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Monthly Archives: December 2012

Headmaster’s Final Assembly Address

19 Wednesday Dec 2012

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Devizes, duke of edinburgh, Final Assembly, Football, hockey, Model United Nations, RHS, royal hospital school, rugby, the royal hospital school

This term has been fuller than ever and it has had its challenges for many members of the School.  Some of those challenges have been very good ones, and the prizes and awards that I am about to present are testament to the way in which members of the School have risen successfully to those challenges.  Other challenges, however, have been very difficult ones for many of us, both staff and pupils alike.

A key challenge the School faces as it moves forward is the management of change. Whilst I strongly believe that change should not be advocated for its own sake, I also take the view that a forward thinking organisation is the one that knows when change is needed.

The Royal Hospital School is a very special place; a lively balanced co-educational boarding and day school which aims to provide academic excellence with an outstanding range of cultural and sporting opportunities. This is strongly backed up by first class pastoral care and a commitment to leadership, service and spiritual awareness. However, RHS is no different from any other independent school, in that it cannot afford to stand still and that in order to thrive; it must change in tune with the environment around it.

My message to you all is very clear: we are all very privileged to be members of this School community and we all have a role to play in making it even better!

The most important constituents in any school are of course the pupils. Throughout the course of the term I have received countless letters from visitors, prospective parents and friends of the School highlighting the exemplary conduct and manners of our young people.  As I pointed out at the first Headmaster’s Assembly of the year, the pupils I respect the most are those who look after each other and go out of their way to show kindness to those in need.

Of course, I expect all pupils at the School to work hard. Having read through nearly 700 end of term reports, I have to say that I am very encouraged by what I have read. I was particularly interested in your individual effort scores in each subject. Whilst there is never any room for complacency, I congratulate the vast majority of you on your academic endeavour throughout the course of the term. I would like you all put your hands together for the staff who have worked tirelessly on your behalves.

Sports Round Up:

HOCKEY 2012

U12 Hockey

The U12 team have had a fantastic season having won all their fixtures, bar one against Ipswich School, at the start of the season. They have gone from strength to strength improving their own individual core skills and then developing their team play. Matilda Arulampalam was player of the season and top goal scorer with a phenomenal 13 goals.

Junior Colours are awarded to:

  • Matilda Arulampalam
  • Emilia Salter
  • Victoria Williams

U13 Hockey
This age group of players have had a busy term improving their existing skills and learning new skills in the training sessions and playing a total of 23 matches in addition to 4 short qualifier games at the Under 13 Suffolk Schools Tournament. They have struggled against the stronger prep schools however their best win was against St Felix School where top scorer Beth Dwerryhouse scored all 6 goals.

Junior Colours are awarded to:

  • Serena Brown
  • Isabella Durrant
  • Beth Dwerryhouse
  • Isabel Pearson
  • Jorgyella Thorpe

U14 Hockey

The U14A team has had a successful term; in particular the tactical team play of the squad has finally come together. Their best win was a superb 3-0 win against Woodbridge School. Captain Millie Ainsworth has been instrumental in raising the team’s spirit and she has been ably supported by Millie Orr, and Charlene Tait and Sophie Rennison.

Intermediate Colours are awarded to:

  • Camilla Ainsworth
  • Millicent Orr
  • Sophie Rennison
  • Charlene Tait                        

U15 Hockey

The U15A & B squad have worked really hard all term to improve both their individual and team performances. Although they have not been particularly successful, in terms of results, there have been some very close games. The A’s best win was against Woodbridge when all players pulled together showing their talent and skill winning 1-0. The B’s have also had their successes, mainly on grass with their best win being against Framlingham 1-0. Mention should go to the goalkeeper Alice Vickers, Captain of the A’s Simone Rossouw and Charlotte Baldwin- Cole for their close skill work and competitiveness.

