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