magazine 2015

Talbot House Report
Another academic year is at a close and while I descend the steps for the last time as Head of House the Talbot Bus
is revving to depart, ready to wend its way on the road to more successes.
Mr Anderson’s photoshopping exploits did us proud this year. Indeed, Lara Thomas as our new House Captain looked quite
at home in the driver’s seat of the Talbot Bus and with Molly Darley as her conductor nobody will dare to put a foot out
of line. Remember Oxford-bound Joe Barnes’ assembly with the paintbrush? The Talbot Bus underwent more than one
imaginary makeover (in-house jokes!) and is possibly set for more in the future.
We began the year on a high note, by winning the Hobbies Exhibition. Olivia Stocking and Nayantika Chaudary were
the clear Year 7 winners with their display on Comenius Travelling; while Peter Owen’s impressive knowledge of Chicken
Keeping gained him a super second place in the Year 8 category and James Bradburn of 9T gained a third place for showcasing
his excellent Scuba Diving expertise. Following on from that came the Great Egg Race – The Zombie Apocalypse;
what a spectacle! Mr Mole and Mrs Horsley really out themed themselves this year – the hall looked like the set for Michael
Jackson’s Thriller. Talbot entries were not as high as others but my goodness they were quality. In particular, a special mention
has to go to Emily Edwards, Jasmin Luo and Bhaavya Bathula of 9T, the trio behind Eggsplosion. Their contraption
was absolutely formidable – was there any target or teacher safe from its deadly aim? A Fabulous Talbot effort meant a
surprising but resounding success and we retained our Egg Race title.
The Polyathlon competitions were a mixture of highs and lows with some moments of pure triumph against all the odd; the
Senior Boys’ Football matches were a real highlight. Thanks to the man himself, Josh Hake – a legend in his own time! Also
the skills of Tom Stockton were called upon as he took to the turf in the name of Talbot (a gesture never before witnessed).
Lewis Darlington, rowing superstar, braved the cold for us and even played for ooh at least a couple of minutes – more of
that volunteering spirit please and house colours could be on their way!
The Public Speaking Competition - what I don’t think people appreciate is the dedication of those who put themselves forward
for this whole school spectacle; the audition process, the writing, re-writing and rehearsal schedule can all be quite
gruelling at times. Our Year 7 team comprising of Olivia Stocking, Amy Sharp and Harriet Price (with Stephanie Bowers
waiting in the wings, just in case) did a fantastic job with their lively rendition of Jim who Ran Away from his Nurse, and
was Eaten by a Lion by Hilaire Belloc. Our Year 8 team comprising the dulcet tones of Alishba Rizvi, eloquent narrator
Matthew Garnett and fabulous frog Robbie Strang delivered The Frog Prince by The Brothers Grimm – their performance
earned them a thoroughly deserved first place in their Year Group category. Our Year 9 offering was Exam Season with
Molly Harriman and Bhaavya Bathula discussing the nightmares awaiting us all in the exam hall (special thanks to George
Edge who was our documentary voice-over star waiting to step in at a moment’s notice). Year 10’s offering of How to Procrastinate
Like A Professional penned and performed by the talented duo of Tara Justin and Eleanor Lees gave us every
excuse in the book to do absolutely nothing (if we don’t want to amount to anything in life that is!).
In one of the closest heats in living memory, the Year 11 category was tough to judge because of the creative talents of all
three competitors; Jamie Baker’s observations on our society’s obsession with ‘the public apology’ was not only scathing but
revealed a witty and wry sense of humour. The Sixth Form entries were, again, of a high quality. Firstly, Molly Darley’s “If I
Ruled the World” was clever and entertaining – I for one would adore a blinged up throne and Beyonce as my own personal
stylist. Secondly, Lizzy Dugmore’s inventively titled “The Role of Pumpkins in Society” was innovative and unique – still
haunted by the image of overly zealous small children with sharp kitchen implements gouging out the eyes! We may have
come third, denied second place by Fitzherbert by only one mark, but those young people on that stage had worked their
socks off – well done to you all!
The Swimming Gala was another much-anticipated event. We have many talented swimmers who have represented
the House year on year. Sadly, there was to be no shield for us this year and it was the last year that the likes of Megan
McCandless could break another school record (and she did!) and great swimmers like Claudia Ballinger and Joseph
Owen could showcase their aquatic skills. The relay teams for Years 9 and 10, both the girls and the boys were formidable
and the girls just missed breaking the school record by one second – stars of the present and future to look out
for are Ryan Hopper and Molly Harriman. A special mention has to go to Ella Edge who swam for us despite feeling
under the weather. Thanks to all the juniors and inters competitors who swam their hearts out.
Sports Day was the last of the whole school events and, although overall success eluded us, there were certainly some
star turns. The Junior Boys, particularly those of 8T were in fine form. A special mention goes to Robbie Strang who
gained first places in both the Hurdles and High Jump events. Likewise, in the Junior Girls section, Sophie Edgington
in 8T was a force to be reckoned with, gaining first place in the Long Jump and second places in the Hurdles and 800m.
In addition, Kim McColl was superb in the throwing events achieving second place in both the Javelin and the Discus.
The Senior Boys were also very successful: first places were attained by Harry Dovey in the 1500m and Ryan Hopper
in the Triple Jump who also gained second place in the Hurdles. Another star on the day was Joe Owen who came first
in the High Jump and also went on to gain second place in the 1500m as well as the 100m. The Senior Girls won their
category! The likes of Jess Adams, Ellie Hooker, Claudia Ballinger, Megan McCandless and Ella Edge dominated the
top three placings for the majority of the events. A huge thank you to all of the Talbot competitors and especially to
those who stepped up at the last minute, some even on the day, to ensure we had a full line up for all events.
The role of Head of House is often a busy one; sometimes frustrating but always rewarding. It has been a privilege to
work alongside the talented young people and the dedicated staff of Talbot House.
Mrs D K Shaughnessey