THE Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
The evolution of Exeter School Onwards and upwards
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni
Issue 10 Autumn 2018
Contents Feature: From School and Beyond Alumni in Focus: Exonians Overseas
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School news Feature: Through the Ages Feature: Farewell to JWD News of Exonians OE Club
Photo credits and captions: Front cover: Exeter School through the ages. Contents: Top: Governor and Alumnus Adrian Burbanks (1977-1983) on how Young Enterprise inspired his career. Middle: Lauren Dixie (2007 - 2014) and Henry Vercoe (2008 - 2013) share their experiences of medical placements abroad. Middle: The annual OE v 1st XI girls’ hockey match took place in September. Bottom: The Computer Suite: a look at key buildings across the Exeter School site and how their use has evolved over time.
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01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni Exeter School Alumni @ExeterSchoolUK Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians) This publication is produced by Exeter School and printed by Brightsea Print Group. We welcome stories for consideration. Contributions may be edited for content and length.
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Welcome
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ello and welcome to the tenth edition of The 1633. I write as the new Director of Development and Alumni Relations, taking over from the brilliant John Davidson who retired in August after 42 years of service to Exeter School. You will find more on his time here and his development of the Alumni Office later in the magazine. I am thrilled to be joining Exeter School and I can’t wait to meet many of you and learn more about your experiences of the School and lives since; a list of all our upcoming events is included on the back page – do take a look and come along to one near you. We are marking five years since the John Davidson, former Director of Alumni Relations, with the new Director office was opened, so much great of Development and Alumni Relations, Rachael Magee. work has been done and alumni connect with the School in so many ways. Now we really want to hear In the meantime please enjoy this magazine and feel from you, get feedback on all our activity and how you want to engage with the School so we can review free to get in touch with the office at any time with thoughts on new stories, content and changes. our work and communications to best suit you all. In the coming months we will be sharing an engagement Rachael Magee, survey so we can try to hear from as many of you as Director of Development and Alumni Relations possible, please do look out for it.
Welcome from the Headmaster Dear Exonians,
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hope that you will enjoy the latest edition of this informative magazine. We love to keep in touch with you and your news is often inspirational for our current pupils. The recruitment of development professional Rachael Magee brings a fresh new perspective to the Alumni Office after John Davidson’s outstanding tenure. I am sure that you will enjoy meeting her: your help in shaping the direction of alumni involvement will be critical. I look forward to catching up with many of you over the coming few months.
Headmaster Bob Griffin with former Head Boy Ben Headmaster BobGirl Griffin withStride. former teachers and Hayes and Head Megan poets Lawrence Sail and Harry Guest.
With all good wishes, Bob Griffin
We are sending this issue of The 1633 by post to all Exonians whose addresses we have except those who have specifically requested to receive copies of publications electronically. If you would like to receive future issues electronically, then please visit the ‘update your details’ page on the contact us tab of the alumni pages of the School website, tick the drop box and ensure your email details are correct. Alternatively, telephone Karen Dart, the Alumni Officer, on 01392 458941. This magazine and two other school publications, The Exonian and Exeter School Life can be read within the alumni pages of the School website. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 3
FROM SCHOOL and beyond An interview with Upper Sixth Former and House Captain of Buller House, Bethan Reynolds, on how alumni have helped prepare her for life after school What are your plans post A Level? I am applying to read Medicine at university. I am a member of the Medical Society and have enjoyed the programme of talks, including several given by past pupils. How useful have you found the School’s in-house Futures Programme as preparation for the world beyond Exeter School? I have learnt a lot through the various talks and presentations during the year. The Futures Week in June was interesting for all of us.
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What did you find most useful about the Lower Sixth Inspiration Afternoon in March? Hearing about the range of careers that Exeter School alumni were following and how skills they had gained at School proved useful in the workplace. I found Mark Tyler’s presentation on broadcasting and journalism really fascinating. The Lower Sixth Futures Week in June included presentations by alumni. What were the most significant aspects of these sessions for you?
Jo Murchie’s talk on personal branding was very insightful. She showed the need to be aware of negative aspects of social media, and the value of developing a personal brand on both LinkedIn and in my CV. This was very useful as we moved on to think about personal statements on our UCAS forms afterwards. Giles Humphries’ talk on setting up The Mindful Chef was inspiring. He talked without a PowerPoint and had us all rapt in attention. He showed both the trials and successes of creating a new business and the risks involved,
Careers and the huge number of questions showed how valuable we all found the session. Owain Astles talked about the causes of homelessness as part of the introduction to the Business and Enterprise Day. Owain has produced a documentary film on the subject and drawing on both his research and own video clips, he provided many relevant insights into the complexity of this problem which made us take the rest of the day very seriously. How did the Upper Sixth Interview Scheme help prepare you for medical school interviews? It gave me confidence in my approach towards future interviews by giving me insight towards the potential questions and tasks we could be given. My specialist interview with Dr Robert Hatch was very useful, particularly when he gave me an article to analyse. Nicki Bland, my generalist interviewer, asked me more unusual questions that really prompted me to think more deeply about what skills a doctor needs, and how to show that I possess these. Overall what have you learnt from the past pupils who have given talks to your year group? I have been fascinated by the different routes taken from School to a career, and by how some have made use of gap years both before and after university. It was helpful to hear from alumni at different stages in their careers. I was particularly interested by those who had worked their way up in a profession especially when they talked about life at the beginning of work. Overall, the sheer variety of careers that Exeter School alumni are following was really interesting.
