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Autumn 2008 

Twycross Times 

Twycross TIMES 

TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL 

TWYCROSS HOUSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL 

Operation Christmas Child 

There were brightly coloured shoe boxes to be seen in every direction at the end of last 

month as we prepared for our first joint Hollies - Twycross House charity venture. The 

idea – a very simple one – was explained in assembly. Cover a shoe box with festive 

paper, fill it with small gifts suitable for a boy or girl, bring it along on collection day and 

all the boxes will be shipped to children who have nothing and who have never been 

given a Christmas present in their lives. 

However, no words could match the power 

of the accompanying DVD. The sight of 

children transported with joy as they 

rummaged in their boxes and found soft 

toys, pencils, soap, hats, dolls and cars was 

unforgettable. We all tried, and failed, to 

imagine a childhood without the excitement 

of unwrapping a present. 

The charity in question is Samaritan's Purse, 

which since 1990 has delivered 60 million of 

these boxes to children in Eastern Europe and 

Africa under the Operation Christmas Child 

banner. These children are the victims of 

disease, poverty or natural disasters and they 

find themselves in hospitals, orphanages, 

refugee camps or homeless shelters. 

On the day appointed for collection we held 

our first ever whole-school assembly for the 

8–18 age group, hoping that we would all fit 

into the sports hall. The Hollies had their 

own assembly straight afterwards. As each 

form made its way across the village green the scale of 

people's generosity was soon apparent, as nearly 

everybody was clutching a shoebox. A representative of Samaritan's Purse gave a short 

talk about the origins of the charity and its achievements to date. She thanked 

everybody for their efforts and announced that our 

boxes would be sent to Kyrgyzstan. 

As we left the hall the boxes - a staggering five 

hundred of them - were loaded on the van and taken 

to the charity's depot. It was a great response from 

everybody, from the 6th form to the youngest children 

at the Hollies (and not forgetting the staff of both 

schools) and we would like to thank all the parents and 

pupils for their generous support. 

I think the following message I received from a parent 

sums it up: 'We have been up to our ears in paper and 

tape this evening! What an excellent exercise for the 

children - very thought provoking for them.' 

N. Lilley 

TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PL | T: 01827 880651


CRUCK COTTAGE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 

Cruck Cottage situated next to the Old Sweet Shop has had a 

transformation during the last 6 months. With the building work 

completed the cottage, formerly the old School Master’s, has been 

used during the autumn term by pupils at both the Hollies and 

Twycross House. The Hollies have used the new music rooms, library 

and kitchen – spending time there before Christmas making seasonal 

cookies to take home. A-level music students from Twycross House 

also used the cottage for their lessons and during the next few 

months other instrumental and music groups will have the 

opportunity to use the facilities. Planning permission has been 

granted to extend Cruck Cottage to provide additional classroom 

space. 

At Twycross House planning permission has been granted for the 

development of the New Hall. The additonal building will provide 

Sixth Form accommodation including a common room and 

classrooms. The work will hopefully be completed as soon as possible 

to be ready for use in September 2009. 

JILLY BEANS 

Bridget Allen of Jilly Beans is available every day during term time 

between 8-9am and 3-4pm in the storeroom next to Cruck 

Cottage. A full selection of uniform for the Hollies and Twycross 

House, school bags, sports shoes/boots, shoe labels, mouth guards, 

shin pads, pencils/crayons, fountain pens, maths sets, swim 

goggles, frisbees, tights and hair accessories are available. Also 

available for order, with quick delivery turnaround, are hockey 

sticks, rugby and cricket equipment and other specialist sport 

equipment. For weekend and holiday appointments please call 

Bridget Allen on 07967 619645. 

STRONGER LINKS WITH THE 

DIETRICH-BONHOEFFER- GYMNASIUM IN GERMANY 

At the start of the autumn term we were pleased 

to welcome Frau Eva Simon to the staff. Eva’s 

sister, Marie, had visited Twycross House last year 

as a member of the exchange party from 

Schweich, West Germany, and we were delighted 

when Eva contacted us about the possibility of a 

study visit to the school. 

Eva is currently training to be a languages and 

sports teacher in Germany, and to further her 

professional development she spent 4 weeks 

working alongside staff in the German, English 

and P.E. departments with students from Form 3 

right through to the Upper Sixth. 

Eva’s warmth and enthusiasm made her an asset 

from the very start. She shared in many aspects 

of the school’s life, joining both the DofE Silver 

expedition and the Lower Sixth activity week-end. 

We are hoping very much to see her again 

this year. 

2 TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PL | T: 01827 880651

Twycross Times - New Staff 

MR DAVID MORRELL 

Boys' games and girls' basketball 

Mr Morrell is an old boy of Twycross House 

(1981-1990). After graduating from Leeds 

University he worked in N. Ireland and 

played semi-professional basketball for 

Dungannon Flyers. Back in the UK he 

started up a business called British 

Cushions, which provides branded foam 

cushions for sporting events, and plays 

basketball for Bosworth Blazers. Mr 

Morrell teaches boys' games and coaches 

all the boys' basketball teams and the girls' 

U16 team. 

MISS ELENI 

STOGIANNARI 

Classics 

Miss Stogiannari has a BA in Classics from 

Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; 

an MA in Applied Linguistics; and a TESOL 

qualification from Leicester University. She 

has taught classics in Greece, in UK 

secondary schools and at Leicester 

University. At Twycross she is teaching 

Latin and Greek to Senior 2 and to GCSE 

and A-level students. 

MR JOHN NORTH 

Physics 

We welcome Mr North to Twycross House 

School from Wreake Valley College where 

he was Vice Principal and A level physics 

teacher. A graduate of Newcastle 

University where he read physics for his 

BSc and completed a MSc in Geophysics., 

Mr North completed his PGCE at Leicester 

University. At Twycross House he is 

teaching GCSE and A level physics and we 

hope he will be teaching chemistry in the 

near future. 

MRS ELLIE NUNN 

French 

We said goodbye to Mrs Ruth Beale shortly 

after half term on her move to Shropshire 

and welcomed Mrs Ellie Nunn to the 

French department. Mrs Nunn has spent 

most of her career in Kent working at 

schools including Fort Pitt Grammar School 

and Gads Hill School. She studied French 

and Spanish at Hull University and gained 

her PGCE at Cardiff. At Twycross she is 

teaching French to Form 5 and Senior 2. 

MRS JEANETTE HUNT 

Girls' games and mathematics 

Mrs Hunt has joined us this term from 

Chase Terrace College in Lichfield. A keen 

basketball player, Mrs Hunt plays for the 

Cannock Buccaneers and is hoping to 

expand the school basketball teams to 

include some of the younger girls. Senior 

girls have also been enjoying trampolining, 

street dance and aerobics this term. Mrs 

Hunt is a graduate of Crewe and Alsager, 

where she studied Sports Science; she 

completed her PGCE in PE and 

mathematics at Cardiff University. She is 

teaching mathematics to Senior 2 in 

addition to girls' games to all age groups. 

