Issue 17: Lent Term 2012 - Davenies

THEBuzz
Issue 17: Lent Term 2012
17

ACADEMIC
The motion is that this
House…
Public Speaking: a very challenging thing to do,
especially in front of a large audience. All the boys
spoke with clarity and confidence, however, across
a range of topics from Lance Armstrong to whether
girls should play rugby. The Year 8 debate concluded
strongly in favour of the Royal Family, before the worthy
winners were announced:
Year 2 Nicholas Harlow
Year 3 Jake Ramus
Year 4 George Morrison
Year 5 Scott Masson, Joseph Willcock,
Joe Iliffe & Jack Wood
Year 6 Danny Whitefoord
Year 7 Ben Cooper
Judges Special Prize Calum Inchbald
A WORD FROM THE HEADMASTER
It has been a short, packed term of considerable success. We learnt of the Year
8 boys’ excellent academic results to both Berkhamsted and Merchant Taylors’
Schools. I suspect the football results are the best in recent memory, not only
for the 1st XI, but throughout the school. Above all, it has been a term of terrific
performances on the stage. All of Years 4 & 5 have acted, as indeed have the Year 6
boys in their sketches developed during a drama day. In French and in English, boys
have distinguished themselves with Public Speaking. Calum Stewart’s scholarship
to Oundle to add to John Henry Kelly’s to Reading Bluecoat’s, showed how
individuals can achieve great things musically. We saw with the informal concerts
and the High March joint concert just how many boys are involved in Music
throughout the school. Towards the end of term we learnt of National success
at Judo, Swimming and that James Wyatt was selected to represent England at
Squash, a year young. In this short précis I know I will have left someone out, or
omitted a significant event, and so I leave it to you to read this term’s Buzz which
reflects a happy, enjoyable and busy school.
BUDDY READING
Twice a term Years 3 & 5 have English lessons with a
difference. Each boy is paired with a ‘buddy’ from the
opposing Year Group and they read to each other.
What a wonderful way for the English Department to
spread the joy of reading.
Un poème par coeur
One boy from each of Years 3 – 6 and a native speaker
represented Davenies at St. Mary’s French Verse Speaking
Festival by reciting a poem in French. After practising in front
of the school in Monday’s assembly, they then stepped on to
the stage at St. Mary’s to face a captivated audience of parents,
teachers and pupils. Congratulations to Kit Murphy (3rd in
Year 4), Samuel Brochen (3rd Native Speaker), and James
Baldwin (1st in Year 6).

YEAR 5 MATHEMATICIANS
@ WELLINGTON
Calum Inchbald, Scott Masson, Finn Goodliffe and Alec
Shackleton represented Davenies at the Wellington College
Year 5 Mathematics Challenge this term. The boys thoroughly
enjoyed the contest, not to mention the wonderful setting.
Calum and Scott scored a perfect 25 in 4 out of the 7 rounds!
National Success for
Year 6 Mathematicians
A record number of students from Year
6 got through to the final round of the
Primary Maths Challenge, which is a
national competition, setting some
extremely challenging mathematics. Well
done to all the boys who were entered, but
particularly to Tom Allen, James Baldwin
and Jack Gray who all received medals for
their results.
Haileyburian Science
With Biology, Chemistry and Physics on
the menu, four Year 6 boys swapped
the Science Lab for a competition at the
prestigious Haileybury College. They
acquitted themselves admirably as
they undertook scientific investigations
independently under the theme of the 2012
Summer Olympics, of course.
UK Maths Trust Team Challenge
Well done to Isaac Rodgers, Alex Coleman, Cameron Nuttall and
Jack Gray who were selected to represent Davenies at the UK
Maths Trust Challenge regional round at Oxford University. This
competition is really for Year 8 & 9 students with competitors
coming from as far as Brussels and Luxembourg to compete! The
boys did incredibly well finishing an amazing 16th out of 44 teams:
considering they were much younger than the rest, this makes this
result even more impressive.
GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE
Eight true-blooded Davenies General Knowledge
warriors set off to take part in the IAPS Area Quiz. We
were coasting along not really troubling the leaders
until 7 questions from the end when Team 2 put
together a run as if it was the title for Brain of Britain.
Defeat was a narrow margin for them, with Team 1
cantering-in for 6th place.
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC

SCHOOL TRIPS
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
This term, Year 5 visited Shakepeare’s Globe on a sunny, yet brisk winter’s day.
Verona was the literary setting as they worked on aspects of Romeo & Juliet
with actors in the rehearsal rooms used by the company itself. They then had a
fantastic tour of the Globe and got to act out their work on the hallowed stage.
WONDERFUL WINDSOR
As Year 1 approached Windsor Castle a great
swell of excitement grew…the Royal Standard was
flying high, the Queen was in residence! Alas Year
1 were not granted an audience as there was a
State Banquet at Buckingham Palace to prepare for.
Nonetheless, the boys visited the State Apartments
and marvelled at the size of Henry VIII’s armour
as well as the 1,003 shields of the Knights of the
Garter. They enjoyed learning about the oldest and
largest working castle in the world and completed
the day by making a helmet.
Keep Calm and
Carry On
Year 4 were transported back to World
War II during a visit to the Imperial War
Museum after half-term. From uniforms
to U-boats, the many galleries and
exhibitions gave the boys a good insight
into different aspects of the war. The boys
delved into the suitcases of six evacuees
to find out about their experiences and
what life in the 1940s was like.

PITT RIVERS
Year 7 entered into the unique and mysterious world of the Pitt
Rivers Museum, Oxford; their working brief in this anthropological
gem was to soak up inspiration for some extended writing that
they will be embarking upon in their English lessons. Among the
shrunken heads, mysterious keys and masks, young Stephen Kings
and Edgar Allen Poes were beginning to piece together the plot and
characterisation for their first best-selling novels. We look forward
to reading their macabre efforts...
Tropical Climes in Newbury
Year 5 set off for the Living Rainforest in search of answers: how
plants and animals are adapted to life, in a part of the world which
receives around two metres of rainfall per annum? Whilst there,
they met crocodiles, toucans, sloths, stingrays and piranha, to
name but a few. Plants which held the cure to leukaemia and others
which are carnivorous were all studied, before the most important
parts of the day – lunch and the souvenir shop!
RECEPTION AT THE ZOO
The sun shone on Reception as they embarked on their trip to
Whipsnade. First stop were the penguins which the children had been
studying as part of their topic on Cold, followed by a brisk walk around
the zoo! Just before lunch, the boys were lucky enough to watch a
rehearsal of the Sea Lion Show which they thoroughly enjoyed. This
was then followed by a walk around the remainder of the zoo where
the boys saw tigers, cheetahs, flamingos, przewalski horses, zebras,
giraffes and finally chimpanzees. It was a quiet trip home!
SCHOOL TRIPS

SCHOOL TRIPS
YEAR 2 DOWN UNDER
As part of their exciting topic on The Sea, Year 2 visited the London Aquarium. Despite the London traffic, the boys had a wonderful time
touching starfish and anemones, watching the rays in their pool and observing the fantastic penguins – hilarious! The boys had a tour
entitled ‘predators or prey’ which included sharks, rays and piranhas.
GIFTED THEOLOGIANS
Colts
@Watford
After a tough match against a touring side
from Birkenhead, the Colts A embarked on
a trip to Vicarage Road to watch Watford
play in a crunch match against Burnley.
The game was a thrilling encounter that
had everything: goals, crunching tackles
and lots of cards! Watford eventually
turned round a 2 goal deficit to win 3 – 2.
Hopefully, the boys took plenty on board...
Thirteen boys from the Enrichment Group visited the United Reform Church in Beaconsfield at the beginning of term with the Headmaster
and Mrs Simmons. Not only did they learn about the history of the church, but also uncovered the ideologies behind it and the varying
features of the URC’s services.