Lower Sixth Futures Week
Thanks to the following alumni who inspired Sixth Formers during Futures Week. Owain Astles (2010-2014) provided a keynote talk at the Lower Sixth Business and Enterprise Day, which focused on addressing the problem of homelessness. He drew on his experience of making documentary films on social issues and provided relevant information and profound insights on the issues. It helped set the scene for the teamwork that was to follow and the presentations that each group made in front of the professional judges later in the day. Jo Murchie (1991-1993) gave three presentations on personal branding. As one of the UK’s leading personal branding experts, she described the ever-increasing importance of a consistent and effective personal brand. She highlighted the importance of optimal use of LinkedIn such as signposting key skills and being part of groups so pupils can be put in the best light. Giles Humphries (1997-2004) created his own start-up business, the recipe box company The Mindful Chef in 2015, with two close friends from school, Myles Hopper (1995-2006) and Rob Grieg-Gran (1998-2003). His talk helped pupils gain an insight into the challenges of starting up a business. Giles later ran a lunchtime workshop for A Level Business and Economic pupils giving further insight into particular aspects of The Mindful Chef as a business.
Left: Bethan with Sebastian Caunter (1995 - 2000), Operations Director, LSL Property Services, during the Upper Sixth Interview Scheme hosted by Ashfords LLP.
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Alumni in Focus
Exonians overseas Two medical students share their experiences of medical placements abroad thanks to OE Club grants
Harry Vercoe (2008Â‑2013)
with other elective students from around the world. We were blessed with amazing hospitality and company n February 2018 during my final year at medical from the host family and other students, and incredible school I got the opportunity to travel abroad and 360 views from our rooftop terrace. experience health care in a developing country. I chose to travel to Sri Lanka with two of my friends from My experience in the hospital consisted of attending university and spent four weeks based in Galle, at the ward rounds, looking at surgical theatre lists and south end of the island. Galle has two main hospitals; spending time in the delivery suite. It was interesting Karapitiya and Mahamodara teaching hospitals. The to see that conditions, such as thalassaemia, a blood latter is a large specialist obstetric and gynaecology disorder that is rare in the UK, were much more hospital and I spent my time on placement there prevalent among the Sri Lankan population. The enjoying the benefits of a regional teaching centre with deprivation throughout Sri Lanka was evident from the plenty of learning opportunities. state of the wards and hospital buildings. What amazed me was how the doctors managed without the resources We stayed at a homestay in the northern part of the city and technology taken for granted in the UK. Their
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knowledge and clinical reasoning were so sharp that they did not seem to require extensive investigations or tests to make a diagnosis, which was very impressive. Towards the end of my elective I was fortunate enough to spend some time exploring other parts of Sri Lanka. For me the highlights were visiting the elephant reserve called Udawalawe national park, sharing waves with turtles and rays in Midigama on the south coast, visiting the cultural district around Sigiriya and going to a T20 cricket game in Colombo, between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the semi-finals of the Nidahas trophy. I would like to thank Mr Davidson and the Old Exonian Club for helping to make my elective possible, thus rounding off an incredible five years at Cardiff University. In August, I started as an F1 doctor in Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
Lauren Dixie (2007‑2014)
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fter four years of medical school at the University of Sheffield, I went on my medical elective to Bali, Indonesia supported by a generous grant from the Old Exonian Club. I was based at the Tabanan General Hospital in the heart of Bali. I spent my time in the hospital on a variety of wards, including the emergency department and maternity unit. Although I could not speak Balinese the doctors were very welcoming and were eager to practise their English. Also as much of the medical language was the same, it meant I could ask questions and understand what was happening with the patients. In Bali traditional medicine plays an important role in their culture and affects the health care that the local people receive. Many will seek a traditional healer at the first sign of an illness where they will try and cure them with methods using herbs, spices and holistic techniques, which means patients often present late to hospital. Additionally the fact that the family have to pay for some aspects of healthcare mean a delay in treatment, unlike free point of access like it is in the NHS. I also observed that hygiene protocols and equipment were quite poor; this highlighted how limited their resources were. This made me feel very grateful for what we have here in the UK. When not at the hospital I enjoyed the beautiful beaches and culture that Bali had to offer, I visited Ubud and climbed Mount Batur to watch the sunrise. I am now taking a year out of my medical degree to complete a Master’s in Reproduction and Developmental Medicine before returning to my final year.
School news Inspired by alumni
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pper Sixth pupils took part in the School’s annual Interview Scheme enabling them to develop invaluable skills for the future. Over 100 pupils were offered two professional interviews each by friends and alumni. The Interview Scheme was generously hosted by Ashfords LLP over two days with 44 professionals giving their time. Thanks to the alumni who contributed to the success of the scheme: Thomas Petrilli (1996-2001), Stuart Hoddinott (2004-2009), Dr Robert Hatch (1994-2003), Sebastian Caunter (19952000), George Turnball (1996-2001) and Kris Sum (1994-2000).