Intermediate Colours are Re-awarded to:

  • Simone Rossouw
  • Charlotte Baldwin- Cole

Intermediate Colours are awarded to:

  • Beth Richardson
  • Lauren Guy
  • Sarah Murrison
  • Alice Vickers
  • Anna Wynn

3rd XI Hockey

The 3rd XI has played a number of fixtures this season, with particular flair on grass. Captained very successfully by Sarah Laurie the team have maintained a good team spirit. The team’s strengths were particularly in defence and all players demonstrated improvements in their skills.

2nds XI Hockey

The 2nd XI has created a great team spirit and has developed their skills and tactical play throughout the season. This has culminated in a number of very good draws against strong opposition. Hannah Corrie demonstrated great determination and commitment. Captain Rebecca Anstey has played an important role, Chloe Tribe has been named player of the match on a number of occasions and Francesca Speight scored a number of goals from short corner strikes.

1st XI Hockey

The First XI Hockey team has worked hard this year under the admirable leadership of Captain, Laura Brown. A challenging schedule meant that the season seemed to be a never-ending uphill battle. But with perseverance and teamwork the squad was able to win key matches against Langley and Norwich High.  Several of their toughest opponents brought out the best in individuals, with excellent play from Vice Captain goalie Florence Gould, tireless efforts from defenders Jenny Myatt and Laura Brown and skilful play from midfielder Emily Sweeney.  The team should be proud of their persistent efforts to succeed and the noticeable development of their individual and team play as a result.

Senior Half Colours have been awarded to:

  • Hannah Ilori
  • Kimberley Smith
  • Charlotte Shelley

Senior Full Colours have been awarded to:

  • Laura Brown
  • Florence Gould
  • Jennifer Myatt
  • Emily Sweeney

TROPHY PRESENTATIONS:

HOCKEY KNOCK-OUTS

  • Junior Hockey – Francis
  • Senior Hockey – Howe

NETBALL LEAGUES

  • Intermediates Netball –Howe
  • Seniors Netball – Hood

RUGBY 2012

U12 Rugby

This year group have had a super start in rugby at RHS. The A team has been captained by the impressive Elliot Chilvers. Comprehensive wins against Greshams, Perse  and Felsted were very pleasing indeed. Elliot and Marco De Nysschen also played for the junior 1st. The Bs and Cs also enjoyed some successes with nearly all the boys in the year group representing school at some point.

Junior Colours are awarded to:

  • Elliot Chilvers
  • Apakuki Daunakamakama
  • Marco De Nysschen
  • Max Orr

U13 Rugby

An outstanding season for the U13`A` team was captained by influential number 8 Zachary Puckey. The team has played some superb rugby with Zach and wing Harry Pugh scoring over 20 tries each, Elliot Rayment kicking very well also. A comfortable win away at Norwich was a highlight. Zachary and Harry have been selected for the Midlands prep Barbarians and play in the National festival at Rugby School next term.

The 13B’s have had a mixed season. Fernando Trenor and Enrique Belda have given the backs a touch of Spanish flair and some bite in the centre. Scott Taylor was a superb full back while Ollie Leggett worked tirelessly at scrum half. Callum Hensby was a reliable and mature captain. Nathan Mellors improved apace, and Mark Johnson’s powerful running saw him move up to the A’s.

Junior Colours are awarded  to:

  • Benjamin Arulampalam
  • Zachary Puckey
  • Harry Pugh
  • Elliot Rayment
  • Kevueli Ro Tavainavesi

U14 Rugby

A season of two halves; on a competitive Yr. 9 circuit there were flashes of collective brilliance and individual ability throughout the team. Notwithstanding the win-loss ratio, their performances showed how rugby should be played. An improved team work ethic resulted in a satisfying win against Gresham’s and great games against Ipswich and New Hall.  Recognition must go to Francois Rossouw, Toby Allday and Sam Hindley for their consistency of performance and effort.