MR MATTHEW BEAVAN 

Geography and Games 

Mr Beavan joins this term from Lancaster 

School, Leicester. His teaching here covers 

a broad spectrum of ages from the Hollies 

through to GCSE and A-level geography. 

He is a graduate of Bristol University where 

he completed his BSc in geography and 

was awarded his PGCE. Mr Beavan is a 

keen rugby player and also represents 

Great Britain in Ultimate, a sport that he 

has introduced to the senior members of 

the school this term. 

MRS SARAH 

SANGANEE 

Spanish 

¡Viva el Español! 

We are very pleased to introduce Spanish 

into the curriculum this year. With over 400 

million speakers, it is the fourth most 

commonly spoken language. This, 

combined with the relative ease of travel to 

Spain these days, means that Spanish is an 

increasingly popular language choice in 

schools. Two groups of enthusiastic S4 and 

LVI pupils started Spanish with Mrs 

Sanganee in September and will complete 

the GCSE course over two years. They are 

progressing incredibly well and are already 

able to talk confidently about themselves 

and their family, school and hobbies in 

Spanish. ¡Buena Suerte! 

TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PL | T: 01827 880651 

3


FOOTBALL 

After a shaky start by all teams in which 

they lost to teams they were capable of 

defeating, performances have gradually 

improved across the board and led to 

some notable successes. 

Under 13 District Winners 

The U11 7-a-side A team was the first 

Twycross team to win the district cup, 

playing the sort of football that would 

make Arsene Wenger purr. The U13 5-aside 

team also achieved a first for Twycross 

by winning the district tournament and 

overcoming opposition from some large 

state schools with some spirited and skilful 

play. The U12s finished a close second in 

their age group, losing out on goal 

difference with just one goal in it. 

In 11-a-side matches, the U12s 

demonstrated their ability with powerful 

first half performances against three large 

state schools which saw them 2 or 3 goals 

up at half time, but stronger second half 

performances by their opponents saw them 

just pipped at the post by the odd goal. 

The senior teams have also begun to find 

their feet, with Ian Miles and Danny 

Thomas outstanding for the U18s and 

Tsunwan Low and Will Allen shining for the 

U15s and U16s. The return of key players 

from injury has seen the U14s win their last 

three matches convincingly. 

After a disappointing Foremarke 

Tournament the U10s have bounced back 

with comfortable victories over Milverton 

and Bablake, and the U9 A team have won 

three of their games and look like a force 

to be reckoned with in years to come. 

George Rushton, Charlie Stockton and 

Declan Cartwright are to be congratulated 

on their selection to the District squads. 

Of the 40 matches played so far, Twycross 

have won 24 and drawn 3, scoring 162 

goals in the process. Well done so far to all 

the players and their supportive longsuffering 

parents! C. Perry 

SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY 

BASKETBALL 

IN A HECTIC AUTUMN TERM THE BASKETBALL TEAMS HAVE WON 10 OF 

THEIR 17 MATCHES AND PLAYED IN 3 TOURNAMENTS. 

UNDER 19 BOYS 

After losing a friendly against Desford College 45-44 without some key players, the 

team embarked on their English Cup Campaign. An easy victory over Sandwell 

Academy 88-28 was followed by a wake-up call against Shire Oak in Birmingham. After 

going down 72-39, the team needed to win their last two fixtures. First they defeated 

Baverstock 76-46 away and then triumphed over Thomas Telford 58-48 in a hard 

fought game. They wait to see if second place in the group allows them to proceed. 

Finally a heavy defeat to Solihull Sixth Form Basketball Academy in the West Midlands 

Cup ended our participation in that event. 

UNDER 15 BOYS 

Friendly wins over Rawlett and Netherstone set the under 15s up for their English Cup ties 

in the ‘elite’ group of schools. A fantastic win over King Edwards Birmingham 

102-42 led to an away tie against Northampton School for Boys. Tough refereeing and a 

generally poor performance led to a difficult loss 97-43. This set up a win or bust tie with 

Lancaster Boys (who beat us by 50 last season). In what can be described as the best 

performance by a Twycross team in years, we conceded a lay up on the buzzer to lose by 

one point, 62-61. Although disappointing, this was a very creditable performance. 

UNDER 14/13/12 BOYS 

All these teams have West Midland Cup fixtures to come next term. The U14s lost in a 

friendly to Mount Grace 83-44 and the U12s, playing in their first ever match, defeated 

Mount Grace by two points in a very exciting match in overtime. 

UNDER 16 GIRLS 

After gaining further experience in friendly 

tournaments at William Bradford and 

winning against Polesworth, the girls entered 

the English Schools Cup. After a baptism of 

fire against a good Dame Elizabeth Cadbury 

team, losing 52-30, the girls played brilliantly 

to win two away matches against 

Smithswood, 29-13, and James Brindley in 

Stoke, 50-9. 

Overall the teams have performed creditably 

so far and the new year will bring West 

Midlands Cup fixtures at all ages, in which 

we have a chance of silverware in a couple 

of age groups. D Morrell 

U10 & U11 NETBALL REPORT 

The U11 netball teams have followed in the footsteps of the S1 and S2 teams when they 

were juniors and have continued to notch up some excellent results in the autumn term. 

They have played five and won five! The A team have competed in and won three league 

matches: an 18:1 win against Weddington, 16:1 versus St Nicholas and 10:3 against 

Milverton. Now playing High Fives in all their games the girls have adapted well and are 

all very confident at playing in a variety of different positions. 

The B team have played two and won two, beating St Nicholas 12:0 and Milverton 8:0. 

The most magical moment has to be when Abigail Wright scored three goals against 

Milverton. 

The U10 have been coached by Mrs Hunt this term and have played one game, beating 

Weddington 6:1. J B Thomas 

Two Nuneaton and District schools events have been held with Twycross runners placed in the top ten in their 

respective races. These were Stephen Parkes 2nd, Anthony Parkes 3rd, Greg Jones 6th, Harriet Gilman 7th, Ben 

Parkes 9th and Philippa Thirlby 10th. 

These runners went on to represent Nuneaton District in the County Schools Championships with Stephen Parkes 

becoming County Schools Champion. Three runners gained selection for Warwickshire in an Inter-Counties 

competition at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. This was a high-level competition attended 

by 10 counties with 80+ runners in each race. Stephen Parkes came 11th, Greg Jones 29th and Anthony 39th in 

their respective races. 

Congratulations to all three boys. Mrs J Hunt 

Stephen Parkes 



SENIOR NETBALL 

It has been a very busy term with 22 

games organised and 18 played. The Under 

12s have had some exciting matches 

especially against Higham Lane, narrowly 

losing in the final minutes by 2 goals but 

overall winning 5 out of 7 matches this 

term – well done to all the team players 

who have consistently come to all 

practices, showing some well executed 

attacking skills. 

The Under 13s have won 3 and lost 2, 

continuing from last year with the odds in 

their favour but this year they have found 

the opposition definitely improving – so 

more practice needed girls! 

The Under 14s have shown dogged 

determination to improve their team skills, 

winning two and losing two, which goes to 

show that perseverance is key and I look 

forward to more wins next term! 