Pedal power
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he School’s John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle team, consisting of 19 riders and 5 support crew, successfully completed the epic cycle ride of 944 miles in tough conditions to raise money for The Children’s Society and Mind. The return journey was carried out in August, two years after the intrepid cyclists completed the reverse journey, from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The team have raised almost £17,000, beating their target of £10,000. Thanks to the ride’s main sponsors: The Bailey Partnership, MIG Security and Edenvale Turf, and all the supporters who have generously given so much. Please support them via bit.ly/JOGLE18
School on tour
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4 pupils and staff travelled to Argentina for the biennial Sports Tour for what proved to be an exciting and challenging tour that witnessed tough but hugely rewarding fixtures for boys’ rugby and girls’ hockey. The girls also played netball against the full Argentinian national team with victories for both the A and B teams! The Sports Tour runs every other year and has been to far off destinations such as South Africa, Sri Lanka and Namibia in recent years.
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A triple celebration
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n the year that Exeter School commemorates its 20th year of full co-education, pupils, parents and staff celebrated an excellent set of A Level and GCSE results. At A Level, 37 pupils scored three or more A* or A grades, with over a quarter – 26% - of all results at A*. 59% of all grades were A* or A, with 82% at A*, A or B. A breadth of offers have made to Upper Sixth pupils aiming to study a range of exciting subjects, within the Arts and Sciences, at diverse universities. Nine pupils were offered Oxbridge places, two unconditionally, plus one pupil accepted an offer for Yale University. In the last six years, 38 pupils have received Oxbridge offers. Eleven pupils were offered places at medical school, or to read veterinary science for September. At GCSE, almost three quarters of all grades were A*-A/9-7 grades. 42 candidates scored ten or more A*-A/9-7 grades and 67 candidates scored eight or more A*-A/9-7 grades.
Swimming Club partnership
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xeter School is delighted to announce a new partnership with Exeter City Swimming Club, enabling the Club’s swimmers to train every week. Members of the Junior Performance, Competitive Fitness and Masters swimming squads are using the indoor swimming pool five days a week to train for competitions across the country. The inauguration of the new pool in June 2017 marked the completion of an extensive Sports department build that includes a new fitness suite and free weights room, new indoor rifle range and studio area as well as new changing rooms. Working in partnership with Exeter City Swimming Club complements the School’s swimming provision nspired by A Level Economics and Young Enterprise, for five Exeter primary schools whose pupils receive Governor and alumnus Adrian Burbanks (1977swimming lessons, taught and lifeguarded by Exeter 1983) of the Agricultural Bank of China returned to School staff, as well as the transport to and from the School to give a talk to Sixth Formers on changes in the pool, all free of charge. As part of the partnership, banking sector in the UK. Sixth Formers are lifeguarding for the Club’s training sessions every evening.
Enterprise in action
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Shooting success
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hree Exeter School pupils, coached by John Sampson (1946-1955), made it to the National Finals of British Shooting Target Sprint GB, held in October, in Yate, Bristol. Tom Gray won a bronze medal, Flora Gray came fourth and Lily Howe came tenth, knocking a minute off her time. The trio were required to undertake three 400m runs and shoot twice, hitting the target five times. The South West regional qualifier was held at Exeter School in July, hosted by ex British Pistol Shooter Georgina ‘Gorgs’ Geikie.
A significant visit
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ower Fifth pupils visited the First World War battlefields in France and Belgium and paid their respects at the grave of a former Head Boy. Lieutenant Richard Stirling was killed by a sniper on 21 August 1915 near Sanctuary Wood in Belgium. Born in Guildford, he joined Exeter School as a boarder in 1902 and finished as Head Boy in 1911. A keen sportsman, he was a key player in both the 1st XI cricket and 1st XV rugby teams. Richard is remembered at School on the war memorial in the Chapel, among 72 other Old Exonians killed in the First World War, and on a board listing Head Boys in Butterfield Hall. Head of History, Giles Trelawny, led pupils on the annual four-day trip to the Western Front battlefields, visiting trenches in Flanders, mine craters and battlefields on the Somme, tunnels at Arras and the Passchendaele Museum. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 9
Feature
Through the ages
We take a look at some key buildings and how their use has evolved over time
Butterfield Hall The Butterfield Hall was Exeter School’s original dining hall, pictured in the late 1950s with pupils sat in their School House tables. Buller House is pictured front and centre of this photo. When first in use, there was a raised dais for the Headmaster.
Andrews Hall
The Andrews Hall was built in 1933 and was originally used as the School Library. The table pictured was for prefects to use when watching over other pupils working. Whilst the books have been moved you can still find some of the original shelving and parquet flooring.
Languages Lab
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This photo shows pupils learning French with the use of the Language Laboratory, taken in the mid 1970s. The equipment was one of the longest surviving of its kind due to Languages teacher Richard Fryer’s (pictured here) diligent maintenance. They were often prone to breakdowns and quickly fell into disuse across the school sector.