MY HERO
Literature, the Marvel Universe, DC Comics, current affairs and
History were all represented bountifully as Davenies disposed
of uniforms for the day and came dressed as heroes. As Captain
Haddock surveyed the cornucopia that faced him in assembly,
‘blistering barnacles’ seemed a fitting way to express the
admiration felt for the time, effort and ingenuity on display.
CHARACTER DAY

ART
ABOVE: Class 7S
BELOW LEFT: Elliot Mullarky
BELOW RIGHT: Jack Gray & Danny Whitefoord

V + 1 for Victory
Our 1st VI ventured to The Beacon. Undefeated on the day, they
played 6 matches, won 5 and drew 1 against other local Prep Schools.
Raj Jutla managed to quell most teams finishing as he did with 10
goals in total, but victory was based on a series of whole-team efforts.
1ST VI END ON A HIGH
On a beautiful, sunny afternoon, the 1st VI finished their
succession of tournaments with a comfortable win at the
inaugural Long Close 6-a-side. A fitting way to end what has
been a triumphant season.
Very well done indeed chaps.
Davenies 6-a-sides
At our annual 6-a-side football tournament, coruscating attacks,
indefatigable defences, saves that re-defined bravura and goals
galore, entertained boys, parents and staff as they were treated
to a feast of football from the 12 teams playing. Eventual and
worthy winners were Thorpe House.
U’9 FOOTBALL
SUCCESS
6 games, 2 goals conceded and a trophy for being
Runners-Up – not bad for a morning’s hard toil at the
Gayhurst Tournament. Mr Locke-Hart reported that it
was a true squad effort, with every member playing
a full part. Man of the Tournament, Max Wyld,
was presented with a signed ball from Wycombe
Wanderers for scoring the most goals!
1ST XI COME CLOSE IN
NORTH LONDON
The intrepid 1st XI fresh from their victorious endeavours at the
Beacon, impressed yet again at the Belmont festival of football
finishing Runners-Up. Some fantastic football was played against
some very challenging opposition.
FOOTBALL

SPORT
ARCTIC RUN
Temperatures soared to just above freezing at the
annual Eagle House event as the hot chocolate
flowed freely and vigorous warm-ups took place
every few minutes. The Year 3 runners made it
smiling to the start line and all finished strongly.
Particularly well done to Oliver Stalder who finished
10th out of 85 runners. The conditions were
especially gruelling with such a wind-chill factor,
but spirits were high, the older boys encouraged the
younger ones and all ran very enthusiastically.
COOL RUNNINGS
Run, Rabbit, Run
Burnham Beeches did not disappoint with
its undulating terrain and muddy footpaths
as 80 gleaming white, excited runners in
both U’11 and U’13 races set off, 80 mudspattered,
slightly bedraggled runners, all
of whom ran sensibly and finished strongly
came back. Highest ranked individual
runners from the Davenies teams were
Alex Coleman (25th – U’13) and William
Murray (16th – U’11).
Well, not so much cool as freezing! 9 intrepid adventurers (armed with spikes, vests and trainers)
drove through sleet and snow to get to Malvern College for the National Prep Schools Cross-
Country Championships on Sunday. With brightening skies and a little sunshine, however, the U’11
team (James Baldwin, Dominic Brown, Finlay Goodliffe and Jack Blair) set off on their 2.6km course
that was both muddy and demanding. A short time later the U’13 team (Cameron Goodliffe, Ben
Hillier, Tom Reyner, John Henry Kelly and Alex Coleman) followed them with an extra loop and climb
to make up their distance to 3.2km!
Judo Gold
Our first entry into the IAPS Judo
Championships seems to have paid
dividends: 5 boys, 4 weight categories,
4 medals! Through some tough
competition, tight decisions and heated
bouts, Max and Ben Cooper ended the
day with a Bronze medal each, whereas
Justin Janse van Vuuren and Oliver
Jones both brought home Gold.
SQUASHED
For the first time in Davenies history we
entered 2 boys into the IAPS Squash
Tournament held at the resplendent
Wellington College. Over the course of 2
days, they played 8 sets of games against
the best in South East. Playing any sport at
Wellington is always a privilege, not least in
front of large crowds – what an experience!
Davenies boys reach K2
Congratulations to the following who have qualified for the
National Swimming Championships at K2, Crawley: Alec
Shackleton (U’10 25m Breaststroke 10/98), Jack Blair (U’11
50m Breaststroke 11/89), James Bell (U’11 50m Freestyle
9/107) and the U’11 Medley Relay Team (Louis Williams,
James Baldwin, Jack Blair and James Bell) who qualified
3/76 schools.