An impressive year for the B’s, with many players having an excellent season. Pleasingly many players were promoted to the A’s. Up front, Daniel Farmer has been an impressive performer along and Captain Sam LeRoy who led from the front combined with the powerful running of Robbie Elms. The squad of 28 have all contributed to a very positive and pleasing season.

Intermediate Colours are awarded to:

  • Tobias Allday
  • Francois Rossouw

 U15 Rugby

The side have developed into a team around the major contribution of its captain Alex Rayment. There have been a large number of changes throughout the term due to injuries and this disrupted their play. Highlights include wins against Bishop’s Stortford College, The Perse and Gresham’s and some very close fought losses against The Leys and Norwich. But without doubt the home win in the last game of the season v Framlingham was the top moment.

The U15B, captained by the ever-present Charlie Steptoe, scored freely and won almost all their games; beaten only by New Hall (narrowly) and Norwich (more convincingly).

The fact that over 20 players scored points shows the wealth of talent in this squad. Jack Dakin was perhaps the most consistent of the regular players, and Tommy Chang the most improved player.

Intermediate Colours are Re-awarded to:

  • Benjamin Kelland
  • Alexander Rayment
  • Lyam Thorpe

Intermediate Colours are awarded to:

  • Ben Harrison
  • Jessie Vogel

U16 Rugby

The U16 A’s had a successful season in which they were unfortunate to lose more games than they won. As a group of players they adapted to the rigours of senior rugby. The losses to Norwich School and The Leys showed how fine the margins can be between winning and losing at this level. George Butt led by example in both attack and defence. He was ably supported by half back pairing Josh Allday and Thomas Miller.

After a faltering start, the Under 16Bs put their heart and soul into training this term and made evident progress. Victor Shing moved into a fly half, after Barney Horsfield was moved up to the A squad. Despite constant change in personnel, all the B players remained steadfast in their attitude and a win against Felsted was a highlight.

3rd XV

The thirds have blooded many new players this term as replacements for the half of the team went on to play Seconds XV rugby.  As a consequence the season had two distinct flavours, fine dining before half term and smorgasbord afterwards.  Jack Rennison had a fine season, orchestrating the line with panache, equalling his tally of 46 points from last year and finishing as captain.

2nd XV

The 2nd XV have had a great season winning 8 and drawing 1. Lead ably by Cameron Cullen they notched up some memorable victories. Highlights of the season were; hard-fought, close wins over Norwich and Felsted by only 1 and 2 points respectively and totally dominating against Ipswich winning convincingly 72-0! This 2nd XV have been a very close and enthusiastic group and this has certainly helped them grind out some of their harder, closer victories.

1st XV

The 1st XV season started promisingly with two very good wins over Bishop’s Stortford College and Cooper’s Coborn. After this the intensity required in matches rose and RHS struggled to put together enough of a game plan and pattern to dictate play. The final game of the season against an extremely successful Framlingham side saw RHS very nearly come through as victors and provide what would have been the shock of the season. Ben Moore has been an outstanding captain in adversity due to serious injuries to key players. Ben was player of the season and showed a genuine understanding of match play. Very strong finishes at the end of the season came from James Rutledge, Joe Dakin and Jack Baverstock, combined with the strength of Daniel Smith.

Senior Half Colours have been awarded to:

  • Richard Adderley
  • Benjamin Allday
  • Angus Beaton
  • Daniel Smith
  • James Rutledge

Senior Full Colours have been Re-awarded to:

  • Benjamin Moore

TROPHY PRESENTATIONS:

FOOTBALL LEAGUES

  • Senior                  Winners – Anson
  • Intermediate       Winners – Anson

 

Model United Nations (MUN) Report

On Saturday 1 December, 16 delegates went to the London Oratory School representing China, Israel and Italy. Michael Stokes was a Highly Commended Delegate representing China on the Security Council.