1930s The above photo was taken in the 1930s and the School trenches can just be seen (circled) – these were built during WW1. This photo features some of the oldest School buildings including the Chapel toward the top right of the photo. The old gym was located in the building just behind the Chapel.
Sports Hall Science Room This photo from the 1970s is currently the classroom used by Miss Booth in Biology. Some Biology teaching can just be seen on the board and the front desk is still there today.
The building of the Sports Hall was funded by subscriptions from parents and a significant grant. Whilst the function of the hall has not changed, it has been redecorated and equipment has been updated. A climbing wall has been installed, with thanks to Laser Camp. More recent updates to the Sports Hall include the new viewing gallery and freshly painted floor.
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Feature
Farewell
to JWD
A reflection on 42 years of teaching by the former Director of Alumni John Davidson with a foreword by the Headmaster Bob Griffin
talented sons Jonny and Peter made a great impact as pupils at the School.
John joined the Senior Management Team in 1998 as Senior Teacher and then became Director of Administration. Some of his whole-school responsibilities prepared him admirably for his future alumni role: he served on the OE Committee, edited Exeter School Life and oversaw Oxbridge admissions. ohn Davidson retired at the end of the year after John was a constant source of wise counsel, always 42 years at the School. He was appointed in 1976 setting the current needs of the School in the context of to teach Geography and held numerous important its traditions, never fearing change and always willing roles, each at the right time for the School. to embrace new opportunities.
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John was our enterprising Head of Geography for 19 years, leading a department whose academic results punched well above their weight, regularly sending pupils to read the subject at leading universities. He led the RAF Section of the CCF and ran Adventure Training on eight occasions. A most caring pastoral teacher, John founded Townsend House, leading it for 16 years. He gave a great deal of support to Ten Tors, lifesaving training and our outdoor life. John and his wife Vicki were stalwart supporters of drama, assisting backstage and in front of house roles. We were extremely fortunate that Vicki gave so much of her time and expertise as Wardrobe Mistress. Their 12 | The 1633 - Autumn 2018
In his final five years at the School, John successfully established our Alumni Office, working closely with the Old Exonian Club and bringing over 5,000 former pupils into active contact. He was a charming and attentive ambassador for the School, always making time to assist and welcome alumni of all vintages, often from across the world. John designed a programme of enjoyable events in Exeter and around the country, introduced the popular 1633 magazine and oversaw our social media presence. He encouraged countless alumni to share their expertise with current pupils at Careers and Futures functions. We thank him most sincerely for all that he has done for Exeter School and wish him a long and happy retirement.
In John’s words...
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eography lessons up the steep stairs to Room 8, field trips in the UK, and across Europe, Townsend House meetings such as the visiting python, and a diver in a full suit, CCF activities including adventurous training, Chipmunk flights and field day challenges on Dartmoor, lifesaving classes in the cold and rain in the outdoor pool. These are just some memories of my career at Exeter School, teaching hundreds of pupils who are now OEs and working with many more in the pastoral system, clubs and societies. How the School changed over this period would fill a book! They included building programmes adding new facilities and enriching existing ones, the closure of School House (1999), the establishment of three new day Houses - Townsend (1982), Acland (1993) and Dowrich (2018) - and the expansion of the Junior School. The whole site benefitted from loving care, attention to detail and imaginative planting schemes, while newly carpeted classrooms, whiteboards and data projectors replaced blackboards and chalk. A key change was co-education with girls joining the Sixth Form in the 1980s, and full co-education from 1997. However, OEs still recognise the School’s traditions, values and ethos. The broad curriculum of academic subjects alongside a rich range of sport, outdoor activities, music, drama, art and clubs is as important today as always. The opening of the Alumni Office in 2013 was another important step and it has been a real privilege to spend five years as its first Director. Links with OEs
from the 1930s to recent leavers were strengthened, enabling them to connect with School and each other. Several thousand keep in contact through The 1633, the website, social media and email, and current pupils appreciate the talks, and careers support they offer. Opportunities for alumni to meet up regularly around the country include social receptions, lunches, formal dinners and careers networking events. All ages enjoy tours of the School in term time, and the opportunity to come to the annual Old Exonian Day. The 2018 garden party reunion celebrating 20 years of full co-education was a memorable occasion, with over 200 guests. For me, meeting so many OEs, sharing reminiscences and exchanging letters and emails has been an honour, and I look forward to staying in touch and attending events. I wish Rachael Magee every success as the new Director of Development and Alumni.
Alumni events
A plaque was unveiled on OE Day in memory of Joe Mullins (1947 – 1955) by Headmaster Bob Griffin and his wife Gay Mullins. Joe was a long standing supporter and loyal friend to the School, who sadly passed away in October 2017. Left: The annual OE Day lunch was well attended by alumni and partners.
Above and right: Alumni, parents, staff and even grandparents alike enjoyed a fun evening testing their food and drink knowledge. Left: Alumni returned to School to face the 1st XI hockey team in September. Back row: left to right: Dani Lunn (teacher), Laura Sampson (2018), Amy Dixie (2018), Tilly Thomas (2018), Sophie Gibbons (2018), Kate Wright (teacher), and Emily Bairstow (2018). Front row: left to right: Em Scott (2016), Emily Rix (2018), Anna Johannson (2018), Megan Stride (2018) and Molly Tettenborn (2018).