Mothering Sunday – cold, blustery conditions, flat pitches and a keen set of 10 Colts ready to face battle at the Moulsford 7s. Over the
course of the pool matches we were caught napping and unawares by Packwood Haugh; found confidence, space, width and fluidity against
Moulsford Bs and OPS; battled bravely against a lucky 7 from The Downs, and then got sucked into Cothill’s game plan. The final against
Farleigh was a bruising encounter. For much of the match, we retained possession, exerted pressure and scored some fabulous tries because
of it. Bone-crunching tackles, an awareness of space, crisp passing and a real desire for the ball were all in evidence, and abundance.
A WIN-WIN SITUATION!
The prep school football circuit is a harsh,
intemperate arena in which to play. Draws are
ground out with indefatigable defence and
resolute midfieldery; wins are sneaked with
swift and ingenious counterattacks, not to
mention a certain ability to find the back of the
net! But remaining unassailable is something
to be proud of and applauded – a feat that
Mr Tennant’s Colts have achieved this term.
Congratulations chaps!
Squashed into a corner
Colts 7s Success
Before his call up to the England & Wales U’13 Squash Team, James
Wyatt administered his own medicine to others at the German Open in
Nuremberg. In the final he was 2 – 0 games up and 8 – 6 up in the third
when he slipped and cried out in pain because he tore his hamstring!
With usual stoicism, James went back on court, even though he could
hardly walk, and managed a couple of rolling nicks to win the final. That
brings new definition to the word ‘determination’…
PSBB
Whilst England were scoring tries aplenty in Paris, Conor Hickman was
doing likewise for the Southeast Prep School Ba-Bas. Conor scored 6
tries in 3 games and ended the day as the South East’s top try scorer
ensuring they emerged as the ISRFC Prep School Regional Champions
2012. Despite playing in 4 different positions (inside centre, outside
centre, fullback and wing), he still managed to find the try line!
SPORT

SCHOOL VISITORS
Mathemagicians
The Lent Term began with another
highly successful afternoon of
Mathemagicians. This consists
of 2 sessions run by Douglas
Buchanan, an ex-Head of Maths,
for groups of mathematicians
across Years 3 – 5, and 6 – 8.
Comprising some challenging fun
mathematics, head scratching
and smiles were seen in equal
abundance.
The Ides of March
Year 5 spent most of the morning repelling Viking Invaders
from the PAC. By donning spears and shields our hardy
guardians kept Sir Teachalot at bay as the year group delved
in The Dark Ages to see History in action.
Alas, poor Yorick
The YSC visited Davenies to perform Hamlet
with Years 6 & 7. Despite having just 5 actors
and the absolute minimum of props, the play
was brought to life and explained in great
detail. The children sat in the round, their
eyes growing wider and wider as they became
totally absorbed with the fantastic production
before them. Some of the children were lucky
enough to have small parts and all were
involved at some point in creating a spooky
atmosphere for the scene on the castle
battlements and also in the performance of
the play within a play near the end.

CLIFFHANGER
At the end of term, the Senior Society met for the first time
this year. As an international climber and a member of the
British Climbing Team, Jon Partridge talked the boys through
how he entered the sport, how and where he competes, what
his training consists of and talked through the veritable toybox
of equipment that he uses. Armed with anecdotes, photos and
video footage, Jon illuminated his audience to a world of chalk,
finger pain and challenge!
Fun & Syrup Pancakes
With a recipe involving 3 parts enthusiasm, 1 part batter, 1 part audience
participation and 1 part golden syrup, Mrs Tennant arrived in Reception
ready to make pancakes. Much hilarity and excitement ensued as both
classes made, tossed and devoured pancake after pancake. It was the
highlight of the day for all concerned!
Petit Chaperon Rouge
Years 1 – 4 enjoyed French Storytelling from the Freshwater
Theatre Company as the boys joined in with Little Red Riding
Hood before helping Jack climb the Beanstalk and face the
ogre. The moment was as magic as the beans!
FOOTBALL CRAZY
The sun shone on a picture-perfect afternoon for our annual Primary
Schools’ Football Festival. 16 local primary schools participated in this
year’s festival, each playing 6 friendly 7-a-side games throughout a nonstop,
action-packed afternoon. With goals and saves aplenty, the drama
unfolded and both girls and boys competed with great energy, enthusiasm
and sportsmanship; many would have happily continued playing well into
the night in order to play all fifteen teams before going home! Mini footballs,
certificates and team photographs were presented by the Headmaster
during a muffin and doughnut tea.
SCHOOL VISITORS