Last but not least the Under 15s have a 

nucleus of solid support in their team 

contributing to honours-even in the results, 

although next term it will need the whole 

team to put wins on the scoreboard! So 

come on, all the netball teams, next term 

everyone’s support will make the results a 

lot better. 

Mrs R Sharrott 

ULTIMATE 

AT TWYCROSS 

HOUSE SCHOOL 

This term there have been various sightings 

of strange circular objects flying across the 

paddock. Some would say ‘they appear at 

random’, ‘almost out of nowhere’, 

‘apparently under no control whatsoever’. 

However, all can be explained! 

The Sixth Form have created the first 

Twycross House School Ultimate team. The 

team ‘Flux Ultimate’ will be representing 

the school at various tournaments across 

the Midlands over the next few weeks and 

have inspired younger age groups to learn 

how to throw a disc. 

Ultimate will be taught to all senior age 

groups during games lessons and hopefully, 

with the success of the Sixth Form team, 

they will be competing in tournaments later 

in the year. 

Mr M Beavan 

To those of you over 24: this article refers 

to Ultimate Frisbee! (Ed.) 

U11 CROSS COUNTRY REPORT 

CAN TWYCROSS HOUSE BOYS' U11 TEAM GAIN THEIR HAT-TRICK? 

Twycross once again hosted the first Nuneaton Primary Schools Cross Country Event. The 

weather was kind to us and the teams were all geared up and raring to go. The Sixth Form 

students did a great job acting as course marshals. Super running from the boys gave them 

overall first position, with Tom Mueller 3rd, Robbie Jones 6th, Louis Mueller 7th and 

Bradley Pugh 14th. The girls came home in second place with Kate Gibson 5th, Kate 

Henderson 6th, Maisie Ryan 9th and Dian Sherwin 14th. 

The second race was held at Higham Lane School and again the boys did very well 

finishing first overall. Despite losing Robbie Jones, the same group of boys all performed 

very well with Tom moving up to the number 2 spot and Bradley up to number 9. Louis 

was 8th and Tom Hall did exceptionally well from number 28 in the first race to 11th in 

this one. There were a few changes to the girls' squad, but they still managed to finish in 

4th overall position. Kate Henderson came home first for Twycross in 10th place with Kate 

Gibson close on her heels. Isobel Sinclair stepped in to the team and made it home in 

19th place, with Maisie at 22nd and the Sherwin twins at 24th and 25th. 

Well done to both teams! With school Cross Country commencing in January 09 the 

teams should be in good shape for the third and final race of the season. Hopefully many 

of them will qualify for the Nuneaton Area Team and go forward to race against the 

Atherstone and Bedworth schools. 

Mrs J Thomas 

GAMES BOND IN WALES 

‘Bonding’ the new members of the Lower 

Sixth seems like a good reason to spend a 

sunny weekend at the end of September 

over the border in Wales. This is outward 

bound with a difference; a five star fish and 

chip supper in Welshpool on the way there, 

a day at the Red Ridge activity centre, a 

technical team challenge and a hike and a 

barbecue and a table-tennis competition 

and a… well it was a busy weekend. 

The day at the activity centre was a 

chance to try out some new trials 

of courage: some climbing up a 

vertiginous wall, some crawling 

down a darkened labyrinth of 

tunnels, some splashing around in 

a lake on hand built rafts and some 

bruising (well, actually quite a lot 

of bruising) on the zip wire. 

The post-barbecue, evening bonfire was a sadly disappointing 

and diminished affair due to the dampness of the tinder, 

but walking through the woods at night is always an 

exciting experience as the girls insist on jumping out 

unexpectedly to scare the boys who then, equally 

expectedly, decide to jump out and scare the girls – loud 

squealing reduces any chance of spotting the odd badger 

to zero; so we had to console ourselves with a warm mug 

of cocoa (courtesy of Mrs Smith) which at least ensured 

everyone got a good night’s sleep. And, just as well for 

clear heads, patience, creativity of a high order and 

blatant cheating were required for the team challenge. 

This fiendishly devised activity (courtesy of Mr Wright) 

involved constructing a catapult from canes, tape, 

newspaper and the all important elastic band to fire a raw 

egg (protected by wrapping) as far as possible, without 

cracking the shell. 

Distant memories of history lessons recounting medieval sieges and more recent 

attempts by Top-Gear celebrities to launch objects into orbit were of no practical use. 

However, an imaginative array of contraptions decorated with an assortment of good 

luck charms was assembled for the contest. Modesty prevents me from revealing the 

full margin of victory enjoyed by the staff team; but the laughter generated was more 

than sufficient to make any serious evaluation totally unnecessary. This was without 

doubt the most pleasant and polite group of young people who ever undertook a 

games bond in Wales. I Redford 


5


DUKE OF EDINBURGH 

Members of Senior 5 are to be congratulated for 

completing their Silver expedition in October in the 

Welsh Marches. Here are some extracts from the 

expedition reports written by this year’s participants. 

This time we were much better at getting our tents up 

quickly and everyone was much more willing to help 

each other with tasks such as cooking and picking up 

rubbish. As a group we systematically hunted down 

any rubbish left on our pitch and disposed of it. 

I made the rest of the group share the map reading. This 

involved them and it prepared them for the assessor’s questions. 

The DofE has taught me how to work in a team, learn from my 

mistakes and set a pace which everyone is comfortable with. 

It has made me a more determined person. 

I saw how a group with mixed abilities was able to rise to the 

top of its game, and without any major struggles or squabbles. 

I put this down to the good nature of my team-mates... 

When we finally arrived at the 

camp site the fatigue in our eyes 

suddenly turned to wonderment 

as we inspected the (utterly 

amazing) toilets. Bathed in a 

blue ethereal glow, the 

chambers exerted a kind of 

hypnotic clutch on all who 

entered. The floors and walls 

were pristine. There was no graffiti on the toilet doors. This 

was the best point in our trip. (Alright, not really – but it was 

pretty cool.) 

The expedition has taught me that everyone is different and that 

everybody brings something different to the team. I couldn’t 

have done it without my friends, who helped me out during the 

good and bad times. 

HOCKEY 

Twycross hockey teams have had a very 

busy first half to the season, with 28 

fixtures played. Overall the results have not 

yet reflected the effort the girls have put 

in. However, I am sure this will change in 

the second half of the season. 

The most notable successes were the 

Under 15 girls winning the Nuneaton 

District tournament and the Under 16s 

who were runners up in their event. The 

Under 14s had a difficult draw and 

narrowly missed out on a semi-final place 

in the County tournament. They were a 

credit to the school and never failed to give 

100% in every game. 

The Under 13s also just missed out on a 

place in the semi-finals of the ISA 

tournament. They have had a good season 

so far. The Under 12s have just started 

Under 15 District Winners 

their season with some 7-a-side fixtures. 

They have had mixed results and are 

making good progress. 

The Under 11 are having some extra 

coaching after school and are preparing for 

more fixtures next term. 