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Left and above: Exonians and staff enjoying the Bristol drinks reception at Racks wine bar. Left: Oliver Pike (2017), Tara Brind (2017), Emily Carr (2017), Director of Development and Alumni Relations Rachael Magee and Will Aczel (2017). Above: Liv Young (2015), Amrik Arshi (2015), Jake Towl (2015) and Head of Sixth Form Ali Marsh. Left and below: Recent leavers from 2017 and 2018 returned to School for an enjoyable drinks reception in the Pavilion this September. Below (clockwise from bottom left): Tom Hubble (2018), Amy Dixie (2018), Tommy Doane (2018), Ali Marsh, Romi Keliher (2018), Bea Brett (2018) and Tilly Thomas (2018).
Below: Exonians were welcomed to Exeter School for the annual Old Exonian Dinner in September held in the Butterfield Hall. Pictured here are members of the OE Committee Giles Ashman (1987) and Chairman James Brown (1999) addressing attendees.
Full reports of these events are on the news section of the alumni website. See www.exeterschool.org.uk.
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News of Exonians
News of Exonians Jonty Lawford (1981-1991) and his daughter Izzy aged 12 have completed an epic cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of charity, arriving on the same day as Exeter School’s JOGLE cyclists. They were accompanied for part of the ride by alumnus Nick Lawford (1984-1995). Jonty and Isabella are raising money for Young Minds, Ferne Animal Sanctuary and the Teenage Cancer Trust. They were supported along the way by parents/grandparents and former Exeter School members of staff Jeremy and Paula Lawford. Congratulations on this impressive achievement, especially by Izzy, please support them via www.izzysgrandtour.co.uk . Photo 1.
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Chris Furby (2002-2011), now a Petroleum Geophysicist, is currently working for Perenco modelling the subsurface in the southern North Sea to identify targets for new wells on mature gas fields. He left Exeter to do a BSc in Geology at the University of St Andrews where he also rowed in the university first eight and sang with an a cappella group. He completed an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience at Imperial College London. After a year with Cairn Energy in Edinburgh, he now lives in Norwich where he plays rugby for Norwich Rugby Club and occasionally rows with Norwich Boat Club. Photos 2 and 3. Ben Bliss (2010-2017) gave a talk about Raleigh International to the Lower Sixth during his GAP year prior to starting his Chemistry course at Birmingham University. Ben talked about the benefits of taking on such a task, the problems faced and lessons learned about diversity, inclusivity, different cultural backgrounds and educational standards around the globe, and the importance of team work in order to get tasks accomplished. Photo 4. Ben Haigh (2010-2017) Ben Foulkes (2008-2017), Fynn de Sousa (2010-2017) and Ed Clark (20132017) trekked up to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal; they are pictured holding a pair of old school sports shorts bearing the school logo. Photo 5.
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Professor Adrian James (1976-1984) graduated in pre-clinical studies from Pembroke College Cambridge and then achieved his medical degree from Queen’s Oxford in 1990. He trained as a surgeon specialising in ENT work. He took a Fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in 2000. He was appointed on the staff there in 2005 together with a post as Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. In 2017, he was made Professor of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology in the University of Toronto.
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August Aalto (2007-2014) transferred to a boarding school in the US to complete secondary school. After a successful year at the sunny University of California, Santa Barbara, he transferred to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where he is majoring in Geochemistry (focus in Organic Chemistry) and History (specifically, the history of Science). He is interested in pursuing Geography at graduate school level or attending medical school. Freddie Crowley (2008-2014) spent three years as a choral scholar at Merton College and recently graduated with a first and the university’s Gibbs Prize for Music. He spent the last two years singing in the Oxford Gargoyles, the university’s jazz a cappella group, with whom he has performed two years running now at the Edinburgh Fringe and released two albums on Spotify and iTunes. While at Oxford, he was in the first ever student production of ‘London Road’. He also played the lead role in Sondheim’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along’, and sang in two operas for New Chamber Opera, Oxford’s main opera group. Every term, one student musical wins a bid to perform at the Oxford Playhouse, and in his third year he was lucky enough to be in two of these. In his second year at Oxford, Freddie was president of the Merton College Music Society, and conducted the Fidelio Orchestra and Kodály Choir, the university’s oldest unauditioned choir. As a conductor, he also was part of the Voces Academy Musical Leadership Programme, and was a guest conductor for the Mariana Voices. Freddie is currently singing with Genesis Sixteen, the youth development/training scheme for the Sixteen, directed by Harry Christophers, and hoping to make a career in music. As part of The New Oxford Consort, a choir Freddie formed of young singers largely from Oxford, but also from elsewhere around the country, he performed in a Saturday evening concert in Chagford church, and a Sunday morning Eucharist in Gidleigh. Freddie conducted the group, and hopes to make it an annual event. Photo 6. Verity Stroud (2010-2017) is putting on her own Christmas concert in December and would welcome members of the Exeter School community to enjoy carols, Christmas classics and mince pies at 7.30pm on 19 December at St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Heavitree, Exeter. Tickets cost £3 on the door. Photo 7. Barnaby Goodall (1997-2003) and his family have volunteered to work with Mercy Ships in Africa for the next two years. Mercy Ships is a charity that has converted ships into hospitals, docking in some of the world’s poorest countries to deliver free, lifesaving, life-giving treatments to those living in extreme poverty and without any access to medical care. The charity provides a range of interventions for women, men and children, including fixing cleft palates, www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 17