DRAMA & MUSIC
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Year 4 parents half expected Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard to sweep across the stage during two evenings of World War II drama.
With nostalgic vignettes and scenes devised entirely by the Year 4 boys, audiences were whisked 70 years back in history to discover
what it was like to live as an evacuee.
Behind the mask...
This term, Year 5 have performed to packed audiences with a series
of ‘Mask’ Drama Projects. With such focuses as a group moving as
one, warrior dances, humans with animal characteristics and masks of
deceit, the PAC was held spellbound as the class-devised scripts were
acted out with confidence and aplomb.
Year 6 Invent a Play-in-a-Day
Year 6 had a wonderful time with the Everyday Theatre Group,
creating scenes around ‘Inventions’. Their creative juices were
flowing as we had remote controls that changed genre all around
at the press of a button, sofas that did everything, and remote
control hands to do all the dirty work… Not only did the boys have
an exciting and inventive day creating their vignettes, the audience
had a lot of fun watching.

HIGH NOTES Chamber Music
The first Lunchtime Concert this term
began with a confident performance
of the uplifting song I Believe by Year 4.
Following an assortment of mixed solos
and duets, we heard performances by
Calum Stewart and John Henry Kelly,
both of whom have just been awarded
Music Scholarships at their future
schools, and the concert concluded with
the Chamber Choir performing Mozart’s
Ave Verum.
The second Lunchtime Concert of term
kicked off with Year 3 playing a film theme,
which they performed with confidence,
and though there were many of the usual
solos, much of this concert concentrated
on Chamber Music. There were many
duets, particularly on brass instruments,
including the more unusual Tenor Horn and
Euphonium! The Concert concluded with an
assured performance of The Sky Puppet by
Martinu by the Piano Trio.
DAVENIES/HIGH MARCH CONCERT
The Finale
The final Lunchtime Concert this term started
with a stirring vocal performance from Years 4 &
5, singing the upbeat Refuge. Interspersed with the
usual solos from students from Years 3 – 8, we also
heard the other ensembles performing contrasting
pieces, from James Bond to Scarborough Fair,
finishing off with the Jazz Band who played with
utter confidence to the very last note!
A packed PAC was treated to an afternoon’s music, primarily from Les Miserables as Year 6 from Davenies combined with that from
High March. A wonderful singing performance was enjoyed by all: staff and parents watched very proudly as Year 6 gave it everything
they had – well done to them all!
DRAMA & MUSIC

SKI TRIP
WHERE EAGLES DARE
In heavy snow, 32 intrepid boys and 5 staff skied the Ziller
Valley in Austria. The conditions were variable, but the boys
skied every day, often on un-pisted slopes with snow reaching
above their knees! The next time they ski on freshly groomed
slopes, they will be challenging for places on the British Winter
Olympic Team! The boys were a credit to the school and
enjoyed themselves immensely.

SHACKLETON DO THE DOUBLE
Davenies’ House Matches at their best provide a unique opportunity for boys across the age and ability range to play together, support each
other, compete and contribute towards a common goal; this year’s tournament did not disappoint! Football Finals Day this term mixed all of the
above with the additional incentive to raise money for Sport Relief. The target of £500 was reached by allowing the boys to dress in their House
colours and the school doubled the money raised by the House with the best goal celebration. Shackleton narrowly missed the Triple Crown
opportunity as they bowed to Cook’s Senior Team’s outstanding, hip-gyrating, all-fall-down choreography.
Shackleton’s clean sweep of both the Junior and Senior House football trophies, however, came down to a penalty shootout against Cook to
decide the overall winners. Alex Smith’s spontaneous applause for Justin Janse van Vuuren’s penalty save epitomised the good sportsmanship
throughout this afternoon.
A Question of It’s a Knockout
Combining two of TVs greatest shows, the Junior School embraced Sport Relief
2012 with a House-based A Question of Sport, before embarking on an ambitious
obstacle course outside. If only Stuart Hall had been there…
CLOCK SPORTS
Across Davenies, Sport Relief 2012 was in evidence, none more so that in the Pre-Prep. 120 excited boys participated in a veritable panoply
of activities as ‘Clock Sports’ took place on the Astro. Bathed in glorious sunshine, Mr Hutchings’ challenges were greeted in a laudable spirit.
SPORT RELIEF