On Monday 10 December, 35 delegates travelled to Beneden School in Kent representing China, Afghanistan, Canada, Chile, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Trinidad & Tobago and Zambia. Andrew Mitchell was selected as Highly Commended Delegate for Malawi on the Economic and Social Committee – a great achievement for his first conference (and on his birthday too!). Rupert Powell was Highly Commended Delegate representing China on the Disarmament Commission, Michael Stokes was voted Outstanding Delegate in the Special Summit on Technology once again representing the People’s Republic of China.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Bronze

  • Elizabeth Leaver
  • Philippa Murrison
  • Sarah Murrison
  • Abigail Donald

Silver

  • Oliver Ainsworth

Gold

  • Rebecca Butcher
  • Claire Cuddihy
  • Emily Hassall

 

Devizes to Westminster 2013

Congratulations to following who were selected from over forty pupils to represent the School in the 2013 Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon. The squad is as follows:

  • Richard Branch
  • Anran Chen
  • Nadine Edwards
  • James Rutledge
  • Zach Tabor
  • Adam Hunkin
  • Jordan Scott
  • Will Hassall
  • Sophie Murrison
  • Carys Todd
  • Cameron Kerr
  • Matt Cantelo
  • Ed Bourne
  • Oliver Bagley
  • Rachel Miles
  • Molly Shoesmith

In an action-packed term there have been many other highlights, including: the Remembrance Day Parade and Service attended by over 1,600 people, a wonderful inaugural Model United Nations Dinner, two hugely successful Open Mornings (attended by over 150 prospective families), a superb inter-House Singing Competition, two outstanding Trafalgar Night Dinners, and a very entertaining Theatre Club Drama Production (The Tortoise and The Hare & scenes from Blackadder).

This has been another signal term for the School Choir. Earlier in the term the Choir performed in the National Seafarers’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral; the National Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall; and at the Admiralty Carol Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields, following which I received a laudatory letter from the First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope, and I am sure you are all looking forward to this afternoon’s end of term Carol Service.

We say farewell to two members of staff at the end of this term. Mrs Sophie Harrington joined RHS in 2008 to teach Modern Foreign Languages having completed a Languages degree at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She has been a Resident Tutor in Hood and has also been attached to Cornwallis and, latterly, Howe, as their Non-Resident Deputy. Throughout her time at RHS Sophie has contributed extensively to the co-curricular life of the School and her involvement in our extensive Community Action Programme and the Choir has been greatly appreciated by the whole School community.

Whilst Mrs Helen Snoddon only became the Matron of Cornwallis in September 2009, it is the case that she has been an integral member of this School’s community since Mr Snoddon’s appointment in 2004. Mrs Snoddon departs for pastures new and takes up a pastoral role at the prestigious Winchester College in the New Year.

We thank them both for their unstinting commitment to The Royal Hospital School, and wish them both all the very best for the future.

Hopefully many of you will have collected your copy of The Royal Hospital School Celebratory Book. Book orders have broken through the £30,000 barrier and I cannot praise our very own Mr RHS300, Rob Mann, enough for his energy and drive in making this ambitious project a reality. Of course Rob has been ably supported by our brilliant Development Manager, Mrs Lucy Pembroke. I congratulate them both on this fantastic achievement – the Book is a magnificent publication.

I would like to pay tribute to all those pupils who have held positions of responsibility in the School throughout the course of the Term. The School reports is assembly have been delivered with poise and precision and I thank the School Prefects for their contribution is this regard as well as for their unstinting energy and enthusiasm. Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to my Deputy, Mrs Godfrey and the Heads and Deputy Heads of School.

In closing, the Royal Hospital School remains faithful to its aims whilst undergoing a period of significant change. As any biologist will tell you, it is not the strongest organism that survives but the one most adaptable to change. The reason why this unique school is so well placed to meet the demands of the future is because it continues to remain faithful to its core values.

I commend RHS to you at the end of another busy, challenging and successful term. We are confident of the future and proud of our past. We are mindful of the traditions and values that have stood the test of time and will remain faithful to them.