Mrs J Hunt 

In summary, the DofE experience from the Bronze through to 

Silver has been amazing and I cannot believe how much I am 

missing the planning, anticipation and expeditions. I never 

thought it could be possible to thoroughly enjoy hard work. The 

whole experience was so involving of time, energy, patience and 

determination that now the lack of DofE has left a hole in my 

life - but only until I enrol for Gold. I would encourage anyone 

to take it up. 

MORE COMMENTS ON THE CAMP SITE: 

There is only one word to describe the campsite for the second 

night – glorious! It was the best shower I have ever experienced! 

This campsite is honestly the best campsite I have ever stayed on 

in my entire life! 

The highlight of the whole final, perhaps even my whole Duke 

of Edinburgh experience, was Poston Mill Campsite. The 

showers were more powerful than the ones we had at home 

and the bathrooms so clean we would have been happy to 

sleep in them. 

Meanwhile the new Bronze participants from Senior 4 spent a 

Saturday in November at their first training session at school. We 

were very pleased with their enthusiasm and congratulate them 

on all completing at least one of their activity sections. We will 

look forward to working with them over the next few months as 

they compete the training ready for their Bronze expeditions in 

May and June. A Holder 

UNDER 18 

HOCKEY 

The Under 18s 

played in three 

matches in their 

lead-up to the 

County 

Tournament this 

year, winning 

Lily Bird and Rachel Scott have 

been selected for the County 

training squads 

two and losing one. Captain Holly Hunter 

was the only U18 member of the squad, so 

third place in their section at county, after 

being narrowly beaten by Princethorpe in 

the dying seconds, was an encouraging 

result for next year. 

A friendly mixed game against Kenilworth 

resulted in a 2-1 victory to them. It would 

have seemed impolite to win after having 

to borrow two of their boys because of a 

lack of boy power at Twycross! S Wright 



LITTLE HOGWARTS 

The main school library has been 

undergoing a face lift and has even been 

renamed Little Hogwarts by many pupils. 

The top shelves are now being used for the 

display of interesting artefacts and there is 

even a hanging birdcage [minus budgie!] 

and a flying seagull to give added interest 

for all those who venture up the staircase. 

There are many new titles on the shelves 

which are currently being colour coded 

along with the old books to make locating 

much easier. 

The Sunday Times has recently launched 

Free Books for Schools once again and all 

tokens collected and brought in to 

Swallows Hill or the main library will be 

gratefully received. 

Finally, thanks are extended to all who, in 

2008, have donated books to the libraries; 

quality stock is always appreciated. 

A.Molyneux 

BOOKED UP 

S1X with their book bags. 

Every pupil in S1 received a free book in 

October as part of the Booked Up initiative 

to encourage reading. The pupils made 

their selections from a choice of new best 

sellers and were delighted to receive their 

carrier bag filled with their chosen title and 

a book mark. 

A.Molyneux 

BRITISH SCHOOLS 

ORIENTEERING 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

2008 

Euan Tebbutt (Form 4X) won the year 5 

boys British Schools Score Championship 

which was held at Sherwood Pines on 

Saturday 11th October. The competition is 

open to all British school children and the competitors 

travelled from as far away as Devon and Cleveland to 

compete. Euan ran representing Twycross House School. 

In the event each competitor was given a map one minute 

before they started. The map showed 28 points (controls) 

that they could visit. They have 45 minutes to visit as many 

controls as possible. The competition tests the ability of the 

children to plan and navigate around a route and to keep 

track of the time they are taking. 

THE BIG, BAD WOLF 

In October Lichfield Garrick Theatre again 

provided our sixth-form English students 

with a performance of the highest quality. 

Last year we enjoyed a first-class 

production of “Look Back In Anger” and 

this term we were fortunate enough to see 

an equally passionate version of Edward 

Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”. 

Rarely performed in this country, this play 

is a moving – and surprisingly humorous - 

depiction of a marriage, and a society, in 

crisis. The talented cast of 4, headed by 

Matthew Kelly, was perfectly balanced and 

the intimacy of a small Studio Theatre was 

ideal for such an intense drama. This play 

was a particular coup for the Garrick as the 

director was granted by the author a 

special licence to perform his play. 

L.Murfin 

BRITISH SCHOOLS CYCLING ASSOCIATION 

William Davies of S1X won 4th place for Twycross House 

in the U12 Boys' category of the British Schools Cycling 

Association Best All-Rounder Competition of 2007-8. 

The competition tests 8 different disciplines of cycling: 

mountain bike, rollers, hard circuit, track, cyclo-cross, grass 

track, time trial and hill climb. The events take place all 

over the country and attract many young riders. 

William is a member of the Lichfield City Cycling Club 

which has a rapidly increasing youth membership. The club 

runs weekly youth training sessions and offers support to 

youngsters wishing to participate in races. Anyone 

interested in finding out more about the club or the 

B.S.C.A. can speak to William. 

BLANKETS GALORE! 

WORLD BOOK DAY 

This takes place in March but already 

children at Swallows Hill are hoping to see 

their stories printed in a special anthology 

being produced for this prestigious day. Julia 

Donaldson, the author, provided the first 

line of our story and pupils completed it. 

There was once a monster who lived in a 

moat…..proved to be quite a challenge but 

3Y rose to it and completed a whole class 

story which was very entertaining. 

Amy Van Zyl, Oliver Blackman and Kate 

Henderson also had their stories put 

forward and we now wait to see if our 

young writers will indeed see their names 

in print. 

A Molyneux 

The grand Twycross House ‘knitathon’ culminated this term with the sewing together of squares in a 

huge variety of colours and textures to create an array of blankets that would make even Joseph’s coat 

look dull! The total number of completed blankets reached 17, representing an amazing 1088 knitted 

squares. The blankets have now been taken to the St. Giles Hospice Shop. 

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this such a successful project. Mrs. Bray 


7


POETRY TAKES CENTRE 

STAGE IN SCHOOLS 

FOR BBC COMPETITION 

Poetry took centre stage in primary schools 

across the UK as the BBC launched an 

exciting competition to find the pupil who 

can best recite well known poems OFF BY 

HEART and every primary in the UK was 

invited to enter one pupil age 7-11 years. 

The whole process will be documented in a 

one-off ninety minute film to be shown in 

the New Year on BBC 2. 

Finalists with judges Miss Molyneaux, 

Mrs Trickett and Mr Ellis 

Every pupil in Swallows Hill can now 

proudly claim that they recited a chosen 

poem Off By Heart and what a wonderful 

achievement this is. The children selected 

from a list of fifteen poems ranging in 

difficulty and style from William 

Wordsworth’s musings in The Daffodils 

to the black humour in Roald Dahl’s 

rhymes. All the poems can be viewed 

on the BBC website. 

Two pupils from each form were then 

selected by Miss Molyneux, Mrs Rose and 

Mrs Trickett to go through to the school 

final which was held on December 

11th.The finalists included Phoebe Hunt, 

Rory Fulwell, Heather Gibson, William 

Bridgen, Oliver Blackman, Kate Henderson, 

Kate Gibson, William Hadley, Harry 

Roberts, Sophie Randle, Alexandra 

Osborne and Charlotte Lynch. 