News of Exonians broken bones, removing tumours, and so much more. Barnaby has volunteered as Finance Director and his wife Liz will be looking after their sons and will also support the surgical and medical education teams training local doctors. The ship is going to be docked in Guinea for the first year. If any OEs would like to support them in this venture, please look at their JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/thegoodallsahoy Mike Keough (2000-2007) and Alex Joss (20002007) undertook a sailing adventure to raise money for charity in 2018. The pair are circumnavigating the British Isles and reached their half way point of the Orkneys in July 2018. Sophie Gee (2008-2014) is studying History at Edinburgh University, which sets out to send as many students as possible on exchange programmes. She spent the academic year 2017-2018 in Australia. She can take in a lecture and be at the beach within an hour or in the Blue Mountains within two, and during her three-month summer holiday took in New Zealand, South East Asia, and the Australian coast. The University of Sydney is a beautiful place with a fascinating range of courses and it is especially interesting to look at British history from the point of view of one of its former colonies. Sophie enjoyed keeping up her interest in broadcast journalism presenting a weekly student radio show and finding new music from the other side of the world. It has been a truly amazing experience to immerse herself in a completely new place, and she would strongly recommend going on an exchange year if the opportunity were there. Photo 8.
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Nathaniel Newman (2006-2013) was awarded the Sword of Honour on 10 August 2018 for being the Best Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Army Scholar Nat is currently undergoing Speciality to Arm training at the Platoon Commanders Battle Course in Brecon which all Infantry Officers must complete before they can be considered fully qualified. On completion of this course, he will join the 3rd Battalion the Rifles, based in Edinburgh. Photos 9 and 10.
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Tom Lammonby (2007-2018) received the Buller Bowl awarded to Devon’s young player of the year at the Devon Cricket awards evening and has been selected as England skipper for U19 cricket team when they tour India and Pakistan this winter. Photo 11. Alice Brookes (2012-2015) graduated with a first in Human Biology from Birmingham. She worked abroad in New Zealand, Canada, France and Slovakia, prior, during and after her degree. She completed her PGCE qualification from Bristol with a merit and 18 | The 1633 - Autumn 2018
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began teaching in Gloucester. She spent last year teaching predominantly Chemistry at St Peter’s High School, Gloucester. When her sister, Communications Officer Karen Brookes-Ferrari, informed her of a maternity role at her old school, she leapt at the chance to try teaching in an independent school for a year. She is happy to be near her nieces Anna and Lydia who are in Upper One and the Third Form, and teaching Biology alongside Peter Boddington, who inspired her to teach. Photo 12.
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Phoebe Campbell (2013-2018) has been named Joel D. Honigberg Scholar at Yale University where she is studying Liberal Arts. Photo 13. Will Silver (2007-2018) has received a blue for playing in Cambridge University’s 1st XI hockey team. He returned to Exeter in October to play against the University in a BUCS match, winning 2 – 1. Photo 14. Seb Fathi (2007-2014) visited the Art department to conduct one-to-one tutorials with aspiring architects in the Sixth Form in September. Seb graduated with a first-class honours in BSc Architecture from the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL and gained admission to top architecture schools globally including the AA, Cooper Union, Cornell and SCI-Arc among others. Before his degree, Sebastian completed an architecture intensive course at Harvard Graduate School of Design. He acted as senior mentor to first year students during his last two years at the Bartlett and has worked for both architects and artists in the UK and the US under scholarships. He is currently completing his RIBA Part 1 in New York as a designer for a worldrenowned studio. Seb has set up an independent admissions consultancy, ‘ArchitecturePrep’, which specialises in helping pupils applying to architecture schools develop top quality applications and portfolios for interviews. Before this, he worked for two separate admissions consultancies. With some architecture schools exhibiting 5% acceptance rates it can be invaluable to have a specialised advisory during applications. Further details can be found here: https://architectureprep.com/. Photo 15. Tobi McCrone (2001-2009) completed his Elementary Flying Training at RAF Cranwell in January and has been posted to help with many of the events for the RAF 100 project to celebrate 100 years of the RAF. He began Basic Fast Jet Training at RAF Linton-onOuse in October and hopes to earn his “wings” by August 2019. Photo 16.
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Please send us your news and photos. See the School website and Facebook page for more stories and galleries. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 19
OE Club
OE grant supports rainforest research in Peru
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mily Carr (2006-2017) completed her first year studying Biology at the University of Bristol in June 2018 and wanted to spend the summer gaining experience in the field and learning more about practical applications of her chosen subject. She spent a month in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the middle of the Amazon rainforest in Peru acting as a research assistant for a wide range of wildlife surveys in this protected region rich in wildlife. Her survey work included recording data on fish, butterflies, dolphins, bats, understorey birds, macaws, wading birds, frogs and the habitat.
along the transect route. Emily logged many primate species, including night monkeys, red howler monkeys, tamarins, woolly monkeys and squirrel monkeys as well as many types of rodents. On her way to the transects, she was lucky enough to encounter other species on the riverbanks such as capybara, sloths, giant river otters and a paca, highlighting the amazing diversity of this pristine rain forest.
