising in the Pavilion.

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CHESS

Q The Junior School Chess team have enjoyed another successful year. In November, our teams entered the first stages of the Kent Champions League Chess Tournament; Sammy Marshall and Ryan Nguyen, who at the time were new to the chess squad, had an amazing day winning the majority of their matches. Further Champions League successes throughout the year meant that the U11 team ended top of the qualifying league, and they came in 3rd place in the subsequent knockout competition. The U9s also came 3rd in the knockout round, with Rajan Philip winning all seven of his matches! Stiffer competition faced the U9 and U11 teams at the EPSCA chess tournament at Eltham College, but all the boys played extremely well and successfully qualified for the next stage of the National Primary School Championship at Pontins. Despite playing admirably at this latter stage of the competition, neither Dulwich team progressed to the National Finals. Well done to all the boys within the chess squads for their commitment over the past year.

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FINGERS ON THE BUZZERS!

Q This year we have entered teams into Regional and National science, maths and general knowledge competitions. In the Lent term, two teams of Year 5 and 6 boys entered the Quiz Club Mathematics Heat at Blackheath Prep. As ever, the competition was fierce, with some of south-east London’s finest mathematicians going head to head as they aimed to build points for their team. Team 2 – Benedict Apponyi, Luke Gurnhill, Dominic Doepel and Henry Rossell – finished a respectable 8th. However Team 1 – Yilin Wang, Rayan Altaf, Boxi Soo and Oscar Nowatschek – pipped Alleyn’s to the post on the final question to take a nail biting victory in the competition.

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GREAT HALL CONCERT

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CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

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PURCELL STRING ORCHESTRA AND YEAR 4 WIND BAND

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OPEN CONCERTS

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Q The clubs available to all boys in the Junior School has both increased in quantity and broadened in diversity over the past year. With such a variety on offer there really is something for everyone! The next four pages give a flavour of what the boys have experienced and achieved in their lunchtime and after school clubs.

CLUBS

READING

PHOTOGRAPHY

FILM MAKING

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FOOTBALL

TENNIS

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

STORYTELLING

BOARD GAMES

MODEL MAKING

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CODING

CHESS

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GARDENING

STREET DANCE

YOGA

YEAR 3 CHOIR

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THE MUMMY ’ S RETURN

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Q The Year 3 boys delivered an incredible production of ‘The Mummy’s Return’ in the Edward Alleyn Cosford and written by Mr Goodrich, the play was always going to captivate the audience with its customary dose of humour... and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a roller coaster ride of great songs, energetic dances, and tear-jerking solos, not to mention the phenomenal acting! Well done to all the boys and staff who made this performance such a triumph. Theatre in June. Directed by Miss

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LION KING

THE

Year 6 deliverered an eye catching and captivating production of The Lion King. Thanks go to Miss Cosford, the director, for her drive, vision and commitment; to Mrs Kelly for the music; to Mrs Greenaway for the stunning masks and to all Year 6 boys and staff. Well done.

‘Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger.’ (Simba)

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‘And so we are all connected in the great circle of life.’ (Mufasa)

‘It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love.’ (Rafiki)

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Q Just prior to the February half term the Year 5 boys produced a superb performance of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ after only a day and a half of intense rehearsals. When faced with the proposition of learning, rehearsing and performing a play within such a short space of time, many thought that they were embarking on the impossible. However, under the expert guidance of Ian Murchie, our visiting director from the Dragon School in Oxford, the boys rose to the occasion when performing the 45 minute production to their parents and the Year 3 and 4 boys. With Phileas Fogg embarking on his epic journey around the globe, all boys embraced their roles like professionals. The final result was spectacular and it was an experience that will live long in the boys’ memories.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

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We will remember…

Q On Friday 11 November, the entire College community came together for the annual Act of Remembrance on Armistice Day. The College observed two minutes of silence to remember in particular the 865 Old Alleynians and five teaching staff who lost their lives when serving their country. In addition, Brigadier Johnny Walker and Captain John Scarlett, both OAs, gave exceptionally moving talks to the Junior School boys about their experiences. Captain Scarlett spoke of the pain of war for all involved, on both sides, and its long lasting effects internally and externally. He talked about the values we stand for and for which we should strive every day to uphold.