Although every pupil was indeed a winner 

and received a certificate and prize only 

one could go through to the regional heats 

to be held at a nearby library in January. 

Kate Gibson from 4X, with her rendition of 

the AA Milne classic The King’s Breakfast, 

was selected. 

We wish her well and hope that she sails 

through the next round and into the final 

which is to be held in April at the Sunday 

Times Literary festival. 

A.Molyneux 

KARATE STAR 

WIRE SCULPTURE 

Owing to the outstanding results achieved 

by our students in the Market Bosworth Art 

festival competition, we qualified for a grant 

from the organisers to pay for the wire 

sculptor Sue Clews to run an art workshop 

for S5 GCSE Art pupils. Sue demonstrated 

basic wire sculpting techniques, which the 

students then developed and used in a 

very original and varied way to produce 

supporting pieces for their GCSE 

art coursework. 

Annabel Palmer sculpted a wire horse; Cindy Wan produced 

decorative flowers for her design sheet; Gracie Hiorns a Chinese 

dragon; Stephanie Brindley a bird; Elisha Amos an eye; Amelia 

Rushton fairy wings and Beth Blackburn sculpted a range of 

planets. All of the pieces can be seen in the forthcoming school 

art exhibition on Sunday and Monday March 15th & 16th. 

NOT ABOUT HEROES 

On Friday 31st October some of the Senior 4 and Senior 5 students visited the Sir John 

Moore Foundation to view the play ‘Not About Heroes’, a powerful drama about the 

friendship between two great First World War poets, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. 

This was a moving piece of theatre which I am sure helped the students gain a deeper 

understanding of the issues raised in their poetry. Mrs C Fray 

BOSWORTH 

BATTLEFIELD 

History is full of surprises-one of the reasons 

which makes it a fascinating study. 

Nowhere was this more so than Bosworth 

Battlefield Centre, where during our annual 

September visit we discovered that the site for 

one of England's most famous conflicts has 

been moved! A stunning surprise. 

The children learnt about the archaeologist's 

reasons for favouring the Dadlington, not the Ambion Hill, option for King Richard's 

surprising defeat in 1485. 

One session, which never fails to attract, however, was Les Routiers. Captain Mortimer's 

spellbinding, graphic descriptions of the Tudor use for pitchforks and halberds were as 

memorable as ever. Mrs J Rose 

Three years ago Joanne Copson of 3Y was a complete novice in the martial arts and now she is a rising star 

with 16 karate belts to her name and the coveted Black Belt well within her sights. She improved her skills and 

confidence by entering competitions in her chosen style, tae-kwon-do, and soon amassed a haul of medals and 

a British title for her Traditional Kata. Last year she represented England at the World Karate Championships in 

Italy. 

Joanne then devoted her efforts to 'points' fighting and after a highly successful 2008 season received the 

award of British Grand Champion for her age-group. Congratulations, Joanne! 



SENIOR 3 VISIT TO THE STAFFORDSHIRE 

REGIMENTAL MUSEUM 

What does ‘having a chat’ mean? 

What do you do in a gas attack? Where 

are the toilets in a trench? Why are the 

trenches not in straight lines? These were 

all questions Senior 3 could answer after 

a visit to the Staffordshire Regimental 

Museum. 

We were taken through the trench system 

and introduced to the horrors of life in a 

trench during the First World War. Some 

pupils tried on uniforms and handled 

weapons (de-activated of course!). The 

kit they carried weighed 60lbs! Later we 

used documentary evidence to unearth 

what happened to four soldiers who had 

served with the Staffords in the Great 

LICHFIELD INSPIRES 

The Form 5s were amazed at the scale of 

Lichfield Cathedral which they visited last 

month. During the morning they watched 

a master stonemason carving new faces for 

some of the worn gargoyles, watched the 

nave altar platform being raised and 

lowered (Lichfield is one of only two 

cathedrals in the world to have this 

facility), studied the carving of the famous 

Lichfield Angel and wondered at the 

penmanship of the Gospel scribes. The 

Canon Precentor led us in prayer and 

talked to us about the role of prayers and 

petitions in our lives. He then 

demonstrated the sounds heard in a 

mediaeval cathedral and sang a little of the 

litany in the style of churches from 

different parts of the world. 

After lunch we paid a visit to Dr Johnson’s 

House and looked at the original dictionary. 

We learned that words change in meaning 

over the centuries. For example, the word 

'toilet' used to mean simply sitting at a 

dressing table sprucing up one's 

appearance. 

Our final visit was to the Garrick Theatre 

where we saw the stars’ dressing rooms, 

went on to the set of the current 

production, ‘Run For Your Wife’, and 

learned of some of the problems of 

running a theatre in terms of production 

costs and keeping both actors and 

audiences happy. Then back to school 

after a long but rewarding day. 

A V Trickett 

War. It was a hectic morning but we were 

able to learn so much more about the 

realities of life in the trenches than we 

could in the classroom. 

The answers to the questions 

– ask Senior 3. 

Mrs J Powell 

SKELLIG 

An extract of an account by Callum 

Wordsworth S2Y 

On 16th October the S2 group attended 

the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham to see 

a production based on the book ‘Skellig’, 

written by David Almond and directed by 

Phil Clark. The production stayed very close 

to the book. 

The story begins when a boy, Michael, 

played by the talented actor Iain Ridley, 

discovers a mysterious man at their house, 

in the garage. As the story progresses he 

tells his new found friend Mina, played by 

exuberant actress Jill Regan, about the 

mysterious man. Michael is also worrying 

about his baby-sister who is fighting to 

survive. The two friends soon discover a 

secret about the mysterious man, played by 

the actor Neal Foster, that no-one else can 

know about. 

Some of the actors were playing 

instruments during the play, which created 

a strong mood. The lighting also helped to 

create an atmosphere: when Michael and 

Mina were going to the strange man the 

lights were on very low. 

Overall I thought it was a strong 

production, making you use your 

imagination for much of the play. I would 

watch it again. An added bonus to the 

evening was the fact that the author of the 

book David Almond was there. He was a 

really friendly person and signed some of 

our tickets. 

NATIONAL 

INTER-SCHOOLS 

SHOW JUMPING 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Lucinda Roche, Philippa Thirlby and 

William Thirlby flew the flag again for 

Twycross House in late November when 

they took on 15 other teams in the 

team-jumping competition at Keysoe. 

After some beautiful riding in the 

categories of show-jumping and crosscountry 

fences, the team came a very 

creditable third with particularly high 

scores for their style. Lucinda came 

second out of 60 in the individual 

section and Philippa took the National 

Individual Championship. 

Congratulations 

to all three 

children and their 

trainer, Mrs 

Victoria Thirlby, 

on a highly 

successful 

first year. 

Mrs S. Roche 

INTER-SCHOOLS 

SHOW-JUMPING 

Twycross House took on Dixie G.S. at 

the opening of the indoor school at 

Grendon Equestrian Centre in August. 

