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South Town Michaelmas 2010 newsletter

Dear South Town Parents,

I am writing this newsletter the day after a very successful House supper. It was a lovely evening. One hundred boys and guests sat down to dinner in Big School and this was followed by speeches and prizes. Rhys Edward’s Head of House speech was excellent and Harry Crawley gave an entertaining response. Throughout the evening the boys were tremendous company and all our guests commented on this. One of the highlights of the evening was the return of 11 South Town Old Boys from last year’s Upper Sixth. Many came back from university to be with us. It was great to see them all again. These are special occasions in the life of the House and a wonderful chance to celebrate the past year and be together as a House.

Academic Issues

This term I have really enjoyed the UCAS process with the Upper Sixth. It is probably one of the most important jobs for a housemaster. 15 applications have been completed (including some from last year’s leavers) for a wide range of courses (Medicine, Theology, Architecture, Psychology and Bio-Medical Sciences, for instance) and destinations. They have approached the task with great seriousness and most were completed before the end of October; consequently, the offers are coming in and many already have two or three in the bag. At a time of such uncertainty in university funding and rising tuition fees this is a process fraught with worries and concerns; however, places for good students at good universities exist and a university education will remain for many one of the most crucial decisions in their lives. The key to success has been to ensure that the boys are realistic in their choice of course and place. If they pitch it right then they will get plenty of offers. All the boys have my very best wishes throughout the next stages of this process.

The final academic reports have made very good reading. There is a lot of academic success in the House and it is particularly pleasing to read of those who have made significant progress or improved dramatically. Looking ahead to next term the key events will be AS re-sits in January, GCSE mock exams after half term and some science GCSE modules for the 4th Form in March. A busy term lies ahead and so for some, especially the Upper Sixth, the Christmas holidays will need to be spent revising hard – improved scores in January will help hugely in June and in the final pursuit of their university places. They all have my very best wishes for this process. I would advise them to get started before Christmas.

House Staff

We have had several changes to the House staff this term. Dr Patrick (Classics) has taken over as Assistant Housemaster and Third Form Tutor. Dr French (Physics) and Mr Corrie (English) are new to the school and have also joined the tutorial team. Mrs Bryant has also taken over as full-time matron. I would like to thank them and all the current tutors for their tremendous support of the boys. It is noticeable how easy the relationship is between staff and boys in South Town and this gives the House a tremendous feel and sense of purpose.

House Prizes

The following prizes were presented for achievements this term at our House supper:

Outstanding Effort and Academic Achievement – Aidan Chivers and Gareth Jones in the 3rd Form; David Parry in the 4th Form; Leopold Kucharczyk and Bobby Longman in the 5th Form; Harry Morgan and Charlie Lindsay in the Lower Sixth; Joe Allen in the Upper Sixth. Steve Clarke (4th Form) was presented with a prize for the most improved.

House socks were presented to Dominic Dixey (Part Song), Tom Sayner and Chris Welsh (rugby) and Henry Rossiter and Bill Fawcett (House spirit). Rory O’Callaghan was presented with the Block II prize for contributions to sport.

The two major House prizes awarded for all round excellence went to James Brooke in Block II and the Chafe Cup for outstanding commitment went to Ben Pyrke in Block I. Many congratulations to these two for their sterling efforts all term.

We presented Rhys Edwards with a gift to mark his term as Head of House. He has been a fantastic leader of the boys and superb support to me and the House staff. His style is measured and inclusive and he has been a super great model. Harry Crawley has been an excellent deputy and I am delighted that he will take over as Head of House in January. Joe Allen will be his assistant. Many congratulations to both of them and they have my very best wishes for a successful term.

Next Term

School starts again on Wednesday 12th January although please note that some AS modules start on Monday 10th January. The first starred service of the term will be held on Sunday 23rd January at 10am and parents are very welcome. A number of parents’ evenings are held next term too; the first is for 3rd Form parents on Friday 4th February starting with a talk at 5.15pm in the Redgrave Theatre followed by appointments with the teaching staff.

I would like to end by saying a big thank you to so many of you for your Christmas gifts and your support and wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.

All best wishes,

Simon Tait

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