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CAKE SALE

SLIPPERS FOR SHELTER

Q It has been an absolute bumper year for the Junior School on the charity front. Mr Davies and the boys in Charity Club have worked hard to raise awareness about various worthy causes whilst also raising staggering sums of money. The boys have entertained with their one-liners and witty delivery in our Comic Relief Assembly; they have baked cakes; they have worn slippers to school in aid of Shelter; and they have taken part in a sponsored Danceathon. In total we raised just over £11,000 for Roald Dahl’s Children’s Charity, the Brixton and Norwood Foodbank, St Christopher’s Hospice and the NSPCC.

STAFF BAKE OFF

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NSPCC DANCEATHON

COMIC RELIEF

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Speech Day

Prize winners 3C – Achievement Zak Cheytan; Seán Smyth 3C – Effort Nam-An Nguyen Luu; Noah Darley 3G – Achievement Vikram Kochhar; Ryan Nguyen 3G – Effort Benjamin Ketteley; Aadit Bhasin 3N – Achievement Edward Harris; Magnus Hayes 3N – Effort Colm Power; Freddie Smith 4C – Achievement Sam Hogan; Kiran Slatter 4C – Effort Kabir Zafar; Alex Evans 4D – Achievement Alasdair Mackintosh; Wentao Liu 4D – Effort Safouane Bacha; Doanh Cat 4S – Achievement Alexander Simcox; Rajan Philip 4S – Effort Dylan Taylor Phillips; Edward Brydon 5D – Achievement Boxi Soo; Joshua Shuster 5D – Effort Henry Gooderham; Saul Cozier 5M – Achievement Dominic Doepel; Laurence Skinner 5M – Effort Bertie Poullis; Alessandro Russo 5W – Achievement Rufus Lyner; George Croally 5W – Effort Louis Crinion; Shreesh Mehrotra 6C – Achievement Oliver Godbee; Eshan MacPherson 6C – Effort Charlie Griffith; Rayyan Altaf 6F – Achievement Alex Williams; Ewan Plowden-Wardlaw 6F – Effort Daniel Kamaluddin; Raoul Kemp 6R – Achievement Benedict Apponyi; Alexandre Gruffat 6R – Effort Benjamin Tarrant Onuorah; Yilin Wang

Special Year 6 Prizes Baroness Floella Benjamin Cup for Drama – Benedict Apponyi, William Barter-Sheppard, Daniel Kamaluddin, Benjamin Tarrant Onuorah Sportsman – Zac Crowther, Joseph Hill Art – Oliver Riches DT – Dom Glassbrook Fleming Cup for English – Eshan MacPherson Maths – Scott Cheung; Yilin Wang Young Writer’s Award – Oliver Godbee Librarian’s Prize for Reading – Zaki Kabir; Tom Hornby Lord Ashdown Cup for French – Zain Almahdi History – Sujaan Kochhar Geography – Christo Chilton Science – Benedict Apponyi Chess – Jai Singh Chaturvedi Endeavour – William Fortune Victor Ludorum for swimming – Christo Chilton Computing – Freddie Beacon Music – John Pedersen

Verse Speaking Winners Year 3 - Leon McConnon Year 4 - Kiran Slatter Year 5 - Bertie Poullis Year 6 - Alex Williams Victor Ludorums for swimming Year 4 – Josh Maguire Year 5 – Boxi Soo Year 6 – Christo Chilton Head’s Kindness Salver Y5 – Lewis Evans Y6 – Saajid Khan Head’s Cup for Contribution to Junior School Life Y3 – Reuben Gokah Y4 – Fraser Pelly Y5 – Nikolas Vrahimis Y6 – Arthur Beattie Y3 – Sufiyan Siddique Y4 – Reuben Wilson

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