A number of Challenge Cups were 

eagerly competed for by our school 

teams which consisted of Lucinda 

Roche, Philippa Thirlby, Katie Garland, 

Annabel Palmer, Harriet and Alice 

Gilman, Rebecca Evans and William 

Bainbridge. The school came first 

and second in the 2 ft 6 and 2 ft 9 

classes and took all three places in 

the pairs class. Congratulations to 

our talented riders! 


9


THE POET HENRY 

There may already be a poet laureate but 

perhaps in future years the Henry family 

may be the provider of one who will aspire 

to and hold this esteemed position. 

Mimi receiving her prize from Michael Rosen 

Cleo has already had competition success 

with her creative and entertaining verse 

and now Mimi, not to be outdone by her 

big sister, has had her talent rewarded in 

the national Old Possum’s Children’s Poetry 

Bookshelf competition. Many pupils in 

years 3, 4 and 5 had poems entered but it 

was Mimi’s amusing observations on how 

mum brought on the credit crunch which 

impressed the judges and can be read on 

The Children’s Poetry Bookshelf website. 

She was invited to receive her prize for 

being highly commended from Michael 

Rosen at The Unicorn Theatre on 

December 15th. 

Mimi’s poor mum was put behind bars in 

the poem but I can happily report that she 

managed to escape just in time and made 

it to London for the awards ceremony! 

NATIONAL POETRY DAY 

The theme of this year’s event on October 

9th was WORK and several library 

competitions proved to be popular with the 

pupils. A bookmark challenge invited our 

young poets to try their hands at making a 

kenning, an ancient riddle, in the form of a 

bookmark. The winners who were both 

awarded with poetry books and certificates 

were Heather Gibson and Max Griffiths. 

A Molyneux 

YOUTH SPEAKS 2008 

ANNIE 

The night was dark and cold but that didn’t dampen the spirits of 

the public speaking teams arriving at Ashby School for the Youth 

Speaks 2008 competition. Seven teams competed on the evening 

for the opportunity to represent the Ashby district in the East 

Midlands area competition early next year. 

Twycross House S5 team, which included Alice Arnold, Yovina 

Khiroya and Amy Samson, arrived full of energy after winning a 

basketball match earlier in the evening. They gave a speech 

highlighting the ways in which technology is taking over our lives. 

The winners of the competition were our UVI team, Alex Farrell, 

Mark Miles and Jessica Moore who spoke about the 

misrepresentation of teenagers in the media. 

The story of an orphan girl who 

eventually manages to find happiness – 

this was the latest production from the 

Swallows Hill ‘Musicals’ department. 

Once again Mrs. Mead gave up her time 

with assistance from Mrs. Kirkpatrick to 

rehearse a cast, this time from Form 4 

and Senior 1. Sixth formers Anna Fray 

and Guy McDonald assisted with the 

musical accompaniment. The dedication 

of them all was rewarded with a fantastic production on 16th October, the entire cast 

producing memorable performances of well-known songs such as ‘It’s a Hard – Knock 

Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’ which were enjoyed by a most appreciative audience. Well done to 

all participants. 

Mrs. Bray 

Jessica, Mark and Alex Alice, Yovina and Amy 

The judges commended all teams on their research and their clear 

presentation. 

Thank you to the families for their support on the evening and 

special thanks to the team members for all their hard work. 

Mrs Cartlidge 



HARK THE TWYCROSS ANGELS SING! 

Those lucky enough to attend our 

Christmas Concert were entertained by 

festive choirs and readings, solos and duets 

in a programme of traditional and modern 

music. The variety of pieces being 

performed kept everyone on their toes, 

quite literally, with several choral attempts 

by the audience to match the 

accomplishments of the pupils on stage. 

Youngsters from The Hollies reminded 

everyone ‘not to forget to smile’ with a 

rather catchy song and arm-waving, kneebending, 

body-swaying routine that will 

GERMAN EXCHANGE 

In mid-November we welcomed an exchange party of 29 students 

and three teachers from our German partner school, the Dietrich- 

Bonhoeffer-Gymnasium in Schweich, near Trier. The German 

visitors were hosted mainly by students from Senior 4, though we 

were most grateful for the hospitality shown by S5 and LVI 

students and their families. 

During their all too brief stay the 

German party joined in lessons and 

played in football matches and also 

a hard-fought basketball 

tournament after school. They 

visited local places of interest such 

as the Cathedral and Samuel 

Johnson’s house in Lichfield. Further 

afield, they explored the city of 

York, and also the plague village of 

Eyam and the Speedwell Cavern in 

the south Peak District. A disco 

organised by the host parents was a 

particular highlight. 

This selection of quotations from 

host students in Senior 4 shows the 

atmosphere and excitement which 

the visit created: 

“My partner was so nice and she fitted perfectly into our family. I 

met lots of new, great friends. I really miss some of them and 

can’t wait to see them again in March. I just wish they could have 

stayed for two weeks.” 

keep families at a loose-end over the 

holidays entertained for weeks to come. 

Readings of poetry and prose were 

delivered with great confidence and style; 

Benjamin Zephaniah’s ‘Talking Turkeys’ 

raising a smile of sympathy (that will soon 

be forgotten when the meal on the 25th 

arrives on the table) and a seasonal extract 

from Laurie Lee’s ‘Cider with Rosie’. 

The friendly rivalry between the staff 

choirs from The Hollies and The Main 

School was amicably resolved with several 

‘rounds’ shared and enjoyed equally. In 

between the enthusiastic rendition of 

carols we were also enthralled by some 

outstandingly talented individuals and 

special mention must be made of Guy 

McDonald and Mrs Mead performing the 

double violin concerto in A minor by Bach, 

Anna Fray’s flute solo and younger brother 

Ben’s superb playing of Andy McKee’s 

‘Rylyn’ on the guitar. 

The evening was rounded off with a 

standing ovation for Band Untitled (Scott 

Starkey, Matt Bostock, Harry Springall and 

Jes Marcel) playing Blink 182’s ‘I Won’t Be 

Home For Christmas’. Many of the 

younger audience will no doubt be adding 

electric guitars and drums to their 

Christmas lists; a real treat for the 

neighbours! 

Finally, a huge round of applause for the 

exceptional talents of our music staff 

whose efforts made the event possible: 

Mrs Mead, Mrs Wortley and Mrs 

Maugham. I Redford 

“I was really surprised 

how tall and friendly 

they were, and also 

how different they 

are in some ways but 

similar in others.” 

“The exchange was 

amazing. I made 

some really good 

friends with the 

Germans.” 

“The beginning was 

nervous. The middle of their stay was amazing. The end was the 

saddest part – everyone shed a tear.” 

“I’m so glad the exchange happened. I got on well with my 

partner and made many other good friends. I learned loads of 

new words and phrases, which I still use in my homework (though 

not the rude ones). It seems as if they have been away for an 

eternity, and I can’t wait until we visit them in March.” 


11


FORM 5 CAROLS 

Twycross Church was bathed in mellow 

light for a moving service of carols and 

Christmas readings put on by Form 5 under 

the direction of Mrs Chambers and Mrs 

Trickett. They were tunefully supported by 

the flute and recorder group and some 

senior instrumentalists. 

PHYSICS A LEVEL AWARD 

Congratulations to the physics department 

who have received a top national award 

from the Good Schools Guide for the best 

results at A-level by boys taking physics 

last year at an independent school. 

The students Peter Bee, Miles Corbett, 

Rebecca Wain, Thomas Hyde, Daniel Jones, 

Tim Newton, Nathan Sanders, Joseph Stack 

and Josh Wright achieved 6 A grades and 

one B grade in their physics A-level. 

CHILDREN IN NEED 

PUDSEY BOXES 

Swallows Hill pupils participated in 

fundraising for the Children in Need 

Appeal. Over half term all children in 

Forms 3, 4 and 5 took home a ‘Penalty 

Box’. Fines were charged or rewards given 

for a huge variety of things – hanging the 

washing out, going to bed on time, not 

arguing, etc. Some parents were even 

believed to be reluctant to give the boxes 

up at the end of the holiday. The total 

amount collected was £114.85, which was 

sent to the Children in Need Appeal. 

Mrs. Bray 

Physics is a popular choice for 

the this year's Lower Sixth 

SWALLOWS HILL 

CAKE SALE 

AND RAFFLE 

On Children in Need Day, November 14th, 

Swallows Hill was transformed into a cake shop 

for our fundraising sale and raffle. Mrs. Angus 

had persuaded the Junior form teachers to bake 

Pudsey-shaped cakes to raffle, and pupils and their 

parents produced the most spectacular collection of 

cakes. Cakes and raffle tickets were sold, and great 

excitement ensued as the raffle draw was made. 

The total sum raised was £269.70, which has been 

sent to the Children in Need Appeal. 

Mrs. Bray 

WAR AND MEMORY 

Our L6 classicists (Victoria Hewison, Olivia 

Hill, Charlotte Poynton and Caitlin Wilson) 

took up the challenge of attending a 

schools' conference on War and Memory 

organised by Oxford University's Classics 

Department. 

Preparation for the event, which took place 

on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, 

included discussion of war literature from 

Aeschylus to Wilfred Owen; memorials 

from Thermopylae to Vietnam; warfare and 

war reporting through the ages; concepts 

of a 'just war'; and an in-depth study of 

Dad's Army! 

Armed with ideas and opinions, the girls 

thoroughly enjoyed the lectures given by 

eminent classical scholars and confidently 

joined in the discussions afterwards. Lunch 

with classics undergraduates in the 

grandeur of St John's College and a trip to 

see the ducks at Worcester College also 

contributed to an excellent day. 

N. 

Lilley 

SWALLOWS HILL CHRISTMAS PARTY 

The end of term was celebrated in style with the excitement of the Christmas Party. The 

afternoon began with a magnificent array of party food, eaten with huge enthusiasm by 

all the children. Forms 3 and 4 then enjoyed traditional party games in the Sports Hall, 

whilst Form 5 created a Talent Show in the New Hall, displaying a wide variety of skills. 

Presents from Santa and party bags were carried home by all the children as they began 

their well-deserved Christmas holiday! Mrs. Bray 

TALENT 

SHOW 


The Hollies 

POLESWORTH ABBEY 

During the last week of term the first year children visited 

Polesworth Abbey to take part in the Bethlehem Experience. 

We listened to the Christmas story and then after a long search for 

the star, we arrived at a stable door. It was quite dark inside and, 

at first, we could only see a small donkey and some sheep but 

then we heard a voice 

welcoming us and inviting us in. 

We couldn’t believe our eyes! In 

the middle of the stable, sitting in a manger was Baby Jesus! His 

mummy, Mary, was holding him and Joseph was standing by her 

side. We sang ‘Away In A Manger’ to the baby and he smiled. 

After visiting the tax collector to pay our taxes and fill in the 

census, we returned to the Abbey. We all dressed up in costumes 

and acted out the Christmas Story. It was lots of fun and we will 

always remember the day we went to Bethlehem! 

TINSEL AND TEATOWELS 

It’s nearly the end of term and everyone in the local primary 

school is up to their eyes preparing for the Christmas nativity play. 

Teachers galore, plenty of school children, donkeys, sheep, angels, 

shepherds, stars, and many more characters filled the stage. The 

Hollies production of tinsel and teatowels was certainly a 

challenge this Christmas with more than 63 speaking parts and 9 

terrific songs! To add to the mix of mayhem there was also the 

unexpected arrival of 4 Ofsted inspectors, led very convincingly by 

Hannah Jarvis of 4y! With dancing 

donkeys, angels, shepherds and tinsel and 

teatowels flying everywhere, I do believe 

the audience were drawn into the 

wonderful world of the school nativity. 

A convincing, animated and humorous 

production with some improvisation 

from the 1st years!! The “real” Hollies 

staff were on the edge of their seats 

wondering if Baby Jesus would ever 

make an appearance the correct 

way up!! 

ST JAMES’ CHURCH 

Well done to all performers! One to remember! Fantastic! 

A final word to the 4th years who performed again the following 

evening in the senior school Christmas concert. As if they hadn’t 

had enough words to learn, they performed 3 more songs with 

confidence, sensitivity and with gusto when leading both the staff 

and the senior choir in the final song – “When children rule the 

world”. Their contribution was without doubt invaluable. 

The Hollies Christmas concert ticket sales raised £493 for St James’s Church. In addition the concert in church by members of Tywcross House 

School raised £90.47. 

£583.47 raised by the two concerts is an excellent total and thank you all for your support. 

THE HOLLIES | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PQ | T: 01827 880725 

13

The Hollies 

BOOK WEEK 

The second year children followed a 

treasure trail book quiz in the garden 

during book week 

LIBRARY VISIT 

The visit to Ashby Library for Second and 

Third year children to coincide with Book 

Week 2008 was a huge success. The 

librarians told exciting stories, explained 

how the library worked and encouraged 

the children through fun activities to 

improve their library skills. We are thrilled 

that many of the children took out library 

membership and that the visit has proved 

to be so beneficial to pupils in their 

enjoyment of books and learning through a 

variety of resources. All the children 

behaved impeccably and were a credit to 

our school. 

Well done to the Hollies children. 

THE HOLLIES CHRISTMAS RAFFLE 

A huge thank you to everyone who helped raise £3198 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 

In addition Twycross House Christmas Concert raised £302.68 making a grand total of 

£3500.68p. 

All monies will be donated to the Oncology Ward 15. 

CHRISTIAN AID 

James Atkins came to do a special 

assembly with the children to explain to 

them the work of Christian Aid. He 

collected a cheque for over £350 

donated by the children and their 

parents and explained how the money 

would be used to help children from 

third world countries. Thank you for 

your support. 

OFSTED 2008 

In October it was time for the latest visit by 

the inspectors from Ofsted! Owing to the 

success of the last inspection this one was a 

one day ‘light touch’ by two inspectors. 

The Hollies received a number of excellent 

comments… 

‘…the dedication of the joint headteachers 

and staff combined with the very positive 

ethos of the school, which enables every 

pupil to flourish. 

‘…because of the small class 

GINGERBREAD TREATS 

The children decorated Gingerbread Houses for their Christmas parties on the last day of term. 

CHRISTMAS COOKIES 

The kitchen at Cruck Cottage was very 

busy during the last week of term as all 

the children at The Hollies baked 

Christmas cookies. Supervised by Mrs 

Cormack and Mrs Morrell, the children 

enjoyed rolling out dough and cutting 

out Christmas cookie shapes. The 

cookies were delicious and we look 

forward to lots more cookery at Cruck 

Cottage in 2009. 

sizes…significant impact on pupils’ progress 

in core skills. For example, pupils’ reading 

ages are often well beyond their 

chronological ages.’ 

‘Because of the caring attitude that 

prevails, the school produces confident, 

articulate youngsters who express their 

opinions well and ask questions.’ 

Well done to all involved and thank you to 

the parents who returned the Ofsted 

questionnaire. 

EXPLORING WIND DIRECTION 

14 THE HOLLIES | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PQ | T: 01827 880725

The Hollies 

WE’VE BEEN ON A BEAR HUNT! 

On Monday morning in assembly, Mrs 

Assinder warned that a bear had been 

sighted at Main School – it seemed quite a 

friendly bear but obviously it was a long way 

from home. 

Later that day, as they listened to ‘We’re 

Going on a Bear Hunt’, the first year children 

had a brilliant idea! ‘Let’s go on a bear hunt. 

Let’s find the bear and show him the way 

home!’ 

Four days later, our 

intrepid explorers were 

ready. Suitably dressed 

for any terrain they 

might encounter and 

carrying nets, whistles, 

compasses, mobile 

phones, magnifying 

glasses, cameras, binoculars and other vital 

bear hunting equipment, the children 

nervously crossed The Green. They began to 

search for the vital first bear clues. Before 

long a series of paw prints were discovered. 

Edging along the path, they hardly dared to 

look around the corner. There, over by Mrs 

Bryan’s office, leaning against a tree, was a 

bear!! Like Olympic 

athletes (and screaming 

at the top of their 

voices!) our youngest 

pupils gave chase and 

cornered the bear on the 

hockey pitch. To their 

surprise, the bear wasn’t 

fierce at all but gentle 

and frightened because he was lost. 

The bear explained that he was on his way 

to Twycross Zoo but had taken the wrong 

turning. The children were happy to point 

him in the right direction and after a little 

play together, the bear went on his way and 

the children returned to a well deserved 

lunch at the Hollies. 

We look forward to visiting our new friend 

at Twycross Zoo next year. 

Mrs Bostock 

FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FRIEND… 

Every year the children at The Hollies wait expectantly on the last day of term for a very special visitor. This year they were not 

disappointed and Father Christmas also brought along a friend – Tigger! 

THE HOLLIES | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PQ | T: 01827 880725 

15


PRESENTATION EVENING 

We were delighted that so many of last year's U6 were able to 

return from university last month to receive their GCE certificates 

alongside those receiving their GCSE awards. It was an added 

pleasure to welcome Mr Jonathan Bevan as our guest speaker for 

the evening. Many of the current staff remember him as a gifted 

and genial pupil at Twycross and heartily agreed with Mr 

Assinder's description of him as 'a scholar, an athlete and a 

gentleman'. After reading Engineering Science, Economics and 

Pictured here left to right: Victoria Thorp, 

enjoying her first term at Leeds University 

reading medicine and Alexandra Weatherdon 

reading law also at Leeds. Our guest speaker 

and past pupil Jonathan Bevan. Joanna 

Barnwell who is enjoying a gap year working 

for BT in Birmingham; she will head off to 

Newcastle next year to read law. 

Hannah Burns is also taking a year out and 

she is spending her time working for a youth 

charity in London which helps disadvantaged 

children. She has been helping to organise 

lunch and after school clubs and is 

coordinating an arts show. She has an 

interview at Kings to read medicine and has 

applied to Cardiff and Bristol. 

Pictured here left to right: Victoria Thorp. 

Emily Field-Lucas is taking a gap year and has 

enjoyed trekking through Morocco. She has 

been offered a place to read Natural Sciences 

at Durham University and also has an 

interview at New College, Oxford. She is 

off soon to row in Brisbane and then to tour 

the southern hemisphere. Francesca McEvoy 

is at Sheffield University reading 

environmental science and has just been 

to St James’ Palace to pick up her Duke 

of Edinburgh Gold Award from HRH Earl 

of Wessex. Hannah Burns. 

Pictured here: Kimberley Low who is in her 

first term at Oxford (Exeter College) reading 

law. Kimberley was awarded the Kirkpatrick 

Award for the best A-level certificate as she 

achieved A-level A grades in English 

literature, mathematics, biology and French 

and AS-level A grades in further maths and 

chemistry. Loren Oakley is greatly enjoying 

university life at Sheffield where he is reading 

accounting and financial/business 

management. 

Pictured left to right: William Gault who is in 

his first term at Oxford (The Queen’s College) 

reading chemistry. William achieved A-level 

A grades in English literature, mathematics, 

physics and chemistry. Oliver Bird is taking a 

gap year and is reapplying to study medicine. 

He is sending time working at a doctor’s 

surgery and is spending the rest of the winter 

season as a ski chalet host in Europe. Michele 

Richichi is in his first term at Birmingham 

University reading biological sciences. 

Pictured left to right: Oliver Calder is studying 

management and economics at Sheffield, 

Daniel Maudsley is at Liverpool reading 

German and business studies and Christopher 

Hunt also at Liverpool reading politics and 

international business. 

Samantha Gummery and Victoria Thorp. 

Samantha achieved all A grades in 

mathematics, chemistry and biology and is 

reading biomedical science at Sheffield. 

Management at St John's College, Oxford (where he captained 

the U21 Rugby team) he worked at Ford's research centre before 

joining a management consultancy in the City. After a spell in 

Amsterdam he has taken on further managerial responsibility with 

UK Logistics in Ashby, from where he travels extensively in 

Europe. 

Jonathan was generous in his praise for the fine results achieved 

last year and acknowledged the hard work put in by students and 

teachers alike. 

Presentation evening also gave the 

opportunity for parents and pupils to view 

a new work of art in the study. This 

picture shows the oil painting of Mr and 

Mrs Assinder (and Mott and Doodle) 

completed during the summer holiday by 

Kennis Chan (Lower Sixth). She worked 

on the painting for two or three hours 

each day over 6 weeks. The painting was 

inspired by the Gainsborough portrait of 

‘Mr and Mrs Andrews’. It shows different 

effects such as those of the Impressionists 

and for the final composition Kennis 

worked from several photographs that she 

had taken. 

Pictured above: Fran McEvoy just after 

receiving her Gold Duke Of Edinburgh 

Award. 

TWYCROSS HOUSE SCHOOL | THE GREEN | TWYCROSS | NEAR ATHERSTONE | WARWICKSHIRE | CV9 3PL | T: 01827 880651

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