OTHER NEWS
BIKE IT
As part of the on-going Bike It project,
a number of boys took the opportunity
to have their bikes carefully serviced
by a trained professional. After school
a small, but select group of Year 7
& 8s took part in a hands-on bike
maintenance course, where they were
given some key skills that should allow
them to check and maintain the basic
safety of their own bike.
A BLANKET
OF WHITE
For many Davenies families,
a cold, frosty start to the
week before half term did not
abate the excitement with
which coming to school is
greeted. Much excitement
was to be had upon viewing
the Headmaster’s Lawn
blanketed with a pristine
white eiderdown…
Governors say goodbye
This term the school marked its 50th anniversary of being a
Charitable Trust, run by a board of Trustees. During that time the
school has altered dramatically, none more so than in the last 10
years when the Tennant and Newton Buildings have been planned,
built and put into use. A significant contributor to these successes
has been Tim Russ, who has sadly now stepped down from the
Governing Board. Chairman, Scott Dodds unveiled an especially
commissioned picture by resident artist Robert Helps featuring
these two buildings.
AH, THE
EVAN’S
GAMBIT?
This term saw the ever popular Chess Club
have to move to larger premises owing to the
sheer numbers of budding Bobby Fishers on
a Tuesday morning. After a long, drawn out
and keenly fought inter-school competition,
the final, between George Hall and Sonni
Moorley, was an incredibly close match.
Congratulations to Sonni, our inaugural
Davenies Chess Champion.

Marathon Men
Scott house donned their trainers to do battle against the clock as they set their sights on the Marathon World Record of 2:03:38 set by Patrick
Makau from Kenya in Berlin. The Scott House Relay Team set off at a blistering pace on a 20m track, running shuttles until they had completed the
26 miles 385 Yards. The last athlete crossed the line in a time of 2:03:10, breaking the world record by a mere 28 seconds. This was an excellent team
performance which raised over £1,500 for the charity WheelPower.
Pre-Prep Penguins’
Pancake Perfection
Whilst the sun shone, Pre-Prep boys were in high spirits as the
four Houses prepared to do battle with their frying pans and
pancakes. Each boy had a turn at crossing the Astroturf whilst
flipping the pancake in the air. It was all good fun as in this
year’s Pre-Prep Pancake Race Penguins emerged victorious!
Broadsword, calling Danny Boy
Through 5 war scenarios, 40 fearless combat troops battled for
Delta Force Supremacy. In near perfect conditions, battle lines were
drawn, as Field Marshal Gibson pitted his ardent troops against
the nefarious Lieutenant-Colonel Tennant. Despite dubious tactics
and questionable outcomes, much fun was had. On the return to
Davenies, smelly, grime-smeared boys and staff talked of near
misses, flesh wounds and of the kamikaze runs by Major-Generals
Nickless and Clarke.
BACON YOUR PARDON...
What better way to end the week, than to start the day with a
warm breakfast, and to raise money for charity all in one go?
In order to combat the early morning chill that we have been
experiencing of late, the Year 8 mums were early to bed in order to
leap into action early for the last Bacon Buttie sale of term. Some
£300 has now made its way to support Mama Baker’s Boxes:
how appropriate that Davenies parents and boys are supporting
a local charity setup by an ex-Davenies parent for her OD son…
Battered...
With the honour of one’s House and 200 vociferous supporters on the side-lines, the annual
House Pancake Race is not for the feint-hearted. Indeed, the pressure, when combined with
Mr Cooke’s intricate course and the small matter of tossing a pancake whilst sprinting,
always makes for a thrilling spectacle – and we were not disappointed this year!
OTHER NEWS

ACADEMIC
Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1AA
www.davenies.co.uk
The School is owned by Beaconsfield Educational Trust Limited, a company limited by guarantee,
whose registered office is at 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1 31T Registration Number 717500 Registered Charity 313120