At the beginning of this assembly I talked about challenges – both good and bad – that we’ve all faced this term. Next term will bring new challenges, not least for those of you who will be coming straight back to public and mock examinations in January.

I hope that in the meantime you will all have a very Happy, Peaceful and Relaxing Christmas!

 

 

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All Aboard for Three Centuries of School Life

17 Monday Dec 2012

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EADT, East Anglian Daily Times, Greenwich, James Lockwood, RHS, RHS300, royal hospital school, suffolk, Tercentenary, the royal hospital school

Lynn Mortimer, of the East Anglian Daily Times, visited the Royal Hospital School to meet with RHS300 Coordinator, Rob Mann, see the new Heritage Centre and review the Tercentenary book. To read what she wrote in the EADT on Saturday 15 December, please follow the link below:

All Aboard for Three Centuries of School Life

All Aboard for Three Centuries of School Life

East Anglian Daily Times 15/12/12

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RHS on BBC Radio Suffolk– Celebrating 300 Years

13 Thursday Dec 2012

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BBC radio suffolk, Heritage Centre, RHS300, the royal hospital school

RHS 300 book

Listen to RHS300 coordinator and Geography teacher, Rob Mann, talking about the new book – The Royal Hospital School – Celebrating 300 Years – on BBC Radio Suffolk Tuesday 11 December.

Follow the link below and forward to 41.36 minutes into Lesley Dolphin’s programme.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0116cj4

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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RHS Community Action supports the Woolverstone Project

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

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alton water, christmas charity, community, disability in sport, RYA sailability training centre, the royal hospital school, the woolverstone project



At Christmas, it is the tradition at RHS that we raise funds for a local children’s charity that we also support with practical assistance.

The Woolverstone Project is a RYA Sailability Training Centre which provides sailing opportunities and tuition for those with physical and learning disabilities at Alton Water and on the River Orwell at Woolverstone.

The Youth Section meets on Thursday evenings from April to October at the project’s sailing centre at Alton Water. Young people aged 7 to 18 participate in two hours of sailing, with regular attendance numbers around twelve children, who are accompanied by their parents and carers.

They are taken out and taught to sail in the specially designed Access Dinghies. These very stable boats have weighted and hollow centre boards that fill with water when lowered, allowing the dinghies to sail on the heel like keel boats. The crew sit in canvas seats facing forward, steering with a joystick, with the control lines for the sails in front of them.

The physically able children board from and disembark on the pontoon. There is a hoist to enable those with limited mobility to get in and out of a dinghy on its trolley – they are launched from and brought ashore on the slipway.

The RHS support team comprises ten students who assist the adult volunteers and professional instructors with the launching and recovery of the Access Dinghies and those who wish may join in with the sailing. Those not sailing spend their time on shore talking with children who are waiting to sail and with their parents.

In recent years, RHS Sixth Form Pupils who have qualified as dinghy instructors have given their time and extended their experience by teaching the children with disabilities to sail.

The money raised from the RHS Christmas charity day will be used by the youth section of the Woolverstone Project to purchase weatherproof clothing and buoyancy aids. Any additional proceeds will be given to the appeal fund for a new dinghy.

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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Dedham claims Chapel Choir is Outstanding

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

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On Thursday 6 December the Royal Hospital School chapel choir were invited to perform at the annual Carols at Dedham at Munning’s House.

Twenty-five choristers sang carols to around one hundred and fifty guests who showed huge enthusiasm and appreciation of the their efforts.

Organiser of the event, Mr Roy Chapman, described the evening as “outstanding and the best ever in forty years”. Further more, he thanked Mr Crompton and Mr Saunders and went on to say, “you have a talented group of young people at the Royal Hospital School and you must be immensely proud of them. It was truly a memorable start to Christmas”.

The Royal Hospital School Choir is honoured to have been invited back next year.