One of her most exciting surveys was searching for caiman at night and then catching and bringing them onto the boat. Emily’s work included recording their measurements and helping to check them for parasites. Another enjoyable challenge was the mammal transects, conducted by heading out into the jungle as part of a small group and recording all the mammals they observed
Emily thoroughly enjoyed her experience as she was living in one of the most beautiful places in the world and met many wonderful people on her trip. She would very much like to thank the Old Exonian Club for the grant and John Davidson for his help and support in making the trip possible.
20 | The 1633 - Autumn 2018
A special event on the trip was when one of the biologists working with Emily discovered a new species of antbird, and she was asked to help name the new species!
Merchandise for Christmas
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he School Shop has a wide range of attractively priced merchandise ideal as Christmas presents for Exonians. Items include a warm Exonian scarf, an OE bow tie and an attractive fashion scarf. To purchase items, please visit the on-line shop on the website or come in person to the Bursary or Alumni Office. www.exeterschool.org.uk/shops
impressive play and despite accurate fast and spin bowling built up the runs rapidly with Sam Corney reaching his half century in 45 minutes. The OEs took two wickets but lost the game when another decisive four took the School to 122 runs. 2017 cricket captain Jim Shepherd (2018) pictured with Director of Sport and Master i/c Cricket, Andy Mason.
Former Director of Alumni Relations John Davidson said: “It was a very enjoyable game, exciting and full of action with both sides taking chances on quick singles as well as hitting out to the boundary.�
The OE v School 1st XI cricket was played in a T20 format on a warm sunny evening. The OEs batted first scoring an impressive 121 runs for 7. After a break for suitable refreshments the School replied with some
The OEs were: Freddie Filor (2006-2016), Jim Shepherd (2006-2017), Jamie Telford (2008-2016), Tom Edgington (2009-2016), Jack Thomas (20072017), Paddy Poustie (2005-2016), Will Johns (20072017), James Harris (2003-2008), Will Pring (19972008) and Miles Harris (2008-2013).
OE SPORTS: OE v School Cricket Match OE v School Cricket Match
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 21
OE Club
OE SPORTS:
OE v 1st XI School Girls’ Hockey Match
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he annual game against the Old Exonians was played on a Friday evening, bathed in sunshine. The enticement of sandwiches and cakes alongside tasty beverages brought ex pupils back to battle against the new 1st team. The early exchanges saw the OEs defend hard and well with Mollie Tettenborn (2007-2018) back in goal doing what she does best. Amy Dixie (2011-2018), Megan Stride (2009-2018), Emily Bairstow (2013-2018) and Emily Rix (2016-2018) supported her, but found the School side tough to control. Guests and current sports staff Dani Lunn and new girl Kate Wright found space through midfield and built the OEs attacks, gradually gaining a foothold in midfield. The School’s movement and passing remained superior and a goal soon followed.
Anna Johannson (2007-2018) lived up to her name covering stacks of ground and Em Scott (2014-2016) dazzled and dodged the School sticks, just like the old days! The School continued to press the OEs creating turnovers and counter attacking. Sophie Gibbins (20112018) fought alongside the midfield OEs to stem the flow and get the ball higher to Tilly Thomas (2011-2018) in front of goal. But the pressure told and two further goals followed before the final whistle allowed the players to succumb to the lure of the food and drink that had been promised. It was, as always, a great success. OE players were: Lauren Sampson, Amy Dixie, Tilly Thomas, Sophie Gibbins, Emily Bairstow, Em Scott, Emily Rix, Anna Johannson, Megan Stride and Molly Tettenborn.
OE Committee 2018/19 President Robin Thomas (1964-1971), Chairman James Brown (1994-1999), Secretary Peter German (1964-1972), Treasurer Chris Bush (1963-1974), Sports Secretary Giles Ashman (1982-1987), Archivist Kevin White (1953-1961). Other committee members are David Leon (1954-1961), Steve Perring (1978-1981), Richard Sharman (1970-1978) and Graham Bone (staff).
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Obituaries A tribute to Gwen Seale by Manoj Chitnavis with special thanks to Richard Donne and Ian Wright.
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first met Gwen as a Biology teacher at Exeter College, teaching Anatomy and Physiology on the Beauty Therapy Course, whilst I taught Cosmetics and Treatments, on the same course.