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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RHS Hosts Suffolk Schools’ Cross-Country

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

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Cross Country, royal hospital school, sport, suffolk, Suffolk Trials



Hundreds of pupils braved cold winter conditions at the Suffolk Schools’ Series A Cross Country Championships hosted by the Royal Hospital School on Saturday 1st December.

The eight age-group races produced eight winners, from eight different schools or colleges. The youngest category featured wins for Matthew Snowden of Kesgrave, in the minor boys’ race, whilst Brandeston’s Lottie Summers was the first girl to cross the finish line in the minor girls’ race.

There was a very familiar one-two-three in the junior girls’ event with Sophie Tooley of St Benedicts taking first place, Holly Davies of Bury Academy gaining second and Nella Walters of Culford coming in at third position. In the junior boys’ race there was a great win for Matthew Haskell of Felixstowe Academy and Hadleigh’s Alex Baxter was runner-up.

As usual, the competition was fierce in the intermediate boys’ section. Michael Bartrum clinched victory, ahead of Castle Manor’s Ben Eames and Hartismere’s Cameron McKie. Alice Cheverton of The Denes claimed victory in the intermediate girls’ race and with Charlotte Wickens, from Kesgrave, and Stowmarket High’s Emily Moyes as runners-up.

Finally, there were familiar winners amongst the senior class. Macauley Delo won the senior boys’ race, being heavily pursued by Faringaye’s Ross Tennant and Dominic Oliver of Sir John Leman. Framingham College’s Suzie Reid and Claire Caiger provided top two finishes in the intermediate girls’ race with Culford’s Fiona Devoy completing in the top three.

Twenty-five pupils’ from the Royal Hospital School took part across the age categories. Special congratulations must go to Anna Keele and Millie Salter who showed true RHS determination to qualify for the Series B races. In the senior girls’ race Anna finished an impressive 10th place and Millie a very strong 5th position in the minor girls’ race.

The Series B races will be held at Culford on Thursday January 17 following selection for the Anglian Schools Championships.

Good Luck to all participating.

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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RHS300 Trafalgar Night Dinner

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

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lord nelson, RHS300, royal navy, the royal hospital school, Trafalgar Dinner










320 guests attended a spectacular evening on the 13th October at the RHS300 Trafalgar Night Dinner. Guests were greeted at the entrance of an adorned Jelicoe Room with flame torches and the sound of seagulls and waves breaking. After champagne and canapés, drummers called for silence and the bugle followed by pipers called guests for dinner.

The doors of the Dining Hall were opened and there a 2-metre ice sculpture of Nelson’s Column stood. Once the guests were seated at their tables, the Master of Ceremonies, John Snoddon, introduced the formalities of the evening. Andrew Walker, Head Chef of the School caterer’s Chartwell, talked the guests through the 5-course meal. The Corps of Drums then performed to a memorised audience.

The Baked Norfolk Crab starter was delivered by 26 pupils who waited on the guests with complete professionalism. The next course was ‘Grog’ representing Nelson’s blood with cane syrup, egg yolk, cream, and rum. This was followed by an outstanding Baron of Beef paraded around the room accompanied by two drummers. The highlight of the menu was 32 handmade chocolate gallons comprising 60 separate layers of sponge, chocolate masts and rice paper sails brought in to a re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar. Six steel ships, suspended on the walls above the diners, created a gun battle ensued with vigor using pyrotechnics and specialist lighting effects. Finally, ‘Ships Biscuit’ was served with plum chutney and ‘weevils’ of Chinese artichokes.

The Headmaster introduced the Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral Woodcock, Naval Secretary and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) who gave a speech and toast to Lord Nelson. Director of Music, Peter Crompton, led the Sea Shanties including ‘Drunken Sailor’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ from the mistral gallery.

The evening finished with ‘Sunset’ – the lowering of the flag to the Last Post and cannons firing confetti. It was an extremely memorable evening and fitting celebration of 300 years of RHS and its long association with the Royal Navy.

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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Poppy Appeal 2012

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

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poppy appeal, Remembrance Day, royal british legion

Royal British Legion

Royal British Legion

Well done the to everyone at the Royal Hospital School – confirmation from the Royal British Legion reveals that our total raised for the Poppy Appeal 2012 was £3,551.36.

The Royal British Legion thank us for our generosity.

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Mr Rob Mann gives RHS300 themed address to School in Chapel

11 Tuesday Dec 2012

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Heritage Centre, RHS300, royal hospital school, Tercentenary, the royal hospital school, values

As you know, we are celebrating the School’s Tercentenary this academic year and as ‘Mr RHS300’ I would naturally like to use this as my theme today.

If we were to put a date on the actual formation of the School, we could use a date in December 1712 when a Committee met and resolved that “as soon as the revenue of Greenwich Hospital shall be sufficient ….. to take in … children ….. they shall be instructed in writing, arithmetic and navigation”

Well a lot has happened over the past 300 years and a new educational resource has been established at the School – a Heritage Centre that will tell the incredible story of our School linking past with present and future. It will feature exhibits that belonged to Nelson and items associated with the great age of Arctic and Antarctic exploration. It is important that each and every one of us understands where this great School came from and we can gain strength from the collective achievements of all those who have gone before us.

Heritage Centre

Heritage Centre

Many of you will, this week, be collecting your copies of the School’s tercentenary book entitled “Celebrating 300 Years”. This includes stories and images that illustrate the School’s rich heritage and traditions and how this has, over time, informed the School’s core values. These values have been shaped over centuries and bind us together. They are the lifeblood of our community and a source of strength as we face the challenges the future will bring. The Headmaster has recently renewed these in the context of his vision for the School moving forward.

Book Celebrating 300 Years

Book Celebrating 300 Years

I would like to tell a few short stories from this book that outline the experiences of some past pupils, whilst linking these to the Headmasters vision and the values we hold so true at RHS.

RHS Olympic Connections and the importance we attribute to Fitness, Well Being and Healthy Competition.

Many of you will know of the cricketing achievements of Don Topley (our esteemed cricket coach) and more recently of Reece Topley, who may be destined to represent his country

But you may not know of footballer Gordon Rahere Hoare who was our first Olympic Gold medalist in 1912. He played in all three games at the Stockholm Olympics, winning each match and scoring two goals in the final against Denmark. He also played for top sides, Arsenal, Fulham, Queen’s Park Rangers and Manchester City.

You may also not know of top-shot Malcolm Douglas Cooper who left the School in 1965 and became the School’s first Double Olympic Gold Medalist – winning the shooting three position events in both Seoul and Los Angeles. He was also holder of fifteen world records.

And you may also not know that Hannah Stodel, a Howe girl who left in 2004, is a three times Paralympian sailor – in Athens, Beijing and London, coming sixth on each occasion.

Each one of these former pupils had to overcome difficulties, Gordon served in the World War in the famous Football Battalion witnessing the death of many of his footballing companions, Malcolm fighting to the last – tragically had his life cut short by Cancer and Hannah overcame disability to succeed. All of them demonstrated the RHS fighting spirit and as stated in the small blue book once given to every student who left RHS, entitled “A farewell Word” – they learnt to play the Game!

Fostering Creativity and Imagination and the intriguing story of Hollywood Legend, Bob Anderson

Bob left RHS in 1937 but this story starts back in the early 1950s after he took a fifth place in the fencing at the Helsinki Olympics. A chap from Pinewood Studios subsequently asked him if he would help an actor with his sword fighting techniques – this was none other than Errol Flynn. Errol was staring in the Master of Ballantrae and Bob coached him in his sparring, on one occasion even drawing blood. A friendship blossomed and he went on to work as Errol Flynn’s stunt double on many of his most famous swashbuckling movies.

In the 1960s Bob worked on the James Bond films and arranged sword-fight sequences and stunt scenes for the Three Musketeers. Then, remarkably, in the 1970s he got a call from George Lucas asking him to choreograph the light sabre combat sequences in the Star Wars Trilogy, doubling as Darth Vader in some of the scenes. He went on to work on Superman, the Zorro films and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

As Bob Anderson humbly stated, “We are all standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us”. Interestingly, David Marsh who left School in 1984 also worked on “the Pirates” movies creating the visual effects and, in particular the mask for Davy Jones!

But RHS achievements go far beyond the movies, with talented musicians, singers, artists, photographers and authors – all of them demonstrating creativity and imagination!

One tragic wartime story confirms the importance placed on Service, Loyalty and Commitment

Did you know about the strong links between HMS Hood and the Royal Hospital School?

Well of course you know we have a girls’ boarding house named Hood. You will probably know that it was named after a great naval hero and you will also probably know that his name was given to perhaps our most famous World War II battleship.

However, you may not have heard of Hugh Thomas Henry Moore and George Caleb Lewington both of whom attended the School at Greenwich or of Leslie Victor French, a St Vincent boy or of Alan Charles Cooper, a Blake boy. All attended RHS and all of them (and many other RHS boys) lost their lives when HMS Hood was blown apart by the Bismarck on 24th May 1941. A former Assistant Chaplain was also lost with the Hood and for thirty years his mother presented a Trophy, The Stewart Cup, to promote swimming at the School. When you leave this chapel, some of you will pass the Chaplain’s board that records the Rev Stewart’s name – spare a thought!

Three days after HMS Hood sank former pupil, Benjamin Martin, launched the final torpedo attack that sank the Bismarck. He was later knighted – one of at least seven former students who have been so honoured. After the war many boys who had been orphaned by this tragic event (1,415 lives were lost) attended the Royal Hospital School supported by our parent charity, Greenwich Hospital, and many will have resided in Hood House.

 Historical links with exploration have led to the importance placed on Encouraging Leadership, Adventure and Self Discovery.

Of all our alumni, the most famous explorer is Admiral Arthur Philip who has been attributed with the founding of modern-day Australia.

However, the early 20th Century saw RHS play its part in the Golden Age of Antarctic discovery. Former pupil, Edward Mills Joyce was in charge of the dogs and sledges for the Shackleton expeditions and he also has an Antarctic mountain named after him. Former pupil, Sir Joseph Kinsey (another RHS knight) helped fund both the Shackleton and Scott expeditions and on 24th March 1912 Scott wrote for the last time from his tent “We have been to the South pole as we set out. God bless you and dear Mrs Kinsey. It is good to remember you and your kindness. Your friend, Robert Scott”. And it was former pupil, Thomas Williamson, a member of the search party on the Discovery Expedition, who found Scott’s frozen body in a tent three-quarters covered in snow. The skis and poles he used on this occasion just over 100 years ago that are displayed in our new Heritage Centre.

What has gone before informs our future – this School has strong values than run deep and bind our community. In this Tercentenary Year, we should celebrate the past and look forward to a bright future with its vision underpinned by values that have stood the test of time.

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U13s Celebrate Victorious End to the Season

10 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by theroyalhospitalschool in School News

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royal hospital school, rugby, success, the royal hospital school

The Royal Hospital School U13A team finished the season on a high, dismantling Wymondham in every phase of play and finishing with a 48-0 win. Captain, Zac Puckey, and Flanker, Felix Shepherd, were men of the match.

With 12 wins of 14 matches played, the U13As are the best performing team in the School this season.

U13As' victorious end to season

U13As’ victorious end to season

The U13Bs also won against Wymondham with a result of 48-0. Bosco, Fernanado and Enrique – our `Spanish dynamic trio` – all contributed well to a comprehensive victory. The U13B team are now ranked 14th in the country in the Schools Rugby League.

Well done to all our U13 boys for an impressive season of rugby!

The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. http://www.royalhospitalschool.org

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