She was a natural. I was overjoyed when she followed me to Exeter School. Here she exhibited her true potential and came into her element as a wholesome educator, with her vast breadth of background knowledge, bringing along new resources for teaching and updating the video collection. FORCE and here she gave her time and expertise in whatever she could. Her contributions to extracurricular activities showed her warm caring side to pupils, on CCF events, Ten Tors, Field Days and Gwen was a great explorer, endlessly curious about life – whether Activity Days. Gwen would not only provide her crucial Mountain the world of nature or the cultures she visited and observed. She Leadership expert advice, but offer assistance with the first aid had a taste for adventure; she was unflappable (apart from a fear of coverage, manning check points and provide navigation assistance heights) and took everything in her stride. This was never more so to pupils and parents. It was during these events that she showed her than when, in the summer of 2002, Gwen and Ian Wright took 12 field culinary skills and provided the staff and some parents with hot, Sixth Formers to Russia – their main task being to create a garden wholesome and nutritious meals. Many of the staff in the Science for a hospice OE Patricia Cockrell (1986-1993) had founded in the common room had already experienced her legendary baking skills small remote village near Yaroslavl. in the form of wonderful cakes, which has now become an annual competition. This was the start of her travels soon after retirement with a trip to Gwen had great links with the School as her husband George was an OE. Keith Mackay (1930 - 1940) (OE and former Chair of Governors) had been George’s Best Man, and it was no surprise that their son Stephen ended up coming to Exeter School as well, becoming the Head Boy in 1995. Their daughter Anna went on to The Maynard (also becoming the Head Girl) proving that leadership and caring skills were an integral essence to being a Seale.
the Galapagos Islands and a new life or “travel bug” was picked up with trips out to Australia, India, Nepal and Kenya. After one such trip I remember bringing her home from Heathrow and thought Gwen was going to be jet lagged and sleep on the way home; to the contrary she stayed up regaling the tales of her most recent exploits throughout the journey…
Gwen wore her goodness lightly. It was a matter-of-fact sort of goodness; a practical, let’s-get-on with-it, unassuming, unfussy sort Gwen not only was a teacher but a surrogate mother to the many of everyday thoughtfulness. No ego; endless patience; a gentle, softpupils who were in and out of her home in St Leonards either spoken wisdom born of a sense of perspective. through the main entrances (or windows during the early hours of the morning), so a fine balance was held with due respect for her. Gwen was universally liked and relied upon for her caring support, both by pupils, and fellow colleagues both in the classrooms and George’s death in 1994, after a year-long battle with cancer, hit outdoors. She was a wonderful friend, teaching colleague and her very hard. Despite this she supported her children through and travelling companion, she was bright, resourceful and very funny. beyond university. As a result of this, she became involved with
We were sorry to hear the following alumni have passed away. Roger Tucker (1954-1961), Dr David Hugh Simpson Stephens (1942-1949), Kenneth Gordon Hamilton (1939-1942), David Anthony Wood (1967 – 1974), Matthew J Bowes (1985-1992), Nigel Graham Moore (1961-1966), George Adrian Heywood (1962-1965), A M Stamp (1959-1964), David Frederick J Chapman Andrews (1942-1947), David Gist (1949-1956) and Hilary Farrar-Hockley (1968-1972). Where friends and family have been kind enough to share them, you can find full obituaries for some of the alumni mentioned here on the alumni section of Exeter School’s website.
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Alumni noticeboard Keep in touch - update your details to win £50 voucher!
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t has been five years since we established the Alumni Office, so we want to check we have the best contact details for you. Enclosed with this magazine you will find an ‘update your details’ form to fill in and send back to us. Filling out details like the best email address to reach you on will ensure you get the opportunity to share feedback through the upcoming engagement survey as well as receive updates on news and alumni events. And this is not just for the joy of filling out forms, there are prizes to receive Amazon vouchers of £50 (for first prize) and Exeter School merchandise. Winners will be drawn at random from all those who submit their form by 31 January 2019.
Details of how to donate to the Foundation Bursary Fund are on the alumni pages of the School website under Make a Donation. If you would like to discuss giving to the fund or leaving a legacy, please contact the Headmaster or Director of Development and Alumni Relations.
Forthcoming events A selection of alumni events is shown below. The full list of alumni events can be found on the School website or via the Alumni Officer, Karen Dart. Tickets are available from the School Box Office: www.exeterschool.org. uk/box-office. Monday 10 December
National Trust Christmas Concert, Exeter Cathedral
Thursday 20 December
Monday 1 April Thursday 2 May
Christmas Concert in the School Hall, 7.30pm Southampton Exonians Buffet and Drinks Reunion, Highfield House Hotel, 6pm onwards Exeter Professional Careers Networking Evening, 7.30pm Exonians Cambridge Dinner, Emmanuel College (Box Office opens January) Exonians Oxford Dinner, University College (Box Office opens January) London Exonians Buffet and Drinks Reunion, Artigiano, St Paul’s, 6pm onwards (Box Office opens January) OE v School Boys’ Hockey and Football Old Exonian Golf Day, Exeter Golf and Country Club
Tuesday 14 May
Exonians London Dinner (venue TBC) (Box Office opens February)
Monday 28 January Thursday 7 February Thursday 28 February Friday 1 March Monday 11 March
THE
We would like to keep in touch with past pupils and staff. You can update your details on the School website by visiting the alumni pages and completing the on-line form under ‘Contact Us’ or via the Alumni Officer.
Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni @ExeterSchoolUK Exeter School Alumni Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians)